Document Document Title
US09377109B2 Seal structure of rotary machine and gas turbine equipped with same
A seal structure of a rotary machine is such that: an outer circumference side member has a ring-shaped flange which projects radially inward and extends about the axis; an inner circumference side member has a flange which is of a ring shape projecting radially outward and extending about the axis, and which is opposite to the flange of the outer circumference side member from the axial direction; in either flange, there is formed a ring-shaped groove part which is recessed from the end surface facing the other flange; in the groove part, a ring-shaped seal body advances and retracts to come in contact with the other flange; and there is a first biasing device biasing body toward the other flange side, and a second biasing device biasing it toward the wall surface of the groove part.
US09377108B2 Variable stiffness compliant plate seal
A compliant plate seal assembly for a turbo machine includes a rotor and a stationary component. A plurality of compliant plates are coupled circumferentially to the stationary component. A natural frequency of each compliant plate varies from a natural frequency of adjacent compliant plates and/or gaps between adjacent plates to produce a zero-oscillation state between adjacent compliant plates in flow.
US09377107B2 Seals having textured portions for protection in space environments
A sealing construct for a space environment includes a seal-bearing object, a seal on the seal-bearing object, and a seal-engaging object. The seal includes a seal body having a sealing surface, and a textured pattern at the sealing surface, the textured pattern defining at least one shaded channel surface. The seal-engaging object is selectively engaged with the seal-bearing object through the seal. The seal-engaging object has a sealing surface, wherein, when the seal-engaging object is selectively engaged with the seal-bearing object, the sealing surface of the seal-engaging object engages the sealing surface of the seal, and the seal is compressed between the seal-bearing object and the seal-engaging object such that at least one shaded channel surface engages the sealing surface of the seal-engaging object.
US09377105B2 Insert kits for multi-stage compressors and associated systems, processes and methods
Inserts and insert kits for converting internal combustion engines to multi-stage compressors are disclosed herein. An insert kit in accordance with present technology can include a first insert configured to be positioned at least partially within a first compression cylinder of an engine to reduce the volume by a first amount. A second insert can be configured to be positioned at least partially within a second compression cylinder of the engine to reduce the volume of the second compression cylinder by a second amount, greater than the first amount. Additionally, a first compression piston can be configured to be positioned within the first insert to compress a gas to a first volume. A second compression piston can be configured to be positioned within the second insert to compress the gas to a second volume, smaller than the first volume.
US09377102B2 Automatic transmission failure determination apparatus
An apparatus for determining failure of an automatic transmission having gear engaging mechanisms engaging one of gears to input shafts and an output shaft, a first to third pressure-regulating valves, a first and second shift valves, and a failure determiner. The failure determiner energizes a solenoid valve to output a clutch pressure to one of the gear engaging mechanisms when the clutch pressure is less than a prescribed pressure, determines whether the one of the gear engaging mechanisms operates based on output of an operating state detector, and determines that the second pressure-regulating valve has failed when the one of the gear engaging mechanisms is determined to be inoperative.
US09377099B2 Transmission system
A transmission system includes a housing having a sump, the housing containing a crown wheel and a pinion. The transmission system further includes an oil reservoir and a pump selectively operable to pump fluid from the oil reservoir to the sump for lubricating the crown wheel. The pump is selectively operable to pump fluid from the sump to the reservoir.
US09377095B2 Differential device
In a differential device, an outer tube portion is formed in one of a side gear and a sleeve, and an inner tube portion fitted to an inner periphery of the outer tube portion is formed in the other. An engagement portion is provided in the outer tube portion. A key member movable between a first position where the member is detached from the engagement portion to allow withdrawal of the sleeve and a second position where the member is engaged with the engagement portion, is attached to the inner tube portion. The member is forcibly held at the second position by a drive shaft when the shaft is fitted and inserted into the sleeve to be spline-fitted to the gear. Accordingly, a differential gear mechanism is disassembled by removing the sleeves from the gears and when the shafts are attached, connection between the sleeves and the gears is ensured.
US09377091B2 Shaft assemblies suitable for circuit breakers and related circuit breakers
Shaft assemblies include an elongate shaft having a plurality of closely spaced apart external notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing therebetween and at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages one of the notches to axially lock into position on the shaft and provide a pull out force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf. The notches can have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
US09377088B2 Chain drive tensioner spring force control mechanism
A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.
US09377085B2 Multi-speed gearbox
A four-stage multi-stage transmission in which the carrier (12) of the first planetary gear set (1) is connected with a sun gear (41) of the fourth planetary set, a ring gear (43) of the fourth planetary gear set (4) is connected with the output shaft (71), a ring gear (13) of the first planetary gear set (1) and a carrier (22) of the second planetary gear set (2) can be coupled with the housing (72), via a first brake (51). A sun gear (11) of the first planetary gear set (1) can be coupled with the housing (72), via a second brake (52), and the ring gear (43) can be coupled with the sun gear (41), respectively, of the fourth planetary gear set (4) via a first clutch (61).
US09377082B2 Inverted tooth chain and sprocket drive system with reduced meshing impact
An inverted tooth chain and sprocket drive system in which the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (σ), the link plate entrance angle Beta (β), and other aspects of the meshing geometry are controlled and optimized to reduce noise and vibration by using a particular chain link plate form and, in preferred cases, by modifying the sprocket tooth pressure angle. The system can include first and second sprockets for which the pressure angle can be controlled to ensure that the desired values for the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (σ), and the link plate entrance angle Beta (β) are equal for both sprockets even though the sprockets have different tooth counts. For a chain pitch P in the range of 6.35 mm to 8.0 mm, the initial contact distance ICD is controlled such that 0.49P≦ICD≦0.53P, the meshing impact angle Sigma (σ) is controlled such that σ≦34°, and the link plate entrance angle Beta (β) is controlled such that β≦9°. For certain alternative chain and/or sprocket configurations, σ≦33° and β≦9°, or σ≦31° and β≦7°.
US09377080B2 Method for terminating a rope
A method for terminating a rope sliding a socket over the rope which includes unlaying the outer strands of the rope, sliding a wedge onto the core such that the outer strands surround the wedge, the wedge includes a central bore axially aligned with the socket, further sliding the wedge such that the core enters the central bore and is terminated by the wedge, pressing the outer strands of the rope against the wedge, sliding the socket over the wedge such that the outer strands are captured between the wedge and the socket, and swaging the socket such that the outer strands are secured.
US09377079B2 Bi-directional dampening and assisting unit
A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.
US09377076B2 Magneto-rheological damping system for preventing stratification
A magneto-rheological (MR) damping system for preventing stratification of MR fluid is disclosed. The MR damping system has a housing, a piston, and a stir band. The piston operably reciprocates within the housing and includes a circumferential portion. The circumferential portion has a groove. The stir band is disposed in the groove of the piston and includes an outer periphery and a plurality of flexible protrusions. The flexible protrusions have a head portion and a tail portion. The head portion is fixed to the outer periphery. The tail portion extends from the head portion and is disjointed from the outer periphery and is substantially flexible relative to the head portion. Therefore, the stir band diverts a flow of MR fluid in one of a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction about the circumferential portion of the piston, during a reciprocatory movement of the piston.
US09377072B2 Wet-running multi-disc brake
A wet-running multi-disc brake includes stator discs, which are arranged in parallel to and at a distance from each other in a rotationally fixed manner, and a rotatable rotor disc positioned in each case between the stator discs. The radially extending stator discs and rotor discs can be pressed against one another during braking by way of a brake application device while overcoming a clearance. The wet-running multi-disc brake is designed such that the brake application device can be mechanically actuated and, via an actuating unit, engages a self-energizing device, which includes a pressure ring that can be pressed towards the rotor discs during braking independently from the rotational direction of the rotor discs.
US09377065B2 Transmission hydraulic retarder control system and method of operating
A method of operating a hydraulic retarder includes directing fluid from a retarder pump to the retarder when the retarder is turned on, directing fluid from a main pump by way of a torque converter to the retarder when the retarder is on, but not filled. When the retarder is off or is on and filled, the method includes directing fluid from the main pump by way of the torque converter to at least one of a lube operation, the tank or a cooler.
US09377064B2 Multiple-piston disc brake
A multiple-piston disc brake includes a brake caliper overlapping brake disc, at least two pressure pistons that are movably arranged in the brake caliper to apply a clamping force to at least one brake pad in the direction of the brake disc, a pressure plate that is coupled to the at least two pressure pistons, and a clamping unit that has a pressure tube and an adjustment device, abridge and a lever. Each of the at least two pressure pistons is mounted in an axially movable manner in a pressure piston guide securely connected to the brake caliper.
US09377063B2 Hydraulic control device and driving force distribution device for four-wheel drive vehicle provided with the same
The hydraulic control device includes a hydraulic fluid temperature estimation means for estimating the temperature of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic clutch (actuator). The hydraulic fluid temperature estimation means calculates an output of logistic regression from an integrated value of driving currents and an average value of driving voltage of the electric motor. If the calculated output of the logistic regression is equal to or more than a first threshold value, the hydraulic fluid estimation means calculates a posteriori probability from such output. If the calculated posteriori probability is equal to or more than the second threshold larger than the first threshold value, the hydraulic fluid temperature estimation means determines the posteriori probability to be a final determination result, thereby determining the temperature of the hydraulic fluid to be a predetermined temperature.
US09377061B2 Electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly and overrunning coupling and control assembly including the system
An electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly is provided. A control member is mounted for controlled shifting movement between coupling faces of coupling members and a stator structure including at least one electromagnetic source to create a magnetic force when energized. A magnetic or ferromagnetic translator structure is coupled to the control member for selective, small displacement, control member movement. The translator structure is magnetically coupled to the stator structure across an air gap and is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along a path between first and second stable end positions. The translator structure completes a path of magnetic flux to magnetically latch in at least one of the end positions and to translate along the path between the end positions upon experiencing a net translational force.
US09377057B2 Rolling bearing and its packaging method
To provide a rolling bearing in which a favorable antirust performance can be obtained while reducing an amount of antirust oil than before, after removing chloride ions and sulfate ions from the entire surface of the bearing, antirust oil is provided to adhere thereto at an average film thickness of 4.5 μm to 10 μm, and the entire bearing is covered with a volatile corrosion inhibitor film such that a space between the volatile corrosion inhibitor film and the bearing is kept in a pressure-reduced condition.
US09377050B2 Retainer of linear guideway
A retainer of a linear guideway comprises a retaining member a supporting member. The retaining member has a base portion and two side wing portions integrally extended from the base portion. The base portion has a receiving groove, and each side wing portion has a positioning opening. One positioning opening is offset with respect to the receiving groove along a first direction, and another positioning opening is offset with respect to the receiving groove along a second direction opposite to the first direction. One side portion of the supporting member is wedged to the receiving groove of the base portion. Thus, the instant disclosure provides the retainer for positioning two staggered circulation tubes.
US09377040B2 Manufacture and method for forming structures and the structures resulting therefrom
A clip for assembling corners of hollow members such as the rails and stiles of an extruded aluminum door. The clip has an L shape and may feature a double L shape. A portion inserts into the hollow of a first member and is attached thereto. Another portion extends into the other hollow member for attachment thereto to form a sturdy joint without welding. Pairs of clips may be used at each corner.
US09377038B2 Self-aligning coupler for superposed surfaces and method of self-aligning coupler for superposed surfaces
Self-aligning couplers and methods for aligning superposed surfaces include a circular and semi-spherical base formed on a first surface, a fastening element perpendicularly passing through the circular and semi-spherical base and associated to a second surface, and at least a semi-spherical insert disposed on the circular and semi-spherical base and concentric to the fastening element. The semi-spherical insert is cooperative with the circular and semi-spherical base and the fastening element for the self-alignment and superposed fastening of the first and second surfaces.
US09377031B2 Accumulator
In an accumulator having an accumulator housing which is provided with an oil port connected to a pressure piping of equipment, and an inner portion of the accumulator housing being sectioned into a gas chamber filling with gas and a fluid chamber communicating with the oil port by a bellows and a bellows cap, the bellows cap seals the fluid chamber by coming into contact with a seal on the basis of movement in a stroke in the case that a pressure of the pressure piping is decreased, and the seal is retained by a seal retaining portion which is provided in an inner peripheral side of the seal. In the accumulator, a seal diameter of the seal is set to be larger than an effective diameter of the bellows at a position where the seal comes into contact with the bellows cap.
US09377023B2 Air compressor
An air compressor includes a compression mechanism for compressing intake air and discharging the compressed air, and an intake chamber portion through which intake air is introduced into the compression mechanism. The intake chamber portion has an inlet of intake air and an outlet connected to the compression mechanism. The intake chamber portion is integrated with the compression mechanism. The intake chamber portion has therein a partition wall extending in the direction from the inlet toward the outlet to form plural flow passages in the intake chamber portion. The plural flow passages have different flow path lengths and connect between the inlet and the outlet.
