Document Document Title
US09347734B2 Gear checked construction for toy guns
A gear checked construction for a toy gun comprises a gun body, a piston, a driving gear, and a check assembly. The piston is mounted inside the gun body and a rack is formed on the bottom of the piston. The driving gear engages with the rack to drive the piston and includes a clamping part. The check assembly comprises a hinge and a check bar. The hinge is mounted inside the gun body and the check bar is set around the hinge and comprises a forward part and a reverse part. The clamping part touches on the forward part and bursts through the check bar when the driving gear rotates in one direction to drive the piston, and the clamping part engages with the reverse part to stop the driving gear's rotation when the driving gear rotates in the other direction.
US09347724B2 Firearm barrel plug
A training/safety plug for use in firearms is provided. In one implementation, the plug comprises a chamber end and a shaft extending away from the chamber end. The chamber end is adapted to fit within a chamber of a designated firearm, the chamber end has a cross-sectional dimension sufficient to prevent the chamber end from extending into a barrel of the designated firearm and further comprises a strike surface for receiving an impact of a firing pin of the designated firearm and a proximal end dimension such that the chamber end is not engaged by an ejector mechanism of the firearm. The shaft comprises a barrel end coupled to and extending distally from the generally cylindrical chamber end; the barrel end of the generally cylindrical shaft further adapted to extend from the chamber end into the barrel of the designated firearm.
US09347723B2 Method and apparatus for weapon control and authorization
Apparatus for authorizing and de-authorizing a device such as a weapon is disclosed. The apparatus includes the electrical detection of a signal on the skin of the user, and optionally a radio signal from a central authorizing authority and the entering of a security code by the user. Upon receipt of the correct input, the weapon authorizes and is ready for use. If a loss of skin signal occurs, the weapon enters a safe state until reauthorized. Apparatus for generating the skin signal from both an ingestible and a skin-mounted apparatus are disclosed.
US09347716B2 Indoor unit of air-conditioning apparatus
An indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus is provided, in which an air-conditioning condition changed based on a gesture corresponds to an air-conditioning condition displayed on a display device of a remote controller. With an indoor unit 100, when a user U1 performs a predetermined motion (S1-1), a controller 70 determines the motion of the user U1 (S1-2), recognizes that a gesture instruction condition is instructed (S1-3), controls a heat exchanger 4 and other devices based on the gesture instruction signal (S1-4), and causes the gesture instruction signal to be sent to a remote-controller communication device 85 (S1-5). When a remote controller 80 receives the gesture instruction signal (S1-6), the gesture instruction condition is displayed on a remote-controller display device 82 (S1-7), and buzzer sound (electronic beeper sound) is output from a remote-controller sound output device 83 (S1-8).
US09347711B2 Chemical heat accumulator
A chemical heat accumulator includes first- to Mth-stage heat storage units and a condensing part. Each heat storage unit includes a reaction vessel housing first reactant, a container housing second reactant, and a connection passage connecting the reaction vessel and the container for guiding the second reactant from the container to the reaction vessel. The connection passage is provided with an opening/closing member for opening and closing the connection passage. The reaction vessel of the Mth-stage heat storage unit is thermally connected with an object to be heated. The reaction vessel of a (N−1)th-stage heat storage unit is thermally connected with the container of an Nth-stage heat storage unit. M is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and N is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than M.
US09347702B2 Handle assembly for a refrigerator
A handle assembly for mounting to a door of a refrigerator includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes a cavity adapted to receive an end insert formed of soft material. Each of the end inserts includes an attachment member. The handle is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the attachment members and base members provided on the door without scratching the surface of the door.
US09347688B2 Tracking solar mirror system
A concentrating solar collector that includes a target, a plurality of mirror assemblies, and a master tracking assembly that controls the mirror assemblies is disclosed. The mirror assemblies are fixed at a plurality of distinct locations with respect to the target, each mirror assembly includes a moveable mirror and a tracking assembly. Each tracking assembly includes a target member, a sun member, and a tracking actuator. The target member is fixed relative to the target such that the target member points at the target. The sun member is moveable relative to the target such that when the sun member points to the sun, light from the sun is reflected onto the target. The master tracking assembly moves each of the sun members such that the sun members simultaneously point at the sun. The tracking actuators are mechanical devices that are coupled to the master tracking assembly by a mechanical linkage.
US09347684B2 Prevention or reduction of scaling on a heater element of a water heater
The invention provides a method of using a water heater arranged for heating an aqueous liquid wherein the water heater comprises a heating element to heat aqueous liquid in the water heater. The method comprising (a) heating aqueous liquid in the water heater with the heating element, wherein the heating element is in contact with the aqueous liquid; and (b) applying a first AC voltage between the heating element and a counter electrode and applying a second AC voltage between the heating element and the counter electrode, wherein the second AC voltage has a second AC frequency selected from the range of 0.02 Hz-5 Hz and wherein the ratio between the first AC frequency and the second AC frequency is 2 or more.
US09347683B2 Hot water supply apparatus associated with heat pump
A hot water supply apparatus associated with a heat pump is provided. The hot water supply apparatus performs a hot water supply operation using a high temperature refrigerant that has been discharged from a compressor, and simultaneously performs an indoor heating operation using a two-stage refrigerant cycle. This allows the apparatus to supply hot water while simultaneously providing heating/cooling to an indoor space.
US09347681B2 Cleanroom
The present invention provides a cleanroom for storing glass substrates, and which comprises an exhaust is disposed on a bottom floor of the cleanroom. A first filtering device is arranged on a ceiling of the cleanroom to provide purified airflow to the cleanroom. A second filtering device is arranged on the bottom floor of the cleanroom jointly to create a vertical airflow with the first filtering device so as to reduce the turbulence within the cleanroom. The present invention can readily resolve the prior art issue in which the airborne particles stirred by turbulence within the cleanroom cannot be effectively eliminated.
US09347656B2 Portable light having a light source on a flexible stalk
A portable light may comprise: a light body; a source of electrical power in the light body; a light head on a flexible bendable stalk supported by the light body, the light head including a light source; a switch for selectively actuating the light source; and an electronic circuit in the light body for controlling operation of the light source responsive to the electrical switch. Optionally, a USB connector may be provided on the light body for connecting to an external source of electrical power, wherein the electronic circuit is further for coupling electrical power received at the USB connector to the source of electrical power.
US09347654B2 Lighting device having a movable housing
A lighting device may include an electrical base, a stabilizer adapted to be matingly connected to the electrical base, a body member, and an optic connected to the body member and defining an optical chamber. A light source may be positioned within the optical chamber and in electrical communication with the electrical base. The stabilizer may be transitionable from an engaged position with the electrical base and a disengaged position with the electrical base. The disengaged position allows for the stabilizer to be translated longitudinally with respect to the base member. The engaged position slidably fixes the stabilizer with respect to the heat sink by reducing space between the electrical base, the enclosure and the heat sink.
US09347649B2 Display apparatus incorporating reflective and absorptive polarizers
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for reducing ambient light reflections from a surface of a display device in a power efficient manner. The display device includes a reflecting circular polarizer (RCP) and an absorbing circular polarizer (ACP) having the same polarity. The RCP provides light recycling functionality, while the ACP provides ambient light reflection suppression. In some implementations, the light generated by the display device is polarized by the RCP before it is incident on the ACP, which is located at the front of the display device. Because the polarities of the RCP and the ACP are the same, the ACP substantially passes all of the incident polarized light towards the front of the display device.
US09347640B2 Illuminating device
An illuminating device is provided. The illuminating device includes a light source and a lampshade. The light source provides a first light beam and a second light beam. The lampshade includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface. The first light beam is refracted by the first curved surface. The second light beam is reflected by the second curved surface, and a curvature of the first curved surface differs from a curvature of the second curved surface.
US09347634B2 Illuminating floor mat with wireless power transfer
An illuminable mat adapted for use in a variety of settings is provided. The illuminable mat includes an illuminable region and a light source that illuminates the illuminable region. The light source is powered by a receiver that is wirelessly supplied by a transmitter.
US09347631B2 Modular LED strip lighting apparatus
A LED based lighting apparatus is disclosed. The light engine used in the lighting apparatus may use a multi-layer metal core printed circuit board and have a plurality of LED groups that are independently controllable by a control unit. The power supply input and return paths connected to each LED group may be implemented on different layers to allow a compact footprint that may be used with traditional fluorescent encasements with relatively little modification.
US09347625B2 Chemical glow devices with LED lighting
The performance of chemical glow lights is enhanced by the provision of a battery-powered light-emitting diode (LED). The LED can be provided inside a pouch containing chemicals which, when mixed together, produce a glowing light. Multiple pouches can be provided in strip form as well as in individual form with varying shapes and sizes. Surfaces coated with light-activated photochemicals can be illuminated with one or more LEDs thereby causing such surfaces to produce a chemical glow for extended periods of time.
US09347619B2 Light emitting diode retrofit kit for high intensity discharge lighting
A housing once included a high intensity discharge (HID) light source, lens, and fixture chamber between the housing and lens. The housing is retrofit to exclude a routinely functioning HID light source and exclude at least a portion of the HID lens. The housing is made to include at least a first support for at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source and an LED diode lighting fixture chamber. A second support is affixed at least to the first support and is positioned at least in part outside the LED fixture chamber. The LED light source is mounted to the second support outside the LED fixture chamber. At least one LED light source lens is mounted to provide a lens for the LED light source, also outside the LED lighting fixture chamber. The LED light source is thereby substantially free of exposure to the temperature effects.
US09347608B2 Supporting mechanism and related electronic device capable of applying to rotation of a signal transmission holder
A supporting mechanism and a related electronic device can be adapted to apply to rotation of a signal transmission holder. The rotary supporting mechanism includes a base, a bracket, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a third connecting rod and a actuating component. The signal transmission holder is disposed on the bracket . Two end of the first connecting rod respectively pivot between the base and the bracket. A first end of the second connecting rod pivots to the bracket . Two ends of the third connecting rod respectively pivot to the base and a second end of the second connecting rod. The actuating component is rotatably disposed on the second connecting rod. A contacting portion of the actuating component is movably shifted between a first blocker and a second blocker of the third connecting rod since the second connecting rod rotates relative to the third connecting rod.
US09347607B2 Seed processing device
A sorting and sizing machine is disclosed having a frame comprising laterally spaced opposing guide rails. A plurality of sizing members are disposed between a top and bottom of each opposing guide rail. Within the opposing guide rails, individual members of a plurality of sizing brackets are disposed between individual members of a plurality of sizing spring members. A plurality of sizing rollers are disposed between opposing guide rails. Each of the sizing rollers is rotatably coupled to and disposed between an opposing pair of sizing brackets.
US09347596B2 Apparatus for heating a pipeline
The invention relates to an apparatus for heating a pipeline system, comprising at least two pipelines (1), along which in each case one electrical resistance heating element extends, wherein a potential close to the ground potential is set at each electrical resistance heating element at at least one end (3, 5), and the electrical resistance heating element is connected to a terminal of a DC source or to in each case one phase (7) of an n-phase AC source (9) at a position remote from this end (3, 5), where, when using an n-phase AC source (9), n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.
US09347591B2 Static dissipation in composite structural components
A method to prevent the accumulation of static electricity in a pipe system for containing corrosive petroleum products is provided, for a total resistance of less than 1 MEG ohms to ground from all points. The pipe system has at least two pipe sections, each comprising a structural layer and a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer has at least a conductive surface area in contact with the fluid, with the conductive surface area defining an electrical pathway extending a length of the pipe section. Each pipe section has a tapered end exposing a portion of the corrosion resistant layer. The method comprises joining the two pipe sections at the tapered ends by a conductive adhesive overlay, and electrically connecting the conductive adhesive overlay to a grounding device, wherein the grounding device helps dissipate build-up of electrostatic charge in the pipe system carrying the fluid.
US09347585B2 Dual seal fire safe stem packing orientation
A valve with a packing assembly includes a valve body assembly with a bore, a valve member moveable between an open position and a closed position, and a valve stem coupled to the valve member. A first stem packing circumscribes a portion of the valve stem, and is located in an upper bore portion of the bore. A first packing retainer has a collar that limits axial movement of the first stem packing, and also has a first retainer body defining an inner cavity. A second stem packing circumscribes a portion of the valve stem and is located in the inner cavity of the first packing retainer. A second packing retainer has a neck compressingly engaging the second stem packing, and a retainer shoulder that engages the first packing retainer. A retaining assembly is coupled with the valve body assembly for applying axial force to the second packing retainer.
US09347583B2 Valve position indicator
A valve position indicator assembly is disclosed herein. The valve position indicator assembly includes a gearing assembly operable to transmit an input rotation to an output rotation. The gearing assembly includes a first gearing member driven to the output rotation by the input rotation. A rate of the output rotation is a fraction of and less than a rate of the input rotation. The valve position indicator assembly includes: a position indicia engaged with the first gearing member such that the indicia and the first gearing member move together; a scale plate including a plurality of graduated indicia defining a scale of rotation movement of the first gearing member; and a mounting bracket comprising a first slot having a length extending between a first end and a second end.
US09347579B2 Flux bypass for solenoid actuator
An electromagnetic solenoid actuator comprises a ferromagnetic core and a ferromagnetic plunger. The ferromagnetic core supports a plurality of windings, and is oriented along an axis. The ferromagnetic plunger is aligned axially with the ferromagnetic core, and is translatable along the axis to vary a width of an air gap separating the ferromagnetic plunger from the ferromagnetic core. The ferromagnetic plunger and the ferromagnetic core overlap axially at a flux bypass that provides an alternative flux path that diverts increasing flux away from the air gap as the width of air gap decreases.
US09347577B2 Combined thermal management unit
A combination thermal management valve for management of the flow of heat transfer media is provided. The thermal management valve includes a manifold including two or more independently controlled valve assemblies configured to fluidly isolate the heat transfer media from each other. The valve assemblies may be configured to maintain desirable flow characteristics for each thermal medium.
US09347573B2 Check valve with reduced opening speed
A check valve for a housing with adjacent first and second apertures separated by a septum comprises a hinge pin, a first flapper, and a second flapper. The hinge pin is located downstream of the septum. The first flapper is anchored via the hinge pin, and is rotatable about the hinge pin to block the first aperture when in a closed position. The second flapper is anchored via the hinge pin, and comprises a primary flapper section and a counterbalance section. The primary flapper section is rotatable about the hinge pin to block the second aperture when in a closed position. The counterbalance section extends upstream from and substantially parallel to the primary flapper section, towards the first aperture.
US09347565B2 Rotating mechanical seal arrangement with improved gas separation
The invention relates to a rotating mechanical seal arrangement (1) for sealing a product side (5) at a rotating component, comprising a first rotating mechanical seal (2) with a first rotating slide ring (21) and a first stationary slide ring (22) which define a first sealing gap (23) between them, a second rotating mechanical seal (3) with a second rotating slide ring (31) and a second stationary slide ring (32) which define a second sealing gap (33) between them, a fluid space (4) which is limited by the first and second rotating mechanical seals (2, 3), wherein the first rotating mechanical seal (2) is lubricated with a product medium of the product side (5), and wherein the second rotating mechanical seal (3) is lubricated with a liquid quench medium of a quench supply unit (7), the quench medium being located in the fluid space (4), a quench outlet (8) via which quench medium may be discharged from the fluid space (4), a gas outlet (9) via which a gas located in the fluid space may be discharged, and a throttle device (10) which is arranged in the fluid space (4) between the first rotating mechanical seal (2) and the second rotating mechanical seal (3) and divides the fluid space (4) into a product-side fluid space region (4a) and an atmosphere-side fluid space (4b), wherein the gas outlet (9) is arranged at the product-side fluid space region (4a) and the quench outlet (8) is arranged at the atmosphere-side fluid space region (4b).
US09347553B2 Control device of automatic transmission and method of controlling automatic transmission
A control device of an automatic transmission that controls the automatic transmission including a friction engagement element capable of continuously changing a transmission torque includes: a first heat load estimation unit configured to estimate a heat load state in the friction engagement element based on an indication value of the transmission torque; and an estimation stop unit configured to stop the estimation of the heat load state based on a state where the indication value of the transmission torque differs from an actual value of the transmission torque actually transmitted by the friction engagement element.
US09347545B2 Transmission vent cap
A vent cap for a transmission is provided. The vent cap includes an insertion part for attaching the vent cap to the transmission. The insertion part has portions forming a first channel through the insertion part. The vent cap also has a vent part for attaching the vent cap to a hose. The vent part is attached to the insertion part. The vent part may have a vent base and a hose attachment portion extending from the vent base, wherein the hose attachment portion defines a second channel therethrough. The second channel is in communication with the first channel. The second channel may be orientated substantially perpendicular to the first channel. The insertion part may have at least one insertion attachment feature that mates with at least one vent attachment features of the vent part.
US09347541B2 Modular power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle
A power transfer unit assembly for transferring torque from a differential carrier to a propeller shaft includes an input shaft configured to be rotatably driven by the transmission differential carrier about a first axis of rotation of the differential carrier. A first bevel gear is engaged with a second bevel gear. The first bevel gear is annular and concentrically surrounds the input shaft. The second bevel gear is configured to rotatably drive the propeller shaft about a second axis of rotation of the propeller shaft that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The power transfer unit assembly has a compound planetary gear set concentric with the first axis of rotation. The compound planetary gear set is configured to transfer torque from the input shaft to the first bevel gear at a reduction ratio. Modular power transfer unit assemblies having common components are disclosed.
US09347539B2 Continuously variable transmission with chain output
A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
US09347538B2 Continuously variable transmission with chain output
A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
US09347531B2 Belt-type continuously variable transmission
A belt type CVT, which has a variable drive pulley controlling a transmission gear ratio by varying a diameter and a variable driven pulley connected to the variable drive pulley by a belt and controlling a tension of the belt by varying a diameter in a manner opposite to that of the variable drive pulley, in which each of the variable drive and driven pulleys includes belt supports movably installed between a pair of pulley plates, and transmission plates mounted to outside surfaces of respective pulley plates and rotated in opposite directions, thereby moving the plurality of belt supports in the radial directions, and the inner surface of the belt is provided with ratchet gear parts engaged with the belt holding ratchet gear parts of the belt supports, so that the diameters of the variable drive pulley and the variable driven pulley can be more easily and efficiently varied.
US09347528B1 Two-speed epicyclic gear arrangement
A power transmitting that includes an epicyclic multi-speed transmission that employs friction to torsionally ground one or more elements of the transmission to either inhibit their rotation or to couple the elements together for common rotation. The epicyclic multi-speed transmission avoids clutch configurations that employ stationary clutch packs that are configured to exert force on a rotatable element of the transmission through a thrust bearing, as well as clutch configurations that employ a hydraulically operated piston that rotates with a clutch pack, to reduce drag force and eliminate the need for rotary seals.
US09347512B2 Damping valve for shock absorber
A damping valve includes a valve disk, a retainer, an inner peripheral side flow passage configured to include a valve disk through hole formed in an inner peripheral side of the valve disk and a retainer through hole formed in the retainer and allowing communication between one and other chambers, an outer peripheral side flow passage formed in an outer peripheral side of the valve disk and allowing communication between the one and the other chambers, and a leaf valve in the form of an annular plate arranged on a side of the retainer opposite to the valve disk and configured to openably close the inner peripheral side flow passage by an outer peripheral part. A flow passage area of the retainer through hole is not smaller than that of the valve disk through hole.
US09347504B2 Vehicle driveline torque managing process
A vehicle driveline torque managing process provides a motor driven actuator that manages clamping forces exerted on a clutch pack and regulates a coupling of power between a driveshaft and one of the axles of a vehicle, based on clutch positions. The process derives coupling torque values by stepping a motor from a maximum clutch separation position through a series of clutch positions while recording a motor driven commanded torque value at each step, up to a maximum clutch compression position having a maximum commanded motor torque value. Then, each motor driven commanded torque value is converted into respective clutch force values as a function of clutch position, thereby relating each clutch torque to a clutch position based on conversion tables stored in a controller that are associated with physical factors that influence clutch torque for each of the respective clutch actuator positions.
US09347499B2 Shift device with synchronizer
A shift device has lever members arranged between a sleeve, a hub, and synchronizer rings to amplify and transmit pressing force of the sleeve to one of the synchronizer ring. The lever members include a top portion and arm portions at the both sides of the top portion. The lever members are provided with a torque receiving surface capable of receiving friction torque from projections of the synchronizer rings on an intermediate portion of each arm portion between the top portion and a second slide surface provided on each end of the arm portions.
US09347498B2 Clutched device with thrust ring
A clutched device that includes a driving member, a driven member and a clutch assembly that is disposed between the driving and driven members. The clutch assembly includes a carrier, a wrap spring and a spacer. The carrier is configured to coupled the wrap spring to one of the driving and driven members to permit the transmission of rotary power there between. The spacer is configured to limit elongation of the wrap spring in an axial direction.
US09347488B2 Seal-bearing assembly
A seal-bearing assembly to be inserted into the seal cavity of a mechanical device to provide a seal and a bearing surface to eliminate whip in a rotating and/or reciprocal cylindrical member. The seal-bearing assembly is particularly well suited for use in a reciprocal pump or a piston-driven valve, or between the steam lance and fixed steam tube in a sootblower. The assembly includes at least a pair of outer substantially rigid cylindrical bearings having an inner bore to be positioned over the cylindrical member and at least one complimentary flexible textile packing ring substantially comprised of carbon disposed between the two outer bearing members. In assemblies including an additional bearing, the additional bearing is surrounded by at least one flexible packing on each side. The inner bore of the bearing members provides a bearing surface for eliminating whip of the moving elements in the device.
US09347487B2 Rotorcraft bearing with rotation slip joint
On example of a rotorcraft bearing system includes a bearing housing attached to an elastomeric bearing on a longitudinal axis, an end surface of the elastomeric bearing attached to an end surface of the bearing housing. The rotorcraft bearing system also includes a sliding contact bearing having an end surface. The rotorcraft bearing system also includes an intermediate sliding contact bearing material layer. Under load on the longitudinal axis, the end surface of the sliding contact bearing is configured to contact an opposing end surface of the bearing housing through the intermediate sliding contact bearing material layer to form a rotational slip joint.
US09347486B2 IC tag equipped bearing unit
The bearing unit includes a bearing 1 and bearing unit forming component parts such as, for example, a housing 11 in which the bearing is incorporated, a shaft 19, covers 3 and 4 and a sealing member 10 for the housing. In this bearing unit, at least one of the bearing unit forming component parts is fitted with an IC tag 15 and an IC tag 16 is also fitted to the bearing 1. The IC tag 16 fitted to the bearing unit forming component part is of a read/write type whereas the IC tag 16 fitted to the bearing 1 is of a read-only type. The read-only IC tag 16 fitted to the bearing 1 is recorded with information necessary to correlate the bearing unit forming component part, to which the IC tag 15 is fitted, with the bearing unit 1.
US09347472B2 Extension pole mechanism for paint roller
An extendable pole mechanism may be used with a pair of poles that are longitudinally movable to adjust the overall length of both poles. The mechanism may include a housing that receives the poles and a trigger that is moveable with respect to the housing to adjust the mechanism between a use condition, where the poles are held in a longitudinally relative fixed position, and an adjustment condition, where the poles are longitudinally moveable with respect to each other.
US09347469B2 Mechanical locking system for floor panels
Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.
US09347468B2 Panel hook
A panel hook (1) designed for hooking a panel to be connected to the panel hock to a carrier, such as a rail, the panel hock comprising a strip (2) provided with a part (5) of I-shaped cross-section that is integral therewith, which part comprises a first flange (6), which races the strip, and a second flange (7), which forms a guide for a slide, wherein the slide engages round the second flange and comprises a hook-shaped element (15), wherein the l-shaped part comprises a profile between the flanges, and wherein the slide comprises at least, one projection (11) which engages the profile of the l-shaped part so as to prevent the slide from being moved in a first direction (13) along the second flange, whilst movement of the slide in an opposite, second direction (12) along the second flange is possible, a special feature being the fact that the panel hook further comprises a second slide (3) provided with a hook-shaped element (14), which second slide engages around the second flange, wherein the second slide comprises a projection that engages the profile of the 1-shaped part so as to prevent movement of the second slice in the second direction along the second flange, whilst on the other hand movement of the second slide in the first direction along a second flange is possible.
US09347464B2 Heating and ventilation fan for bathroom
A heating and ventilation fan for a bathroom comprises an ventilation fan frame, a scroll casing provided with fan blades and a motor, an air passage-switching plate, and a heater; characterized in that: an air leakage-preventing structure is provided between an air outlet of the scroll casing and the air passage. The advantage of the present invention is that a desired air amount can be ensured and a noise can be reduced while guaranteeing a gap required for smooth rotation of the air passage-switching plate.
US09347456B2 Non-metallic vertical turbine pump
A non-metallic vertical turbine pump and a method of manufacturing same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, the vertical turbine pump can include a motor, and a drive shaft coupled to the motor for rotation, a casing with a mixed flow diffuser including a diffuser hub and diffuser vanes that project out from the diffuser hub, and a mixed flow impeller configured to rotatably fit inside the casing, having an impeller hub, impeller vanes, extending from the hub, and a front and a back shroud connected to opposing ends of the impeller vanes. At least one of the mixed flow impeller and the mixed flow diffuser can be made of a non-metallic material and is a singular homogenous component.
US09347452B2 Stall detection in fans utilizing frequency converter
Exemplary methods and systems of determining stall of a fan are disclosed, when the fan is controlled with a frequency converter. The method includes estimating a rotational speed (n) and the torque (T) of the fan. Transferring characteristic curves of the fan to the estimated rotational speed (n) of the fan, determining the stall region of the fan. Determining an operation point of the fan from the estimated rotational speed (n) and estimated torque (T) using the characteristic curves. Calculating RMS values of the low frequency components of the torque and rotational speed estimates (TRMS, nRMS) to obtain a low frequency parameter (S), and determining an occurrence of stall based on at least one of the operation point and the low frequency parameter (S).
US09347447B2 Process for manufacturing casing, and vacuum pump
Damage of a rotor and a side plate are suppressed with a simple construction to prevent reduction in durability of a vacuum pump. A casing manufacturing method comprises a step (step S2) of disposing a cylinder liner forming a cylinder chamber in a mold, and casting a casing main body integrally with the cylinder liner by using molten metal, and a step (step S3) of processing an intercommunication hole and an exhaust hole so that the intercommunication hole and the exhaust hole penetrate through both the cylinder liner and the casing main body together and intercommunicate with the cylinder chamber.
US09347446B2 Refrigerant compressor including a polymerization inhibitor contained therein
A refrigerant compressor configured to compress ethylene fluorohydrocarbon or a mixture containing the ethylene fluorohydrocarbon as a refrigerant, the refrigerant compressor including: a compression element configured to compress the refrigerant and including a sliding component that constitutes a sliding portion; and refrigerator oil configured to be supplied to the sliding component so as to lubricate the sliding portion, wherein a polymerization inhibitor configured to suppress polymerization of the refrigerant is contained in the refrigerator oil.
US09347445B2 Lubrication apparatus of high pressure pump for common rail system
A lubrication apparatus of a high pressure pump for a common rail system is configured such that a sufficient amount of lubrication fuel can be supplied from a low pressure pump to the frictional junction between a roller and a shoe within a short period of time, thereby efficiently improving the lubrication performance of the frictional junction.
US09347443B2 Discharge valve for reciprocating compressor having inner and outer flow areas
A compressor may include a compressor body and a discharge valve assembly coupled to the compressor body. The discharge valve assembly directs discharge gas from the compressor body and between a valve plate and a valve retainer. The discharge valve assembly may include at least one reed valve assembly including a first support guide member, a second support guide member, and a reed assembly. The reed assembly may include a reed and a spring washer disposed between the first and the second support guide members.
US09347434B2 Wind turbine and a method of operating thereof
A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a generator, a power converter for converting at least a portion of electrical power generated by the generator, an energy dissipating unit and a controller. The power converter comprises a generator-side converter, a grid-side converter and a DC (direct current) link there between. The energy dissipating unit is operatively coupled to the DC-link. The controller is adapted to activate the energy dissipating unit to dissipate energy from the DC-link in response to a shutdown request.
US09347426B2 Wind turbine blade railroad transportation system and method
A system and method for transporting a first and second airfoil using a center railcar coupled to two additional railcars. A pair of root brackets support the root ends of the two airfoils on the two additional cars, aligning the two airfoils over the center car. A lower sling stand on the center railcar has a pair of vertical side members extending upwardly to hang a lower sling that support the first airfoil. An upper sling stand has a base that is supported by the lower sling stand, and also has a pair of upper side members that support an upper sling. The second airfoil is supported by the upper sling. The upper sling stand is fixedly supported on the lower sling stand so as to support the second airfoil above the first airfoil in overlapping fashion.
US09347421B2 Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine
A laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine, encompassing an ignition laser having a combustion chamber window, such that until startup of the laser ignition device, the combustion chamber window is equipped with a protective layer.
US09347418B2 Method of monitoring EGR system
A method of monitoring an EGR system includes setting up an ignition timing map depending on EGR efficiency when the EGR system operates normally. An output value reflecting the driving state of a vehicle is divided into an active area and an inactive area. A detected value of ignition timing depending on the occurrence of knocking for the active and inactive areas is learned and stored. When knocking occurs in the active area, a corrected value of ignition timing influenced by only the operation of the EGR system is extracted using the difference between the detected values of ignition timing learned in the active and inactive areas. The amount of variation in the EGR efficiency influenced by the operation of the EGR system is measured by measuring the EGR efficiency by applying the corrected value of ignition timing to the ignition timing map.
US09347415B2 Driver output encoding systems and methods
A starter relay connects a battery with a starter motor of an engine when in a closed state and disconnects the starter motor from the battery when in an open state. A switching device provides current to the starter relay when in a closed state and disables current flow to the starter relay when in an open state. For an engine startup event, a switch control module: transitions the switching device to the closed state for a first predetermined period; transitions the switching device to the open state for a second predetermined period after the first predetermined period; and transitions the switching device to the closed state for a third period after the second predetermined period. The starter relay remains in the open state during the first predetermined period and transitions to the closed state when the switching device is in the closed state for the third period.
US09347396B2 Piston structure for engine
A piston pin structure for an engine is provided, which suppresses integral resonance of a piston, a piston pin, and a smaller end part of a connecting rod with respect to a larger end part of the connecting rod on the combustion stroke, as well as suppresses an increase of noise on other strokes, and restricts the fixed dynamic absorber inside the piston pin from coming off and ensures a coming-off function.The piston pin structure may include a dynamic absorber including a fixed part fixed to a piston pin, a movable part extending in the axial direction of the piston pin, and a supporting part for swingably supporting the movable part with respect to the fixed part. A restriction mechanism for mechanically restricting the movement of the dynamic absorber in the axial direction may also be included.
