Document	Document Title
US09218111B2	Image processing device for displaying content, content creation device, and image processing method When the user enters a request for moving a viewpoint, whether or not a displayed area is encompassed in a link area that is set for an active image is kept monitored. When the displayed area is encompassed, a corresponding link is determined to be valid, and an image of a link destination mapped to the link area is displayed. Whether or not the displayed area moves outside of a link area set for an image of a link origin is further monitored. If even a part of the displayed area moves outside of the link area, a corresponding link is determined to be invalid, and the display is switched back to the image of the link origin. If none of the above-stated conditions applies, the initial image continues to be displayed while moving the displayed area according to the movement of the viewpoint within the active image.
US09218110B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program and recording medium for storing the program Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus capable of exchanging information with another apparatus. The apparatus includes: a unit for carrying out a communication with the other apparatus; a unit for acquiring information on a state of a communication with the other apparatus carried out by the communication unit; and a unit for determining image information for a user owning the other apparatus based on the information acquired by the communication-state information acquisition unit and determining an array including the image information. The apparatus further includes: a unit for generating a display image including the image information based on the array; and a unit for displaying the display image.
US09218107B1	Cloud-based text management for cross-platform display Data including information regarding a display of the host device may be received. Such information may be used to identify one or more top-level windows in the host device display. Further, it is determined which of the top-level windows is currently active. The active top-level window may be determined to include a text caret and further, that the text caret is active such a keyboard display appears in a portion of the display of the client device. Instructions are generated for automatic adjustment of the remaining portion of the display of the client device based on the location of the text caret.
US09218106B2	Interactive program manager and methods for presenting program content A particular system includes a processor and memory storing instructions that are executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include sending a notification indicator to a first device in response to identifying content of interest associated with a first source. The operations also include, in response to user input responsive to the notification indicator, sending a menu display to the first device. The menu display includes a first user selectable option to view a submenu. The submenu includes an option to selectively enable display of an alert associated with the first source. The alert is displayable on the first device in conjunction with display of a first program.
US09218104B2	Image processing device, image processing method, and computer program product According to an embodiment, a display device includes a display, a deciding unit, a three-dimensional input unit, and a controller. The display configured to display partially a two-dimensional image in a two-dimensional area and a stereoscopic image in a three-dimensional area. The deciding unit is configured to based on a position of the three-dimensional area in the display, decide on a range of a space in front of the display, within which operation of the stereoscopic image with an input device is allowed. The three-dimensional input unit configured to obtain three-dimensional coordinate information inputted by the input device with respect to the display. The display controller is configured to, when the three-dimensional coordinate information is within the decided range, operate the stereoscopic image in accordance with the three-dimensional coordinate information.
US09218102B1	Realtime synchronized document editing by multiple users Collaborative editing of electronic documents in realtime is provided. A host serves a client code over a network to a plurality of clients that each employ a browser to run the client code. The client code revises the text document locally in response to user input, frequently sends those edits to the host, receives updates from the other clients via the host, and revises the local text document accordingly. Each client, in some embodiments, stores three variables, one for edits not yet reported to the host, one for edits reported by not yet acknowledged, and one for the text document as modified by the acknowledged edits. Updates from the other clients are applied to the three variables according to certain rules. A composition of the three variables yields a version of the text document. The host keeps records of which edits were introduced by which client.
US09218099B2	Device-to-device communications based on capacitive sensing and coupling via human body or direct device-to-device coupling Systems, devices and techniques disclosed in this document provide device-to-device communications via a human body of a user between (1) a capacitor sensor touch screen device that includes a capacitor sensor touch screen that includes capacitor sensors and provides a display function and (2) a capacitor sensor device that includes one or more capacitor sensors that detect or sense, based on capacitive sensing and without providing a display function, signals transmitted from the capacitor sensor touch screen of the capacitor sensor touch screen device. The human body of a user operates as a signal transmitting medium. In addition, the systems, devices and techniques disclosed in this document provide device-to-device communications via direct device-to-device coupling between two capacitor sensor touch screen devices each including capacitor sensor touch screen that includes capacitor sensors and provides a display function.
US09218094B1	Sense position prediction for touch sensing methods, circuits and systems A method can include determining multiple sensed positions of an object path in a touch sense region; generating at least a first predicted position from the sensed positions; and filtering a sense position, including associating the sense position with the object path if it is within a first proximity to at least the first predicted position, and not associating the sense position with the object path if it is outside of at least the first proximity from the first predicted position.
US09218092B2	Curved touch screen panel and method of manufacturing the same A touch screen panel and a method of manufacturing the same, the touch screen panel including a curved substrate; sensing patterns on at least one surface of the curved substrate; and an insulating layer covering the sensing patterns.
US09218082B2	Liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch screen and method for manufacturing the same A liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch screen with improved contact efficiency between the data electrode and the pixel electrode on the lower substrate, and a method for manufacturing such a device with reduced cost and excellent efficiency by making use of a half-tone mask are disclosed.
US09218081B2	Semiconductor display device and driving method the same It is an object to provide a semiconductor display device having a touch panel, which can reduce power consumption. The semiconductor display device includes a panel which is provided with a pixel portion and a driver circuit which controls an input of the image signal to the pixel portion, and a touch panel provided in a position overlapping with the panel in the pixel portion. The pixel portion includes a display element configured to perform display in accordance with voltage of the image signal to be input, and a transistor configured to control retention of the voltage. The transistor includes an oxide semiconductor in a channel formation region. The driving frequency of the driver circuit, that is, the number of writing operations of the image signal for a certain period is changed in accordance with an operation signal from a touch panel.
US09218077B2	Touch control method and electronic system utilizing the same A touch control method is implemented in an electronic system. A calculation of the product of a pressure value and the area over which pressure is applied are included in touch input data packets representing a touch operation, the values of net force associated with the touch input packets are thus obtained. A signal of a short press, if recognized, with a value of net force greater than a net force threshold can be recognized as a signal of a long press, thus simulating an operation of long press and triggering the selection of an object, where the selection of the object would otherwise require a long press operation. The touch control method operates to significantly speed up selection of an object.
US09218071B2	Interpolation of position of a stylus in a touch sensor Systems and methods for determining interpolation functions for a stylus position on a sensor matrix and estimating such a position are provided. In one disclosed embodiment, a test apparatus comprises a stylus configured to be positioned on a sensor matrix at each location of a set of known locations. One or more processors are configured to access the touch sensor data corresponding to the set of known locations, where the data is produced in response to positioning the stylus on the sensor matrix at the set of known locations. Stylus location data reflecting the set of known locations is accessed. A stylus position interpolation function is then determined by curve fitting based on the touch sensor data corresponding to the set of known locations and the stylus location data reflecting the set of known locations.
US09218050B2	Method and device for transmitting/receiving image data at high speed Provided are a method of transmitting and receiving image data with high speed, which includes sequentially transmitting image data output from an image sensor through one or more transmission channels with a speed corresponding to a bandwidth of the transmission channels, and sequentially recording image data received through one or more transmission channels in a frame store with a speed corresponding to a total bandwidth obtained by summing bandwidths of the respective one or more transmission channels, and an apparatus for implementing the method.
US09218040B2	System cache with coarse grain power management Methods and apparatuses for reducing power consumption of a system cache within a memory controller. The system cache includes multiple ways, and individual ways are powered down when cache activity is low. A maximum active way configuration register is set by software and determines the maximum number of ways which are permitted to be active. When searching for a cache line replacement candidate, a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is used to select from the active ways. This ensures that each active way has an equal chance of getting picked for finding a replacement candidate when one or more of the ways are inactive.
US09218038B2	Determining and optimizing energy consumption of computer systems Management of energy consumption within a computing environment. Energy consumption of different hardware components are measured in the computing environment. Measurement includes voltage and current versus time used by the hardware components. The different measured values of energy consumption are collected, followed by tracking the hardware component used in time during an execution of an individual execution context within the computing environment. The energy consumption of the individual execution context is calculated by associating the corresponding collected measured energy consumption to the hardware component used.
US09218036B2	Power supply controlling apparatus, power supply controlling system, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium A power supply controlling apparatus including: plural communication ports that connect to an information processing apparatus via plural communication devices, respectively; a switching portion that switches a setting of at least one of the communication ports so as to connect the at least one of the communication ports to any one of a data input and output device and one of the communication devices; and a transmission portion that, when the switching portion switches the setting of the at least one of the communication ports so as to connect the at least one of the communication ports to the one of the communication devices, and the communication devices are connected to the communication ports, respectively, transmits an e-mail in which an address of each of the communication ports has been described, to the information processing apparatus via the corresponding communication device connected to each of the communication ports.
US09218028B2	Computer housing A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
US09218023B2	Foldable structure for portable devices A foldable structure for the support and use of portable devices is presented. The structure is attached to the back panel of a portable device or the device case. When the structure is unfolded, it rests flat in the indented area at the rear side of a portable device or the device case without changing the look and feel of the device. When the structure is folded, it forms a grip or device support stand to augment the functionality and usefulness of the portable device.
US09218018B2	Method and apparatus for distributed generation of multiple configurable ratioed clock domains within a high speed domain Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and/or method for providing one or more clock signals within a processing device. In particular, one or more counter devices may be integrated into a microprocessor design that operates on a system clock signal to provide ratioed synchronous clock signals for use by the microprocessor. Additionally, one or more synchronization pulse signals are also generated from the one or more counter devices to facilitate communication between domains of the microprocessor that may operate on separate clock frequencies. Such synchronization pulse signals may also provide for a virtual clock signal within a clock domain to create a low frequency logic cluster within a high frequency domain of the microprocessor. A synchronous, low frequency reset signal is also disclosed to synchronize the counting devices to the system clock without the need for an additional high frequency signal path in the microprocessor design.
US09218017B2	Systems and methods for controlling media players in a synchrony group A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices having independent clocking arrangements. A task distribution device is to distribute tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices to perform tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to synchrony group members over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which synchrony group members are to execute the task. Each synchrony group member periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines there from a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.
US09218005B2	Apparatus and method for reducing actuator thrust requirements in a control valve A trim assembly is provided with a cage with an internal surface and a cage port. A plug having an external surface is disposed in the cage and is operable between a closed position, a pressure balancing position and an open position. The trim assembly also includes a low friction flow restrictor disposed between the cage and the plug and a pressure energized seal disposed between the cage and the plug. A seal balancing volume defined by the internal surface of the cage, the external surface of the plug, the low friction flow restrictor and the pressure energized seal is provided. The seal balancing volume is in fluid communication with the cage port through the low friction flow restrictor and is maintained at a seal balancing volume pressure. The trim assembly further includes a pressure control assembly configured to vent the seal balancing volume.
US09217996B2	Method for digital manufacturing of jewelry items In various embodiments, digital manufacturing of jewelry items is provided, including a physical process and software automation for implementing the physical process. Further, models formed during the process, as well as the resultant jewelry items, are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a digital model of the jewelry item, forming a physical model of the jewelry item based on the digital model, and manufacturing the jewelry item in a lost wax process using the physical model.
US09217988B2	Developing cartridge A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane.
US09217979B2	Cooling device and image forming apparatus including same A recording-material cooling device includes a first belt, a first cooling unit, and a second cooling unit. The first belt is disposed at a first face side of a recording material. The first cooling unit has a first heat absorbing surface to contact the first belt to absorb heat of the recording material. The second cooling unit has a second heat absorbing surface to directly or indirectly contact the recording material to absorb heat of the recording material. The second cooling unit is disposed at a second face side of the recording material. The first and second cooling units are offset from each other in a transport direction of the recording material. Each of the first and second surfaces has a shape in which an inner area protrudes beyond opposed ends in the transport direction. The first and second surfaces overlap each other in a direction crossing the transport direction.
US09217976B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a toner-image carrying member, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the toner-image carrying member onto a recording medium at a transfer portion, a transport roller disposed along a transport direction to transport the recording medium to the transfer portion while being in contact with the recording medium, and a release unit that releases the contact of the transport roller with the recording medium. The release unit does not release the contact of the transport roller when it is detected that the recording medium passing through the transport roller is a thick recording medium or a recording medium having a high bending strength, and releases the contact when the recording medium is different from the thick recording medium and the recording medium having a high bending strength. The release unit releases the contact before a leading edge of the recording medium reaches the transfer portion.
US09217975B2	Optical scanning device, image forming apparatus with optical scanning device and abnormality detection method for optical scanning device An optical scanning device includes a light emitter, a scanner, a first detector and a determiner. The light emitter outputs a beam. The scanner scans within a given area determined in advance with the beam output from the light emitter. The first detector is arranged on an optical path of the beam in the given area and detects the light quantity of the beam. The determiner determines light quantity shortage of the light beam if the light quantity detected by the first detector is below a first threshold set in advance and above a second threshold indicating a light quantity smaller than the first threshold and determines an abnormality in a scanning operation by the scanner or an abnormality of the light emitter if the light quantity detected by the first detector is below the second threshold.
US09217971B1	Fixing device, heating member, and image forming apparatus A fixing device includes a rotatable endless fixing member that fixes a toner image onto a recording medium, and a heating member. The heating member includes a heat-generating layer that generates heat when supplied with electricity; an insulation layer that encloses the heat-generating layer therein to electrically insulate the heat-generating layer; a metallic layer that is laminated on a first surface of the insulation layer, has higher rigidity than the insulation layer, and generates an elastic restoring force; and a thermally conductive layer that is laminated on a second surface of the insulation layer, has lower rigidity than the metallic layer, and has higher thermal conductivity than the insulation layer and the metallic layer. The heating member is supported by one edge of the fixing member in a circumferential direction thereof, elastically deforms by being pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the fixing member, and heats the fixing member.
US09217962B2	Image forming apparatus The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by consecutively superposing toner images that have been formed on a plurality of photosensitive drums, on an intermediate transfer member or a transfer medium. The image forming apparatus is made compact and operates at a low cost. Since a current supply member supplies a current in a rotational direction of an intermediate transfer belt, multiple first transfer portions do not need corresponding voltage sources. Even in the case where a charging member supplies a current, the potential of the intermediate transfer belt is maintained at a predetermined potential by a constant-voltage element connected to support rollers.
US09217961B2	Endless belt for image forming device and image forming device having the same An endless belt for an image forming device includes a base member that is shaped in a loop and is to be rotated around a center of the loop, and a reinforcement tape that is attached to a side of the base member, has two ends that are overlapped with each other, and has a bonding portion between the two ends in the overlapped portion. The bonding portion has an outer portion, an inner portion and a center portion between the inner and outer portions. A length of the center portion in a rotating direction of the base member is greater than a length of the inner portion and a length of the outer portion.
US09217960B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: image bearing members; a belt unit including an endless belt; a slackness forming unit for performing a first function of forming a belt slacking region, at least at a portion where the belt opposes the image bearing members, by causing the slackness forming unit to act on the belt unit and for performing a second function of eliminating the belt slacking region; and a guiding unit for guiding the belt unit so that the slackness forming unit performs the first function in a state in which the belt is spaced from the image bearing members and so that the slackness forming unit performs the second function in a state in which the belt slacking region contacts the image bearing members.
US09217955B2	Shutter having an air duct therethrough for use in a toner cartridge A shutter for use in a toner cartridge of an imaging device according to one example embodiment includes a toner path. The toner path includes an entrance opening positioned to receive toner and an exit opening positioned to exit toner from the toner path. An air duct through the shutter is separated from the toner path. The air duct has a first opening positioned next to the exit opening of the toner path. The air duct has a second opening.
US09217953B2	Developing device, and image forming apparatus and process unit incorporating same A developing device includes a developer container, a developer bearer, a partition to divide an interior of the developer container into a first compartment to which developer is supplied and a second compartment in which the developer bearer is disposed, main communication openings provided at both ends of the partition, a sub-communication opening provided in an intermediate portion of the partition, developer conveyance members provided in the first compartment and the second compartment to circulate developer between the first compartment and the second compartment, and a developer amount detector to detect an amount of developer in a detection area positioned in the first compartment and adjacent to the sub-communication opening.
US09217950B2	Developing device and image forming apparatus provided with same A developing device includes a development housing, a developer carrier, a toner carrier, a bias applying unit, a leakage detecting unit, a bias control unit and a leakage detection control unit. The developer carrier carries a developer layer. The toner carrier receives the toner from the developer layer and supplies the toner to an image carrier. The bias applying unit includes one transformer and applies direct-current voltages and alternating-current voltages to the developer carrier and the toner carrier. The leakage detecting unit detects leakage occurring between the image carrier and the toner carrier or between the toner carrier and the developer carrier. The leakage detection control unit detects a value of an inter-peak voltage, at which the leakage occurs, by applying the same direct-current voltage to the toner carrier and the developer carrier and changing the inter-peak voltages of the alternating-current voltages.
US09217948B2	Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus equipped with scanning apparatus An optical scanning apparatus includes, a deflection unit configured to deflect first and second light fluxes in a main scanning direction by a same deflection surface, an incident optical system configured to cause the first and second light fluxes to enter the deflection surface, and an imaging optical system configured to converge the first and second light fluxes deflected by the deflection unit to first and second surfaces to be scanned, respectively. The imaging optical system includes first imaging optical element having an output surface including first and second curves that the first and second light fluxes respectively enter, and among light rays included in the first and second light fluxes, the light rays that are reflected by the first and second curves, intersect each other in a sub-scanning cross section perpendicular to the main scanning direction.
US09217946B1	Exposure apparatus, image forming apparatus and method of manufacturing exposure apparatus An exposure apparatus includes: a substrate that has a light emitting element mounted on a front surface of the substrate; a casing to which the substrate and an optical element are fixed so as to allow the substrate to face the optical element that focuses light emitted from the light emitting element; a sealing material that seals a fitting portion between the substrate and the casing from a rear surface side of the substrate; and a conductive component that is mounted on a ground terminal formed on the rear surface of the substrate and has a height from the rear surface higher than a height of the sealing material at an end portion on a central portion side of the substrate.
US09217943B2	Magnetic toner The magnetic toner contains magnetic toner particles containing a binder resin and a magnetic body, and inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles. The coverage ratio of the magnetic toner particle surface by the inorganic fine particles resides in a prescribed range for this magnetic toner; the binder resin is a styrene resin; the weight-average molecular weight and radius of gyration of the magnetic toner reside in a prescribed relationship; and the viscosity of the magnetic toner at 110° C. resides in a prescribed range.
US09217941B2	Method of manufacturing erasable toner According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an erasable toner includes washing toner particles including therein a coloring material that is erasable by heating and a binder resin to obtain a toner cake having the amount of water of 20% by weight to 60% by weight, and drying the toner cake at 40° C. or more and at a temperature which is lower than the complete color erasing temperature of the toner particles by 30° C. or more.
US09217939B2	Toner formulations having improved toner usage efficiency and method to make the same A toner composition and a method of making a toner composition wherein toner particles having an average size in the range of 1-25 μm may be mixed with large fumed silica particles sized 70 nm to 120 nm and medium fumed silica particles sized 30 nm to 60 nm and optionally alumina particles surface treated with an inorganic/organic compound. The large sized fumed silica particles are present in the range of 0.1% to 2% by weight of the toner composition. The medium sized fumed silica particles are present in the range of 0.1% to 2% by weight of the toner composition. The alumina particles surface treated with an inorganic/organic compound may be present in the range of 0.01% to 1.0% by weight of the toner composition.
US09217936B2	Optical device having a deformable optical element The disclosure relates to an optical device, in particular for microlithography. The optical device includes an optical module and a support structure that supports the optical module. The optical module includes an optical element and a holding device that holds the optical element. The holding device includes a deformation device having a plurality of active deformation units which contact the optical element and which are designed so as to impose a pre-defined deformation on the optical element. The optical module is fixed to the support structure in a replaceable manner.
US09217929B2	Composition for removing photoresist and/or etching residue from a substrate and use thereof Compositions containing certain organic solvents comprising at least 50% by weight of a glycol ether and a quaternary ammonium compound are capable of removing residues such as photoresist and/or etching residue from an article.
US09217926B2	Method of patterning a base layer A method of making a structure having a patterned a base layer and useful in the fabrication of optical and electronic devices including bioelectronic devices includes, in one embodiment, the steps of: a) providing a layer of a radiation-sensitive resin; b) exposing the layer of radiation-sensitive resin to patterned radiation to form a base layer precursor having a first pattern of exposed radiation-sensitive resin and a second pattern of unexposed radiation-sensitive resin; c) providing a layer of fluoropolymer in a third pattern over the base layer precursor to form a first intermediate structure; d) treating the first intermediate structure to form a second intermediate structure; and e) selectively removing either the first or second pattern of resin by contacting the second intermediate structure with a resin developing agent, thereby forming the patterned base layer. The method is capable of providing multilayer articles having almost any shape at high resolution without the need for expensive or damaging mechanical or laser cutting.
US09217914B2	Multi-projection system A multi-projection system having a plurality of projection surfaces onto which images are projected is provided, where the plurality of projection surfaces are disposed on two or more sides not parallel to each other. The multi-projection system provides high three-dimensional images and a high degree of immersion in images and further provides multi-view images, thereby making theater customers feel like they really exist in the space described through the images.
US09217900B2	Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display includes: forming an etch target layer including a conductive material on a first substrate; forming a first mask layer on the etch target layer; forming a block copolymer coating layer including a plurality of polymers on the first mask layer; processing the block copolymer coating layer to form a block copolymer pattern layer including first and second polymer blocks; removing one of the first or second polymer blocks to form a second mask pattern layer; etching the first mask layer by using the second mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first mask pattern layer; and etching the etch target layer by using the first mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first electrode. The first electrode includes a plurality of the first minute patterns extending in a predetermined direction and having a polarization function.
US09217897B2	Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which enables to reduce the occurrence of image sticking without deteriorating the electric properties, and a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device which enables to reduce the occurrence of image sticking. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates, an alignment film formed on at least one of the pair of substrates, and a polymer layer formed on the alignment film and controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules which are adjacent to the polymer layer, wherein the polymer layer is formed by polymerization of one or more kinds of monomers added in the liquid crystal layer, and at least one of the one or more kinds of monomers is a monomer polymerizable upon exposure to visible light.
US09217894B2	Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same A backlight assembly includes a first light guide plate, a second light guide plate, a light source part and a cover part. The second light guide plate is spaced apart from the first light guide plate. The light source part includes a first light source providing light to the first light guide plate and a second light source providing light to the second light guide plate. The cover part is disposed over the light source part. The cover part overlaps with a portion of the first light guide plate and a portion of the second light guide plate. A display apparatus having the above configuration has a narrow bezel and a thin profile.
US09217891B2	Polymer dispersed liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display device comprising reaction active sites uniformly distributed on a substrate and manufacturing method thereof Embodiments of the invention disclose a liquid crystal panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal panel comprises two substrates disposed to be cell-aligned, reaction active sites for polymerization reaction are evenly formed on surfaces of the two substrates in opposition to each other, and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer is disposed between the two substrates. At least a part of polymer contained in the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer is bonded to the reaction active sites.
US09217888B2	Display device A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel having a display area and non-display area; a flexible substrate in the non-display area and connected to a control circuit substrate; a plurality of drivers in the non-display area; a plurality of connection wiring lines in the non-display area for connecting the flexible substrate to the plurality of drivers; a first driver; a second driver that is arranged further away from the flexible substrate than the first driver; a non-overlapping connection wiring line that connects the second driver to the flexible substrate and that does not overlap the first driver; and an overlapping connection wiring line that connects the second driver to the flexible substrate and that has a least a portion thereof overlapping the first driver.
US09217878B2	Light switching module Disclosed is a light switching module comprising a polarizing element with a patterned retarder having a variable first optical axis; a retardation element having a variable second optical axis and a scattering microstructure; and a shifting means for adjusting the relative position of the polarizing element and the retardation element to switch the light switching module to transparent state or scattering state.
US09217864B2	Automatic camera lens cleaning system Disclosed is an automatic camera lens cleaning system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a blower assembly having a housing with a camera secured thereto. The camera lens of the camera is encircled in an annular member having a plurality of apertures thereon, wherein the apertures are in air communication the interior volume of the housing and a tube connected thereto. The tube is in air communication with an air compressor pump, which is driven by engine or an electronic solenoid and actuated by a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. The air compressor pump can force air through the apertures so as to clean the camera lens. The CPU is adapted to actuate the air compressor pump when the vehicle transmission is set in reverse, when there is debris on the camera lens, and/or when the camera is initiated through a user interface.
US09217860B2	Spatial light modulation elements, method for manufacturing same, and spatial light modulators and exposure apparatus comprising same Provided is a spatial light modulation element comprising a substrate; a flat portion that is movable relative to the substrate; a flat board attached to the flat portion; and a dielectric film that is formed on a surface of the flat board opposite the surface on which the flat portion is attached, and reflects incident light. In the spatial light modulation element the dielectric film may include two or more types of dielectric layers that are repeatedly layered in an alternating manner, such that adjacent layers have different refractive indexes from each other. Furthermore, the dielectric film may be formed by alternately layering an Al2O3 film and a SiO2 film.
US09217851B2	Zoom lens and image pickup device including the same A zoom lens includes a front unit including one lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a rear unit including an aperture stop and one or more lens units and having a positive refractive power as a whole, and an interval between adjacent lens units changes during zooming such that an interval between the front unit and rear unit decreases at a telephoto end when compared to a wide angle end. The front unit includes a negative lens G11 in a position closest to the object side, and a lens surface of the negative lens G11 on the image side has an aspherical shape by which the positive refractive power increases from a center to an edge. Various parameters for the zoom lens according to the present invention are properly set.
US09217850B2	Zoom lens and imaging apparatus A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having a negative refractive power; and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from an object side. Magnification is changed by moving the first lens group and the second lens group. The first lens group includes a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens, a third lens having a negative refractive power, and a fourth lens having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from the object side. The zoom lens satisfies predetermined conditional formulae.
US09217849B2	Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus The zoom lens includes in order from an object side to an image side where N represents an integer equal to or more than 5, a first lens unit, a second lens unit, an (N−2)-th lens unit, an (N−1)-th lens unit and an N-th lens unit respectively having positive, negative, positive, negative and positive refractive powers. The (N−1)-th lens unit includes an image stabilizing lens unit. The conditions of 0.01
US09217847B2	Imaging lens An optical imaging lens includes a plurality of lens elements having a refracting power, an object-side surface facing toward the object-side, and an imaging-side surface facing toward the imaging-side. The plurality of lens elements include a first lens element closest to the object-side, a second lens element second closest to the object-side, and a third lens element third closest to the object-side. The plurality of lens elements also include a fourth lens element closest to the imaging-side.
US09217837B2	Latch mechanism for communications module In an example embodiment, a module latch mechanism includes a follower and a driver. The follower is configured to be slidingly positioned relative to a housing and to facilitate selective engagement of the housing with a host device. The follower includes a retaining member configured to retain a resilient member in at least one direction such that the resilient member urges the follower towards a first position relative to the housing. The driver is configured to be rotatingly positioned relative to the housing. The driver includes a cam configured to urge the follower towards a second position relative to the housing as the driver is rotated from a latched position to an unlatched position.
US09217829B2	Compact and low loss Y-junction for submicron silicon waveguide A compact, low-loss and wavelength insensitive Y-junction for submicron silicon waveguides. The design was performed using FDTD and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The device was fabricated in a 248 nm CMOS line. Measured average insertion loss is 0.28±0.02 dB across an 8-inch wafer. The device footprint is less than 1.2 μm×2 μm, orders of magnitude smaller than MMI and directional couplers.
US09217818B2	Polarizer, display device and manufacturing method of polarizer A polarizer is provided comprising: a transparent substrate, on a main surface of which a plurality of grooves in parallel with each other are provided at an interval; a birefringence crystal layer with a single orientation formed on the main surface of the transparent substrate where the grooves are provided, wherein the birefringence crystal layer is at least filled in the grooves so that linearly polarized light incident on a location corresponding to the grooves and passing through the polarizer is converted into first polarized light, and linearly polarized light incident on a location between the grooves and passing through the polarizer is converted into second polarized light, the polarization directions of the first and the second polarized light are different from each other.
US09217816B2	Retroreflective articles and appliques Retroreflective articles and appliqués include a first binder layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, a retroreflective layer including a plurality of retroreflective elements at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer, a second binder layer adhered to the second major surface of the first binder layer, and a substrate layer attached to the second binder layer. The first binder layer is a non-thermoplastic crosslinked (meth)acrylate-based copolymer. The second binder layer is a moisture-cured urethane-based polymer. The first binder layer and the second binder layer include functional groups capable of co-reacting to form a chemical bond. The retroreflective appliqués can be attached to clothing articles.
US09217804B2	Seismic clock timing correction using ocean acoustic waves A method for identifying clock timing discrepancies in at least one clock of interest that is associated with a marine seismic receiver, comprises collecting from at least one marine receiver other than the receiver of interest a first data set corresponding to a selected time period, said first data set being selected to include ocean wave signals; collecting from the receiver of interest a second data set corresponding to the selected time period, said second data set being selected to include ocean wave signals; applying a mathematical prediction technique to the ocean wave signals in the first data set so as to generate a predicted response for a receiver co-located with the receiver of interest; comparing the predicted response to the second data set so as to generate a correlation data set; and using the correlation data set to determine a corrected parameter for the receiver of interest.
US09217800B2	Solid marine seismic cable with an array of hydrophones In a first embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophone is provided comprising: a rigid tubular substrate; an annular cavity formed around the rigid tubular substrate by affixing a tubular diaphragm around the rigid tubular substrate; a flexible piezoelectric element wrapped around and bonded to the flexible tubular diaphragm; and a molded portion covering the piezoelectric element.
US09217791B1	Ping control optimization method for multi-static active acoustic networks A method includes, until the end of an operational scenario time window, iteratively repeating the steps of selecting a ping optimization method based upon a mission mode, remaining scenario time, total remaining ping energy, and an acoustic performance metric, generating a set of acoustic pings using an acoustic ping source network including more than one acoustic ping sources selected according to the ping optimization method, processing detections from the generated set of acoustic pings, and updating performance metric predictions associated with optimization decision variables for the operational scenario time window. The method may provide intelligent ping control decisions for multi-static active acoustic networks.
US09217788B2	Location and tracking system A location and tracking system has wireless base stations, an input interface, and a processor. It receives initial physical environment inputs for an environment, with default signal attenuation values for wall and obstacle segments. An initial channel parameters fingerprint of projected signal strengths in the environment is generated according to the initial physical environment model. The processor simulates motion of the node along a hth trajectory to create a corresponding fitness function describing how similar the channel parameters estimated along the hth trajectory by the prediction model are to gathered channel parameters by the mobile node along its trajectory. The model and the fingerprint are subsequently modified in iterations as possible mobile node trajectories are determined to perform location error estimation which takes into account the re-calculated fingerprint and gathered channel parameters and the hth trajectory as a ground truth.
US09217775B2	Systems and methods for characterizing fault clearing devices Systems and methods for characterizing a device that operated to clear a fault in a power line, such as a power distribution system feeder, are disclosed. Characterizing the device may include receiving measured data corresponding to a current measured along the feeder proximate a substation bus, determining from the measured data that a fault has occurred in at least one phase and has been cleared, subtracting reference data from the measured data to estimate residual fault data, and estimating from the residual fault data a characteristic of the device that operated to clear the fault. The systems may include an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) and a processor linked to the IED.
US09217768B2	Electronic testing method of in-cell touch screen A method of electrically testing an in-cell touch screen is disclosed. The in-cell touch screen includes a display electrode, a driving line, and a detecting line. The detecting line intersects the driving line. The method includes floating the display electrode and performing at least one of: A) applying a first predetermined voltage to one column of adjacent columns of the driving line or one row of adjacent rows of the driving line, and grounding the other column of the adjacent columns or the other row of the adjacent rows, and B) applying a second predetermined voltage to one column of adjacent columns of the detecting line or one row of adjacent rows of the detecting line, and grounding the other column of the adjacent columns or the other row of the adjacent rows. The method also includes determining whether the driving line or the detecting line is shorted or opened.