US09377020B2 Net-displacement control of fluid
Methods for controlling the net-displacement of a rotary fluid pressure device are disclosed. One of the net-displacement control methods (47) includes obtaining a desired input parameter (23) and a relative position (21) of a first member (43) and a second member (35) of a fluid displacement mechanism. A determination of a first and second output value is then made for each of a plurality of volume chambers (45) when the volume chambers (45) are supplied with fluid at fluid inlet and fluid outlet conditions, respectively. A total output value is then computed for each of a plurality of control valve configurations (63) and compared to the desired input parameter (23). The control valve configuration (63) with the total output value most similar to the desired input parameter (23) is then selected. A plurality of control valves (15) are then actuated in accordance with the selected control valve configuration (63).
US09377008B2 Wind energy installation having a synchronous generator, and slowly rotating synchronous generator
There is provided a wind power installation comprising a synchronous generator which has a generator stator and a generator rotor for producing electric energy. The wind power installation further has a fluid cooling system for cooling the generator rotor.
US09376997B1 EFI throttle body with side fuel injectors
An electronic fuel injection throttle body unit has a core body with two side components. The two side components each including a fuel delivery passage. Four air intake passages extending vertically through the throttle body. Valves are rotatable within the air intake passages. The valves being connected to valve shafts that rotate about respective valve shaft axes. The valve shaft axes and the fuel delivery passages are perpendicular to each other.
US09376996B2 Engine device
A problem exists that in the case that a prior injection (a pilot injection B or a previous injection C) before a main injection A is executed when an engine is driven at a low load, a defective ignition and a defective combustion tend to be caused, an amount of carbon monoxide (CO) in an exhaust gas becomes excessive, and the carbon monoxide is discharged as white smoke. An engine device is mounted to a working vehicle, and a common rail type fuel injection device which injects fuel to the engine at multiple stages during one combustion cycle. The common rail type fuel injection device does not execute the prior injections B and C coming before the main injection A in the case that a load applied to the engine is in a low load state in which a load is lower than that at a working time by the working vehicle.
US09376993B2 Lever device and a fuel injection valve
A lever device for a fuel injection valve includes a housing with a housing recess, at least one lever element arranged in the housing recess and having a coupling section coupled to a section of the housing, a drive element arranged in the housing recess and coupled to the at least one lever element to act upon the at least one lever element in the direction of a force-action axis, and an output element arranged in the housing recess and coupled to the at least one lever element such that the output element may be moved in the force-action axis direction by the at least one lever element. The coupling section of the lever element has at least one recess that defines at least two coupling section contact surfaces spaced apart from one another and resting against the housing section.
US09376985B2 Ovate swirler assembly for combustors
A swirler includes an inner shroud positioned radially inside an outer shroud. At least one of the outer shroud and inner shroud has a major diameter and a minor diameter, the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter, the major and minor diameters defining an ovate shape. The swirler further includes a plurality of vanes extending between the inner and outer shrouds.
US09376982B2 Control apparatus for fuel injector
In consideration of a force acting on a valve, wear in the valve or in a valve seat is suppressed and thereby the frequency of lifetime use of a fuel injector is increased. In a control apparatus for controlling a driving current that is allowed to pass to a fuel injector including a solenoid, after a first injection pulse width for injecting fuel is finished and before a second injection pulse width, which is to be output subsequently to the first injection pulse width for injecting the fuel, is started, a third pulse width 421 for allowing the driving current to pass through the solenoid is output and the driving current that is to be allowed to flow through the solenoid by the third pulse 421 is controlled in accordance with one of a measurement value and a predictive value of a fuel pressure.
US09376981B2 Instantaneous fuel consumption displaying device for vehicle
An injection valve injects a given amount of fuel into an engine in response to an injection pulse. An ECU inputs the injection pulse corresponding to an amount of injected fuel. The ECU inputs information on an amount of injected fuel corresponding to the number of injection pulses to a display controlling portion through a communication line. The ECU produces the information on the amount of injected fuel composed of digital data whenever a given number of injection pulses corresponds to the given amount of fuel. The display controlling portion decides that the given amount of fuel is injected from the injection valve when a predetermined number of pieces of digital data are properly received. The display controlling portion calculates an instantaneous fuel consumption based on an amount of injected fuel thus decided and an operating distance to cause a meter to display information on the instantaneous fuel consumption.
US09376980B2 Fuel injection device
A fuel injection device is provided with a fuel injection valve to inject fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine, and an electronic control unit to operate the fuel injection valve to inject the fuel in multiple separate injections. The electronic control unit controls a timing of a first fuel injection by the fuel injection valve to carry out the first fuel injection on the retard side with respect to a timing when a premix duration immediately after the first fuel injection is minimum, and controls a timing of a second fuel injection by the fuel injection valve in such a manner that a heat release rate waveform produced by the first fuel injection and the second fuel injection carried out thereafter has a double-peaked shape.
US09376979B2 Fuel governor for controlled autoignition engines
Methods and systems for controlling combustion performance of an engine are provided. A desired fuel quantity for a first combustion cycle is determined. One or more engine actuator settings are identified that would be required during a subsequent combustion cycle to cause the engine to approach a target combustion phasing. If the identified actuator settings are within a defined acceptable operating range, the desired fuel quantity is injected during the first combustion cycle. If not, an attenuated fuel quantity is determined and the attenuated fuel quantity is injected during the first combustion cycle.
US09376971B2 Energy management system and method for vehicle systems
An energy management system and method for a vehicle system operate the vehicle system according to a current trip plan as the vehicle system travels along a route during a trip. The current trip plan designates operational settings of the vehicle system. The system and method also revise the current trip plan into a revised trip plan responsive to current, actual operation of the vehicle system differing from the current trip plan by at least a designated threshold amount. The revised trip plan designates operational settings of the vehicle system and includes an initial designated operational setting that matches the current, actual operation of the vehicle system.
US09376969B2 Air intake system hydrocarbon trap purging
Methods and systems for passively purging a hydrocarbon trap in an engine intake in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to an ambient temperature decrease during an engine off condition while a fuel tank is sealed from atmosphere, delivering fuel stored in a hydrocarbon trap in an intake of the engine to a fuel vapor canister coupled to the fuel tank in an emission control system.
US09376963B2 Detecting flashback by monitoring engine-dynamic spikes
A tuning process is provided for dynamically tuning a gas-turbine (GT) engine to correct for flashback events without directly measuring occurrences of the flashback events at the GT engine. Initially, readings are taken that measure low-frequency dynamics at the GT engine. A determination of whether flashback criteria are met by an instantaneous signal that quantifies a detected spike within the measured low-frequency dynamics is carried out, where the flashback criteria include the following: identifying the spike overcomes a multiple of an average of the low-frequency dynamics measured over a predefined period of time; and identifying the spike overcomes a preestablished minimum amplitude. Upon the spike meeting the flashback criteria, a count is added to a running record of spikes, which is compared to an alarm limit. If the alarm limit is triggered, action(s) are invoked to address the flashback events, such as adjusting fuel-flow splits of the GT engine.
US09376961B2 System for controlling a flow rate of a compressed working fluid to a combustor fuel injector
A system for controlling air flow rate of a compressed working fluid to a fuel injector of a combustor includes an outer casing that defines a high pressure plenum around a portion of the combustor, an extraction port in fluid communication with the high pressure plenum and an inlet port. The combustor includes a plurality of fuel injectors arranged around a combustion liner, an inner flow sleeve, an outer air shield that surrounds the plurality of fuel injectors and the inner flow sleeve. The outer air shield defines an injection an air plenum between the outer air shield and the inner flow sleeve and an inlet to the injection air plenum. An external fluid circuit provides fluid communication between the extraction port and the inlet port. A baffle extends between the outer casing and the outer air shield to provide flow separation between the inlet and the high pressure plenum.
US09376960B2 Heat transfer augmented fluid flow surfaces
A heat transfer augmented channel wall includes a bulk portion, a wall surface and a plurality of multi-portion indented features extending from the wall surface into the bulk portion. The multi-portion indented features include a first indented portion and a second indented portion that are divided by a ridge which disrupts fluid flow between first and second indented portions. The ridge has a height that is less than a maximum depth of the multi-portion indented features.
US09376959B2 Foil bearing
A foil bearing includes an outer member (11), and a plurality of foils (13) that are mounted to an inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) and directly face the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) in a radial direction without interposition of another member (such as back foils). The foils (13) each include: holding portions (13a, 13b) that are formed at both circumferential ends and held while in contact with the outer member (11); and a body portion (13c) that is formed circumferentially between the holding portions (13a, 13b) and has a bearing surface (A). At least an end portion on one side in a circumferential direction of the body portion (13c) is raised radially inward with respect to the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11).
US09376957B2 Cooling a rotary engine
The present invention relates to a system for cooling a rotary engine, the system comprising a drive shaft having a bore hole and at least one of a coolant transmission hole in fluid communication with the bore hole. At least one of a coolant distribution channel is in fluid communication with the coolant transmission hole. A coolant fluid channel receives a coolant liquid from the coolant distribution channel, wherein the coolant liquid is circulated between the bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine. Other exemplary embodiments include a centripetal force pump formed by at least the rotation of the drive shaft, which circulates the coolant liquid between the drive shaft bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine, and adjusting the coolant liquid flow rate based, in part, on the RPM of the drive shaft.
US09376952B2 Method and system for selectively enabling and disabling a diagnostic monitor of a selective-catalytic-reduction device
A vehicle that includes an engine, an exhaust system, and a controller, and a method are disclosed herein. The exhaust system includes a passage for directing the exhaust gas stream from the engine through the series of exhaust after-treatment devices, including a selective-catalytic reduction device and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The exhaust after-treatment devices are employed to reduce various exhaust emissions of the engine. The exhaust system, may however, prematurely return failing emissions results due to the amount of contaminants that have flowed through the exhaust system since the last regeneration even of the particulate filter. Therefore, the controller may, via the present method, alter the threshold of the SCR efficiency diagnostic due to contaminants accumulated on the DPF and selectively enable or disable the diagnostic based on a set of recorded instructions, to improve the robustness of the SCR efficiency diagnostic and prevent inaccurate failing emissions results.
US09376949B2 Air-injection system to improve effectiveness of selective catalytic reduction catalyst
Embodiments are described to improve the durability of a lean NOx aftertreatment system. According to one embodiment of the present invention an air injection system is used to inject air continuously into the exhaust system between the upstream three-way catalyst and the downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst when the engine is operating at stoichiometric or rich air/fuel ratios and the exhaust temperatures are above a calibratable level (e.g., 700° C.). In another embodiment, an oxidation catalyst is positioned downstream of the air injection point to prevent exothermic reactions from occurring on the SCR. In another embodiment, the reductant for the SCR is generated in-situ. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve with a reduction catalyst in a bypass arm is utilized to bypass the SCR during high load conditions.
US09376939B2 Camshaft phaser
An internal combustion includes a crankshaft and a camshaft rotatable by the crankshaft. The internal combustion engine also includes an oil source, an engine cover, and a drive member disposed within the engine cover for transferring rotational motion from the crankshaft to the camshaft. A camshaft phaser actuated by an electric motor is disposed within the engine cover for controllably varying the phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft. A supply passage communicates oil from the oil source to the camshaft phaser in order to lubricate the camshaft phaser and a drain passage drains oil from the camshaft phaser to the oil source. A sealing arrangement defines a dry zone within the engine cover to isolate the drive member from oil used to lubricate the camshaft phaser. The sealing arrangement includes an electric motor to camshaft phaser seal to seal between the electric motor and the camshaft phaser.
US09376936B2 Exhaust gas turbocharger housing
A turbine housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger, includes an outer housing in which an inner housing with a tubular nozzle and an outlet duct for connection to an exhaust gas system is arranged. The outlet duct is coupled with the tubular nozzle for movement relative to the nozzle via a seal ring. The seal ring is inwardly everted and pushed onto the nozzle and embraced by an inner-housing support ring, so that a fluid tight fit on the inner housing nozzle is ensured. The seal ring is further pushed onto the outlet duct and there also coupled onto the outlet duct with an outlet duct support ring in a fluid tight manner so that an especially durable connection is created. Both support rings are additionally coupled in a materially bonded manner with the seal ring and the outlet duct nozzle or with the inner housing.
US09376931B2 Turbomachine passage cleaning system
A turbomachine passage cleaning system includes a first airflow passage having a first inlet configured and disposed to fluidly connect to a compressor portion, a first outlet configured and disposed to fluidly connect to a turbine portion, and a first intermediate portion including a first strainer. A second airflow passage is fluidly coupled to the first airflow passage. The second airflow passage has a second intermediate portion having second strainer. A first valve is arranged in the first intermediate portion upstream from the first strainer, and a second valve is arranged in the second intermediate portion upstream from the second strainer. The first and second valves are selectively operated to control fluid flow into respective ones of the first and second airflow passages to filter air passing from a turbomachine compressor portion to a turbomachine turbine portion.
US09376918B2 Aerofoil cooling arrangement
An aerofoil typically for a blade or vane for a gas turbine engine comprises a pressure wall, a suction wall and a web that extends therebetween. One of the walls comprises an inner leaf and an outer leaf which defines a cavity, the other wall defines a first outlet, the aerofoil defines at least one first passage extending from the cavity through the web and to the outlet. Coolant in the cavity on one side wall of the aerofoil is thereby routed across the web to be used to cool the other wall by convention and formation of a coolant film.