US09347386B2 Alcohol reforming system for internal combustion engine
An alcohol reforming system for an internal combustion engine includes a reformer in selective fluid communication with a fuel line via a reformer inlet line for receiving liquid fuel from the fuel line. The reformer reforms the alcohol in the alcohol-gasoline mixture of the fuel into a reformate mixture comprising hydrogen gas and gasoline. A buffer tank in fluid communication with the reformer receives the reformate mixture and disengages the hydrogen gas from the gasoline in the reformate mixture. The buffer tank includes a liquid fuel outlet in fluid communication with the fuel line for re-introducing the gasoline as a liquid into the fuel line, and a reformate gas outlet for delivering the reformate gas to a reformate line through which the reformate gas is delivered to the engine.
US09347380B2 System and method for expanding a compressor bleed flow
A system includes a bleed system configured to direct a bleed flow from a high pressure region to a low pressure region. The bleed system includes a valve configured to control the bleed flow through the bleed system and a staged bleed conduit configured to incrementally depressurize the bleed flow. The staged bleed conduit includes an inlet coupled to the valve, a first stage configured to depressurize the bleed flow that is coupled to the inlet, a second stage configured to depressurize the bleed flow that is coupled to the first stage, and an outlet coupled to the second stage. The outlet is configured to direct the bleed flow to the low pressure region. The inlet, the first stage, the second stage, and the outlet are disposed along parallel axes.
US09347370B2 Rotary internal combustion engine, gas compressor, and liquid pump
A rotatory internal combustion engine is provided. The engine includes a power module, wherein all moving parts of the engine are positioned within the power module, a housing including an intake and an exhaust, wherein the housing is configured to retain the power module, and a sleeve configured to couple in the housing, the sleeve including a sleeve intake and a sleeve exhaust.
US09347363B2 Fluid pump assembly
An engine system that includes a timing drive cavity defined by at least one of an engine block, front cover, and timing drive cover, a timing drive positioned within the timing drive cavity, and a fluid pump assembly. The fluid pump assembly includes an impeller housing, a fluid inlet port coupled to the impeller housing, and a fluid outlet port coupled to the impeller housing. At least one of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet ports is positioned at least partially within the timing drive cavity.
US09347361B2 Exhaust manifold mounting structure for internal combustion engine
A cross recess is provided at a fastening seat portion of a cylinder head in which exhaust port outlets are arranged in two rows and two in each row. A cross protrusion that is fittable to the cross recess is provided at a flange of an exhaust manifold. A gasket has a cross opening through which the cross protrusion is insertable. The exhaust manifold is fastened to the cylinder head by passing the cross protrusion of the flange of the exhaust manifold through the cross opening of the gasket and then fitting the cross protrusion to the cross recess of the fastening seat portion of the cylinder head.
US09347358B1 Silencer for mid-bed air injection mixing
A system includes an exhaust aftertreatment system configured to treat emissions from a combustion engine. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes a first catalyst assembly having an outlet. The exhaust aftertreatment system also includes an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) assembly configured to receive a fluid from the first catalyst assembly and to convert ammonia (NH3) within the fluid into nitrogen (N2), wherein the ASC assembly has an inlet. The exhaust aftertreatment system further includes a silencer disposed between the outlet of the first catalyst assembly and the inlet of the ASC assembly, wherein the silencer is configured to receive the fluid and an oxidant for mixing with the fluid provide sufficient oxygen in the fluid flowing into the inlet of the ASC assembly to enable the catalytic activity in the ASC assembly that coverts NH3 into N2, and the silencer is configured to mix the fluid and the oxidant.
US09347356B2 Exhaust gas processing system independent to engine controls
A multi-functional apparatus and method for diagnosing issues in an engine system with a SCR exhaust gas processing system and controlling reductant delivery to the SCR system. The apparatus includes a Venturi exhaust passage device with a reductant injector positioned on a transition from a low pressure passage to a downstream high pressure passage. Temperature and pressures in the Venturi exhaust passage device are measured, and an exhaust flow rate value is calculated. The exhaust flow rate value can be used in controlling reductant delivery, and with a downstream lambda sensing value, the exhaust flow rate value, and a temperature sensing value, a variety of issues in the engine system and the SCR system can be detected. No engine operating parameter is required in the SCR controls and diagnostic algorithms, and less reductant deposit is introduced due to the elimination of stagnant area in the exhaust passage device.
US09347355B2 In-line flow diverter
An exhaust gas treatment system for reducing emissions from an engine includes an exhaust conduit adapted to supply an exhaust stream from the engine to an exhaust treatment device. The conduit includes an aperture. An injector injects a reagent through the aperture and into the exhaust stream. A flow modifier is positioned within the exhaust conduit upstream of the injector. The flow modifier includes a diverter for increasing the velocity of the exhaust gas at a predetermined location within the conduit relative to the injected reagent.
US09347352B2 Correction device for air/fuel ratio sensor
A correction device for an air/fuel ratio sensor in the present invention, the sensor issuing an output according to an air/fuel ratio and installed on the downstream from catalyst of the exhaust passage, has air/fuel ratio control means for controlling an air/fuel ratio of an exhaust gas on the upstream side from a catalyst to switch between a rich air/fuel ratio which is richer and a lean air/fuel ratio which is leaner than a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio. Moreover, correction means for correcting an output of the sensor in accordance with a difference between the output of the sensor during a predetermined period during air/fuel ratio control by the air/fuel ratio control means, and a reference output corresponding to a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio, is provided.
US09347348B2 Active regeneration control device for a diesel particulate filter
An active regeneration control device for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) according to the present disclosure includes: an active regeneration determining unit judging an active regeneration time of the (DPF); an active regeneration signal generating unit generating an active regeneration signal according to the decision of the active regeneration determining unit; and an active regeneration inducing unit. The active regeneration inducing unit induces the active regeneration when the active regeneration is not performed after the active regeneration signal is generated.
US09347347B2 Exhaust gas after-treatment device for diesel engine
An exhaust gas after-treatment device for a diesel engine is provided. The exhaust gas after-treatment device comprises an oxidation treatment unit having a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), an adsorption treatment unit having a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and a discharge unit for discharging exhaust gas that is filtration-treated through the oxidation treatment unit and the adsorption treatment unit, wherein the DOC of the oxidation treatment unit is provided with a baffle on the front thereof for even diffusion-introduction of exhaust gas.
US09347337B2 Gas turbine engine mounting arrangements
A clamp suitable for use in an anti-icing system of a gas turbine engine is provided is disclosed. The clamp has a clasping portion for clasping a heating element. Two resilient arms extend from the clasping portion to a substantially rigid outer collar. Translational movement of the clasping portion, which may be created by radial expansion of an annular heating element being clasped thereby, can be accommodated by the clamp by elastic deformation of the resilient arms. This allows radial expansion of the heating element to be accommodated without relative rotation between the clasping portion and the heating element.
US09347329B2 Rotary machines and methods of assembling
A nozzle assembly is provided. The nozzle assembly includes at least one stationary nozzle. An outer ring having a predefined shape includes at least one groove defined therein and the groove is configured to receive at least a portion of the stationary nozzle therein. A coupling portion is formed integrally with the stationary nozzle or the outer ring such that the coupling portion extends outwardly therefrom. An attachment member is coupled to the coupling portion to facilitate substantially restricting movement of the stationary nozzle when the outer ring is substantially distorted.
US09347328B2 Compressed air plenum for a gas turbine engine
A compressed air supply system for routing compressed air from a compressor to at least one combustor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The compressed air supply system may be formed from one or more plenums having an upstream end in fluid communication with an inner chamber of the compressor in which air is compressed and having a downstream end in fluid communication with the at least one combustor. Channeling compressed air through the plenum reduces damage to other components by confining the compressed air within the plenum. An upstream end of the plenum may be sealed to at least a portion of the compressor, and a downstream end of the plenum may be sealed to at least a portion of one or more combustors.
US09347326B2 Integral cover bucket assembly
A bucket assembly includes a plurality of first buckets, and a pair of transition buckets. Each first bucket includes a bucket cover including a pair of lateral edges each having a first configuration. Each transition bucket includes a transition cover including a first lateral edge having the first configuration and a second lateral edge having a second configuration.
US09347301B2 Pneumatic fracturing method and system for exploiting shale gas
A pneumatic fracturing method for exploiting shale gas, the method including: 1) applying a compressed gas for a first period of time at a first pressure to a shale formation; 2) applying the compressed gas for a second period of time at a second pressure to the shale formation; and 3) repeating steps 1) and 2) to produce fissures in the shale formation. A temperature of the compressed gas is at least 80° C. A maximum pressure of the compressed gas is at least 25 megapascal, and a minimum pressure of the compressed gas is between ¼ and ⅓ of the maximum pressure.
US09347296B2 Lining of well bores with expandable and conventional liners
Reducing the diameter of a well bore has many advantages. To achieve this a subsurface well bore is provided comprising one or more expandable sleeve components, preferably expandable liners (27, 271), each expandable sleeve component being fully overlapped by one or more non expandable sleeve component, preferably conventional liners (28, 29), such that the interior of the well bore is cased entirely by non expandable sleeve components (28, 29). In addition the through holes (34a) for downhole lines can be provided within the well head (34) rather than the tubing hanger (33). As the tubing hanger does not need to provide space for through holes and associated mounting couplings, its diameter can be reduced, thus reducing the internal diameter of the well bore by several inches.
US09347295B2 Filtration system and method for a packer
Filtration systems, methods and/or apparatuses for use on a packer system are provided. Filtration assemblies and/or filters may prevent mud, gravel, and/or other solids from clogging and/or entering drains on a packer. The filters and/or filtration assemblies may have multiple dynamic components to prevent debris from entering the packer system. Rotary filters, cylindrical filters, and/or belt filters may be used to clear fluid obstructions from sampling drains. Helices and/or turbines may harness power of fluid flowing through the drains and/or flowlines to operate moving dynamic components of systems and/or apparatuses. The filters and/or filtration assemblies may be interchangeable such that various filters may be used on a single packer system.
US09347287B2 Wellbore treatment tool and method
A wellbore treatment tool for setting against a constraining wall in which the wellbore treatment tool is positionable, the wellbore treatment tool including: a tool body including a first end formed for connection to a tubular string and an opposite end; a no-go key assembly including a tubular housing and a no-go key, the tubular housing defining an inner bore extending along the length of the tubular housing and an outer facing surface carrying the no-go key, the no-go key configured for locking the no-go key and tubular housing in a fixed position relative to the constraining wall, the tubular housing sleeved over the tool body with the tool body installed in the inner bore of the tubular housing; and a sealing element encircling the tool body and positioned between a first compression ring on the tool body and a second compression ring on the tubular housing, the sealing element being expandable to form an annular seal about the tool body by compression between the first compression ring and the second compression ring.
US09347276B2 Two prong rotary drill bit with cutting insert having edge preparation
A two-prong rotary drill bit for engaging an earth strata material includes a drill bit body having an axis of rotation, the drill bit body having a head portion at an axial forward end and a shank portion at an axial rearward end, the head portion having two mounting arms offset from the axis of rotation of the drill bit body. The two-prong rotary drill bit also includes a cutting insert attached to each mounting arm at the axial forward end of the drill bit body. Each cutting insert includes a leading face facing in the direction of rotation, a top surface having a relief surface, a T-land surface extending between the leading face and the relief surface of the top surface and a cutting edge formed at the intersection of the T-land surface and the relief surface of the top surface.
US09347274B2 Earth-boring tools and methods of forming earth-boring tools
Methods of fabricating earth-boring tools include forming an outer portion of an earth-boring tool from a powder mixture comprising hard particles and matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material, disposing a molten material at least partially within the outer portion of the earth-boring tool, and forming the molten material into another portion of the earth-boring tool. Methods of fabricating a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include forming an outer portion comprising a plurality of hard particles and a plurality of matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material and casting a molten material at least partially within the outer portion of the bit body to form another portion of the bit body. Earth-boring tools include a body for engaging a subterranean borehole having an outer portion and an inner portion comprising at least one material solidified within a cavity formed within the outer portion.
US09347272B2 Method and assembly for forming a supported bore using a first and second drill bit
A method of forming a supported subterranean well bore in which, in one disclosed embodiment, a first drill bit is mounted on a first string of casing tubulars via a steerable tool, and the drill bit is used to form a first bore. Upon reaching the required depth the casing string is cemented in place to support the formed bore and a second drill bit is mounted on a second casing string and is inserted into the first casing string. The second drill bit is used to drill through the wall of the first casing string and proceed to form a second, deeper bore. Once the second drill bit has reached the required depth, the second casing string is cemented in place to support the second bore.
US09347268B2 System and method to facilitate the drilling of a deviated borehole
A system and method for facilitating the drilling of a deviated borehole. The system and method employ a flexible conveyance. A hydraulic actuation assembly is coupled to the flexible conveyance and a whipstock is releasably coupled to the hydraulic actuation assembly. The whipstock and hydraulic actuation assembly are conveyed downhole in the wellbore. The hydraulic actuation assembly provides a hydraulic fluid under pressure to anchor the whipstock.
US09347265B2 Top drive systems for wellbore and drilling operations
A gear system has a gear housing and a lower planetary carrier disposed in the gear housing, the lower planetary carrier being adapted to rotate relative to the gear housing. A top drive system is operatively coupled to the gear system, the top drive system having a top drive shaft that is adapted to be driven by the gear system. A single bearing that is adapted to facilitate rotation of the lower planetary carrier is positioned between the gear housing and the lower planetary carrier. A motor apparatus is operatively coupled to and adapted to drive the gear system by rotating the lower planetary carrier relative to the gear housing, wherein a rotational axis of the single bearing is adapted to move in a lateral translational direction with respect to the gear housing while the motor apparatus is rotating the lower planetary carrier.
US09347255B2 Movable channel reinforcement apparatus for window assemblies
Channel reinforcements configured to move between open and closed location along with a window sash are described herein. The channel reinforcements may provide reinforcement to window jambs proximate the latch bolts that extend into jamb channels in the window jambs. The channel reinforcements may be coupled or uncoupled to the balances located in the window jambs.
US09347245B2 Motorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism
Disclosed is a sliding arm for use with a docking station having a connector block with a plurality of plugs, the arm includes a block-side portion and a follower portion. The block-side portion can have a first end connected to the connector block. The follower portion can be connected to a second end of the block-side portion with a linear clutch. The linear clutch can include a bolt, a spring, and two sliding members. The bolt can pass through the block-side portion and the follower portion. A force on an end of the arm can cause the clutch to slip allowing the follower portion to move independently of the block-side portion. A sensor can detect a slippage of the linear clutch.
US09347241B1 Pushbutton-type easy-code-change handle lock
A pushbutton type easy-code-change handle lock includes an outdoor assembly, a latch bolt arresting member, a latch bolt, and an indoor assembly. The outdoor assembly is mounted to an outside surface of a door panel and is coupled to an end of the latch bolt arresting member. The latch bolt arresting member drives the latch bolt to move. The indoor assembly is coupled to an opposite end of the latch bolt arresting member. The outdoor assembly includes a mechanical combination lock. When a user enters a correct combination of codes, the mechanical combination lock is operated and the external door handle and the latch bolt are operated synchronously to open the door; and if no code is provided, a key may be used to open the door; and if both codes and key are not provided, the external door handle and the latch bolt cannot be operated synchronously.
US09347223B1 Gutter cleaning device
The gutter cleaning device removes wet or dry debris in the gutter after being attached to a leaf blower, and is designed to be used while standing on the ground to reach gutters at the first, second and even third story levels without the need for a ladder. The gutter cleaning device includes a nozzle arranged at an angle to the gutter so that the flow of air drives debris in a direction away from the operator, and a fluid-driven agitation device powered simply by air pressure to mechanically stir up heavy debris in the gutter or to prevent the debris from clogging the nozzle. In addition, the gutter cleaning device includes a plough that protrudes forward relative to the nozzle and mechanically lifts compacted debris from the gutter to be blown away by the same flow of air that is used to drive the agitation device.
US09347207B2 Faucet assembly
A touch-free faucet provides control over flow and/or temperature by detecting object presence in one or more detection zones. In one embodiment, the faucet provides for continuous-flow water flow wherein the spout of the faucet pours water for a period of time regardless of whether an object is detected in a detection zone, such as the sink, during that time. The faucet may initiate continuous-flow based on the detection of an object in another detection zone, and may cause continuous-flow operation for a determined period of time based on the amount of substantially uninterrupted time during which an object is detected in a detection zone associated with initiating continuous-flow mode. Furthermore, the faucet may provide for user-programmable sensitivity affecting the amount of continuous-flow time that is determined based on the amount of time that the faucet detects object in the continuous-flow mode detection zone.
US09347202B2 Construction machine
A construction machine includes: an engine room provided with an intake opening and a discharge opening; a fan for sucking cooling air into the engine room through the intake opening; a duct provided in the engine room so as to communicate with the discharge opening and discharging the cooling air sucked into the engine room to an outside of the engine room through the discharge opening; and an exhaust gas pipe guiding exhaust gas discharged from the engine into the duct. A portion on a distal end side of the exhaust gas pipe is inserted into the duct, and the inserted portion of the exhaust gas pipe inserted into the duct is formed with an exhaust hole which causes the exhaust gas to be discharged in a direction different from a flowing direction of discharge wind in the duct through the exhaust hole.
US09347201B2 Emergency egress system for a construction machine
An emergency egress system with an access panel assembly, a latch assembly, a handle assembly, a fixed ladder portion, and a slidable ladder portion, is disclosed. The access panel assembly includes a door panel. The latch assembly and the handle assembly are attached to the door panel. The handle assembly has a holding portion that works in conjunction with the latch assembly that has a wing portion. The holding portion is manipulable to rotate the latch assembly in the locked position to hold the fixed ladder portion and the slidable ladder portion together via the wing portion, which is to maintain the door panel in the closed position. The holding portion is manipulable to rotate the latch assembly to the unlocked position to allow the wing portion to rotate and release the slidable ladder portion for exit.
US09347198B2 Device and method for repairing a verge
The invention relates to a device for repairing a verge. The device includes: a base frame for attaching the device to a mobile tool, such as a crane; a subframe arranged on the base frame; and a flexible sleeve which is arranged on the subframe and revolves so as to be movable with respect to the base frame. In addition, the invention relates to a method for repairing a verge.
US09347193B2 System for changing ice resurfacer blades
A blade for an ice resurfacer having mounting holes is disclosed and has: one or more indexing holes; threaded sockets provided one for each mounting hole; and an operative position whereat each socket is contiguous with its hole. In use, a locating pin is threaded in a socket and received by the hole for said socket. Also provided is a tray, a jack and an indexing pin for each indexing hole. The tray holds the blade. Each indexing pin is received in use by its hole. The jack moves the tray between first and second positions associated with first and second configurations of the jack. In the first configuration, the assembly can move a loading position. In the second configuration, when the blade is held by the tray and the apparatus is in the loading position, the locating pins are received by mounting holes and the blade is operatively positioned.
US09347192B1 Feces remover with quick-release head
The Feces Remover with Quick-Release Head provides a tool to retrieve feces and directly deposit the feces into a disposable bag without the need to simultaneously handle the Feces Remover and disposable bag. The Feces Remover includes a handle formed with a storage compartment having a quick-release head receiver with an attached quick-release head at one end and a cap used to enclose the storage compartment at the opposite end. A plunger placed at the bottom of the storage compartment is attached to the cap. As the cap is removed from the handle, the plunger is pulled up along the storage compartment and brings all the items held within towards the uncapped end of the storage container. To remove feces a disposable bag is directly attached to the quick-release head receiver and quick-release head where the opening of the quick-release head allows feces to be directly deposited into the bag.
US09347188B2 Devices, systems and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly
Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.
US09347180B2 Device and method for producing a material web
The invention relates to a device for dewatering a fibrous web with a press zone which is formed by a mating element with a curved surface and a permeable press belt which wraps at least partially around the curved surface and has a running side and a contact side contacting a second side of the fibrous web. A permeable carrier belt arranged between the mating element and the fibrous web guides the fibrous web through the press zone. The device is configured so a fluid can flow through the press belt, the fibrous web, and the permeable carrier belt at least in a part region of the press zone. The permeable press belt is configured to generate a pressing pressure in the press zone when a tensile stress of at least 20 kN/m is applied and the contact side is adapted to a quality of the fibrous web produced.
US09347175B2 Method of dissolving lignocellulosic materials
The invention describes solutions containing cellulose and a method of dissolving lignocellulosic materials. In the method, the lignocellulosic material is contacted with a conjugate acid, formed by a strong organic base and a weaker acid, under conditions which are conducive to at least a partial dissolution of the cellulosic components of the lignocellulosic material. It has been found that it is possible to recover at least a portion of the dissolved part of the lignocellulosic material by at least partial dissociation of the conjugate acid. Furthermore it is possible to recover at least a portion of the dissociated organic base and the acid, to form a conjugate acid of the recovered base and acid, and to recycle it for use in the first steps of the method.
US09347167B2 Home appliance, home appliance system, and method for operating same
The present invention relates to a home appliance, to a home appliance system, and to a method for operating same, wherein the home appliance and a mobile terminal are connected to one another to add or update data in the home appliance through the mobile terminal connected thereto, diagnose the state of the home appliance by means of the mobile terminal, and supplement the function of the home appliance by means of the mobile terminal, thus expanding the functions of the home appliance to enable the easy control of the home appliance, and more conveniently controlling the home appliance.
US09347166B2 Clothes mover for an automatic washer
A washing machine for treating laundry comprising a basket rotatable about a first rotational axis, having a peripheral side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall to at least partially define a treating chamber; a clothes mover proximate the bottom wall, having a base with a centrally located hub concentric with a second rotational axis about which the clothes mover reciprocally rotates; and at least one vane having an elongated body extending away from the hub and projecting upwardly from the clothes mover to terminate in a tip.
US09347159B2 Method of producing a nonwoven textile comprising a barrier and an antistatic treatment
A method of producing nonwoven textile by a spunmelt process of a polymer, the basis of which is at least one polyolefin, comprising a barrier and antistatic treatment, especially for protective garments for industry and health care. A polyolefin polymer which is suitable for forming fibers is mixed with a first additive capable of modifying a surface property and capable of migration through the polymer, then the mixture is used for producing at least one layer of the nonwoven textile by a spun-melt process, and prior to the termination of the migration of the first additive and to the stabilizing of the final barrier properties on the surface of the fibers a second additive is applied to the layer, the second additive being capable of modifying the antistatic property of the material, and then the nonwoven textile is exposed to a temperature and relative humidity conditions for a time period such that the first additive migrates towards the surface and the second additive undergoes changes on said surface.
US09347151B2 Compaction device for a spinning machine
A compacting unit for compacting a fiber composite supplied by a drafting unit of a spinning machine has a beam on which at least one suction drum equipped with a suction zone is rotatably mounted on an axle. A clamping roller mounted on the beam is in contact with the suction drum to form a clamping line at the end of the suction zone under the action of a pressure element mounted on the beam. The clamping roller is mounted so it is rotationally movable on a pressure arm that is equipped with a spring element and is mounted on the beam so it can pivot over a pivot axis.
US09347148B2 Vitreous silica crucible with specific ratio of transparent layer and bubble-containing layer thicknesses
Provided is a vitreous silica crucible, which is resistant to deformation and corrosion even when heated at high temperature for a long time. There is provided a vitreous silica crucible of the present invention including a substantially cylindrical straight body portion, a curved bottom portion, and a corner portion smoothly connecting the straight body portion and the bottom portion, wherein a wall of the vitreous silica crucible includes, from an inner surface side, a transparent layer and a bubble-containing layer, and a ratio of a thickness of the bubble-containing layer with respect to a thickness of the transparent layer at an intermediate position between an upper end and a lower end of the straight body portion is 0.7 to 1.4.
US09347147B2 Method and apparatus for controlling and monitoring the potential
An electroplating apparatus including a reference electrode to control the potential during an electro-deposition process. The electroplating apparatus may include a bath containing a plating electrolyte and an anode present in a first portion of the bath containing the plating electrolyte. A cathode is present in a second portion of the bath containing the plating electrolyte. A reference electrode is present at a perimeter of the cathode. The electroplating apparatus also includes a control system to bias the cathode and the anode to provide a potential. A measuring system is provided in electrical communication with the reference electrode to measure the potential of the cathode. Methods of using the above described electroplating apparatus are also provided. Structures and method for electroless deposition are also provided.
US09347145B2 Method of plating stainless steel and plated material
The method of plating a stainless steel substrate including depositing a first plating metal layer over the stainless steel substrate), forming an interdiffusion layer in which elements of the stainless steel substrate and elements of the first plating metal layer interdiffuse, by applying a heat treatment to the stainless steel substrate coated by the first plating metal layer, and coating a second plating metal layer over the surface of the stainless steel substrate over which the interdiffusion layer is coated.
US09347141B2 Nanowire mesh solar fuels generator
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to a nanowire mesh solar fuels generator. In one aspect, a nanowire mesh solar fuels generator includes (1) a photoanode configured to perform water oxidation and (2) a photocathode configured to perform water reduction. The photocathode is in electrical contact with the photoanode. The photoanode may include a high surface area network of photoanode nanowires. The photocathode may include a high surface area network of photocathode nanowires. In some embodiments, the nanowire mesh solar fuels generator may include an ion conductive polymer infiltrating the photoanode and the photocathode in the region where the photocathode is in electrical contact with the photoanode.
US09347140B2 System and method for preparation of antimicrobial solutions
A system to prepare an antimicrobial solution by the electrolysis of brine is presented where the antimicrobial solution is a solution comprising HOCl that contains a HOCl concentration of 100 ppm or more at a pH of approximately 6.5. The system includes an electrolysis cell that is provided with a constant current by a digital DC power supply controlled by a microprocessor and a controlled brine concentration at a controlled rate, which can also be controlled by the microprocessor to deliver a fluid that is continuously observed by a pH probe and an ORP probe that provides input to the microprocessor to adjust voltage, pump rate and/or flow rate in a programmed manner by the microprocessor. A method to produce the antimicrobial solution, including a sporicidal solution, by the novel system is presented.
US09347138B2 In-situ composite formation of damage tolerant coatings utilizing laser
A coating steel component with a pattern of an iron based matrix with crystalline particles metallurgically bound to the surface of a steel substrate for use as disc cutters or other components with one or more abrading surfaces that can experience significant abrasive wear, high point loads, and large shear stresses during use. The coated component contains a pattern of features in the shape of freckles or stripes that are laser formed and fused to the steel substrate. The features can display an inner core that is harder than the steel substrate but generally softer than the matrix surrounding the core, providing toughness and wear resistance to the features. The features result from processing an amorphous alloy where the resulting matrix can be amorphous, partially devitrified or fully devitrified.
US09347135B2 Method for rust-proofing mold
A method for rust-proofing a mold, which is capable of reducing the time and the cost required for rust-proofing the mold. The method includes an iron hydroxide-forming step for forming iron hydroxide on a predetermined part of the surface of the mold, and a surface-treating step for forming a film covering the molding surface of the mold, and for changing the iron hydroxide formed on the mold into black rust, by heating the mold, under an oxygen-deficiency atmosphere, on which the iron hydroxide is formed in the iron hydroxide-forming step.
US09347126B2 Process of fabricating thermal barrier coatings
A process of fabricating a thermal barrier coating is disclosed. The process includes cold spraying a substrate with a feedstock to form a thermal barrier coating and concurrently oxidizing one or more of the substrate, the feedstock, and the thermal barrier coating. The cold spraying is in a region having an oxygen concentration of at least 10%. In another embodiment, the process includes heating a feedstock with a laser and cold spraying a substrate with the feedstock to form a thermal barrier coating. At least a portion of the feedstock is retained in the thermal barrier coating. In another embodiment, the process of fabricating a thermal barrier coating includes heating a substrate with a laser and cold spraying the substrate with a feedstock to form a thermal barrier coating.
US09347117B2 Nd-based two-phase separation amorphous alloy
Provided is a Nd-based two-phase separation amorphous alloy by adding an element having a big difference in heat of mixing in a Nd-based alloy with a superior amorphous formability through an inherent characteristic of compositional elements and consideration of thermodynamics, at the time of forming amorphous phase, to thereby enable two-phase separation amorphous alloy during solidification. The Nd-based two-phase separation amorphous alloy is represented as a general equation Nd100-a-b(TM)a(D)b wherein TM is a combination selected from A-B, A-C and B—C when an element group of A consists of Y, Ti, Zr, La, Pr, Gd and Hf, an element group of B consists of Fe and Mn, and an element group of C consists of Co, Ni, Cu and Ag, wherein the content of the element group which constitutes the combination is 5 atomic weight % or greater, and the element selected from each of the element group is at least one element, and the content of one element selected from each of the element group does not exceed 50 atomic weight %, wherein the content of the element group of B is less than that of the element group of C when TM is a B—C combination, and wherein D is at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, B, Si and P, and a and b have the range of 20≦a≦70, 5≦b≦30, and a+b≧40 in terms of atomic weight %.
US09347110B2 Press quench machine
This invention is an apparatus for cooling a metal object that has been heated above the curing point, such that as the metal object cools, it retains its original shape.
US09347106B2 Multiplex assay for the detection of citrus pathogens
The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting multiple citrus pathogens using a multiplex branched DNA signal amplification reaction.
US09347098B2 Reaction mixtures for quantitative amplification and detection over a wide dynamic range
Disclosed are compositions and methods for making differentiable amplicon species at unequal ratios using a single amplification system in a single vessel. The number of differentiable amplicons and their ratios to one another are chosen to span the required linear dynamic range for the amplification reaction and to accommodate limitations of the measuring system used to determine the amount of amplicon generated. Unequal amounts of distinguishable amplicon species are generated by providing unequal amounts of one or more amplification reaction components (e.g., distinguishable amplification oligomers, natural and unnatural NTP in an NTP mix, or the like). The amount of target nucleic acid present in a test sample is determined using the linear detection range generated from detection of one or more amplicon species having an amount within the dynamic range of detection.
US09347097B2 Arrangement for determining the concentration of nucleic acids
An arrangement for determining the concentration of nucleic acids in a sample in a microfluidic device. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement having a) a first chamber into which a the sample is introduced, b) an element in the first chamber for carrying out a number of cycles of an amplification reaction to be carried out in cycles for amplifying nucleic acids, c) a second chamber, connectable to the first chamber by way of fluidic communication, equipped with an element to determine concentrations of amplified nucleic acids, d) a control unit to introduce a defined volume of a solution containing reagents for the amplification reaction into the first chamber and to transfer a defined volume from said first chamber to the second chamber.
US09347084B2 Screening for protein variants using mass spectrometry
A method for screening for variant peptides uses mass spectrometry (MS). A system and a kit may be used for performing the method. Proteins in a sample are digested to form a defined series of peptides. The defined series of peptides are ionized. The ionized species are subjected to collision induced dissociation. Species of known mass/charge ratio are detected to confirm the presence of the protein variant in the original sample.