US09217758B2	Ball grid array configuration for reliable testing A method of testing a semiconductor die having an array of contacts, where at least two I/O pads in adjacent positions have the same data signal during testing operations with a test probe. The adjacent I/O pads form a test cluster allowing the use of a larger test probe tip and/or greater tolerance on test probe tip alignment during testing operations.
US09217750B2	Sample processing apparatus and cleaning method The present invention is to present a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing mechanism which comprises a flow channel to be used for processing a sample, and performs a sample processing operation for processing the sample using the flow channel and a cleaning operation for cleaning the flow channel; and a controller for controlling the cleaning operation by the sample processing mechanism, based on an elapsed time since a previous cleaning operation by the sample processing mechanism.
US09217739B2	Tissue sampling for pathological study A probe device for use in a tissue inspection system is presented. The probe device comprises a probe body and a control unit at least partially incorporated in the probe body. The probe body carries at least a tissue characterization unit operable for providing sensing data indicative of at least one tissue property at measurement locations in the tissue portion being held by the probe. The control unit comprises: a processor utility for receiving and processing the sensing data and generating measured data indicative of a spatial profile of said at least one tissue property distribution within the tissue portion, and comprises at least one of the following: an imaging utility for receiving said measured data and generating and displaying an image indicative thereof thereby enabling a user to select a region of said tissue portion for further analysis; and a pattern generator module configured for receiving and analyzing said measured data and determining a pattern indicative of an arrangement of regions in said tissue portion, thereby enabling selection of at least one of the regions for further analysis.
US09217734B2	Thin layer chromatography plates and related methods In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a thin layer chromatography (“TLC”) plate is disclosed. The method includes forming a layer of elongated nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes), and at least partially coating the elongated nanostructures with a coating. The coating includes a stationary phase and/or precursor of a stationary phase for use in chromatography. Embodiments for TLC plates and related methods are also disclosed.
US09217732B2	Nanoflow detector cell A nanoflow detector cell comprises a nanoflow detection cell template defining a sample channel transverse template and a reference channel transverse template, generally parallel to the sample channel, and spaced apart from the sample channel. Clear capillary tubing extends through the sample channel, defining a sample chamber, a portion of the capillary tubing extends out of each end of the sample channel, and is shaped to the template.
US09217731B2	Welding inspection method and apparatus thereof A welding inspection method has steps of: generating transmission laser light for generating an ultrasonic wave and transmitting the transmission laser light to an object to be inspected during or after welding operation for irradiation; generating reception laser light for detecting an ultrasonic wave and transmitting the reception laser light to the object to be inspected for irradiation; collecting laser light scattered and reflected at surface of the object to be inspected; performing interference measurement of the laser light and obtaining an ultrasonic signal; and analyzing the ultrasonic signal obtained by the interference measurement. At least one of the transmission laser light generated in the transmission laser light irradiation step and the reception laser light generated in the reception laser light irradiation step is irradiated onto a welded metal part or a groove side surface.
US09217716B2	Method for testing charge generation layer and process for manufacturing electrophotographic photoreceptors on large scale A method is provided for testing a charge generation layer disposed directly on an undercoat layer disposed directly on an aluminum-based cylindrical support member formed by extrusion and drawing having a periphery not subjected to cutting work. The method includes testing the charge generation layer for a defect or a suspected defect by irradiating the charge generation layer with light, and receiving reflected light from the charge generation layer with a light receiving device. The light emitted to the charge generation layer has a wavelength within the range of the absorption wavelengths of the charge generation layer, and whose transmittance to the undercoat layer is 0.3% or less.
US09217709B2	Estimation apparatus, estimation method, integrated circuit, and recording medium An estimation apparatus using reflected light of infrared light reflected on an object, the estimation apparatus including: a single input unit including a first pixel having first spectral sensitivity characteristics in a wavelength range of the infrared light and a second pixel having second spectral sensitivity characteristics different from the first spectral sensitivity characteristics in the wavelength range of the infrared light; and an estimator that estimates at least either one of a color or a material of the object based on a first output value that is an output value of the reflected light from the first pixel and based on a second output value that is an output value of the reflected light from the second pixel.
US09217708B2	Equipment and method for diagnosing sliding condition of rotating electrical machine Disclosed are equipment and method for diagnosing the sliding condition of a rotating electrical machine that make it possible to achieve early detection of abnormal sliding with a simple configuration containing flexibly arranged elements and reduce the downtime and maintenance cost of the rotating electrical machine. The equipment for diagnosing the sliding condition of a rotating electrical machine includes a light source that emits light onto the sliding surface of a collecting brush relative to the surface of a rotating body of the rotating electrical machine, a light-receiving section that receives the light reflected from the sliding surface, and a determination section that processes a signal from the light-receiving section. The determination section detects an increase in a specific wavelength component of the reflected light to determine whether the sliding condition of the rotating body surface of the rotating electrical machine is abnormal.
US09217705B1	Methods for assaying ionic materials using an integrated computational element The binding state of ionic materials, including metal ions, in a fluid phase can be determined using an integrated computational element. Methods for determining the binding state of an ionic material in a fluid phase can comprise optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with an ionic material and one or more integrated computational elements, the ionic material being located in a fluid phase while being optically interacted with the electromagnetic radiation; and determining one or more binding states of the ionic material in the fluid phase, using the one or more integrated computational elements.
US09217702B2	Biomarker normalization A fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes a processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyzes of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.
US09217698B2	Device for simulating explosive blast and imaging biological specimen A device and method for simulating a blast shock wave of the type produced by explosive devices such as bombs. A pneumatic charge releases a blast shock wave along a conduit which terminates in a first outlet that communicates with the atmosphere and a second outlet that is sealed to a specimen chamber. The first outlet has a quick release valve that prevents venting of the pneumatic charge to the atmosphere until the pressure at the valve reaches a predetermined level that opens the valve. The pneumatic charge therefore initially flows through the second outlet to direct the blast into the specimen chamber, until subsequent opening of the quick release valve redirects the gas flow out of the first outlet and rapidly reduces pressure in the chamber. The blast wave closely simulates the Friedlander curve, and its effects are viewed during instead of only after the blast is completed.
US09217695B2	Method for determining a complete blood count on a white blood cell differential count Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.
US09217681B2	Optical fiber sensor and methods of manufacture A superstructure fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) by laser-assisted direct writing of on-fiber metallic films. A laser direct write method is used to fabricate periodic films of silver nanoparticles on the non-planar surface of as-fabricated FBGs. Silver films with a thickness of about 9 μm are fabricated around a Bragg grating optical fiber. The performance of the superstructure FBG is studied by applying temperature and tensile stress on the fiber. An opto-mechanical model is also developed to predict the optical response of the synthesized superstructure FBG under thermal and structural loadings. The reflectivity of sidebands in the reflection spectrum can be tuned up to 20% and 37% under thermal and structural loadings, respectively. In addition, the developed superstructure FBG is used for simultaneous measurement of multiple criteria such as force and temperature to eliminate the inherent limitation of regular FBGs in multi-parameter sensing.
US09217680B2	Sensor device, sensor module, robot and method of manufacturing sensor device A sensor device includes a package, a sensor element that is disposed in the package, and a lid that seals the package, in which the sensor element includes a contacting surface that comes in contact with the lid, the package includes a joint surface which is joined to the lid, and the contacting surface and the joint surface are not on the same flat surface.
US09217679B2	Foreign matter detection sensor A foreign matter detection sensor includes a sensor section, power supply members, a sealing member, and includes an elastic elongated hollow insulating body with separated electrode wires inside the insulating body. The sensor section includes a first end and a second end and detects foreign matter by receiving external force from the foreign matter and being elastically deformed. The power supply members are electrically connected to the electrode wires at the second end of the sensor section via electrode connecting portions. Each power supply member includes a direction changing section, extending from an associated electrode connecting portion in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the sensor section and further extends in a direction toward the first end of the sensor section. The sealing member on the second end of the sensor section seals the electrode connecting portions, the direction changing sections, and one end of the hollow body.
US09217678B2	Touch sensor panel with conductive wires and color traces A touch sensing element is provided comprising an insulating substrate and a conductive layer located on a surface of the insulating substrate. The conductive layer comprises: a plurality of first conductive traces arranged at intervals along a first direction, each first conductive trace extending along a second direction; and a plurality of second conductive traces arranged to form second conductive trace columns, each second conductive trace column comprises a plurality of second conductive traces arranged at intervals along the second direction, each second conductive trace column is correspondingly located corresponding to a lateral direction of the first conductive trace. Each second conductive trace of each conductive trace column is spaced from and forms a mutual inductance with a corresponding first conductive trace. The conductive layer is formed on a surface of the insulating substrate. A touch panel having the touch sensing element is also provided.
US09217674B2	Bolometric detector of an electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range and array detection device comprising such detectors A terahertz detection device comprises at least one terahertz antenna, a detection microbridge suspended above a substrate comprising a resistive load coupled to the antenna and a resistive bolometric element coupled to the resistive load, a bias circuit for biasing the bolometric element. The device further comprises a skimming microbridge suspended above the substrate, comprising a resistive bolometric element, and substantially identical to the detection microbridge, a reflective metal layer opposite to the skimming microbridge to obtain a destructive interference at the level of the skimming microbridge for a terahertz wavelength, a bias circuit to electrically bias the bolometric element of the skimming microbridge and a read circuit for measuring a difference between the electric signals of the microbridges.
US09217666B2	Photoelectric sensor with adjustable sensitivity Provided is a photoelectric sensor that enables intuitive sensitivity adjustment while ensuring a wide dynamic range, and ease grasp of an adjustment state. The photoelectric sensor includes: an adjusting device having a variable resistor embedded in at least one of a driving circuit and a light receiving circuit, and configured to change a resistance value of the variable resistor according to a rotational position of a rotatable adjusting element; an evaluator configured to generate a determination signal based on a comparison result between a light receiving signal superimposed on a reference level and a threshold value; a ratio calculator configured to calculate a ratio of an amount of a light receiving signal in the light receiving signal superimposed on the reference level and a difference between the threshold value and the reference level as a margin ratio to be displayed.
US09217664B2	Vibrating meter including an improved meter case A vibrating meter is provided. The vibrating meter includes one or more conduits formed from a first material. The vibrating meter further includes a driver coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits and configured to vibrate at least a portion of the conduit at one or more drive frequencies and one or more pick-offs coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits and configured to detect a motion of the vibrating portion of the conduit. The vibrating meter further includes a case enclosing at least a portion of the one or more conduits, the driver and the one or more pick-offs. The case is formed from a second material comprising a higher vibrational damping characteristic than the first material.
US09217659B2	Guided wave radar probe with leak detection A probe defining a transmission line for use with a measurement instrument includes a pulse circuit connected to the probe for generating pulses on the transmission line and receiving reflected pulses on the transmission line. The probe comprises a conductive outer sleeve for mounting to a process vessel. A center conductor is coaxial with the outer sleeve for conducting the pulses. A primary seal element between the outer sleeve and the center conductor is spaced a select distance from a near end of the outer sleeve. A secondary seal element between the outer sleeve and the center conductor is spaced proximate the near end of the outer sleeve, to define a generally tubular space between the primary seal element and the secondary seal element. A dielectric insert fills a portion of the tubular space proximate the secondary seal element. A leak detection tube is in the tubular space between the dielectric insert and the primary seal element. The leak detection tube has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the center conductor to define a void. The dielectric insert and the leak detection tube provide a substantially continuous uniform impedance under dry conditions.
US09217658B2	Vaporizer anesthesia level detector A vaporizer including a reservoir for storing an anesthetic liquid agent and a vaporizing element configured to vaporize the anesthetic liquid agent. A level detector is located outside of and adjacent to the exterior of the reservoir. The level detector includes at least one electrical field sensor configured to provide an output voltage signal based upon the capacitance of material within the reservoir proximate the electrical field sensor. The vaporizer includes a display providing a visual indication of the amount of liquid anesthetic agent in the reservoir.
US09217656B2	Internet telematics service providing system and internet telematics service providing method for providing mileage-related driving information Provided is an Internet telematics service providing system and method that may provide driving information for mileage enhancement. In interaction with a telematics system of a vehicle and a communication terminal of a user, the Internet telematics service providing system may include a data receiver to receive driving data associated with a mileage of the vehicle from the telematics system, a data storage unit to store the driving data in a webpage associated with the user, a data providing unit to provide the stored driving data to the telematics system and/or the communication terminal using a Web service, a guide generator to generate driving guide information of the vehicle based on the driving data, and a guide providing unit to provide the driving guide information to the user using the telematics system and/or the communication terminal.
US09217644B2	Natural navigational guidance Natural navigational guidance, provides enhanced guidance instructions that take advantage of unique geographic features along a navigated route to specify maneuver points. Guidance points are clearly visible, unambiguous, and locally unique features in the geography of the maneuver area that can be used to aid the user in discovering the place where the maneuver point is. Within a guidance point selection area, a specific guidance point type has a more strict area within which it can be used. A natural guidance point selection area for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is determined, and a unique geographic feature within the determined natural guidance point selection area is selected as a natural guidance point for navigation of the upcoming maneuver. A turn-type natural guidance point for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is generated when the user device is within the natural guidance point selection area.
US09217641B2	Microelectromechanical gyroscope with open loop reading device and control method A microelectromechanical gyroscope that includes a first mass oscillatable according to a first axis; an inertial sensor, including a second mass, drawn along by the first mass and constrained so as to oscillate according to a second axis, in response to a rotation of the gyroscope; a driving device coupled to the first mass so as to form a feedback control loop and configured to maintain the first mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency; and an open-loop reading device coupled to the inertial sensor for detecting displacements of the second mass according to the second axis. The driving device includes a read signal generator for supplying to the inertial sensor at least one read signal having the form of a square-wave signal of amplitude that sinusoidally varies with the resonance frequency.
US09217638B2	Engine with laser ignition and measurement Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.
US09217636B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and a computer-readable storage medium A pattern light projection unit which stores information on pattern light including information on line patterns projects pattern light including line patterns having at least two lines and at least one reference line pattern serving as a reference of the line patterns on an object in accordance with the information on pattern light. An image pickup unit captures an image of the object to which the pattern light is projected.An information processing apparatus detects the reference line pattern and the line patterns from the captured image, and establishes correspondence between the information on the line patterns stored in the pattern light projection unit and the line patterns detected from the captured image in accordance with the topological positional relationship between the detected reference line pattern and the line patterns so as to identify the line patterns.
US09217623B2	Bullet deflecting baffle system The present invention provides a releasable clamp assembly for supporting one or more bullet deflecting plates, comprising: a first plate holder having a channel for receiving an outer lateral edge of a first deflecting plate; a second plate holder having a channel for receiving an outer lateral edge of a second deflecting plate; and a bridge comprising a bridge connecting the first plate holder and the second plate holder and one or more releasable clamp integral with the bridge, wherein the one or more releasable clamp is adapted to apply a clamping force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plate holder channel and second plate holder channel. The releasable clamp assembly, when disposed over the outer lateral edges of the first and second deflecting plate, positions the releasable clamp over the first and second deflecting plate to apply a clamping force to the one or more deflecting plate, thereby holding the releasable clamp assembly in secure engagement with the first and second deflecting plate.
US09217622B2	5XXX aluminum alloys and wrought aluminum alloy products made therefrom Improved 5xxx aluminum alloys and products made therefrom are disclosed. The new 5xxx aluminum alloy products may achieve an improved combination of properties due to, for example, the presence of copper. In one embodiment, the new 5xxx aluminum alloy products are able to achieve an improved combination of properties by solution heat treatment.
US09217619B2	Composite gun barrel with outer sleeve made from shape memory alloy to dampen firing vibrations According to one aspect, a composite gun barrel comprises an inner rifled liner tube having an outer surface, and an outer sleeve comprising a shape memory alloy and having an inner surface disposed against the outer surface of the inner rifled liner tube. The inner rifled liner tube is configured for guiding projectiles and the outer sleeve is configured for dampening the firing vibrations encountered by the inner rifled liner tube. A method for forming a composite gun barrel comprises providing an inner rifled liner tube having an outer surface. A sleeve made from a shape memory alloy and having an inner surface is provided. The outer sleeve is disposed about the inner rifled liner tube so that the inner surface of the outer sleeve substantially engages the outer surface of the inner rifled liner tube.
US09217614B2	Firearm having an articulated bolt train with transversally displacing firing mechanism, delay blowback breech opening, and recoil damper An improved firearm having an Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train assembly consisting of a series of linked carriages, containing firing mechanisms, placed inside a compact ergonomic jaw articulated receiver, holding all the sub assemblies in the convenient location, synchronizing the movements of all the components, and controlling its alternating motion by displacing along divergent and converging paths and tracks, where the Bolt Train, moving through tracks, displaces to align, entirely horizontally, with the barrel axis, rapidly shifting into a curved and transverse path. Such motion forces the cocking, the partial displacement into a Handle Tunnel, and modifies the bearing of the recoil force, conveying a unique dynamic behavior. When displacing rearwards it generates a dual transient angular momentum vector helping to compensate the “barrel Torque” phenomenon caused by the bullet rifling when fired. The interaction of several components delays the breech opening, decelerating the rearwards motion to assist the recoil damping.
US09217606B2	Door and valve assembly for a charging installation of a shaft furnace A hatch and valve arrangement for a charging installation for a shaft furnace, such as a blast furnace, said arrangement comprising a housing (1), inside which is located at least one hatch (21) and/or a valve (31), caused to pivot by an actuator (25, 35) located outside the housing and connected to the hatch or valve by a linking shaft guided in a bearing that is fixed with respect to the housing. The bearing (24, 34) and the actuator (25, 35) are mounted on a detachable door (26, 36) that seals an opening (13, 15) made in the wall of the housing (1) and whose dimensions are determined such that the hatch or the valve can be withdrawn transversely to the axis of the housing through said opening.
US09217605B2	Drying furnace and drying method using drying furnace A drying furnace including: a heating portion which heats a coating target having been subjected to electrodeposition coating, wherein (i) the heating portion sets an inner furnace temperature of an upstream of the drying furnace to be lower than a temperature at which moisture in electrodeposition paint boils, (ii) the heating portion sets an inner furnace temperature of a downstream of the drying furnace to be higher than or equal to a glass transition point, (iii) the heating portion locally heats a gap position formed at a member bonding portion of the coating target at the upstream of the drying furnace, and (iv) the heating portion sequentially changes a heated portion from an upper side to a lower side of the coating target when the gap position is locally heated.
US09217593B2	Cooling system and maintenance timing determination method A cooling system includes a refrigerator and a thermal load application unit applying a thermal load to the refrigerator. A detector detects, when the thermal load is applied to the refrigerator by the thermal load application unit, a change in a physical quantity generated in the refrigerator or a refrigerator-mounting portion where the refrigerator is mounted. A determiner determines a maintenance timing of the refrigerator based on the change in the physical quantity detected by the detector.
US09217591B2	Method for controlling a flow of refrigerant to an evaporator A refrigeration system includes an expansion valve and a compressor, the expansion valve, the evaporator and the compressor being arranged in a refrigerant flow path having refrigerant flowing therein. A method for controlling a flow of refrigerant to an evaporator includes steps of increasing an opening degree of the expansion valve, thereby increasing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator sufficiently to substantially eliminate a dry zone of the evaporator, decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve, and repeating the steps of increasing and decreasing. This causes the superheat value of refrigerant leaving the evaporator to ‘toggle’ between a zero level and a low, but positive, level. Thereby the refrigeration capacity is utilized more efficiently. Additionally, sufficiently low amount of liquid refrigerant is allowed to pass through the evaporator to prevent damage to the compressor.
US09217587B2	Air conditioner There is disclosed an air conditioner including a compressor to compress refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger to cool or heat a room, using the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger to heat-exchange the refrigerant with outdoor air, the outdoor heat exchanger comprising a front heat exchange member and a rear heat exchange member, and a defrosting module to adjust an opening degree of a passage of the refrigerant drawn into the front heat exchange member and the rear heat exchange member, wherein the defrosting module includes a first expansion valve to adjust an opening of a passage of the refrigerant introduced into the front heat exchange member and a defrosting unit to adjust an opening degree of a passage of the refrigerant between the front heat exchange member and the rear heat exchange member.
US09217584B2	Roofing products, photovoltaic roofing elements and systems using them The present invention relates generally to roofing products. The present invention relates more particularly to roofing products for use with photovoltaic elements, and to photovoltaic systems that include one or more photovoltaic elements joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, a roofing product includes a flexible roofing substrate having a top surface, the top surface having one or more granule-coated zones thereon capable of acting as a receptor zone or an exposure zone, each zone being adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic elements; and an adhesive suitable for securing photovoltaic elements to one or more of the granule-coated zones, the adhesive capable of forming a bond to the granules and the top surface of the flexible roofing substrate and to the bottom surface of the photovoltaic elements.
US09217579B2	System and method for automatically programming HVAC system temperature adjustment times A programmable HVAC controller, a method of automatically programming HVAC system temperature adjustment times and an HVAC system incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the programmable HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory subsystem, (2) a communication subsystem configured to receive a wake-up alarm time and (3) a processing subsystem coupled to the memory and communication subsystems and configured to: (3a) set a “sleep” temperature adjustment time based on a time the wake-up alarm time is received and (3b) set a “wake” temperature adjustment time based on the wake-up alarm time.
US09217577B2	Drain line access device with interior overflow safety switch An access device for installation to a condensation drainage system, such as a drain line of an HVAC unit, includes a main body with at least one connecting port for sealed, fluid receiving connection to the drainage system and an open top communicating with an interior cavity. A top cover releasably secures to the main body to completely cover the open top. An overflow safety switch is removably held in operable position within the interior cavity and below the top cover. The switch senses the level of condensate liquid accumulating with the interior cavity and sends an electronic signal to disable the condensation producing equipment if the liquid reaches a predetermined level.
US09217573B2	Cook top unit for cooker Provided is a cook top unit of a cooker. The cook top unit for a cooker includes a top frame, a bracket, and at least one heating source. The top frame includes a top surface part and a rear surface part extending at a predetermined angle with respect to the top surface part. The bracket is fixed to a rear end of each lateral side of the top frame. The heating source is disposed at the top frame. At least a portion of the rear surface part is inserted in the bracket. Therefore, when the cooker is installed or used, the top frame may not be deformed, and an enamel coating layer on the top frame may not be damaged.
US09217566B2	Method and apparatus for commissioning power plants An apparatus and method for commissioning steam turbine generator power plants to advance the cleanliness of the complete steam cycle by the conditioned discharge of steam to the plant surface condenser.
US09217561B2	Solid state light source for photocuring A compact passively-cooled solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for photocuring applications. The solid state illumination system utilizes LED modules to generate high intensity light output suitable for photocuring. The light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 530 nm and is suitable for photocuring using a wide range of photoinitiators. A touchscreen interface allows programming of spectral output, intensity and duration. Output can be initiated using the touchscreen interface and/or a foot pedal.
US09217553B2	LED lighting systems including luminescent layers on remote reflectors A lighting system may include a substrate and a light emitting device (LED) on the substrate, and the light emitting device may be configured to transmit light having a first wavelength along a path away from the substrate. A remote reflector may be spaced apart from the light emitting device, and the light emitting device may be between the substrate and the remote reflector. The remote reflector may also be in the path of the light having the first wavelength transmitted by light emitting device. A luminescent layer may be on a surface of the remote reflector, and the luminescent layer may be configured to convert a portion of the light having the first wavelength to light having a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. Moreover, the remote reflector may be configured to reflect light having the first and second wavelengths.
US09217548B2	Portable camping lamp A battery powered portable illumination device especially suitable for camping use is disclosed having three modes of use. The first mode is with left and right light units positioned back to back shining in opposite directions defining a closed position. The second mode uses a hinge to allow the light units to be rotated about the hinge until the left and right light units are pointed in the same direction defining an open position. A hook is provided for suspending the lamp on a support when it is in this open position. The third mode is an auxiliary illumination assembly or flashlight that is stored in and removable from the interior of the lamp and can be used independently of the left and right light units. The light units typically are LEDs.
US09217546B2	LED bulb laterally installed and projecting light beams onto ground An LED bulb laterally installed and projecting light beams onto the ground includes a bulb holder assembly, a lamp carrier assembly, a luminosity module, a lampshade, a collar, and a clasper. The bulb holder assembly includes a bulb holder base and a bulb holder. The lamp carrier assembly includes a tubular column and a shell body formed on an end of the tubular column. The luminosity module is installed in the shell body and includes at least an LED. The collar is securely connected to the bulb holder base and mounted around the tubular column for development of an accommodating space between the collar and the tubular column. The clasper is closely engaged in the accommodating space and securely connected to the tubular column. The lamp carrier assembly is omni-directionally adjusted relative to the bulb holder base to make the LEDs' projecting plane face the ground surface.
US09217542B2	Heat sinks and lamp incorporating same A lamp comprising a solid state light emitter, the lamp being an A lamp and providing a wall plug efficiency of at least 90 lumens per watt. Also, a lamp comprising a solid state light emitter and a power supply, the emitter being mounted on a heat dissipation element, the dissipation element being spaced from the power supply. Also, a lamp, comprising a solid state light emitter and a heat dissipation element that has a heat dissipation chamber, whereby an ambient medium can enter the chamber, pass through the chamber, and exit. Also, a lamp, comprising a light emissive housing at least one solid state lighting emitter and a first heat dissipation element. Also, a lamp comprising a heat sink comprising a heat dissipation chamber. Also, a lamp comprising first and second heat dissipation elements. Also, a lamp comprising means for creating flow of ambient fluid.
US09217532B2	Wing spar retention system and method A retention system includes a base supporting a wing spar and a post extending through the base from a first side of the base to a second side of the base. The post inserts through an aperture in the spar. A stop is selectively securable to the post over the second side of the base. A locking member engages the post on the first side of the base. The locking member is configured to selectively move the post from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the post is withdrawn toward the first side relative to the unlocked position. A biasing member encircles the post and is positioned between the stop and the second side. When the locking member is in a closed position the biasing member expands to engage the aperture and resist movement of the wing spar. A plurality of cradles may support the wing.
US09217529B2	Push-to-connect joint assembly, device and method A push fitting joint packaging arrangement allows the re-use and repair of push-to-connect fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In one embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement comprises a split fastening ring and a split O-ring support member.
US09217516B2	Pipeline ballast device The present disclosure describes a weighting device for a longitudinally extending conduit. The weighting device is made from a flexible material, preferably woven, and has a top loading main body for receiving ballast material. The main body has a pair of legs forming a conduit accepting space between them. The legs are adapted to be positioned in straddling relation over a conduit with said conduit being embraced in said conduit accepting space between the legs. The main body has at least one inner panel extending between the inner and outer sidewalls of each of the leg sections to prevent excessive bulging of the leg section when filled with ballast material. The panel divides the legs into compartments. Ballast introduced into the main body will flow into the compartments of the legs. The weighting device may also include filling and hoisting loops.
US09217512B2	Combination of a faucet handle and a control valve A combined faucet handle and control valve assembly has a faucet handle, a plurality of connecting joints and a control valve. The faucet handle provided with a chamber, with an engaging space formed by a dividing member and a base in the chamber, an assembly aperture disposed in the base and passing through the faucet handle. The assembly aperture is engaged with a corresponding first securing member. Each connecting joint has a rod, an end of the rod provided with a connecting portion having an engaging aperture, the engaging aperture having a shape corresponding to a valve rod of the control valve, another end of the rod provided with a first section and a second section, the first section provided with a through aperture disposed axially through the rod and the connecting portion and engaging with a second securing member, and the second section is provided with a positioning aperture.
US09217507B2	Multi-part piston ring A multi-part piston ring, containing an at least single-part spring support which is provided with a piston ring joint region and an at least single-part spring element, which is positioned in a groove provided in the region of the inner circumferential face of the spring support, wherein the wall thickness of the spring support is essentially equal in the region of the ends of the spring support facing the piston ring joint and in the rear region of the spring support, and a pocket which extends over a circumferential range of at least 60° and is created by local reduction of the wall thickness of the spring support is provided in each case between the rear region and the piston ring joint ends.
US09217504B2	Shift control method for an automated transmission A shift control method for an automated transmission of a motor vehicle. The transmission has an input shaft that is connectable, via a separator clutch, to an engine driveshaft. An output shaft is connected with the axle transmission of a drive axle or with a transfer box, and starting gears are engagable by gear clutches. When tooth-on-tooth positions occurs at the associated gear clutch, during engagement of a starting gear while the vehicle is stationary, such tooth-on-tooth positioning is resolved with maximum comfort. The method provides that when a tooth-on-tooth position exists at the gear clutch of the starting gear, engagement of the gear clutch is first interrupted, then drive torque is applied to the input shaft or a transmission shaft in driving connection therewith to rotate the input-side clutch half of the gear clutch, and the drive torque is then eliminated before the engagement of the gear clutch continues.
US09217493B2	Multi-speed transmission A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces at least nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Each disclosed transmission includes four planetary gear sets, three brakes, and either three or four clutches. One embodiment produces twelve forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios. Another embodiment produces thirteen forward speed ratios.
US09217481B2	Hydraulically-operated actuator for drawworks A hydraulically-operated actuator for a braking mechanism on a cable drawworks is provided. The actuator can have an enclosed tubular main body capable of being connected to an external hydraulic system. The main body can further contain a spring-opposed hydraulic piston connected to an actuator rod. The actuator rod can extend out of the main body and can connect to a braking system for the drawworks. In operation, the springs can push on the hydraulic piston and hold the actuator rod in a fully extended position to engage the braking system. When pressure from the external hydraulic system is applied to the hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston can compress the springs and retract the actuator rod into the main body, which can disengage the braking system.
US09217478B2	Release mechanism for friction clutch In a release mechanism for a friction clutch that includes a cylinder portion formed by an inner body and an outer body, a piston that moves in a front-back direction in accordance with a fluid pressure supplied to the cylinder portion, and a plate that is formed on the piston and receives an elastic force from elastic members provided on an outer peripheral side of the cylinder portion in a circumferential direction at a predetermined interval, a fastening member that fixes flanges of the inner body and the outer body so as to clamp a sealing member therebetween in an axial direction is provided, and a region in the radial direction in which the fastening member is arranged and a region in the radial direction in which the elastic members are arranged overlap each other at least in part, in the flanges.
US09217476B2	Friction clutch assemblies A friction clutch assembly, preferably for a hybrid cooling pump. The friction clutch assembly includes a friction lining carrier member, a friction lining member, a compression spring member, a clutch carrier member and a flux plate member. A solenoid can be utilized to control the compression of the spring member. The friction clutch assembly has a preferred use in a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. The friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside a motor housing. The softening compression spring can minimize parasitic clutch power consumption.
US09217473B2	Cylinder assembly using a shim A cylinder assembly includes a housing defining first and second outer cylindrical surfaces having a longitudinal axis and a shim having a retaining ring fitted over the first outer cylindrical surface. The shim includes a plurality of connector spokes extending from the retaining ring, and a corresponding plurality of shim elements configured at the ends of the plurality of connector spokes. The connector spokes extend radially from the retaining ring relative to the longitudinal axis when the shim is in a pre-installation configuration. The connector spokes are bendable such that the shim elements extend longitudinally and are positioned next to the second outer cylindrical surface when the shim is in an installation configuration. Shims, methods of assembly, bicycles and other components are also provided.