US09376913B2 Axial-piston engine with a compressor stage, and with an engine-oil circuit and a pressure-oil circuit as well as method for operation of such an axial-piston engine
The aim of the invention is to improve the efficiency of an axial-piston motor. To this end, the axial-piston motor comprises at least one compressor cylinder, at least one working cylinder and at least one pressure line guiding the compressed fuel from the compressor cylinder to the working cylinder. A working piston comprising a working rod is provided in the working cylinder, and a compressor piston comprising a compressor rod is provided in the compressor cylinder. The axial-piston motor is characterized in that it at least one of the two rods comprises transverse stiffeners.
US09376911B2 Chisel holder, and chisel holder system comprising a chisel holder and a base part
A chisel holder comprises a body zone (12) having a chisel receiving opening (18) that is open at least in the direction of a chisel insertion end (14) of the body zone (12), and also comprises a fastening shaft (26) which extends from a supporting end (20) of the body zone (12) and has a longitudinal shaft axis (LB), the body zone (12) having a first supporting surface region (22) at its supporting end (20). Said chisel holder is characterized in that the body zone (12) has a second supporting surface region (24) at its supporting end (20), said second surface region (24) extending at an angle from the first supporting surface region (22), or/and the first supporting surface region (22) comprises a first supporting surface (28) and a second supporting surface (30) extending at an angle from the first supporting surface (28).
US09376906B2 Downhole cable sensor
A method and apparatus for evaluating the subterranean formation of a wellbore includes conveying a downhole tool in a wellbore via a cable, and determining the torque in the cable in real-time. The method further involves conveying the downhole tool on a wireline, and automatically triggering an alert when the torque reaches a certain level. The apparatus includes a cable, a downhole tool attached to the cable for conveyance within the wellbore, and a sensor to measure torque in the cable. The apparatus may also include a telemetry system to communicate the torque data to the surface. The downhole tool includes a sensor to measure the relative torque between the downhole tool and the cable in real time.
US09376902B2 Method to optimize perforations for hydraulic fracturing in anisotropic earth formations
The subject disclosure relates to determining an optimum orientation for perforations around the circumference of a subsurface borehole and optimum wellbore fluid initiation pressure for hydraulic fracturing in anisotropic formations.
US09376895B2 Method and apparatus for removing liquid from a gas producing well
A method and apparatus is used for pumping fluid at a wellhead. The apparatus has a support structure that supports a pumping assembly and removes liquid from the well site through a small diameter pipeline as a continuous flow at a constant flow rate.
US09376891B2 Valve actuating apparatus
An actuating apparatus for a downhole valve including a tubular body. The tubular body includes an axial bore that extends through the body. An inlet port extends radially and at least partially through the tubular body. When open, the inlet port is arranged to be in fluid communication with a region uphole of the actuating apparatus. The actuating apparatus also includes an actuating member that is operable by application of fluid pressure from a region uphole of the actuating apparatus via an open inlet port to actuate the valve.
US09376887B2 Stuffing box for a fluid production well, and associated surface assembly
This stuffing box (46) defines a circulation passage (66) of a cable working line (28), a packer (70), and a back-pressure resistant valve (74). The passage (66) extends between an upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46), intended to be connected to a well, and a downstream end (64). The back-pressure resistant valve (74) is arranged in the passage (66) to prevent, in case of break of the line (28), the back-pressure of a fluid from the upstream end (62) towards the downstream end (64). The or each packer (70) is situated between the upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46) and the back-pressure resistant valve (74). No packer (70) is arranged between the back-pressure resistant valve (74) and the downstream end (64).
US09376886B2 Multiple ramp compression packer
Systems and methods for remotely setting a downhole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve.
US09376885B2 Enhanced geothermal systems and reservoir optimization
Systems and methods can include maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.
US09376879B2 Core sampling apparatus and container transfer apparatus
Provided is a core sampling apparatus which maintains the internal pressure after the core drilling.The core sampling apparatus includes a barrel part, a container which is movably disposed in the barrel part and maintains the sampled core, a ball valve to prevent a fluid from inflowing and outflowing between an inside and an outside of the barrel part in a closed state thereof, a first seal member which seals a space between the barrel part and the ball valve, a second seal member which seals a space between the container and the barrel part, a locking mechanism which locks a state in which the ball valve is sealed by the first seal member, and an inflowing mechanism configured to inflow the fluid only in a direction to an internal space of the closed barrel part by the first seal member and the second seal member.
US09376874B2 Pump positioned at a drill bit
An ejector or jet pump is provided for use in the drilling of wells to prevent the total fluid pressure at the bottom of the borehole from reaching a level which constitutes a risk of cracking the rock or sediment being drilled, thus resulting in leakage and circulation failure. The pump is placed between the drill bit and the drill string and provided with nozzles directed in such a way that low pressure is established externally at the drill bit. The pump is operated by the drilling fluid which is supplied in the normal way through the drill string. The pressure difference across the pump is used to draw a secondary flow of drilling fluid from the borehole through internal bores in the pump to the nozzles in the drill bit. This fluid flow provides necessary cleaning of the drill bit and drilling surface.
US09376870B2 Offshore universal riser system
An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.
US09376869B1 System and method for installing casing in a blind horizontal well
A system and method for installing casing in a blind horizontal well for blind horizontal directional borings. The system and method may include an example of an offset transmitter sonde assembly that contains an open central passage through which well casing can be inserted, and an example of a drill bit assembly that may be remotely uncoupled from a drill string, leaving the bit in the bore created. Remote uncoupling of the drill bit assembly tends to allow a casing to be installed in the bore while the drill string and bit remain in the bore for support during casing installation. After installation of the casing the drill bit assembly may be uncoupled from the drill string, allowing the drill string to be withdrawn from the bore, with the drill bit assembly remaining in the bore.
US09376866B2 Hybrid rotary cone drill bit
A hybrid rotary cone drill bit includes a plurality of legs. A bearing shaft extends from each leg, and a rotary cone is rotationally coupled to each bearing shaft. At least one rotary cone includes a nose row of cutting structures, an inner row of cutting structures, and a gage row of cutting structures. The nose row and the inner row of cutting structures are formed of milled teeth. The gage row of cutting structures is formed of cutter inserts.
US09376859B1 Tilter assembly for a window covering
A window covering comprises a head rail and slats that are suspended from the head rail and have a plurality of edges that define a front plane. A tilter assembly is operatively connected to the slats for tilting the slats and comprises a wand shaft operatively connected to a worm gear. A drive gear operatively connected to a tilt shaft, and at least one idler gear connects the worm gear to the drive gear. The axis of rotation of the wand shaft is disposed at an angle relative to the plane to space a wand controller from the front plane. The wand shaft may include a wand connector that is releasably connected to the tilter assembly.
US09376850B2 Opening/closing assistance device for opening/closing device
An opening/closing assist device includes a cam fixed to a first member, which is one of an opening/closing body and a coupling subject of the opening/closing body, a contact element located on a second member, which is the other one of the opening/closing body and the coupling subject, and a damper stay. The damper stay includes a first end rotatably connected to the first member and a second end rotatably connected to the contact element. The contact element is maintained in the state of being pressed against the cam by means of the elastic force of the damper stay. The cam has a shape that is set so that a moment generated at the cam based on the elastic force applied by the contact element is generated so that a moment required to rotate the opening/closing body is in accordance with operation characteristics required for the opening/closing body.
US09376839B2 Electronic lock cylinder, electronic lock system containing same and method for unlocking lock
An electronic lock cylinder, includes a mechanical rotation core, electronic rotation core, barrel-shaped housing with both ends opened for accommodating the rotation cores, and a retainer rod, the rotation cores fixed axially to each other via an electromagnet core, and the mechanical rotation core and the housing fixed to each other via the retainer rod. When the core is retracted, the rotation cores can rotate through a certain angle with respect to each other, and the retainer rod is moved such that the rotation cores are fixed to each other and rotate together, now rotating the electronic rotation core by using an electronic key, and a deflector rod of the mechanical rotation core is driven to rotate such that the lock is unlocked. Further disclosed are an electronic lock system including the electronic lock cylinder and a method for unlocking a lock. Axial fixation between the rotation cores is achieved.
US09376834B2 Screwless sash lock for metal and plastic window sashes and the like
A lock adapted for attachment to a sash window/door without screws comprises: a shaft with a cam secured thereon is rotatably secured to a housing, with the cam disposed within a housing cavity and rotatable therefrom out of an opening, into an extended position. The housing may be a single integrally formed wall that preferably has a flat bottom surface. A first attachment leg protrudes out from the housing cavity to extend beyond the bottom surface, with a foot thereon extending beyond a first end of the housing. A second attachment leg protrudes out the housing cavity second end, with a foot thereon oriented toward the housing first end, and a locking tab extends from the housing bottom surface. Installation of the screwless sash lock is by receiving the first foot, second foot, and locking tab within correspondingly positioned openings in the window/door rail, through sequenced rotational and sliding motion.
US09376822B2 Locking system for panels, and panel with locking system
The invention relates to a locking system (1) for plate-shaped panels (4.1, 4.2) with hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) which complement one another and each of which is provided with a hook element (6). The hook elements (6) of complementary hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) of adjacent panels (4.1, 4.2) hook in a joining movement (f) so as to engage into one another into a connected position. A profiled locking element (11) which has a first spring portion (12.1) and a first foot portion (13.1) is provided, said locking element being insertable into a first undercut (9.1) of a first hook-profiled section (5.1). The first undercut (9.1) of at least the first hook-profiled section (5.1) has a second undercut (9.2) which is effective perpendicular to the larger lateral surfaces (2) and into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) automatically locks from an open position into a locking position upon reaching the connected position of the two panels (4.1, 4.2). The second undercut (9.2) has a space (14) in which or into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) can be elastically deflected into the open position.
US09376821B2 Mechanical locking system for panels and method of installing same
Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove, which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
US09376819B2 Modular and collapsible ramp system
A ramp system has a plurality of modular components adapted to be interconnected in a desired configuration. The modular components include an entry ramp module (10, 80), an exit ramp module (80) and a landing module (100, 180) therebetween. Each modular component has a floor assembly (12), handrail assemblies (14, 16) and leg assemblies (18). Each of the handrail assemblies have posts (22, 24) which are adapted to support a handrail (26). The posts are collapsible by folding inwardly towards a deck (28) of the floor assembly through operation of a folding means (30) interconnecting the floor assembly and each post of the handrail assembly. The posts of the handrail assemblies are reversibly collapsible from an erect position, where the ramp system can be used and the handrail assemblies can support users of the ramp system, to a compact position, where the ramp system can be stored, packaged and transported until required for assembly on site.
US09376816B2 Jointed metal member
In one aspect, a metal construction member can include at least two metal strips. Each metal strip can have a continuous nonlinear pattern along one lengthwise edge of the strip, where the continuous nonlinear pattern can include a plurality of repeating units. Each repeating unit can include at least one joining region, which can protrude away from a lengthwise axis of the metal strip. At least one of the metal strips can be joined to at least one other metal strip at a plurality of adjacent joining regions.
US09376814B2 Systems and methods for insulating a pipe
A pipe insulation product including a core of insulating material and a laminate. The core includes a cylindrical outer surface; a cylindrical inner surface; and a wall extending between the cylindrical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface. The laminate includes a metallized polymeric film sheet layer forming an inner layer, a scrim, a porous media sheet layer, and a polymeric film sheet layer forming an outer exposed layer bonded together via an adhesive. The laminate is coextensive with and bonded to the cylindrical outer surface of the core and the laminate and core are flexible so that the core and laminate can be opened, placed about a pipe, and closed without degrading the laminate.
US09376811B2 Bar for a support structure for a false ceiling and production process for producing the bar
A support structure for a false ceiling and a working process for working the bar are described. The bar has an elongated shape along a longitudinal direction and includes at least two sheet metal portions located side by side or overlapping, in contact or adherent, the one with the other. In the bar a transverse direction, extending transverse to, or intersecting, the longitudinal direction is defined. At least one of the sheet metal portion has cuts defining partially cut parts, wherein a partially cut part of at least one of the sheet metal portions protrudes towards the other to determine an interference of parts, and wherein the cuts are arranged, are directed, or extend along the transverse direction.
US09376805B2 Vacuum insulation panel
A vacuum insulating panel comprise a first sheet of a flexible material, a second sheet of a flexible material and a bridging element of a flexible material extending in a generally rectilinear waveform between the first and the second sheets. The bridging element and the sheets define therebetween a plurality of separate generally rectilinear evacuated compartments containing a self-supporting insulating element. The bridging element comprise first flat regions extending along the inside face of the first sheet, second flat regions extending along the inside face of the second sheet, and connecting regions extending between the first and second flat regions, There are seals between the flat regions of the bridging element and the inside face of the sheets. If one compartment is punctured only that compartment is affected. The seals prevent loss of vacuum in adjacent compartments.
US09376803B1 Flood vent trigger systems
A flood vent includes a door pivotable within a frame between a closed position and an open position. A fluid trigger that is triggerable by a fluid to allow the door to pivot from the closed position to the open position includes a retainer and a fluid modifiable material. The fluid modifiable material is positioned between the door and the retainer thereby obstructing the door from pivoting from the closed position to the open position until the fluid modifiable material is modified by contact with the fluid.