US09347083B2 Culture medium containing a spore germination inhibiting or delaying compound
A medium for the culture and detection of target microorganisms, having at least one natural or synthetic specific substrate configured to detect at least one enzyme activity or metabolic activity of the target microorganisms and at least one compound that inhibits or delays the germination of spores of microorganisms, other than the target microorganisms, that are capable of interfering with the culture and detection of the target microorganisms.
US09347058B2 Methods for the selection of binding proteins
This application provides an improved screening method for the selection of target-binding proteins having desirable biophysical properties. The method combines mRNA display and yeast surface display in a way that takes advantage of the desirable attributes of both processes.
US09347053B2 Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.
US09347047B2 Modified leucine dehydrogenase
The present invention provides a means and method useful for measurement of a total branched-chain amino acid concentration. Specifically, the present invention provides a modified enzyme in which at least one amino acid residue is mutated so as to improve a property of a leucine dehydrogenase which is associated with the measurement of the total branched-chain amino acids, such as, for example, substrate specificities of leucine dehydrogenase for total branched-chain amino acids, activity of leucine dehydrogenase for any branched-chain amino acids, and thermal stability of leucine dehydrogenase; and a method of analyzing the total branched-chain amino acids, comprising measuring the total branched-chain amino acids contained in a test sample using the modified enzyme.
US09347040B2 Compositions and methods for processing sperm
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the cell. Trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the ability to fertilize, produce an embryo and a healthy offspring. The present invention relates to novel compounds that can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.
US09347038B2 Compositions and methods for processing sperm
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the handling of processed sperm including samples that are freshly collected, those transported as fresh samples, samples that are frozen and thawed, those sorted into one or more subpopulations, and those that are otherwise processed or handled that impose trauma on the cell. Trauma can reduce the motility, fertility, viability and overall integrity of the sperm and reduce the ability to fertilize, produce an embryo and a healthy offspring. The present invention relates to novel compounds that can be added to the sperm cell sample to reduce the traumatic effects of physical stress during mild as well as extensive sperm cell processing, methods of using the compounds in standard sperm processing procedures, the end products made from these methods including sperm and embryos, as well as methods of using those end products in assisted reproductive biology techniques in animals.
US09347029B2 Multi-sensor based automatic brewing mass overturn machine
A multi-sensor based automatic brewing mass overturn machine comprising a moving module, a vinegar brewing mass information monitoring module, a system control module and a brewing mass overturn execution module is provided. The moving module comprises a moving motor, and the vinegar brewing mass information monitoring module comprises a vinegar brewing mass temperature and acidity information monitoring unit, a vinegar brewing mass smell information monitoring unit, and an overturned brewing mass appearance information monitoring unit. The system control module comprises a computer and a programmable controller, the computer being connected with a temperature sensor, an acidity sensor, a gas sensor array, a color camera and the programmable controller, respectively. The brewing mass overturn execution module comprises an overturn motor and brewing mass overturn motors.
US09347022B1 Fabric treatment composition
A composition of a plurality of homogeneously structured particles. The particles include polyethylene glycol, perfume, and starch granules and each has a mass between about 0.95 mg and about 5 grams.
US09347021B2 Process for the production of aviation biokerosene and aviation kerosene composition
The present invention relates to a process of obtainment of aviation biokerosene and a composition of aviation kerosene containing the aviation biokerosene thus produced. The process consists of simultaneously combining three basic conditions: raw material selection, processing conditions, and control of specific properties of the product. The composition is classified as a semisynthetic composition of aviation kerosene and may contain up to 20% by weight of aviation biokerosene, satisfying the limits determined in the international specifications for aviation kerosene.
US09347016B2 Industrial gear lubricating oil composition used for resisting micro-pitting
Provided is a micropitting corrosion resistant industrial gear lubricant composition, comprising: (A) at least a highly refined mineral oil, or synthetic oil or any combination of the above components; (B) at least a micropitting corrosion resistant additive; (C) at least an anti-wear additive; (D) at least a metal passivation additive; and (E) at least an anti-oxidation additive.The lubricant composition has excellent high and low temperature performance and meets 68, 100, 150, 220, 320, 460 and 680 industrial gear oil viscosity level requirement. The lubricant composition has excellent micropitting corrosion resistance, anti-wear performance and anti-oxidation performance, passes FVA 54 micropitting corrosion resistant test, FAG FE-8 bearing wear test and SKF EMCOR bearing corrosion test, and is suitable for many large-scale industrial transmission gears and some automobile transmission gears, especially suitable for a gear transmission system for wind power generation.
US09347014B2 Methods and systems for generating aldehydes from organic seed oils
Methods for generating aldehyde-containing compounds in organic seed oils utilizing ozone and direct current without the use of added electrolytes and reducing compounds are disclosed, as are compositions generated by such methods. The reactions can be performed efficiently at ambient temperatures and pressures. These compositions have particular utility as additives to fuels and lubricating oils derived from petrochemical sources.
US09347006B2 Method for optimizing catalyst loading for hydrocracking process
The invention relates to a method for optimizing layered catalytic processes. This is accomplished by testing various catalysts with a compound found in a feedstock to be tested, to determine the facility of the catalyst in hydrogenating, hydrosulfurizing, or hydrodenitrogenating the molecule, and hence the feedstock. In a preferred embodiment, the Double Bond Equivalence of the feedstock and molecule are determined, and catalysts are pre-selected based upon their known ability to work with materials of this DBE value.
US09347003B2 Liquid crystal compound having tetrafluoropropenyl, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display element
A liquid crystal compound having high stability to heat and light, etc., a high clearing point, a low minimum temperature of liquid crystal phase, a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant, and good compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a LCD element using the composition are described. The compound is represented by formula (1): wherein, for example, R1 is C1-10 alkyl, ring A1, ring A2, ring A3, ring A4 and ring B1 are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-phenylene in which at least one hydrogen is substituted with halogen, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl, Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 are single bonds, l, m, n and o are independently 0 or 1, and l+m+n+o≧1.
US09347002B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium which comprises at least one compound of the formula I, in which R1, R1*, L1, L2 and L3 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the VA, PSA, PS-VA, PA-VA, PALC, FFS, PS-FFS, IPS or PS-IPS effect. The invention furthermore also relates to compounds of the formula I.
US09346999B2 Method of forming efficient phosphor powders
A method of forming a phosphor composition is disclosed. The method includes mixing co-precipitated yttrium-europium oxalate with an inorganic flux material to form an oxalate-flux mixture; and heating the oxalate-flux mixture at a temperature in a range from about 800° C. to about 1400° C., to form the phosphor composition. The phosphor has a general formula of (Y1-x-yAyEux)2O3 with 0
US09346997B2 Luminescent nanostructured materials for use in electrogenerated chemiluminescence
A nanostructured particulates formed from a redox active, luminescent phenyl substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon are provided herein. The nanostructured particulates may be used for determining the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample by detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation generated by exposing a reagent mixture, which includes the nanostructured particulates and the sample, to electrochemical energy.
US09346994B2 Heat-protection material
A heat protection material for a surface, made of a mixture comprising a resin, cork granules and refractory fibers; the proportion of cork granules in the mixture is 50 to 80% by mass, wherein the corresponding proportion of refractory fibers in the mixture is 1 to 11% by mass.
US09346990B2 Temporary adhesive material for wafer processing, wafer processing laminate, and method for manufacturing thin wafer using same
The invention is adhesive material for a wafer processing used for temporarily bonding a supporting substrate to wafer having a front surface includes circuit formed thereon and a back surface to be processed, including first temporary adhesive layer composed of a layer of a silicone-modified styrene base thermoplastic elastomer, and second temporary adhesive layer composed of a thermosetting polymer layer on first temporary adhesive layer, wherein layer is capable of releasably adhering to front surface of wafer, and layer is capable of releasably adhering to the supporting substrate. Thereby, it provides a temporary adhesive material for wafer processing, wafer processing lamination, and method for manufacturing thin wafer using same, which facilitates temporary adhesion between supporting substrate and wafer having a circuit, is highly compatible with steps of forming TSV and forming wiring on back surface of wafer, allows easy delamination, and is capable of increasing productivity of thin wafers.
US09346987B2 Adhesive and sealing layers for electrophoretic displays
The invention is directed to compositions and methods for improving the physicomechanical and electro-optical properties of an electrophoretic or liquid crystal display and also to semi-finished or finished display panels with improved physicomechanical properties. The invention is further directed to a display device comprising display cells filled with a display fluid and top-sealed with a top-sealing layer, wherein the top-sealing layer has a thickness of less than 10 microns measured at the center area.
US09346986B2 Adhesive film, adhesive composition for the same, and display apparatus including the same
An adhesive film, an adhesive composition for the same, and a display apparatus including the same. The adhesive film includes a urethane functional group, has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about 30° C. or less, a loss modulus of about 4×104 dyn/cm2 to about 8×104 dyn/cm2 upon frequency sweep testing under conditions of a strain of 3%, 60° C. and 1 rad/s, and tan δ of about 0.2 to 0.55 upon frequency sweep testing under conditions of a strain of 3%, 60° C. and 1 rad/s.
US09346984B2 Wash-off resistant epoxy adhesive composition and pre-gelled adhesive
An epoxy adhesive composition is provided that has superior wash-off resistance after pre-gelling, and may be used, e.g., in manufacturing processes, e.g., in the automobile industry. The compositions comprise an epoxy resin, a gelling agent, and a phenolic agent, and may optionally comprise other components. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.
US09346979B2 Multi-layer assembly, multi-layer stretch releasing pressure-sensitive adhesive assembly, and methods of making and using the same
A multi-layer assembly that includes a release liner, a first layer disposed on the release liner, the first layer including a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition that includes a silicone polymer that includes silicone polyurea block copolymers, polydiorganosiloxane polymers, or combinations thereof, a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer including a composition that includes an elastomer, the composition of the second layer being different from the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition of the first layer, the first layer of the multi-layer assembly exhibiting a release force to the release liner of no greater than 100 gram per 0.5 inch width after the multi-layer assembly has been stored for 46 days at 120° F.
US09346968B2 Ink composition, ink set, and image forming method
An ink composition, including: water; a polymerizable compound; a polymerization initiator; and a β-alkoxypropionamide compound represented by the following Formula (A): wherein, in Formula (A), R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; each of R2 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R2 and R3 may be the same or different.
US09346967B1 Aqueous dye inks with polymeric dispersant
An ink composition is disclosed that includes: at least one color dye in an amount between and including 1% by weight and 7% by weight; at least one polymeric dispersant in an amount between and including 0.1% by weight and 1% by weight; at least one organic solvent in an amount between and including 18% by weight and 22% by weight; at least one surfactant in an amount between and including 0.5% by weight and 1.5% by weight; at least one buffer in an amount between and including 0.1% by weight and 0.5% by weight; at least one biocide in an amount between and including 0.05% by weight and 0.2% by weight; and the balance being deionized water.
US09346964B2 Paint comprising hydrophobized minerals and related methods
A water-based paint composition may include at least one mineral treated with at least one hydrophobizing agent. The at least one mineral may include at least one of clay, kaolin, mica, titanium dioxide, talc, natural or synthetic silica or silicates, feldspars, nepheline syenite, talc, wollastonite, diatomite, barite, glass, and calcium carbonate. The at least one hydrophobizing agent may include at least one of fatty acids, fatty amines, and silanes. A method of making water-based paint may include treating at least one mineral with a hydrophobizing agent, and combining the at least one treated mineral with a binder.
US09346961B2 Polymerizable composition and antireflective film, polarizing plate and image display device using the same
The invention is directed to a polymerizable composition containing: a compound containing a repeating unit having a polyether structure having a fluorine atom and four or more polymerizable groups and being represented by the formula (I) as defined herein; a photopolymerization initiator; and an organic solvent, or a polymerizable composition containing: a compound containing a repeating unit having a polyether structure having a fluorine atom and four or more polymerizable groups and being represented by one of the formulae (I-1) to (I-5) as defined herein; a photopolymerization initiator; and an organic solvent.
US09346944B2 Glass composition for producing high strength and high modulus fibers
A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 60.0 to 73.01% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from about 13.0 to about 26.0% by weight, MgO in an amount from about 5.0 to about 12.75% by weight, CaO in an amount from about 3.25 to about 4.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from about 3.25 to about 4.0% by weight, and Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to about 0.75% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the inventive composition may be used in applications that require high strength, high stiffness, and low weight. Such applications include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics for use in forming wind blades, armor plating, and aerospace structures.
US09346936B2 Fluororesin composition and its molded product
Disclosed are injection-moldable fluororesin compositions of melt flowable fluororesin and mesoporous silica. The fluororesin compositions are melt flowable and have a melt flow rate of from 2 to 60 g/10 min. The mesoporous silica has an average pore diameter of from 2 to 50 nm, and the pores of the mesoporous silica are filled with the melt flowable fluororesin. The fluororesin compositions have excellent melt moldability for manufacturing molded products from the fluororesin composition that demonstrate high hardness.
US09346929B2 Hybrid foam
The invention relates to highly elastic polyurethane foams which are suitable as functional materials having thermally insulating properties.
US09346928B2 Packing sheet
The present invention provides a packing sheet and PTP packing body, which do not include halogen materials such as chlorine and fluorine and have high water vapor barrier property. The packing sheet of the present invention includes at least a high-density polyethylene resin (A), petroleum resin (B), and amorphous polyolefin resin (C). Also, it is preferable that the weight blending ratio ((A+B)/C) of the total weight of the high-density polyethylene (A) and the petroleum resin (B) to the weight of the amorphous polyolefin (C) be 50/50 or more and 90/10 or less.
US09346921B2 Styrene-siloxane triblock copolymers as membranes for selective transport of alcohols and other organic compounds in aqueous mixtures
The present disclosure relates to high molecular weight polystyrene-polydialkylsiloxane-polystyrene (“SDS”) triblock copolymer compositions and methods of separating one or more organic compounds from an aqueous solution using membranes derived from SDS triblock copolymers. The methods may be used to separate the one or more organic compounds from an aqueous solution produced in a fermentation process. In some embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include an alcohol, such as, for example, ethanol. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include acetone. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include acetone, ethanol, and n-butanol produced in an acetone-ethanol-n-butanol (ABE) fermentation process. In other embodiments, the one or more organic compounds include one or more byproducts produced in a fermentation process.
US09346914B1 Propane diol polyesters
The present invention is directed toward a series of polyesters synthesized utilizing propane diol with tunable ascetics and performance in cosmetic formulation. These novel propane diol polyesters are designed to have great esthetics in cosmetic formulation. The physical properties and aesthetics of the current invention can be tuned rapidly by controlling the fatty groups, as well as the molecular weight of the polymer. The resulting propane diol polyesters have outstanding aesthetics and physical properties.
US09346909B2 Thermosetting compositions containing isocyanurate rings
The invention relates to thermosetting compositions containing isocyanurate ring(s) prepared through chain extension of an epoxy resin (a) with carboxyl-functional oligomers (b), which are the reaction product of polyols (i) containing one or more isocyanurate ring(s) and polycarboxylic acids or their anhydrides (ii). The polyols (i) containing one or more isocyanurate ring(s) can be prepared from the reactions of tris (2-hydroxyalkyl) isocyanurates with a modifier from a caprolactone or alkylene oxide, or glycidyl ester or glycidyl ether and mixtures thereof. The epoxy-functional thermosetting compositions containing an isocyanurate ring(s) can be further reacted with unsaturated acids, preferably (meth)acrylic acid, to obtain a curable polyacrylate. Both epoxy-functional isocyanurate and acrylate-functional isocyanurate thermosetting compositions can be further modified with a polyisocyanate to produce a composition that is useful as a reactive adhesive, binder or in other applications.
US09346899B2 Polymers having chelating functionality
The present invention provides novel polymers having chelating functionality and comprising units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated aminocarboxylate monomer which comprises units derived from ethylenediamine triacetic acid or its salt and a polymerizable vinyl monomer. The polymerizable vinyl monomer may be selected from (0-, m-, p-)DVBMO, allyl glycidyl ether, and glycidyl (meth)acrylate. The polymer may also comprise units derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers.
US09346896B2 Silica-coated alumina activator-supports for metallocene catalyst compositions
Silica-coated alumina activator-supports, and catalyst compositions containing these activator-supports, are disclosed. Methods also are provided for preparing silica-coated alumina activator-supports, for preparing catalyst compositions, and for using the catalyst compositions to polymerize olefins.
US09346880B2 Stable aqueous formulations of adalimumab
The invention provides aqueous pharmaceutical adalimumab compositions suitable for long-term storage of adalimumab, methods of manufacture of these compositions, methods of administration, and kits containing same.
US09346878B2 Methods of treating glomerulonephritis associated with IGA nephropathy for TACI-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.
US09346874B2 Binding members for human cytomegalovirus
The invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, which may neutralize the biological effects of human cytomegalovirus (hCMV). The binding members may be useful for the treatment and prophylaxis of hCMV infection.
US09346872B2 Interleukin-10 fusion proteins
The present invention generally relates to fusion proteins of antibodies and interleukin-10 (IL-10). In addition, the present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. The invention further relates to methods for producing the fusion proteins of the invention, and to methods of using them in the treatment of disease.
US09346868B2 BLID; a novel protein domain for interaction with the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Applications in oncology
In this invention, a novel protein interaction domain is provided along with several of its variants. This domain is involved in protein-protein interactions with the Bcl-2 family of proteins. It is named BLID (Bcl2 family of proteins Like Interaction Domain). Several BLID peptides that could be useful for discovery of drugs to help fight pathological states like cancer are presented.
US09346864B2 Device and method for production and analysis of prions
The invention provides a method for producing prion protein having an aggregated conformation by contacting native conformation prion protein with aggregated conformation prion protein in a liquid preparation and subjecting this to at least one cycle or to a number of cycles of application of shear-force for fragmenting aggregates of prion protein, wherein the shear-force applied is precisely controlled. In addition to this process for amplification of aggregated state prion protein from native conformation prion protein, the invention relates to the aggregated state prion protein obtained by the amplification process, which aggregated state prion protein has one conformation, which is e.g. identical within one batch and reproducible between batches, e.g. as detectable by proteinase resistance in a Western blot.
US09346860B2 Expression system
An immunogenic reagent which produces an immune response which is protective against Bacillus anthracis, said reagent comprising one or more polypeptides which together represent up to three domains of the full length Protective Antigen (PA) of B. anthracis or variants of these, and at least one of said domains comprises domain 1 or domain 4 of PA or a variant thereof. The polypeptides of the immunogenic reagent as well as full length PA are produced by expression from E. coli. High yields of polypeptide are obtained using this method. Cells, vectors and nucleic acids used in the method are also described and claimed.
US09346857B2 Pestivirus species
The application relates to a pestivirus, designated PMC virus, that is associated with porcine myocarditis syndrome, and the gene and protein sequences derived therefrom. The application further relates to detection methods, vaccine therapeutics, and diagnostic methods using the PMC virus or gene/protein sequences derived therefrom.
US09346852B2 Substituted adipic acid amides and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is a five to eight membered monocyclic or a nine to twelve membered bicyclic heterocyclic ring, as further defined herein; Y is S, CH2, or CH; Z is CH or N; R7 and R9 are hydrogen or (C1-C6)alkyl; R2 is (C1-C6)alkoxy, OH, CN, (C1-C6)alkyl, halogen, or CF3; r and s are 0, 1, or 2; and R1 and R3 are as further defined herein. These compounds are agonists, partial agonists and/or modulators of the NPY4 receptor and may be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of obesity, food intake, and other diseases and conditions modulated by the NPY4 receptor.
US09346841B2 Methods for preparing anti-viral nucleotide analogs
Methods for isolating 9-{(R)-2-[((S)-{[(S)-1-(isopropoxycarbonyl)ethyl]amino}phenoxyphosphinyl)methoxy]propyl}adenine (compound 16): a method for preparing, in high diastereomeric purity, intermediate compounds 13 and 15: and a method for preparing intermediate compound 12: 9-{(R)-2-[((S)-{[(S)-1-(isopropoxycarbonyl)ethyl]amino}phenoxyphosphinyl)methoxy]propyl}adenine has anti-viral properties.
US09346834B2 Boron-containing small molecules as antiprotozoal agents
This invention provides, among other things, novel compounds useful for treating protozoal infections, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, as well as combinations of these compounds with at least one additional therapeutically effective agent.
US09346831B1 Tunable electrical conductivity in metal-organic framework thin film devices
A composition including a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site and a guest species capable of charge transfer that can coordinate with the open metal site, wherein the composition is electrically conductive. A method including infiltrating a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site with a guest species that is capable of charge transfer; and coordinating the guest species to the open metal site to form a composition including an electrical conductivity greater than an electrical conductivity of the MOF.
US09346823B2 Detection and use of low molecular-weight modulators of the cold-menthol receptor TRPM8
The invention relates to novel modulators of the cold menthol receptor TRPM8, to a method for modulating the TRPM8 receptor using said modulators; to the use of the modulators for induction of cold sensation; and to objects and means produced using said modulators.
US09346813B2 Substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimindines as CDK9 kinase inhibitors
Disclosed are compound of Formula (Ia), wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds may be used as agents in the treatment of diseases, including cancer. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, comprising one or more compounds of Formula (Ia).
US09346807B2 Inhibitors of PI3K-delta and methods of their use and manufacture
The invention is directed to Compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, as well as methods of making and using the compounds.
US09346806B2 6-amino-purin-8-one compounds
Compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 is C1-6alkylamino, C1-6alkoxy, or C3-7cycloalkyloxy; m is an integer having a value of 3 to 6; n is an integer having a value of 0 to 4; and salts thereof are inducers of human interferon. Compounds which induce human interferon may be useful in the treatment of various disorders, for example the treatment of allergic diseases and other inflammatory conditions for example allergic rhinitis and asthma, the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer, and may also be useful as vaccine adjuvants.
US09346794B1 Substituted 4-pyridones and their use as inhibitors of neutrophil elastase activity
This invention relates to substituted 4-pyridones of formula 1 and their use as inhibitors of neutrophil elastase activity, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same as agents for treatment and/or prevention of pulmonary, gastrointestinal and genitourinary diseases, inflammatory diseases of the skin and the eye and other auto-immune and allergic disorders, allograft rejection, and oncological diseases.
US09346787B2 Piperidine compound or salt thereof
A novel compound which has an excellent aurora A-selective inhibitory action and is useful as an orally administrable anticancer agent is provided. Also, a novel agent for potentiation of anti-tumor effect of microtubule agonists, which include a taxane anticancer agent, and a combination therapy are provided. A piperidine compound represented by a general formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein, R1 represents a carboxyl group, —C(═O)NR5R6, or an oxadiazolyl group optionally having a C1-C6 alkyl group or a trifluoromethyl group as a substituent; R2 represents a halogen atom or a C1-C6 alkoxy group; R3 represents a phenyl group optionally having 1 to 3 same or different group(s) selected from a halogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C1-C6 alkoxy group, and a trifluoromethyl group as a substituent; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and R5 and R6 are the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group, or R5 and R6 optionally form a 3 to 6-membered nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic group together with a nitrogen atom to which R5 and R6 are bound, are provided.
US09346778B2 Carbofluorescein lactone ion indicators and their applications
Fluorescent dyes useful for preparing fluorescent metal ion indicators, the fluorescent indicators themselves, and the use of the fluorescent indicators for the detection, discrimination and quantification of metal cations are provided.
US09346776B2 Fused heterocyclic compound
A fused heterocyclic compound having an enteropeptidase inhibitory action and use of the compound as a medicament for treatment or prophylaxis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc., are provided.Specifically, a compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined herein, or a salt thereof and use of the compound as a medicament for treatment or prophylaxis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc., are provided.
US09346775B2 Method for manufactruring β-(meth)acryloyloxy-γ-butyrolactones
The art relates to provision of a method for manufacturing an (meth)acrylic polymerizable monomer that can be used in various applications, such as an optical material, a resist material, a coating material and a laminate material, and provision of a new β-(meth)acryloyloxy-γ-butyrolactone compound by applying the manufacturing method. The method for manufacturing the β-(meth)acryloyloxy-γ-butyrolactone compound is described, in which a (meth)acrylate compound having a carbonyl group and a ketene compound are condensed and isomerized. Further, the manufacturing method is applied to the new β-(meth)acryloyloxy-γ-butyrolactone compound.
US09346772B2 Preparation method for an imine compound and reduction method for solid powder of a carbamic acid derivative
The present application relates to a preparation method for solid powder of a carbamic acid derivative, which includes reacting an amine derivative with carbon dioxide at a temperature in a range of from about −30° C. to about 500° C. and at a pressure in a range of from about 0.3 MPa to about 100 MPa. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a reduction method for solid powder of a carbamic acid derivative to an amine derivative and carbon dioxide, which includes dissolving solid powder of the carbamic acid derivative prepared in a solvent; refluxing the carbamic acid derivative at a temperature in a range of from about 30° C. to about 100° C.; and evaporating the solvent.
US09346770B2 Compounds having activating effect on subtypes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and its preparation method and uses
Phenyl propanoic acid compounds having activating effect on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα,δ,γ) and a preparation method and uses thereof are provided in the present invention. The compounds can be used for treating or preventing diseases associated with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα,δ,γ).
US09346768B2 Molecular glasses with functionalizable groups
Disclosed herein is a compound having Formula I: or a salt thereof, in which R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are processes to prepare compounds of Formula I and use of compounds of Formula I to prepare stable glassy phases.
US09346765B2 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds and their uses
The present invention provides 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds that inhibit the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades that lead to the release of chemical mediators, intermediates and methods of synthesizing the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of contexts, including in the treatment and prevention of diseases characterized by, caused by or associated with the release of chemical mediators via degranulation and other processes effected by activation of the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades.
US09346763B2 Process for the preparation of pyrazole carboxylic acid derivatives
The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of a pyrazole carboxylic acid derivative of the formula wherein R1 is C1-7-alkyl and R3 is C1-7-alkyl which is optionally substituted with halogen or C1-4-alkoxy. The pyrazole carboxylic acid derivative of the formula I can be used as building block in the preparation of pharmaceutically active principles e.g. for compounds acting as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, particularly PDE10 inhibitors. PDE10 inhibitors have the potential to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
US09346759B2 Polymorphic crystal forms of 5-(2-{[6-(2,2-difluoro-2-phenylethoxy)hexyl]amino}-1-(R)-hydroxyethyl)-8-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one, heminapadisytlate as agonist of the β2 adrenergic receptor
The present invention is directed to novel polymorphic crystal forms of a 5-(2-{[6-(2,2-difluoro-2-phenylethoxy)hexyl]amino}-1-(R)-hydroxyethyl)-8-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one, heminapadisylate. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said polymorphic crystal forms, methods of using them to treat respiratory diseases associated with β2 adrenergic receptor activity and a process for preparing such polymorphic crystal forms.
US09346755B2 Kinetic resolution
While methodologies for the Kinetic Resolution of alcohols are well established, no analogous direct methods exist for the highly selective, direct catalytic Kinetic Resolution of thiols (i.e., R—SH). The present invention relates to a method for resolving stereoisomeric mixtures of thiols. In particular, the present invention relates to purely organocatalytic mediated resolution of enantiomeric mixtures of thiols without the need for enzymes. Also disclosed are some novel catalysts. Such catalysts may comprise a cinchona alkaloid-derived moiety.
US09346751B2 Process for preparing 1, 3-Dihydroimidazole-2-Thione Derivatives
The present invention relates to a process for preparing (R)-5-(2-(benzylamino)ethyl)-1-(6,8-difluorochroman-3-yl)-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thione, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, especially the hydrochloride salt. The invention also relates to a process for making intermediates useful in the formation of said compound, and to the intermediates, per se.
US09346747B2 Method for stopping ammoxidation reaction
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for, when stopping an ammoxidation reaction of propane, stopping the ammoxidation reaction safely and quickly, without causing a deterioration in catalytic activity or acrylonitrile yield. The method for stopping an ammoxidation reaction includes a supply stopping step of stopping a supply of propane, an oxygen-containing gas, and ammonia to a reactor where an ammoxidation reaction of propane is being carried out using a catalyst, and a reaction stopping step of supplying an inert gas to the reactor in an amount 10 to 300 times the catalyst volume per hour until the catalyst temperature reaches 380° C. or less, wherein after the supply stopping step, a time required until the catalyst temperature decreases to 360° C. or less is within 10 hours.
US09346742B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain
The invention relates to the compounds of formula I or its pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula I, and methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of injury, post-operative pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, migraine, HIV related neuropathic pain, post herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, bipolar depression, stress, cancer pain, and lower back pain.
US09346739B2 Process for the production of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids or esters and a catalyst therefor
A method of producing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester such as (meth) acrylic acid or alkyl esters thereof, for example, methyl methacrylate is described. The process comprises the steps of contacting formaldehyde or a suitable source thereof with a carboxylic acid or ester, for example, propionic acid or alkyl esters thereof in the presence of a catalyst and optionally an alcohol. The catalyst comprises group II metal phosphate crystals having rod or needle like morphology or a suitable source thereof. The phosphate may be a hydroxyapatite, pyrophosphate, hydroxyphosphate, PO42− phosphate or mixtures thereof. The group II metal may be selected from Ca, Sr, Ba or mixtures thereof, for example, strontium hydroxyapatite and calcium hydroxyapatite. A catalyst system comprising a crystalline metal phosphate catalyst and a catalyst support is also described. The metal phosphate has rod/needle like morphology.
US09346735B2 Method for producing t-butanol from isobutanol, method for producing methacrolein and methacrylic acid from isobutanol, and apparatus for producing them
A method for efficiently producing t-butanol as a raw material of a methacrylic resin from isobutanol is described, including a step (1) of dehydrating isobutanol to obtain butenes, and a step (2) of hydrating the butenes to obtain t-butanol. A method for producing methacrolein and methacrylic acid is also described, which further includes a step (3) of dehydrating and oxidizing the obtained t-butanol to obtain methacrolein and methacrylic acid. An apparatus for performing the steps (1) to (3) is also described.
US09346733B2 Eductor-based reactor and high flow pump around loops for production of acetic acid
Eductor mixers are used to mix the reaction medium in a carbonylation reactor. A portion of the reaction solution withdrawn from the reactor and directed through a pump around loop. The pump around loop is fed back to the reactor through the eductor mixers. In addition, a pump around loop may pass through one or more steam generators and/or heat exchangers.
US09346732B2 Continuous process of oxidative cleavage of vegetable oils
A continuous process for the oxidative cleavage of vegetable oils containing triglycerides of unsaturated carboxylic acids, to obtain saturated carboxylic acids, comprising feeding to a first continuous reactor a vegetable oil, an oxidizing compound and catalyst capable of catalyzing the oxidation reaction of the olefinic double bond to obtain an intermediate compound containing vicinal diols: feeding to a second continuous reactor said intermediate compound, a compound containing oxygen and a catalyst capable of catalyzing the oxidation reaction of the vicinal diols to carboxylic groups, to obtain saturated monocarboxylic acids (i) and triglycerides containing saturated carboxylic acids with more than one acid function (ii); separating the saturated monocarboxylic acids (i) from the triglycerides (ii); hydrolyzing in a third reactor the triglycerides (ii) to obtain glycerol and saturated carboxylic acids with more than one acid function; and purifying said saturated carboxylic acids by fractioned crystallization by means of wash column (melt crystallization).