US09217470B2	Bearing cage, bearing cage segment, and method for assembling the bearing cage A bearing cage for a rolling-element bearing includes a plurality of bearing cage segments configured to receive rolling elements in rolling-element pockets. Also included is at least one assembly wire, and each of the cage segments includes a coupling arrangement configured to thread the bearing cage segment onto the at least one assembly wire such that at least one rolling-element pocket is formed by two of the plurality of bearing cage segments adjacent in the circumferential direction that are threaded on the assembly wire. The bearing cage also includes an assembly device configured to convey an end of the assembly wire from an installation position to an axially far-side coupling arrangement of a bearing cage segment, through the axially far-side coupling arrangement of all bearing cage segments located on a bearing inner ring, and back again towards the installation position.
US09217464B2	Radial bearing The invention relates to a radial bearing, comprising a housing, a housing bore extending along a bearing axis, several tilting segments that are arranged around the bearing axis in order to support a shaft and each have a radially outer bearing surface, by means of which the tilting segments are supported on a supporting surface on the housing. The radially outer bearing surface of each tilting segment and the supporting surface are arranged facing each other. Each tilting segment is movably arranged relative to the housing. The invention is characterized by the following features: a first one of the surfaces forms a first section curve with a first section plane perpendicular to the bearing axis; the first section curve is convexly curved and has a first main radius of curvature, and the second surface forms a second section curve with the section plane perpendicular to the bearing axis; the second section curve is correspondingly concavely curved and has a second main radius of curvature, wherein the magnitude of the first main radius of curvature of the first surface is smaller than the magnitude of the second main radius of curvature of the second surface; the first surface forms a third section curve with a second section plane parallel to the bearing axis; the third section curve is convexly curved and has a first secondary radius of curvature, and the second surface forms a fourth section curve with the second section plane parallel to the bearing axis; and the fourth section curve is correspondingly concavely curved or not curved and has a second secondary radius of curvature or correspondingly has no curvature, the two secondary radii of curvature being different from each other.
US09217462B2	Transmission device An improved transmission is provided including a splitter shaft having a concentric cavity defined in a distal end thereof and an outer wall surrounding the cavity. The outer wall has an increased thickness in order to reduce failure and fracturing in the outer wall area. A bearing hub adapted for supporting a larger bearing is also provided. The improved transmission may include a system for utilizing existing lubrication lines in order to lubricate a center section of the transmission. The components of the present invention may be provided as part of a kit for retrofitting an existing transmission in order to reduce failures and increase lifespan.
US09217454B2	Splined fastener A fastener (2) for securing a workpiece comprising a plurality of workpiece members, said fastener comprising a shank (4) and a radially enlarged head (6), wherein the fastener further comprises axial voids (40) and splines (18) provided on the internal wall of the bore of the fastener, such that when the fastener is installed into a workpiece by a mandrel, breakstem or pin, once the shank of the fastener has contacted with the walls of the workpiece apertures, the crests of the splines are deformed by the mandrel, breakstem or pin, and material of the crests is displaced into the voids.
US09217452B1	Blind fastener assembly and release pin apparatus A blind fastener assembly utilizes flexible legs extending from a cylindrical section of a spring pin. Gripping elements extend radially outwardly from the ends of the flexible legs. When the flexible legs and gripping elements are extended through an opening in the wall, a center pin can be pushed into the cylindrical portion to expand the flexible legs so that the gripping elements can engage the back of the wall. In one embodiment, removal of the center pin causes the flexible legs to contract whereupon the assembly can be removed from the wall.
US09217451B2	Non-complex cable to panel connector with inseparable parts A scaffolding connector. A first part includes a first plate, a first rod portion extending downwardly therefrom then upwardly to define a cradle, and a second rod portion extending upwardly therefrom then downwardly into close proximity therewith. A second part includes a second plate inseparable from the second rod portion. The first and second plates are positionable to together overlie an opening in a panel with an underlying cable received in the cradle. The terminal end portion is receivable in an aperture in the second plate so that a nut can be applied thereto for connecting the cable to the panel to define an attached state between the first and second parts and wherein a detached state between the first and second parts is defined when the terminal end portion is not received in the aperture. The first and second parts are inseparable in each of the attached and detached states.
US09217443B2	Energy saving fan An energy saving fan comprising a pellet (1), a hub (2) connected with the pellet (1) and a plurality of curve shaped blades (3) extended radially outward from the hub (2). The roots (31) of the adjacent blades (3) are connected by a curved shaped connecting part (32) extending from the trailing edge (33) of a previous blade to the leading edge (34) of a subsequent blade. A first reinforcing rib (41) is formed on a windward surface (35) of each blade (3) from a trailing edge corner (331) to the hub (2), a second reinforcing rib (42) is formed on a leeward surface (36) of each blade (3) from a leading edge corner (341) to the hub (2), and a third reinforcing rib (43) is formed on the leeward surface (36) of each blade (3) from the hub (2) to the trailing edge (33). These reinforcing ribs improve the strength of the blade roots and prolong the service life of the blades.
US09217436B2	Impeller fan assembly An impeller fan assembly that includes a housing, a stator, a rotor having a hub and an annular array of non-stationary blades extending from the hub, at least two spaced apart bearings mounted to the stator, and a pump in fluid communication with the bearings to provide fluid to the bearings.
US09217431B2	Vane pump A vane cell pump having an over vane pump associated with a first consumer and an under vane pump including an under vane pressure area and an under vane suction area which is connected to the over vane pump. The under vane pressure area is separated from the under vane suction area and is associated with a second consumer.
US09217428B2	Tubing pump for delivering fluid in a tube A tubing pump capable of improving flow rate accuracy which is required, particularly, in infusion pumps for medical use is developed. In a tubing pump that delivers a liquid in a tube which is separately loaded, a pump mechanism includes a valve mechanism unit that occludes and releases occlusion to the loaded tube and a tube pressing mechanism unit that repeatedly presses the tube, and the tube squeezing mechanism unit includes a pump block which has its movement guided by at least two guide shafts.
US09217424B2	Multi-speed hydraulic pump Hydraulic pump applications sometimes require the pump to be able to provide relatively low pressure with larger amounts of fluid moved, while other applications call for relatively higher pressures but less fluid moved. The multi-speed hydraulic pump can operate at multiple speeds so as to provide multiple outputs of pressure and flow. In a two-mode version, the pump has one mode of operation that provides for lower pressure/more fluid moved and another mode of operation that provides for higher pressure/less fluid moved. Having multiple modes of operation in the pump allows for a single pump to provide greater movement or greater pressure while working within the limits of the force or speed at which the pump is actuated.
US09217422B2	Kinetic energy transfer system and methods Systems, methods and apparatus for subjecting high-pressure fluids to a fluid flow assembly that generates or extracts work/energy using a work producing machine. Kinetic energy from the work producing machine is converted to electricity using a generator or similar apparatus.
US09217419B2	System and method for controlling voltage at point of common coupling of wind farm A system and method for controlling voltage at a point of common coupling of a wind farm including a plurality of wind turbines is provided. The method includes: calculating a first voltage error value, which is a difference between a reference voltage value of the point of common coupling and an actual voltage value of the point of common coupling; calculating a compensation reference voltage value based on the first voltage error value; calculating a second voltage error value by subtracting a voltage value of an output terminal of a wind turbine from a sum of a reference voltage value of the wind turbine and the compensation reference voltage value; calculating a reactive power compensation value corresponding to the second voltage error value; and injecting a reactive current corresponding to the reactive current compensation value into a power grid.
US09217401B2	Fuel supply device for internal combustion engine A fuel supply device for an internal combustion engine including a throttle valve and an airbox is provided with a main injector disposed at a downstream side of the throttle valve, an auxiliary injector disposed at an upstream side of the throttle valve and in the airbox, and a delivery pipe disposed inside the airbox and adopted to supply and distribute a fuel to the auxiliary injector. The delivery pipe has both ends which are supported on two side walls of the airbox.
US09217391B2	Turbine engine comprising a contrarotating propeller receiver supported by a structural casing attached to the intermediate housing An open rotor type aircraft turbine engine including a contrarotating propeller receiver and a dual-body gas generator having a low-pressure compressor and a high-pressure compressor separated by an intermediate housing, in which the gas generator is arranged upstream from the receiver is provided. The turbine engine includes a structural casing for supporting the receiver, surrounding the gas generator and having a downstream end attached to the receiver and an upstream end attached to the intermediate housing; and a connection device between the structural supporting casing and the gas generator, arranged between the upstream and downstream ends of the casing.
US09217380B2	Absolute acceleration sensor for use within moving vehicles A vehicle monitoring system for turning off an idling engine comprises a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a lack of motion, or “stationary status” of a vehicle and emit a parameter correlated to the motion status of the vehicle, a transmission status detector configured to detect a transmission status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of warning other drivers of a stationary status of the vehicle and a control device. The control device is coupled to the vehicle speed sensor, the transmission status detector and the alerting device, wherein the vehicle speed sensor and the transmission status detector send a signal to the control device and the control device operates in a manner dependent on the motion status of the vehicle and the transmission status of the vehicle.
US09217379B2	Reducing turbocharged engine overheating A method comprising in response to coolant loss in a turbocharged engine, deactivating one or more engine cylinders while limiting engine load of one or more active cylinders based on an engine speed, and a cylinder head temperature.
US09217378B2	Controller for internal combustion engine A controller for internal combustion engine has an intake cam for low-load operation and an intake cam for high-load operation. The controller switches the intake cam used to open/close an intake valve and changes the phase angle of each intake cam according to load on the internal combustion engine. The controller changes the phase angle at start of opening of intake valve by the intake cam for low-load operation in lag angle direction within a predetermined range as load on the internal combustion engine increases, and changes the phase angle at start of opening of intake valve by the intake cam for high-load operation in lead angle direction within the predetermined range as load on the internal combustion engine increases. Switching between the two intake cams is performed where the phase angles of the intake cams are controlled to predetermined phase angles on a lag angle side.
US09217376B2	Multi-mode adaptive fail-fixed system for FADEC controlled gas turbine engines A gas turbine engine control system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an automatic control operable to control a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine control system further comprises a module operable to fail-fix the gas turbine engine to one of a multiple of pre-determined modes in response to failure of the automatic control. The exemplary gas turbine engine control system may further comprise a fuel flow meter to sense a fuel flow to the engine, a fuel control to control the fuel flow to the engine, and the module in electrical communication with the fuel flow meter to fix the fuel control in response to one of the multiple of pre-determined modes.
US09217373B2	Fuel nozzle for reducing modal coupling of combustion dynamics A fuel nozzle includes a center body that extends axially along an axial centerline for a length. A shroud circumferentially surrounds the center body for at least a portion of the length of the center body. A plurality of helical passages circumferentially surround the center body along at least a portion of the length of the center body, and a fuel port in each helical passage has a different convective time.
US09217368B2	Gas turbine, exhaust diffuser, and method of modifying gas turbine plant A method of modifying a gas turbine plant which is provided with a one-shaft gas turbine having a compressor for compressing air, a combustor for generating a combustion gas from the air compressed by the compressor and a fuel, and a one-shaft turbine driven by the combustion gas generated by the combustor and supported by a rotational axis common to the compressor, and an electric generator for generating electric power by driving force of the one-shaft turbine, wherein: the one-shaft turbine is replaced with a two-shaft gas turbine including a compressor for compressing air, a combustor for generating a combustion gas from the air compressed by the compressor and a fuel, and a high-pressure turbine driven by the combustion gas generated by the combustor and supported by a first rotational axis common to the compressor, and a low-pressure turbine driven by the combustion gas used to drive the high-pressure turbine and supported by a second rotational axis, which is different from the axis for the high-pressure turbine.
US09217361B2	Turbocharging system An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a cylinder and a cylinder head mounted to the block. The cylinder head supplies air and fuel to the cylinder for combustion therein. The engine also includes an exhaust manifold operatively connected to the cylinder head and having a first outlet and a second outlet configured to exhaust post-combustion gasses from the cylinder. The engine also includes a turbocharging system configured to pressurize an airflow for delivery thereof to the cylinder. The turbocharging system includes a low-flow turbocharger driven by the post-combustion gasses from the first outlet to pressurize the airflow and a high-flow turbocharger driven by the post-combustion gasses from the second outlet to pressurize the airflow. The turbocharging system additionally includes a flow control device for selectively directing the post-combustion gasses to the low-flow and high-flow turbochargers. A vehicle employing such an engine is also disclosed.
US09217354B2	Method for regulating an ionization device in an exhaust-gas aftertreatment apparatus and motor vehicle in which the method is carried out A method for regulating an ionization device in an exhaust gas after-treatment device of an internal combustion engine, includes placing at least one cathode at a distance from an anode in the exhaust gas after-treatment device, applying a high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode, predefining a first value for the high voltage, detecting a current generated by the high voltage between the at least one cathode and the anode and predefining a second value for the high voltage if the detected current exceeds a predefinable first current intensity for a predefinable number of times. A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out is also provided.
US09217347B2	Method and device for treating exhaust gas condensates of an internal combustion engine A method for treating exhaust gas condensates of an internal combustion engine, in which the exhaust gas condensates containing nitrogen oxides are delivered to an exhaust gas recirculation system and are cooled therein. The nitrogen oxides of the cooled exhaust gas condensates are converted to ammonia through electrolysis.
US09217343B2	Dual flow check valve for positive crankcase ventilation system A dual flow check valve includes a valve body having an inner valve cavity, a first valve opening, and a second valve opening. The dual flow check valve further includes a seal disposed within the valve body. The seal is operatively coupled within the valve body such that the seal is configured to move relative to the valve body between an open position, in which the seal allows the gas to flow between the first and second valve openings through the inner valve cavity, and a closed position, in which the seal inhibits the gas and the liquid from flowing through the inner valve cavity from the first valve opening to the second valve opening.
US09217333B2	Composite-material vane A composite material turbomachine vane comprising a blade is provided, wherein the vane comprises a first resin reinforced with long fibers and a second resin reinforced with short fibers, the first and second resins being chemically compatible or identical, the long fibers serving to stiffen the vane and the short fibers dispersed in the second resin serving to fill in the parts of the vane that are not reinforced by the long fibers and giving the vane its substantially final shape.
US09217332B2	Uni-directional axial turbine blade assembly A uni-directional axial turbine blade assembly comprises a central disc member coupled to an elongated shaft of a motor or generator, a rotational support member mounted on outer circumference of the central disc member, an outer ring mounted on outer circumference of the rotational support member and a plurality of blade members spaced equidistantly, extending radially outward from the outer ring. Each blade member includes a straight leading edge, a curved trailing edge, an exterior surface including a first region having a curved surface, a second region having a flat surface and a convex surface extending from the flat surface and terminating to a radially inward portion and an interior surface including a third region having a concave surface. The preferred embodiment renders the formation of a unique blade configuration that facilitates uni-directional rotation of the blade assembly irrespective of changes in flow direction of fluid.
US09217330B1	Electromagnetic and air bearing combination for turbocharger shaft and wheel balance measurement machines A product for balancing a shaft and wheel assembly of a turbocharger is disclosed. A fixture may have an exterior surface, with an aperture extending through the exterior surface. A first conduit may extend through the fixture and may exit from the first conduit through the exterior surface. A second conduit may extend through the fixture and may exit into the aperture. A pressurized gas source may be connected to the first and second conduits. An electromagnet may be positioned in the fixture and may extend around the aperture. The pressurized gas source may be operated to apply pressurized gas through the first and second conduits and the electromagnet may be operated to apply a magnetic field to the aperture.
US09217327B2	Transmission system for communication between downhole elements The invention relates to a transmission system for transmitting signals between an inner and an outer unit separated by an annular pipe section wall, wherein said inner unit is provided with a first antenna and the second unit is provided with a second antenna, the antennas preferably constituted by coils, being adapted to be brought into essentially the same positions along the pipe section, wherein said pipe section is made from a material having low magnetic permeability and wherein at least one of the antennas is provided magnetic shield having high magnetic permeability, the corresponding antenna being positioned between the pipe wall and the magnetic shield and the magnetic shield extending along the length of the antenna.
US09217324B2	Method and apparatus for investigating a borehole with a caliper Embodiments of the present invention relate to a caliper and method for mapping the dimensions and topography of a formation such as the sidewall of a borehole. Examples of formations in which embodiments of the invention can be used include, but are not limited to, an oil, gas, pile borehole or barrette that has been drilled or excavated into the earth.
US09217320B2	Magnetically clamping a downhole component to a direction of a borehole casing Systems and methods for magnetically autonomously clamping a downhole component in a select direction of a borehole casing. The systems can include a sensor package that obtains a downhole measurement in a position in a cased borehole. The systems can include an integral magnetic clamp that removably clamps the downhole component (e.g., a downhole seismic shuttle) to the cased borehole. The systems can include a directional detector that outputs a select direction of the cased borehole relative to the downhole component. The systems can include a downhole controller that activates a portion of the integral magnetic clamp of the downhole component closest to the select direction output by the directional detector.
US09217303B2	Apparatus for connecting or disconnecting a threaded coupling between two riser joints An apparatus for connecting or disconnecting a threaded coupling between two riser joints, comprising: —a frame (11) provided with a space (12) for receiving the coupling; —a first drive wheel set (20) carried by the frame and comprising one or more drive wheels (21, 22) driven by a first drive motor (23) for rotating a main nut of the coupling; and —a second drive wheel set (40) carried by the frame and comprising one or more drive wheels (41, 42) driven by a second drive motor (43) for rotating a locking nut of the coupling. The drive wheels of the second drive wheel set are located on a level above the drive wheels of the first drive wheel set to allow them to engage with and rotate the locking nut when the drive wheels of the first drive wheel set are in engagement with the main nut.
US09217302B2	Triple activity drilling ship A triple activity drilling ship may be provided with two separate drilling centers, each including drilling apparatus. In addition, a trolley that is capable of supporting tubulars may be positioned between a first position within one of said drilling centers and a second position outside that drilling center. As a result, the trolley may be used to hold assembled tubulars while other activities are ongoing in one or more of the drilling centers.
US09217295B2	Cutting inserts, cones, earth-boring tools having grading features, and related methods Earth-boring tools include one or more cutting elements having at least one grading feature positioned a known distance from an initial working surface of the cutting element. Methods of grading cutting element loss on earth-boring tools include comparing locations of wear surfaces on cutting elements to locations of one or more grading features in or on the cutting elements. In some embodiments, a cutting element may comprise an insert having a generally cylindrical body, a substantially planar cutting face surface, a substantially arcuate side surface, and at least one grading feature. In additional embodiments, a cutting element may comprise a tooth having one or more grading features.
US09217294B2	Erosion resistant hard composite materials A hard composite composition comprises a binder, and a polymodal blend of matrix powder In an embodiment, the polymodal blend of matrix powder has at least one local maxima at a particle size of 30 μm or less, at least one local maxima at a particle size of 200 μm or more, and at least one local minima between a particle size of about 30 μm to about 200 μm that has a value that is less than the local maxima at a particle size of 30 μm or less.
US09217293B1	Reversible displacement auger tool An auger assembly designed for creation of bores at sites where solid earth has a layer of loose overburden comprising an elongated auger shaft presenting a working end, with outwardly extending, helical flighting along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. Apparatus proximal to the working end is operable to compress the loose material as the auger assembly is rotated in a first direction, and preferably is in the form of arcuate rake structure above the working end; the auger serves to compress the loose material during rotation in the first direction until the solid earth is encountered, whereupon the auger assembly is rotated in the opposite direction to form the bore within the solid earth. The auger assembly preferably includes an upper auger section and a detachably secured lower auger bit assembly. The auger assembly is particularly useful in the formation of cast-in-place cementious piles.
US09217292B2	Two-port percussion mole A percussion mole for inserting a ground-loop for a geothermal heat-pump apparatus. The ground-loop includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The mole comprises: a percussive drive mechanism; a first passage connectable to the first pipe, for receiving a driving fluid via the first pipe and delivering it to the drive mechanism, during insertion of the ground-loop; a second passage connectable to the second pipe, for exhausting the driving fluid from the drive mechanism via the second pipe, during insertion of the ground-loop; and a connection connecting the first passage with the second passage. The connection includes a non-return valve arranged to restrict flow of the driving fluid from the first passage to the second passage during insertion of the ground-loop but permit flow in the opposite direction, whereby after insertion, when the heat pump apparatus is in use, the ground-loop comprises the first and second pipes; the first and second passages; and the connection.
US09217282B2	Window covering and operating system A window covering includes a head rail that supports a panel by lift cords such that one end of the panel may be raised and lowered relative to the head rail. An operating system controls movement of the panel and includes spools coupled to the lift cords such that rotation of the spools retracts and extends the lift cords. A shaft is connected to a spool of the lift spool assembly and to a brake and a spring motor. The spring motor applies a motor force to the shaft and the brake applies a brake force to the shaft such that the forces generated by the spring motor and brake hold the panel in the desired position.
US09217268B2	Furniture hinge A furniture hinge includes a carrier arm and a door fitting having a recessed cup that is rotatably disposed at one end of the carrier arm. A fastening plate is adjustably connected to another end of the carrier arm. A mounting plate is longitudinally adjustably attached to the fastening plate and is attachable to a furniture body. Either the fastening plate or the mounting plate includes a guide wall having a guide slot where the guide wall is bent perpendicularly to a plane of the respective plate. The other of the fastening plate or the mounting plate includes a guide tongue extending into the guide slot where the guide tongue is parallel to a plane of the other respective plate.
US09217258B2	Method and chamber for exposure to non-allergic rhinitis trigger environments The present invention is a method and chamber for exposure of human subjects to non-allergic rhinitis (“NAR”) trigger environments. The method occurs in a NAR chamber and involves tests that expose subjects to environmental triggers known to induce NAR symptoms. The chamber may be an enclosure capable of housing multiple subjects, constructed to facilitate the NAR tests and/or challenges and operable to create one or more NAR environments within the chamber. A different NAR environment may be required for each test. The chamber may facilitate the creation and containment of a specific NAR environment relating to a NAR test and/or challenge within the chamber for a particular period of time and achieve air-flow therein whereby subjects positioned within the chamber may be exposed to a NAR trigger environment in a virtually consistent manner. NAR tests and challenges may be assessed and the results thereof may be stored, compiled and/or reported.
US09217256B2	Concrete lifting anchors An edge lift anchor for a concrete product, the anchor having a head portion for coupling to lifting equipment and an anchoring portion, and a separate member mounted on the anchor and having integral legs extending to each side of the anchoring portion to increase the lifting capacity of the anchor. Alternatively or in addition, the separate member may provide a mounting for a tension bar to increase the lifting capacity. The invention also provides a support chair for retaining the edge lift anchor, together with an associated shear bar and tension bar if present.
US09217248B2	Column assembly for use in building foundation systems and methods of assembling same A column assembly for use in a building foundation system is described herein. The column assembly includes a height adjustment assembly for use in adjusting an overall length of the column assembly. The height adjustment assembly includes an access tube assembly and a rod assembly. The access tube assembly includes a tube cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rod assembly is rotatably coupled to the access tube assembly and extends outwardly from the access tube assembly along the longitudinal axis. A reinforcement assembly is coupled to the height adjustment assembly. A column connector assembly is coupled to the reinforcement assembly and includes a baseplate that is coupled to the access tube assembly. The baseplate includes an access opening extending therethrough that provides access to the tube cavity through the access opening.
US09217243B2	Drain cleaning tool The tool for cleaning a drain includes a handle, a strip member, and an end piece. The handle inserts and removes the tool from the drain. The strip member has an elongated and undulated shape and is formed by segments. Each segment has a curvature with a concave side and convex side, which alternate from adjacent segments. Each segment also has barbs on each concave side. The barbs are shielded by an adjacent convex side of an adjacent segment. The end piece connects to a bottom segment of the strip member and has a collar and tip. The collar has a protective shoulder to shield barbs of the bottom segment and an actuatable spike to collect debris when bent. The tip has a distal point with prongs and a distal shoulder, which shields the prongs. The tip may also include a shaft with shaft barbs protected by a shaft shoulder.
US09217224B2	Print head arrangement and method of depositing a substance A system for depositing a substance onto a substrate comprises continuously transporting the substrate in a transport direction while traversing a deposition arrangement across the substrate to deposit the substance in a number of swathes. During such movement the positions of the deposition arrangement and the substrate are controlled with respect to one another such that the swathes complement one another to provide substantially uniform coverage of the substrate. As a result of the defined arrangement, improved substrate speeds can be achieved since there is no need for the substrate to stop at each traverse.
US09217223B2	Method for preparing a textile material and a textile material thus prepared and produced The present invention is directed towards a method for preparing and/or treating a fluid and/or moister absorbing basic material (1), illustrated as a textile soft material, to form an allergen or allergens impregnated material (2). It is here suggested a first processing step (S1), for the production of said absorbing basic material (a1), one or more intermediate processing steps (S2), for a sequential treatment of said basic absorbing material (1), including a first step (S2a) of adding one or more diluted antigen or antigens (5) to said dried absorbing basic material (1) in an extent to be fully absorbed by said material (1) and a second step (S2b) where said diluted antigen or antigens, within said absorbing basic material (1), and said material (1) is treated during an under-pressure sequence followed by an over-pressure sequence, or vice versa and, a final processing step (S3), where said treated absorbing material “a2”, with diluted antigen or antigens (5), is dried (S3a) in order to form an allergen or allergens impregnated soft material (2).
US09217206B2	Enhanced porosification Forming a porous layer on a silicon substrate. Forming the porous layer can include placing a first silicon substrate in a solution, where a first electrode is within a threshold distance to an edge of the silicon substrate. It can further include conducting a first current through the silicon substrate, where the first electrode can be positioned relative to the edge allowing for substantially uniform porosification along the edge of the first silicon substrate.
US09217197B2	Methods for depositing a layer on a substrate using surface energy modulation Methods for depositing layers on substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of forming a layer on a substrate having at least one feature disposed therein includes forming a conformal layer on an upper surface of the substrate and within the at least one feature by sputtering a target material using a first plasma that reduces the surface energy of the target material such that the sputtered target material wets the upper surface of the substrate and the at least one feature to form the conformal layer; and filling at least a portion of the at least one feature by sputtering the target material using a second plasma different from the first plasma to increase the surface energy of the sputtered target material and the conformal layer such that at least portions of the conformal layer are pulled into the at least one feature by capillary action.
US09217193B2	Aluminum alloy for plain bearing, plain bearing and production method for the bearing With regard to an Al—Cr—Zr based alloy having annealing temper, a high temperature strength at 180 to 200 degrees C. is ensured. An aluminum alloy for a plain bearing having improved fatigue resistance is to be provided. An aluminum alloy for a plain bearing solving the problems has a composition of 3 to 7 mass % Mg, 0.1 to 0.3 mass % Cr, and 0.1 to 0.3 mass % Zr, with the balance being Al and inevitable impurities. A principal structure of the aluminum alloy consist of an Al matrix containing solute Mg, minute particles of Cr, and Zr.
US09217190B2	Sterling silver alloy and articles made from same An improved sterling silver alloy. Like all sterlings, the improved alloy is at least 92.5 percent silver by weight. It has less copper than traditional sterlings: 3.0 percent versus the traditional 7.5 percent. Additionally, the improved alloy includes about 2.75 percent palladium, about 1.0 percent tin, and about 0.75 percent zinc, all by weight. A grain refiner, such as ruthenium, may also be provided. The components of the preferred alloy are melted, degassed, remelted, and then formed into casting grains, wire, and etc. The resulting alloy is significantly harder, as cast, than traditional sterlings: 95-120 Vickers versus 65 Vickers for traditional sterlings. The improved alloy also exhibits improved corrosion resistance. Other than a slightly higher (<200° F.) liquidus temperature, the improved alloy may be worked in substantially the same manner as traditional sterlings. Pieces cast from the improved alloy may be age hardened to about 160 Vickers, if desired.
US09217183B2	Method for producing isopropanol and recombinant yeast capable of producing isopropanol Isopropanol is produced with good productivity via fermentation processes. Specifically, isopropanol is produced at a high level in a medium by culturing recombinant yeast into which an acetoacetyl CoA synthase gene and a group of genes (isopropanol synthesis-related gene group) encoding a group of enzymes for synthesis of isopropanol from acetoacetyl CoA have been introduced.
US09217176B2	Methods of monitoring conditions by sequence analysis There is a need for improved methods for determining the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with conditions, including autoimmune disease and cancer. Provided herein are methods for using DNA sequencing to identify personalized biomarkers in patients with autoimmune disease and other conditions. Identified biomarkers can be used to determine the disease state for a subject with an autoimmune disease or other condition.
US09217174B2	Magnetic lysis method and device A method for lysing cells is disclosed. The method includes stirring cells with a magnetic stir element in the presence of a plurality of cell lysis beads at a speed sufficient to lyse the cells. Also disclosed is a device for lysing cells. The device includes a container having a magnetic stir element and a plurality of cell lysis beads disposed therein. The container is dimensioned to allow rotation of the magnetic stir element inside the container.
US09217173B2	Method of polyadenylation and CDNA synthesis in a single reaction This invention relates to a process for synthesis of a cDNA in a sample, in an enzymatic reaction, wherein the process comprises the steps: simultaneous preparation of a first enzyme with polyadenylation activity, a second enzyme with reverse transcriptase activity, a buffer, at least one ribonucleotide, at least one deoxyribonucleotide, an anchor oligonucleotide; addition of a sample that comprises a ribonucleic acid; and incubation of the agents of the previous steps in one or more temperature steps, which are selected such that the first enzyme and the second enzyme show activity. The invention further relates to a reaction mixture that comprises a first enzyme with polyadenylation activity, a second enzyme with reverse transcriptase activity, optionally a buffer, optionally at least one ribonucleotide, optionally at least one deoxyribonucleotide, and optionally an anchor oligonucleotide. Moreover, the invention relates to a kit that comprises a corresponding reaction mixture.
US09217168B2	Methods of cell culture Polypeptide preparations having target levels of glycans, and methods of producing such polypeptide preparations using putrescine, are described.
US09217164B2	Nitrilases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
US09217158B2	Replication-defective flavivirus vaccines and vaccine vectors This invention provides replication-defective flavivirus vaccines and vaccine vectors, and corresponding compositions and methods.
US09217155B2	Isolation of novel AAV'S and uses thereof The invention in some aspects relates to isolated nucleic acids, compositions, and kits useful for identifying adeno-associated viruses in cells. In some aspects, the invention provides kits and methods for producing somatic transgenic animal models using recombinant AAV (rAAV) to an animal having at least one transgene that expresses a small interfering nucleic acid or at least one binding site for a miRNA.
US09217146B2	Phase changing formulations of nucleic acid payloads The present invention is based, at least in part, upon discovery of a process for identifying phase changing peptides. Such phase changing peptides are capable of enhancing in vitro and in vivo delivery of oligonucleotides (e.g., dsRNAs) in lipidic, vesicular, micellar and/or naked oligonucleotide formulations.
US09217144B2	Assembly of high fidelity polynucleotides Methods and apparatus relate to the synthesis of high fidelity polynucleotides and to the reduction of sequence errors generated during synthesis of nucleic acids on a solid support. Specifically, design of support-bound template oligonucleotides is disclosed. Assembly methods include cycles of annealing, stringent wash and extension of polynucleotides comprising a sequence region complementary to immobilized template oligonucleotides. The error free synthetic nucleic acids generated therefrom can be used for a variety of applications, including synthesis of biofuels and value-added pharmaceutical products.
US09217141B2	Stabilized transglutaminase and process for production thereof Disclosed is a transglutaminase having excellent stability. Also disclosed is a process for producing the transglutaminase. Specifically disclosed is a stabilized transglutaminase, which has such a structure in which a pro-sequence peptide of transglutaminase is bound to a mature transglutaminase. Also specifically disclosed is a process for producing stabilized transglutaminase, which includes the steps of: culturing a microorganism capable of producing transglutaminase under the conditions where transglutaminase can be produced; and separating and collecting matured transglutaminase having a pro-sequence peptide bound thereto from a culture medium.
US09217136B2	Chimeric Newcastle disease viruses and uses thereof Described herein are chimeric Newcastle disease viruses engineered to express a heterologous interferon antagonist and compositions comprising such viruses. The chimeric Newcastle disease viruses and compositions are useful in the treatment of cancer.