US09376799B2 Transportable building and foundation beams therefor
The transportable building is made of side-by-side building sections mounted on parallel foundation beams. Each building section has a skate clamp mounted thereto for sequential sliding and clamping engagements to one of two foundation beams. In another aspect, each of the beams has a removable receiving end attached thereto. Each receiving end has a V-shaped trough on an upper surface thereof to facilitate the alignment of building sections onto the foundation beams during the assembly of the transportable building. In yet another aspect, each foundation beam has workable jacks at each end thereof and a series of self-adjusting jacks mounted thereto between the workable jacks for supporting the transportable building on an uneven ground surface.
US09376796B2 Rapidly deployable structures based upon negative poisson's ratio (NPR) auxetic components
Reconfigurable, expandable-collapsible structures based upon negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) auxetic unit cells achieve rapidly deployable apparatus, devices and systems. A plurality of joint bodies, each joint body having a plurality of connection features, are coupled to interconnecting link members with opposing ends, each end including connection features that engage with the connection features of the joint bodies. The link members pivot about different axes relative to the joint bodies, thereby forming an expandable and collapsible structure having a height and a width. The link members form an array of geometric unit cells when the structure is expanded, and the height and the width of the structure when expanded are both greater than the height and the width of the structure when collapsed. In certain embodiments the structures have unit cells based upon triangles or bowtie shapes.
US09376791B2 Faucet assemblies
In an illustrative embodiment, a faucet assembly includes a faucet housing; a faucet spout carried by the faucet housing; at least one water valve disposed in fluid communication with the faucet spout; at least one delivery conduit disposed in fluid communication with the at least one water valve; and at least one magnetic faucet mount assembly including at least one faucet housing connector element carried by the faucet housing and at least one sink connector element adapted for engaging the sink, the at least one faucet housing connector element and the at least one sink connector element magnetically engaging each other.
US09376784B2 Control system for dual boom machine
A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first linkage arrangement, a first actuator, a first interface device, and a first control element. The control system may also have a second linkage arrangement, a second actuator, a second interface device, and a second control element. The control system may further have an input device selectively activated to generate a mode signal, and a controller. The controller may be configured to selectively generate commands directed to the first control element based on only the first actuator signals, and to selectively generate commands directed to the second control element based on only the second actuator signals. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate commands directed to both of the first and second control elements based on only the first actuator signals an in response to the mode signal.
US09376780B2 Jackup deployed riser protection structure
A jackup deployed riser protection structure comprises a plurality of coupler receivers disposed onto a jackup hull, a tubular sleeve, wherein the tubular sleeve is a hollow structure that allows a riser to pass through, a support structure coupled with the tubular sleeve to provide support for the tubular sleeve, and a plurality of couplers coupled with the support structure, wherein each of the plurality of couplers is coupled with one of the plurality of coupler receivers, so that the jackup deployed riser protection structure is supported by the jackup hull in order to provide protection to the riser.
US09376778B2 Flood barrier system
A flood barrier system includes vertical elements and panels extending between such vertical elements, the foregoing components having various features for inhibiting passage of flood water therethrough. One or more vertical elements may have a multi-layer base plate which forms a watertight seal with vertical gaskets disposed on the vertical elements. One of the vertical elements of the system may comprise a stanchion post which may be formed of extruded aluminum. Another vertical element which may find potential use in certain applications may be secured to a store front mullion. The panels in such system may include specially adapted gaskets to reduce instances of leakage. The vertical elements and panels allow the present flood barrier system to be flexible and readily deployable as a barrier to flood or flood risk.
US09376776B2 High-production routing device
A high-production routing device has a drive frame with an operator area and an open deck. The open deck includes angularly disposed deck bars allowing an unobstructed view of a work surface. In the drive frame geometry, a line drawn from a center of mass of the device to a most lateral point of the drive frame forms an angle ranging between about 0 degrees and about 60 degrees. The device also has a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir. The device further includes a routing drum with multiple rotors, each freely and independently rotating about a shaft. Each rotor includes several radially disposed blades, which rout the work surface. The device also has at least one single wheel drive assembly for driving and steering, including a hydraulic drive motor and a hydraulic steering motor operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump and to a precision drive-steerable wheel.
US09376770B2 Roll cleaning apparatus
A roll cleaning apparatus for a paper making machine has a cleaning member that is mounted to a support member that extends lengthwise relative to a first roll. The cleaning member has a pad and is moveable between an engaged position against the roll during operation, and a disengaged position spaced away from the roll in a non-operating condition. The roll cleaning apparatus includes a drive connected to cause linear reciprocation of the cleaning member and a drive or actuator mounted to move the cleaning member between the engaged and disengaged positions, and operable to bias the cleaning member against the roll in use.
US09376769B2 Homogeneously branched ethylene polymer carpet backsizing compositions
Disclosed herein are carpets and carpet tiles comprising a primary backing material having a face and a back side; a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing material and extending from the face of the primary backing material and exposed at the back side of the primary backing material; and an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition generally comprises at least one homogenously branched ethylene polymer. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the disclosed carpets and carpet tiles.
US09376766B2 Low weight-hardback carpet tile
Low weight and non-square carpet tile suitable for use in mass transit vehicles, particularly passenger aircraft. The carpet tile preferably weighs less than about 82 ounces per square yard. The carpet tile of this invention may have a carpet pile and at least one backing layer. The backing layer may use a low weight filler material. The carpet tiles satisfy transportation industry standards for flame, smoke and toxicity.
US09376762B2 Weir for improved crystal growth in a continuous Czochralski process
An apparatus for growing ingots by the Czochralski method includes a growth chamber defining an enclosure configured to circulate a purge gas about the growing ingot and a crucible provided in the growth chamber configured to hold the molten silicon. A weir is supported in the crucible and is configured to separate the molten silicon into an inner growth region surrounding the melt/crystal interface from an outer region configured to receive the crystalline feedstock. The weir comprises at least one sidewall extending vertically and a cap extending substantially perpendicularly to the sidewall.
US09376759B2 Compositions, methods and devices for generating nanotubes on a surface
A method for modifying a surface by generating nanotubes at one or more selected sites on the surface, the surface including a first metal. The method includes the steps of positioning at least one cathode and at least one anode relative to the surface in an electrolyte solution including a fluoride salt of a second metal, and applying a voltage between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode sufficient to generate nanotubes at one or more selected sites on the surface and to inhibit nanotube formation at one or more of the other selected sites, wherein the nanotubes include the first metal and the second metal.
US09376754B2 Thin film forming method
A method includes introducing an organic metal gas containing hydrogen into a deposition vessel to cause a component of the organic metal containing hydrogen to be adsorbed on a substrate; introducing an oxidizing gas or a nitriding gas into the vessel, generating plasma with the oxidizing gas or the nitriding gas by a plasma source, and oxidizing or nitriding the component; detecting emission intensity of a wavelength of light through an observation window in the vessel, the light being emitted, by generating the plasma, from an excited hydrogen radical resulting from the hydrogen separated from the organic metal above the substrate when the organic metal reacts with the oxidizing gas or the nitriding gas to form an oxidized metal or a nitride metal on the substrate; and stopping the generation of the plasma when a value of the detected emission intensity becomes a first predetermined value or less.
US09376748B2 Method for etching organic film
A method for etching an organic film 1 having a surface selectively protected by a hard mask layer 2, includes a partial etching process of etching the organic film 1 partly in a thickness direction of the organic film 1 by using a mixed gas containing a gas that anisotropically etches a silicon oxide film and a gas that isotropically etches the organic film without etching the silicon oxide film; and a deposition process of depositing a protective film 3 made of the silicon oxide film on side surfaces 12 and a bottom surface 11 of a recess 10 formed in the organic film in the partial etching process. The partial etching process and the deposition process is alternately performed multiple times.
US09376747B2 Method for manufacturing a treated surface and vacuum plasma sources
When treating workpiece or substrate surfaces with the help of a vacuum plasma discharge between an anode and an cathode and whereby due to such treatment a solid is formed and deposited on the anode surface, which solid has a higher specific DC impedance than the specific DC impedance of the anode material, at least parts of the anode surface are shielded from such deposition by establishing thereat a shielding plasma.
US09376741B2 Articles comprising ferritic stainless steels
An article of manufacture comprises a ferritic stainless steel that includes a near-surface region depleted of silicon relative to a remainder of the ferritic stainless steel. The article has a reduced tendency to form an electrically resistive silica layer including silicon derived from the steel when the article is subjected to high temperature oxidizing conditions. The ferritic stainless steel is selected from the group comprising AISI Type 430 stainless steel, AISI Type 439 stainless steel, AISI Type 441 stainless steel, AISI Type 444 stainless steel, and E-BRITE® alloy, also known as UNS 44627 stainless steel. In certain embodiments, the article of manufacture is a fuel cell interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell.
US09376740B2 Plasma systems and methods including high enthalpy and high stability plasmas
The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus and methods of plasma spraying and plasma treatment of materials based on high specific energy molecular plasma gases that may be used to generate a selected plasma. The present disclosure is also relates to the design of plasma torches and plasma systems to optimize such methods.
US09376734B2 Indium extraction agent and indium extraction method
Provided are an extraction agent and extraction method that selectively extract and, at a low cost, recover indium from an acidic solution containing indium and zinc. The indium extraction agent comprises an amide derivative represented by general formula (I). In the formula, R1 and R2 each indicate the same or different alkyl group, R3 indicates a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R4 indicates a hydrogen atom or any given group, other than an amino group, bound to the α-carbon as an amino acid. The general formula preferably has a glycine unit, a histidine unit, a lysine unit, an aspartic acid unit, or an N-methylglycine unit. By extracting indium from an acidic solution containing indium and zinc by means of solvent extraction using the extraction agent, it is possible to selectively extract indium.
US09376730B2 Production of iron
A two stage ironmaking process includes a first stage that includes solid state reduction of iron ore and producing a partially-reduced iron-containing feed material and an off-gas containing CO2 at a location that is in close proximity to a site for sequestering CO2. A second stage of the process includes transporting the feed material to an ironmaking facility iron at another location and producing iron from the feed material.
US09376724B2 Method for identifying neonates at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis
The invention provides a method for identifying a neonatal subject at risk for NEC, said method comprising (a) profiling the microbiota in a sample from the GI tract of said subject prior to a conclusive diagnosis of NEC and/or prior to full onset of NEC, (b1) comparing said profile to a standard microbiota profile obtained from corresponding samples from neonatal subjects with NEC or subjects which later developed NEC and determining the degree of correlation between said profile and the standard profile(s), and/or (b2) comparing said profile to a standard microbiota profile obtained from corresponding samples from neonatal subjects which did not develop NEC and determining the degree of correlation between said profile and the standard profile, and (c) identifying the subject as being at risk of NEC if significant correlation is observed in (b1) and/or significant correlation is not seen in (b2). An oligonucleotide probe set for use in the method of the invention, and kits containing the same, are also provided.
US09376723B2 Staphylococcus detection assays
Provided herein are methods, kits, and compositions related to nucleic acid detection that allow the detection and discrimination of various Staphylococcus species and types. In particular, provided herein are assays that allow the detection of MSSA, MSSE, MRSA, MRSE, VRSA, VRSE, and MRSA community strain by detecting the presence of absence of one or more target sequences selected from a list of target genes and sequences that include, but are not limited to: mecA, femA-SA, femA-SE, lukF-PV, lukS-PV, VanA, SCCmec type I, type II, type III, type IV, type V, and type VII. In certain embodiments, asymmetric PCR amplification methods are employed. In other embodiments, probe-target generated signals are detected at least two temperatures to generate a temperature/temperature signal ratio.
US09376714B2 Method for detecting and quantifying rare mutations/polymorphisms
The present invention is directed to a method for detecting and quantifying rare mutations in a nucleic acid sample. The nucleic acid molecules under investigation can be either DNA or RNA. The rare mutation can be any type of functional or non-functional nucleic acid change or mutation, such as deletion, insertion, translocation, inversion, one or more base substitution or polymorphism. Therefore, the methods of the present invention are useful in detection of rare mutations in, for example, diagnostic, prognostic and follow-up applications, when the targets are rare known nucleic acid variants mixed in with the wildtype or the more common nucleic acid variant(s).
US09376712B2 Stable nanoreporters
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to improved, stable nanoreporter probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' uniquely detectable signal. Methods for identifying target-specific sequences for inclusion in the probes are also provided, as are methods of making and using such probes. Polynucleotide sequences of certain nanoreporter components are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications.
US09376705B2 Method for detecting susceptibility of microorganisms to chemical agents
A method for detecting susceptibility of microorganisms to chemical agents or antibiotics through a combination of exposing the microorganisms to the chemical agents or antibiotics after having exposed the microorganisms to a stress response-inducing stimulus and subsequently analyzing the response of the microorganisms by mass spectrometry.
US09376697B2 On-farm integrated high-solids processing system for biomass
A method for on-farm processing a biomass feedstock into a useful industrial chemicals includes the steps of (a) delignifying the biomass feedstock to produce a delignified biomass, (b) subjecting the delignified biomass to cellulase production, (c) subjecting the delignified biomass with attached cellulase to simultaneous cellulolytic and solventogenic reactions to produce useful industrial chemicals (d) collecting and separating the useful industrial chemical from the fermentation broth and (e) collecting the fermentation residues.