US09346730B2 Process for the production of furfural and levulinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass
A process for producing furfural and levulinic acid from lignocellulose-comprising biomass is disclosed. The biomass is slurried using water and optionally an acid, subjected to hydrolysis, and then subjected to a solid/liquid separation to yield at least an aqueous fraction comprising C5 and C6 sugars and a solid fraction comprising cellulose and lignin. Furfural is obtained by adding an organic solvent to the aqueous fraction, heating at 120-220° C. for a sufficient time to form furfural, cooling, and separating an organic phase comprising at least part of the furfural from an aqueous phase. Levulinic acid is obtained by suspending the solid fraction in water and optionally an acid, heating the suspension to 140-220° C., and separating an aqueous fraction comprising the levulinic acid from a solid fraction.
US09346727B2 Process for the production of pure methylal
The invention relates to a continuous process to make and isolate methylal by reacting formaldehyde and methanol with an acid catalyst under at least partial formation of methylal and water, to form a mixture M2 comprising formaldehyde, methanol, methylal, and water, separating the said mixture M2 in a distillation column B into three distinct product streams, one being a distillate taken from the column head BH which is rich in methylal, one taken from the column bottom stream BB being almost pure water, and one taken from the side of the column B below the reaction zone which stream is rich in methanol, characterised in that the ratio of the amount of substance of methanol to the amount of substance of formaldehyde in the mixture M1 is at least 3 mol/mol, and to an apparatus to be used with this process.
US09346720B2 Isomerization of light alpha-olefins to light internal olefins
The present invention relates to a process for isomerizing linear alpha-olefins having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms over a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises a hydrogenation metal and a selectivity promoter selected from among selenium and tellurium on a support, and also a process for preparing 1-olefins by a metathesis reaction of 2-olefins with ethene, wherein the 2-olefins are prepared by the above mentioned isomerization process.
US09346713B2 Use of a cement accelerator and electric arc furnace dust in cement
The present disclosure relates to cement compositions comprising: (a) cement, (b) an electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), and (c) a cement accelerator; wherein the electric arc furnace dust is present in an amount from greater than 8 wt % based on the total weight of the cement (a); and it relates to cement compositions comprising: (a) cement, (b) an electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), and (c) a cement accelerator comprising calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, or sodium nitrate, or a combination thereof; wherein the electric arc furnace dust is present in an amount from greater than 8 wt % based on the total weight of the cement (a). Also disclosed are methods for making the disclosed compositions and products using the disclosed compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US09346709B2 Glass with high frictive damage resistance
A glass article exhibiting improved resistance to fictive surface damage and a method for making it, the method comprising removing a layer of glass from at least a portion of a surface of the article that is of a layer thickness at least effective to reduce the number and/or depth of flaws on the surface of the article, and then applying a friction-reducing coating to the portion of the article from which the layer of surface glass has been removed.
US09346701B2 Multi-stage glass pressing systems and methods
Apparatus for shaping at least one glass sheet wherein a lower press ring and an upper press ring are configured to clamp a perimeter section of the glass sheet between the lower press ring and the upper press ring. The apparatus also includes an upper press at least partially disposed within the upper press ring and configured to shape at least a section of the glass sheet inside the perimeter section of the glass sheet, including forming by use of applied vacuum. The inner press may include openings that apply vacuum in selected areas of the inner press to vacuum form the ply within the selected areas. To control the ply on the upper press assembly, vacuum that is applied though passageways in the upper press ring to the gap between the upper press ring and the inner press is controlled through a seal in the gap. The upper press ring includes pivotal joints that increase adjustability of the forming surface of the upper press ring to the face surface of the inner press.
US09346700B2 Titania-doped quartz glass and making method
Titania-doped quartz glass is manufactured by mixing a silicon-providing reactant gas and a titanium-providing reactant gas, preheating the reactant gas mixture at 200-400° C., and subjecting the mixture to oxidation or flame hydrolysis. A substrate of the glass is free of concave defects having a volume of at least 30,000 nm3 in an effective region of the EUV light-reflecting surface and is suited for use in the EUV lithography.
US09346697B2 Mould-supporting system for a machine for forming hollow glassware
A mould-supporting system for a machine for forming hollow glassware includes a supporting structure, and a first carriage and a second carriage, which are slidably mounted, respectively, on a first bar and a second bar of the supporting structure, and, moreover, are slidably mounted on a third bar of the supporting structure, common to the two carriages, the first and second carriages carrying, respectively, a first mould-carrier arm and a second mould-carrier arm. Mutual displacement of the first and second carriages is controlled between a position where they are set close to one another and a corresponding position where they are set apart. The first and second carriages have a first tubular portion that engages, respectively, the first and second bars via first sliding means, and a second tubular portion that engages the third bar via second sliding means. The second sliding means enable adjustment of the position of the second tubular portion in a direction transverse to the third bar.
US09346687B1 Water purifying drink system and method
A water purification system is described herein. The water purification system comprises a container configured to hold a liquid; an ultraviolet light source configured to irradiate liquid within the container; a reflector configured to reflect light from the ultraviolet light source into the container; a trough adaptor having a first end and a second end and configured to channel a liquid from the first end to the second end while exposing the liquid to light from the ultraviolet light source; and wherein the reflector is configured to reflect light from the ultraviolet light source both onto the trough adaptor and into the container.
US09346686B2 Copper-containing nanocrystals and methods of preparation therefor
A one-pot approach for preparing ArSH capped Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2ZnSn(S(1-x)Sex)4, Cu2SnS3, CuInS2, and CuIn(S(1-x)Sex)2 nanocrystals is provided. Examples involving reacting copper (II) acetylacetonate and indium chloride with thiourea and 2-mercapto-5-n-propylpyrimidine in the presence of an organic solvent are described. Monodispersed CuInS2, nanocrystals having a size of about 100 nm were prepared. Examples involving reacting copper (II) acetylacetonate, zinc chloride, and tin chloride with thiourea and 2-mercapto-5-n-propylpyrimidine in the presence of an organic solvent are described. Monodispersed Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals having a size of about 2 nm were prepared. Nanociystals obtained were found to have excellent crystallinity, stoichiometry, and high collective photovoltaic activity without the need for postprocessing such as high temperature annihilation in a sulfur atmosphere.
US09346679B2 Method for enhancing growth of carbon nanotubes
A method for fabricating a plurality of carbon nanotube structures having enhanced length is disclosed. Several steps are involved in this method. First, a substrate is provided. Next, a non-catalytic metal layer is formed on the substrate. Then, a catalytic metal layer is formed on the non-catalytic metal layer. After that, the catalytic metal layer is subjected to ultrasonication and exposure to water. Finally, the plurality of carbon nanotube structures is formed on the substrate in the presence of the catalytic metal layer. In this embodiment, the ultrasonication and exposure to water step includes submerging the catalytic metal layer in a liquid bath, ultrasonicating the catalytic metal layer and the liquid bath, and exposing the catalytic metal layer to water.
US09346673B2 Electrode for fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell comprising the same, fuel cell system comprising the same, and method for preparing the electrode
The electrode for a fuel cell of the invention includes: an electrode substrate; and a catalyst layer having a filler layer formed on the surface of the electrode substrate and a catalyst coating the filler layer.
US09346672B1 Methods for fabricating damascene write poles using ruthenium hard masks
A method for forming a write pole comprises the steps of providing a structure comprising a substrate layer, a ruthenium layer over the substrate layer, and a tantalum layer over the ruthenium layer, providing an opening in the tantalum layer over a portion of the ruthenium layer, performing a first reactive ion etching step on the portion of the ruthenium layer under the opening in the tantalum layer to provide an opening in the ruthenium layer over a portion of the substrate layer, performing a second reactive ion etching step on the portion of the substrate layer under the opening in the ruthenium layer to form a damascene trench therein, and filling the damascene trench with a magnetic material to form the write pole.
US09346671B2 Shielding MEMS structures during wafer dicing
A MEMS wafer (46) includes a front side (52) having a plurality of MEMS structure sites (60) at which MEMS structures (50) are located. A method (40) for protecting the MEMS structures (50) includes applying (44) a non-active feature (66) on the front side of the MEMS wafer in a region that is devoid of the MEMS structures and mounting (76) the front side of the MEMS wafer in a dicing frame (86) such that a back side (74) of the MEMS wafer is exposed. The MEMS wafer is then diced (102) from the back side into a plurality of MEMS dies (48).
US09346662B2 Fuel delivery system and method
A fuel delivery system and method for reducing the likelihood that a fuel tank of equipment at a well site during fracturing of a well will run out of fuel. A fuel source has plural fuel outlets, a hose on each fuel outlet of the plural fuel outlets, each hose being connected to a fuel cap on a respective one of the fuel tanks for delivery of fuel to the fuel tank. At least a manually controlled valve at each fuel outlet controls fluid flow through the hose at the respective fuel outlet.
US09346656B2 Stabilization and control of a crane load
A stabilizer cable has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to a crane load. The stabilizer cable loops around a boom pulley that is attached to a crane boom, then runs through a traveler pulley, then loops around a floating pulley, then loops around a deflector pulley. The deflector pulley and the second end of the stabilizer cable are positioned such that an increase in tension of the stabilizer cable urges the suspended load toward the traveler pulley. Other embodiments are also described.
US09346648B2 Adhesive bonding sheet processing device and image forming device provided with the same
A sheet processing device conveys a paper sheet onto which an adhesive is applied, and includes a bonding member that applies adhesives onto the conveyed paper sheet at intervals in a sheet width direction; and a protruding guide that is positioned on a conveying path, downstream of the bonding member in a sheet conveying direction, and guides the paper sheet, facing an adhesive-applied surface of the paper sheet. The protruding guide is positioned between sheet width direction lines of the adhesive-applied position and includes a protruding portion protruding into the conveying path. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the adhesive from being adhered to a device component even in a configuration in which an adhesive-applied paper sheet is moved inside the device to make a sheet jam due to the adhesion less likely to occur.
US09346647B2 Sheet bundle binding processing apparatus and image forming system having the same
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus capable of performing a binding process on a sheet bundle inserted to a manual setting portion of an apparatus housing and a binding process on a sheet bundle introduced to a processing tray with a common stapling unit having a simple unit moving mechanism therefor as well as facilitating staple replenishment. The present invention comprises a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus including a processing tray on which sheets are stacked, a binding device which staple-binds a sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray, and a manual setting portion to which a sheet bundle is set from the outside of the apparatus, the binding device being arranged to be movable among a first position where a sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray is to be bound, a second position where a sheet bundle set at the manual setting portion is to be bound, and a third position where staples are replenished to the binding device.
US09346644B2 Device and method for producing and optionally dispatching flat articles, in particular documents or printed matter
A device for producing and dispatching documents includes an electronic order processor and a processing machine controlled by the electronic order processor. The processing machine includes a printing machine and a mechanical dispatch preparation device. In order to permit a greater degree of individuality for documents generated in this manner, a locally effective document preparation device is arranged between the printing machine and the mechanical dispatch preparation device.
US09346637B2 Feed apparatus and image recording apparatus
There is provided a feed apparatus including: a support unit supporting a sheet; a feed roller; a first arm; a recess portion; a second arm; a biasing member; an operation lever; and an engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to be separated from the second arm at the first position in a case that the feed roller abuts against the support surface. The engagement portion is configured to be engaged with the second arm in a case that the first arm swings in a direction in which the feed roller is separated from the support surface. The second arm is configured to swing from the first position to the second position in conjunction with swing of the first arm in a direction in which the feed roller is further away from the support surface.
US09346636B2 Processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a main body and a processing apparatus. The processing apparatus includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit. The main body has a manual-feed tray at one lateral face. The first processing unit and the second processing unit are stacked in the vertical direction on the same lateral face side of the main body as the manual-feed tray provided. The second processing unit is slidable in a toward-away direction between a connecting position and a separate position, and has a hollow to insert the manual-feed tray therein at the connecting position.
US09346626B1 Screw conveyor
Disclosed is an improved screw conveyor that reduces maintenance. The screw conveyor comprises an elongate trough assembly comprising material input and output gates formed thereon and an elongate screw fighting rotably disposed within the trough assembly. The fighting comprises an elongate hollow shaft comprising a plurality of thorough fluid holes disposed thereon, a proximal end of the shaft adapted to receive a fluid therethrough whereby, the received fluid is discharged from the plurality of fluid holes, and a pair of parallel blades helically wound around the shaft, the blades arranged such that, the fluid holes are disposed between the blades. The fluid is discharged from between the blades forms a pressurized shield between the outer edges of blades and the inner surface of the trough assembly so as to prevent the material from entering the space between the edges of the blades and the inner surface of the trough assembly.
US09346625B2 Work system for substrates and working machine
In a work system for substrates which includes plural working machines conveying circuit substrates through two paths and in which the circuit substrates are conveyed through the two paths from the working machine disposed upstream out of the plural working machines to the working machine disposed downstream, a circuit substrate of which the work result is not good is conveyed to the downstream working machine earlier than the circuit substrate of which the work result is good in a state in which the circuit substrate of which the work result is good and the circuit substrate of which the work result is not good are able to be conveyed to the downstream working machine by the upstream working machine.
US09346616B2 Waste container with improved latch
A waste container includes a body having a base and a side wall extending upward from the base to define a container interior. A lid is hingeably secured to an upper portion of the side wall. A latch assembly selectively secures the lid to the side wall, the latch assembly including a rotatable latch portion having a latch member selectively interlocking with a hook portion.
US09346615B2 Coupling member for interconnecting two containers stacked one above the other
A coupling member for interconnecting two containers stacked one above the other, particularly on board ships, having a first coupling projection that can be hooked into a corner fitting of one container and pre-locked there, and a second coupling projection that can be coupled to a corner fitting of the other container, and having an actuating member by means of which the second coupling projection can be switched between an automatic position, in which the containers lock and unlock fully automatically during loading and unloading, and a second position, in which the containers must be manually unlocked by an operator during unloading, wherein the second coupling projection is moved under pre-tension into the automatic position or the second position and can be moved to the respective other position by means of the actuating member, counter to the pre-tensioning force is provided.
US09346607B2 Portable drinking vessel with battery operated, pump assisted straw
A power assisted drinking vessel, using a battery powered liquid pump provides pressurized, low volume liquid from the drinking vessel to a user's mouth through a straw, without the user having to draw or provide suction on the straw. The liquid pump is activated by pressing a momentary on-off electrical power switch. The power assisted drinking cup is capable of pumping many commonly ingested liquids such as water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, dietary/meal supplements or juices of various viscosity and at various flow rates and pressures. The powered drinking cup will be a benefit to patients in hospital or after dental work has been performed and will have appeal for many novelty use and sporting applications.
US09346602B2 Cocktail glass
The present invention provides a mixing apparatus comprising a connector container and a first container, said connector container being adapted to said first container forming a connection area between said connector container and first container, wherein said connection area contains a barrier between said connector and first containers, wherein said barrier is capable of preventing the passage of a substance contained in the connector or first container, wherein, upon user intervention, said barrier is capable of allowing the passage of a substance contained in the connector or first container.
US09346596B2 Paperboard security card with content retaining elements
Paperboard security packages (1) are disclosed wherein content items are contained by at least one card (10) and two adjoining housing (30, 40) attached to the at least one card and protruding from opposite surfaces of the card.
US09346593B2 Tamper resistant closure mechanism for a utility vault
A nut configured to threadably engage an external thread of a bolt is provided. The nut generally comprises an upper portion that defines a first thread, a lower portion that defines a second thread, and a sidewall portion that connects the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion may be separated from the lower portion by a gap, and the sidewall portion may include a first sidewall spaced apart from a second sidewall.
US09346585B2 Modular interlocking containers with enhanced lateral connectivity features
Described are devices and containers that are scalable, modular, and lockable laterally and vertically with other like containers for a variety of applications. A container is formed by a wall attached at first end to a top end section with an opening and attached at a second end by a bottom end section. A container may have one or more of a tongue, formed on the wall, having and interconnecting mechanism to be received and interlocked by a groove. Vertical interconnectivity is accomplished with mechanisms to stack containers and prevent swivel using a ridge and channel interlocking arrangement.
US09346574B2 System and method for activating article protection features of a carton
A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.
US09346563B1 Solar powered space weapon
A plurality of orbiting solar generators stay in constant touch. They can be congregated rapidly in space at any desired secret location. Once congregated they all discharge their energy to a death star. This death star could be a newly launched ICBM. A laser generator uses this newly acquired energy on the death star to project a non-nuclear laser ray to a target. The target could be a city, a ship or a satellite. In the event of an asteroid approaching earth, this system could destroy an asteroid. In peacetime the orbiting solar generators could supply electric power to an earth based power grid.
US09346562B2 Aircraft troubleshooting network
A global network is described for accessing aircraft remotely via a wide area network. Aircraft flight and operational data stored on the aircraft may be directly accessed via remote workstation or downloaded by centralized automatic processes for later analysis and diagnosis.
US09346553B2 Balancing the power of two turboshaft engines of an aircraft
The present invention relates to a method and to an associated fuel metering system for balancing the power delivered by two aircraft turboshaft engines by determining first and second limiting margins of the engines (M1, M2) which are transformed into first and second power margins. Thereafter, the values of the first and second power margins are compared in order to determine a primary difference between said first and second power margins. Finally, the engine having the greater power margin is accelerated in order to balance the first and second engines in power by minimizing the primary difference to as great as extent as possible.
US09346552B2 Autothrottle retard control
An autothrottle retard initiation method includes receiving an aircraft's ground speed, receiving the aircraft's vertical speed, determining autothrottle retard initiation height based on the aircraft's ground speed, the aircraft's vertical speed, and an aircraft vertical landing speed factor, receiving the aircraft's height above ground, and initiating autothrottle retard when the aircraft's height above ground and the autothrottle retard initiation height are equal.
US09346551B2 Engine installation
A fuselage mounted gas turbine engine installation the installation includes at least one propeller stage and a gas turbine core arranged in use to drive the propeller stage. The core is external to the fuselage and the rotational axes of the core and propeller stage are offset with respect to each other.
US09346548B2 Toilet arrangement for a vehicle
A toilet arrangement for a vehicle includes a first toilet compartment, an adjacent second toilet compartment and a partition wall situated between the first toilet compartment and the second toilet compartment, wherein the partition wall is movably supported and designed for being transferred into an open position, in which the partition between the first toilet compartment and the second toilet compartment is removed. This makes it possible to convert two relatively small toilet compartments into a larger toilet compartment that is suitable for use by persons with limited mobility.
US09346545B2 Aerial granular material distribution device
A device for distributing granular material to a target area from an aircraft is provided. The device includes one or more electric sifters, and each of the one or more electric sifters includes a motor to distribute the granular material on the target area and a screen on the bottom surface of the electric sifter. The granular material is stored in the one or more electric sifters. The screen includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion allows the granular material to pass through the screen to the target area. The second portion prevents the granular material from passing through the screen. The device also includes a circuit to control the motors, one or more power sources to power the motor and the circuit, and an interface for a human operator to control the circuit.
US09346544B2 Unmanned aerial vehicle and methods for controlling same
One variation of a method for imaging an area of interest includes: within a user interface, receiving a selection for a set of interest points on a digital map of a physical area and receiving a selection for a resolution of a geospatial map; identifying a ground area corresponding to the set of interest points for imaging during a mission; generating a flight path over the ground area for execution by an unmanned aerial vehicle during the mission; setting an altitude for the unmanned aerial vehicle along the flight path based on the selection for the resolution of the geospatial map and an optical system arranged within the unmanned aerial vehicle; setting a geospatial accuracy requirement for the mission based on the selection for the mission type; and assembling a set of images captured by the unmanned aerial vehicle during the mission into the geospatial map.
US09346537B2 Winglet system
A winglet system for an aircraft wing may include an upper winglet and a lower winglet mounted to a wing tip. The upper winglet root chord and the lower winglet root chord may each have a length of no greater than 100 percent of the wing tip chord. The lower winglet may have a static position when the wing is subject to an on-ground static loading. The lower winglet may be configured such that upward deflection of the wing under an approximate 1-g flight loading causes the lower winglet to move upwardly and outwardly from the static position to an in-flight position resulting in an effective span increase of the wing under the approximate 1-g flight loading relative to the span of the wing under the on-ground static loading.
US09346536B2 Externally driven flow control actuator
A method and apparatus for managing a flow of a fluid. The fluid is received at an input port of a structure. The fluid is sent through a chamber in communication with the input port. The fluid is caused to flow from the chamber and out of an output port in a direction that changes with a frequency based on an application of pressure pulses in the chamber.
US09346530B2 Mechanical assembly for lifting a balloon
A lift assembly for use during inflation of a balloon envelope is provided. The lift assembly includes a plate structure that has a set of cavities. Each cavity includes one or more openings passing through the plate. One or more pistons are coupled to the plate through at least one of the openings of each cavity in the set of cavities. Each piston has a hollow tube portion projecting lengthwise from the at least one opening, a flange attached to the hollow tube portion and a grabber portion in communication with the flange. The grabber portion includes a plurality of bearings for grabbing a stud attached to an apex of the balloon envelope. A handle portion is coupled to the plate. The handle is arranged to lift the balloon envelope when the bearings have grabbed a given stud.
US09346526B2 Method of and a device for reducing the azimuthal torque acting on a pulling pod unit or azimuth thruster
This invention relates to a device and method of reducing the azimuthal torque acting on a pulling pod unit or azimuth thruster (1) having a rotary pod housing (2) with a substantially vertical slewing axis (3) and a fixed downwardly directed first fin (4) carried by the pod housing (2) abaft the slewing axis (3), wherein said first fin is in the form of an elongated strip-shaped vane (4) and extends abaft the slewing axis (3) along the pod housing (2) to the vicinity of a rear end (5) thereof.
US09346517B2 Automatic and manual electrical gear shifting apparatus and method for electric vehicles
The automatic and manual electrical gear shifting apparatus includes a manual electrical gear shifting unit, for detecting a driving status and transmitting a sensing signal; a control unit, coupled to the sensing unit and the manual electrical gear shifting unit, and also coupled to a driving shift device and a mid-power motor, and a shift correction unit being coupled between the driving shift device and the control unit. The control unit resets the driving shift device to a start shift when the electric vehicle stops and if the transmission of an electric vehicle is an internal transmission. If the transmission of the electric vehicle is an external transmission and the shift of the driving shift device is set to a high gear, the control unit automatically increases the electrically assisted power of the electric vehicle.
US09346515B2 Pedal assisted bicycle and method of controlling the pedal assisted bicycle
A pedal assisted bicycle a first and a second wheel; a pedaling assembly mechanically decoupled from the first and second wheels by which an user can supply a pedaling power; an electric motor mechanically coupled to at least one of the wheels capable of taking a motor power; a generator device adapted to generate a generator device electric power from the pedaling power, arranged in an energy exchange relationship with the pedaling assembly and the electric motor; an energy storage device arranged in an energy exchange relationship with the electric motor and with the generator device; a control system including a module for controlling the power required to the generator device to be supplied to the electric motor and/or to the storage device; a heartbeat sensor adapted to generate a signal representing heartbeat.
US09346513B2 Fibrous composite frame
A fibrous composite frame includes at least one frame unit. The frame unit has two components and at least one shaft formed by combining the two components. Each of the components has a foam core that is made of a foam material and a fiber composite outer layer that wraps the foam core from outside and is made of a fiber composite material. The fiber composite outer layer has a combining surface, and the two components are such fixedly combined at the combining surfaces of the fiber composite outer layers that the two components are substantially symmetrical about where the two components are combined. Thereby, the fiber composite bicycle frame is lightweight, unlikely to break and easy to produce. Also, the fiber composite material is more likely to be set compactly.
US09346511B2 Inverted pendulum type vehicle
An inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of improving consistency of the intention of an operator and the motion condition of the vehicle. When a low frequency component of an estimate value Vb_estm1_y of the translational speed in the Y-axis direction of a vehicle system center of gravity of the entirety deviates from a dead zone of a processing unit and movement of the waist of an operator is sudden enough to generate a high frequency component in Vb_estm1_y, a target turning angular velocity ωz_cmd_gc is set to a positive value or a negative value depending on the deviation amount, and a turning suppression factor Kωz is adjusted to 0. Therefore, motion of actuator devices of a vehicle is controlled so that turning of the vehicle is suppressed and the vehicle system center of gravity of the entirety is translated to +Y-axis direction.
US09346508B1 Side panel for a snowmobile
A side panel for a vehicle having a straddle seat. The side panel has an outer surface and is configured to be connected on a side of the vehicle at least in part longitudinally forward of the straddle seat and vertically lower than the straddle seat. The outer surface defines a first leg area configured to accommodate at least a portion of a leg of a driver seated on the straddle seat in a first position, and a second leg area configured to accommodate at least a portion of the leg of the driver seated on the straddle seat in a second position. The second leg area is disposed at least in part longitudinally forward of the first leg area when the side panel is connected on the vehicle. A vehicle having a left and right side panel is also disclosed.
US09346506B2 Straddle type vehicle
A straddle type vehicle has a seat on which an occupant sits, a pair of right and left footboards provided diagonally below and in front of the seat and allowing the occupant to place his or her feet thereon, and a projecting portion provided between the footboards and projecting upward, wherein an engagement portion for fixing a load mounted on the projecting portion is provided on an upper face side of each of the footboards. The engagement portion for fixing the load is readily visible, and hence workability in operation of mounting and dismounting the load on the vehicle body increases.
US09346503B2 Trailer for transporting a portable structure
A trailer for use primarily for transporting a portable structure in which a frame is mounted on an undercarriage with the wheels of the undercarriage near the longitudinal center and the portable structure is positioned at an angle to reduce wind resistance while the structure is being transported on the trailer. The portable structure is secured to the trailer by placing the skid plates of the portable structure under frame elements affixed to the trailer frame.
US09346496B2 Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
US09346490B2 Tapered involute sector gear and variable ratio rack recirculating-ball style steering gearbox
A recirculating-ball style gearbox for a vehicle steering system is provided. The gearbox has a rack with rack-teeth that are capable of providing variable ratio steering, where the rack-teeth are in mesh with the involute-teeth of a tapered sector gear. The involute-teeth of the sector gear have arrays of helical meshing lines extending across the meshing surfaces of the teeth, wherein the array of helical meshing lines have leads that decrease in length moving radially outward across the meshing surfaces.
US09346488B2 Electronic control system
An electronic control system in which a sensor transmits a data to a control unit is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a first detector and a second detector each converting a physical quantity of a detection target into a digital data. An output portion of the sensor outputs in turn a normal data and a monitor data associated with each other. The normal data is the digital data outputted from the first detector, and the monitor data is a reversed data of the digital data outputted from the second detector. The control unit determines that at least one of the first detector, the second detector and the output portion has failure when the reversed data does not match the normal data.
US09346483B2 Utility cutter
A knife includes a handle that includes a gripping surface; a blade slide positioned in a recess of the handle that extends from an opening of the handle through a cavity within the handle; a blade coupled to the blade slide near a proximal end of the blade and extending through the recess and into the opening when the blade slide is in the retracted position; and a guide coupled to the blade near a distal end of the blade opposite the proximal end, the guide including a contoured surface configured to engage a workpiece to extend the blade slide a distance from the retracted position to an extended position such that the blade is extended from the opening of the handle, the blade slide biased to move from the extended position to the retracted position.
US09346482B2 Steering-column device
A steering column device is provided with a suspension mechanism which is supported on a fixed bracket, suspends a movable jacket through a movable bracket, and can move in a column movement direction at the time of a secondary collision. The suspension mechanism includes a suspension bolt which is inserted into a first plate of the fixed bracket and a second plate of a tilt bracket and is screwed into a nut. A leaf spring which is interposed between a head portion of the suspension bolt and the second plate in a state of bringing a stepped portion of the suspension bolt into contact with the second plate biases the first plate to the second plate side. Further, the second plate is pinched between the stepped portion and the nut.
US09346475B2 Blocking end cap for a rolling bearing and supporting device for a railway axle equipped therewith
A blocking end cap for a rolling bearing in a railway axle box of a supporting device for a railway axle is provided. The cap is shaped as a concave disc delimited by an annular side wall having a symmetry axis (A), a bottom wall arranged transversely to the symmetry axis (A), and an elbow-shaped, annular joining portion, connecting the bottom wall to the side wall. The thickness of the bottom wall measured in a direction parallel to the symmetry axis (A) is continuously variable in the radial direction between a maximum (S1) situated at the symmetry axis (A) and a minimum (S2) arranged at a radially outer edge of the cap defined by the side wall.
US09346472B2 Rail road freight car
A drop-center rail road freight car may have a gondola body for carrying lading, which may have end sections and a deep central section therebetween. The body may include a decking or floor structure, and longitudinally extending side beams bordering the floor structure. The car may have U-shaped bending-moment transmitting cross-bearers. The cross-bearers and side beam stiffeners may have inner and outer flange continuity such as to transmit a bending moment. The car may have stub sills. The stub sills may each have an inboard gooseneck that extends downward and inboard. The gooseneck may have a longitudinally extending portion that connects to the endmost cross-bearer of the central portion of the car. The main shear plate may lap the side sills, and may be bent downwardly to mate with the end margins of the side sheet lower portion to form a converging box-like truncated pyramidal structure.
US09346469B2 Method and system for engine and powertrain control
Methods and systems are provided for expediting updating a vehicle's powertrain calibration table. The table is updated with data generated on-board a given vehicle while being matured with data downloaded from a cloud-based network, the downloaded data generated on-board one or more other vehicles having matching powertrain characteristics. Regions of a vehicle's calibration table where sufficient data is not generated on-board a given vehicle is populated with data from one or more other vehicles having sufficient data for those corresponding regions.
US09346463B2 Mode switching control device for a hybrid vehicle
During engine startup and engagement of a transmission clutch in response to an EV→HEV mode-switch demand, the transmission clutch is engaged, which precedes initiation of self-sustaining running by the engine. During the clutch engagement, high engine torque is not input to the transmission clutch, and no large torque differential arises in relation to the torque at the output side of the transmission clutch, which during EV operation is a low value about equal to the low motor torque of an electric motor. Additionally, due to cranking during engine startup, the input/output rotation difference of the transmission clutch is small, and when the transmission clutch is engaged, engagement of the transmission clutch may be carried out with reduced shock, as the input/output torque differential and the input/output rotation difference are small.