US09217132B2	Microfluidic transducer Provided herein are apparatuses and methods for fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells. For example, some embodiments provide a disposable microfluidic device designed to position a sample to be in direct contact with a high frequency vibrating element that emits an ultrasonic frequency into the sample such that the vibrational energy transduced into the sample results in fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells.
US09217128B2	Composition including one or more hydrolytically unstable components A composition is provided which is suitable for use in a cleaning or washing process. The composition is contained in an aqueous sensitive device and includes at least one aqueous sensitive component and a non-aqueous carrier component for stabilizing said aqueous sensitive component. The non-aqueous carrier component includes a mineral oil and a gelling agent.
US09217117B2	Friction modifier and their use in lubricants and fuels A non-aqueous lubricating composition containing a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity and a minor amount, in the range of 0.02% to 5% by weight, of at least one compound represented by the structural formula (I): wherein R4 represents H or a C1 to C9 hydrocarbyl group or x, y and z are independently integers in the range 1 to 6; and R1, R2 and R3 each independently represent a C1 to C10 hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group.
US09217115B2	Use of tetrahydroberizoxazines as stabilisers The use of tetrahydrobenzoxazines I where R1 is a hydrocarbyl radical and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups or hydrocarbyl radicals, and where R2 to R5 may also form a second and a third tetrahydrooxazine ring, with the proviso that at least one of the substituents has from 4 to 3000 carbon atoms and the remaining substituents, when they are hydrocarbyl radicals, each have from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, as stabilizers for stabilizing inanimate organic material, especially turbine fuels, against the action of light, oxygen and heat.
US09217114B2	Synthesis of liquid fuels and chemicals from oxygenated hydrocarbons Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of mono-oxygenated hydrocarbons to aromatics and gasonline range hydrocarbons where the oxygenated hydrocarbons are derived from biomass.
US09217111B2	Process for converting a solid biomass material A process for converting a solid biomass material by contacting the solid biomass material with a catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of more than 400° C. in a riser reactor to produce one or more cracked products is provided, wherein the riser reactor is an internal riser reactor.
US09217107B2	Amine based additive composition for control and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers, and method of use thereof The present invention relates to an improved amine based additive composition for control and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene comprising one or more of the quinone methide or derivatives thereof, one or more of nitroxide compounds and further comprising one or more of aliphatic tertiary amines. In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of use of presently provided composition. In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of controlling and inhibiting polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers, particularly of styrene by employing presently provided composition. In still another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of preparation of presently provided composition.
US09217103B2	Well servicing fluid A well servicing fluid is formulated with ingredients comprising a viscosifying polymer that is a crosslinked copolymer of an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydride and an alkyl vinyl ether, or the di-acid thereof; a pH adjuster capable of maintaining a pH of 5.5 or greater; and a solvent. Methods include treating a well formation with the wellbore servicing fluid and methods also include making the wellbore servicing fluid.
US09217094B2	Superhydrophobic compositions The present invention relates to a stable dispersion comprising at least, but not limited to, three key elements that, when combined accordingly, can achieve the desired superhydrophobic results; the at least three elements being a hydrophobic component, nano-structured particles and water.
US09217085B2	Method of coating an inorganic substrate with a stable organic layer A method for coating a metallic or inorganic substrate is described, such as metal or glass supports, with an organic layer comprising conjugated diene phosphinate or phosphonate compounds.
US09217075B2	Rubber composition for tire, and pneumatic tire Provided are a rubber composition for a tire which makes it possible to improve the handling stability and fuel economy in a well-balanced manner by a simple method without requiring any chemical reaction process for surface treatment of microfibrillated plant fibers; and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The rubber composition for a tire contains: a rubber component; microfibrillated plant fibers; a phenol resin; and a curing agent. It is preferable that the rubber component should include at least one selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, modified natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and modified synthetic rubber, and it is preferable that the microfibrillated plant fibers should be cellulose microfibrils.
US09217071B2	Fluorescent compound, method for producing the same, and fluorescent resin composition The present invention provides a fluorescent compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 each independently represent a substituent selected from a linear, branched or cyclic monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aryloxy group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, halogen atom, hydrogen atom, amino group, cyano group, amine-containing group, and siloxane-containing group; with the proviso that when an amine-containing group as the substituent is not included, at least one of R1 to R4 is a siloxane-containing group represented by Sx-A-, and that when an amine-containing group as the substituent is included, at least one of R1 to R4 and a substituent of the amine-containing group is a siloxane-containing group represented by Sx-A-; a method of producing the same; and a fluorescent resin composition containing the same.
US09217068B2	Alkaline earth metal aluminate spinels and methods for the preparation and use thereof High surface area alkaline earth aluminate spinel materials are disclosed, together with methods for the preparation thereof from one or more alkaline earth metal salts and a water soluble non-ionic polymer. A nanocrystalline alkaline earth metal aluminate spinel prepared according to the method is also provided.
US09217064B2	Thermosetting resins with enhanced cure characteristics containing organofunctional silane moieties A reactive, non-hydrolyzable silane. The silane comprises a quaternary silicon atom and first and second terminal groups. Each of the first and second terminal groups is chemically bonded to the quaternary silicon atom and is selected from a group consisting of cyanate ester, epoxide, episulfide, acrylate, alkene, styrenic, maleimide, phthalonitrile, acetylene, aryl ethynylene, benzoxazine, anthracene, aniline, trifluorovinyl ether, and perfluorocyclobutyl.
US09217061B2	Phosphorus-containing compounds and their preparation process and use A series of novel phosphorus-containing compounds having the formula: is provided in which R1-R4, A, Q and m are as defined in the specification. A process for the preparation of the compound of formula (I) is also provided. A polymer of formula (PA), and preparation process and use thereof, as well as a polymer of formula (PI), and preparation process and use thereof are also provided.
US09217042B2	Method of reducing MACE in diabetic patients subsequent to stent placement This invention relates to the use of dual variable domain antibodies to locate naturally-occurring beneficial agents or therapeutic agents at a region of stent implantation in diabetic patients who have undergone stent implantation.
US09217036B2	Prion protein as a receptor for amyloid-β oligomers The invention provides methods of inhibiting suppression of long term potentiation, improving acute memory retention and spatial memory performance and treating Alzheimer's disease by administration of a PrPc antagonist or combinations thereof. Additionally, this invention provides pharmaceutical kits comprising, and methods for making and using, such combinations, as well as methods of identifying molecules that could function as PrPc antagonists.
US09217029B2	Antibodies against clostridium difficile toxins and uses thereof Antibodies that specifically bind to toxins of C. difficile, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using the antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof are provided herein.
US09217028B2	Human cytomegalovirus neutralising antibodies and use thereof The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and antibody fragments having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for a combination of hCMV proteins UL130 and UL131A, or for a combination of hCMV proteins UL128, UL130 and UL131A. The invention relates also to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of disease.
US09217026B2	Method of inactivating a glucocorticoid receptor gene in an isolated cell Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivation of the human glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene by targeted cleavage of genomic DNA encoding the GR. Such methods and compositions are useful, for example, in therapeutic applications which require retention of immune function during glucocorticoid treatment.
US09217022B2	GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds having stabilized regions The disclosure provides GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds having stabilized regions corresponding to alpha-helical regions of the natural peptide compounds. The disclosure also provides benzamide-containing exendin-4 analogs and alkene-constrained exendin-4 analogs, both of which have stabilized regions corresponding to alpha-helical regions of exendin-4.
US09217018B2	HSP70 fusion protein conjugates and uses thereof The present invention relates to novel therapies that utilize HSP70 fusion proteins for the treatment of disorders or conditions regulated by HSP70.
US09217011B2	Non-natural proteinaceous scaffold made of three non-covalently associated peptides The present invention is related to a non-natural, thermodynamically stable, proteinaceous scaffold consisting of three non-covalently associated peptides, wherein each peptide sequence comprises less than fifty amino acid residues and wherein at least 50% of the said residues are substitutable amino acids into at least ten different amino acid residue types. The present invention is further related to a non-natural, triple-stranded, parallel alpha-helical coiled coil scaffold wherein each of the three constituting peptide sequences comprise between 2 and 7 consecutive heptad repeats of the formula cxxcxxx (SEQ ID NO: 10), wherein at least 70% of the core c-residues are isoleucines, wherein all non-core x-residues are alanines, and wherein the constituting peptide sequences remain associated under physical conditions that are significantly different from physiological conditions.
US09216997B2	Tri-heterocyclic derivatives, preparation process and uses thereof The present invention relates to a tri-heterocyclic derivatives, preparation process and uses thereof, specifically relates to a tri-heterocyclic derivatives of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation process, and further relates to a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising compounds of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and their pharmaceutical use as inhibitors of kinase.
US09216996B2	Substituted 2,3,4,5,7,9,13,13a-octahydropyrido[1′,2′:4,5]pyrazino[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepines and methods for treating viral infections Compounds for use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are disclosed. The compounds have the following Formula (I): including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, X, W, Y1, Y2, Z1, and Z4are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US09216991B2	Pyrimidine pyrazolyl derivatives The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.
US09216986B1	Quinoline derivatives as PDE10A enzyme inhibitors The present invention provides quinoline derivatives of formula I that are PDE10A enzyme inhibitors, and as such are useful to treat neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Especially, the invention provides compounds that are highly selective for PDE10 over other PDE subtypes. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the invention and methods of treating disorders using the compounds of the invention.
US09216984B2	3-[4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-D]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]octane—or heptane-nitrile as JAK inhibitors The present invention relates to the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors 3-[4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]octanenitrile or 3-[4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]heptanenitrile, as well as its compositions and methods of use, which is useful in the treatment of JAK-associated diseases including, for example, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, skin disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US09216975B2	TRPV1 vanilloid receptor antagonists with a bicyclic portion The invention discloses compounds of formula I wherein Y is a group of formula A, B, C, D, or E: and W, Q, n, R1, R2, R3, U1-U5, J and K have the meanings given in the description. The compounds of formula I are TRPV1 antagonists and are useful as active ingredients of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pain and other conditions ameliorated by the inhibition of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1.
US09216972B2	Tricyclic heterocyclic compounds Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) or stereoisomers or salts thereof, wherein: X1, X2, X3, W, Q1, Q2, and G2 are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds as selective agonists for G protein-coupled receptor S1P1, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. These compounds are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases or disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas, such as autoimmune diseases and vascular disease.
US09216958B2	2,6-dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-substituted-pyrimidines, pyrimidine-carbaldehydes, and methods of formation and use 2,6-Dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-substituted-pyrimidines, 2,6-dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-pyrimdine carbaldehydes, and derivatives of each are useful intermediates in forming potent herbicides that demonstrate a broad spectrum of weed control. These compounds are disclosed, as are methods of forming and using these compounds.
US09216955B2	Polymorphic form of Fexofenadine hydrochloride, intermediates and process for its preparation The present invention relates to a novel polymorphic form of Fexofenadine hydrochloride, to a process for preparing it, to pharmaceutical compositions containing it, as well as its use. The invention also relates to intermediates useful for the preparation of Fexofenadine hydrochloride, antihistamine drug used in the treatment of allergy symptoms.
US09216938B2	Process for the production of (meth)acrylic acid and derivatives and polyers produced therefrom A method of extracting (meth)acrylic acid from an aqueous reaction medium into an organic phase in contact therewith is described. The aqueous reaction medium is formed from at least one base catalyst and at least one dicarboxylic acid selected from maleic, fumaric, malic, itaconic, citraconic, mesaconic, and citramalic acid or mixtures thereof in aqueous solution and contains the base catalysed decarboxylation products of the base catalysed reaction. The method includes either the addition of at least one of the said dicarboxylic acids and/or a pre-cursor thereof to the aqueous reaction medium to enhance the solvent extraction of the (meth)acrylic acid into the organic solvent or maintaining the level of base catalyst to dicarboxylic acid and/or pre-cursor at a sub-stoichiometric level during the extraction process. The method extends to a process of producing (meth)acrylic acid, its esters and polymers and copolymers thereof.
US09216937B2	Water concentration reduction process The present disclosure relates generally to water concentration reduction processes within an adipic acid process. The present invention also includes process for converting a glucose-containing feed derived from a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product wherein the process includes the steps of: converting glucose in the feed to a reaction product including a hydrodeoxygenation substrate and a first concentration of water; reducing the concentration of water in the reaction product to produce a feedstock including the hydrodeoxygenation substrate and second concentration of water, wherein the second concentration of water is less than the first concentration of water; and converting at least a portion of the hydrodeoxygenation substrate in the feedstock to an adipic acid product. Processes are also disclosed for producing hexamethylene diamine and caprolactam from the adipic acid product.
US09216936B2	Process for recovering halogen promoters and removing permanganate reducing compounds This invention relates to processes for producing acetic acid and, in particular, to improved processes for recovering C2+ alkyl halides and removing permanganate reducing compounds formed during the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid.
US09216931B1	Process for recovering olefins in polyolefin plants A process for recovering unreacted olefin in a polyolefin manufacturing process comprising the treatment of a purge bin vent gas. The process involves cooling and condensing the vent gas (purge stream), which contains at least an olefin, a paraffin, and hydrogen, to produce a liquid condensate and an uncondensed (residual) gas stream. Both streams are then passed through membrane separation steps. The membrane separation of the uncondensed gas stream results in a residue stream containing mostly nitrogen and/or paraffin and a permeate stream enriched in either C2+ hydrocarbons or olefin, depending on the type of separation. The permeate from this step is recirculated within the process prior to the condensation step. The membrane separation of the condensate results in a residue stream containing paraffin and a permeate stream enriched in olefin, which may be recycled to the polymerization reactor.
US09216925B2	Method for producing aggregates from cement compositions A method for producing aggregates from fresh cement compositions, included concrete and residual concrete is disclosed, comprising the addition of a) flash setting accelerators and b) super-absorbent polymers to fresh unset cement compositions and blending this mixture until granular materials are formed.
US09216920B2	Methods and apparatus for controlled scrubbing and aeration of liquid medium An apparatus and method for controlled ventilation and aeration of liquid medium includes a dome supported by a flotation device, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lower housing connected to the dome, wherein a sealed space is defined under the dome and above the flotation liquid, one or more orifices, the orifices configured in the dome, and an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, wherein the aeration apparatus comprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween.
US09216915B2	Inverse fluidization for purifying fluid streams A method for removing a contaminant from a fluid system comprises contacting the fluid system with an inversely fluidized material, for example a particulate aerogel, thereby removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the fluid system. The method can be used to remove oil or other organic materials from wastewater streams. It can be conducted in a fluidized bed, which includes nanoporous particles and a fluidizing medium, wherein the nanoporous particles have a density lower than that of the fluidizing medium.
US09216903B2	Conversion of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and electrical power A process for the conversion of a hydrocarbon to CO2 and electrical power is described which includes subjecting a gas mixture of a hydrocarbon feed stream and steam to an integrated reforming process including stages of steam reforming in a gas-heated reformer and secondary reforming to generate a reformed gas mixture, increasing the hydrogen content of the reformed gas mixture by subjecting it to one or more water-gas-shift stages, cooling the resulting hydrogen-enriched reformed gas and separating condensed water therefrom, passing the resulting de-watered hydrogen-enriched reformed gas to one or more stages of carbon dioxide separation to recover carbon dioxide, combusting the remaining hydrogen-containing fuel stream with an oxygen containing gas in a gas turbine to generate electrical power and passing the exhaust gas mixture from the gas turbine to a heat recovery steam generation system that feeds one or more steam turbines to generate additional electrical power.
US09216902B2	Method for the production of ethene and synthesis gas in circulating fluidized bed The present invention relates to a method for the production of ethene, CO, and hydrogen in a reactor with a circulating fluidized bed with two independent sections, from feedstocks that contain hydrocarbons with at least 11 carbon atoms or from feedstocks with a high oxygen content, using a catalyst in particulate form. The method teaches that in one of the sections of the reactor, in the absence of oxygen, a catalyst containing a dehydrogenation metal promotes the cracking of the said feedstocks, facilitating the subsequent endothermic reactions. In the other section, the coke is burned with air and the heating of the catalyst is controlled, for the adjustment of the appropriate amount of energy that the heated catalyst will convey to the section in which the endothermic reactions take place. The total ethene yield of the process according to the present invention is approximately 20% by weight in relation to the feedstock.
US09216900B2	Preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon tubes A method for synthesizing nitrogen-doped carbon tubes involves preparing a solution of cyanamide and a suitable transition metal-containing salt in a solvent, evaporating the solvent to form a solid, and pyrolyzing the solid under an inert atmosphere under conditions suitable for the production of nitrogen-doped carbon tubes from the solid. Pyrolyzing for a shorter period of time followed by rapid cooling resulted in a tubes with a narrower average diameter.
US09216896B1	Animal halter A halter for positioning on the heads of animals with a nose band, a poll band, and cheek straps and a chin strap connected between them. The nose band formed from a nose strap and a jaw strap connected at opposed ends to a slot halter link. The poll band formed from a poll strap and a throat strap connected at opposed ends to a strap ring. One end of the jaw strap inserted through a halter link slot and attached to a slide buckle on the jaw strap. One end of the throat strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the throat strap. One end of the poll strap inserted through a strap ring and attached to a slide buckle on the poll strap. The poll strap may have two strap elements with a fastener to connect and disconnect the two strap elements.
US09216892B2	Automated fuel quality detection and dispenser control system and method, particularly for aviation fueling applications A fuel quality monitoring system and method to automatically and/or continuously monitor quality of fuel dispensed and control the operation of the fuel dispenser. The control system monitors fuel quality to prevent unsafe refuelings when the fuel quality is unacceptable. In one embodiment, a combination of a differential pressure sensor and a fuel quality monitoring device. If fuel quality is at an acceptable level although not ideal, the control system can allow fueling with the generation of reports and alarms. If the fuel quality is unacceptable, fuel flow can be stopped. If the differential pressure across the filter indicates a high degree of debris and/or water retention, the control system can automatically lower the flow rate to reduce the risk of filter breakdown without completely preventing fueling until the filter can be replaced.
US09216891B2	Refueling assembly including a flow guide A refueling assembly of an engine is provided. The refueling assembly includes a housing, a door positioned within the housing and a flow guide positioned within the housing and downstream of the door including an inlet in fluidic communication with the door, an outlet to flow fuel into a downstream filler pipe in fluidic communication with a fuel tank during a refueling operation, a planar nozzle seating section receiving a fuel nozzle during the refueling operation, and a contraction section positioned downstream of the planar nozzle seating section.
US09216889B2	Self-closing gravity-actuated tap A tap for dispensing flowable materials. The tap includes a body and a plunger positioned within a channel in the body. The plunger is movable between first, second, and third positions. The plunger and the body form a first seal when the plunger is in the first position, and a second seal when the plunger is in the second position. Flowable material may pass through the channel when the plunger is the third position. The tap also includes a connector to sealingly engage the body with a flowable material source and establish fluid communication between the flowable material source and the channel.
US09216885B1	Bladder and engagement device for storage tank An apparatus and method for collection and containment of collected materials is provided. The apparatus can include a vacuum truck with at least one vacuum tank disposed thereon, the vacuum tank having a hollow interior region. A flexible bladder can be disposed within the hollow interior region of the vacuum tank. The bladder can be impermeable to and compatible with the collected material and capable of containing the material therewithin.
US09216884B2	Narrow aisle load handler and material handling vehicle including a narrow aisle load handler A material handling vehicle includes a vehicle body with a vertically extendible mast fixed to the vehicle body. A fork support is fixed relative to the mast and has a first side and a second side. The first side faces away from the second side. A first fork is mounted to the fork support and is movable between a first fork stored position and a first fork working position. In the first fork working position, the first fork extends substantially perpendicularly from the first side of the fork support. A second fork is mounted to the fork support and is movable between a second fork stored position and a second fork working position. In the second fork working position, the second fork extends substantially perpendicularly from the second side of the fork support.
US09216883B2	Clamp-on fork lift attachment with stabilizer bar A clamp-on fork lift attachment having spaced tines which may be temporarily secured to the blade portion of a loader bucket used on equipment such as backhoe loaders and front end loaders includes a lifting plate, a leveling indicator, tie-down elements and a stabilizer bar connected between the spaced tines.
US09216865B2	Equipment for unloading bulk freighter and bulk carrier An equipment for unloading a bulk carrier comprises a plurality of structures fastened to a fixed platform, the plurality of structures is fastened to the fixed platform mutually parallel, each structure comprising a mobile element having fastening elements which are associated to a projection of at least a removable hold of a bulk carrier, the mobile element being displaced from a first position (A) to a second position (B) so as to tilt at least a removable hold onto an apron feeder and then to a system of conveyor belts. Also, a bulk carrier comprises at least a removable hold including a compartment for transporting bulk products having a plurality of projections disposed in a longitudinal line and mutually parallel at a first end of the removable hold and an articulation mechanism disposed along a second end of the removable hold parallel to and opposite the first end.
US09216861B2	Conveyor and conveying method A conveyor is provided with a conveyor section, a controller, a confirming part and a detecting part. The conveyor section conveys a belt-shaped work having a plurality of reference points arrayed discontinuously on a surface. The controller selectively operates the conveyor section for intermittently conveying the work for each prescribed interval as a first conveying mode and continuously conveying the work as a second conveying mode. The controller further operates continues the first conveying mode when the reference points are confirmed by a confirming part during the first conveying mode and switching to the second conveying mode when the reference points are not confirmed by the confirming part. The controller further continues the second conveying mode until the reference points are detected by the detecting part during the second conveying mode and switching to the first conveying mode when the reference points are detected by the detecting part.
US09216858B2	Bottle receiving and detection apparatus and method therefore An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.
US09216845B2	Leak-resistant slider select zipper The present disclosure relates to a leak-resistant slider zipper. The zipper typically includes end seals at the opening and closing ends of the zipper, an upper and a lower set of interlocking elements, first and second upper flanges above the upper interlocking elements having no gaps or cut-outs therein, and first and second lower flanges below the lower interlocking elements, one of the lower flanges being folded back on itself, and a slider.
US09216843B2	Stackable container system A stackable container system may comprise a beverage container, a beverage container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container lids. In addition to storing beverage ingredients, the stackable container system can also be used to store other edible and inedible ingredients.
US09216841B1	Offshore cargo rack for use in transferring palletized loads between a marine vessel and an offshore platform A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform (for example, oil and gas well drilling or production platform) provides a frame having a base, a front, a rear, upper and lower end portions and side walls. The lower end of the frame has a floor. Openings in the base align with forklift tine tubes or sockets. The frame includes a pair of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the base that include at least left and right side walls. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame including a gate at least at the front and at least at the rear of the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions. The gates enable a forklift to place loads on the floor by accessing either the front of the frame or the rear of the frame. Each gate can be pivotally attached to a corner column.
US09216838B2	Frangible shipping carton and associated methods A selectively frangible shipping carton for storing and shipping goods comprises at least one side wall joining a top wall and a bottom wall. A path of weakness extends around a periphery of the carton through at least a portion of the side wall. The path of weakness enables a user to manually separate the carton into at least two portions: an upper portion including the top wall and a lower portion including the bottom wall. A pair of lines of weakness extends upwardly relative to the path of weakness and terminates at or adjacent the top wall. A grip flap defined in the side wall between the pair of lines of weakness, the grip flap being graspable by the user when separating the carton into the at least two portions.
US09216836B1	Plastic injection molding and process Plastic containers are described herein that are injection molded with an high density polyethylene (HDPE) blow molding grade resin having a density of about 0.960 to about 0.965 g/cc and a melt index of about 0.7 to about 1.0 g/10 min. at injection temperatures of about 570° F. to about 670° F. and mold cavity pressures of about 20,000 psig to about 27,000 psig. Relatively thin walled, rigid, containers, such as livestock feed containers, may be manufactured as described using about 20% to 50% less material while retaining strength and durability comparable to containers molded of HDPE injection molding grade resins.
US09216835B2	Translating application labels A method and computing device for translating application labels are included herein in which a selection of an application label for translation may be detected. A customized label to replace the application label may also be received. The application label may be replaced with the customized label. Also, the selection of the customized label may be sent to data storage comprising customized labels.
US09216834B2	Method for inserting cotton wads into containers The method for inserting cotton wads into containers uses a wad transport unit, which comprises two star wheels, each having three wad holders. The two star wheels are mounted rotatably on the same rotational axis but with an offset from each other, and each star wheel is driven by its own separate drive means. During rotation of the star wheels, one of the three wad holders of each star wheel is horizontally shifted in such a way that the three wad holders of each star wheel are arranged in a straight line and are thus located above three containers to be filled with the wads.
US09216833B2	Hanging parallel-push type queuing device for packaging by tubular material A hanging and parallel pushing lining-up device for a tubular material package which is a automatic packaging machine used for the pillow-type tubular material, comprises a hang-rail (10), a front propeller (40), a queuing means (20), a back propeller (42), a hang-rail (30) prepared for packaging, a hang-rail (21) for queuing and a hang-rail (33) for storage and waiting; a queuing means (20), comprising the hang-rail (21) for queuing and a movement synchronization module (24), the inlet section (22) of the hang-rail for queuing connects to the hang-rail (30) for storage and waiting, the outlet section (23) of the hang-rail for queuing connects to the exit end of the hang-rail (33) for storage and waiting; the front propeller (40) and the back propeller (42) both have a controlled pushing forward head (41, 43) which is able to extend out or shrink back horizontally. The hang-rail for storage and waiting comprises parallel hails, each width of which is the same as the length of the baffle grid (29). The whole width of rails at the inlet end of the hang-rail for storage and waiting is the same as the length of the outlet section. The number of rails is the same as that of the baffle grids of the outlet section.
US09216830B2	Method and device for detecting oscillatory failures in a position servocontrol subsystem of an aircraft control surface Methods and devices for detecting oscillatory faults in a positional servocontrol arrangement for an aircraft control surface are provided. The detection device estimates a reference position of the control surface and, with the aid of a model in which at each iteration a residual value of the previous iteration, multiplied by a dynamic gain, is injected, detects an oscillatory fault with the aid of this reference position.
US09216820B2	Device for assisting in piloting a hybrid helicopter, a hybrid helicopter provided with such a device, and a method implemented by said device A piloting assistance device for a hybrid helicopter is provided with a rotary wing, two half-wings (8′, 8″) provided respectively with first and second propellers (6′, 6″), and an engine installation continuously driving the rotary wing (100) and the propellers by meshing with a mechanical interconnection system. Furthermore, the device is provided with computer element (40) for determining maximum mean pitch (max) applicable to the first and second propellers without exceeding the power available for the propellers, the computer element determining the maximum mean pitch (max) as a function of the current mean pitch of the blades of the first and second propellers as measured in real time, of a maximum power that can be delivered by the engine installation, of a current power being delivered by the engine installation, and of a relationship determining a power gradient (GRD) as a function of pitch for the first and second propellers.
US09216815B2	Device for actuating a control surface of an aircraft The invention relates to a device (4) for actuating a control surface (2) of an aircraft, comprising: —a frame intended to be mounted fixed in relation to a structure of an aircraft, —a bell crank part (7) mobile in rotation in relation to the frame around an axis of rotation (X, X′) and adapted in order to be connected to a mechanical unit (1) for displacement of the control surface (2), —a slider (6) intended to be connected to a drive member (5), the slider (6) being mobile in translation in relation to the frame according to a direction of translation, parallel to the axis of rotation (X, X′) of the bell crank part (7), —first connecting means (61) between the slider (6) and the bell crank part (7) in order to convert a displacement in translation of the slider (6) generated by the drive member (5) into a displacement in rotation of the bell crank part (7), in order to actuate the mechanical unit (1) for displacement of the control surface (2), an input part (53, 16) able to be driven in rotation by the motor, —a control rod mounted fixed in relation to the frame and extending parallel to the axis of rotation (X) of the input part and at a distance from the latter, in order to block in rotation the slider in relation to the frame and authorize a translation of the slider in relation to the frame, the control rod extends through the slider (6). Application specific to the actuating of control surfaces incorporated into a thin airfoil.
US09216813B2	Inflatable and rigidizable support element The present invention provides novel inflatable and rigidizable support elements, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, the present invention provides inflatable and rigidizable support elements rapidly inflated and rigidized using an acrylic adhesive and UV light generated by combustion, which find use, for example, in rapidly deploying and supporting the wing of an aerial vehicle and wind turbine towers.
US09216812B2	Optimized torsion box for an aircraft An aircraft lifting surface with a torsion box of a composite material including an upper skin, a lower skin, a front spar, a rear spar, one or more intermediate spars and transverse ribs arranged between the rear spar and an adjacent intermediate spar and/or between the front spar and the adjacent intermediate spar.
US09216801B2	Floatation device Described herein are floatation devices, surfboards, surfboard blanks and methods of manufacture. The board or device design is altered by removal of a traditional stringer or stringers and instead form a composite of different foams to produce a board or device with improved strength and durability along with similar or even better board dynamics.
US09216799B2	System and method for transporting over water with multiple vessels A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.
US09216794B2	Front derailleur A front derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide, a link mechanism and a cable guiding structure. The base member is fixedly coupled to a bicycle. The chain guide is configured to guide a chain. The link mechanism movably couples the chain guide to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position in response to movement of an operation cable. The link mechanism includes a cable attachment portion that is configured to be attached to the operation cable. The cable guiding structure guides the operation cable from the cable attachment portion. The cable guiding structure is disposed on at least one of the base member and the link mechanism. The cable guiding structure has a cable exit that is arranged such that the operation cable exits forwardly from the cable guiding structure towards the front of the bicycle.
US09216791B2	Bicycle suspension system A bicycle rear suspension system including a seat stay member pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame, a chain stay member to which the rear tire is mounted and to which the seat stay member is pivotally attached at a location above the wheel mount, a link pivotally connected to the frame and to a frame-ward end of the chain stay member, and a shock absorber device.
US09216788B1	Bicycle saddle A bicycle saddle includes a leather cushion, a rail, and an adjusting assembly. The rail has a front end provided with an upward-extending portion, and has a rear end fixed to a rear end of the leather cushion. The adjusting assembly has a bolt holder, an adjusting bolt, and an adjusting seat. The bolt holder is fixed to a front end of the leather cushion and has a through hole. The adjusting bolt is rotatably received in the through hole of the bolt holder. The adjusting seat is fixed to the upward-extending portion of the rail and is screwed and engaged with the threaded trunk of the adjusting bolt. Thereby, the saddle is unlikely to sway and remains structurally stable during cycling, and noise can be effectively reduced.
US09216783B2	Cap and pin retention system A machine tread including a first and second pair of plates. The plates have corresponding first ends and second ends, and the second ends of the first pair include outer bores. The first ends of the second pair include aligned bushing bores. The first ends of the second pair fit between the second ends of the first pair, aligning the outer and bushing bores. Ends of a bushing including an inner bore engage the bushing bores forming a pin bore through the inner and outer bores. A retention pin fits in the segmented pin bore. A head end abuts an external surface of the first pair of plates and a locking end extends past the pin bore. A retention cap engages the locking end. A dowel pin fits through a dowel pin bore in the retention cap and the locking end to limit movement of the retention pin.
US09216777B2	Work vehicle A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, a seat section and a load-carrying platform disposed rearwardly of the seat section. A storage space is disposed rearwardly of the seat section and downwardly of the load-carrying platform, the storage space extending in a lateral width direction of the vehicle body, and the storage space opening toward a lateral side of the vehicle body.