US09376696B1 Compositions and methods for producing benzylisoquinoline alkaloids
The present invention relates to host cells that produce compounds that are characterized as benzylisoquinolines, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof. The host cells comprise one, two or more heterologous coding sequences wherein each of the heterologous coding sequences encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of a benzylisoquinoline, or its precursors or intermediates from a starting compound. The invention also relates to methods of producing the benzylisoquinoline, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof by culturing the host cells under culture conditions that promote expression of the enzymes that produce the benzylisoquinoline or precursors or intermediates thereof.
US09376695B2 L-amino acid producing bacterium
A method for producing an L-amino acid is described, for example, L-phenylalanine and L-histidine, by fermentation using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, wherein the bacterium has been modified by attaching a DNA fragment able to be transcribed encoding the peptide represented in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a variant thereof, particularly a portion of the ssrA gene, to the 3′-end of gene encoding for the bacterial enzyme, which influences on the L-amino acid biosynthesis, such as chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydrogenase or phosphoglucose isomerase.
US09376690B2 Templated nanoconjugates
The present disclosure is directed to compositions comprising templated nanoconjugates and methods of their use.
US09376685B2 Linear donor constructs for targeted integration
Disclosed herein are linear donor molecules comprising homology arms of 50-750 base pairs (e.g., 50-100 base pairs) flanking one or more sequences of interest. The donor molecules and/or compositions comprising these molecules can be used in methods for targeted integration of an exogenous sequence into a specified region of interest in the genome of a cell.
US09376684B2 Anticoagulant fusion protein anchored to cell membrane
The invention relates to the inhibition of blood coagulation, especially during organ rejection, and in particular the inhibition of delayed vascular rejection. The invention provides anticoagulant proteins which are anchored to cell membranes. The anticoagulant function is preferably provided by heparin, antithrombin, hirudin, TFPI, tick anticoagulant peptide, or a snake venom factor. These anticoagulant proteins are preferably prevented from being constitutively expressed at the cell surface. In particular, expression at the cell surface is regulated according to cell activation, for instance by targeting the protein to a suitable secretory granule. Expression of these proteins renders cells, tissues and organs less vulnerable to rejection after transplantation (e.g. after xenotransplantation).
US09376680B2 Serpinc1 iRNA compositions and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to iRNA, e.g., double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), compositions targeting the Serpinc1 gene, and methods of using such iRNA, e.g., dsRNA, compositions to inhibit expression of Serpinc1 and methods of treating subjects having a bleeding disorder, such as a hemophilia.
US09376677B2 Arrays and methods of use
Methods are provided for producing a molecular array comprising a plurality of molecules immobilized to a solid substrate at a density which allows individual immobilized molecules to be individually resolved, wherein each individual molecule in the array is spatially addressable and the identity of each molecule is known or determined prior to immobilization. The use of spatially addressable low density molecular arrays in single molecule detection and analysis techniques is also provided. Novel assays and methods are also provided.
US09376676B2 Method of breaking down biological material
In various embodiments, a method of breaking down biological material is provided. The method may include providing a sample comprising the biological material in a liquid. The method may further include providing a gas such that the gas forms an interface with the liquid. The method may also include breaking down the biological material by applying acoustic waves in a plurality of sequential bursts to the interface.
US09376667B2 Protein having NADH and/or NADPH oxidase activity
Water-forming NADH oxidase derived from Streptococcus mutans should be further improved in terms of stability for practical use in industrial production. An object of the present invention is to provide an enzyme that is obtained through modification of a water-forming NADH oxidase, which is useful as an NAD+ regeneration system for stereoselective oxidation catalyzed by an oxidoreductase, by protein engineering techniques so that the enzyme can withstand long-term use without exhibiting a reduction of its activity for the regeneration of NAD+, that is, an enzyme having improved stability, and to provide a method for efficiently producing a useful substance such as an optically active alcohol or amino acid. The present invention relates to an enzyme modification method that can improve the stability of water-forming NADH oxidase derived from Streptococcus mutans by appropriately introducing mutation.
US09376656B2 Photobioreactor system and method for the growth of algae for biofuels and related products
A photobioreactor includes an upper layer of transparent film and a lower layer of film wherein the upper layer and lower layer are attached to each other along the perimeter to form a sealed structure, the upper layer and lower layer also attached to form pathways comprising independent channels within the confines of the outer perimeter, a first manifold and second manifold on opposite ends of the parallel channels within the sealed structure wherein a first portion of the first manifold is in fluid communication with each of an inlet of a first subset of the channels and a second portion of the first manifold is in fluid communication with each of an outlet of a second subset of the channels and wherein the second manifold is in fluid communications with the distal end of the parallel channels plumbing apparatus comprising a degas vessel in fluid communication with the first manifold; and wherein the structure is substantially horizontal in operation.
US09376655B2 Filter systems for separating microcarriers from cell culture solutions
A filter assembly for separating microcarriers from a fluid medium includes a collapsible container bounding a sterile compartment adapted to hold a fluid. An inlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows into the compartment. An outlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows out of the compartment. A filter is disposed within the compartment, the filter dividing the compartment into an inlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the inlet port and an outlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the outlet port, the filter allowing a medium to pass therethrough but preventing microcarriers disposed in the medium from passing therethrough.
US09376650B2 Method of water treatment
A method for securing the use of an aqueous medium under any substantial exclusion of metal ion interference is disclosed. A phosphonic acid compound containing: a selected phosphonate moiety and a moiety selected from a limited number of species; or hydrocarbon chains containing aminoalkylene phosphonic acid substituents; or alkylamino alkylene phosphonic acids containing an active moiety embodying N, O, and S. The technology can, by way of illustration, be used in numerous applications including secondary oil recovery, scale inhibition, industrial water treatment, paper pulp bleaching, dispersant treatment, sequestering application, brightness reversion avoidance and paper pulp treatment.
US09376643B2 Estolide compositions exhibiting superior high-performance properties
Compounds and compositions, including engine oils and lubricant formulations comprising at least one estolide compound. Exemplary compositions comprise an estolide base oil and an additive package.
US09376625B2 Hybrid system and process for converting whole tires and other solid carbon materials into reclaimable and reusable components
A system and method of converting tires or other solid carbon based material is disclosed, including providing a chamber, feeding the solid carbon based material into the chamber, rotating the chamber, heating and reducing the material in the chamber, collecting solid residue from the chamber, collecting vapor from the chamber, and converting vapor collected from the chamber to a liquid. In an embodiment, the material includes a whole tire. The tire is heated in the chamber causing the tire to collapse and liquefy, exposing the metal in the tire which aids in grinding the carbon material in the tire as it tumbles, collecting solid residue, for example tire carbons, and collecting vapor, for example vaporized oil, and benzene and methane gas from the chamber and converting the oil. The chamber may be heated to a temperature from about 500° F. to about 1000° F. using gases reclaimed from the material.
US09376624B2 Method for producing fuel from organic material and a gasification plant
The invention relates to a method for producing fuel from organic waste or biomass in a gasification process comprising the burning of organic waste or biomass and the recovery of the gasification residue. The method comprises at least the following steps: organic aqueous waste or biomass (M; M1) is fed in a combustion chamber (1); oxygen-bearing pressurized regeneration gas (G) is also fed in said combustion chamber (1); a continuous, pressurized combustion process is maintained in the combustion chamber, without adding an external oxygen source or heat in the process, so that the combustion of organic waste or biomass is carried out with the oxygen content of 0.1-1 of the stoichiometric oxygen content, as the oxygen maintaining the combustion and the overpressure and heat created in the combustion chamber (1) are completely derived from the pyrolysis of the regeneration gas and/or from the pyrolysis of the aqueous organic waste or biomass (M; M1) fed in the combustion chamber, and from the gasification reactions between the supplied material (M1) and the regeneration gas (G); ash (A) created in the continuous gasification process taking place in the combustion chamber (1) is removed and combustion gases obtained from the gasification process, together with solid particles contained in the combustion gases, are conducted to a separation process; in the separation process, the temperature of the combustion gas (S) is dropped below the flash point (Fp) of the compounds contained in the combustion gas and below the water condensation point, the condensation water (W) contained in the combustion gas (S) removed, the liquid fuel (M; M4) is recovered from the combustion gas (S) and the regeneration gas (G) contained in the combustion gas is completely or partly conducted back to the combustion chamber (1).
US09376618B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides an FFS mode liquid crystal display device that uses a liquid crystal composition which has a negative dielectric anisotropy and can achieve good display properties by being used for FFS mode liquid crystal display devices without degrading the image sticking property of display devices and various properties of liquid crystal display devices, such as dielectric anisotropy, viscosity, nematic phase upper limit temperature, low-temperature nematic phase stability, and γ1. The liquid crystal composition contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by general formula (I) below and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by general formula (II) below.
US09376614B2 Optically active epoxy
An optically active composition is described. The composition may include a copolymer of two or more polyepoxides covalently linked by a fused arene.
US09376606B2 Polymer matrices functionalized with liquid crystals for enhanced thermal conductivity
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of thermally conductive composites that include a polymer matrix functionalized with liquid crystals grafted onto the polymer matrix. Also disclosed are methods that generally include modifying liquid crystals and incorporating the modified liquid crystals into a polymer matrix such that the modified liquid crystals are grafted onto the polymer matrix.
US09376605B2 Thermally-controlled packaging device and method of making
A phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising a foam material, a phase change material, the phase change material being absorbed into the foam, and a protective covering encasing the foam material/phase change material. A method for making a phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising providing a phase change material, providing a foam material, absorbing the phase change material into the foam material, and sealing the foam material/phase change material within a protective covering.
US09376590B2 Printable coating
A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.
US09376588B2 Epoxy resin composition for marine maintenance and repair coatings with improved overcoatability
This invention relates to an epoxy resin composition and its application in marine maintenance and repair coating with improved overcoatability.
US09376581B2 Photo-curable composition for imprints, pattern forming method and pattern
To provide a photo-curable composition for imprints which can ensure high ratio of mold filling and low defect density during mold releasing, and can provide a resist material with high etching durability. A photo-curable composition for imprints comprising a monofunctional monomer, a polyfunctional monomer and a photo-polymerization initiator, having a viscosity at 25° C. of 15 mPa·s or smaller, an Ohnishi parameter of 3.0 or smaller, and a crosslink density calculated by (Formula 1) of 0.6 mmol/cm3 or larger; Crosslink density={Σ(Ratio of mixing of polyfunctional monomer (parts by mass)*Number of functional groups of polyfunctional monomer/Molecular weight of polyfunctional monomer)}/Specific gravity.
US09376579B2 Intaglio printing ink
There is provided an intaglio printing ink that causes little set-off, exhibits improved chalking resistance, and attains improved print quality, and which permits low-cost prevention of blocking by low-dose irradiation with ultraviolet light. The intaglio printing ink comprises at least an ultraviolet curable composition, an oxidation polymerizable composition, a photopolymerization initiator, an oxidation polymerization catalyst, and a pigment. An acid-modified epoxy-acrylate prepared by reacting a polybasic acid anhydride with an epoxy-acrylate obtained by reacting an acrylate, having two or more acryloyl groups and one carboxyl group in one molecule, with an epoxy compound, having two or more epoxy rings in one molecule, is used as the ultraviolet curable composition.
US09376577B2 Coating composition and coating film forming method
The present invention relates to a coating composition containing a colored aluminum pigment and a titanium oxide pigment, wherein in the case where a coating film formed from the coating composition is illuminated at 45 degrees with respect to the surface of the coating film, a ratio of lightness L* of light observed at 45 degrees with respect to specularly reflected light, relative to lightness L* of light observed at 110 degrees with respect to specularly reflected light is within a range of 1.00 to 1.50. The invention further relates to a method for forming a coating film, including steps of applying the above-described coating composition to a substrate; and further applying a clear coating composition thereto.
US09376572B2 Highly dielectric elastomer molded body and electronic component material for high frequency use
The present invention provides a highly dielectric elastomer molded body which is inexpensive and excellent in its dielectric property, shock resistance, flexibility, and processability and can be used at a UHF band having 800 to 960 MHz and an electronic component material for a high frequency use. The highly dielectric elastomer molded body is formed by molding a highly dielectric elastomer composition comprising an elastomer and dielectric ceramic powder added thereto. The molded body has a tensile elongation not less than 250% and a hardness not more than 70. In measurement at a frequency of 950 MHz, a dielectric constant of the highly dielectric elastomer molded body is 4 to 10, and a dielectric dissipation factor thereof is not more than 0.02. An electronic component material for a high frequency use is made of the highly dielectric elastomer molded body.
US09376569B2 Colorant compounds derived from genipin or genipin containing materials
The present disclosure provides colorant compounds and methods of isolation of the colorant compounds derived from a reaction of genipin and an amine. The colorant compositions comprise purified compounds (e.g., a purified polymer or a purified dimer) obtained from multiple fractioning by chromatography of the reaction resulting material. The purified polymer or dimer can be used as a colorant by itself or in combination with another colorant for imparting color to a food, a drug, a cosmetic, a medical device, and textile products.