US09346462B2 Powertrain for hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle powertrain may include input shafts, clutches, output shafts, a transmission path selector, a planetary gear unit, and a gear stage forming mechanism. The transmission path selector may bring engagement of a first input shaft with second or third input shaft. The planetary gear unit may have three rotary elements, with motor power or engine power being input via a second rotary element, and being output with two transmission gear ratios under the control of a first rotary element in response to engagement of an engaging unit. The gear stage forming mechanism may be formed by engagement of gear pairs having different transmission gear ratios with second and third input shafts and a first output shaft, and function to transmit the power from the second or third input shaft to the first output shaft while changing a speed by selecting a gear pair in accordance with a vehicle running speed using a gear pair selector.
US09346449B1 Fault warning method and system thereof of electric parking brake
A fault warning method of an electric parking brake is provided. The fault warning method includes, a brake is actuated with a motor. An armature current is transmitted from the motor. The armature current is converted to a low frequency current and a high frequency current. A braking force is estimated by the by the low frequency current, and a motor rotating speed is estimated by the high frequency current. The braking force is compared with a predetermined braking force range, and a braking force comparing signal is outputted. The motor rotating speed is compared with a predetermined rotating speed range, and a rotating speed comparing signal is outputted. A determining result is generated by determining the braking force comparing signal and the rotating speed comparing signal. And a warning signal is generated according to the determining result.
US09346447B2 Solenoid valve for brake system
Disclosed is a solenoid valve for a brake system, the solenoid valve including a magnet core that is provided in a cylindrical shape, is installed in a bore of a modulator block, and has a through-hole opening in a lengthwise direction thereof and a radial direction passage communicating with the through-hole; an armature that is installed at one end of the magnet core so as to be reciprocated; a valve seat that is provided at the other end of the magnet core and has an orifice; a plunger that is inserted into the through-hole and performs a sliding motion by the armature to open and close the orifice; a sleeve that is fixed to the bore while accommodating the armature and the magnet core; and a return spring that is provided to apply an elastic restorative force to the plunger to open the orifice, wherein a passage hole is provided in a spiral shape along the through-hole at an inner circumferential surface of the magnet core to discharge air between the magnet core and the plunger and air between the magnet core and the armature.
US09346439B2 Steering wheel mounted trailer brake controllers and systems
A trailer brake controller for a motor vehicle may include a control unit configured to be mounted to a spoke of a steering wheel of the vehicle, and a brake lever coupled to the control unit and extending along a longitudinal axis of the control unit. The brake lever may be configured to be actuated by a driver of the motor vehicle by being pulled in a forward motion toward the driver. The brake lever may be further configured to transmit a force applied to the lever by the driver to the control unit. The control unit may be configured to generate a manual trailer brake control signal based on the force applied to the lever.
US09346438B1 Wheel sweeper systems
A wheel sweeper system is a brush mounted to a bracket that clamps to the frame of a wheeled device such as a wheel chair to continually sweep dirt and mud off of the wheel ground contact surfaces as the wheel rotates to greatly reduce tracking the debris onto building floors.
US09346436B2 Electronic key system
An electronic key system wirelessly transmits a polling signal at predetermined time intervals into a predetermined transmission area outside a vehicle interior and detects an electronic key by receiving a response signal transmitted from the electronic key that is in the transmission area in response to the polling signal, and causes a predetermined function of an on-vehicle apparatus to be executed when the electronic key is detected. The electronic key transmits the polling signal into an enlarged transmission area which is enlarged from the predetermined transmission area when a state where the electronic key is detected and a state where the electronic key is not detected are repeated a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time, and does not cause the predetermined function to be executed when the electronic key is detected from the enlarged transmission area.
US09346427B2 Active countermeasures systems and methods
Described are systems and methods for actively countering certain forces experienced by, for example, a person within a vehicle. Adverse effects of blast waves of a mine or other explosive device (including improvised explosive devices [IEDs]) may be mitigated by the countermeasures systems, which may include any or all of a first responder unit (FRU), a control display assembly (CDA), processors, sensors, and an electronic safe and arm device (ESAD). Each component assembly may be incorporated into a line replaceable unit (LRU) if desired, although such incorporation is not necessary.
US09346421B2 Saddle-type electric vehicle
A vehicle includes a battery supported by an elastic member. The vehicle is provided with a connector that is electrically connected to a connector on the battery. The connector on the vehicle is switched between an unlock state in which the movement of the connector on the vehicle is allowed to follow the oscillation of the battery, and a lock state in which the movement of the connector on the vehicle is restricted. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a stress from being applied to the connector on the battery and the connector on the vehicle when a vehicle is travelling, and it is possible to smoothly connect the connector on the battery and the connector on the vehicle when a user mounts the battery on the vehicle.
US09346414B1 GPS/sonar display mounting assembly
A GPS/sonar display mounting assembly is provided which is mountable to a dashboard console of a vehicle, which may include but is not limited to boat, automobile, aircraft or the like. The mounting structure provides that mounting assembly may be utilized with displays and GPS/sonar equipment of various manufacturers while being adjustable in at least three directions to allow for comfortable use of the display by a user. Further, the mounting assembly provides for retention of the display in a desired position once set by the user despite choppy conditions which typically cause prior art mounting assemblies to slip and move from a preferred position.
US09346409B2 Foldable roof rack assembly for kayaks and the like
There is provided a foldable roof rack assembly. The roof rack assembly includes a mounting assembly connectable to a roof of a vehicle. The roof rack assembly includes a foldable arm having a pair of pivotable rigid portions one of which pivotally connects to the mounting assembly. The foldable arm is moveable from a folded position, in which the portions of the arm are folded together laterally along the roof, to an unfolded position in which the portions of the arm extend outward for receiving and at least partially extending around an object.
US09346396B2 Supplemental vehicle lighting system for vision based target detection
A supplemental vehicle lighting system that is responsive to a trailer backup assist system is provided. The system includes a rear vehicle fixture defining a keylock hole customarily used in conjunction with a corresponding keylock cylinder. A light assembly is provided in the place of a keylock cylinder and operably coupled to the keylock hole. The light assembly includes a housing having a barrel that is concentrically aligned with the keylock hole and includes a distal end and a proximal end. A lighting device is disposed inside the housing and operable to emit light through the barrel beginning from the proximal end. A lens is coupled to the distal end of the barrel and is disposed to at least partially coincide with the keylock hole, wherein the lens is configured to disperse light emitted from the lighting device to illuminate a rear vehicle area.
US09346394B1 Method and apparatus for installing and operating an auxiliary lighting system using a vehicle light plug
An auxiliary lighting system using a vehicle's electric plug is disclosed. A signal may be transmitted from the plug to an auxiliary implement attached to a vehicle. The signal may be sent through a wire bundle (wiring harness). The auxiliary lighting system does not require rewiring of the vehicle's wiring harness.
US09346392B1 Modular cargo track mounting adapter
A mounting adapter for use with E-track modular cargo track comprises a face plate and a jaw member. The jaw member comprises a generally cuboid body with two steps in the front face near each end and a bevel in the back face at each end. The steps and bevel cooperate to enable the jaw member to be inserted through the rectangular opening of the E-track into the narrow confines between the web of the E-track and the side or floor of the cargo bed. Once inserted, the steps center the jaw member vertically within the rectangular opening so that the face plate can be attached without the jaw member dropping into the space behind the E-track. The raised portions of the jaws include female threads adapted to receive a threaded fastener for fastening an object to the E-track while simultaneously capturing the E-track between the jaw and the face plate.
US09346386B2 Vehicle floor mat
Provided is a vehicle floor mat reducing a load on a mat main body. The vehicle floor mat includes at least one fastening device for fastening the mat main body to a vehicle. The fastening device includes a first fastening member fixed to the vehicle and a second fastening member fixed to the mat main body. The first fastening member includes a vertical rotating knob, and the second fastening member includes: an insertion receiving section for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and engaged therewith; and upper and lower half bodies sandwiching the mat main body and being connected to each other through a half body connecting portion for the rotating knob to be inserted thereinto and at least one outer connecting portion disposed outside the half body connecting portion provided around the insertion receiving section, thus improving a connecting strength between the upper and lower half bodies.
US09346382B1 Versatile arm rest for a vehicle
An armrest for a vehicle door that is removable and versatile for either a left or right vehicle door is a horizontal support having a support bracket attached to its bottom surface at an outer edge disposed to be inserted into the space between an automobile window and an inner door surface thereby allowing said horizontal support to rest upon an inner door sill for support. The horizontal support also has apertures for installing a stability bracket onto its underside that is adjustable and complements the support bracket by using a secured frictional force against an interior automobile door wall thereby allowing a user to rest their arm in comfort thereupon. A removable cushion can be installed onto the horizontal support to increase comfort to a user.
US09346381B2 Vehicle seat with locking apparatus
A vehicle seat has a carriage that moves linearly with respect to a base, and a locking apparatus for preventing unwanted movement of the carriage in the event of an emergency. The locking apparatus has first and second toothed components which inter-engage such that, during movement of the carriage with respect to the base, one of the first and second toothed components imparts movement to the other. A locking gear is engaged with the teeth of the first component for rotation thereby, and is movable into a locking state where it also engages with the teeth of the second component to prevent relative movement between the first and second components. The locking gear moves into the locking state in response to a decelerating force above a threshold level.
US09346376B2 Recliner mechanism
A recliner mechanism for use in connection with reclining a vehicle seat and a unitary cam and cam spring mount member.
US09346371B2 Transport system powered by short block linear synchronous motors
Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface.
US09346370B2 Abnormality detecting system for automated guided vehicle
A system for detecting an abnormality of an automated guided vehicle that travels on a circulation route includes: a history recording unit for recording a change history of a current of a battery of the automated guided vehicle with respect to each circulation; and an abnormality determining unit for determining presence or absence of an abnormality of the automated guided vehicle on the basis of the change history of the current of the battery recorded for each circulation.
US09346369B2 Charging device
A charging device is provided with a charger, a charging time setting unit and a usage latency calculation unit. The charger is configured to charge a vehicle battery. The charging time setting unit sets a charging time for charging the vehicle battery. The usage latency calculation unit calculates a latency of usage of the charger. The usage latency is a time between an end time of charging of a first vehicle connected to the charger and a start time of charging of a second vehicle connected to the charger and charged after the first vehicle. The charging time setting unit compares the usage latency with a first threshold time and a second threshold time shorter than the first threshold time. The charging time setting unit sets the charging time in accordance with whether or not the usage latency is between the first and second threshold times.
US09346361B2 Non-rail-bound vehicle
A non-rail bound vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle or a bus, has a current collector for feeding electrical energy from a two-pole overhead line. The contact wires of the overhead line are configured as forward and return conductors, and each can be contacted by at least one contact strip of the current collector. Due to the fact that the current collector is provided with two support extension arms, which are tiltably and rotatably hinged to both the vehicle and a rocker bearing the contact strips such that the rocker can be both raised and lowered and also can be moved transversely to the direction of travel, the current collector can be safely coupled to and decoupled from the contact wires, even at higher driving speeds of the vehicle. Furthermore, lateral inaccuracies with respect to a lane while steering the vehicle can be permanently compensated for by the current collector.
US09346349B2 Shutter abnormality notification apparatus for variable duct
A shutter abnormality notification apparatus issues a notification of an abnormality in a shutter of a variable duct that is provided in a vehicle front end to be capable of adjusting an amount of introduced outside air by moving the shutter. The apparatus includes: an electric circuit that becomes conductive when the shutter and a receiver that receives the shutter contact each other in a duct seal constituted by the shutter and the receiver while the shutter is in the closed position; and a notifier that issues a warning when the electric circuit becomes non-conductive even though an opening operation instruction has not been issued in relation to the shutter in the closed position.
US09346342B1 Vehicle roof and roof opening mechanism
A vehicle roof having a roof structure with a roof opening, which, by a roof opening mechanism, can be closed or at least partially uncovered as desired, said roof opening mechanism being designed as an interchangeable insert. Additionally, a roof opening mechanism is proposed, being designed as an interchangeable insert, for unlockable fixation at a roof structure of a vehicle roof, and comprising a frame, which can be placed upon an edge region of the roof structure, said edge region limiting a roof opening.
US09346332B2 Air suspension load shift system
A method for shifting tandem axle loads on a vehicle including an air suspension circuit having a three way valve, a first air spring connected between a drive axle of a tandem and a vehicle frame and a second air spring connected between a tag axle of the tandem and the vehicle frame. A diameter of the first air spring is larger than a diameter of the second air spring. The system also has an air supply, a first fluid line connected between a port one of the three way valve and the first air spring and a second fluid line connected between a port three of the three way valve and the second air spring.
US09346330B2 System and method using a pressure reduction valve
An automatic tire inflation system or wheel end assembly may be provided with a pressure reduction valve to allow rapid deflation of a tire. A method of rapidly reducing tire pressure may include use of a pressure reduction valve.
US09346309B2 Component with display stand
A component including a generally flat, planar base panel and a stand movably coupled to the base panel, wherein the stand is movable to an extended position wherein the stand is generally not positioned on or above/below the base panel. The stand includes first and second portions pivotally connected together. When the stand is in the extended position the stand is movable to a propped configuration wherein the first and second portions form an angle therebetween to define a display surface at least part of which is positioned at an angle relative to the base panel.
US09346306B2 Fanfold media dust inhibitor
Fanfold and/or perforated media comprising a substrate including one or more friable coatings and an overcoat covering at least a portion of the one or more friable coatings proximate to one or more associated fanfolds and/or perforations is provided, wherein the overcoat mitigates spallation of the one or more friable coatings. Methods and apparatus for making the same are also disclosed.
US09346289B2 Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes: an apparatus main body that has a transportation unit which transports a recording medium and a liquid droplet ejection head which ejects an ink onto the recording medium; a curing unit that has a curing heater which heats and cures the ink on the recording medium; and a support mechanism that connects the apparatus main body and the curing unit, and displaceably supports the curing unit to be in an unfolded state and to be in a folded state where a depth which is the total length of the apparatus main body and the curing unit is shorter than that in the unfolded state in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the apparatus main body.
US09346280B2 Liquid storing container
A liquid storing container includes a case, a flexible member, a pressure receiving member, a first urging member, and a second urging member. The case constitutes a part of an inner wall of a liquid containing section configured to store liquid. The flexible member constitutes at least a part of a remaining inner wall of the liquid containing section. The pressure receiving member is arranged between the case and the flexible member. The first urging member is provided between the pressure receiving member and the case, and one end is connected to the pressure receiving member to urge the pressure receiving member from the case to the flexible member. The second urging member is provided between the pressure receiving member and the case, and one end is connected to the pressure receiving member to urge the pressure receiving member from the case to the flexible member.
US09346277B2 Liquid supply unit
A cartridge 5 is mounted on a carriage 8. The carriage 8 includes liquid introducing parts 710m, 710c and 710y and a guide projection 723. The guide projection 723 is extended from between the liquid introducing parts 710m and 710c toward the liquid introducing part 710y. The cartridge 5 includes an ink supply port 507m connectable with the liquid introducing part 710m to supply magenta ink to the liquid introducing part 710m, an ink supply port 507c connectable with the liquid introducing part 710c to supply cyan ink to the liquid introducing part 710c, an ink supply port 507y connectable with the liquid introducing part 710y to supply yellow ink to the liquid introducing part 710y, and a first groove 580. The first groove 580 is extended from between the ink supply port 507m and the ink supply port 507c toward the ink supply port 507y to allow for insertion of the guide projection 723. This configuration suppresses diffusion of ink leaked from any of the liquid supply ports of the cartridge.
US09346276B2 Removable printhead cartridge having plurality of printhead chips
A removable printhead cartridge for a single-pass inkjet printer, the printhead assembly including: a body adapted for user removal and insertion in the printer; an elongate ink manifold assembly mounted in the body, the ink manifold assembly having a plurality of longitudinally extending ink channels, a plurality of outlets defined in a mounting surface; and a plurality of ink conduits connecting each ink channel to a corresponding set of outlets; a plurality of printhead chips mounted on the mounting surface; a plurality of ink storage modules, each containing a device for delivering ink to the printhead chips at a negative pressure; and a plurality of electrical connectors.
US09346274B2 Method for cleaning liquid ejection head
A method for cleaning a liquid ejection head which includes applying a voltage to a coating layer of the liquid ejection head to cause the coating layer to be eluted in a liquid so that kogation deposited on a coating layer is removed. When removing kogation deposited on the coating layer, temperatures of the liquids in the liquid chambers are selectively changed among a plurality of liquid chambers.
US09346273B2 Methods of making an inkjet print head by sawing discontinuous slotted recesses
A method of making an inkjet print head may include forming, by sawing with a rotary saw blade, first discontinuous slotted recesses in a first surface of a wafer. The first discontinuous slotted recesses may be arranged in parallel, spaced apart relation. The method may further include forming, by sawing with the rotary saw blade, second discontinuous slotted recesses in a second surface of the wafer aligned and coupled in communication with the first continuous slotted recesses to define through-wafer channels. In another embodiment, the first and second plurality of discontinuous recesses may be formed by respective first and second rotary saw blades.
US09346269B2 Flow path structure, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A flow path structure includes: a substrate that includes a first surface and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface; a supply port formed on the first surface; a plurality of discharge ports formed on the second surface; grooves that are formed on the first surface so as to extend in an X direction and communicate with the supply ports and with the plurality of discharge ports via through-holes formed on the substrate; and a sealing portion that is disposed on the first surface and seals each groove.
US09346268B2 Liquid ejection head with nozzles ejecting liquid from a pressure generation chamber
In accordance with an embodiment, a liquid ejection head comprises a pressure generation chamber in which liquid is filled; a plate configured to connect with the pressure generation chamber and include a plurality of liquid ejection sections of which the axes are directed to the center direction of an impact area of the liquid; and a driver configured to enable a pressure in the pressure generation chamber to fluctuate.
US09346266B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a nozzle plate provided with nozzle openings; an actuator unit including a flow channel formation substrate in which pressure generation chambers are provided and piezoelectric actuators that cause a change in the pressure of the liquid within respective pressure generation chambers; a communication substrate in which communication channels that communicate between the pressure generation chambers and corresponding nozzle openings are provided; a first case member that is a frame member affixed to the communication substrate so that the actuator unit is disposed within the first case member and that, along with the actuator unit, forms a manifold that holds the liquid to be supplied to the pressure generation chambers; and a second case member that is affixed to the first case member and in which is formed an introduction channel that sends the liquid from the exterior to the manifold.
US09346258B2 Method for cleaning anti-marking jackets
A removable flexible jacket for use in a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate comprises a sheet of woven fabric, a beaded film sheet coupled to the sheet of woven fabric, and an image disposed between the sheet of woven fabric and the beaded film sheet. The image is visible through the beaded film sheet, and wherein the image divides at least a portion of a surface of the beaded film sheet into a plurality of zones.
US09346257B2 Printing system, method of controlling printing system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
It is determined whether or not a die used for executing designated sheet processing is set to a sheet processing apparatus, and control is performed to stop printing in a case where it is determined that the die is not set.
US09346255B2 Compositions and methods for making putty transfer books
The present invention provides kits and methods for selectively transferring a portion of an image from a substrate (e.g., paper) to a dough (e.g., Silly Putty®) comprising pressing the dough onto an image printed on the substrate. The image comprises transferable ink and non-transferable ink. At least a portion of the image comprising transferable ink transfers from the substrate to the dough and the non-transferable ink does not transfer from the substrate to the dough. The dough can be used to reveal an image that was “hidden” within the visible image printed on the substrate. The present invention also provides methods for making a substrate with an image comprising transferable ink (e.g., cold-set web ink) and non-transferable ink (e.g., sheet-fed offset ink) printed thereon, comprising using a sheet-fed offset press to print the image onto the substrate.
US09346244B2 Composite building boards with thermoplastic coatings and cementitious precoated fibrous mats
Disclosed is a composite building board construction. The board includes a set gypsum core and a fibrous mat that is pre-coated with a cementitious layer. A thermoplastic coating is then applied over the cementitious layer. Additives can be added to one or more of the layers to provide enhanced performance characteristics. Also discloses are various manufacturing techniques for applying a hot melt thermoplastic coating to cementitious layer.
US09346240B2 Open-porous metal foam body and a method for fabricating the same
Disclosed are an open-porous metal foam and a method for manufacturing the same. An open-porous metal foam according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is made of an iron-based alloy including 15 wt % or more of chrome and 5 wt % or more of aluminum. The open-porous metal foam is a semi-product that is formed of iron or the iron-based alloy that does not include chrome and aluminum or includes a smaller amount of chrome and aluminum in the powder when manufacturing, and the surface and the open pore thereof are uniformly coated with the powder of the iron-chrome-aluminum alloy and the organic binding agent. When heat treatment is performed under a reduction atmosphere, sintering is performed. In this case, the metal foam body that is formed of the iron-chrome-aluminum alloy is obtained by compensating concentrations of alloy elements between the semi-product and the powder by diffusion, and a content of chrome and aluminum in the metal foam is smaller than a content of chrome and aluminum included in a starting alloy of the used powder.
US09346238B2 Flexible packaging composites
The flexible packaging composites include one or more mineral-containing layers with a bonding agent. The composite structure is used as a primary or secondary packaging container or insulating material. In addition to the mineral-containing layer, the composite can contain one or more non-mineral containing layers, including various combinations of extruded resins, cast or blown films, and fibers. The mineral-containing layer is substantially and continuously bonded to the other layers. The present invention is an unexpectedly unique and environmentally friendly composite structure containing mineral layers with bonding agents as a key component. The material is designed to form flexible and semi-rigid storage articles at equal or lower costs to prior art solutions while providing a mineral containing layer that is a very smooth, has comparatively high plasticity, and having a high quality printing surface not requiring Corona Treatment. The composite structure is used as a primary or secondary packaging container or insulating material. In addition to the mineral containing layer, the composite could contain various combinations of extruded resins, cast or blown films, and fibers. The mineral containing layer is substantially and continuously bonded to the other layers. The polymer, fiber, and mineral containing layers can be shaped, sized and manufactured such that the composite structure formed is subsequently machined to form a storage article. The composite structure has advantages including a high degree of pliability and flexibility, a minimum 37 dyne level on the surface of the mineral containing layer; a mineral containing layer that is highly 86 opaque, and has a bright, white printing surface that readily accepts coating and inks, therefore, rendering it highly attractive to consumers. Further, the composite structure has tensile strength, dead-fold, stiffness, and other characteristics that allow it to be readily machined into desired storage article forms and storage article closures, therefore, the material can be used for as a variety of food, consumer, industrial, anti-static, and commercial uses. Other mineral containing layer advantages include environmentally attractive features such photo-degradability, recyclability, compostability, and bio-degradability.
US09346237B2 Recyclable plastic structural articles and method of manufacture
The plastic structural article includes an elongated tubular shell having opposed end sections, a middle section there between and an interior cavity. The interior cavity has a foam core situated therein. The foam core comprises steam expandable polymer beads which when expanded substantially fill the interior cavity. The bead and shell are of a similar plastic composition enabling the articles to be reground and recycled. An apparatus for forming the articles and an associated method of manufacture are also disclosed.
US09346236B2 Method and apparatus for fluting a web in the machine direction
A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.
US09346234B2 Carton with locking feature
In one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding at least one product. The carton includes a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around the interior of the carton. The plurality of panels includes a front panel, a top panel, and a lid panel foldably connected to the top panel. The carton includes a lid pivotably attached to the carton. The lid includes the lid panel and the top panel and is moveable between a closed position wherein the lid panels is positioned in face-to-face contact with the front panel and an open position allowing access to the interior of the carton. The carton includes locking features for releasably attaching the reclosable lid in the closed position. The locking features include at least one male locking portion in the front panel and at least one female locking portion in the lid panel.
US09346233B2 Device and method for pressing
The invention relates to a device and method used for pressing at least one area of a packaging. The packaging is composed of a multilayer composite material at least in some areas. A pressing tool used for pressing comprises at least one contour element that can be inserted into an interior of the packaging and at least one pressing element that is arranged outside of the interior and opposite the contour element. The pressing element and the contour element are arranged so that the pressing element and the contour element can be positioned relative to each other. The pressing element has an elastic consistency and is provided with a flexible reinforcing device at least in the area of the extent of the pressing element facing the contour element.
US09346230B2 Molding element for a tire mold comprising a porous area
A molding element for a tire mold manufactured from a metallic powder fused together layer by layer. The molding element contains a first surface intended to mold all or part of a tread surface of the tire and a second surface opposite to the first surface and intended to be in contact with another part of the mold. The thickness (E) of the molding element is between 1 and 6 millimeters. The molding element overall has a density greater than or equal to 98%. The molding element also contains at least one first porous area extending into the thickness of this molding element, this first porous area having a plurality of pores allowing air to pass between the first surface of the molding element and the second surface thereof.
US09346229B2 Mold element for vulcanizing a tire tread
A mold element for vulcanizing all or part of a tire tread intended to accept studs for driving on ice. The mold element comprises a molding surface able to mold all or part of the tread surface of this tread. The mold element comprises an insert added into the mold element. The insert comprises an insert body intended to be fixed into the mold element, a rod intended for molding into the tread a cavity that is capable of accepting a stud, this rod being fixed removably to the insert body, marking means able to mold a pattern on the tread near the stud. The marking means are fixed removably to the insert body by fixing means.
US09346225B2 Method of preparing resin composition for optical film by using continuous bulk polymerization and methods of preparing optical film and polarizing plate using the resin composition
Provided is a method of preparing a resin composition for an optical film. The method includes forming a four-component copolymer by reacting an alkyl(meth)acrylate-based monomer, an acrylate-based monomer containing a benzene ring, and a (meth)acrylic acid monomer by using a continuous bulk polymerization method; and forming a resin composition for an optical film by removing unreacted monomer and solvent from a reaction product in a devolatilizer.
US09346221B2 Composite stiffener positioning and vacuum bag installation
A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.
US09346209B2 Method for manufacturing multilayer structure using a feedblock multiplier with thickness-gradient variation
Disclosed are a feedblock multiplier with thickness gradient variation, a feedblock system, a method, and multilayer structure made by the method. The feedblock multiplier combines the functionalities of feedblock and multiplier conventionally used for producing the multilayer structure. The feedblock multiplier includes an input section for feeding fluid materials. A feedblock section is included for dividing the fluid delivered into multiple channels correspondingly. The fluids in the channels are segmented into two or more fluid segments by a segmenting section. The each fluid segment is delivered through corresponding channel-conversion section with thickness-gradient variation in the feedblock multiplier. Each channel-conversion section includes multiple channels with configurable positions. The fluids are then combined in a multiplier section for producing the multilayer structure with overlapped layers. The multilayer structure is outputted from an extruding section.
US09346206B2 Fixing plate of a mold of an injection molding apparatus for plastic material
An injection molding apparatus of plastic material including a mold, a fixing plate of the mold, a distributor of the plastic material to be injected and a plurality of injectors connected to the distributor and each including a valve pin controlled by a respective rotary electric motor and a transmission. The fixing plate has a cavity facing the mold on a first face, within which the distributor is contained, and each electric motor with the relative transmission is housed, in a quickly insertable and removable manner, within a respective seat arranged on a second face of the fixing plate opposite to the first face, laterally with respect to the corresponding injector.
US09346203B2 Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a method may include forming a golf club head having a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion with a lace portion. The method may form an interior cavity. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09346201B2 Plastic part with reduced read-through
A vehicle interior panel includes a substrate having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An attachment structure extends integrally from the interior surface of the substrate. The attachment structure defines a first wall spaced apart from the substrate and having an attachment opening therethrough. The attachment structure further defines a supporting wall segment adjacent the substrate that has a plurality of holes therein, the holes extending in a first direction generally parallel with the interior surface of the substrate.
US09346195B2 Flexible substrate, method of manufacturing flexible substrate, flexible display device, and method of flexible display device
A method of manufacturing a flexible substrate includes providing a support, forming an auxiliary layer including a silicon-containing material and a gold (Au) particle on the support, forming a polymer thin film on the auxiliary layer, and removing the support after forming the polymer thin film.
US09346185B2 Automated door assembly, press, and adhesive therefor
Provided is a system and method of making a door having first and second door skins and an internal frame. The top and bottom surfaces of the frame are coated with an adhesive and the frame is placed on a first door skin. The second door skin is then placed on the opposite surface of the frame. The assembled components are then pressed to bond the first and second door skins to the frame.
US09346176B2 Spring-assisted folding knife
A method of operating a spring assisted folding knife includes the steps of: providing a spring assisted folding knife including a handle, a blade, a transfer bar assembly contained in a transfer bar assembly recess, a helical spring, and a coiled torsion spring; and pivotally moving the blade to overcome a blade closed bias force provided by the helical spring pressing against the transfer bar assembly followed by a blade opened bias provided by the coiled torsion spring, or to overcome a blade opened bias provided by the coiled torsion spring followed by a blade closed bias force provided by the helical spring pressing against the transfer bar assembly.
US09346158B2 Magnetic profile lifter
A flywheel-driven tool includes a ferromagnetic driver. The driver has a firing position in which the driver is drivingly engaged against the flywheel. The driver also has a home position radially further away from the flywheel than the firing position when the flywheel is spinning in preparation to firing the driver. A magnet is positioned adjacent the driver to exert a magnetic force on the driver to pull the driver into the home position.
US09346152B2 Furniture assembly jig
A furniture jig comprises a frame member positioning portion and a spring stretcher portion with at least the positioning frame portion having a rotating feature. The positioning frame portion may surround the spring stretcher portion and comprises constraint members that define receiving regions, such as slots or channels, into which furniture components, such a box frame members, may be inserted. The receiving regions of the jig frame maintain the furniture components upright or in other useful orientations at least until they are affixed together. In embodiments, the spring stretcher has a plurality of spring receiving portions on which the ends of a spring can be releasably engaged. Support members extending from the spring receiving portions operate to move the spring receiving portions from a spring loading position in which the springs can positioned on the tips to a spring attachment position where the springs are securable to the frame members. Drive portions, such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders move the spring receiving portions and support members between the respective positions. A control processor can automate the motions and be activated by a pedal or other switch.
US09346151B2 Precision carrier for microelectronic devices
A carrier for one or more microelectronic devices, for example and without limitation, bare semiconductor chips, that are releasably held on their edges in apertures in a planar body. A device may be released from an aperture by resilient distortion of the aperture in the plane of the planar body.
US09346141B2 Device and method for arranging a component on a component carrier
A joining device for arranging a component on a component carrier is disclosed. The joining device includes an application system for positioning the component in the joining device and a receptacle for clamping the component carrier in the joining device. The component is arranged on the component carrier by an adapter. A method for arranging the component on the component carrier is also disclosed.
US09346138B2 Program-controlled machine tool
A program controlled machine tool, including a bed-like substructure, a machine frame having two vertical and parallel side walls, and a compound slide having a longitudinal slide which can travel in the direction of the Y-coordinate axis on the two side walls of the machine frame. A cross slide is guided in such a way that it can travel in the direction of the X-coordinate axis. A machining unit can travel in the direction of the vertical Z-coordinate axis and has a working spindle. A workpiece table arrangement arranged on the substructure in front of the side walls. The workpiece table arrangement is arranged on the front partial area of the flat base and the cross slide has a length in the direction of the Y-coordinate axis which corresponds approximately to the diameter of the workpiece table and/or the working space in the Y-direction.