US09216768B1	Vehicle crash management apparatus and methods of use and manufacture thereof Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular energy management apparatus that includes a lower frame that defines a raised portion disposed longitudinally between a vehicular power source and fuel system components. The raised portion can include an inclined portion defining an acute angle relative to the longitudinal direction, and disposed to guide movement of the power source upwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the components of the fuel system upon movement of the power source in the longitudinal direction. A mount assembly that mounts the power source to the lower frame is configured to fail and thereby detach the power source from the lower frame upon application of a predetermined threshold impact energy being transmitted to the power source, thereby enabling the power source to move in the longitudinal direction and resulting in dissipation of at least a portion of the impact energy.
US09216760B2	Steering gear A steering gear having a gearwheel, having a pinion which meshes with said gearwheel and having a pinion shaft which comprises the pinion and winch is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft wherein the radial spacing between the pivot axis and the location of toothed engagement between the gearwheel and pinion is smaller than the core radius of the pinion.
US09216753B2	Utility cart with rotatably sectioned center shelves A utility cart having individually rotatable shelves on each corner post, whereby each shelf is constructed and arranged to adjoin together to form a center interior shelf in horizontal disposition between pairs of corner posts, is disclosed herein. The utility cart includes a top shelf and a bottom shelf supported in a separated state by four corner posts. A center shelf is provided in the form of four individual shelves each rotatably secured to one of the corner posts to be rotatable thereabout. The center shelves may be rotated to fit within the confines of the cart to function as a single shelf similar to the upper and lower shelves, or they may be positioned in pairs adjacent each other and extending beyond the end(s) of the cart or individually anywhere in between.
US09216745B2	Shared control of semi-autonomous vehicles including collision avoidance in multi-agent scenarios A method for providing shared control over movement of a vehicle within a space. The method includes receiving user input related to a velocity and a direction for the vehicle within the space. The method includes processing the user input to selectively adjust the velocity and the direction desired by the user based on a set of predefined constraints to generate a trajectory for the vehicle for an upcoming time period. The method includes operating drive mechanisms in the vehicle based on the trajectory to move the vehicle from a first position to a second position within the space during the upcoming time period. A grid map defining locations of obstacles in the space may be used to define the trajectory to avoid collisions, and a guidance trajectory may be used to further control movement to achieve a desired throughput and control vehicle movement within particular portions of the space.
US09216741B2	Lock up clutch controls—high idle set point An engine control system is provided where the engine control system includes a torque converter, an engine connected to the torque converter, a transmission connected to the torque converter, a lock-up clutch housed in the torque converter wherein the lock-up clutch is configured to mechanically connect the engine and the transmission when the lock-up clutch is engaged, an engine speed sensor configured to obtain a prior engine speed which is measured prior to engagement of the lock-up clutch, a transmission speed sensor configured to obtain a prior transmission speed which is measured prior to the engagement of the lock-up clutch, and an engine control module configured to determine a desired engine speed at a speed lower than the prior engine speed and adjust a speed of the engine to the desired engine speed just prior to the movement of the lock-up clutch for the engagement or as the lock-up clutch moves toward the engagement.
US09216739B2	Vehicle travel control apparatus A vehicle travel control apparatus that can stop a subject vehicle at an optimum position, and at a subsequent restart time, suitably avoid an obstacle without imposing a burden on a driver is provided.The vehicle travel control apparatus allows a subject vehicle to travel on the basis of a predetermined set speed, controls the travel of the subject vehicle according to a situation around the subject vehicle, calculates a subject vehicle travel side virtual lane on which the subject vehicle can travel on a subject vehicle travel side, an oncoming vehicle travel side virtual lane on which the subject vehicle can travel on an oncoming vehicle travel side, and a residual road width of a subject vehicle travel road on the basis of a road width, the subject vehicle travel side virtual lane, and the oncoming vehicle travel side virtual lane, and stops, when a point at which the calculated residual road width is smaller than a given value is present, the travel of the subject vehicle at a position in front of the point.
US09216733B2	Control device for hybrid vehicle A control device for a hybrid vehicle is equipped with an engine, an electric motor, and a damper that is interposed in a motive power transmission path between the engine and the electric motor. The control device is equipped with a hysteresis mechanism and a controller. The hysteresis mechanism is provided in the damper, is configured to have a characteristic that a hysteresis torque that is generated due to a twist of the damper, which transmits a driving force from the electric motor toward the engine, in a negative direction is larger than a hysteresis torque that is generated due to a twist of the damper, which transmits a driving force from the engine toward the electric motor, in a positive direction, and is configured to reduce an engine rotational speed by the electric motor in stopping the engine. The controller is configured to cause a torque, of the electric motor to be output such that the damper assumes a state of being twisted in the negative direction when a torque in such a direction as to drive the engine is applied from the electric motor in stopping the engine.
US09216731B2	Control device for hybrid vehicle Provided is a control system for a hybrid vehicle capable of achieving engine startup while minimizing shock. In the control system for a hybrid vehicle, in response to an engine startup request, upon engagement of a clutch between a motor generator and a drive wheel and startup of the engine by the motor generator, engine startup is allowed when the engine startup request is present and the absolute value of the motor/generator output torque assumes a predetermined value or less.
US09216726B2	Vehicle and control method for vehicle An ECU executes a program including the steps of: executing fuel-cut control when an IG OFF operation has been performed and when a vehicle is traveling; executing deceleration control when vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a threshold value; ending the deceleration control and permitting restart of an engine when the vehicle speed has become lower than the threshold value; and controlling a first MG and the engine when an IG ON operation has been performed.
US09216725B2	Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust gas purification catalyst, a first motor-generator, an output section, a differential mechanism, a second motor-generator, and a controller. The output section is configured to transfer torque to driving wheels of the hybrid vehicle. The differential mechanism is configured to distribute the torque from the engine to the first motor-generator and the output section. The second motor-generator is connected to the output section through gears. The controller is configured to: (a) execute a temporarily changing the air-fuel ratio of the engine to a rich side as a rich spike operation when a specified condition is satisfied, and (b) set the specified condition so that the rich spike operation is easily executed as a motor torque of the second motor-generator increases.
US09216721B2	Method for brake control of a vehicle combination and brake control unit for a tractor vehicle In a method for controlling the brakes of a vehicle combination having a tractor equipped with an electronically controlled brake system, at least one front axle and one rear axle, and a trailer having at least one trailer axle, in the event of a brake actuation, a deceleration setpoint value is ascertained and compared to a deceleration actual value, and a current brake-application energy reference value is ascertained therefrom. Brake-application energy setpoint values for the tractor and trailer are ascertained from the current brake-application energy reference value and brake-application energy levels for the tractor and trailer while using stored characteristic maps, which illustrate the dependencies of the brake-application energy levels on the brake-application energy reference value or on the axle load distribution of the tractor. The characteristic maps are obtained as a function of at least one pre-definable influencing factor. For this, a loading state of the tractor and/or of the trailer and/or the vehicle combination is ascertained.
US09216717B2	Wiper control device A wiper control device controls a drive section for driving a wiper to operate at a target speed, thereby causing the wiper to perform wiping operation. The wiper control device includes a voltage monitoring section, which monitors a power source voltage supplied to the drive section, and a target speed setting section, which sets the target speed. When the power source voltage is lower than or equal to a threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed in accordance with the power source voltage. When the power source voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed at a constant value.
US09216714B2	Belt presenter system A belt presenter system for a seat belt system of a vehicle includes an arm (22) mounted on a vehicle pillar, wherein the arm (22) can adopt a feeding position (A) and a parking position (P). An end portion (40) of the arm (22) is connected to a fixed arm portion (36) via a hinge (42) so that the end portion (40) is bendable about a pivot axis relative to the fixed arm portion (36).
US09216710B2	Airbag inflator mounting apparatus, methods, and systems Methods, apparatus, and systems for coupling an airbag inflator with a housing, such as an airbag module housing or an adapter housing configured to be coupled with an airbag module housing. In some implementations, a housing comprising an opening may be provided. An inflator comprising a collar may be positioned in the housing such that the collar of the inflator extends into, or in some cases through, the opening of the housing. The inflator may be fixedly coupled with the housing by engaging an exterior surface of the inflator collar with at least one engagement structure, such as a retainer clip or crimp formed in a collar sleeve of the housing.
US09216707B2	Motor generator unit with multiplexed output A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission connected to the engine, an auxiliary electrical load, and an electrical system. The electrical system includes a high-voltage energy storage system (HV-ESS), an auxiliary/low-voltage energy storage system (LV-ESS) connected to the load, a full-bridge active rectifier/inverter, a semi-active auxiliary rectifier, and a motor generator unit (MGU) connected to the HV-ESS via the active rectifier/inverter, and to the LV-ESS via the semi-active auxiliary rectifier. A controller establishes a first operating mode in which the MGU is operated as a motor for restarting or assisting the engine via the active rectifier/inverter, and second operating mode in which the MGU operates as a generator and the semi-active rectifier provides an auxiliary DC output voltage to the LV-ESS and the load. Another vehicle has first and second switches in lieu of the semi-active rectifier, with the active rectifier connected to the HV-ESS and LV-ESS via different switches.
US09216704B2	Elastically averaged strap systems and methods In one aspect, an elastic averaging strap system for securing an object to a component having an aperture is provided. The system includes a strap having a first end and a second end. The strap second end couples to the strap first end such that the strap forms a loop around the object to retain the object therein. An alignment member extends from the first end, and the alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the component aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate positioning the object in a desired orientation relative to the component.
US09216702B1	Locking seam alignment guide for interior trim component cover A locking seam alignment guide may be utilized for attaching a fabric cover to a substrate to form an interior trim component in a vehicle passenger compartment. An elongate ribbon-like member has a longitudinal stitching flange and a longitudinal locking key depending from the stitching flange along a midline thereof. The longitudinal locking key has one of a cylindrical shape, and a triangular shape. The longitudinal stitching flange is one of a flange extending along one side of the midline, and a flange extending along both sides of the midline. The locking seam alignment guide can be stitched to a fabric cover and seated in a complementary keyway to hold the fabric cover to the substrate.
US09216691B2	Exterior mirror with spotter mirror A rearview mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having a principal mirror and an auxiliary wide angle spotter mirror. A curved recess is established at a spotter portion of a rear surface of a glass substrate of the mirror reflective element. A spotter mirror reflector coating is established at at least a portion of the curved recess to establish the auxiliary wide angle spotter mirror. A principal mirror reflector coating is established at a surface of the mirror reflective element to establish the principal mirror. A portion of the curved recess is substantially not coated with the spotter mirror reflector coating or a portion of the spotter mirror reflector coating is at least partially hidden from view of a person viewing the front of the mirror reflective element by a coating of the mirror reflective element.
US09216685B2	Power supply unit control device for internal combustion engine driven vehicle and internal combustion engine driven vehicle equipped with power supply unit control device There are provided a power supply unit control device for an internal combustion engine driven vehicle provided with a lamp driving switch for turning lamp-driving current supplied to a vehicle headlamp from a battery charged by the output of an AC generator driven by an internal combustion engine and with a conducting control unit for controlling the lamp driving switch. The conducting control unit normally performs on/off control of the lamp driving switch at a normal duty ratio, the normal duty ratio being an on/off duty ratio for the lamp driving switch at which lamp-driving current can be kept at a value not impeding the charging of the battery, and, when the internal combustion engine decelerates, performs engine deceleration lamp conducting control, in which on/off control of the lamp driving switch at the normal duty ratio is interrupted and the lamp driving switch is controlled so that lamp-driving current necessary to suppress reductions in the brightness of the headlamp is sent to the headlamp, only for a limited length of time.
US09216684B2	Display apparatus A display apparatus for a vehicle includes a virtual image display device, a detection device, and a picture control device. The virtual image display device emits predetermined light to permit a windshield or a combiner to reflect the predetermined light towards an eye of a driver. The emitted predetermined light is to display a picture. The virtual image display device displays the picture in a displayed area as a virtual image; the picture appears ahead of the vehicle. The detection device detects a target that is an obstacle or an intersection. The picture control device displays the picture to appear below the target in the displayed area, and then moves the picture to a position corresponding to the target apparently while decreasing at least a width of the picture.
US09216680B2	Hard rock mined ore truck body A truck body designed for transporting hard rock mined ore. The truck body includes a body floor having a first material forming a floor structure and a liner structure including a second material covering at least a portion of the floor structure. The second material has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first material and prevents wear of the truck body floor by the hard rock ore. The truck body includes a front wall and two opposing body sidewalls that taper outwardly from front to rear of the truck body such that a width between the body sidewalls at a rear of the truck body is at least 10% greater than a width at the front of the truck body. The outward tapering of the body sidewalls promotes movement of the load away from the body sidewalls as the load is released from the truck body.
US09216677B2	Quick-connect trim carrier attachment A quick-connect assembly for a vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback structure. A suspension assembly includes a plurality of outwardly extending flex members. A removable trim carrier is disposed over upper and lower components and is removably coupled to distal ends of the plurality of outwardly extending flex members by a friction-fit connection. A cushion is operably coupled with the trim carrier. An external peripheral gap is defined between the passenger support and the seatback structure.
US09216676B1	Seat assembly with displaceable neckrest and neck support A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat body having a seating surface and a storage cavity. A headrest is carried on the seat body. Further a neckrest is pivotally attached to the seat body. The neckrest is selectively displaceable between the storage position in a cavity of the seat body and a deployed position above the seating surface. In one possible embodiment the seat assembly also includes a neck support that may be displayed with the neckrest between storage and deployed positions.
US09216672B2	Indicator apparatus An indicator apparatus for signaling that a foldable backrest of a seat in a motor vehicle is not locked includes a handle pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis, a locking apparatus having a catch that, by working of the handle can be moved between a blocked position and an unblocked position, and an indicator element guided between a non-indication position and an indication position and movable by a transition element. The transmission element comprises a spring element that is fixedly connected both to the handle and to the indicator element. The spring element is resistant to deformation as the indicator element is moved by the handle, but can be deformed in an elastic manner when the handle is located in the unlocked position and the indicator element is moved out of the indication position into the non-indication position.
US09216671B2	Vehicle seat flip-up mechanism and vehicle seat Provided is a vehicle seat flip-up mechanism that may be stably fixed to a vehicle body floor and may stably support an occupant load. In a vehicle seat flip-up mechanism that is provided to switch a posture of a seat cushion between a normal sitting posture and a stowed posture where the seat cushion is stowed while being inclined forward, the vehicle seat flip-up mechanism includes: links that extend in the front to back direction while being separated from each other in the seat width direction; a mounting bracket that is attached to the ends of the links and supports a seat cushion; a connection member that is installed in the mounting bracket; a support mechanism that rotatably supports the links; and mounting plates that are disposed below the support mechanism and are locked to the vehicle body floor, in which the mounting plate extends rearward relative to the link.
US09216667B1	Vehicle seat In a vehicle seat, a positional deviation of a height device for moving a seat main body up and down is suppressed. The vehicle seat includes a cushion frame serving as a frame of a seating portion; the height device for moving the cushion frame up and down; and a side cover that covers the cushion frame and the height device from outside in a seat width direction. An operation lever is positioned in a state of being engaged with a positioning member contained in an outer side surface of the side cover, and an engagement protrusion of the operation lever moves in an engagement hole of the positioning member and abuts on a first stepped portion and a second stepped portion provided around the engagement hole when the operation lever rotates.
US09216663B2	Road surface self-adapting anti-slip anti-lock control method for electrically driven mine vehicle A road surface self-adapting anti-slip anti-lock control method for an electrically driven mine vehicle comprises the following steps: if the vehicle is in drive mode, judging whether the speed of a designated driving wheel and the slip ratio of said wheel are greater than the corresponding preset value; exiting, if any of the two judging results is negative; if the speed of the vehicle is more than a first preset value, adjusting the torque of the designated driving wheel according to a high speed anti-slip policy, if not, according to a low speed anti-slip policy; judging whether the speed of the vehicle and the slip ratio of the designated drive wheel are more than the corresponding preset value in brake mode, thereby determining whether the anti-lock strategy is carried out. The control method is simple, is low in cost, and is convenient to debug on the mine vehicle.
US09216660B2	Electrically driven vehicle An electrically driven vehicle includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a first power drive device, a second power drive device, a first heat sink, a second heat sink, a baffle member, a first air guide passage, and a second air guide passage. The baffle member closes a space defined between the first power drive device and the second power drive device at a first end and a second end of the space. The first air guide passage houses the first heat sink. The first air guide passage is provided between a first partition wall and the first power drive device. The second air guide passage houses the second heat sink. The second air guide passage is provided between the first partition wall and the second power drive device.
US09216655B2	Vehicle and power supply system A vehicle includes a charging unit receiving electric power supplied from an external power supply through a power feeding cable connected to an inlet for charging a power storage device; a discharging unit for supplying electric power from the power storage device to the power feeding cable through the inlet; a discharge relay; and a charge relay. When ending a discharging operation, an ECU outputs an opening instruction to the discharge relay and determines based on the state of a power line during output of the opening instruction whether the discharge relay is welded or not. When starting the discharging operation, the ECU outputs a closing instruction to the discharge relay and does not determine during output of the closing instruction whether the discharge relay is welded or not.
US09216652B2	Redox flow battery A redox flow battery includes a positive electrode electrolyte and a negative electrode electrolyte, each of which includes a metal-ligand coordination complex, in which a metal of a metal-ligand coordination complex of the positive electrode electrolyte is different from a metal of a metal-ligand coordination complex of the negative electrode electrolyte. Due to use of different metals in the positive and negative electrode electrolytes, the redox flow battery has high energy density and high charge and discharge efficiency.
US09216651B2	Electric vehicle control device An electric vehicle control device includes a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer and a reset process device. The first and second microcomputers share a power source, have separate control functions, and allow for independent rewriting of their respective control programs. The reset process device monitors mutual microcomputer operation and performs a reset process that turns off power relays belonging to an onboard power system when a microcomputer operation error is identified. The reset process device includes a power shut-off reset process unit for performing a reset process that shuts off the flow of power through the onboard power system and turns off the power relays in this powered-off state when resetting due to a microcomputer operation error not caused by a microcomputer error being identified.
US09216648B2	Wheel driving device Provided is a wheel driving device which drives a wheel by output rotation of a reduction device disposed on an inside in a radial direction of the wheel. The reduction device includes an output member connected to the wheel, and a pair of bearings supporting the output member. In the pair of bearings, the bearing on a side opposite to a vehicle body has a smaller outer diameter than that of the bearing on a vehicle body side. An injection passage member of a medium injected into the wheel may be disposed on an outside in a diameter direction of the bearing on the side opposite to the vehicle body.
US09216639B2	Control device for vehicle If the accelerator is on upon restarting a driving force source in travel mode by the time when the vehicle comes to a standstill after the driving force source is manually operated to stop while the vehicle is traveling, a control device for the vehicle implements first control in which the driving force output to the drive wheels is gradually increased. If the accelerator is on upon switching to the travel mode following restarting of the driving force source in the neutral mode and by the time the vehicle comes to a standstill after the driving force source is manually operated to stop while the vehicle is traveling, the control device implements second control in which the driving force output to the drive wheels is increased. The first control increases the driving force not as much as the second control increases the driving force.
US09216631B2	Roof system for a motor vehicle A roof system for a motor vehicle with a roof opening and a movable roof part for opening up and closing the roof opening, the roof part being assigned a web guide on opposite sides, the web guide permitting a longitudinal displacement and a vertical shifting of the roof part. Each web guide is assigned a respective slider unit which has a carrier structure which is tiltable in the manner of a rocker and on both sides of a rocker axis, as seen in the longitudinal direction, has sliding sections which receive the web guide.The two sliding sections are formed by a common sliding body which extends in the longitudinal direction beyond the rocker axis and is of elastically flexible design.
US09216624B1	Front suspension assembly and a suspension system for a vehicle A front suspension assembly and a front suspension system for a vehicle are disclosed. A tire includes an outer surface having a contact patch center point being a point on a tire center axis. A first handling link and a first ride link are coupled to a wheel carrier above a first plane. A second handling link and a second ride link are coupled to the wheel carrier below the first plane. A handling axis intersects both of a first and second distal end of the first and second handling links respectively. A ride axis intersects both of a third and fourth distal end of the first and second ride links respectively. At least one of the first and second ride links is disposed offset from respective first and second handling links to minimize a lateral distance between the handling and ride axes along the ground plane.
US09216621B2	Apparatus for angular positioning of an operating arm of a tire changing machine In an apparatus for angular positioning of an operating arm of a tire changing machine, the arm has a first or proximal end hinged to a column extending vertically from the base of the tire changing machine. The arm is hinged to the column for swinging in a horizontal plane in a first direction of rotation toward a work position or in an opposite direction of rotation toward a rest position. The arm has an opposite, distal end having a support element for supporting work tools associated therewith. An adjustable lock or stop is provided for locking rotation of the operating arm in the first direction of rotation, the apparatus comprising a second lock or stop for locking rotation of the operating arm in the second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation.
US09216617B2	Anti-skid device In an anti-skid device having lengths of chain which can be thrown under a vehicle wheel by means of a rotary plate which is arranged at the end of a pivotable extension arm (5), a drive unit having a piston (16) which is arranged in a cylinder (11) and whose movements are transmitted by a thrust chain (22) which assumes the function of the piston rod, to a drive pinion (29) whose shaft bears the extension arm (5) is used to apply the pivoting movement to the extension arm (5).
US09216614B2	Rim for a pneumatic tire It is an object of the present invention to provide a rim for a pneumatic tire that can suppress local deformation of the sidewall portion of a mounted tire and thus suppress the occurrence of damage to the sidewall portion. The rim for a pneumatic tire according to the present invention is provided with a pair of bead seat portions separated from each other in a rim width direction and a flange portion extending outwards in a rim radial direction from a rim width direction outer end of each bead seat portion. A rim radial direction outer end of the flange portion is recurved outwards in the rim width direction. A radius of curvature of a surface of the flange portion at a rim width direction outer end portion of the flange portion is at least 0.4 times and at most 1.0 times a radius of curvature of the surface of the flange portion at a rim width direction central portion of the flange portion.
US09216608B1	Interactive greeting card with articulated character A greeting card having a jointed or articulated character attached to a surface thereof, the articulated character being movable by user interaction with the greeting card. The articulated character contains various segments which are attached together at various pivot or hinge points making the character capable of bending and moving various aspects of the character body in various ways or directions which simulate the character dancing to audio playing in the background.
US09216591B1	Method and system for mutual augmentation of a motivational printing awareness platform and recommendation-enabled printing drivers This disclosure provides a method and system to promote the reduction of an environmental impact by one or more users of a printing system. According to an exemplary embodiment, a printing system includes a motivational platform and an operatively associated printer driver, the motivational platform recording the historical print activity of a plurality of users associated with a group and communicating the historical print activity to the print driver which is configured to provide an active user recommended selectable printer settings for a print job, prior to being submitted, which are based on best practices within the group.
US09216589B2	Image processing device and image processing method An image processing device has an image forming portion, a heating portion and a supplying portion. The image forming portion forms an image on a sheet. The heating portion heats the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming portion at a predetermined temperature, to thereby fix the image on the sheet. The supplying portion supplies the sheet on which an image is fixed previously. Further, the heating portion heats the sheet on which the image is fixed and which is supplied from the supplying portion at a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature to thereby remove the image.
US09216581B2	Apparatus and method for wiping an inkjet cartridge nozzle plate In a system and method for using a wiper to clean a nozzle plate of an inkjet head, a spring is disposed between the wiper and a mounting body, and the mounting body has a top portion and a bottom portion. The wiper is disposed proximate the top portion of the mounting body relative to the bottom portion of the mounting body. In addition, the wiper blade is transported across the face of a nozzle plate for wiping portions of the nozzle plate. A distance between the wiper blade and the bottom end of the mounting body is varied in accordance with variations in distances between the portions of the nozzle plate and the bottom portion of the mounting body.
US09216579B2	Waste liquid recovery apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus A waste liquid recovery apparatus includes a container body; a liquid absorbing body which is accommodated in the container body and absorbs liquid discharged as a waste liquid; and a sealing member which seals the container body, wherein a first space into which liquid is discharged from a liquid ejecting head and a second space which links with the outside through a ventilation hole formed in the sealing member are formed in a space closed by the container body and the sealing body, and the first space and the second space are connected with each other at the ventilation hole side.
US09216576B2	Inkjet head with damper member in common ink chamber, and method for driving inkjet head An inkjet head includes pressure chambers arranged in 2 or more rows and a common ink chamber connected to all the pressure chambers, wherein each of the pressure chambers includes a damper member inside of the common ink chamber of the inkjet head for commonly supplying an ink from the common ink chamber via an ink inlet which faces the common ink chamber, and the shortest distance between the damper member and the ink inlet is made shorter than the distance between ink inlets in adjacent rows of pressure chambers.
US09216574B2	Print gap compensation In an ink jet printer (2), where there is relative movement between a print carriage (4) and a print table (6) to print on to a substrate mounted on the table (6), the gradient of the print table at each position of the print carriage (4) is used to produce a compensated position of the print carriage (4), and printing data is sent to the print head according to the compensated position instead of the actual position. This delays or advances the release of ink, to compensate for the difference in the time taken for the ink to reach a substrate mounted on the print table (6) when the print gap between print heads and print table (6) is not constant.
US09216573B2	Apparatus for controlling droplet motion in electric field and method of the same The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling droplet motion in an electric field by reducing volume of a single droplet to a very small volume using a strong electric field and controlling a position of a droplet using a repulsive force of the same polarity, and a method of the same. The apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode, an insulator disposed above the first electrode, a discharge tip disposed above the insulator by a predetermined distance and dividing a transferred fluid into a small volume of a droplet, and a second electrode contacting the fluid supplied through the discharge tip. The first electrode and the second electrode may form an electric field at an end of the discharge tip by forming a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09216571B2	Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge method A liquid discharge apparatus is provided, comprising a channel structure; a piezoelectric actuator which has a plurality of individual electrodes, a common electrode, and a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between the individual electrodes and the common electrode; and a driving device which drives the piezoelectric actuator. The driving device outputs an individual driving signal which causes a change of an electric potential of the individual electrode, to the individual electrode corresponding to the nozzle for discharging the liquid. Further, the driving device outputs a common driving signal which causes a change of an electric potential of the common electrode in synchronization with the change of the electric potential of the individual electrode into which the individual driving signal is inputted, to the common electrode.
US09216563B2	Lead anchor with adhesive and systems and methods using the lead anchor A lead anchor includes an anchor body having an outer surface, a top end, a front side, a first end, and a second end disposed opposite to the first end. The anchor body defines a longitudinal lead lumen extending from the first end of the anchor body to the second end of the anchor body. The lead lumen is configured and arranged to receive a portion of a lead. A transverse lumen extends from the top end of the anchor body and perpendicularly intersects the lead lumen. An adhesive is disposed within a shell. The adhesive and shell are disposed in the transverse lumen of the anchor body and are configured and arranged for fastening the received lead to the lead anchor by piercing the shell to release the adhesive so that the adhesive passes through the transverse lumen into the lead lumen and into contact with the received lead.
US09216561B2	Methods and assemblies for welding a gasket to a pipe section The present disclosure is directed to a method of welding a gasket to a spigot portion of a pipe section. The method includes supporting the gasket in a recess on the spigot portion of the pipe section. The gasket includes a seating portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. A first bonding portion extends from the first shoulder portion and a second bonding portion extends from the second shoulder portion. The first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are provided to bond the gasket to the spigot portion. The method further includes heating a portion of the gasket and an adjacent surface of the spigot portion and applying a force onto the portion of the gasket following the application of heat to fuse the gasket onto the spigot portion.
US09216560B2	Reflective insulation products and methods for manufacturing the same In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reflective insulation product is provided. The product includes a first outer layer having reflective material, a second outer layer, and an inner layer. The inner layer includes fiberglass and urethane, the urethane being present in an amount of at least about 5% by weight. The inner layer is positioned between the first outer layer and second outer layer such that the first outer layer is adhered to a first side of the inner layer by the urethane and the second outer layer is adhered to a second side of the inner layer by the urethane.
US09216558B2	Bonding process The invention relates to a process for bonding a silicone or silicone based material to a polyurethane and use of the bonded silicone-polyurethane in the manufacture of biomaterials, devices, articles or implants, in particular long term implantable medical devices in the fields of cardiology, orthopaedics, plastic surgery and gastroenterology. The process involves the steps of (a) flame treating a surface of the silicone or silicone based material and (b) bonding the polyurethane to the flame treated surface of the silicone or silicone based material.
US09216551B2	Process and apparatus for manufacturing tyres A plurality of strip-like elements is applied onto a forming drum externally having a substantially cylindrical laying surface. The strip-like elements are disposed in mutually approached relationship to form at least one first annular reinforcing layer on the forming drum itself set to a first work diameter at which each of the applied strip-like elements on the laying surface subtends an arc of a circumference of a width as large as a submultiple integer of the overall circumferential extension of the laying surface itself. Adjustment devices operating on the forming drum subsequently carry out expansion of the latter to a second work diameter larger than the first work diameter, while maintaining its laying surface substantially cylindrical.
US09216547B2	Method and apparatus for making an object The invention relates to a method for making an object, the method comprising forming a plurality of sections of the object, wherein the formation of each of the plurality of sections comprises applying at least two substances within an area having the shape of the section being formed, the at least two substances being able to chemically react upon contact with each other to form the section. The invention also relates to an apparatus for making an object, the apparatus comprising: an applicator arranged to apply at least two substances within an area having a shape of a section of the object being made, the at least two substances being able to chemically react upon contact with each other to form the section.
US09216546B2	Method and apparatus for three-dimensional fabrication with feed through carrier A method of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid contacting the build surface; (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate to create a subsequent build region between the polymerized region and the build surface; (e) wherein the carrier has at least one channel formed therein, and the filling step is carried out by passing or forcing the polymerizable liquid into the build region through the at least one channel. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.
US09216545B2	Printing head module A printing head module includes a bracket, a locking mechanism disposed on the bracket and a printing head. The bracket includes a containing cavity and a supporter. The locking mechanism includes a pressing component fixed to the supporter, a locking component and an elastic component. The locking component pivoted to the pressing component such that the elastic component leans therebetween. The locking component has a first positioning portion. The printing head detachably disposed in the containing cavity includes a second positioning component. The first positioning portion is engaged with the second positioning component, so the elastic component is pressed to provide the locking component a restoring force away from the pressing component to confine the printing head between the locking component and the bracket.
US09216535B2	Slot die position adjustments to facilitate patterned products A method of controlling a slot die comprises positioning actuators of the slot die with a controller according to a first set of discrete settings, operating the slot die by passing an extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot with the actuators positioned according to the first set of discrete settings, and while passing the extrudate through the fluid flow path and out the applicator slot, changing the positions of the actuators with the controller to create patterned features in the extrudate.
US09216508B2	Connectivity maintenance using a quality of service-based robot path planning algorithm Methods, systems, and devices are described for evaluating signal quality metrics at one or more locations on one or more available paths to a target location by a robotic device, and determining a path to a target location and an access point switching plan for the robotic device based, at least in part, on evaluated metrics. In some examples, evaluating signal quality metrics may include comparing signal quality metrics associated with one or more locations to multiple signal quality thresholds, where one or more of these signal quality thresholds may include a minimum bandwidth threshold. In some examples, the access point switching plan comprises one or more switching events between multiple radio access technologies (RATs) at one or more boundaries. In some examples, determining a path or determining an access point switching plan is based, at least in part, on comparing the costs associated with usage of multiple RATs.
US09216506B2	Handle barrier A handle barrier is configured to manipulate a handle while keeping a human hand separated from the handle. The handle barrier includes a body portion attached to a rear end having a left rear double arcuate portion, a right rear double arcuate portion, a front end having a left front arcuate portion and a right front arcuate portion. The left front arcuate portion and the right front arcuate portion are configured perpendicular to the body portion and further configured to accommodate the handle. The left front arcuate portion, the right front arcuate portion, the left rear double arcuate portion and the right rear double arcuate portion are further configured to be concave forming a central channel that is configured to accommodate the handle.