US09376561B2 Abs compositions with improved surface after heat-moisture storage
Described herein are polymer compositions comprising at least one inorganic salt comprising a cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and aluminum, and an anion selected from the group consisting of chloride, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, acetate and formate, in a concentration of 100 to 5000 mg/kg, based on the composition, and wherein the salt is present in the composition exclusively in dissolved form or in the form of amorphous and/or crystalline inclusions having a size of not more than 60 μm. Compositions of the present invention are distinguished by an improved surface after heat-moisture storage and are suitable in particular for the production of moldings with a high gloss finish that demand a class A surface, which have optionally been subjected, in whole or in part, to a further surface treatment step involving e.g. lacquering, in-mold decoration, or metallization by vacuum deposition or galvanization.
US09376560B2 Matrix material
The present invention relates to a matrix material for a carbon fiber-reinforced composite. The matrix material for the carbon fiber composite contains a matrix resin as a resin component. The matrix resin contains at least a first epoxy resin containing a polyfunctional glycidylamine-type epoxy resin having four epoxy groups in one molecule. The matrix resin may further contain at least one of a p-aminophenol-type epoxy resin having three epoxy groups in one molecule, and a tetramethylbiphenol-type solid epoxy resin having two epoxy groups in one molecule. The matrix resin has an average epoxy equivalency of 99 to 163.
US09376559B2 Reverse staged impact copolymers
This invention relates to processes to prepare impact copolymers having an ethylene content of greater than 20 wt % using a process where ethylene polymer is made in the first stage and propylene polymer is made in the second stage.
US09376557B2 Process for preparing polyethylene blend comprising metallocene produced resins and chromium produced resins
A process for preparing a homogeneous polyethylene product can include producing a first polyethylene resin in the presence of a metallocene catalyst in a reactor. The first polyethylene resin can have a density of from 0.942 to 0.970 g/cm3 and an HLMI of from 0.5 to 150 g/10 min. The process can include separately producing a second polyethylene resin in the presence of a chromium catalyst in a reactor. The process can include physically blending together the first polyethylene resin and the second polyethylene resin to produce the homogeneous polyethylene product. The homogeneous polyethylene product can include at least 25% by weight of the first polyethylene resin.
US09376555B2 Color-changing wood filler
A composition for use as a wood-filter that includes a modified styrene butadiene latex; at least one pH indicator, wherein pH indicator causes the composition to change color as the composition dries; one or more types of microspheres, wherein the microspheres provide durability and stainability to the wood-filling composition; and high-density polyethylene fibers.
US09376551B2 Cross-linked organosilicon polysulfides
The present invention relates to new crosslinked organosilicon polysulphides, to processes for preparing them and to their use as additives for plastics and/or rubbers.
US09376548B2 Polyolefin composition with increased resistance to ClO2-containing water
The present invention relates to a polyolefin composition comprising a polyolefin base resin and an antioxidant, characterized in that said polyolefin composition has a lifetime of at least 200 h in a test measuring the resistance against ClO2-containing water at 90° C. and at a concentration of ClO2 of 4 ppm wherein the equipment used is according to ASTM F2263-03.The present invention further relates to a pipe comprising the polyolefin composition according to the invention, to the use of the polyolefin composition for the production of a pipe, and to the use of a particularly selected antioxidant for increasing the resistance of a polyolefin composition against degradation caused by contact with ClO2-containing water.
US09376531B2 Polycarbonate polyol compositions and methods
In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains.
US09376519B2 Transition metal compound, catalytic composition including the same, and method for preparing polymer using the same
The present specification describes a transition metal compound having a novel structure, a catalytic composition including the same, and a method for preparing a polymer using the same.
US09376512B2 Production of vinyl terminated polyethylene
This invention relates to processes to produce polyethylene involving contacting ethylene with a metallocene catalyst system; wherein the catalyst system comprises: a stoichiometric activator; and a metallocene compound. The metallocene catalyst system is also disclosed.
US09376500B2 Conjugation methods
This invention describes a method of conjugating a cell binding agent such as an antibody with an effector group (e.g., a cytotoxic agent) or a reporter group (e.g., a radionuclide), whereby the reporter or effector group is first reacted with a bifunctional linker and the mixture is then used without purification for the conjugation reaction with the cell binding agent. The method described in this invention is advantageous for preparation of stably-linked conjugates of cell binding agents, such as antibodies with effector or reporter groups. This conjugation method provides in high yields conjugates of high purity and homogeneity that are without inter-chain cross-linking and inactivated linker residues.
US09376498B2 Anti-CD26 antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention pertains to novel antibodies capable of binding to CD26, as well as to their use as a medicament. Moreover, the present invention provides antibodies for use in treating and/or preventing Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD), for use in treating Aplastic Anemia and/or for use in promoting engraftment after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Furthermore, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one antibody of the present invention, as well as provides a kit of parts.
US09376496B2 LLT-1 antibodies with new functional properties
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that are capable of specifically binding to lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1), to polynucleotides encoding such antibodies, and to cells that express such antibodies. antibodies of the invention have utility in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer, in which LLT1- and CD161-expressing cells play a role in disease pathogenesis.
US09376493B2 Antibodies directed against ICOS and uses thereof
The present invention provides antibodies directed against ICOS or a derivative thereof which neutralize ICOS engagement on Treg by inhibiting the fixation between ICOS and ICOS-L and abrogate proliferation of Treg induced by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The present invention further provides antibodies directed against ICOS or a derivative thereof which induce IL-10 and IFNγ production, induce CD4+ T cells proliferation, reduce Tconv proliferation, and increase the immunosuppressive function of Treg.
US09376483B2 Universal fibronectin type III binding-domain libraries
Fibronectin Type III (FN3) polypeptide libraries are described, along with their use in identifying fibronectin-type binding peptides having high binding affinities, e.g., greater than 300 nM, for VEGFR2 or Axl proteins.
US09376476B2 Prion epitopes and methods of use thereof
Prion peptides comprising prion epitopes and fusions thereof, that display enhanced immunogenicity are described. Also described are methods of treating and diagnosing prion disease.
US09376470B2 Polypeptide having angiogenesis-inducing activity and antibacterial activity, and use thereof for medical purposes
Novel polypeptides which have an excellent angiogenesis-inducing activity and an excellent antibacterial activity and medical uses thereof are disclosed. The amino acid sequences of the novel polypeptides are shown in any one of SEQ ID NOs:1 to 6. These polypeptides have angiogenesis-inducing and antibacterial activities. Such polypeptides are useful for the prevention, amelioration or treatment of skin wounds caused by a cut wound, surgical wound, erosion, burn, decubitus, intractable wound, skin ulcer, leg ulcer, diabetic ulcer, occlusive arterial disease or arteriosclerosis obliteran, and for the prevention, amelioration or treatment of bacterial infection in such skin wounds, and the like.
US09376469B2 Proteolytically resistant hydrogen bond surrogate helices
The present invention relates to peptidomimetics having a stable, internally constrained protein secondary structure, where the peptidomimetics contain a hydrogen bond surrogate in the internal constraint, and at least one beta amino acid. Methods for promoting cell death using peptidomimetics that inhibit p53/hDM2 are also disclosed.
US09376461B2 Non-enzymatic synthesis of O-acetyl-ADP-ribose and analogues thereof
Provided herein is a simple, one-step, non-enzymatic synthesis of O-Acetyl-ADP-ribose (OAADPR) from NAD and sodium acetate in acetic acid. The extension of this reaction to other carboxylic acids, demonstrates that the reaction between NAD, and NAD analogs produces mixtures of the corresponding 2′- and 3′-carboxylic esters. Included are O-carboxyl-ADP-ribose compounds and corresponding methods of synthesis (e.g., O-propionyl-ADP-ribose, O-succinyl-ADP-ribose, O-malonyl-ADP-ribose), as well as non-adenosine nucleoside compounds.
US09376460B2 Method of polyphosphate synthesis
The subject of the invention is a new method of the synthesis of polyphosphate analogs, such as nucleosides, oligonucleotides, carbohydrates, peptides and proteins, which are of biological importance and are used in organic chemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology. Polyphosphate analogs, including in particular nucleoside 5′-triphosphates, display high biological activity and are responsible for the provision and storage of energy in live organisms. The method relates to the synthesis of organic polyphosphates of general formula (1), where n has a value of 0 to 2, while X stands for an organic radical, in particular nucleoside, oligonucleotide, peptide-carbohydrate or a protein radical.
US09376458B2 Methods for the preparation of HIV attachment inhibitor piperazine prodrug compound
A method for making the compound is set forth utilizing the starting material
US09376457B2 Hydrophobic, functionalized particles
The present invention relates to a stable mixture comprising surface-modified particles which are obtained by reacting metal oxide or semimetal oxide particles with at least one compound selected from among silicon-comprising compounds bearing one, two or three alkoxy radicals and at least one solvent, at least one surface-active substance or a mixture thereof, the use of these particles in systems in which they are brought into contact with at least one solvent, where the mass ratio of solvent to modified particle is greater than 500, and also the use of these particles in agglomeration-deagglomeration cycles.
US09376455B2 Molecular layer deposition using reduction process
A material is deposited onto a substrate by exposing the substrate to a metal-containing precursor to adsorb metal atoms of the metal-containing precursor to the substrate. The substrate injected with the metal-containing precursor is exposed to an organic precursor to deposit a layer of material by a reaction of the organic precursor with the metal atoms adsorbed to the substrate. The substrate is exposed to radicals of a reducing agent to increase reactivity of the material deposited on the substrate. The radicals of the reducing agent are produced by applying a voltage differential with electrodes to a gas such as hydrogen. The substrate may be exposed to radicals before and/or after exposing the substrate to the organic precursor. The substrate may be sequentially exposed to two or more different organic precursors. The material deposited on the substrate may be a metalcone such as Alucone, Zincone, Zircone, Titanicone, or Nickelcone.
US09376448B2 DNA-PK inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of DNA-PK. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
US09376445B2 Pyrimidinyl-diazospiro compounds
The invention relates to spiro derivatives, to the use of said derivatives intreating diseases and conditions mediated by modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels, to compositions containing said derivatives and processes for their preparation.
US09376441B2 Substituted pyrrolidines as SYK inhibitors
The present disclosure relates to compounds that are Syk inhibitors and to their use in the treatment of various disease states, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. In particular embodiments, the structure of the compounds is given by Formula I: wherein X1, X2, X3, R2, R3, R4, R5, and Y are as described herein. The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions that include a compound of Formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of using these compounds and compositions to treat conditions mediated by Syk.
US09376434B2 Antiparisitic dihydroazole compounds and compositions comprising same
The present invention relates to novel dihydroazole of formula (I) and salts thereof: Wherein R1, A1, A2, G, X and Y are as defined in the description, compositions thereof, processes for their preparation and their uses to prevent or treat parasitic infections or infestations in animals and as pesticides.
US09376426B2 Pyridazinone derivatives
Compounds of the formula (I) in which D, R1, R2, R3, R4 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular of Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US09376422B2 Dihidropyridin-2-one benzamine compounds
The present invention relates to substituted benzene compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treating cancer by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of such compounds for research or other non-therapeutic purposes.
US09376419B2 Solid forms of nilotinib hydrochloride
Disclosed are solid forms of Nilotinib hydrochloride and methods of preparation of various crystalline solvates of Nilotinib HCl including benzyl alcohol, acetic acid, propylene glycol, and isopropanol. Nilotinib HCl is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of drug resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
US09376415B2 Tricyclic condensed heterocyclic compound, process of producing same, and use thereof
A compound derived from the culture product of an actinomycete and having an antitumor activity is provided. Provided is a compound represented by any one of formulas (I), (II) and (III)or an optical isomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which can be isolated from the culture fluid of an actinomycete which belongs to the genus Streptomyces, wherein R1, R2, R5 and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a hydroxymethyl group, a hydroxyl group, or a double bond by which R1 and R2 or R5 and R6 are bonded; R3, R4, R7 and R8 each independently represent a methyl group or a hydroxymethyl group; and R9 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group.
US09376412B2 Anode material with unsaturated compounds bonded to carbon-containing substrates and anode eletrode plate
An anode material is provided for a surface of an electrode. The anode material comprises carbon-containing substrates and unsaturated compounds. At least one chemical bond is formed between the unsaturated compounds and the surfaces of the carbon-containing substrates.
US09376406B2 uPAR-uPA interaction inhibitors and methods for treating cancer
The invention described herein pertains to compounds, compositions and formulations comprising the compounds, and methods for use of the compounds, compositions and/or formulations in the treatment of diseases responsive to the inhibition of uPAR-uPA interactions, such as cancer.
US09376405B2 Bis-(triazinylamino)-stilbene derivatives
The instant invention relates to novel water soluble bis-(triazinylamino)-stilbene optical brightening agents, a process for their preparation and their use for whitening natural and synthetic materials.
US09376396B2 Acylaminocycloalkyl compounds suitable for treating disorders that respond to modulation of dopamine D3 receptor
The present invention relates to novel acylaminocycloalkyl compounds, in particular to the compounds of the formula I as described herein and to their salts and N-oxides. The compounds possess valuable therapeutic properties and are suitable, in particular, for treating diseases that respond to modulation of the dopamine D3 receptor.