US09346135B2 Method and an appratus for constructing a heat pipe
A method for constructing a heat pipe, comprising the steps of providing a tube having an open end and a opposite closed end; filling a tube with a predetermined volume of working fluid; connecting a vapor trap to the open end of the pipe; evacuating the tube for a predetermined period of time to remove non-condensable gases from the tube; and sealing the tube wherein the step of evacuating the tube includes the steps of applying a vacuum to the open end of the pipe.
US09346132B2 Metal chemistry for improved weldability of super alloys
A metal chemistry includes an amount of chromium weight of between about 9.0% and about 16% by weight, an amount of cobalt of between about 7.0% and about 14% by weight, an amount of molybdenum of between about 10% and about 20% by weight, an amount of iron of between about 1.0% and about 5.0% by weight, an amount of aluminum of between about 0.05% and about 0.75% by weight, an amount of titanium of between about 0.5% and about 2.0% by weight, an amount of manganese not to exceed about 0.8% by weight, an amount of carbon of between about 0.02% and about 0.10% by weight, an amount of a titanium+aluminum alloy of between about 0.55% and about 2.75% by weight, and an amount of nickel.
US09346128B2 Method for producing a pattern of depressions in the friction surface of a friction component and a friction component for a frictionally operating device having such a pattern of depressions
A method for producing a pattern of depressions in the friction surface of a friction component for a frictionally operating device, preferably a multiplate clutch or multiplate brake. After the preparation of the friction component, the pattern of depressions is produced by nontraditional material removal, removal of material preferably being accomplished in a contactless manner, particularly preferably with the aid of a laser beam.
US09346124B2 Method for marking on metallic member
Provided is a method for marking on a pressed metallic component whose visibility and corrosion resistance in a marking target is ensured. The method includes a step of irradiating a base treatment target region including a marking target region with a laser beam on a first irradiation condition, and a step of irradiating the marking target region with the laser beam on a second irradiation condition, in which a charged energy of the laser beam is set to be smaller on the first irradiation condition than the second irradiation condition, thereby providing between the marking pattern and a non-irradiation region, a base region having a residual stress greater than that of the non-irradiation region and a residual stress smaller than that of the marking pattern, so as to ensure a visibility. Furthermore, a corrosion resistance is ensured by using a metallic member which is heat-treated to enhance the hardness.
US09346108B2 Stator manufacturing method and whirling cutter device
A method for machining a helical bore of a stator comprises providing a stator body with a bore. In addition, the method comprises providing a first and a second machining device. The first machining device comprises a milling head coupled to the end of a shaft and a rotary cutter mounted to the milling head for rotation about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The second machining device comprises a whirling head on the end of a shaft and a whirling cutter mounted to the whirling head for rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis but offset therefrom by a selectively variable degree. Further, the method comprises driving the first machining device through the bore multiple times with the rotary cutter following a helical path. Still further, the method comprises driving the second machining device through the bore with the whirling cutter following the same helical path.
US09346102B2 Metal cutting turning insert and a turning tool
A cutting insert for turning includes an upper side, a lower side, a clearance surface connecting the upper side and the lower side, and an upper cutting edge. The upper cutting edge forms a primary edge portion and a secondary edge portion connected by a nose edge portion. On the upper side, a chip former is formed, including a nose bottom surface formed behind the nose edge portion, a primary main bottom surface extending along the primary edge portion, and, between the nose bottom surface and the primary main bottom surface, a continuous primary elevated bottom surface extending along the primary edge portion, having a lowest point lower than the level of the primary edge portion but higher than the lowest point of each of the nose bottom surface and the primary main bottom surface.
US09346101B2 Cladded articles and methods of making the same
In one aspect, methods of making cladded articles are described herein. A method of making a cladded article, in some embodiments, comprises disposing over a surface of a metallic substrate a sheet comprising organic binder and powder metal or powder alloy having a solidus temperature at least 100° C. less than the metallic substrate and heating the powder metal or powder alloy to provide a sintered metal or sintered alloy cladding metallurgically bonded to the metallic substrate.
US09346093B2 Methods for the production of clad steel products
A method is disclosed of producing a billet which can be heated and rolled or otherwise worked with conventional equipment to form a product with a steel core and a cladding of an alloy including stainless steel, nickel-chrome, nickel-copper or copper-nickel. For a product such as corrosion resistant reinforcing bar, the billet includes a solid steel core inserted in a tube of the alloy on which swaging operations are carried out, decreasing the transverse size of discrete portions of the tube. The part of the tube interfacing with the steel body may be swaged, increasing the length of the tube and decreasing the transverse size of the steel body at the interface. To prevent oxidation of chrome and other metals in the tube, one or more briquettes of scavenging metal are inserted in the parts of the tube that project clear of an end of the core.
US09346089B2 Extrusion press systems and methods
Systems, devices, and methods are described for extruding materials. In certain embodiments, one or more hollow billets are loaded onto an elongate mandrel bar and transported along the mandrel bar to a rotating die. The billets are transported through fluid clamps, which engage the mandrel bar and provide cooling fluid to the mandrel bar tip, and through mandrel grips, which engage the mandrel bar and prevent the mandrel bar from rotating. One or more press-rams advance the billets through a centering insert and into the rotating die. A quench assembly is provided at an extrusion end of the extrusion press to quench the extruded material. A programmable logic controller may be provided to control, at least in part, operations of the extrusion press system.
US09346084B2 Liquid processing apparatus and liquid processing method
Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus capable of performing a liquid processing and a drying processing in a position each having a different height. The liquid processing apparatus includes: a substrate holding unit configured to hold a substrate; a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the substrate holding unit; a substrate holding unit elevating member configured to lift and lower the substrate holding unit; a processing liquid supply unit configured to supply a processing liquid to the substrate; a liquid receiving cup configured to surround the substrate when the processing liquid is being supplied to the substrate; a drying cup located above the substrate and the liquid receiving cup when the processing liquid is being supplied to the substrate. The drying cup surrounds the substrate and located above the liquid receiving cup when the substrate is being dried.
US09346081B2 Method and apparatuses for screening
A screening machine includes wall members, screen assembly guide members, a screen assembly and a compression assembly. The screen assembly includes a frame with a plurality of side members and a screen supported by the frame. The compression assembly is attached to at least one wall member and forms the screen assembly into a concave shape.
US09346075B2 Modular jetting devices
Modular devices for jetting a fluid material and components for modular jetting devices. The devices may include a pressurized air or positive displacement pump fluid supply module to supply a fluid module inlet. A syringe may feed material through a check valve to a positive displacement pump, which feeds material through another check valve to the fluid module. Inside the fluid module is a valve element moved to contact a valve seat and jet a droplet of material by contact between an external drive pin and a movable element of the fluid module. Either a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or another actuator may move the drive pin. A controller may coordinate the supply of fluid from the positive displacement pump with the rate at which material is jetted. The fluid module and positive displacement pump are easily removable from the jetting device.
US09346067B2 Spray gun
A spray gun including: a nozzle provided with a fixed-side restricting section; a needle valve inserted inside the nozzle and provided with a valve portion such that an aperture is formed radially therebetween; an elastic seal member that comes in contact and is elastically deformed in an axial direction between the nozzle and the needle valve; and a straight joint formed by a female joint provided on a nozzle hole of the nozzle and a male joint provided on the valve portion. The straight joint is arranged such that the male joint fits inside the female joint before the elastic seal member comes in contact between the nozzle and the needle valve as well as after the aperture becomes the smallest, and the jointed state is retained until the elastic seal member comes in contact and is elastically deformed therebetween.
US09346065B2 Drive mechanism for a sprinkler
A sprinkler includes a hollow shaft to which a positioning part, a gear casing, a pipe are respectively connected to the hollow shaft. The positioning part and the pipe are respectively connected to a first end support and a second end support of a base. The positioning part has multiple grooves defined in a tubular portion thereof. A hollow positioning rod has a ratchet portion which is resiliently formed thereto. The hollow positioning rod is rotatably mounted to the hollow shaft and the ratchet portion is engaged with the grooves of the positioning part. The hollow positioning rod has a toothed portion which is engaged with an output gear of the gear casing. The gear casing is driven by a hydraulic power so as to swing the pipe periodically. The resilient ratchet portion allows the gear casing and the pipe to swing easily, and no metal spring is required.
US09346057B2 Top supported mainshaft suspension system
An adjustment and suspension system for supporting the mainshaft of a gyratory crusher within a stationary spider hub. The system includes a piston movable within the spider hub to adjust the vertical position of the mainshaft. A stop member positioned within the spider hub controls the maximum vertical movement of the piston within the spider hub. A drive assembly is used to adjust the vertical position of the stop member to limit the vertical position of the mainshaft. The mainshaft is supported by a vertical support bearing and a radial support bearing that are located separate from each other. The vertical position of the drive shaft is controlled by a supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid introduced into the spider hub to control the vertical position of the movable piston.
US09346048B2 Paper-based chemical assay devices with improved fluidic structures
A chemical assay device includes a hydrophilic substrate and one or more hydrophobic structures that extend from a first side of the hydrophilic substrate to a second side of the hydrophilic substrate. A hydrophobic structure in the hydrophilic substrate forms a fluid barrier wall that extends from the first side of the hydrophilic substrate to the second side of the hydrophilic substrate with a deviation of less than 20° from a perpendicular axis between the first side and the second side.
US09346037B2 Component having a catalytic surface, method for producing same and use of said component
A component includes a catalyst surface having regions of CeO2 and regions of MnO2 that contact the regions of CeO2. Said material pairings may provide an improved catalytic effect compared to pure oxides. Said surfaces can, for example, also be used in indoor air purification to reduce the ozone content. The surface can, for example, be applied by coating the component and processed by cold-gas spraying of, for example, particles made of MnO2, to which CeO2 is applied.
US09346035B2 Supported noble metal-comprising catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation or epoxidation
Supported noble metal-comprising catalysts which can be obtained by a1) application of a noble metal compound, optionally in admixture with additives acting as promoters, to a support material, then drying, and a2) application of a reducing agent to a support material, then drying, wherein steps a1) and a2) are repeated simultaneously or in alternating turns, or wherein either of the compounds is applied entirely and then the other one is applied entirely, b) optionally afterwards drying of the resulting product, and c) subsequent calcination, its use, especially for oxidative dehydrogenation and a process for producing it.
US09346026B2 Static gas mixer
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for mixing gaseous mixture components. The present invention likewise relates to a correspondingly applied method and to the use of an apparatus according to the invention for mixing components of the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines with a reducing agent and to a correspondingly designed reactor.
US09346024B2 Producing or dispensing liquid products
A liquid product is dispensed via a membrane contactor. The contactor employs a plurality of gas-permeable hollow fibers. The contactor has a gas port communicating with the interior of the fibers and input and output ports for liquid communicating with space within the contactor surrounding the fibers. A gas comprising carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide is dissolved in the liquid in the contactor. The gas at a controlled pressure is supplied to the gas port. The liquid is supplied at a higher pressure than the gas to the input port for liquid from a supply of such liquid via a first valve having a first valve inlet port communicating with the supply of liquid and a first valve outlet port communicating with the inlet port for liquid. Liquid with the gas dissolved therein is dispensed from the outlet port for liquid via a dispense tap to ambient. The dispensing liquid step includes a start dispense step in which dispensing commences and a stop dispense step in which dispensing is stopped. The first valve is opened with the dispensing tap in the start dispense step, and is closed in the stop dispense step. Pressure build-up is relieved in liquid in communication with the space within the contactor surrounding the fibers after closure of the first valve and while maintaining the first valve closed. The balance between gas pressure and liquid pressure during the systems' standby periods protects the membranes from flooding.
US09346020B2 Multilayered charge-mosaic membrane and manufacturing method therefor
There is provided a multilayered charge-mosaic membrane having a porous supporting layer (A), a porous intermediate layer (B) and a charge-mosaic layer (C), wherein the porous supporting layer (A), the porous intermediate layer (B) and the charge-mosaic layer (C) are located in this order; the porous supporting layer (A) and/or the porous intermediate layer (B) are made of a fiber layer containing hydrophilic fibers; a thickness of the porous intermediate layer (B) is 0.1 to 100 μm; a porosity of the porous supporting layer (A) is larger than a porosity of the porous intermediate layer (B); the cationic and/or the anionic polymers constituting the charge-mosaic layer (C) is a polyvinyl alcohol having an ionic group. Thus, there is provided a multilayered charge-mosaic membrane having a large salt permeation flux and excellent mechanical strength.
US09346016B2 Process for the preparation of a urea-comprising aqueous stream
The invention relates to process for the preparation of a urea-comprising aqueous stream, that is suitable for use in a unit for the reduction of NOx in combustion engine exhaust gases, wherein the urea-comprising aqueous stream is separated directly from or after a recovery section in a urea production process and is thereafter diluted with water until the urea-comprising stream comprises 30-35 wt % urea.
US09346015B2 Filtering device
The invention relates to a filtering device for a variety of polluted gasses, with an inclined bed with a filling of catalytic material, which bed has a retaining wall at its lower longer side, with a clean-gas exit positioned in the area of one front side of the bed, which ejects the gas which has passed through the filling, and with a flush-gas entrance also positioned in the area of one front side of the bed, the flush-gas entrance (40) and the clean-gas exit (36) being provided at the same front side (38), and beneath the bed (12), current-influencing devices (50) being positioned spread between the two front sides, which devices prevent or at least reduce current peaks in the flow of flush gas through the bed (12).
US09346003B2 Honeycomb structure
There is provided a honeycomb structure 100 comprising partition walls 1 separating and forming a plurality of cells 2 functioning as fluid passages. The partition walls 1 are made of cordierite, and, when an average pore size of the partition walls 1 is x (μm) while a porosity of the partition walls 1 is y (%), a relation of x and y is y≦−8.33x+86.66 and satisfies 0.5≦x≦5 and 35≦y≦70. The honeycomb structure 100 can improve thermal shock resistance without sacrificing any of light-off performance, catalyst coatability, and strength.
US09346000B2 Air filter
An air filter has a housing, a filter core, a resilient abutting element, a sleeve, a threaded rod bracket, a threaded rod and a nut. The axial sealing is achieved by axially compressing the resilient abutting element, such that the user does not have to apply much physical effort to compress the resilient abutting element. The user can easily push the filter core into the housing, and then rotates and tightens the nut, which can axially compress the resilient abutting element. It is easy to apply force on rotating the nut, and better still, the nut can be rotated by an electric tool, which further facilitates the convenience in assembling. Besides, the nut only abuts the sleeve, and the threaded rod bracket does not abut the filter core. Consequently, the filter core is not blocked, thereby making the air smoothly pass through the filter core.
US09345999B2 Tool-less auto-aligning filter retention system
A filter retention system for releasably retaining a filter cartridge in an operable position within air supply and air exhaust systems is comprised of a filter cartridge, filter retainers, mounting frame with integral sealing knife edge and filter alignment brackets. The filter retainers allow for installation and removal of the filter cartridge without the use of tools. The retention system automatically aligns filter cartridges such that an airtight seal is created between the sealant containing groove in the filter cartridge and the sealing knife edge of the retention system.
US09345992B2 Remote submerged chain conveyor
A remote submerged chain conveyor system for separating particles from a coal ash/water slurry from one or more remotely located boiler units. A tank forms an ash holding section, a dewatering section, and an ash settling section. The ash holding section receiving the slurry with first and second opposite ends. The dewatering section dewaters the slurry. The settling zone is an elongated trough connected with the ash holding section at one end with a discharge drain trough at near an opposite end. The tank sections being oriented in a generally linear arrangement wherein a net flow of water from the ash/water slurry is in a direction from the settling zone toward the distal and. A drag chain moves along the ash settling conveying the particles settling from the slurry to the dewatering section.
US09345991B2 Defoaming agent
The present invention provides a defoaming agent containing, as essential components, hydrophobic dry silica (S) prepared by hydrophobizing silica prepared using a dry process and having a primary particle diameter of 5 to 100 nm, water, and a hydrophobic liquid (Q) containing 1 to 25% by weight of an ester compound (E) represented by the following formula, (R1—COO)p-D, wherein R1 denotes an alkyl group or an alkenyl group; D denotes a residue resulting from the removal of a hydroxyl group contributing to an ester linkage from a compound (D′) containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 to 6 hydroxyl groups or a residue resulting from the removal of a hydroxyl group contributing to an ester linkage from an adduct prepared by adding an alkylene oxide to the compound (D′); and p denotes an integer from 1 to 3.
US09345987B2 Stripping absorption module
In a process, a portion of a liquid mixture flow is vaporized to produce a vapor and a depleted flow of liquid. The vapor is introduced to a brine which is adapted to exothermically absorb one or more components therefrom, and heat is withdrawn, to produce at least a flow of heat and a flow of brine which is enriched in the one or more components. The heat previously withdrawn is transferred, to drive the vaporization. This transfer can be associated with the change of a working fluid from a gaseous into a liquid state. In this case, the heat withdrawal involves the change of the working fluid from the liquid to the gaseous state. In the liquid state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of gravity, convection and wicking. In the gaseous state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of diffusion and convection.
US09345986B2 Method for evaporation and possible distillation of fluids using a heat pump
A method for evaporation and possibly distillation of liquids by means of a heat pump is provided. By using a heat pump (2), energy is taken from energy reservoir(s) (1) such as rivers, sea water, air, or ground heat. However, it is difficult to obtain temperatures high enough to evaporate water at atmospheric conditions. According to the invention, low temperature heat is utilized by means of a heat pump by using the condenser of the heat pump to evaporate liquids in an evaporator (4′) at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and thus at a lower evaporation temperature. Furthermore, the saturation of the evaporated liquids is eliminated before the evaporated liquids enter the compressor (10) by the further heating of the evaporated liquids leaving the liquids evaporator (4′) in a heat exchanger (11) that utilizes the peak temperature of the refrigerant that leaves the heat pump's refrigerant compressor (3).
US09345984B2 Tethered flying disks
The invention is an apparatus comprising all apparatus, as well as a method that incorporates the apparatus. The apparatus includes an upper flying disk and a lower flying disk having an upper surface, and a cord connecting the two flying disks.
US09345983B2 Construction kit
Construction kit including construction blocks (2) and connection parts (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″, 6) for coupling the construction blocks. The construction blocks comprise openings (18) for the insertion of the connection parts formed by a pair of constituent elements (4a) pivoting with respect to one another. The rim (26) of the opening comprises eight or more teeth (22) distributed over the periphery of the opening. Some of the connection parts comprise teeth (68) arranged in a groove (66) which are configured to interlock with the teeth (22) of the rim when the connection part is in the locking position.
US09345982B2 Building block universal joint system
A toy building block system and method involving a posable structure comprising a metal linkage, the structure having a plurality of ends and a Lego-like brick having means for coupling at least one of the plurality of ends of the posable linkage thereon.
US09345979B2 Wall mounted toy track set
A toy vehicle track set is provided including a pair of arm members including a first arm member and a second arm member. The pair of arm member are movably mounted to the track set for movement between a first position and a second position. A toy vehicle carriage is pivotally mounted at a distal end of each of the pair of arm members. Each of the pair of arm members is coupled to one another such that as one of the arm members moves from its first position to its second position, the other of the arm members also moves from its first position to its second position.
US09345973B1 Controlling wagering game system browser areas
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting one or more browsers on a shared wagering game display and presenting a graphical image of an object on the shared display in a first area of the one or more browsers. The first area of the one or more browsers is assigned to a wagering game system user account. The operations can further include detecting a player input that initiates a movement of the graphical image of the object along a trajectory toward a second area of the one or more browsers on the shared display. The operations can also include causing the graphical image of the object to move along the trajectory across the shared display from the first area to the second area.
US09345968B2 Game system, game apparatus, storage medium storing game program and game data exchange method
A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
US09345967B2 Method, device, and system for interacting with a virtual character in smart terminal
A method, device, and system for interacting with a virtual character in a smart terminal are provided. The method can shoot and display a user reality scene image on a screen of the smart terminal, and superimpose the virtual character on the user reality scene image; acquire position of the smart terminal during movement; and determine whether change of the position of the smart terminal exceeds a preset threshold value, and if the change of the position of the smart terminal exceeds the preset threshold value, the method moves the virtual character in the user reality scene image according to the current position of the smart terminal. The interaction scene between the user and the virtual character is not a virtual scene but a true reality scene, both numbers and contents of the scenes are not limited, and the interaction efficiency in this manner is higher.
US09345956B2 Randomizer unit for simulating game play
A device and method is provided for simulating an outcome of a game, the device including a die having a plurality of faces, each face of the die being associated with an index value, a first wheel having a surface for rolling of the die, and a randomization mechanism coupled to the wheel and configured to cause a randomized motion of the wheel and die for a period of time to generate an outcome of game play, the outcome of game play being defined at least in part based on the index value of an exposed face of the plurality of faces of the die after the completion of the randomized motion.
US09345953B2 Configurable game assembly
A game assembly involving the arrangement of game pieces on a game board and permitting storage and transportation of the game pieces arranged on the game board in an intermediate stage of game play. The game assembly comprises a case having a plurality of hinged case segments which are foldable from open configuration exposing a game area to a closed configuration enclosing the game area. The hinged case segments includes lateral case segments hingedly joined to opposing edges of an internal case segment. The game area is formed from lateral and internal game elements. The lateral game elements are disposed on the lateral case segments. The internal game element are hingedly connected to one of the lateral game elements and rotatably moveable between being disposed on the internal case segment and being disposed on the one of the lateral game elements.
US09345951B2 Methods and apparatuses for an automatic card handling device and communication networks including same
An automatic card handling device, automatic card handling devices within a network, and methods of use are disclosed. An automatic card handling device includes a shuffling apparatus with a controller and configured to deliver a set of shuffled cards, and a communication module operably coupled to the controller. The communication module is configured for establishing an electronic communication with a local or world-wide network and thereafter sending and receiving information related to the operation of the automatic card handling device across the network. A network of automatic card handling devices may include a plurality of automatic card shufflers. The network may also include at least one server operably coupled to the plurality of automatic card shufflers. In addition, the server may be operably coupled to a service center through a world-wide network.
US09345945B2 Adaptable training putter head
An adaptable training putter head for use in a training putter includes a conventional style putting head, further including a cavity, an outer cutout, and an inner cutout; an alignment guide piece, further including an outer alignment guide, an inner alignment guide, and a center insert bridge piece; all mounted to the conventional style putting head, to which is also attached a hosel connector. The alignment guides can be hollow, can each include an upper and a lower body, and can include alignment guide cavities, which can contain alignment guide weights for adjusting weight and balance. The adaptable training putter head allows a golf player to visually ensure that a putting club is oriented correctly during a putting swing, to improve accuracy during golfing. The adaptable training putter head supports both regulation conformant and non-conformant configurations.
US09345940B2 Multifunctional swaying throwing game apparatus
A multifunctional swaying throwing game apparatus is formed by assembling a base and a rod, in which the base is a base able to sway and rock back and forth. The rod is designed to form a Y-shaped rod, and clasp hooks and clasp holes are provided on support rods extending from the upper portion of the rod. The clasp hooks enable hook holes of rings to hook thereon, and the clasp holes enable the peripheral edge of rings to be inserted and fixed therein. The hollow part of each of the rings allows for children to throw sandbags, rubber bands, or other objects therethrough.
US09345937B1 Iron-type golf club head
The present invention discloses an iron-type golf club head having a body with at least one sole pocket and a cap sized to at least partially close the sole pocket. The pocket is bounded on one side by a face plate, which is only partially affixed to the body via welding, and may be completely or partially filled with the cap. The cap, which can be made of multiple materials having different densities, is located within the pocket such that one or more gaps are disposed between the cap and the sidewalls of the pocket.
US09345936B1 Golf club head with center of gravity adjustability
A golf club head comprising an adjustable weighting feature including a tube extending from the crown to the sole of the golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, a golf club head formed from three pieces, namely a first piece comprising a face, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a hosel, a second piece comprising a rear end, a crown portion, and a sole portion, and a tube, wherein these pieces are welded to one another, is disclosed herein. Each of these pieces may be separately cast, forged, or formed from a metal material such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, and aluminum alloy.
US09345934B2 Golf ball
A golf ball 2 includes a spherical core 4 and a cover 6 covering the core 4 and including an inner cover 8 and an outer cover 10 positioned outside the inner cover 8. The core 4 is obtained by crosslinking a rubber composition. The rubber composition includes a base rubber (a), a co-crosslinking agent (b), a crosslinking initiator (c), and a carboxylate (d). The co-crosslinking agent (b) is: (b1) an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; or (b2) a metal salt of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The amount of the carboxylate (d) is equal to or greater than 1 parts by weight but less than 40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber (a). A hardness of an innermost layer of the cover is equal to or less than a surface hardness of the core.
US09345931B2 Golf ball
A golf ball 2 has a large number of dimples 8 on a surface thereof. A trajectory of the golf ball 2 is divided into first to fourth segments. An average CD1 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL1 of lift coefficients CL in the first segment are equal to or less than 0.225 and 0.180, respectively. An average CD2 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL2 of lift coefficients CL in the second segment are equal to or less than 0.250 and 0.220, respectively. An average CD3 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL3 of lift coefficients CL in the third segment are equal to or greater than 0.260 and 0.220, respectively. An average CD4 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL4 of lift coefficients CL in the fourth segment are equal to or greater than 0.250 and 0.200, respectively.
US09345922B2 Strength training system and method having elastic resistance and suspension devices
A strength training system and method includes an inelastic base strap connecting with an anchor and connecting with elastic/static components, which in turn are connected with handles. The combination of an inelastic base strap with modular elastic/static components configurable to be either elastic or inelastic provides the ability to perform suspension training as well as elastic band training with the same system. The elastic/static components may quickly be converted from an elastic to an inelastic segment by simply disconnecting the elastic module or by simply connecting the inelastic segment, since it is shorter than the elastic module. The elastic module includes a plurality of connectable elastic bands and may easily be replaced with other modules. An anchor point device is disclosed having double opposing cam buckles, usable with a door.
US09345913B2 Oxygen breathing device with elongated supply time
Detailed is an aircraft oxygen emergency device including a chemical oxygen generator, an oxygen supply line including a first line section connecting the chemical oxygen generator with a flow regulator unit, and a second line section connecting the flow regulator unit with at least one oxygen mask for supplying oxygen to a mouth or a nose (or both) of a person at a breathing pressure.
US09345911B2 Methods of inducing melanogenesis in a subject
Described herein are methods and compositions for inducing melanogenesis in a human subject. The method comprises administering to a subject an alpha-MSH analogue, in an effective amount and time to induce melanogenesis by the melanocytes in epidermal tissue of subject without inducing homologous desensitization of the melanocortin-1 receptors.
US09345903B2 Device for increasing energy at acupuncture points
A device for increasing energy at acupuncture points includes a housing, a light-emitting module, a base, a circuit device, a bending tube and a connection unit. The light-emitting module is disposed in the housing and has a plurality of light-emitting units. The base is a hollow casing. The circuit device includes a circuit board disposed in the base and electrically connected to a first connector. One end of the bending tube is connected to the housing. A transmission line is disposed in the bending tube. One end of the transmission line is electrically connected to the light-emitting module. The other end of the bending tube has a second connector electrically connected to the other end of the transmission line. The other end of the bending tube is removably connected to the base through the connection unit. The first connector and the second connector are selectively electrically connected.
US09345900B2 Methods and systems for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation
Methods and system are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.
US09345895B2 Implantable medical device and feedthrough and method of making same
Implantable medical device having a feedthrough, a feedthrough and method for making such feedthrough. The feedthrough has a ferrule, an electrically conductive pin, a preform having a preform liquidus temperature, a capacitor, positioned within the ferrule abutting the preform, having a coating having a coating liquidus temperature and being configured to electrically couple with the preform, and an insulative assembly configured, at least in part, to seal against passage of a liquid through the ferrule, and having an insulative assembly liquidus temperature. The coating liquidus temperature is greater than the preform liquidus temperature and the coating liquidus temperature being greater than the insulative assembly liquidus temperature.
US09345894B2 Connector blocks for a header of an implantable device
An apparatus includes an implantable housing, a header mounted to the implantable housing and including a connector block cavity, and a connector block located within the connector block cavity, the connector block including a plastic housing portion, a coil spring, and a metallic termination member connected to the coil spring and exposed outside the plastic housing portion.
US09345891B2 Systems and methods for positioning implanted devices in a patient
Systems and methods for positioning implanted devices in a patient are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes, for each of a plurality of patients, receiving a target location from which to deliver a modulation signal to the patient's spinal cord. The method further includes implanting a signal delivery device within a vertebral foramen of each patient, and positioning an electrical contact carried by the signal delivery device to be within ±5 mm. of the target location, without the use of fluoroscopy. The method can still further include, for each of the plurality of patients, activating the electrical contact to modulate neural activity at the spinal cord. In further particular embodiments, RF signals, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and/or other techniques are used to locate the signal delivery device.
US09345890B2 Systems and methods for managing noise in implantable medical devices
Embodiments of the invention are related to managing noise in sensed signals in implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment the invention includes a method for processing electrical signals obtained from a patient including gathering a first set of electrical signals using an implantable medical device, filtering to provide a second set of electrical signals, the second set including frequencies above a threshold frequency, and estimating the amount of noise present in the first set of electrical signals based on the magnitude of the second set. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device configured to gather a first set of electrical signals, filter the first set to provide a second set of electrical signals including frequencies above a threshold frequency, and estimate the amount of noise present in the first set based on the magnitude of the second set. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US09345879B2 Device and implantation system for electrical stimulation of biological systems
The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.
US09345872B2 Conductive electrical garment
An apparatus for electrical stimulation therapy comprising a garment and a plurality of electrode pads associated with the garment, wherein the electrode pads are positionable at selectable locations relative to the garment, such that to correspond to a person's body shape and areas that need electrical stimulation therapy, and wherein contact between the plurality of electrode pads and the person's body is achieved by the person resting on top of the plurality of electrode pads and garment, such that the person's weight assists in creating the contact between the plurality of electrode pads and the person's body.
US09345863B2 Bending operation member, and medical apparatus
A bending operating member for performing a bending operation on an elongated member having flexibility in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the elongated member, the bending operating member includes a pulling member, at least a portion of the pulling member being configured to be connected to a distal portion of the elongated member such that, when the pulling member is pulled in the axial direction of the elongated member, the pulling member causes the elongated member to bend; a moving member that is connected to the pulling member, the moving member being configured to move so as to pull the pulling member in the axial direction of the elongated member; a rotating member that is operatively connected to the moving member and is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the elongated member; and a converting part that converts rotation of the rotating member into movement of the moving member.
US09345861B2 Devices and methods for vascular access
A vascular access needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly contains a needle and a sheath. The needle has a first part, a second part, and a third part. The needle contains a pointed end configured to penetrate skin of a patient and a sheath slidably and rotatably coupled with the needle. The sheath having one or more irrigation slots configured to transmit a fluid from a fluid source to a vascular region.