US09216505B2	Hand tool module A hand tool module having an interconnection device, which has an interface. The interconnection device has, in addition to the interface, at least one auxiliary interface, which is provided to bidirectionally exchange at least power at least with one additional hand tool module and/or a hand tool.
US09216501B2	Electro-hydraulic pressing device An electro-hydraulic pressing device, which is particularly suitable for producing pipe joints by means of press fittings, has a pressure piston, which acts on pressing jaws. The pressure piston divides a pressure piston chamber into a pressure chamber and a rear chamber. A hydraulic pump for feeding hydraulic fluid from a reservoir is connected to the pressure chamber. A balance piston is arranged in the piston in addition to an overpressure valve. Up until a switch-off pressure is reached, i.e. throughout the pressing process, the balance piston closes a connection opening and a return flow channel.
US09216484B2	Adjustable work holding system An adjustable work holding system can quickly adjust for different sized work pieces and can grip components with a small, about 0.100 inch, grip on the material, eliminating wasted material. Adjustable jaws can be mounted on a base plate and tightened into a desired position. Grippers are attached to the jaws and extend only about 0.100 inch over the jaws to provide a gripping surface. The grippers can be resiliently held open by a resilient member, such as an O-ring. A drive bolt for each gripper can be tightened to move the grippers closer together and grip material. The grippers provide strong holding forces and pulls the work piece down, which allows for more aggressive machining operations as compared to conventional work holding systems.
US09216478B2	Solder and die-bonding structure A solder includes zinc as a main component and the solder contains 6 to 8 mass percent of indium. A solder includes zinc as a main component, wherein the solder contains only indium. In a die-bonding structure in which a semiconductor chip is connected to a bonded member by a solder, the solder made of zinc as a main component and contains indium.
US09216475B2	System for protecting light optical components during laser ablation A method and apparatus to perform laser ablation in the vicinity of a charged particle beam while simultaneously protecting the light optical components of the apparatus utilized to perform the ablation from being coated with debris resulting from the ablation process. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a protective transparent screen is used to shield the laser optical components. A preferred screen could be replaced or repositioned without breaking vacuum in the sample chamber and would not be particularly susceptible to undesirable charging effects.
US09216470B2	Method and apparatus for twin wire arc welding A twin wire welding apparatus including a first contact tube for guiding a first consumable electrode toward a weld puddle and transferring welding current to the first consumable electrode, a second contact tube for guiding a second consumable electrode toward said weld puddle and transferring welding current to the second consumable electrode, and a single power source connected to said first and second contact tubes for providing the same potential to said two consumable electrodes, and a method for operating such an apparatus.
US09216467B2	Extruded 1XXX-series aluminium alloy tube product An aluminum alloy extruded tube product for a heat exchanger assembly and made from an 1xxx-series aluminum alloys and including furthermore a purposive addition of one or more wetting elements selected from the group of: Bi 0.03% to 0.5%, Pb 0.03% to 0.5%, Sb 0.03% to 0.5%, Li 0.03% to 0.5%, Se 0.03% to 0.5%, Y 0.03% to 0.05%, Th 0.03% to 0.05%, and the sum of these elements being 0.5% or less.
US09216463B2	Cutting tool and cutting insert having exactly three cutting portions therefor In a cutting tool having an indexable cutting insert with three cutting portions, the cutting insert is removably securable to an insert holder by means of a fastener. The cutting insert has two opposing end surfaces with a peripheral side surface extending therebetween. At least one end surface has a central boss protruding therefrom with a raised support surface, and the peripheral side surface has three abutment recesses. In an end view of the cutting insert, each of the three abutment recesses is visible and located inside a first imaginary circle circumscribing the visible central boss. A holding portion of the insert holder has a seating surface with at least one protuberance protruding therefrom. The support surface is in clamping contact with the seating surface, and exactly two of the three abutment recesses are engaged with the at least one protuberance.
US09216459B2	Drilling machine, in particular hand-held core drilling machine The invention discloses a drilling machine, in particular a hand-held core drilling machine, having a drive with a motor that can be coupled to a tool spindle in order to drive the latter, wherein the drive allows at least a first transmission stage and a second transmission stage, having a center mount for mounting a pilot drill and having a tool mount for mounting a drill bit, wherein the drill bit and the pilot drill can be mounted substantially concentrically with one another, wherein the pilot drill, in particular in order to drill a pilot hole, can be driven in a first rotational speed range by means of the first transmission stage and wherein the drill bit, in particular in order to drill a core hole, can be driven in a second rotational speed range by means of the second transmission stage.
US09216457B2	Holder assembly for a cutting tool insert and a cutting tool A holder assembly for a cutting tool insert for machining operations. The holder assembly has first and second spaced apart clamping members, each having respective inner seating surfaces facing one another and defining an intermediate gap to receive the cutting tool. The clamping members are movable towards each other by a clamping mechanism to clamp and secure the cutting tool insert between the seating surfaces. The clamping mechanism includes a drawbar that is received in a cavity formed in each of the clamping members and are aligned with each other and extends in a transverse direction in relation to the intermediate gap. The clamping mechanism also includes a compression spring member, which presses the clamping members towards each other to secure clamping of the cutting tool insert. The clamping mechanism is released by a releasing member that overcomes the spring force acting to move the clamping members towards each other.
US09216455B2	Methods for producing silver nanoparticles Methods for producing silver nanoparticles are described. In one aspect, a liquid solution is prepared that contains phenazine-1-carboxylic acid. Silver metal salt is added to the solution to produce multiple silver nanoparticles.
US09216448B2	Drawing press having two couplable rams The invention relates to a drawing press (10) having a first ram (17) and a second ram (18). The first ram (17) is moved in a working direction (A) by an electromotive first ram drive (25) and the second ram (18) by an electromotive second ram drive. The drawing press (10) also has a coupling means (35) which can be switched between an uncoupling state and a coupling state. In the uncoupling state, the two rams (17), (18) can move independently of one another in the working direction (A). In the coupling state, the coupling means (35) ensures that a relative movement between the two rams (17, 18) is prevented. The drawing press (10) can therefore be operated as a single-acting or double -acting press.
US09216443B2	Drive system for a cleaning device and cleaning device A drive system (100) for a cleaning device for cleaning a tank (1) including a brake arrangement (7, 8, 13) for regulating the speed of the magnetic hysteresis coupling, and where the brake arrangement is arranged in the vicinity of a second coupling part (5) of the magnetic hysteresis coupling, and where brake arrangement includes brake parts (7, 8, 13) that interacts with the second coupling part of the magnetic hysteresis coupling to adjust the rotation of the second coupling part of the magnetic hysteresis coupling.
US09216434B2	Light-heat dual curing anisotropic conductive adhesive, anisotropic conductive film and preparation methods thereof Preparation methods of an anisotropic conductive adhesive film are provided. One of the preparation methods includes heating a solid-state light-curing resin, a solid-state thermosetting resin and a solid-state elastomer to form a mixture. A liquid-state light curing active monomer and plasticizer are added to the mixture. A leveling agent, antioxidant and insulating nanoparticles are added separately to the mixture. Conductive particles are added to the mixture. A light curing agent, latent heat curing agent and coupling agent are added to the mixture to produce a light-beat dual curing anisotropic conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive is coated on a plastic film base material to form a semi-finished product. The semi-finished product is cured and dried to form a cured conductive adhesive layer, so that an anisotropic conductive adhesive film is produced. The anisotropic conductive adhesive layer is cut, and the anisotropic conductive adhesive film is rolled.
US09216433B2	Powder coating system A powder coating system which is provided with a rotating stage which makes a metal cylindrical member rotate while holding its internal circumferential surface, a first booth which covers part of the metal cylindrical member which is held by the rotating stage, and a second booth which holds the first booth. A powder coating introduction nozzle which is provided with a filling port of powder coating and a plurality of powder coating spray ports is provided so that a filling port is positioned at the outside of the second booth and so that the plurality of spray ports can be changed in position in the first booth to face surface parts of the metal cylindrical member. The sprayed powder coating is collected inside the second booth by a flow of air from a blow device and is removed by being sucked up by a powder collector.
US09216427B2	Fluid distributing device and method A system for deflecting and distributing liquid from a liquid source is provided. The system comprises a deflector turbine element incorporated at one end of a cylindrical rotor which encloses at least a portion of the nozzle and is guided coaxially along the nozzle by at least one guide ring. The turbine element fixed to the rotor cylinder further comprises at least one diagonal groove configured to receive and deflect the liquid. The rotor or spindle element is configured to spin relatively freely around the nozzle (hollow shaft) and is allowed to reposition up or down along the nozzle shaft limited by the force of the water jet in one direction and a repelling magnetic force in the opposite direction.
US09216421B2	Integrated system for sampling and analysis There is disclosed a device for determination of a sample from a dielectric fluid medium for a bio-specific assay device, comprising: a sampling device and a biosensor, wherein the sampling device concentrates a sample from dielectric medium by electrically focusing the sample on to a capture element and wherein said biosensor is fluidically linked to said capture element thus providing sampling and determination in a unitary device.
US09216414B2	Microfluidic devices and methods for gene synthesis Certain aspects of the present invention provide devices and methods for preparing oligonucleotides and for assembling nucleic acid molecules using microfluidic devices.
US09216412B2	Microfluidic devices and methods of manufacture and use Series of bio-detection elements, shown as short hollow transparent reaction vessels (32), batch-surface-coated with capture-agent, are placed in channel of larger width (a3; c8; 15; 28; 44), and fixed by flexible or elastomeric over-lying sheet (a1; c7; 13; 38). Portions of sheet form pneumatically-activated pistons (22; 36) and valves (23-27; 54) to produce and control channel flow. Overlying sheet is of reflectively-coated Mylar (b4) or PDMS, bonded with channel-defining structure. PDMS sheet is surface-activated for molecular-bond with PDMS channel-defining structure, molecular-bond with PDMS-valve-seat-forming portions (34) defeated by repeated make-and-break contact during cure. Pick-and-place of detection elements in channel employs electrostatic attraction to seize elements, enabling tool removal. Rigidly-backed parts are brought together to channel-fix detection elements. Active capture-agent on batch-coated bio-elements defeated by shear-force removal or laser-scanning deactivation, so, e.g. inside surface only of hollow elements carries capture-agent. Sample may flow through hollow elements and by-pass outside without assay disturbance.
US09216409B2	Systems and methods for zero-PGM binary catalyst having Cu, Mn, and Fe for TWC applications Variations of bulk powder catalyst material including Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems for ZPGM TWC applications are disclosed. The disclosed bulk powder catalyst samples include stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinels on Pr6O11—ZrO2 support oxide, prepared using incipient wetness method. Activity measurements under isothermal steady state sweep test condition may be performed under rich to lean condition. Catalytic activity of samples may be compared to analyze the influence that different binary spinel system bulk powders may have on TWC performance of ZPGM materials for a plurality of TWC applications. Stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems exhibit higher catalytic activity than non-stoichiometric Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems. The influence of prepared Cu—Mn, Cu—Fe, and Fe—Mn spinel systems may lead into cost effective manufacturing solutions for ZPGM TWC systems.
US09216407B2	Resid hydrotreating catalyst Catalyst supports, supported catalysts, and a method of preparing and using the catalysts for the demetallation of metal-containing heavy oil feedstocks are disclosed. The catalyst supports comprise precipitated alumina prepared by a low temperature pH swing process. A large portion of the pore volume of the catalyst supports has pores with a diameter in the range of about 200 Å to about 500 Å. Catalysts prepared from the supports of the invention exhibit improved catalytic activity and stability to remove metals from heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks during a hydroconversion process. The catalysts also exhibit increased sulfur and MCR conversion during the hydroconversion process.
US09216402B2	Reactor and catalyst for converting natural gas to organic compounds Herein disclosed is a reactor comprising a housing; an inlet tube having a section with perforations along its length, wherein the inlet tube section is within the reactor housing; an outlet tube having a section with perforations along its length, wherein the outlet tube section is within the reactor housing; and at least one cylinder made of sintered metal contained within the reactor housing, wherein the sintered metal is catalytically active. In some cases, the sintered metal in the reactor comprises a porous metallic multifunctional (PMM) catalyst. Other reactor designs and the method of use are also described herein.
US09216394B2	Stackable structural reactors A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.
US09216393B2	Process and apparatus for safe disposal of used ionic liquid catalyst We provide a process and apparatus for preparing a used ionic liquid catalyst for safe disposal, comprising hydrolyzing the used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide with a basic solution at a temperature from −20° C. to 90° C. to produce a hydrolyzed product, evolve a hydrogen halide gas, and dissolve the hydrogen halide gas into the basic solution.
US09216391B2	Membranes having aligned 1-D nanoparticles in a matrix layer for improved fluid separation Membranes for fluid separation are disclosed. These membranes have a matrix layer sandwiched between an active layer and a porous support layer. The matrix layer includes 1-D nanoparticles that are vertically aligned in a porous polymer matrix, and which substantially extend through the matrix layer. The active layer provides species-specific transport, while the support layer provides mechanical support. A matrix layer of this type has favorable surface morphology for forming the active layer. Furthermore, the pores that form in the matrix layer tend to be smaller and more evenly distributed as a result of the presence of aligned 1-D nanoparticles. Improved performance of separation membranes of this type is attributed to these effects.
US09216389B2	Porous polymer membrane with covalent network structure and production method thereof The present disclosure provides a porous polymer membrane having a covalent network structure and a method for producing the same. The method includes: polymerizing a first monomer having four first functional groups oriented in a tetrahedral arrangement with a second monomer having at least two second functional groups to prepare porous organic framework nanoparticles; mixing the solution of the porous organic framework nanoparticles with a polymer; and applying the mixed solution to a substrate, followed by heating to form a polymer matrix containing the nanoparticles. According to the method, a polymer membrane with excellent chemical stability, heat resistance, durability and permeability can be produced through simple processes. Advantageously, the porous structure of the polymer membrane can be easily modified depending on intended applications of the polymer membrane.
US09216381B2	Alumina-based nitrogen oxide (NOx) trapping compositions and treatment of vehicular exhaust gases therewith Thermally stable, solid alumina-based compositions useful for the trapping of nitrogen oxides that are contained in gaseous fluids, notably in vehicular exhaust gases, are formed of alumina, cerium and a divalent metal M selected from among barium, strontium or an association of these two elements and which include at least 10% of the weight of element M expressed by weight of oxide in contrast to the total weight of the composition and also wherein the aluminate compound of the metal element M, i.e., MAl2O4, is absent and not detectable by X-ray diffraction of the composition, after calcination thereof with air at 700° C. for two hours.
US09216375B2	Method for selectively desulfurizing a crude synthesis gas The invention relates to a method for operating a gas scrubber, in which a feed gas (1) containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide and/or hydrogen sulfide is scrubbed in a scrubbing apparatus (A1) using a scrubbing agent (3, 4) preladen with carbon dioxide in order largely selectively to separate the sulfur components from the feed gas and to produce a desulfurized gas stream (5, 9). The invention is distinguished in that a sulfur-free scrubbing agent (3, 4) is used which, on introduction thereof into the scrubbing apparatus (A1), has a carbon dioxide partial pressure which is greater than or equal to the carbon dioxide partial pressure in the feed gas (1) to be desulfurized.
US09216368B1	Apparatus for filtering and/or purifying water of a potable water distribution system, such as a potable water distribution system for aircraft, said apparatus providing water boiler expansion pressure relief An apparatus for filtering and/or purifying water flowing through a water distribution system has a water filtration/purification cartridge mounted inside a housing. The apparatus provides for water boiler expansion pressure relief, while guarding against any water contaminated downstream of the apparatus backflowing into contact with the outlet side of the filtering and/or purifying matrix of the cartridge to prevent possible contamination of the outlet side of the matrix from such backflow and thereby cause water exiting the outlet port apparatus to be contaminated.
US09216357B2	Game machine, and, control method of controlling computer and computer program used therein A game machine uses a center unit that utilizes a physical operation of a ball to select at least one pocket by a drawing, and includes: cameras that are placed to be able to take images of the pockets; a center monitor that can display a video picture taken by the camera; and, sensors that detects the pocket decided by the drawing. And, the game machine specifies a predetermined video picture range from the video picture taken by the cameras, based on a detection result of the sensors, so as to include the video picture of the selected pocket at a time when the selected pocket is selected, and, displays a predetermined video picture on the center monitor based on the video picture in the predetermined video picture range specified.
US09216355B2	Device for managing operations of accessories A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a controller to identify a programming layer of a gaming accessory, to establish communications with a computing device communicatively coupled to a gaming software application, to establish communications with the gaming accessory, to receive from the gaming accessory a gaming accessory stimulation, to detect a match between the association and the received stimulation, to retrieve the substitute accessory stimulation, and to transmit the substitute accessory stimulation to the gaming software application. The detecting of the match between the gaming accessory stimulation and the substitute accessory stimulation for the programmable layer is by way of a predetermined association of the stimulation with the substitute accessory stimulation recorded in a user profile associated with a user account. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US09216353B2	Apparatus and method for real-time measurement and evaluation of skill levels of participants in a multi-media interactive environment Apparatus and methods are described for operating an online interactive simulation/game environment, where an object's motion is controlled by a player along a path. A player's skill level is quickly quantified as they control the object traversing the path, so that they can be properly placed in games with those of like skill, and do so without having competed with others. An optimal path is established for the object's travel during a portion of a game, and at each increment of travel, an optimum velocity or time delta is established. The path of the object being controlled by a player being rated is then tracked over the same path. At each distance increment its position and velocity or time delta are recorded and compared with the optimum. Deviations therebetween are calculated on an incremental basis, and the aggregate determines the player's skill level for a set of equivalent conditions.
US09216351B2	Techniques and workflows for computer graphics animation system The disclosed implementations describe techniques and workflows for a computer graphics (CG) animation system. In some implementations, systems and methods are disclosed for representing scene composition and performing underlying computations within a unified generalized expression graph with cycles. Disclosed are natural mechanisms for level-of-detail control, adaptive caching, minimal re-compute, lazy evaluation, predictive computation and progressive refinement. The disclosed implementations provide real-time guarantees for minimum graphics frame rates and support automatic tradeoffs between rendering quality, accuracy and speed. The disclosed implementations also support new workflow paradigms, including layered animation and motion-path manipulation of articulated bodies.
US09216347B2	Portable device, virtual reality system and method A portable device includes a viewing direction sensor configured to determine the viewing direction of a user of the portable device in the real world and a position determiner configured to determine a position of the user in the real world. Furthermore, the portable device includes a processing unit configured to generate—based on the viewing direction of the user and the position of the user in the real world—a virtual world in which a change of the viewing direction in a 3D coordinate system of the real world leads to a change of the viewing direction in a 3D coordinate system of the virtual world. The portable device further includes a display configured to display the generated virtual world to the user while blocking a view of the real world.
US09216341B2	Real-time swimming monitor A wearable device for monitoring and providing real-time feedback about a swimmer's body motion and performance, in particular, body orientation and forward speed, is provided. The device comprises a three-axis accelerometer, optionally a three-axis gyroscope, a memory, and a microcontroller configured to process the sensor input, calculate a swimmer's performance and provide feedback to the swimmer through an output. The output can be an earpiece or a swimming goggle with a digital display.
US09216337B2	Overmolded golf tee and method of making it A golf tee has a stake made of a first material and a crown made of a second material more flexible than the first material, in which the crown is overmolded over the stake. The crown and the stake can have corresponding projections. The stake can have projections to allow the crown and the stake to hold together better.
US09216332B1	Golf club head with adjustable center of gravity A golf club head comprising a plurality of center of gravity adjustment assemblies and a flat panel that attenuates sound and, in certain embodiments, connects the center of gravity adjustment assemblies, is disclosed herein.
US09216331B2	Golf club head with adjustable sole Described herein are embodiments of golf club heads, such as fairway wood heads, having an adjustable sole. In some embodiments, a club head includes a body, a sole plate, and a platform. The body has a front portion comprising a striking plate, a rear end, a toe, a heel, a crown, and a lower portion opposite the crown. The sole plate is coupled to the lower portion of the body and is pivotably adjustable relative to the body about a pivot location adjacent to the front portion of the body. The platform is positioned between the sole plate and the lower portion of the body and is adjustable, such as frontwardly and rearwardly, to plural positions along the lower portion of the body to change a pivot angle between the sole plate and the body.
US09216330B2	Method, apparatus, and system for golf product reconfiguration and selection A computer program is disclosed for reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club. The program receives data input corresponding to a current configuration of an adjustable feature of the golf club, and data input corresponding to trajectory adjustment information. Based on the data input, reconfiguration information is generated, and outputted, that corresponds to one of a plurality of configurations of the adjustable feature of the golf club.
US09216329B2	Golf club groove configuration A golf club head, and a method of making the golf club head, with an improved striking surface. The grooves are formed in the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, and a portion having a v-shape.
US09216327B2	Golf club face A golf club head including a club face constructed from a low modulus material for maximizing driving distance potential and a perimeter flange having a mass reducing configuration for preventing adverse influences to the center of gravity and the moment of inertia of a golf club head including the club face.
US09216317B2	Stair climber apparatuses and methods of operating stair climber apparatuses Stair climber apparatuses have a frame having an inclined support that extends from a bottom portion to a top portion; a plurality of stairs that are connected together in series and travel in a loop around the inclined support; an electric motor; and a control circuit that controls a speed of the electric motor and an output direction of the electric motor. The electric motor is operatively connected to the plurality of stairs so as to move the plurality of stairs in an upward direction along the inclined support and so as to alternatively move the plurality of stairs in an opposite, downward direction along the inclined support. An operator input device at the bottom portion of the inclined support inputs a boarding command to the control circuit. Based on the boarding command, the control circuit controls the electric motor so as to move the plurality of stairs along the inclined support. Methods are for operating the stair climber apparatuses.
US09216314B2	Hanging stand for a barbell A hanging stand for a barbell is provided. The stand has two pole stands and two adjustable holding seats. The two pole stands are longitudinally spaced, and the top of each pole stand has a hook hanging component which can be hanged on a cross rack to enable the pole stands to hang longitudinally. There are four sides of each pole stand, and at least two linked sides have positioning holes which are spaced at intervals. Each adjustable holding seat has a positioning plunger which is capable of being inserted into any of the positioning holes, and provides the body of the barbell to be placed on a holding sheet having an anti-run limitation edge at the end thereof. The hanging stand is easy to construct, flexible to set up, provided at a reduced cost, and the height of barbell is adjustable and progressive.
US09216302B2	Radiotherapy system and radiotherapy planning apparatus According to one embodiment, a radiotherapy apparatus generates counting data as a count value of photons included in a preset energy region based on an output signal from an observation detector. The radiotherapy apparatus generates medical image data based on the counting data.
US09216295B2	Cardiac resynchronization therapy loss diagnostics In some examples, an IMD provides CRT data that indicates an amount of time that CRT was not delivered by the IMD, such as the % CRT. In some examples, a CRT loss diagnosis module apportions the amount of time that CRT was not delivered amongst predetermined reasons for loss of CRT based on the CRT data and sensed cardiac data from the IMD. An external computing device may present a representation of the apportionment to a user, e.g., a clinician. The external computing device may also analyze the apportionment, and recommend programming changes for the delivery of CRT by the IMD based on the analysis.
US09216292B2	Dynamic morphology based atrial automatic threshold Methods and systems for performing capture threshold tests are described. During an initialization procedure a capture detection interval and capture detection threshold are determined based on peak values of cardiac signals sensed following the supracapture threshold initialization pulses. Following initialization, a plurality of pacing pulses to the atrium are delivered and the peak values of the cardiac signals sensed following each of the plurality of pacing pulses are determined. The peak values are compared to the pacing artifact threshold and the capture detection threshold. A timing of each of the peak values is compared to the capture detection interval. For each pacing pulse, discrimination between a captured response, a noncaptured response, and a fusion response is based on the peak value and timing comparisons.
US09216288B2	Stimulation prosthesis with configurable data link The present application discloses systems and methods for operating a stimulation prosthesis that contains a command module and a stimulator module that communicate by a data link. The stimulation prosthesis has at least two operating states: a configuration state and a stimulation state. In one embodiment, the stimulation prosthesis may use a communication protocol that is suitable for the current operating state. The risk of unintended transitions between the operating states due to data transmission errors is substantially eliminated. And in accordance with another embodiment, in addition to switching stimulation strategies, the stimulation prosthesis may also switch stimulation data formats to a format that is optimized for the new stimulation strategy.
US09216285B1	Leadless implantable medical device having removable and fixed components A leadless implantable medical device (IMD) may include an electrode, a housing, and an energy transfer component. The housing retains a pulse generator configured to provide stimulation energy for delivery to a tissue of interest, a power supply, a memory storing programmable instructions, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is responsive to the programmable instructions to control operation of the leadless IMD. The electrode is securely affixed to the tissue of interest. The housing includes first and second body portions mated to one another at a detachable interface. The electrode is coupled to the second body portion. The energy transfer component is distributed between the first and second body portions and is configured to convey at least one of stimulation energy or sensed signals across the detachable interface when the first and second body portions are mated to one another.
US09216281B2	Implantable medical leads having oscillating cable conductor lumens An electrical implantable lead includes an elongated lead body having a plurality of lumens therein, including at least one linear lumen and at least one planar, non-linear lumen and a plurality of conductor cables disposed within the plurality of lumens. The electrical implantable lead further includes a terminal connector coupled to a proximal end of the lead body, the terminal connector being in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of conductor cables. Further, the electrical implantable lead includes at least one electrode coupled to the lead body, the at least one electrode in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of conductor cables. In accordance with various embodiments, the at least one non-linear lumen extends longitudinally along a portion of the lead body and includes a plurality or crests and a plurality of troughs.
US09216280B1	Endovascular electrode system for tissue stimulation An electrical lead system includes a shaft to which a series of expandable ring electrodes are attached that follows the contour of the vascular or muscular structures of the heart, such as cardiac veins, arteries, atrial appendages and trabeculae, and provides sensing of electrical cardiac impulses, pacing and high voltage shock or defibrillation. The lead system uses a variety of energy sources to stimulate the heart, such as ultrasound, electromagnetic and electric impulses.
US09216279B2	Slide clamp and tubing set for an infusion pump An infusion pump for metering fluid flow through an delivery tube of an infusion tubing set has an internal occlusion clamp which clamps the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid through the tube when access to the delivery tube in the infusion pump is possible. To release the delivery tube from the infusion pump, a slide clamp is manually used to release the occlusion clamp to an open, non-occluding position while simultaneously occluding the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid.
US09216248B2	Method and a device for monitoring a state of a blood line in a machine for extracorporeal blood treatment A method for monitoring a state of a blood line in a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, including the steps of: acquiring at least a first pressure value from a first sensor mounted at a first point of a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a blood line in which the blood is subjected to a pulsating thrust; acquiring at least a second pressure value from a second sensor mounted at a second point, distinct from the first point of the blood line of the circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, and correlating at least a first value, correlated to the first pressure value, and at least a second value, correlated to the second pressure value, with at least a threshold value, in order to obtain a datum representing a state of the blood line.
US09216247B2	Buffered compositions for dialysis Acid concentrates, and dialysate compositions prepared therefrom, contain citric acid and an effective amount of a buffering agent selected from acetate and/or lactate. The buffering agent allows a physiologically acceptable amount of citrate to maintain the desired pH of the dialysate.
US09216240B2	Differential loading of drug-eluting medical devices A medical device includes a substrate having at least one surface. The surface has a central portion and a peripheral portion. At least one bioactive agent is disposed over at least a portion of the surface. The medical device having a concentration gradient of the at least one bioactive between the central and peripheral portions.
US09216235B2	Photoactivated crosslinking of a protein or peptide A method of crosslinking a protein or peptide for use as a biomaterial, the method comprising the step of irradiating a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a crosslinking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial.
US09216233B2	Apparatus and method for capture and inactivation of microbes and viruses An apparatus 100 includes an air path housing 10, a charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2 to charge airborne microorganisms introduced in the air path housing 10, a charging-unit ground electrode 3 disposed so as to face the charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2, a hydrophilic filter 6 to capture the airborne microorganisms charged by the charging-unit high-voltage electrode 2, a capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode 5 to polarize the hydrophilic filter 6, and a capturing/inactivating-unit ground electrode 7 disposed so as to face the capturing/inactivating-unit high-voltage electrode 5.
US09216228B2	Receptor and antigen targeted prodrug The present invention relates to a prodrug which comprises at least one pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active compound bound by a cleavable linker, a receptor and/or antigen targeting moiety and a protein-binding moiety which is capable of binding to a carrier molecule.
US09216218B2	Monoclonal antibodies for treatment of cancer The present invention provides antibodies useful as therapeutics for treating and/or preventing diseases associated with cells expressing GT468, including tumor-related diseases such as breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, hepatocellular cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, head & neck cancer, kidney cancer, in particular renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, placental choriocarcinoma, cervical cancer, and thyroid cancer, and the metastatic forms thereof. In one embodiment, the tumor disease is metastatic cancer in the lung.
US09216211B2	Attenuated swine influenza vaccines and methods of making and use thereof This disclosure provides attenuated swine influenza strains, particularly those produced via a reverse genetics approach, compositions comprising same, and methods of production and use thereof. The attenuated strains are engineered to encode HA proteins having additional glycosylation sites, relative to the HA proteins encoded by the corresponding virulent parental viruses. Advantageously, the attenuated influenza strains may be administered.
US09216206B2	Methods of treating symptoms associated with menopause and hormonal variations with G-CSF The invention provides for compositions and methods of treating or ameliorating menopausal symptoms and/or symptoms associated with hormonal variations by administering granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The invention also provides for compositions and methods of treating or ameliorating arthritis using G-CSF.
US09216197B2	Topical formulations of tellurium-containing compounds Novel formulations of tellurium-containing compounds, which are suitable for topical application, are disclosed. The formulations are characterized by high chemical and physical stability and are easy to handle and use.
US09216195B2	Bone treatment systems and methods The present disclosure relates to bone cement formulations that have an extended working time for use in vertebroplasty procedures and other osteoplasty procedures together with cement injectors that include energy delivery systems for on-demand control of cement viscosity and flow parameters. The bone cement formulations may include a liquid component having at least one monomer and a non-liquid component including polymer particles and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The non-liquid component may be further configured to allow controlled exposure of the BPO to the liquid monomer so as to enable control of the viscosity of the bone cement composition.
US09216193B2	Crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition and self-crosslinking hyaluronic acid particles The present invention provides a crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition including self-crosslinking hyaluronic acid particles having an equilibrium swelling capacity of 3-fold to 10-fold, and an aqueous solvent, wherein a dry weight of the self-crosslinking hyaluronic acid particles based on the total volume of the crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition is 3 w/v % to 8 w/v %.The crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition of the invention uses self-crosslinking hyaluronic acid particles of which the equilibrium swelling capacity is within the above predetermined range. Accordingly, the viscosity does not sharply increase even if the concentration thereof is increased. Therefore, if the crosslinked hyaluronic acid composition is applied to an injection, it is possible to obtain a sufficient curative effect on knee osteoarthritis even with a small frequency of administration.
US09216192B2	Toll-like receptor agonist formulations and their use The present invention is directed generally to stable formulations of a TLR agonist preferably a TLR7 or a TLR8 agonist, for use in the treatment of cancer, preferably solid tumors and lymphomas. Specifically, the present invention is directed to stable formulations of up to 50 mg/ml of a TLR agonist which comprise a cyclodextrin.
US09216180B2	Pharmaceutical compositions and treatment of genetic diseases associated with nonsense mediated RNA decay The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention is also directed to a method of treating a genetic disease caused by premature termination codons, or other conditions that render messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) susceptible to nonsense mediated RNA decay, in a subject. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting nonsense mediated RNA decay and/or induction of autophagy. The present invention also relates to a method of identifying inhibitors of nonsense mediated RNA decay and/or inducing autophagy. The present invention further relates to a method of inhibiting nonsense mediated RNA decay and/or induction of autophagy in a subject.