US09376395B2 Pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising: (a) a cyclopolysaccharide and (b) a compound of Formula (I) or its pharmaceutical acceptable salt: wherein X1, X2, Q, Z, and m are defined herein. Also disclosed is a method for treating a neoplastic disease or an immune disease with these compositions.
US09376393B2 Quinoline compounds which are anti-angiogenic integrin alpha5 beta1 inhibitors for use in the treatment of fibrosis or fibrosis-related diseases
A new medical therapy, and more particularly certain quinoline compounds which are anti-angiogenic integrin aplha5beta1 inhibitors, for use in the treatment of fibrosis, or a fibrosis-related disease, such as a fibrotic disease affecting the lung, liver, kidney, skin, epidermis, endodermis, muscle, tendon, cartilage, heart, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, colon, uterus, nervous system, testis, adrenal gland, artery, vein, biliary tract, or eye.
US09376392B2 2-(tert-butoxy)-2-(7-methylquinolin-6-yl) acetic acid derivatives for treating AIDS
The invention provides compounds and salts thereof as d herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound disclosed herein, processes for preparing compounds disclosed herein, intermediates useful for preparing compounds disclosed herein and therapeutic methods for treating an HIV infection, treating the proliferation of the HIV virus, treating AIDS or delaying the onset of AIDS or ARC symptoms in a mammal using compounds disclosed herein.
US09376386B2 Processes of making and crystalline forms of a MDM2 inhibitor
The present invention provides processes for making 2-((3R,5R,6S)-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-((S)-1-(isopropylsulfonyl)-3-methylbutan-2-yl)-3-methyl-2-oxopiperidin-3-yl)acetic acid as well as intermediates and processes for making the intermediates. Also provided are crystalline forms of the compound and the intermediates.
US09376384B2 Diaryliodonium salt
Provided is a compound that allows easy introduction of a pentafluorosulfanylaryl group into a compound of interest.A diaryliodonium salt is represented by the general formula (d) shown below: In this formula, k is 1 or 2, R1 is an alkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 0 to 4, R2 is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 0 to 5, and A− is a counter anion.
US09376381B2 High penetration prodrug compositions of peptides and peptide-related compounds
The invention provides compositions of novel high penetration compositions (HPC) or high penetration prodrugs (HPP) of peptides and peptide-related compounds, which are capable of crossing biological barriers with high penetration efficiency. The HPPs are capable of being converted to parent active drugs or drug metabolites after crossing the biological barrier and thus can render treatments for the conditions that the parent drugs or metabolites can. Additionally, the HPPs are capable of reaching areas that parent drugs may not be able to access or to render a sufficient concentration at the target areas and therefore render novel treatments. The HPPs can be administered to a subject through various administration routes, e.g., locally delivered to an action site of a condition with a high concentration or systematically administered to a biological subject and enter the general circulation with a faster rate.
US09376377B2 Method for producing isocyanates
The invention relates to a method for producing an isocyanate by reacting the corresponding primary amine with phosgene in a reactor (100) which comprises at least one reaction zone (110) and a quenching zone (120) arranged below said reaction zone, having the following steps: (i) introducing a gaseous amine flow (1) and a gaseous phosgene flow (2) into the reactor (100) and reacting the flows in the reaction zone (110) into a product gas flow (3) comprising isocyanate and hydrogen chloride and optionally excess phosegene; (ii) introducing the product gas flow (3) into the quenching zone (120), in which the product gas flow is cooled by injecting a quenching liquid (4) via at least one quenching nozzle (200) such that a liquid flow (5) comprising the quenching liquid (4) and isocyanate and a gaseous flow (6) comprising hydrogen chloride and optionally phosgene are obtained; and (iii) separating the isocyanate from the liquid flow (5) obtained in step (ii); wherein the temperature Tw*, of the wall of the reaction zone (110) directly above the quenching zone (120) is kept at a value which lies maximally 4.0%, preferably maximally 2.0%, below the maximum temperature, Twmax, of the wall of the reaction zone, said maximum temperature being specified in Kelvin.
US09376371B2 Triphenylamine derivative, method for manufacturing the same, and electrophotographic photosensitive member
A triphenylamine derivative is represented by General Formula (1). In General Formula (1), OR1 represents an alkoxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. R2 to R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or a 3- to 10-membered heterocyclic group. Note that the case where Ar1 and Ar2 are both a hydrogen atom is excluded.
US09376359B2 Process for preparing a para-linear alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound
Disclosed herein is a process for preparing an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-linear mono-alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound. The process involves the steps of: (a) providing an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-di(alkyl-substituted)aromatic compound; wherein a first alkyl substituent is a C3 to C8 alkyl moiety and a second alkyl substituent is a C4+n to C8+n linear alkyl moiety, wherein n is 0 to 42 and further wherein the second alkyl substituent is at least one carbon atom greater than the first alkyl substituent; (b) subjecting the isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-di(alkyl-substituted)aromatic compound to oxidation conditions in the presence of an oxygen-containing source, thereby converting the first alkyl substituent which is a C3 to C8 alkyl moiety to a hydroperoxide-containing substituted moiety to produce an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-linear alkyl-substituted, hydroperoxide-containing substituted aromatic compound; and (c) converting the hydroperoxide-containing substituted moiety to a hydroxyl moiety thereby providing an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-linear mono-alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound.
US09376356B2 Method or system for recovering carbon dioxide
A method or system for recovering carbon dioxide is provided with which in a plant for synthesizing methanol from a hydrocarbon gas or synthesizing gasoline therefrom via methanol, the waste heat of a low-temperature reformed gas, which has conventionally been discarded and is difficult to reutilize, can be effectively utilized. In the system for synthesizing methanol or gasoline from a hydrocarbon gas and for recovering carbon dioxide, a reformed gas is produced by steam reforming of the hydrocarbon gas. Since a combustion discharge gas generates when a fuel gas is burned in order to obtain a heat source for the steam reforming, carbon dioxide is recovered from the combustion discharge gas in an absorption tower (40) using an absorption liquid. In a regeneration tower (10), the reformed gas is used first as a heat source for a first reboiler (20A) located at the tower bottom, and the reformed gas having a lowered temperature is then used as a heat source for a second reboiler (20B) located in a middle position to heat the absorption liquid in stages, thereby regenerating the absorption liquid.
US09376350B2 Urea fertilizer containing central volatilization inhibitor particles to reduce release of ammonia and processes for making same
A urea fertilizer having reduced ammonia volatilization upon application to soil including a central particle having an outer surface and comprising ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, and a coating of urea on the outer surface of the central particle, and further a process of making the fertilizer including the steps of: granulating ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, with a binder to produce volatilization inhibitor particles; screening the inhibitor particles to a preselected particle size; spraying melted urea onto the surface of the inhibitor particles to produce a coating on the inhibitor particles; granulating the coated inhibitor particles with sprayed melted urea to produce granules of urea coated central volatilization particles; and cooling the granules.
US09376344B2 Foamed glass ceramic composite materials and a method for producing the same
A method of making a foamed glass composite, including crushing a vitreous precursor material, such as waste glass, frit, metallurgical slag or the like, sizing the crushed vitreous precursor to segregate an amount of crushed particles of a predetermined size and pelletizing the crushed particles. The pellets are preheated and passed through a high-temperature flame to foam the pellets. The foamed pellets are air-quenched to a temperature below their dilatometric softening point and then cooling to room temperature. The foamed pellets are then mixed with Portland cement and water to form a composite material. The flame temperature is at least about 1300° C. and the pellets are preheated to within no more than about 25° C. of their dilatometric softening point. The pellets have a volume of between about 0.05 and about 1 cubic centimeter and reside in the flame for between about 0.5 to about 10 seconds.
US09376340B2 Optical glass, preform for precision press molding, and optical element
Provided is an optical glass having low specific gravity, low abrasion degree, and high devitrification-proof stability, as well as a preform for precision press molding and an optical element which use such an optical glass. The optical glass has a composition including, in cationic % expression, P5+: 36 to 40%, Al3+: 11 to 16%, Mg2+: 11 to 19%, Ca2+: greater than 0% and 2% or less, Sr2+: 0 to 4%, Ba2+: 25 to 31%, Zn2+: 0% or more and less than 2.4%, and Y3+: 2 to 7%, a total amount of Zn2+ and Y3+ (Zn2++Y3+) being 3 to 7%. The composition also includes, in anionic % expression, O2−: 74 to 78%, and F−: 22 to 26%. Li+, Na+, K+, La3+, and Gd3+ are not included. The optical glass further has a refractive index (nd) of 1.58 to 1.60 and an Abbe number (νd) of 67 to 69.
US09376334B2 Method and device for treating wastes by means of injection into an immersed plasma
A method for treating a liquid solution S1 is provided. The method may comprise a step of injecting said liquid solution S1 into a plasma immersed in a second liquid solution S2 separate from said liquid solution S1. In addition, a device capable of being applied in the context of such a method is also provided.
US09376331B2 Installation for water treatment by flotation and corresponding water treatment method
A system and process for treating water wherein water to be treated is directed to an inlet zone and from the inlet zone to a mixing zone. A flotation zone receives water from the mixing zone. A clarified water collection area is disposed adjacent the flotation zone for receiving clarified water from the flotation zone. There is provided one or more spray nozzles disposed in the mixing zone for injecting pressurized water into the mixing zone and generating air bubbles in the mixing zone such that the air bubbles are mixed with the water to be treated. A perforated plate separates the inlet zone and the mixing zone and includes an array of openings through which water to be treated passes as the water to be treated moves from the inlet zone to the mixing zone. The openings in the perforated plate give rise to a homogeneous mixture of the water to be treated and the air bubbles that result from the pressurized water being injected into the mixing zone by the one or more spray nozzles. Suspended matter and particulate in the water agglomerates around or with the air bubbles and the air bubbles carry the suspended matter and particulate to the surface of the water to be treated. Once the water and air bubbles reach the flotation zone, the air bubbles with the associated suspended matter and particulate can be removed from the surface of the water by a flotation process.
US09376330B2 Water pretreatment unit using a fluorinated liquid
A unit for pretreating water by heat and/or ion treatment. It provides a pretreatment unit including a direct contact heat and/or ion exchanger having a continuous or dispersed phase that includes a fluorinated liquid that is not miscible with water with a density of more than 1.25.
US09376325B2 ZSM-5, its preparation and use in ethylbenzene dealkylation
A new configuration of ZSM-5 is provided whereby the crystals have a higher average silica to alumina ratio at the edges of each crystallite than in the center as determined from a narrow slit line scan profile obtained from SEM/EDX or TEM/EDX elemental analysis. Such ZSM-5 crystals are obtained by a preparation process using L-tartaric acid. The new configuration ZSM-5 provides significantly reduced xylene losses in ethylbenzene dealkylation, especially when combined with silica as binder, and one or more hydrogenation metals selected from platinum, tin, lead, silver, copper, and nickel.
US09376322B2 Process for producing colloidal silica particles
There is provided colloidal silica particles comprising at least one polyvalent metal element M selected from a group consisting of iron, aluminum, zinc, zirconium, titanium, tin, and lead in an average content of 0.001 to 0.02 in terms of an M/Si molar ratio, and having an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 40 nm, wherein the content of the polyvalent metal element M present in an outermost layer of the colloidal particles is 0 to 0.003 atom per square nanometer (nm2) of a surface area of the colloidal particles; and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in an organic solvent, a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a polymerizable compound, and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a dicarboxylic anhydride.
US09376315B2 Polarized fluorescent nanospheres
The present invention provides partially fluorescent nanoparticles and methods of making and using the partially fluorescent nanoparticle having a nanoparticle with a matrix and a fluorescent dye dispersed in or about the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the fluorescent dye has been anisotropically bleached.
US09376312B2 Method for fabricating a transducer apparatus
An improved MEMS transducer apparatus and method. The method includes providing a movable base structure having a base surface region overlying a substrate and a center cavity with a cavity surface region. At least one center anchor structure and one spring structure can be spatially disposed within a substantially circular portion of the surface region. The spring structure(s) can be coupled the center anchor structure(s) to a portion of the cavity surface region. The substantially circular portion can be configured within a vicinity of the center of the surface region. At least one capacitor element, having a fixed and a movable capacitor element, can be spatially disposed within a vicinity of the cavity surface region. The fixed capacitor element(s) can be coupled to the center anchor structure(s) and the movable capacitor element(s) can be spatially disposed on a portion of the cavity surface region.
US09376311B2 Method for fabricating thermoplastic fluidic devices by orogenic growth and fluidic devices manufactured thereby
A new process enabling rapid and efficient desktop manufacturing of microfluidic devices fabricated from thermoplastic substrates utilizing the selective irreversible swelling of thermoplastic polymer when exposed to suitable solvent makes it possible to produce micro- or nano-fluidic devices with outstanding bonding and collapse free micro- or nano-structures.