US09345845B2 Needle hub and valve for needle hub
The invention is related to an apparatus comprising: a valve body comprising two inlet openings, one outlet opening and a central space connecting the inlet openings and the outlet opening, and a spherical element movably contained inside the central space configured for translatory movement and configured to seal either the first inlet opening or the second inlet opening, wherein each of the inlet openings are configured for fluid communication with a first reservoir and with a second reservoir and wherein the outlet opening is configured for fluid connection with a septum. This apparatus solves the object to make the exchange of used parts including the valve construction less complex. A further object of the invention is to make the exchange easier to handle. The invention is also related to a medical device comprising a dispense interface and an apparatus of the afore-mentioned type.
US09345844B2 Medicament delivery device
Medicament delivery device comprising a housing (10) and container holder (12) accommodating a multi-chamber medicament container wherein said housing and said medicament container holder are interactively connected to and movable relative each other; a mixing guard mechanism interactively connected to the body for driving the medicament container holder within the housing achieving a reconstitution, wherein the mixing guard mechanism comprises a guard member (34), a force member (52), a guard member locking means (24, 42) whereby, when the reconstitution is achieved, the medicament container holder and the guard member are movable in relation to said housing from a pre-mix position to a mixed position wherein said medicament container holder has been displaced distally in relation to said housing, at which mixed position said guard member locking means is activated, whereby said guard member is forced in the proximal direction by said force member for covering the delivery member (22).
US09345841B2 Drug delivery device
The invention relates to a reusable drug delivery device for selecting and dispensing a number of user variable doses of a medicament. The device comprises a housing, a cartridge holder for retaining a cartridge containing the medicament, a piston rod displaceable relative to the cartridge holder, a driver coupled to the piston rod, a display member for indicating a set dose and being coupled to the housing and to the driver, and a button coupled to the display member and to the driver.
US09345837B2 Gasket for syringe and syringe having gasket
A gasket for use in a syringe so formed as to liquid-tightly and slidably contact an inner surface of an outer cylinder of the syringe, the gasket including a gasket body made of an elastic body and a coating layer formed on a portion thereof which contacts at least the syringe, wherein the coating layer includes a composition containing a silicone resin which includes a condensate of a reactive silicone resin having a terminal silanol group and which has a siloxane bond derived from the silanol group, and does not contain solid fine particles.
US09345831B2 Automatic injection device
An injection device for injecting a fluid into an object, the injection device including a plunger assembly for operative engagement with a syringe adapted to contain the fluid and permit ejection of the fluid therefrom via a syringe outlet, the plunger assembly being displaceable in a first direction which causes at least some of the fluid contained in the syringe to be ejected from the syringe via the syringe outlet and an inadvertent fluid ejection prevention assembly coupled to the plunger assembly for preventing ejection of fluid from the syringe in situations where the syringe outlet is neither in operative engagement with a vial adaptor suitable for providing fluid communication with the interior of a vial nor in fluid communication with an injection site within the object.
US09345828B2 Safety bag spike interface for hazardous drugs
A convenience kit, use of which transforms a conventional IV container spiking and dispensing system to a safety system for handling hazardous drugs. The kit provides a spike receiving subsystem which is interposed between a spike of an IV set and a needle-less syringe connector affixed to a hazardous drug containing IV container to provide a closed pathway for delivering the hazardous drugs and to allow for detaching a spent container without exposing the hazardous drugs to a surrounding environment.
US09345820B2 Suction canister cover
A suction canister cover is intended to hide the contents of a suction canister during a medical procedure from patients and other non-medical personnel who may become queasy at the sight of bodily fluids. The suction canister cover includes a base cover, a tubular lateral cover, an annular restraint, and a viewport. The base cover hides the bottom of the suction canister while the tubular lateral cover obscures the patients view through the sides of the suction canister. The annular restraint secures the suction canister cover to the suction canister to prevent the suction canister cover from being easily removed or sliding from the suction canister. The viewport allows medical personnel to view the volume of contents within the suction canister while keeping the contents blocked from patients and non-medical personnel.
US09345818B2 Methods for the in situ treatment of bone cancer
The present invention relates to methods for in situ treatment of malignant cells from a cancer associated with bone. In one method, the treatment is for a primary cancer and entails positioning an implant containing and/or coated with at least one active agent for treating malignant cells directly in/on or indirectly among/near (e.g., by placing the implant in an area immediately proximal to) a site containing the malignant cells. In another method, the treatment includes positioning an implant containing and/or coated with at least one active agent for treating malignant cells directly in/on or indirectly among/near (e.g., by placing the implant in an area immediately proximal to) a surgical site from which malignant cells were previously removed/excised.
US09345811B2 Medical antimicrobial composition and medical device comprising the same
A medical antimicrobial composition includes a siloxanyl structure-containing polymer and an ammonium group-containing polymer, which is excellent in transparency, flexibility and mechanical properties, and also excellent in adhesion to a base resin with good mechanical properties, particularly to a silicone resin. The medical antimicrobial composition includes an ammonium group-containing polymer compound (A) dispersed in a siloxanyl structure-containing polymer (B) and a medical device comprising the medical antimicrobial composition.
US09345810B2 Liquefaction of bone matrix
The invention relates to methods of preparing a bone matrix solution, a bone matrix implant, and variants thereof. The invention also relates to methods of cell culture using the same. The invention further relates to bone matrix scaffolds comprising one or more bone matrix nanofibers, methods of preparing, and methods of use thereof. The invention also relates to methods of culturing cells and promoting differentiation of stem cells using the same.
US09345805B2 Silver containing wound dressing
A wound dressing having anti-microbial activity comprises a first fiber capable of bonding with silver (1) cations. The wound dressing comprises a blend of the first fiber to which silver (1) cations are bonded and a second fiber which is substantially free from silver. The wound dressing comprises from 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight of silver (1) cations, based on the weight of fiber.
US09345803B2 Absorbent material
An absorbent product intended particularly for use as a wound dressing comprises an admixture of carboxymethyl chitosan and chitosan wherein the chitosan incorporates at least one antimicrobial agent. Absorbency is provided by the carboxymethyl chitosan and antimicrobial properties by the antimicrobial agent incorporated in the chitosan.
US09345802B2 Absorbent article with barrier component
An absorbent hygiene article that comprises a barrier component, which comprises a nonwoven barrier sheet, comprising at least a spunbond nonwoven web or layer with spunbond fibers and/or a meltblown nonwoven web or layer with meltblown fibers, either or both or all layers comprising fibers comprising thermoplastic polymers and an organic additive component.
US09345799B1 System for sterilizing writing instruments
A writing instrument sterilizer system is disclosed. The system comprises a writing instrument, wherein the surface of the writing instrument forms at least one alignment indentation. The system further comprises a sterilizer comprising an illumination source, a collection frame, a discharge frame and a transport mechanism to transport the writing instrument between the collection frame and the discharge frame. At least a portion of the sterilizer comprises at least one alignment protrusion configured to cooperate with the at least one alignment indentation formed by the surface of the writing instrument.
US09345797B2 Graphene-based antibacterial therapy and using the same
Photothermal antibacterial material RMG is provided in the present invention, where R represents aldehyde, di-aldehyde or multi-aldehyde, M is magnetic material, and G is reduced graphene oxide. A method of synthesizing the abovementioned antibacterial material comprises of three steps. At first graphene oxide was synthesized, followed by simultaneous reduction and functionlization with MNPs and eventually an aldehyde is modified on magnetic material to yield magnetic G functionalized glutaraldehyde (RMG). We utilize the photothermal feature of graphene for antibacterial activity, in addition graphene was functionalized with aldehyde for capturing bacteria and with magnetic material to enhance a focusing of light irradiation. Moreover, the magnetic properties of material could help for reusability of antibacterial material.
US09345795B2 Apparatus for instantaneous expansion with vacuum and ultrasound waves
This invention is based on forming an apparatus in which the technologies of flash vacuum expansion and simultaneous treatment with ultrasounds are combined for various applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
US09345794B2 Tumor-specific recognition molecules
The invention relates to recognition molecules which are directed towards tumors and can be used in the diagnosis and therapy of tumor diseases.
US09345790B2 Cobalt-based MRI contrast agent and imaging system
Novel, non-toxic cobalt-based contrast and imaging agents for use in enhanced medical imaging modalities and processes are described, as well the manufacture of markers containing such contrast agents is described, and uses for such imaging markers and contrast agents in a variety of therapeutic applications and devices.
US09345779B2 Aqueous ophthalmic composition
This invention relates to an aqueous ophthalmic composition comprising (A) polyoxyethylene castor oil and (B) sesame oil. According to the aqueous ophthalmic composition of the present invention, defoaming time is reduced, preservative efficacy is enhanced and photostability is improved.
US09345778B2 Composition using cross-linked hyaluronic acid for topical cosmetic and therapeutic applications
Disclosed are compositions comprising crosslinked hyaluronic acid gels, preferably vinyl sulfone cross-linked hyaluronic acid known as hylan B gel, for use in topical cosmetic and dermatological formulations. The hylan B gel in these formulations provides prolonged delivery of incorporated substances to the surface of the skin, to provide a hydrated film on the surface of the skin, and to provide a substantive and compatible film on the skin.
US09345774B2 Topical composition comprising a film-forming polymer for delivering an active ingredient to skin
A sprayable film-forming pharmaceutical composition for dermal application comprises at least one therapeutically active ingredient dissolved in a pharmaceutically acceptable propellant selected from the group consisting of dimethyl ether, diethyl ether and methylethylether, and a mixture of dimethyl ether, diethylether and methylethyl ether, and a second propellant selected from C3-5 alkanes, hydrofluoroalkanes, hydrochloroalkanes, fluoroalkanes and chlorofluoroalkanes, the propellant being present in an amount of 50-99.5% w/w of the composition, the composition further comprising a film-forming polymer, a plasticizer and an oily release-enhancing agent.
US09345771B2 Oral cannabinoid formulations
Oral cannabinoid formulations, including an aqueous-based oral dronabinol solution, that are stable at room or refrigerated temperatures and may possess improved in vivo absorption profiles with faster onset and lower inter-subject variability.
US09345758B2 Materials and methods for respiratory disease control in canines
The subject invention pertains to isolated influenza virus that is capable of infecting canids and causing respiratory disease in the canid. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against an influenza virus of the present invention. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for identifying a virus of the invention and diagnosing infection of an animal with a virus of the invention.
US09345752B2 Therapeutic vegetable substances
A product containing papain, bromelain or mixtures thereof is intended for use as a medicinal product at a dosage of at least 5000 mg administered for at least one day in a single dose. This dosage relates to papain powder having a titer of 3 U/mg and bromelain powder having a titer of 2 U/mg, and to a patient with a body weight of 55 kg. In the case of variations of the titer and/or of the patient's weight, the dosage must be varied in proportion to said variations.
US09345751B2 Crotalus durissus terrificus venom administration for cancer treatment
A method for treating cancer using an intra-patient dose escalation procedure to deliver dosages of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom.
US09345749B2 Method of treating intraoccular tissue pathologies with nerve growth factor
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), in the form of a preparation to be administered over ocular surface, is suggested as being suitable for therapy and/or prophylaxis of intraocular tissue pathologies, with particular reference to sclera, ciliary body, crystalline lens, retina, optic nerve, vitreous body and choroidea affections. When administered in the form of external ophthalmic preparation, for example as collyrium or ointment, NGF is capable to go through ocular tissues and it has been found out that it shows a therapeutic activity not only against retina and optic nerve pathologies but also against affections involving the above reported internal structures of the eye.
US09345746B2 Immunogenic Escherichia coli heat stable enterotoxin
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders in both animals and humans. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of said diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders with a vaccine. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of constipation using the disclosed methods and compositions.
US09345739B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of proteinuric diseases
The present invention is directed to methods of treating proteinuric diseases by the administration of avβ3 integrin inhibitors.
US09345736B2 Topical treatment of radiation dermatitis using hamelia patens
Topical compositions are provided useful for treating radiation dermatitis. The compositions comprise an extract of the plant Hamelia patens and are applied topically to skin having radiation dermatitis to relieve symptoms thereof.
US09345735B2 Fenugreek seed extract to lower blood cholesterol
A method of lowering blood cholesterol in a non-diabetic patient by at least 30% is described. The method involves orally administering for 30 consecutive days a fenugreek seed extract composition. Various methods of preparation and various formulations are described. Physiologically effective pharmaceutical compositions and beverages containing fenugreek seed extracts and other active components are also disclosed.
US09345734B2 Achillea fragrantissima extract, method for preparing Achillea fragrantissima extract and method for treating chronic myeloid leukemia
An Achillea fragrantissima extract for treating chronic myeloid leukemia cells is made by the following steps: washing a mass of Achillea fragrantissima leaves and powdering the dried leaves. The leaves are dried over seven days and a kilo of the powder is extracted three times with methanol. The resulting material is concentrated and redissolved in water to form a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL and centrifuged to remove any undissolved material. The final Achillea fragrantissima extract may then be used to cause morphological changes in CML cells and treat humans with chronic myeloid leukemia.
US09345729B2 Method for treating or preventing heart diseases
This invention discloses a method for treating or preventing heart diseases by using a probiotic composition. The method for treating or preventing heart diseases comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a probiotic composition to prevent the myocardial cells from myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis, wherein the probiotic composition comprising Lactobacillus rhamnosus LCR177 (BCRC910473), Pediococcus acidilactici PA318 (BCRC910474) and Bifidobacterium adolescentis (BCRC14609).
US09345722B2 Pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of alzheimer's disease
The present invention relate to pharmaceutical formulations that include a CPHPC component and a delivery agent compound.
US09345720B2 Composition and method for treating wounds
Provided, among other things, is a method of treating a wound comprising: periodically applying to the wound over a course of days an effective amount of a water based formulation (comprising: 0.5 to 5 wt % of an emollient comprising silicone oil, 2 to 10 wt % of fatty acid, humectant(s), emulsifying agent(s), and polymer(s)), wherein the formulation is formulated as a spray, cream, lotion, milk or foam-former.
US09345712B2 Solid oral compositions of tolvaptan
The present invention relates to solid dispersion compositions of tolvaptan and process for the preparation of oral dosage forms.
US09345711B2 Methods for acute and long-term treatment of drug addiction
This invention is directed to a method of treating opioid or opioid-like drug addiction, including acute and post-acute withdrawal symptoms, comprising treating an addicted patient with noribogaine at a dosage that provides an average serum concentration of about 50 ng/mL to about 850 ng/mL (AUC/24 h) under conditions where the QT interval prolongation does not exceed about 50 milliseconds.
US09345710B2 Inhibitors of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase (PAP) enzymes for the treatment of cancers that depend on members of the ErbB/HER tyrosine kinase receptor family
Compounds and combinations of them that inhibit phosphatidic phosphohydrolase (PAP) enzymatic activity are formulated into pharmaceuticals useful in cancer treatment. Inhibitors of PAP can be used for blocking the progression of cancers that depend on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), its oncogenic variants and other members of its ErbB tyrosine kinase receptor family, through induction of their endocytosis, thus making them inaccessible to the extracellular stimuli that promote maintenance and progression of cancer.
US09345706B2 Benzoxazole kinase inhibitors and methods of use
The present invention provides chemical entities or compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that are capable of modulating certain protein kinases such as mTor, tyrosine kinases, and/or lipid kinases such as PI3 kinase. Also provided in the present invention are methods of using these compositions to modulate activities of one or more of these kinases, especially for therapeutic applications.
US09345695B2 Pharmaceutical compositions for the coordinated delivery of NSAIDs
The present invention is directed to drug dosage forms that release an agent that raises the pH of a patient's gastrointestinal tract, followed by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The dosage form is designed so that the NSAID is not released until the intragastric pH has been raised to a safe level. The invention also encompasses methods of treating patients by administering this coordinated release, gastroprotective, antiarthritic/analgesic combination unit dosage form to achieve pain and symptom relief with a reduced risk of developing gastrointestinal damage such as ulcers, erosions and hemorrhages.
US09345694B2 Compounds for enhancing arginase activity and methods of using same
The present invention relates to a method for enhancing arginase activity in a damaged or injured cell. In other aspects, the invention provides a method for treating a disorder that can be treated by enhancing arginase activity in a human in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the human an effective amount of a compound that enhances arginase activity. Such disorders include ischemia, hypoxia, neurodegenerative disease or condition, stroke or trauma of the nervous system. In yet another aspect, the invention provides methods for promoting regeneration of a neural cell in a human in need thereof.
US09345688B2 KCNQ channels as therapeutic targets
The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for modulating the activity of KCNQ channels as a means for reducing the effects of aberrant KCNQ channel function associated with epilepsy, deafness and arrhythmias including but not limited to, Long-QT syndrome (“LQTS”), and atrial fibrillation. The present disclosure also relates to the discovery of certain regions of KCNQ channels that interact with various channel stimulating molecules such as, ATP, and PIP2, as well as KCNQ channel domains that effect voltage dependant channel activation. The disclosure is also directed to the use of small molecules to modulate KCNQ channel activity in a cell. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to the therapeutic effects of treating a subject with modulators of KCNQ channel activity.
US09345682B2 Inhibition of STAT3 signal transduction for human cancer therapy
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) proteins have a fundamental role cell signaling, and are activated by a large number of cytokines and growth factors. One member of the STAT family, STAT3, has a critical role in oncogenesis. The present invention relates generally to disruption of the pathway of STAT3 signaling in the treatment of human cancer. STAT3 activation is shown to be present in diverse tumor cell lines and tumors, to promote oncogenesis, to inhibit apoptosis, and to reduce sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Inhibition of STAT3 signaling induces apoptosis specifically in tumor cell lines, and increases sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. The invention relates more particularly to methods, compositions, means of administering such compositions, and means for identifying such compositions for the inhibition of STAT3 intracellular signaling in the treatment of human cancers.
US09345677B2 Compositions, methods and kits relating to HER-2 cleavage
The present invention relates to compositions, methods and kits based on the ADAM-mediated cleavage of Her-2. The present invention also relates to treatments for cancer, and in particular, breast cancer, by modulating the ADAM-mediated cleavage of Her-2. Further, the invention relates to compositions, methods and kits based on the surprising synergistic effect between inhibition of Her-2 cleavage by an ADAM and certain cytostatic (e.g., Herceptin) and cytotoxic (e.g., Taxol) compounds in, among other things, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing cell death. Additionally, the invention relates to novel variants of ADAM15, designated ADAM15 variant 1 and ADAM15 variant 2, now identified and isolated.
US09345673B2 Anti-cancer cycloalkyl diamines
The invention is directed to a method of treatment of a cancer, in a mammal, the method comprising administering to said mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a cell growth inhibitory compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof.
US09345670B2 Patch preparation
The present invention provides a patch preparation that has an extremely low moisture permeability, has a sufficient ODT effect, is excellent in drug releasability, and has a preferred handleability. The patch preparation of the present invention includes a support; and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer containing an adherent polymer and a drug on one surface of the support, wherein: the support has a polyester base layer, an inorganic oxide layer, and a polyester nonwoven fabric layer in the stated order; the polyester base layer has a thickness of 1.0 μm to 16 μm; and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is laminated on the polyester base layer.
US09345669B2 Biodegradable natural films based on co-products derived from industrial-scale seed-treatment processes
A biodegradable film (4) characterized in that it is prepared from at least one co-product derived from a soya bean-processing process aimed at obtaining soya-based final products by ultrafiltration, said co-product being selected from the group comprising the okara and the permeate. Such a film can be used as a food or pharmaceutical film, in particular for preparing a product for topical administration (1) of a pharmaceutical active ingredient, such as oestrogens.
US09345665B2 Reduction of flake-like aggregation in nanoparticulate active agent compositions
This invention is directed to reduction of flake-like aggregation in nanoparticulate compositions. Also encompassed by the invention are compositions comprising a nanoparticulate active agent, at least one surface stabilizer and a flake-like aggregation reducing agent, such as a buffer and a sugar. The nanoparticulate active agent compositions comprise particles of the active agent having an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.
US09345660B2 Micro-emulsions for the treatment of rheumatic disorders
A formulation to treat rheumatic disorders and related infections is provided. The formulation is a micro-emulsion including at one or more of an active ingredients. The active ingredient includes one or more of an essential oil mixed with an aqueous phase along with one or more of a surfactant and one or more of a co-surfactant. The co-surfactant is medicated by an extract of one or more of an herb.
US09345659B2 Use of melicope extracts to improve conditions caused by excess lipids
Methods of using extracts of Melicope to impart anti-lipid benefits to skin and/or improve skin conditions resulting from an over-production of lipids.
US09345657B2 Compositions containing a silicon resin and a tackifying agent
The invention relates to a composition, especially a cosmetic composition, comprising at least one silicon resin comprising at least one T unit and at least one tackifying agent, as well as to methods of using such compositions.
US09345655B2 Oral care compositions
Aqueous oral compositions containing a cationic steroidal compound and a quaternary ammonium compound are suitable for treating conditions of the oral cavity.
US09345651B2 Oil-in-water emulsion composition and method for producing the same
Disclosed is an oil-in-water type emulsion composition containing a physiologically acceptable salt of a tranexamate ester and a method for producing the same. An oil-in-water type emulsion composition containing a physiologically acceptable salt of a tranexamate ester can be obtained by preparing an oil phase including: A) a physiologically acceptable salt of a tranexamate ester; B) an amphiphilic substance; C) an oily substance; and D) water, a water-soluble organic solvent or a mixture thereof wherein the weight ratio of the ingredients A:B is in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:2.5, the weight ratio of the ingredients A:C is in the range of 1:1 to 1:5.0, and the weight ratio of the ingredients A:D is 1:0.2 to 1:5.0, and adding the oil phase to a water phase including E) water, a water-soluble organic solvent or a mixture thereof.
US09345646B2 Dental visible-light curable composition and method of identifying presence of same
A dental curable composition that allows easily identifying the presence of the dental curable composition in an oral cavity is provided. A dental visible-light curable composition contains a fluorescent substance that generates fluorescence when irradiated with visible light. The fluorescent substance is a compound of formula A3B2C3O12 containing Ce, absorbs visible light with a peak wavelength in a wavelength range of 380 to 500 nm, and generates fluorescence with a peak wavelength in a wavelength range of 550 to 780 nm. In formula A3B2C3O12, A, B, and C are a dodecahedral eight-coordinate Y element, an octahedral six-coordinate Al element, and a tetrahedral four-coordinate Al element, respectively.
US09345644B2 Medical cabinet access belt optimization system
A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.
US09345642B2 Vial adapter for a needle-free syringe
A vial adapter for a needle-free injection syringe and methods of filling a needle-free syringe from a vial of injectable fluid. One vial adapter embodiment includes a housing and a compliant valve. The housing includes a central divider located between a vial opening and a needle-free syringe opening. The housing also includes a hollow center post extending from the central divider toward the needle-free syringe opening and a hollow filling needle extending from the central divider toward the vial opening. Together, the filling needle and center post provide for fluid communication between the vial opening and the needle-free syringe opening. The compliant valve includes a surface forming a fluid tight seal with the central divider and an inner passageway. In addition, a syringe sealing surface provides for a fluid tight seal with a needle-free syringe placed into contact with the compliant valve. The compliant valve includes an opening in the syringe sealing surface which is biased closed when no needle-free syringe is engaged with the vial adapter and which is opened when a needle-free syringe is fully engaged with the opening.
US09345640B2 Fluid transfer device
A fluid transfer device comprising a housing and a flow controller at least partially slidably disposed in the housing, the flow controller comprising at least one fluid channel and a vent conduit. A shroud, alone or in combination with the fluid transfer device comprising a plurality of segments terminating in a annular edge and defining a plurality of openings, and a plurality of protrusions, each of the plurality of protrusions having a proximal end connected to the annular edge and a distal end positioned in one of the plurality of openings adapted for the housing of the fluid transfer device is provided.
US09345637B2 RFID tag and blood container/system with integrated RFID tag
The present disclosure relates to arrangements for attaching an RFID tag to a liquid container, and particularly to a blood components container. The RFID tag may be inserted in an enclosure, such as peel tab, or in a sealed cup attached to a container port. The tag could alternately be embedded in a molded plug or component attached to a port. The RFID antenna could be painted or stamped on the surface of the container. Or the tag could be inserted into the container to float freely in the liquid components. The RFID source may be secured around the neck of a rigid or semi-rigid container, attached with a tether or attached to a connector assembled in association with a blood component or other fluid flow path.
US09345608B2 Ankle foot orthosis
An ankle foot orthosis includes a leg member, a foot member, and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a link member which may be hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member. The drive assembly may be operable to selectively impart pivotal movement between the foot member and the link member about a first pivot axis, and pivotal movement between the foot member and the leg member about a second pivot axis at the hinge location. The leg member and the foot member strut may be selectively movable in a medial-lateral direction relative to a base of the foot member and the drive assembly. The inferior-superior location of the second pivot axis may be selectively adjustable for substantially aligning the second pivot axis with an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the wearer.
US09345604B2 Percutaneous intragastric balloon device and method
Intragastric balloon devices and methods for performing percutaneous gastronomy in the stomach of a patient are disclosed. The intragastric balloon device can include a support catheter, a main balloon member for use in reducing the functional gastric capacity of the patient's stomach, a support balloon member for anchoring the intragastric balloon device to the gastric wall of the patient, and an inflation mechanism for use in selectively inflating the main and support balloon members. In certain embodiments, an optional insertion device can be provided to facilitate percutaneous insertion and implantation of the intragastric balloon device within the patient.
US09345602B2 Processes for making crush recoverable polymer scaffolds
Methods for making scaffolds for delivery via a balloon catheter are described. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold structure has patterns that include an asymmetric or symmetric closed cell, and links connecting such closed cells.
US09345601B2 Gradually self-expanding stent
A gradually self-expanding stent is provided with a plurality of stent cells. A restraining material is attached to the stent structure and restrains the stent structure from expanding to the expanded configuration. Over time the restraining material releases the stent structure to allow the stent structure to expand to the expanded diameter. An anti-thrombotic drug is incorporated into the restraining material.
US09345597B2 Polymeric stent with structural radiopaque marker
An implantable sent comprises a radiopaque marker that provides a structural connection between two parts made of a polymer substrate material. The two parts can be one bending element of one radially expandable ring and another bending element of an adjacent expandable ring. The two parts can be two bending elements of the same radially expandable ring. The radiopaque marker can be in the form of an entire radially expandable ring.
US09345594B2 Modular stent graft
The present invention relates to a modular stent graft which is designed for introduction into a blood vessel in a patient and which has a stent connected by means of a graft material; the stent graft has a first stent graft module having a body, a proximal end and a distal end, as well as at least three tubular arms extending longitudinally in the distal direction from the distal end of the first stent graft module, said arms being integrally connected to the body of the first stent graft module; in addition, a second stent graft module is provided which has a second body, a proximal end and a distal end, as well as at least three tubular arms extending longitudinally in the proximal direction from the proximal end of the second stent graft module, said arms being integrally formed with the body of the second stent graft module; in the assembled state a modular stent graft is formed, the modules of which are situated in the same blood vessel.
US09345590B2 Equilibrium socket system
A prosthesis socket is fitted with a viscoelastic memory material. The material can aspirate a fluid to decrease the interior volume of the socket to compensate for residual limb volume decreases, and fluid can be removed from the viscoelastic memory material to increase the interior volume of the socket to compensate for residual limb volume increases.
US09345588B2 Angling inserter tool for expandable vertebral implant
The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing an expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise providing an angling inserter tool. The angling inserter tool comprises a handle portion, a base portion, and a tip assembly, the base portion being disposed between the handle portion and the tip assembly. The method further may comprise distally advancing a central shaft of the tip assembly with rotation into an opening in the expandable vertebral implant to secure the angling inserter tool to the expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise positioning the expandable vertebral implant in a patient's spine. The method further may comprise for causing the tip assembly to angulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the angling inserter tool, wherein the internal shaft is coaxial with an outer cylinder of the base portion.
US09345584B2 Expandable push-in orthopedic implant
A push-in orthopedic implant having an expandable height. The implant includes an upper member, a lower member, and a blocker pivotally attached to one of the upper and lower members. The blocker is attached proximate one of the proximal and distal ends of the one of the upper and lower members, and is adapted to pivot into cooperative engagement with another of the one of the upper and lower members. The blocker is adapted to hold at least a portion of the upper and lower members apart so as to maintain an increased height of the implant and resist the collapse of the implant to a collapsed implant height when the implant is in a final deployed position.
US09345583B2 Spinal implant
A spinal implant including a first component, a second component and a core component is disclosed. The first component includes a first exterior surface configured for engaging a first vertebra and a first interior surface opposing the first exterior surface. The second component includes a second exterior surface configured for engaging a second vertebra and a second interior surface opposing the second exterior surface. The core component is situated between the first and second components and adhered to the first interior surface and the second interior surface, wherein at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface includes a concavity such that at the location of the concavity, the core component includes a corresponding convexity. Further, the core component includes a sidewall, wherein the sidewall comprises a concavity.
US09345582B2 Method and apparatus for restoring a shoulder joint and/or another joint
Apparatus for repairing a shoulder joint, including a baseplate having a base portion having a medially-facing surface and a laterally-facing surface, and an opening passing through the medially-facing and laterally-facing surfaces for receiving a screw; and an anterior flange having an anteriorly-facing surface and a posteriorly-facing surface, the anterior flange extending away from, and perpendicular to, the medially-facing surface, the anterior flange having an opening passing through the anteriorly-facing and posteriorly-facing surfaces for accepting a screw; an articulating surface component for mounting to the laterally-facing surface for covering the laterally-facing surface; and an anterior cover for mounting to the anteriorly-facing surface and configured to lock the articulating surface component to the base portion, such that when the anterior cover is mounted to the anterior flange, the articulating surface component is locked to the base portion.
US09345580B2 Prosthetic having a modular soft tissue fixation mechanism
A method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a prosthetic is disclosed. Soft tissue attachment pads having porous metal attachment regions and suture accepting holes are selectively positioned onto an implantable prosthetic to provide coupling locations.
US09345572B2 Medical valve implant for implantation in an animal body and/or human body
A medical valve implant (10a, 10b) for implantation in an animal body and/or human body, comprising a base body (12a, 12b) that includes a collar (16a, 16b) extending in circumferential direction (14a, 14b), wherein the collar (16a, 16b) includes at least one first cell structure (18a, 18b) which is provided to form, in the intended end state, an intended inner cross section (24a, 24b) of base body (12a, 12b) that is matched to an intended outer cross section (20a, 20b) of an implant structure (22a, 22b). It is provided that the collar (16a, 16b) includes at least one second cell structure (26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) that can be moved relative to the at least one cell structure (18a, 18b), and at least one contact point (32a, 32b), wherein an outer contour (34a, 34b) of the base body (12a, 12b) is formed by the at least one first cell structure (18a, 18b) and at least the at least one contact point (32a, 32b) of the at least second cell structure (26a, 26b; 28a, 28b; 30a, 30b), and wherein the at least one contact point (32a, 32b) forms at least one extreme point (36a, 36b) of the outer contour (34a, 34b) relative to a geometric center of gravity (38a, 38b) of the base body (12a, 12b).