US09216175B2	Sublingual buprenorphine spray The invention provides sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a derivative thereof. The invention further provides sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine and naloxone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or derivatives thereof. The invention further provides a method of treating pain or opioid dependence by administering sublingual formulations containing buprenorphine, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a derivative thereof to a patient in need thereof.
US09216163B2	Method of inhibiting angiogenesis A novel angiogenesis inhibitor, and a method for inhibiting angiogenesis are provided. Also provided are a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a disease accompanied by angiogenesis, and a method for preventing or treating a disease accompanied by angiogenesis. The angiogenesis inhibitor contains L-carbocisteine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
US09216158B2	Microorganism comprising particles and uses of same A particle is disclosed. The particle comprising: (i) at least one inner core which comprises a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; (ii) an inner membrane being fabricated from a water-soluble polymer, the inner membrane surrounding the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and (iii) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane, the outer porous membrane being insoluble in water. Methods of generating same, propagating microorganisms within and uses of same are also disclosed.
US09216157B2	Chewing gum in the form of multi-layer tablets Disclosed are tablets having a sandwich-like structure comprising at least one inner layer of gum base containing one or more active pharmaceutical, dietetic or nutritional ingredients and two non-contigous outer layers comprising antiadhesion excipients and compression adjuvants preventing the adhesion to the punches of the tabletting machine and possibly active ingredients which are the same as or different from those present in the inner layer. Said tablets are obtainable by direct compression of mixtures or granulates of the various components of each layer.
US09216155B2	Synthetic nanostructures including nucleic acids and/or other entities Articles, compositions, kits, and methods relating to nanostructures, including synthetic nanostructures, are provided. Certain embodiments described herein include structures having a core-shell type arrangement; for instance, a nanostructure core may be surrounded by a shell including a material, such as a lipid bilayer, and may include other components such as oligonucleotides. In some embodiments, the structures, when introduced into a subject, can be used to deliver nucleic acids and/or can regulate gene expression. Accordingly, the structures described herein may be used to diagnose, prevent, treat or manage certain diseases or bodily conditions. In some cases, the structures are both a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic agent.
US09216154B2	Protease selective supramolecular assemblies Supramolecular assemblies for delivering active agents to cancerous or precancerous tissues in a subject are provided. These supramolecular assemblies are also useful in assays for detecting and imaging of cancerous and precancerous cells. The assemblies are protease-sensitive and comprise a peptide linkage containing a protease consensus sequence. The assemblies can be selectively targeted to cancerous tissue where the protease enzymes degrade the peptide linkage thereby releasing the active agents which were physically or mechanically contained in or retained by the supramolecular assembly.
US09216153B2	Osteoclast inhibitors for knee conditions Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions.
US09216140B2	Process for producing resin composition and process for producing molded article A medical resin composition is produced by mixing a powder of a polymer (A) comprising repeating units having an ester group and a liquid of a vinyl ester monomer (B) having 6 or more carbon atoms to increase a viscosity and, according to demand, further performing a polymerization reaction. The thus produced resin composition inhibits leaching of irritative substances, reduces any adverse effects on the human body by endocrine disruptors, etc. and can be prepared with high operational efficiency. The resin composition is suitably used as a dental resin composition such as a tissue conditioner, a functional impression material, a lining material, a denture base material or a mouth piece material.
US09216135B2	Massage appliance capable of synchronous kneading and tapping A massage appliance capable of synchronous kneading and tapping includes: a power-driven vertically-moving device, including an outer portion having therein a sliding channel, and a vertically-moving rack disposed alongside the sliding channel; a device capable of synchronous kneading and tapping, including a housing portion having therein a power source for driving a first transmission device whereby a second transmission device is driven to drive a rotational inclined surface structure for driving an oscillating arm to oscillate laterally; an oscillating arm coupled to a massage head support, two infrared lamp plates and two massage heads, causing the massage heads to perform kneading-based massage, the first transmission device driving a third transmission device, whereas the third transmission device driving an eccentric cam, wherein an eccentric spindle is connected to a lever weight to pull the massage head support to perform tapping, thereby allowing the two massage heads to perform tapping-based massage.
US09216124B2	Leg support for a surgical table Described is a leg support for a surgical table, the leg support comprising a connector for connecting the leg support to a surgical table; an intermediate member mounted on the connector by a first pivot joint defining a first axis about which the intermediate member is displaceable relative to the connector; and a support for supporting a leg of a patient, the support mounted on the intermediate member by a second pivot joint defining a second axis about which the support is displaceable relative to the intermediate member independently of displacement of the intermediate member relative to the connector about the first axis, the second axis being parallel to the first axis, and a plane normal to the second axis passing through both the intermediate member and the support. Also described is a kit of parts for a leg support, a method of configuring a leg support, a surgical table comprising a leg support, and a kit of parts for a surgical table.
US09216116B2	Absorbent articles with channels The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a core wrap enclosing an absorbent material. The core wrap comprises a first material and a second material. The first material forms a C-wrap at least partially around the second material. The absorbent material comprises at least 80% of superabsorbent polymers by weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent core comprises a channel substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and at least partially oriented in a longitudinal direction of the article. The channel has an arcuate portion facing a longitudinal axis of the article. An angle between a tangent line of the arcuate portion and the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 20 degrees.
US09216111B2	Steerable laser probe A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.
US09216108B2	Lacrimal implants and related methods Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure retention within the lacrimal punctum of an eye are described. The lacrimal implants can comprise a implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into a lacrimal canaliculus. The implant body can include a deformable retention structure that can be configured to substantially encapsulate an expandable retention element. In some examples, the expandable retention element can include a fluid absorbing material, which can be exposed to fluid such as via a fluid permeable retainer or a fluid permeable aperture. As the fluid absorbing material retains fluid (i.e., upon acceptance of fluid into the retention structure), its size increases and its shape can change to urge one or more portions of the retention structure outward, such as against a wall of the lacrimal canaliculus, thereby securely retaining the lacrimal implant within the punctum.
US09216103B2	Extraoral nasal molding headgear device for the treatment of cleft lip and palate The present invention is a device for pre-surgical treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate. The device is extraoral thus reducing the risk associated with existing devices and technologies that are intraoral, such as, for example utilizing a Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) appliance. The adjustable extraoral nasal molding appliance of the present invention consists of an adjustable and securable head fastener, a front connector with a forehead rest pad, a rod support having an aperture through which a rod is slidably connected, a fastener for locking a rod in a set position, the rod, a spring and at least one nasal bulb. Different shaped springs can be attached for treating unilateral as well as bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Different nasal bulbs can be attached for treating unilateral as well as bilateral cleft lip and palate patients.
US09216100B2	Medical device A medical device includes yarns made of a shape memory material and polymer yarns, wherein the yarns made of said shape memory material include polymer sheathing.
US09216099B2	Method and apparatus of an integrated gel sealing liner A gel liner made by starting initially with a one-piece knitted tubular sock-shaped fabric having a closed distal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and an open proximal end section of gel impermeable knitted fabric and being a gel permeable loosely knitted fabric. Molding the liner to have a gel cushion layer on its interior surface with the gel passing through and partially embedding the yarns of the proximal fabric section with the outermost portions of the yarns free of gel to form at least one annular seal whereby the proximal end section forming a seal not inhibited in deformation and/or elongation by the fabric when the liner is worn thereby reducing or eliminating any twisting or discomfort of the liner during ambulation caused by the annular seal.
US09216098B2	Intervertebral disc space sizing tools and methods A method and apparatus for making a size measurement within an intervertebral space by placing an expandable and contractible device into the intervertebral space, expanding the device, measuring a size characteristic of the space, contracting the device and then removing it. The measurement may be accomplished by an external x-ray or other imaging device imaging the expanded device in situ or by mechanically operated devices. An expansion and contraction mechanism such as fluid containing bladder or mechanically shifted members expands the device which later contracts in a controlled manner to the contracted size. An apparatus and method is provided for the measuring of the intervertebral space at a controlled distraction force. The apparatus includes an expandable device for providing a measurement within the intervertebral space and facilitating the measurement of the angulations of the lordotic curve of the intervertebral space.
US09216091B2	Glenoid extension block A glenoid implant has an anatomically formed body including of metal and/or plastic materials. It further has a contact surface adapted to extend the surface of a glenoid and to bear a humerus. In the implant body, there is at least one hole with a screw head seating area for holding the head of a screw, which may be screwed into a glenoid for fixedly attaching the glenoid implant.
US09216087B2	Sleeve for modular revision hip stem The present disclosure provides a femoral prosthesis for use during a revision procedure. The femoral prosthesis includes a body, a neck, a stem, and a sleeve. The sleeve facilitates reattachment of an osteotomized proximal femur, specifically the greater trochanter, following a revision femoral prosthesis surgery involving an extended trochanteric osteotomy. Additionally, the sleeve promotes ingrowth of the osteotomized proximal femur with the sleeve.
US09216076B2	Means for controlled sealing of endovascular devices Expandable sealing means for endoluminal devices have been developed for controlled activation. The devices have the benefits of a low profile mechanism (for both self-expanding and balloon-expanding prostheses), contained, not open, release of the material, active conformation to the “leak sites” such that leakage areas are filled without disrupting the physical and functional integrity of the prosthesis, and on-demand, controlled activation, that may not be pressure activated.
US09216073B2	Oral care device A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port.
US09216068B2	Optics for video cameras on a surgical visualization system A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
US09216065B2	Forming and displaying a composite image Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring a plurality of image frames of a portion of a subject's body. At least one of the image frames is designated as a baseline image frame, a shape of the portion in the first baseline image frame being designated as a baseline shape. A non-baseline-shape image frame is deformed, such that the shape of the portion becomes more similar to the baseline shape of the portion than when the portion in the non-baseline-shape image frame is not deformed. A composite image is formed that is of higher clarity with respect to anatomy of the portion, relative to each of the acquired image frames, by averaging at least the deformed non-baseline-shape image frame with the baseline image frame. The composite image is displayed on a display. Other applications are also described.
US09216062B2	Seals and sealing methods for a surgical instrument having an articulated end effector actuated by a drive shaft Sealing assemblies and methods are disclosed for sealing a surgical instrument having an internal drive shaft subject to lateral displacement. A sealing assembly includes a rigid portion shaped to interface with an instrument shaft of the surgical instrument. A laterally oriented slot is open at a radially perimeter location and configured to receive an o-ring seal via the perimeter location. Apertures are disposed on opposing sides of the slot and open to the slot. The apertures are configured to receive the drive shaft there through and are larger than the drive shaft to accommodate lateral displacement of the drive shaft. The slot includes opposing internal sides spaced to interface with opposed axial surfaces of the o-ring seal. The seal inhibits axial transmission of an insufflated gas and/or bodily fluids while accommodating lateral displacement of the drive shaft.
US09216055B2	Systems, devices and methods for treating the heart with ablation A system (60) for ablating internal heart tissue (12) in an ablation pattern (50) on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system (60) includes an ablation catheter (14) with a distal end having an ablating tip portion (20) operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device (62) is engageable with the ablation catheter (14) and includes a tissue anchoring portion (74) operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device (62) relative to the tissue (12). Engagement of the guiding device (62) with the ablation catheter (14) operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion (20) in moving along the pattern (50). Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.
US09216053B2	Elongate member providing a variation in radiopacity An elongate member for inserting into a cannula is disclosed. The cannula comprises an electrically insulated region and an electrically exposed conductive region for delivering energy to form a lesion within a patient's body at an intended location relative to the electrically exposed conductive region. The elongate member is structured to cooperatively engage with the cannula at a pre-determined insertion depth and to provide a variation in radiopacity, at a pre-determined position relative to the electrically exposed conductive region, when inserted to the pre-determined insertion depth. The variation in radiopacity provides a visual reference for distinguishing, using fluoroscopic imaging, the intended location of the lesion.
US09216052B2	Instrument for the fusion and cutting of blood vessels An instrument suitable for minimal invasive surgery. The instrument can be introduced into a body, for example, through a trocar, and has two arms and a centrally guided knife for clamping vessels. The central guidance of the knife in at least one of the arms avoids disadvantages that could otherwise develop as a result of the off-center severing of coagulated tissue. Moreover, the clean central guidance of the knife results in lower wear on the knife. Thus, a better cut quality and a longer service life of the knife can be achieved.
US09216049B2	Systems and methods for implant removal Implant removal systems and methods for using the system for removing an implant from a bone are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method for removing an intramedullary implant from a bone includes navigating a guidewire into an intramedullary cavity of the bone; inserting the guidewire into a lumen of an intramedullary implant located in the intramedullary cavity of the bone; advancing a removal screw over the guidewire to the intramedullary implant; threading the removal screw into the lumen of the intramedullary implant to engage the removal screw to the intramedullary implant; and applying impaction force on the removal screw to remove the intramedullary implant from the intramedullary cavity.
US09216042B2	Adjustable fixation device An articulated fixation device is provided having a high degree of adjustability for securing a plate member thereof to a skull and at least one spinal rod thereof to a vertebral bone. In one form, an adjustable bridge member is provided that is adjustably connected to both the plate member and the spinal rod. The adjustable connections can include an upper and rearward pivot connection between the plate member and the bridge member and a lower and forward pivot connection between the spinal rod and the bridge member.
US09216041B2	Spinal connecting members with tensioned cords and rigid sleeves for engaging compression inserts A spinal implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having hard, non-elastic sleeves for attachment to the bone anchors, at least one spacer located between the bone anchors, and in some embodiments, an end elastic bumper and cord blocker. A cord is received within the rigid sleeves, the spacer and the bumper, the cord being in fixed or sliding relationship with cooperating sleeves. The sleeves include portions for direct engagement with bone screw inserts and closure tops and may include a channel for receiving a projected portion of a spacer.
US09216039B2	Dynamic spinal stabilization assemblies, tool set and method A hinged bone screw and tool set is used for implanting such bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws. The hinged bone screw includes a shank with an upper portion and a receiver with integral arms forming a U-shaped channel. A lower curved seat partially defining the U-shaped channel cooperates with an upper portion of the bone screw shank for hinged movement of the shank with respect to the receiver. The tool set includes an insertion tool, a bone screw driver, a reduction tool and a closure starter. The insertion tool includes a bone screw attachment structure and a laterally opening channel. The insertion tool further includes a threaded portion for cooperation with the reduction tool to provide synchronized placement of a closure structure in the bone screw receiver while reducing and capturing a longitudinal connecting member within the receiver. Further alternative bone screws are hinged, polyaxial or fixed and include lordosing or kyphosing lateral surfaces.
US09216033B2	System and method for treating biological vessels A system for performing angioplasty and a method of utilizing same are provided. The system includes a balloon mounted on a catheter shaft and an expandable constraining structure mounted over the balloon. The expandable constraining structure includes a plurality of axial struts crossing a plurality of radially-expandable rings being for constraining said balloon such that isolated balloon regions protrude through openings in said constraining structure when the balloon is inflated.
US09216032B2	Liquid jet scalpel and method for operating a liquid jet scalpel The invention relates to a liquid jet scalpel comprising a nozzle (12) for discharge of pressurized liquid (14) in the direction of tissue (16) that is to be manipulated, and a distance measuring device (18) for measuring the distance between the nozzle (12) and the tissue (16) that is to be manipulated. The invention further relates to a method for operating a liquid jet scalpel.
US09216024B2	System and method for an intervertebral implant The invention relates to the preparation of an intervertebral space with a trial implant (9), the insertion of an implant (5, 6, 7), the inserters (13, 16), and the method for feeding and inserting the implant (5, 6, 7) by means of an oblique anterior approach. In the novel improved method, the associated instruments (13, 16) for inserting an implant (5, 6, 7) into an intervertebral space, in particular for the lumbar spine at an oblique anterior angle of 45° was developed, the left side of the body being preferred for insertion of the implant (5, 6, 7). Either the implant (5, 6, 7) can be inserted all in one, or first the upper part (5) and lower parts (7) and then the inlay (6) may be inserted. By insertion by means of the left oblique anterior approach at 45°, optimum utilization of the area of the intervertebral space is ensured (footprint), and better retention of the implant is guaranteed by the exact chiselling at an angle of 90° normal to the respective intervertebral surface.
US09216023B2	Expandable bone implant An expandable implant includes an implant body defining an internal void, the implant body including a plurality of interconnected linkages. A first plurality of the linkages has an expansion characteristic that is different from a second plurality of the linkages. An expandable bladder is sized to be disposed in the internal void. The bladder defines a bore configured to receive an expansion material, such that the expansion material applies an expansion force against the bladder, which thereby applies the expansion force against the implant body so as to cause the first linkage to expand greater than the second linkage. The expandable implant can be placed in a fracture location so as to restore height to a fractured target bone.
US09216021B2	Ligating band dispenser with a sliding deployment system A ligating band dispenser for attachment to an endoscope having sliding elements that are positioned on the outer surface of a support structure of the ligating band dispenser. The sliding elements may be slidably engaged to the support structure. For example, the sliding elements may slide along a groove on the outer surface of the support structure. The sliding elements are advanced forward along the groove, causing the sliding elements to impact a ligating band and push the ligating band forward until it is deployed off the dispenser.
US09216019B2	Surgical stapler with stationary staple drivers A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler can comprise a cartridge deck and a plurality of staples at least partially positioned within the cartridge deck. In various embodiments, the staples can be supported by a support jaw of the surgical stapler and can comprise legs which can extend upwardly through apertures defined in the cartridge deck. In use, the cartridge deck can be pushed downwardly relative to the staples into a well defined in the support jaw.
US09216018B2	Plication lock delivery system and method of use thereof A plication lock delivery system that enables a suture lock assembly to be delivered percutaneously. The plication lock delivery system comprises a lock assembly that secures sutures in place, a control assembly that allows a clinician to engage a suture to a suture lock assembly, apply tension to the sutures to cause tissue plication, and deploy the lock assembly, and a catheter assembly. This plication lock delivery system can be used to repair mitral regurgitation percutaneously or in an open-heart surgery.
US09216014B2	Device with biological tissue scaffold for percutaneous closure of an intracardiac defect and methods thereof The invention provides an intracardiac occluder, which has biological tissue scaffolds as occlusion shells, for the percutaneous transluminal treatment of an intracardiac defect. The intracardiac occluder includes a proximal support structure supporting the proximal occlusion shell and a distal support structure supporting the distal occlusion shell. In one embodiment, biological tissue derived from the tunica submucosa layer of the porcine small intestine forms the occlusion shells.
US09216010B2	System and method for aligning a biopsy collecting device A spectroscopy system for auto-aligning a biopsy collecting device is presented. The spectroscopy system includes an illumination subsystem configured to emit an illumination light towards the biopsy collecting device, whereas the biopsy collecting device includes an activator unit and a needle unit and wherein the needle unit includes a cannula and a stylet having a biopsy specimen. Also, the spectroscopy system includes a fixation subsystem capable of holding the biopsy collecting device and configured to place the needle unit comprising the biopsy specimen across the illumination light. Further, the spectroscopy system includes a detection subsystem configured to receive a light comprising at least one of an attenuated illumination light and a re-emitted light from the needle unit. In addition, the detection subsystem is configured to send a control signal to align the needle unit at a predetermined position in the spectroscopy system based on the received light.
US09216004B2	Adam and ease mammography device Two styles of The Mammography Device are intended, brassiere style (typically for females) and breastplate style (typically for males). The Device should be manufactured to include highly variable cup or mold sizes that will conform to the breast and torso snugly without tightness and use Sensors and Mesh Lines to “read” through breast tissue. Secondary Torso Connectors enhance sizing variability. The Device will have a Vacuum Ability, which allows the Conforming Mesh to be customized to individuals. The Device will create a more comfortable screening for breast tissue anomalies than current methods. The Device may be manufactured to be recyclable; each part should be soft. The Device may be ground for electricity via Grounding Points at its right or left Horn. The communication port on The Device may be used to connect it, if not using wireless communications, from its Rim to a computer.
US09215998B2	Device for obtaining a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and a rhythm strip A device for obtaining a standard 12-lead ECG and a rhythm strip, comprising: a personal ECG device to which nine skin monitoring electrodes are electrically connected, either directly or via an electrodes belt and which presents an array of at least 6 precordial electrodes that are anatomically positioned for the user, two belt mounted limb electrodes and one flying electrode, such that the skin monitoring electrodes deployed on the belt in combination with those directly connected to the personal ECG device permit the acquisition of ECG data for the rhythm strip and the standard 12 lead ECG, and wherein the ECG device includes a communication module for transferring the ECG data to a remote data center via a mobile device.
US09215984B2	Multispectral imaging for quantitative contrast of functional and structural features of layers inside optically dense media such as tissue A method for evaluation of target media parameters using visible through near infrared light is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light source, illuminator/collector, optional illumination wavelength selector, optional light gating processor, imager, detected wavelength selector, controller, analyzer and display unit. The apparatus illuminates an in situ target. The sample absorbs some light while a large fraction of the light is diffusely scattered within the sample and some light exits the sample and may be detected in an imaging fashion using wavelength selection and an optical imaging system. The method extends the dynamic range of the optical imager by extracting additional information from the detected light that is used to provide reconstructed contrast of smaller concentrations of chromophore. Using a reiterative calibration method, acquired spectra and images are analyzed and displayed in near real time in such a manner as to characterize functional and structural information of the target tissue.
US09215980B2	Health monitoring appliance A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.
US09215962B2	Autonomous planar surface cleaning robot Autonomous planar surface cleaning robots are disclosed. The robot includes a main body having a bottom portion defining an outer portion defining a surface area about a perimeter thereof and an inner portion defining a cavity formed within the outer portion. The main body supports a driving mechanism, a vacuum source, a vacuum sensor, and a control unit. The vacuum source, cavity, and vacuum sensor are in fluid communication. The control unit is electrically coupled to the driving mechanism, the vacuum source, and the vacuum sensor, and is configured to control the robot to turn direction when the control unit receives a signal from the vacuum sensor indicating that a degree of vacuum pressure within the cavity is below a predetermined vacuum pressure. Also disclosed is robot that includes multiple vacuum sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus that includes a connector pole.
US09215956B2	Glass window cleaning device and a control method therefor Provided are a window cleaning apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The window cleaning apparatus including first and second cleaning units which are respectively attached on both surfaces of a window using a magnetic force to move together with each other includes a first magnetic module provided in the first cleaning unit, a second magnetic module provided in the second cleaning unit, a magnetic force detection part for detecting a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules, and a magnetic force control part for controlling the magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules.
US09215946B2	Method and apparatus for making beer and other alcoholic beverages A beverage preparation machine with a receptacle for removably receiving therein a disposable cartridge having a first liquid ingredient and alcohol separated by a frangible partition. A movable lid closes the receptacle with the cartridge therein and has an inlet tube that pierces the upper portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. An outlet tube at a lower portion of the receptacle pierces the lower portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. A bottle is removably mounted on the machine beneath the outlet tube. A cold water reservoir is connected to the inlet tube. For carbonated beverages, a carbon dioxide source is connected to the machine at the upper end of the bottle.
US09215943B1	Clothing hanger accessory A clothing hanger accessory that allows a user to store clothing accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, finger rings, bangles, wristbands, headbands, scrunchies, etc. in close proximity to clothing garments that, in combination, form an entire clothing outfit.
US09215940B2	Cross-merchandising display fixture A display fixture includes a shelf display including a main body having a front side and a backside, a plurality of shelves coupled to the front side of the main body and adapted to support merchandise and a back support attached to the backside of the main body and extending from the backside of the main body. The display fixture also includes a rack display including a frame having at least one substantially vertical member located on a first side of the rack display, at least one substantially vertical member located on a second side of the rack display and at least one arm coupled to the frame to support hanging merchandise. A plurality of fasteners secure the at least one substantially vertical member to the back support of the shelf display.
US09215938B2	Product display system with adjustable bracket A product display system includes a plurality of brackets, a plurality of shelves, and a plurality of products. Each bracket is configured to mechanically engage a support structure. Each shelf is mechanically engaged with at least one bracket. The shelves form a first row, a second row, a third row, a first column, a second column, and a third column. The first row is adjacent the second row, and the second row is adjacent the third row. The first column is adjacent the second column, and the second column is adjacent the third column. Each product is supported by one of the shelves. The shelves are arranged such that the distance between the shelves in the first column and the third column is smaller than the width of the product supported by the shelves in the second column.
US09215937B2	Adjustable side rail for medical beds and the like An adjustable side rail assembly includes a side rail and an actuation assembly. The side rail is rotatable between a storage position and a use position. The actuation assembly includes an inner member, an outer member, and a locking assembly. The outer member is coupled to the side rail and is rotatable relative to the inner member between first and second rotational orientations for rotating the side rail between the storage and use positions, respectively. The locking assembly is transitional between a locked condition, wherein the locking assembly engages both the inner and outer members to fix the inner and outer members in the first or second rotational orientation, and an unlocked condition, wherein the locking assembly is disengaged from the inner and/or outer member to permit rotation of the outer member relative to the inner member between the first and second rotational orientations.
US09215936B1	Personal pool A single-person chair includes a proximal end and a distal end. A generally convex central portion extends between the proximal end and the distal end. The central portion extends upwardly, forming a first pool between the proximal end and the central portion and a second pool between the distal end and the central portion. A longitudinal centerline extends between the proximal end and the distal end. A first sidewall extends between the proximal end and the distal end on a first side of the longitudinal centerline. A second sidewall extends between the proximal end and the distal end on a second side of the longitudinal centerline such that that a liquid can be contained within the chair between the proximal end, the distal end, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall.
US09215935B2	Portable chair shade A chair shade including a cover sheet, frame having a first end and a second end, a sliding unit simultaneously affixed to the cover sheet and slidably affixed to the frame such that the sliding unit moves along the length of the frame when a force is applied and maintains its position on the frame when no force is applied and a securing unit that secures the first end and second end of the frame to corresponding opposite sides of a chair.
US09215934B2	Corrective chair using slider means Provided is a corrective chair using a slider means that includes a supporting leg, a seat plate that is coupled to the supporting leg and on which a user seats, and a backrest whose lower part is coupled to an upper part of the supporting leg and that supports a back of the user when the user seats on the seat plate. The chair includes a slider that is interposed between the supporting leg and the seat plate. The slider includes guide rails that are coupled to both sides of a top surface of the supporting leg, and are disposed to be inclined toward the backrest in such a manner that portions of the guide rails close to the backrest are lowered and portions thereof opposite to the backrest are raised; guide blocks whose lower parts are slidably coupled to the guide rails, that are disposed on the guide rails opposite to the backrest in an initial state, and whose upper parts are coupled to a bottom surface of the seat plate; and elastic bodies whose one sides are coupled to a bottom surface of a front side of the seat plate and the other sides are coupled to a top surface of the supporting leg. When the user seats on the seat plate, the guide blocks are slid in an inclined direction of the guide rails to compress the elastic bodies, and the seat plate is moved toward the backrest to allow a back of the user to come in contact with the backrest, and when the user rises from the seat plate, the elastic bodies are restored to original states to restore the guide blocks and the seat plate to original states. Accordingly, since the guide rails are disposed to be inclined, when the user seats on the seat plate, the seat plate is retreated toward the backrest to allow the back of the user to come in close to the backrest. Accordingly, even though the user unconsciously seats on the chair, since the corrective chair using a slider means allows back portions of an upper body such as pelvis and waist to be straightened, the corrective chair using a slider means can correct a posture of the user so as to allow the user to seat on the chair in a correct posture.
US09215931B1	Storage rack with improved tie support A storage rack includes front and rear deck beams and C-shaped tie supports extending between the deck beams. Each tie support has a side wall, a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange has front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. The bottom flange has front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. When assembled with the deck beams the front and rear ends of the top flange are seated on a support ledge of the deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. Similarly, the front and rear ends of the bottom flange are seated on a lower leg of the front and rear deck beams with the tabs received into the respective slots. The tie supports cooperate with the deck beams to limit the sagging of the decks, while also preventing outward twisting of the deck beams.
US09215929B2	Drive device for a movable piece of furniture A drive device includes an ejection element, a housing, and a locking element for the ejection element. The locking element is disposed in or on the housing and is movable relative thereto, and a detent element, which is connected to the ejection element and, in the closed position, abuts the locking element. In the locking position, the locking element can block the path of the detent element in the opening direction. The ejection element can be released both when a movable piece of furniture is subjected to increased pressure from a closed position in the closure direction and when the movable piece of furniture is pulled from the closure position in the opening direction. A detection system detects the position of the movable piece of furniture, and a transmission device transmits the position of the movable piece of furniture detected by the detection system to the locking element.
US09215926B1	Storage rack with improved tie support A storage rack includes front and rear deck beams and C-shaped tie supports extending between the deck beams. Each tie support has a side wall, a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange and bottom flange have front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. The top flange has a reinforcing rib. When assembled with the deck beams the front and rear ends of the top flange are seated on a support ledge of the deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. Similarly, the front and rear ends of the bottom flange are seated on a lower leg of the front and rear deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. The tie supports cooperate with the deck beams to limit the sagging of the decks, while also preventing outward twisting of the deck beams.
US09215923B1	Portable table apparatus A table apparatus and method of constructing the same including a table top having a plurality of slots, a plurality of legs, each of the legs inserted into a corresponding slot, and a support brace having a first longitudinal slot and a second longitudinal slot, the first longitudinal slot having a longitudinal length greater than a longitudinal length of the second longitudinal slot. A first leg of the plurality of legs is positioned in the first longitudinal slot. A second leg in the plurality of legs is positioned in the second longitudinal slot. The first leg can have a first bolt, the first bolt positioned to extend through a first slot of the plurality of slots and the first longitudinal slot. The second leg can have a second bolt, the second bolt configured to extend through a second slot of the plurality of slots and the second longitudinal slot.
US09215918B2	Luggage bag with removable organizer Embodiments of the invention provide a luggage bag, which includes an outer container and an organizer that is contained therein. The outer container includes a detachable garment flap having an envelope for storing one or more garments therein. The organizer includes a plurality of foldable compartments. The organizer can be stored within the outer container and covered by the detachable garment flap. The compartments can stack and fold onto each other and can fold into and out of the outer container. The compartments can be removably attached to each other by a connector, such as pile tape, snaps, buttons, etc. The compartments can be modular such that the organizer can be configured to include any desired number of compartments. In some embodiments, the organizer can occupy substantially the entire interior volume of the outer container. The compartments of the organizer are configured to unfold, deploy, and extend from the outer container.
US09215917B2	Compact protective cover for eyewear Protective eyewear cover that may be folded into or onto itself when removed from the eyewear, resulting in a profile that is slightly thicker than and slightly larger than the size of a single lens of the eyewear. The protective eyewear cover of the present invention is compact in comparison to certain conventional eyewear protection, such as a hard or semi-hard eyeglass case, yet offers maximum protection in comparison to other conventional eyewear protection, such as eyeglass bags or pouches.
US09215916B2	Protective cover for supporting mobile terminal in dual direction and multi angle A protective cover of a mobile terminal is provided. The protective cover for supporting a mobile terminal in a dual direction and a multi angle includes: the protective cover for housing the mobile terminal at the inside; and a support sheet mounted in a recess formed at an outer surface of the protective cover and spread based on a groove line formed in a lattice and having a portion close contacting with the protective cover and having the remaining portions spread from the protection cover and contacting with the ground and for supporting the mobile terminal. Thereby, by supporting the mobile terminal in various heights and angles using an auxiliary card, the mobile terminal can be supported in a multi direction and a multi angle.
US09215908B1	Foot bed A foot bed comprises a bottom encasing mechanically coupled to a cushion. The cushion is mechanically coupled to an encasing sheet. The encasing sheet is mechanically coupled to a top cover.