US09345571B1 Collapsible prosthetic heart valves
Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.
US09345570B2 Wide-angle optical unit for ophthalmological implants
A wide-angle optical unit for ophthalmological implants in the eye includes a lens system arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner about an optical axis and further includes at least two lenses that rest one on top of the other in a planar manner and which are made of materials having different optical refractive indices. In addition, the wide-angle optical unit includes an optical decoupling structure and a trailing lens arranged proximally with respect to the interior of the eye. The trailing lens is mounted around the optical decoupling structure.
US09345557B2 Orthodontic aligner fabrication by overlay method
The orthodontic alignment of misaligned teeth includes preparing a digital and/or physical overlay model which is the superimposed positioning of the patient's original misaligned dentition with the target or final position. The superimposition of one upon the other creates an open space through which teeth may move in a natural manner, allowing for a treatment plan that takes into account the physical interaction of one tooth with another or the differences in tooth movement rates due in part to differences in underlying bone density or the like. An aligner tray fabricated using the model will likewise represent the before and after tooth positions and will also have the open space to allow tooth movement. Force exerting structures are preferably placed into the aligner tray to impinge upon the patient's teeth in a prescribed manner when the aligner tray is inserted into the patient's oral cavity.
US09345555B2 Viscous material container with expandable bend
Provided herein is a viscous material container that is not likely to form continuous streaks or asperities on the surface of a viscous material discharged from the viscous material container even if the viscous material is highly viscous. A third section of a housing includes a wall having a wall portion that is positioned radially outwardly of a continuous angular portion with respect to a second imaginary center line, and extends along the continuous angular portion. The wall portion is configured to expand radially outward when a dental viscous material pushed out from a discharge port.
US09345553B2 Method, system, and computer program product to perform digital orthodontics at one or more sites
A set of rules to design an orthodontic appliance for generating an aesthetic smile is maintained in a computational device, where the set of rules is associated with an application that executes in the computational device. At least one measured value is computed from one or more features extracted by processing dental information of a patient. The application generates a parameter to design an orthodontic appliance based on the at least one measured value and the set of rules for generating the aesthetic smile.
US09345547B2 Apparatus and method for sizing a connecting element for positioning along a bone structure
Apparatus and methods for measuring spacing between first and second bone screws engaged with first and second bone structures are provided. An apparatus comprises first and second arms operably engaged with a single pivot pin. The first arm includes a distal end adapted to engage the first bone screw, and a proximal end comprising a graduated scale. The second arm, operably engaged with the first arm via the single pivot pin, includes a distal end adapted to engage the second bone screw, and a proximal end comprising an indicator segment slidably engaged with the graduated scale. A position of the indicator segment relative to the graduated scale is therefore indicative of a spacing between the first and second bone screws.
US09345545B2 Mechanized multi-instrument surgical system
A surgical system includes an instrument driver having a distal end positionable in a body cavity and a user input device. The instrument driver and user input device are positioned to removably receive distal and proximal portions, respectively, of a surgical instrument. The user input device is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of the proximal portion of the surgical instrument. At least one motor operable to actuate the instrument driver in response to the movement signals and to thereby change position of the distal portion of the surgical instrument within the body cavity.
US09345542B2 Steerable laser probe
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an auto-fixing actuation control, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. An actuation of the auto-fixing actuation control may gradually curve the housing tube. A gradual curving of the housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber.
US09345539B2 Treatment device
A treatment device according to the present invention includes: an elongated sheath having flexibility, the sheath being passed through an endoscope and introduced to an object to be treated; an incision knife section disposed approximately along an axial line of the sheath around an outer periphery at the distal end thereof, the incision knife section being used for incising tissue of the object to be treated; and a rotation-torque-transmitting section extending from a proximal end of the elongated sheath maneuvered by an endoscopist to an intermediate section of the incision knife section in the axial line direction, the rotation-torque-transmitting section rotating the sheath by transmitting rotation torque input at the proximal end of the sheath.
US09345537B2 Electrosurgical tissue treatment method
Methods of treating spinal tissue of a patient's body are disclosed, some including providing a system including an energy source and first and second probe assemblies, wherein each of the probe assemblies includes an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source; inserting the energy delivery devices of the first and second probe assemblies into spaced-apart treatment sites for the spinal tissue; and delivering energy from the energy source to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices. Various options and modifications are possible. For example, energy may be delivered in both a bipolar manner and a monopolar manner, and at least one of the fist ad second probe assemblies may be repositioned before again delivering energy.
US09345532B2 Methods and devices for ablation of tissue
Various apparatus and methods for ablating tissue are described therein. In certain variations, a method for ablating tissue may include advancing one or more electrodes, e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode, to or near a target tissue in a subject. The electrodes may be energized such that the electrodes create a plasma arc. The plasma arc generates heat which desiccates or ablates the target tissue. An apparatus for ablating tissue may include an elongate instrument, e.g., a tube or rod. One or more electrodes, e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode, may be provided in the elongate instrument. The electrodes may be energized such that the electrodes create a plasma arc for generating heat to desiccate or ablate a target tissue.
US09345523B2 Periprosthetic fracture management enhancements
The present invention provides for a variety of fracture fixation options should a fracture occur after total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty, and provides associated methods and apparatus for application of provided fixation. The ability to pre-engineer fracture fixation contingent solutions into femoral or tibial components provides for a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation. Said methods and apparatus include targeting devices which allow for intimate association of fixed angle locking screws in pre-drilled holes in an existing prosthetic, femoral nail, or other components including additional fixation components. Use of pre-engineered fracture fixation contingent solutions into femoral or tibial components provides for a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation. Such apparatus and methods further include the use of alignment devices and other components to allow for ease of repair of periprosthetic fractures utilizing the pre-engineered solutions. Such targeting devices are required in specific circumstances as the prosthetics may prevent x-ray imaging and consequently free hand alignment.
US09345520B2 Stabilization device for bones comprising a spring element and manufacturing method for said spring element
An elastic or flexible element for use in a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae is provided. The elastic or flexible element is provided in the form of an essentially cylindrical body with a first end and a second end opposite thereto, wherein at least one of the opposite ends of the cylindrical body comprises a coaxial bore hole with an internal thread for connecting to a shaft and/or a head of a bone screw or for connecting to a rod section. The present invention further provides a bone anchoring element, e.g. a bone screw, with a shaft for the anchoring in a bone, whereby the shaft comprises an elastic or flexible section which is formed integrally with the shaft or as a separate elastic or flexible element. It is preferable for the elastic section to be implemented in the form of a helical spring. Moreover, the present invention provides a stabilization device for bones, for instance for vertebrae, said device comprising at least one bone anchoring element according to the invention, a second bone anchoring element and a rod or plate connecting the bone anchoring elements.
US09345513B2 Anchored cannula
An apparatus and method for an anchoring cannula including a first cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the oppositely disposed distal end along the longitudinal axis. A second cannula is concentrically arranged within the lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the oppositely disposed distal end along the longitudinal axis. The second cannula includes an expandable portion connected to the distal end that is configured to expand when the second cannula is advanced out of the distal end of the first cannula and to change to an unexpanded configuration when retracted back into the distal end of the first cannula.
US09345508B2 Material capturing guidewire
This disclosure discusses various methods and devices for capturing plaque that is to be removed from a blood vessel after the plaque has been separated from the blood vessel or remaining plaque.
US09345507B2 Systems and methods for treatment of BPH
A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe from the urethra. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.
US09345503B2 Medical manipulator
A medical manipulator has a distal-end working unit including an end effector. The distal-end working unit has a rotor having a hollow tube rotatable in unison with the end effector and a rotational support tube having a posture variable with respect to the shaft. The rotor is rotatably supported by an inner circumferential surface of the rotational support tube. Engaging members that are disposed in side holes formed in the rotational support tube have inner ends inserted in an annular groove.
US09345499B2 Pressure activated foreign body removal system and method of use
A catheter is provided for retrieving an embolus or foreign body from a body lumen. The catheter can have a distal segment which is movable from a reduced outside diameter for positioning at a target site. Further, the catheter can have an enlarged outside diameter suitable for thrombectomy or foreign body retrieval.
US09345491B2 Flexible tissue rasp
Methods and devices are described for modifying tissue in a spine of a patient to treat or alleviate spinal stenosis. In one embodiment, a method may include: advancing at least a distal portion of an elongate tissue modification device into an epidural space and between target tissue and non-target tissue in the spine; positioning the tissue modification device so that at least one abrasive surface of the device faces target tissue and at least one non-abrasive surface faces non-target tissue; applying tensioning force at or near separate distal and proximal portions of the tissue modification device; and translating the tissue modification device back and forth while maintaining at least some tensioning force to abrade at least a portion of the target tissue with the at least one abrasive surface. Unwanted damage to the non-target tissue may be prevented via the at least one non-abrasive surface.
US09345487B2 Precision bone drill and method of use
Disclosed is a drilling device and a method for the drilling of human or animal bone tissue. The method comprises the following steps; (a) providing a drill having an electrically conductive bone cutter and an electrically conducting nosepiece assembly spaced apart from the electrically conductive bone cutter and acting as a counter electrode; (b) placing the electrically conductive bone cutter and nosepiece assembly into contact with the bone tissue to be drilled; (c) measuring the electrical impedance between the bone cutter tip and the nosepiece or the current through the cutter motor; (d) commencing drilling and moving the bone cutter toward the bone surface; (e) starting a step counter when the impedance reduces or the cutter motor current increases; (f) incrementing the step counter with every step of the vertical drive motor until the step count reaches the prespecified value thereby controlling the depth of the hole drilled.
US09345474B2 Needle removal devices, systems, and methods
A needle removal device is provided for removing needles from suturing systems. In an embodiment, the needle removal device may include a base member configured to be selectively positioned substantially adjacent a proximal portion of a suturing system. The proximal portion of the suturing system may include a plurality of needle lumens. The needle removal device may also include a plurality of needle receptacles at least partially defined by the base member. The needle receptacles may be positioned and configured to generally correspond to the needle lumens of the suturing system. The needle receptacles may be further configured to selectively receive and grasp onto one or more needles extending proximally from the needle lumens of the suturing system.
US09345469B2 Vector compression system
The present invention is a new technology that addresses some of the deficiencies of current fracture fixation technology used in surgical procedures. It involves the use of a polymeric cored braided suture held in place by anchors implanted on each side of a fracture. The anchors must be secured into the bone while yet maintaining very high tensions in the suture during the deployment process. The polymeric cored braided suture is tensioned so as to compress the fracture and hold it in place, functioning as though it has sewn the bone fragment back together. This provides the rigid fixation of the fracture that is essential for primary healing to occur. Simultaneously, the tension preload provides compression which maintains fixation in the face of tensile and shear loads applied to the bone as a result of movement and weight bearing.
US09345458B2 Transport system for biopsy device
A biopsy device includes a hollow needle, and a sample-receiving device that is movable in the hollow needle. A power-driven element having a motor is provided. A transport device is drivably coupled to the motor. The transport device includes a toothed flexible member drivably engaged with a drive gear. The toothed flexible member has a distal portion coupled to the sample-receiving device. The toothed flexible member is configured to move the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle between an extended position and a retracted position. The toothed flexible member has a proximal portion that extends proximal to the proximal end of the hollow needle. A housing element has a helical coiling-up groove configured to accommodate the proximal portion of the toothed flexible member when the sample-receiving device is retracted to the retracted position.
US09345453B2 Lung ventilation measurements using ultrasound
An ultrasound-based system determines dynamic strain measurements over a surface using ultrasound speckle analysis that allows for accurate measurement of surface area displacement. The system additionally determines an approximate displacement along a third axis, the z-axis. From these, an estimation of a local volume change is determined. In this way, a volume change can be determined for the lung or any other region of interest.
US09345448B2 System and method for non-invasive determination of tissue wall viscoelasticity using ultrasound vibrometry
System and method for determining viscoelasticity of curved tissue walls using ultrasound bladder vibrometry (UBV). The UBV is a non-invasive technique utilizing, in a specific case, a focused ultrasound radiation force to excite Lamb waves in a curved bladder wall and pulse-echo techniques to track the tissue deformation propagating through such curved wall. Cross-spectral analysis is used to calculate the wave velocity, which is directly related to the elastic properties of the bladder wall.
US09345443B2 Calibration free dual energy radiography method
A method of generating a bone and a soft tissue image of an object includes a dual energy radiography technique wherein weight parameters for calculating these images as a weighted sum of a low energy image PL and a high energy image PH are deduced from a ratio image Log(Pn)/Log(PL).
US09345426B2 Purification of glucose concentration signal in an implantable fluorescence based glucose sensor
Methods, sensors, and systems for determining a concentration of glucose in a medium of a living animal are disclosed. Determining the glucose concentration may involve emitting excitation light from a light source to indicator molecules, generating a raw signal indicative of the amount of light received by a photodetector, purifying and normalizing the raw signal, and converting the normalized signal to a glucose concentration. The purification may involve removing noise (e.g., offset and/or distortion) from the raw signal. The purification and normalization may involve tracking the cumulative emission time that the light source has emitted the excitation light and tracking the implant time that has elapsed since the optical sensor was implanted. The purification and normalization may involve measuring the temperature of the sensor. The purification, normalization, and conversion may involve using parameters determined during manufacturing, in vitro testing, and/or in vivo testing.
US09345421B2 Magnetic resonance spectroscopy pulse sequence, acquisition, and processing system and method
Systems and methods are provided for processing a set of multiple serially acquired magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) free induction decay (FID) frames from a multi-frame MRS acquisition series from a region of interest (ROI) in a subject, and for providing a post-processed MRS spectrum. Processing parameters are dynamically varied while measuring results to determine the optimal post-processed results. Spectral regions opposite water from chemical regions of interest are evaluated and used in at least one processing operation. Frequency shift error is estimated via spectral correlation between free induction decay (FID) frames and a reference spectrum. Multiple groups of FID frames within the acquired set are identified to different phases corresponding with a phase step cycle of the acquisition. Baseline correction is also performed via rank order filter (ROF) estimate and a polynomial fit. Sections of the ROF may be excluded from the polynomial fit, such as for example sections determined to be associated with relevant spectral peaks.
US09345420B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that performs a contrast medium imaging, comprising a time management part that measures and manages a lapse time after injection of a contrast medium, a setting part that sets a start time of a second-half imaging in the form of a lapse time after injection of contrast medium, the second-half imaging being performed a predetermined idle time after a first-half imaging and the first-half imaging being performed after injection of the contrast medium, and a display part that displays at least the lapse time measured by the time management part and the start time set by the setting part.
US09345415B2 Method and apparatus for measuring multiple ECG leads using a device with embedded leads
An apparatus and a method, the apparatus including a housing, an electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring circuit contained in the housing, and three electrodes embedded in the housing, electrically connected to the ECG measuring circuit, and in spaced apart configuration from each other.
US09345413B2 Heart rate extraction using neural wavelet adaptive gain control and neural pattern processing
An improved heart rate monitor is provided that can detect and distinguish a heartbeat from an otherwise contaminated system with noise components potentially larger than the signal of interest. Embodiments of the inventive monitor have an amplification system that eliminates large noise components so as not to saturate the system during detection of a desired low amplitude signal. In embodiments the elimination of noise components is accomplished through wavelet decomposition, and the removal of undesired components including interference components during adaptive gain control (AGC), in addition to hunting algorithms which minimize the error with techniques such as neural network least mean squares type back propagation algorithms.
US09345412B2 System and method for multiclass discrimination of neural response data
Systems and methods are described herein for analyzing neural response data that can be assigned to multiple classes. The systems and methods begin with a set of training data from which optimal weight factors are derived. The derived weight factors are used in a classifier which is then applied to test data from test subjects. The classifier filters out the effects of less relevant data in the test data and provides a result in the form of probabilities associated with classes for the test data.
US09345408B2 Oral screening toothbrush
An oral screening toothbrush is provided for screening for oral diseases such as oral cancer and dental caries. The toothbrush emits blue light into the oral cavity and captures an image of the reflection of blue light. Image processing techniques are used to analyze the images to screen for oral diseases. Further, the toothbrush is comprised in a system including a data transfer medium (i.e. “smartphone”) and the Cloud, which allows for data transfer between multiple platforms from the toothbrush. The oral screening toothbrush and extended system provide for in-home oral screening and interaction with health professionals.
US09345407B2 Method and apparatus for analyzing subsurfaces of a target material
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09345405B2 Electrophysiological mapping system using external electrodes
A system and method for generating an electrophysiological map are provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to receive a signal generated by an electrode disposed at a position on an external surface of the body and indicative of electric potential. The ECU is further configured to identify a surface boundary of an object of interest within the body using an image of the object. The ECU is further configured to identify intervening objects along a pathway between the position on the external surface and the surface boundary of the object of interest from one or more images of the pathway. The ECU is further configured to obtain an impedance value for each of the intervening objects and to determine an electric potential at the surface boundary of the object of interest responsive to the signal from the electrode and the impedance values of the intervening objects.
US09345403B2 Wireless monitoring system with activity manager for monitoring user activity
A system is disclosed that uses telemetry data based on a user habit information or user monitoring. A user monitoring device has a unique user ID. The monitoring device acquires user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information, and user monitoring. ID circuitry is at the user monitoring device. The ID circuitry includes ID storage, a communication system that reads and transmits the unique ID from ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. A telemetry system is in communication with the user monitoring device. The telemetry system includes a database of user ID's. The telemetry system is in communication with the user monitoring device. An activity manager is provided is used with the other elements to manage lifestyle activities of the user.
US09345388B2 Driving force transmitting unit, insertion instrument, rotary unit, insertion body assembly, and insertion device
A driving force transmitting unit includes a line portion extending along a driving axis in a channel, and a slider portion attached to a proximal portion of the line portion and movable relative to the line portion along the driving axis. The driving force transmitting unit includes an urging portion contracting in response to a movement of the slider portion relative to the line portion toward a distal direction and thereby applying an urging force toward the distal direction to the line portion.
US09345385B2 Subject observation apparatus and subject observation method
A subject observation apparatus of the invention includes: a light-emitting section for emitting a light to a subject; an optical modulation section for detecting a scattering angle of a return light from the subject and performing optical modulation on the return light in accordance with the scattering angle; and a signal output section for generating a signal to show a state of light scattering in the subject based on the light subjected to the optical modulation by the optical modulation section, and outputting the generated signal.
US09345384B2 Endoscope having breakable portions for preventing damage to the imaging unit
An endoscope includes a first breakable portion provided between a part of an outer peripheral surface of a distal rigid section main body and a second inner peripheral surface, and including a fragile portion which is formed in a concaved-shape and which is more easy to break than any other part of the outer peripheral surface except for thereof. The endoscope includes a second breakable portion provided between a first inner peripheral surface and the second inner peripheral surface, and a third breakable portion provided between the first inner peripheral surface and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the distal rigid section main body, which differs from the fragile portion.
US09345381B2 Water-conducting domestic appliance comprising a detergent dosing system
A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, the water-conducting domestic appliance including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a washing cycle by the water-conducting domestic appliance; a door movable between an open position for permitting access to the washing compartment and a closed position for preventing access to the washing compartment; and a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment, the receiving compartment for receiving at least one cartridge that is configured to hold at least one detergent, the detergent dosing system having the capability to store a quantity of detergent greater than a quantity needed for a single washing cycle and the one receiving compartment being configured such that, in the event that the door is partially opened, at least one cartridge can be inserted into the receiving compartment.
US09345376B2 Method of cleaning residue from a surface using a high efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper
A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of independent regenerated cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a relative oil residue removal efficiency of at least 150% as compared with a like sheet without independent regenerated cellulosic microfibers. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
US09345370B2 Cleaning apparatus
A cleaning head includes tip and corner ends configured for providing enlarged areas at the tip and corner ends of the cleaning head to enable the cleaning element to form a sharp 90° corner when wrapped around the tip and corners of the cleaning head.
US09345362B2 Temperature-controllable gas grill and the method of controlling temperature
A temperature-controllable gas grill includes a base, a cover, a gas valve, several burners, and a temperature controlling device. The cover is provided on the base to form a grilling chamber between the base and the cover. The gas valve is connected to the gas pipe. The burners are provided in the base and are connected to the gas valve. The temperature controlling device includes a gas controller, a temperature sensor, and a main controller. The temperature sensor senses a temperature in the grilling chamber and provides a temperature signal accordingly. The main controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor to receive the temperature signal. The main controller changes a gas flow supplied to the burners according to the temperature signal to control the temperature in the grilling chamber to control the temperature in the grilling chamber.
US09345361B2 Heater
The present invention relates to flameless heating apparatus for food products. In particular, it relates to an improved potentially exothermic mixture/blend for such heaters and to meal packages including foods and heating apparatus. An embodiment of the invention comprises a composite material consisting of a potentially exothermic metallic alloy powder dispersed throughout a porous polyethylene matrix, which releases hydrogen in an exothermic reaction. The present invention seeks to reduce the production of such gas per unit mass, and further seeks to improve the efficiency of the reaction.
US09345360B2 Method of making infant formula and related devices
Embodiments described herein may comprise an infant formula cartridge for preparing infant formula from premeasured quantities of dry or concentrated liquid components. Other embodiments may include a device for preparing infant formula from said cartridge including means for customizing the infant formula preparation to suit specific health issues.
US09345347B2 Holding device with a securing sheet for mounting onto a wall
A support for mounting an article onto a wall. The support includes a body with apparatus for holding or hanging the article. An impervious securing sheet is connectable air-tightly onto the wall and extends outwardly beyond a backside of the body. A friction plate is connected to the body and to the securing sheet. If the friction plate and the securing plate pull away from the wall, a negative pressure prevents the article from falling.
US09345334B2 Pocketed spring assembly comprising strings of springs having Y-shaped seams separating adjacent pockets
A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs. The strings of springs may extend from head-to-foot or side-to-side of the product. Adjacent individually pocketed springs are separated from each other by at least one separating seam. Each of the separating seams comprises a pair of Y-shaped or U-shaped seams which may be joined together or spaced apart.
US09345333B2 Armrest, in particular for office chairs
An armrest, in particular for office chairs, comprising a support bracket (16) connected to the chair, a tube (34) connected to the vertical part (24) of said bracket, and an arm support pad, characterized in that the tube presents at one end a flange (36) comprising rotation guides for a plate (66), said plate presenting an aperture (66) for the insertion of the lower end of the tube and being provided with rotation guides (38) cooperating with said flange (36) for the rotation of said plate (66) about said tube (34), said plate (66) and said pad (80) being constrained by mutually cooperating slide guides (74, 78) which enable said pad (80) to translate relative to said plate (66) with said flange (36) interposed between them.
US09345327B2 Wall-mount vanity bracket
A wall-mount vanity bracket may include a wall plate that is configured to be selectively connected to a wall. A flange may be connected to and extend horizontally from the wall plate which is configured to facilitate a support base for a vanity. An upright may be connected to and extend vertically from the flange, preferably from a distal end of the flange so as to define a volume configured to accept the vanity. A securing mechanism may be operatively connected to the upright configured to facilitate securement of the vanity to the bracket and contiguous with the wall.
US09345324B2 Drawer pull-out guide
The invention relates to a drawer pull-out guide (4), comprising a body rail (5) to be fastened to a furniture body (2), an in particular metal drawer rail (7) to be fastened to the drawer (3), and an adjusting device (16) for adjusting the height of the drawer (3) relative to the drawer rail (7), wherein the adjusting device (16) has an adjusting part (19), which is supported so as to be movable along a guiding track (18) to a limited extent in order to adjust the height of the drawer (3), wherein the guiding track (18) is designed as an opening in a leg (7b) of the drawer rail (7) extending vertically in the usage position, wherein the guiding track (18) extends at an angle to the horizontal.
US09345318B2 Table with a height-adjustable tabletop
A table (TBL) with a height-adjustable tabletop (PL) comprises an electrical drive (EA) for adjusting the height of the tabletop (PL) and a braking mechanism (BR) for selective prevention of a downward movement of the tabletop (PL). A self-locking of the drive (EA) is designed in such a manner that the tabletop (PL) moves downward in the event of a defined load on the tabletop (PL). The table further comprises an energy accumulator (BAT, FE), wherein the table (TBL) is designed in such a manner that energy resulting from a downward movement of the tabletop (PL) is stored at least in part in the energy accumulator (BAT, FE).
US09345316B2 Textured device for cleaning cosmetic brushes
A method of using a device for washing and rinsing brushes includes providing the device, washing a brush head along a plurality of first texturing features distributed over a first surface region of the device, and rinsing the brush head along a plurality of second texturing features extending along a second surface region of the device. The first texturing features provide a directionally neutral first texture adapted for movement of the brush head substantially equally in all directions along the first surface region, and the second texturing features provide a directionally oriented second texture adapted for movement of the brush head in a predetermined direction along the second surface region.
US09345309B1 Infusion pump transport and holding system
An apparatus is disclosed for strapping around the body of a user comprising one or more pockets to securely hold a device that may be connected to the user. The apparatus includes a band comprising a first side and a second side and a fastening tab attachably connected on a first end of the second side of the band. The apparatus also includes a pocket attachably connected on a first side of the band.
US09345292B2 System of assembling at least three parts
The invention relates to an assembly system including first and second parts each including a blind recess and at least one third part including a through hole. According to the invention, the assembly system further includes a permanent securing device including a pin mounted in the through hole of the at least one third part, the pin including, at a first end, a first means of locking one of the first and second parts in its blind recess, and a socket whose external wall includes a second means of locking the other of the first and second parts in its blind recess, and whose internal wall is welded to the second end of the pin in order to join the first, second and at least one third parts to each other with no plastic deformation of the first and second parts.
US09345291B2 Article carrier
The article carrier includes a removable wristband having a normally closed clasp installed along one side thereof. The wristband is secured about the lower forearm and wrist of the user immediately above the hand, and may be secured using any of a number of different fastener configurations. The clasp is pivotally attached to the wristband by a lateral pin, and a coil spring is installed on the pin to bias the clasp to a normally closed position. A mechanical latch may be installed to provide positive closure for the clasp. The clasp has a width and length substantially equal to the diameter and length of the wristband.
US09345288B1 User configurable belt buckle
Various user configurable belt buckles are provided. A user configurable belt buckle includes a user configurable frame that, in turn, includes four side members. The user configurable belt buckle further includes a prong, secured to the user configurable frame, for protruding through a hole in a belt. The user configurable belt buckle also includes one or more user-controllable attachment devices for providing side member substitution. At least one side member of the four side members is user replaceable by a substitute side member having at least one different physical characteristic than the at least one side member.
US09345276B2 Clothing article with protective cup
An article of clothing including a protective cup for protecting the groin area of a user. The article includes an upper portion having a front and a rear, and an interior and an exterior, for receiving the waist of the user. A cup sleeve having an apical portion is disposed in the interior of the upper portion while partially secured to the front of the upper portion with the apical portion extending free from the front of the upper portion. A securing member optionally extends from the apical portion to the rear of the upper portion.
US09345262B2 Application system with recycle and related use of antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound
An antimicrobial application system is disclosed, comprising an antimicrobial application unit and a recycle unit. An initial, dilute antimicrobial composition is prepared. The composition is provided to the antimicrobial application unit and applied to workpieces, such as raw poultry. After application to the workpieces, the composition is returned to the recycle tank. The concentration of the antimicrobial in the recycle tank is monitored, and additional antimicrobial is automatically added if the concentration of the antimicrobial in the composition falls below a desired amount. The composition is periodically diverted to a capture tank, and the antimicrobial is selectively removed from the composition. The removed antimicrobial and remaining composition are then disposed of in appropriate manners. The antimicrobial is preferably a quaternary ammonium compound, is more preferably an alkylpyridinium chloride, and is most preferably cetylpyridinium chloride.
US09345259B2 Nutritional compositions with coated lipid globules
The present invention relates to a nutritional composition for infants and/or toddlers comprising a lipid component which has a lipid globules coated with polar lipids. The composition can be used to prevent obesity and/or improve body composition later in life. Said liquid comprises 10-50 wt % vegetable liquids based on the dry weight of the composition, and (i) 0.5-20 wt % phospholipids based on total weight or (ii) 0.6-25 wt % of polar lipids based on total lipids, wherein polar lipids are the sum of phospholipids, glycosphingolipids and cholesterol, and said composition comprises lipid globules with a core comprising said vegetable lipids and a coating comprising said phospholipids or polar lipids.
US09345256B2 High energy liquid enteral nutritional composition
High energy and high protein liquid nutrition enteral compositions are provided that contain micellar casein and caseinate, an optionally a small amount of whey.
US09345238B1 Bait tank
A portable bait tank is provided with an exteriorly mounted aerator pump mounted within a protective cavity of the body of the tank. The bait tank also includes a molded in filter box plus a lid for housing a gravity filter and an aerator. An auxiliary, valve-operated pump-out port enables the pump to expel water from the bait container. The valve for the pump-out port is operated by moving the aerator head between a circulating position and a pump-out position. The bait tank also includes an access port that has splash-inhibiting lips that extend downwardly into the container formed by the tank body and a deep-seated oxygen bottle holder and accompanying orifice for the oxygen bottle tubing.
US09345235B2 Method and system for enhancing growth and survivability of aquatic organisms
A method for enhancing the production of aquatic organisms under cultivation, including the steps of exposing the aquatic organisms to a submerged illumination source inside water of a rearing unit; and maintaining illumination in the rearing unit for a rearing period.
US09345234B2 Fabric covered elastic polymer animal toy with soft pliable fabric head
An animal toy includes a compressibly elastically deformable hollow thin-walled elastomer core sealingly circumscribing a center, includes an exterior including a first gravure elastomer relief surface and a second surface, includes a wall less than about eight millimeters thick, and includes points on the exterior at varying distances from the center. A fabric cover is affixed to the second surface and has a selected thickness, the ratio of the thickness of the fabric cover to the thickness of the wall being in the range of 1:6 to 1:0.15.
US09345225B2 Soybean variety 01051559
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051559. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051559. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051559 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051559 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09345213B1 Wheat variety A030093P1
A wheat variety designated A030093P1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety A030093P1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety A030093P1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety A030093P1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety A030093P1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety A030093P1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09345210B2 Soybean variety 01045963
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01045963. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01045963. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01045963 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01045963 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09345207B2 Commercial aeroponics system
An aeroponic chamber incorporating a molded tub incorporates an integral angled interface having ports to receive misting nozzles, a drain sump including an outlet, and support brackets incorporating saddles adapted to be received on support rails with integral conduits. The conduits are connected to the misting nozzles. At least one support tray with an arcuate surface is supported on the molded tub and has a plurality of apertures to receive mesh seed pouches.