US09215907B2	Footwear assembly with outsole having an abrasion resistant arch An aspect of the present disclosure includes footwear with a sole assembly including an abrasion resistant medial arch portion. In various embodiments, a sole assembly can include a primary portion extending across lateral, toe, and heel regions of the sole assembly, and a secondary portion at a medial arch region of the sole assembly. The primary portion can include a first compound having a first durometer and the secondary portion can include a second compound having a second durometer higher than the first durometer. Additionally, the sole assembly can include a dam portion spaced between the primary and secondary portions. The dam portion can include sidewalls that form a recess configured to separate the first compound from the second compound.
US09215899B1	Pocket T-shirt with a pocket made out of necktie material A pocket t-shirt with a pocket formed from a first material such as that of a necktie, affixed to the upper left portion of a shirt formed from a second material, different from the first, is provided. The shirt may be one of a variety of colors, and the pocket material may define a multitude of patterns and colors as well. The V-shaped pocket will be sewn onto the shirt to introduce an element of class to the casual look of the t-shirt. A method of forming a pocket t-shirt is also provided.
US09215892B2	Pasteurization system for root vegetables A system and method for pasteurizing the surface of a food product includes a flame pasteurizing means arranged to transfer heat to an outer layer of the food product as it is carried by a cook belt. The flame pasteurizing means provides a medium that engulfs more than 50% of the surface area of the skin or outer layer and raises the temperature of the outer layer to at least 145° F. (about 62.8° C.). A washing means, arranged at an exit point of the flame pasteurizing means, removes the raised temperature outer layer and stops heat transfer to an adjacent inner layer of the food product. The pasteurized and washed product retains the same color and flavor as that of the unpasteurized product.
US09215890B2	Micro-colloidal silicic acid / boric acid composition and a method of preparing a bioenhancing solution and powder The present invention provides a composition comprising an acidified aqueous solution of (1) micro colloidal silicic acid, (2) boric acid, and (3) a water absorbing additive, having a pH value of equal to or less than 1, wherein the micro colloidal silicic acid has particle sizes in the range of 1-8 nm, especially in the range of 1.5-6 nm. The invention also provides a particulate product obtainable by the method according to claim 18, wherein the particles comprise (1) silicic acid, (2) boric acid, and (3) the water absorbing additive, and wherein at least 90% of the particles in the particulate product have particle sizes in the range of 0.3-5 μm.
US09215882B2	Additive manufacturing system and method for printing customized chocolate confections An additive manufacturing system for printing a chocolate confection, the system comprising a platen, a recirculation loop configured to circulate a flow of a chocolate material, and further configured to maintain a temper of the chocolate material; and a print head the print head being configured to receive at least a portion of the chocolate material from the recirculation loop, and further configured to extrude and deposit the chocolate material onto the platen to print at least a portion of the chocolate confection based on the commands from a controller.
US09215874B2	Fungicidal composition comprising a pyridylmethylbenzamide derivative and a thiazolecarboxamide derivative A composition comprising at least a pyridylmethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (1) and N-(cyano-2-thienylmethyl)-4-ethyl-2-(ethylamino)-5-thiazolecarboxamide; in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 10. A composition further comprising an additional fungicidal compound.A method for preventively or curatively combating the phytopathogenic fungi of crops by using this composition.
US09215869B1	Non-cadherin polypeptide potentitators of cry proteins The subject invention relates in part to fragments of non-cadherin Cry toxin binding proteins, wherein the fragments potentiate, or act as synergists with, the insecticidal activity of Cry proteins. In some preferred embodiments, the binding protein (a Cry protein receptor on insect midgut cells) is an aminopeptidase. In preferred embodiments, the fragment comprises a Cry protein binding region.
US09215864B2	Method of producing earthworm castings using solid fuel ash and earthworm bed for producing earthworm castings A method of producing earthworm castings by feeding earthworms with feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth and to an earthworm bed for producing earthworm castings, comprises the steps of: grinding solid fuel ash; washing shells and crab shells to remove salt, and then removing 80% or more of water therefrom; grinding the washed shells and crab shells; mixing 60-70 wt % of yellow earth, 20-30 wt % of the solid fuel ash and 10-20 wt % of the ground shells and crab shells; fermenting and maturing the mixture; and feeding the matured mixture to earthworms to allow the earthworms to produce earthworm castings. The earthworm bed (50) comprises: a feeding unit (52) through which feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth is fed; a breeding chamber (51) in which earthworms are bred to produce earthworm castings; and a discharge unit (53) through which the earthworm castings produced in the breeding chamber (51) are discharged. According to the invention, ash from a solid fuel boiler is used as feed for earthworms to produce earthworm castings, whereby problems associated with the disposal of the solid fuel ash are solved in an environmentally friendly and economical manner. The produced earthworm castings are used as fertilizers, solid amendments and the like.
US09215860B2	Fence for use by infants or pets The present invention is a device for use by infants or pets which provides a fence for use by infants or pets to confine their activities within a restricted area so that caring of the infants or pets can become easier. The present invention comprises an assembly of fence plates rotatable in relation to each other, wherein the adjacent fence plates are assembled with each other by means of a rotating axle. The fence has a bottom portion which is disposed with fixing members. The present invention assembles a plurality of the fence plates to form a fence. The fence is fixed on the ground by the fixing members to prevent it from sliding. When infants or pets are put into an area restricted by the fence, they can enjoy sufficient rooms for activities. It is also possible to prevent the infants or pets from escaping out of the fence and to confine their activities within a restricted area, thus accidents due to absence of care could be avoided.
US09215853B2	Guzmania plant named ‘VARIADA’ A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid named ‘VARIADA’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 50 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, green colored foliage (measuring about 50 cm length and about 4.5 cm in width) Superior floral bract production; bracts are orange-red in color (closest to RHS 32A and 17A) compound inflorescence, measuring about 18 cm in height and about 20 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit.
US09215852B2	Guzmania plant named ‘SKY’ A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid named ‘SKY’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 20-25 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, green color foliage (measuring about 25-30 cm length and about 3-3.5 cm in width) Superior floral bract production; bracts are red in color (closest to RHS 46A) singular head inflorescence, measuring about 18 cm in height and about 18 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit.
US09215849B2	Generation of haploid plants and improved plant breeding Methods and compositions for generating haploid organisms are described.
US09215845B2	Aggressive grate for combine harvester A processing system for a combine harvester has a tubular rotor housing that concentrically receives a rotor used for threshing and separating crop materials. Concave and separator grate assemblies are arranged side-by-side axially along the processing system. Each grate assembly has laterally spaced apart side rails and a plurality of axial bars spanning the side rails. Each axial bar has a plurality of fingers extending therefrom toward an adjacent axial bar, the fingers defining apertures through which grain may pass. Each axial bar additionally has a plurality of disrupter walls placed between adjacent fingers, wherein an upper edge of each disrupter wall projects above the fingers on the same axial bar such that it is closer to the rotor to disrupt the axial flow of the crop material through the rotor housing.
US09215842B2	Adjustable modular tine muck and garden rake The present invention relates primarily to an improvement in a mucking rake that can also be adapted for landscaping use. The invention possesses parallel replaceable tines that are spaced apart at variable distances through the use of individual modular tines and/or spacers. The tines can also be manufactured in a wavy shape to enable the debris to be sifted and collected onto the rake without having to dispose of the debris each time debris is sifted and collected.
US09220181B2	Electrical room of an industrial equipment such as a container crane, the electrical room comprising a cooling device An electrical room housing electrical and electronic apparatus for operating and controlling electrical motors of an industrial equipment is disclosed. The electrical room includes a cooling device with a first heat exchanger which is arranged with a first set of channels through which is conducted a first flow of air drawn from inside the electrical room. Warm air from inside the electrical room is circulated through the first heat exchanger of the cooling device and returned to the electrical room in a closed loop, and the air temperature in the electrical room is controlled dependent on a setpoint of between 24-40° C. A method for controlling the cooling device to cool the electrical room and one or more computer programs arranged for controlling the cooling device are also described.
US09220179B2	Pluggable power cell for an inverter In one embodiment, a power cell chamber for a drive system includes moveable and fixed portions. The moveable portion includes a rectifier stage to rectify an input signal received from a secondary winding of a transformer to provide a rectified signal and an inverter stage having a plurality of switching devices to receive a DC signal and output an AC signal. This moveable portion can be slidably adapted within a cabinet of the drive system. In turn, the fixed portion includes a DC link having at least one capacitor to receive the rectified signal and provide the DC signal to the inverter stage.
US09220176B2	Integrated circuit arrangement in a distributed computing system On a typical motherboard the processor and memory are separated by a printed circuit data bus that traverses the motherboard. Throughput, or data transfer rate, on the data bus is much lower than the rate at which a modern processor can operate. The difference between the data bus throughput and the processor speed significantly limits the effective processing speed of the computer when the processor is required to process large amounts of data stored in the memory. The processor is forced to wait for data to be transferred to or from the memory, leaving the processor under-utilized. The delays are compounded in a distributed computing system including a number of computers operating in parallel. The present disclosure describes systems, method and apparatus that tend to alleviate delays so that memory access bottlenecks are not compounded within distributed computing systems.
US09220170B2	Motor starter module A motor starter module is provided, the module according to the present disclosure including a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) substrate configured to communicate with and control the magnetic contactor, a mechanism part operating in association with an operation of the magnetic contactor, and an upper case covering the PCB substrate and an outer case of the mechanism part, whereby the magnetic contactor can be locally and directly driven, and controlled via communication to reduce a line cost, to shorten an operation time and to promote maximization of spatial utilization.
US09220168B2	Wiring board with built-in electronic component A wiring board with a built-in electronic component includes a core substrate having the thickness not exceeding 300 μm and having a cavity having an opening on a surface of the core substrate, an electronic component having the thickness not exceeding 300 μm and accommodated in the cavity of the core substrate, and a laminated structure formed on the surface of the core substrate and including an insulation resin layer and a wiring layer such that the laminated structure is covering the opening of the cavity of the core substrate and the electronic component accommodated in the cavity of the core substrate. The electronic component has an insulation material body and an electrode formed on a surface of the insulation material body, and the wiring layer of the laminated structure is formed such that the thickness of the wiring layer is set smaller than the thickness of the electrode.
US09220167B2	Wiring substrate, semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing wiring substrate A wiring substrate includes a first wiring structure, a second wiring structure stacked on an upper surface of the first wiring structure, and an outermost insulating layer stacked on a lower surface of the first wiring structure. The outermost insulating layer covers a part of a bottom wiring layer of the wiring layers forming the first wiring structure. The second wiring structure has a wiring density higher than that of the first wiring structure. A volume ratio V1/V2 is from 0.8 to 1.5, where V1 represents the volume of the wiring layers forming the entire second wiring structure, and V2 represents the volume of the bottom wiring layer in the first wiring structure.
US09220158B2	Ambience cinema lighting system The present invention relates to a method for providing an ambience light effect in a cinema comprising a cinema display screen arranged on a front wall of the cinema and a plurality of light sources, comprising receiving first and second image content to be sequentially displayed on the cinema display screen, determining at least one of a color and intensity for the second image content, determining a second set of control data for controlling the plurality of light sources to emit an ambient light effect based on at least one of the color and intensity for the second image content, and associating the second set of control data with the first set of image content. Advantages with the invention include the possibility to provide an improved ambient lighting experience by using the “extra space” specifically available in a cinema, e.g. walls, floor and ceiling.
US09220147B2	Luminaire with a sensor that varies its activation in response to the presence or absence of objects A luminaire (1a, 1b) and a method for controlling a luminaire are disclosed. The luminaire (1a, 1b) comprises a light source (2) and an ultrasonic sensor (3). The ultrasonic sensor (3) detects the presence and direction of movement of a person (4) with respect to the light source (2). A controller modifies a lighting parameter emitted from the light source (2) depending on whether a person (4) is moving towards or away from the light source (2).
US09220146B2	Light emitting diode driver with linearly controlled driving current A driver circuit for a lighting apparatus includes a current regulator configured to supply a load current to a load, and a control circuit coupled to the current regulator and configured to receive a dimming control signal and to linearly vary an amplitude of the load current in response to the dimming control signal.
US09220145B2	Transformer voltage detection in dimmable lighting systems An illumination system detects a peak value of a voltage of a transformer supplying an LED module by analyzing the current value of the voltage and an on-time of the voltage. Based on the detected peak value, a property of the illumination system is adjusted.
US09220140B2	LED lighting driver A light-emitting diode (LED) lighting driver is provided, which includes a bridge rectifier, multiple LED sections, multiple shunt regulators, a weighted current mirror array, a mean power integrator, and a reference generator. The bridge rectifier provides a rectified sinusoidal voltage. The LED sections are coupled in series and coupled to the rectified sinusoidal voltage. Each shunt regulators regulates a shunt current flowing out from the LED sections according to a current reference value. The weighted current mirror array provides a plurality of copy currents. Each copy currents tracks the conduction time of one shunt regulator and also tracks the instantaneous output power of the LED sections. The mean power integrator provides a mean power value by integrating the copy currents. The reference generator provides the current reference values. Each current reference values is directly proportional to the difference between a mean power reference value and the mean power value.
US09220127B2	Wireless network system A wireless network system includes a plurality of devices operating on the basis of incompatible and different standards. At least one of the devices comprises a standard identifying module configured to identify standards on the basis of parameters inherent and different in the respective standards.
US09220126B2	Method and apparatus for user equipment control in a cellular network The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a number of user equipments operating in a cellular network. The method comprises receiving an indication that a rise-over-thermal (RoT) measured in a cell is above a threshold. In response to reception of the indication, it is determined (52) if a user equipment, which is in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, state CELL_DCH and served by the cell, has a low data activity in the uplink According to the method, a user equipment, which is in the RRC state CELL_DCH, is served by the cell and is determined to have a low data activity in the uplink, is triggered (54) to change state to a RRC state CELL_FACH. Thereby the contribution of the user equipment to the RoT of the cell may be reduced and it may be possible to avoid dropping users due to congestion control in case of unacceptably high RoT in the cell.
US09220123B1	Peer-to-peer sharing of network resources A first mobile device receives, from each of a plurality of other mobile devices, information related to the availability of at least one network resource provided by at least a first network offered for sharing by the respective other mobile device. The first mobile device also receives a request from a second mobile device to access the network resource provided by the first network shared by at least one of the plurality of other mobile devices. The first mobile device selects at least one of the other mobile devices to share the network resource provided by the first network with the second mobile device. The first mobile device communicates to the second mobile device peer-to-peer network connection information of the selected at least one of the other mobile devices.
US09220122B2	Method, apparatus and computer program for configuring device communications A set of allowed discovery cycles is stored in a radio network access node, the set consisting of a minimum discovery cycle and integer multiples thereof and each discovery cycle defining only one interval for discovery. The access node transmits in a cell an indication of a specific discovery cycle selected from the set. The access node configures at least one user equipment in the cell with a measurement gap chosen to overlap a subframe for discovery within the one interval for discovery of a different discovery cycle of the set that is in use in a neighbor cell.
US09220109B2	Method for modifying the state of local access points in a cellular network A method of allocating resources in a cellular radio communication network including user equipments and a cluster composed of local access points to the network covering a microcell. For each local access point, the presence of user equipments in a coverage zone of the microcell associated with the local access point is determined. A local coverage message specifying equipments determined as present in the microcell coverage zone is generated. A global coverage message by aggregation of the local coverage message of each local access point in the cluster is generated. At least one operating parameter of a local access point in the cluster is modified as a function of the global coverage message. For each local access point in the cluster, an activity state of the user equipment is determined and a field in the local coverage message is entered accordingly with data representing the activity of the equipment.
US09220096B2	Method and device for downlink control channel allocation in wireless communication system Provided are a method and device for downlink control channel allocation in a wireless communication system. A base station allocates e-PDCCH (enhanced physical downlink control channel) to one slot in a subframe, and transmits a DMRS (demodulation reference signal) after allocating the DMRS to one of the slots for the e-PDCCH.
US09220088B2	Method and arrangement for adapting guard time based on timing advance A method in a base station for selecting a set of transport format schemes for a cell is provided. The set of transport format schemes shall be used for a radio transmission from a communication device to the base station. The base station is serving the eel! comprising the communication device. The communication device is unsynchronized for transmission to the base station. The base station specifies (201) a plurality of sets of transport format schemes. Each set of transport format schemes is associated to a respective guard time, which guard time is a time margin required to compensate for the communication device being unsynchronized for transmission to the base station. After determining (203) a required guard time as the maximum timing advance value used in the cell the base station selects (204) one set of transport format schemes from the plurality of sets of transport format schemes to be available for the cell. The set is selected such that its associated guard time matches the determined required guard time in the cell.
US09220086B2	Adaptive communication mode switching Systems, method, and devices are provided for transmitting data. In one aspect, a method includes providing a plurality of communication modules, each of the plurality of communication modules configured to transmit data using a different communication method; establishing, with the plurality of communication modules, a plurality of simultaneous respective communication links to a remote terminal; selecting, based on a switching criterion, at least one of the plurality of simultaneous respective communication links to be used to transmit data; and transmitting data via said at least one of the plurality of simultaneous respective communication links selected based on the switching criterion.
US09220083B2	IP-based paging for DSDS A method is disclosed for paging of a terminal having a first subscriber identity (IMSI1) attachable to a first mobile communication network (101) and a second subscriber identity (IMSI2) attachable to a second mobile communication network (201). The method is performed in a controller node (213; 600) of the second mobile communication network and involves registering (310, 410) the terminal's second subscriber identity (IMSI2) as attached to the second mobile communication network (201), followed by registering (320, 420) an auxiliary paging address (422) for the terminal's second subscriber identity. Then, a need to page the terminal's second subscriber identity is determined (330), and the terminal's second subscriber identity is paged (340). The paging involves sending (240) an auxiliary paging message (442) to the registered auxiliary paging address, and the auxiliary paging message is adapted for delivery to the terminal's first subscriber identity (IMSI1).
US09220080B1	Determining a propagation-time adjustment for a wireless coverage area, based on information provided by wireless terminals A method and system that account for one or more propagation-time components in a transmission path between a base station and a wireless terminal in a coverage area being served by the system. One such component is in the base station equipment between the radio that serves a wireless terminal and the antenna element that radiates and/or receives electromagnetic signals that involve the terminal. Another component of the transmission path is the one or more paths over which a radiated signal travels between the base station antenna element and the wireless terminal. By accounting for these propagation components through the use of measurement data provided by possibly a large number of wireless terminals, a disclosed location engine is able to derive adjusted measurements that are more representative of the propagation-time characteristic being measured by the individual terminals. These adjusted measurements can then be used to estimate the location of a wireless terminal more accurately.
US09220078B1	Mobile device utilizing time of flight for localization A method for synchronizing a clock of a frequency originator device (FOD) and a clock of a frequency receiver device (FRD), the method including disposing an information storage device at a known distance from the FOD, wherein a broadcast frequency of the FOD and the known distance are configured to be stored in the information storage device; obtaining by the FRD, the known distance between the FOD and the FRD and the broadcast frequency of the FOD; receiving a broadcast of the FOD by said FRD at the broadcast frequency according to the FRD's clock time at T2, wherein the broadcast was made at time t1 according to the FOD's clock time; calculating a time of flight (TOF) based on the known distance and the broadcast speed; and incorporating a time correction=T2−(t1+TOF) in calculations of TOF between the FOD and the FRD.
US09220077B2	Uplink synchronization processing method, user equipment, and base station An uplink synchronization processing method, a User Equipment (UE), and a base station are provided. The method includes: receiving a component carrier (CC) uplink synchronization indication message sent by a base station, where the uplink synchronization indication message carries identification information of one or multiple newly configured CCs; sending synchronization signaling to the base station when knowing that the uplink synchronization needs to be executed on all or a part of the one or multiple newly configured CCs corresponding to the identification information; and receiving a time advanced (TA) adjusting message that is sent by the base station according to the synchronization signaling, and applying a TA value carried in the TA adjusting message to the CC on which the uplink synchronization needs to be executed.
US09220068B2	Power saving method, apparatus and communication terminal A power saving method, apparatus and communication terminal are provided to reduce power consumption of a communication terminal and prolong standby time by reducing the number of wakeup times of the communication terminal in a standby state. The method includes: acquiring use time of each function of a communication terminal in one sampling cycle; executing a statistical algorithm on the use time of each function of the communication terminal to separately obtain a duration of frequent use of each function of the communication terminal in the sampling cycle; and correspondingly activating each function of the communication terminal in the duration of frequent use of each function. Embodiments of the present invention are used for power saving of the communication terminal and relate to the field of wireless communication.
US09220063B2	Power management for data transfers in network devices Disclosed is a method of wireless communication for use by a device and the associated device. The method includes receiving a data transfer schedule and determining that the data transfer schedule includes an isochronous traffic stream for the device. After the determining, the method includes extracting an allocation period of the isochronous traffic stream from the data transfer schedule, determining a wakeup schedule for the device having a sleep interval based on the allocation period, and entering a power save mode using the wakeup schedule. The method may further include determining that the data transfer schedule does not include an isochronous traffic stream for the device. After this determining, the method may include requesting a wakeup schedule of a source device, and determining the wakeup schedule for the device having the sleep interval based on the wakeup schedule for the source device entering a power save mode using the wakeup schedule for the device.
US09220057B2	Operator selecting apparatus and method for selecting a home operator for each communication device in a group An operator selecting apparatus and a method for selecting a home operator for each communication device in a group. A first selecting unit of the operator selecting apparatus selects, for each quality-oriented communication device in the group, a candidate operator out of a plurality of the candidate operators that is determined based on the quality information to provide the best quality of service to the communication device. The second selecting unit of the operator selecting apparatus then selects, for each cost-oriented communication device in the group, based on the billing system and a number of quality-oriented communication devices assigned to the each candidate operator as a result of the selection by the first selecting unit, a candidate operator out of the plurality of the candidate operators such that a total cost for all the communication devices in the group becomes lowest.
US09220046B2	Method for wireless communication in a device with co-existence radio Various methods for wireless communication in a device with co-existed/co-located radios are provided. Multiple communication radio transceivers are co-existed/co-located in a user equipment (UE) having in-device coexistence (IDC) capability, which may result in IDC interference. For example, the UE is equipped with both LTE radio and some ISM band applications such as WiFi and Bluetooth modules. In a first method, the network identifies IDC capability by UE identification (e.g., UE ID). In a second method, the UE intentionally performs cell selection or reselection to cells in non-ISM frequency bands. In a third method, the UE signals the existence of ISM band applications via capability negotiation. In a fourth method, the UE signals the activation of ISM band applications by signaling messages (e.g., RRC message or MAC CE). Under the various methods, the UE and its serving eNB can apply FDM or TDM solutions to mitigate the IDC interference.
US09220045B2	Method and system for regulating frequent handover by mobile devices between femtocells Disclosed are systems and methods for regulating frequent handovers by mobile devices between adjacent femtocells. In one aspect, the method includes determining if a mobile device is experiencing frequent handovers between femtocells, classifying frequent handovers based on cause (e.g., ping-pong between the two femtocells or high speed mobile device crossing a number of femtocells, etc.), and determining one or more remedial actions for regulation of frequent handovers based on the number of frequent handovers and their classification.
US09220038B2	Method and apparatus for evaluating an inter-frequency measurement event utilizing a detected cell A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to determine if a measurement event is satisfied by one or more detected cells and to correspondingly advise the network to facilitate consideration of whether a handover or cell reselection procedure is desired. The network may, in turn, determine whether the detected cell(s) that satisfied the measurement event are appropriate to be considered in conjunction with a handover or cell reselection procedure, such as by being in the same public land mobile network (PLMN) as opposed to being in a different PLMN and/or cells that are barred or reserved for operator use. Thus, the network may take advantage of opportunities for handover or cell reselection offered by a detected cell, while still insuring that handover or cell reselection procedures remain limited to cells that are appropriate.
US09220037B2	HS-DSCH inter-node B cell change A radio resource control (RRC) message is received by a radio resource control (RRC) device of a user equipment (UE). The RRC message notifies the FDD UE of a high speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) inter-Node B cell change. A reordering buffers of a medium access controller-high speed (MAC-hs) is flushed in response to the receiving the RRC message. A status report is generated for each acknowledge mode (AM) RLC instance mapped to the HS-DSCH by a radio link control (RLC) device after the MAC-hs flushes the reordering buffer. Each status report indicates missing AM RLC packet data units (PDUs). The RRC device sends a “TRANSPORT CHANNEL RECONFIGURATION COMPLETE” message on a DCCH after the RLC device generates each status report.
US09220032B2	Methods and arrangements for traffic indication mapping in wireless networks Logic may implement a hierarchical data structure for traffic indication mapping to facilitate transmissions for wireless communications devices. MAC sublayer logic may generate and transmit or receive and interpret management frames such as beacon frames with a partial virtual bitmap in a traffic indication map element based upon the hierarchical data structure for traffic indication mapping. The traffic indication map element may comprise a number of contiguous blocks encoded with the same encoding scheme, allowing the number of contiguous blocks to be included in the TIM element without repeating a block offset field value and a block control field value for each of the contiguous blocks.
US09220030B2	Method of alleviating interference between cells in a multicell system and device for the method The present invention discloses a method of a terminal to reduce interference between cells in a multicell system. In more detail, the method includes: receiving information on at least one adjacent base station from a serving base station; receiving a reference signal from the at least one adjacent base station on the basis of the information on the at least one adjacent base station; measuring interference for each transmitting antenna of the at least one adjacent base station by using the reference signal; and transmitting interference information on the each transmitting antenna to the serving base station.
US09220027B1	Wireless end-user device with policy-based controls for WWAN network usage and modem state changes requested by specific applications A wireless end-user device has a wireless wide-area network (WWAN) modem. A network service activity control policy set has a policy element that associates multiple Internet activity access controls with at least one end-user application. One or more processors receive a first type of request from applications, to use the networking stack, and a second type of request from applications, to change the power control and/or network connection state of the WWAN modem. The processors determine whether to apply the Internet activity access controls to the first type of request and the second type of request. Accordingly, certain end-user applications can, when specified policy conditions apply, be prevented from consuming bandwidth by affecting the modem state, and can also be prevented from using the packet networking stack to communicate data, even when the modem state would allow such.
US09220007B2	Wireless access point MAC address privacy The present disclosure describes techniques for using varying MAC addresses to provide wireless access point MAC address privacy. A wireless access point may be configured to generate a random (or pseudo-random) MAC address to use on a wireless-side interface (and SSID broadcast), rather than using the burned-in MAC address. The wireless access point may be further configured to periodically change the wireless-side MAC address with a newly generated one whenever user-configurable triggering conditions are satisfied. As a result, a MAC address learned by a wi-fi sniffing device becomes obsolete shortly after being learned and cannot be used to correlate the actual location of the access point with the MAC address for any significant period of time.
US09220004B2	Radio unit, baseband processing unit and base station system A radio unit configured to connect to a baseband processing unit includes a transformation unit configured to obtain uplink time domain signal data and transform the uplink time domain signal data into uplink frequency domain signal data; and a compression unit configured to compress the uplink frequency domain signal data by using a compression algorithm.
US09220002B2	Apparatus and methods for transmission of emergency call data over wireless networks Methods and apparatus for providing useful data in association with a high-priority call such as an emergency call. In one embodiment, the data comprises a data (e.g., an MSD or FSD) embedded within one or more real-time protocol packets such as RTP Control Protocol (RTCP) packets, that are interspersed within the voice or user data stream (carried in e.g., RTP packets) of an emergency call. Apparatus and methods are described for transmitting the data portion reliably from the initiating terminal (e.g., an in-vehicle system) to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), by using the same transport connection as the user data.
US09219996B2	Multicast traffic management A method of routing multicast traffic, suitable for use in a network comprising a router node connected to a first data network and to a second data network, the router node having a capability to route multicast traffic from the first and second data networks to a user equipment, is provided. The method comprises: receiving a first message from the user equipment at the router node, the first message requesting membership of a first multicast group having a first multicast address; and inhibiting receipt of multicast traffic having the first multicast address from at least the second data network by the user equipment, dependent upon a determination as to whether the first message may relate to a multicast address in the first network.
US09219989B2	System and method for sharing location information In a particular embodiment, a method includes requesting, at a first communication device, location information from multiple communication devices. The method also includes recording, at the first communication device, a particular location coordinate received from a closest communication device of the multiple communication devices. The method further includes adjusting the particular location coordinate based on triangulation data associated with the closest communication device.
US09219981B2	Distributed data in a close proximity notification system An aspect includes providing distributed data in a close proximity notification system using a transceiver that includes an antenna and a processing device. The processing device includes a memory for storing instructions that when executed by the processing device result in the transceiver: discovering wireless mobile devices within a proximity range of the transceiver; initiating communication between the transceiver and one or more of the wireless mobile devices; exchanging data with the one or more of the wireless mobile devices, the exchanging including receiving a request for information from one of the one or more of the wireless mobile devices; based on receiving the request for information, identifying a retrieval location of at least a subset of the requested information; and transmitting the at least subset of the information or an identifier of the retrieval location to the wireless mobile device.
US09219980B2	Campus security in a close proximity notification system According to an aspect, a method for providing assistance to a user of a mobile device includes receiving a signal from a short-range wireless communication transmitter. The signal includes an identification code, and the receiving is by a mobile device of a user located within the space. The signal is processed on the mobile device and includes: determining whether information associated with the signal is stored on the mobile device; and identifying a retrieval location of the information based on the determining and on the signal. The processing of the signal is performed exclusively by a software application located on the mobile device and independently of any networks. Based on the processing, information that includes an address of a security system is retrieved using the mobile device. The mobile device is monitored for inputs and based on receiving a security request, the security request is transmitted to the security system.
US09219968B2	Methods and systems to monitor a media device using a digital audio signal Methods and systems are disclosed to monitor a media device. An example method includes attempting to detect a transition in a digital audio signal output by a port of the media device. If the transition is detected, the example method includes determining the media device is in an on state. If the transition is not detected, the example method includes determining the media device is in an off state.
US09219961B2	Information processing system, computer-readable non-transitory storage medium having stored therein information processing program, information processing control method, and information processing apparatus In an exemplary information processing system including a plurality of sound output sections, the positional relationship among the plurality of sound output sections is recognized. In addition, a sound corresponding to a sound source object present in a virtual space is generated. The output volume of the sound for the sound source object is determined, for each sound output section, in accordance with the positional relationship among the plurality of sound output sections, and the generated sound is outputted in accordance with the output volume.
US09219959B2	Multi-channel pairing in a media system Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. Particularly, the embodiments described herein enable two or more playback devices to be paired, such that multi-channel audio is achieved. Such embodiments may be used to produce stereo and multi-channel audio environments for television and movies.
US09219958B2	Systems and methods for acoustic echo cancellation with wireless microphones and speakers Systems and methods for acoustic echo cancellation with wireless microphone and speaker systems are described herein. In one embodiment, an acoustic echo canceller is provided that can, among other things, cancel an acoustic echo component of an audio signal that is produced when an audio signal transmitted to a remote speaker on a lossy wireless link is picked up by a remote microphone and transmitted back to a base station on a lossy wireless link.
US09219957B2	Sound pressure level limiting Limiting the sound pressure level presented to the listener's ears by one or more headphones, using processing capabilities of a personal media device. Headphones, coupled to audio signals from a personal media device, include a sensor to measure the sound pressure level presented to the listener's ears, and provide that measure to the personal media device. The personal media device, optionally aided by one or more analog circuits, adjusts the audio signal so that the sound pressure level is maintained within a recommended range.
US09219954B2	Acoustic horn manifold The horn structure (22) is composed of a vertical array of horn pairs (26A-26G) arranged in stacked relationship to each other. The horns (27L and 27R) of each pair have entrance openings (40L and 40R) at the same elevation and disposed side-by-side to each other. The mouths (50L and 50R) of the horn pairs are in directional alignment with each other and stacked vertically on top of each other.

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