US09376310B2 Microelectronic packages having stacked accelerometer and magnetometer die and methods for the production thereof
Methods for fabricating multi-sensor microelectronic packages and multi-sensor microelectronic packages are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a magnetometer wafer comprised of an array of non-singulated magnetometer die over an accelerometer wafer comprised of an array of non-singulated accelerometer die. The magnetometer wafer is bonded to the accelerometer wafer to produce a bonded wafer stack. The bonded wafer stack is then singulated to yield a plurality of multi-sensor microelectronic packages each including a singulated magnetometer die bonded to a singulated accelerometer die.
US09376306B2 Methods of dispensing
Methods of dispensing an ingredient and measuring an amount of the ingredient dispensed, e.g., at a customer's location usually as the ingredient is used by the customer, in order to improve the dispensing process by adjusting future dispense cycles, accurately dispensing the ingredient, predicting an amount of ingredient to be dispensed.
US09376296B2 Vehicle hoist
A hoist for vehicles having two lifting columns arranged at both sides of a vehicle, each having two support arms that are supported in a horizontally pivotal and longitudinally adjustable fashion at their lifting column, and each having at their free end a support plate. These support plates are positionable at support positions underneath a vehicle as specified by the vehicle manufacturer by an appropriate movement of the support arm. The manufacturer support positions are saved as target positions according to corresponding vehicle model in a data memory of the hoist, and coordinates of actual positions of the support plates are determined by measurements and perhaps calculations. A computer makes a comparison between the target and actual coordinates, and enables a lifting process of the support arms only when differences between the target and the actual coordinates are within a predetermined tolerance.
US09376287B2 Sheet conveying device, image forming apparatus, sheet thickness detection system
A sheet conveying device includes a conveying roller provided on an inner side of a curved part of a conveying path of a sheet; a driving unit configured to rotate the conveying roller; a drive control unit configured to control a rotation speed of the conveying roller by the driving unit; a rotation speed detecting unit configured to detect the rotation speed of the conveying roller; a conveying unit configured to convey the sheet laid across the conveying roller and the conveying unit; a conveying speed detecting unit configured to detect a conveying speed of the sheet; and a sheet thickness detecting unit configured to detect a thickness of the sheet based on the conveying speed of the sheet detected by the conveying speed detecting unit and the rotation speed of the conveying roller detected by the rotation speed detecting unit.
US09376285B2 Sheet-stapling apparatus that staples center-fold sheets by staple, and image-forming system using the same
A sheet-stapling apparatus mounts a center-fold booklet and staples the booklet at a fold of the booklet by a staple. The sheet-stapling apparatus has a supporting member that mounts the center-fold booklet, pushing members that push the booklet to the supporting member, a stapler that penetrates the staple through the booklet and a clincher that clinches legs of the staple to bind the booklet. Each pushing member has a pushing recess portion for pushing the fold of the booklet. The pushing recess portion spreads from a booklet-positioning angle to a booklet-pushing angle to prevent the booklet from shifting.
US09376279B2 Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device includes a manual bypass tray, a pair of side-fences and restricting members. On the manual bypass tray, a sheet conveyed to an apparatus main body is placed. The pair of side-fences are arranged slidable in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet so as to mutually approach/separate on the manual bypass tray. The restricting members are arranged attachable to/detachable from the pair of side-fences. Each of the restricting members includes a first engaging part and a preventive portion. The first engaging part is engaged with the manual bypass tray to restrict slide of each of the pair of side-fence in the width direction. The preventive portion is arranged so as to be separated upwardly from the manual bypass tray to prevent the sheet on the manual bypass tray from uplifting.
US09376271B2 Article transport facility
An article transport facility allows transport carriages to travel with sufficient stability while avoiding damages to any transport carriage when the connection to another adjacent transport carriage is disengaged. Each of a plurality of transport carriages, which forms a carriage sequence, includes a carriage main body, a wheel which rolls on a travel surface formed along the travel path, a first connecting portion provided to a forward end portion of the carriage main body, and a second connecting portion provided to a back end portion of the carriage main body. The first connecting portion is connected to the second connecting portion of another transport carriage that is immediately in front so as to be pivotable about a carriage pivot axis extending along a vertical direction. The wheel is provided in the forward end portion of the carriage main body.
US09376270B2 Lug loader
Embodiments provide an electric lug loader system. An electric lug loader may include a shaft assembly rotatably mounted to a frame that extends across a flow path. The shaft assembly may have shafts arranged radially around, and parallel to, the rotational axis of the shaft assembly, clamp members arranged along each of the shafts, support members arranged radially around the rotational axis and across the flow path, and electric drives coupled to the shafts. Conveyors may be coupled with the frame and spaced apart across the flow path upstream and/or downstream of the shaft assembly. Additional drives may be coupled with the shaft assembly and the conveyors. A controller may be configured to synchronize the drives to engage successive workpieces between the clamp members and the support members and deposit the workpieces onto a lugged conveyor. Other embodiments provide related methods and systems.
US09376269B2 Device for transferring stacks of blister packs
The device for transferring stacks of blister packs comprises at least one transfer cassette for holding a stack of blister packs, the transfer cassette comprising a bottom element and at least two opposing side boundary elements. A transfer cassette motion unit serves to move the transfer cassette in the conveying direction and in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and is configured in such a way that the transfer cassette is movable from a loading position, in which it is loaded with the stack of blister packs, to an unloading position, in which the stack of blister packs is transferred to a compartment of a conveying device. During unloading, the transfer cassette is moved laterally out of the compartment and thus out of the unloading position in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, whereas the stack of blister packs remains on the conveying device.
US09376266B2 Nut arranging apparatus
A nut arranging apparatus includes a nut arranging portion having a generally ring-shaped shape for arranging nuts, and a nut supplying portion that is a portion for supplying the nuts to the nut arranging portion and is arranged inside the nut arranging portion. The nut supplying portion includes a holding portion that is a portion for temporarily holding the nuts. The nut supplying portion forms a bottom plate portion that is a bottom surface portion of the holding portion with a surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and changes a direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion. The nut supplying portion supplies the nuts to an appropriate position of the nut arranging portion by sliding the nuts held in the holding portion in the direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion while changing the direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion.
US09376264B1 Conveyor belt cleaning apparatus
The present invention is directed to a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus comprising a frame having a front side, a rear side, two lateral sides and one or more openings located between the front side, the rear side and the lateral sides; a first scraping blade and a second scraping blade, wherein each of the scraping blades is positioned between the lateral sides of the frame, and wherein the second scraping blade is rearward of the first scraping blade; and means for securing the frame to the underside of a conveyor belt assembly such that the first scraping blade and the second scraping blade make contact with the conveyor belt of the conveyor belt assembly.
US09376256B2 Tray sealer with exchangeable belt body
The invention relates to a tray sealer having a feed belt comprising a drive unit and a belt body having a conveyor belt. The belt body is adapted to be dismounted, together with the conveyor belt, from the drive unit without making use of a tool. An exchange unit is provided on or at the tray sealer, the exchange unit being configured for accommodating the belt body when the belt body is dismounted from the drive unit. A corresponding method for exchanging or cleaning at least one of a conveyor belt, a belt body and/or a drive unit of a tray sealer is also provided.
US09376247B2 Re-sealable container
A re-sealable flexible sachet (10, 50) with a nozzle portion (14) which is foldable about a fold line (41, 52, 110) to constrict the outlet conduit (15) when the nozzle portion (14) is in the folded configuration, and the nozzle portion (14) has an ear (20A, 20B, 51) extending in a transverse direction with a corresponding slot opening (23A, 23B, 53) to receive the ear (20A, 20B, 51) to secure the nozzle portion (14) when the nozzle portion (14) is in the folded configuration.
US09376240B1 Cutter cup having seal cutter and depressor fin
A cap for a bottle having a safety seal over its mouth, the cap provided with one or more integral seal-cutting fins to facilitate removal of the safety seal. The cap further includes mouth alignment ribs and may include one or more depressor fins. The cap may have an inner stage and an outer stage. When inverted, the cap may be positioned on the lip of the mouth of a heat induction sealed bottle. Upon application of downward force and rotation of the cap, the seal-cutting fins score or cut the safety seal to facilitate removal of the seal. The depressor fin(s) prevents the entire circumference of the seal from being scored or cut, and therefore reduces the risk that the seal will fall into the bottle during removal of the seal.
US09376238B2 Presentation package for mixed beverage components
A presentation package for providing a “mixed drink”, such as a gift, wherein the mixer or base beverage is contained in a first container, such as a 12 ounce soda can, and the liquor is provided in a second container, such as a small single serving liquor bottle, is described. The two containers are joined together by the presentation package. The package further includes indicia relative to the occasion associated with the giving or presentation of the “mixed drink” combination.
US09376230B2 Carton with handle and dispenser
A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton and a dispenser comprising a dispenser panel. The dispenser panel is at least partially defined by a tear line extending in at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The dispenser panel can be at least partially removable from the carton to create a dispenser opening. The carton also can comprise a handle for grasping and carrying the carton. The handle comprises a handle feature extending in at least the dispenser panel, and at least a portion of the handle can be removable from the carton with the dispenser panel.
US09376225B2 Vertical filling and packaging machine and method of manufacturing packaging bag with content
A vertical filling and packaging machine of the present invention includes tension devices (11) that are disposed near positions of ironing rollers (5) and that pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward. Tension devices (11) pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward to flatten a portion of cylindrical film (1) before the pair of ironing rollers (5) sandwiches the portion of cylindrical film (1), wherein the content has been injected into the cylindrical film (1). As a result, when lateral seal part (1e) is formed on cylindrical film (1) by lateral seal device (6), lateral seal part (1e) is not easily wrinkled.
US09376223B2 Liquid container having vacuum pumping device
Provided is a liquid container having a vacuum pumping device, which includes: a housing having a lower portion which is opened by means of an opening or closing control to be exposed to the atmosphere and an upper portion having a mounting hole so that a space is formed therein; an inner container having a cylinder chamber provided at an upper portion thereof to allow a liquid to flow in or out and a liquid store area connected to a lower portion of the cylinder chamber to change a volume according to an amount of liquid therein, the cylinder chamber being coupled to the mounting hole of the housing so that the inner housing is detachably mounted in the housing for refilling; a syringe unit coupled to or separated from the cylinder chamber to suck the liquid from the inner container and discharge the sucked liquid outwards; and an elastic cap mounted to the cylinder chamber, the elastic cap being closed in advance when the syringe unit is inserted into the cylinder chamber and opened later when the syringe unit sucks the liquid after the syringe unit is inserted into the cylinder chamber, so that the liquid is discharged while keeping a sealed state. If the liquid container having a vacuum pumping device of the present disclosure is used, the elastic cap may be easily manufactured due to its simple design and may keep its sealing force even though it is used repeatedly. Further, since the movement of a membrane may prevent even a minimum air from flowing into a filling chamber of the liquid store area while the syringe unit is being inserted, it is possible to prevent the solution from being contaminated.
US09376210B2 Cargo handling system
The invention relates to a cargo handling system for loading and securing one or more freight containers in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The system includes bracket members configured to be secured to a base or floor of the cargo hold, and elongate guide members, each of which is mounted on and interconnects a number of the bracket members arranged in a row, wherein each guide member forms a restraint or a stop against lateral movement of a freight container loaded in the cargo hold. The bracket members include at least one fastening portion configured for tool-less fast-release engagement and locking with a seat track profile in the base or floor of the cargo hold. Furthermore, the bracket members typically extend transversely inwards or inboard of the elongate guide members.
US09376193B1 Marine outboard engine angular position limitation system and method
A method for limiting motion of at least one outboard engine of a watercraft to at least one desired limit position in at least one direction is disclosed. The method comprises initiating a calibration process by inputting a sequence of at least one state of at least one switch, moving the at least one outboard engine about at least one axis in the at least one direction until the at least one desired limit positions is reached, sensing a position of the at least one outboard engine about the at least one axis when the at least one outboard engine is at the at least one desired limit position, and recording the sensed position to be a limit position. A method for limiting motion of a plurality of outboard engines, and a watercraft are also disclosed.
US09376188B2 Jet propulsion boat
A deflector control portion in a jet propulsion boat causes a deflector to swing by controlling a deflector drive mechanism in response to an operation of a shift operating portion. The deflector control portion causes the deflector to move to a first trim position when the shift operating portion is switched to a forward movement shift position. The deflector control portion causes the deflector to move to a second trim position when the shift operating portion is switched to an operating shift position.
US09376187B2 Power module for use in marine vessel, and wind-propelled vessel provided with said power module
Provided is a power module for use in a marine vessel and a wind-propelled vessel provided with such a power module. The power module includes: a sail storage housing which has at least a portion thereof arranged below a deck of a marine vessel and having an opening on an upper end thereof; a sail which is movable between a storage position located inside the sail storage housing and a use position at which the sail projects from the deck in the vertical direction; and a sail movement unit which is configured to move the sail between the storage position and the use position.
US09376181B1 Water craft able to offer fast rescue
A water craft able to offer fast rescue includes a water craft provided with a pressurization pump and a high pressure air reservoir to have air pressurized and poured into the high pressure air reservoir and stored therein. The water craft is formed with a concealed storage space having an uninflated rescue device received therein. The rescue device communicates with the high pressure air reservoir so that the rescue device can be inflated via the high pressure air reservoir. Thus, before inflated, the rescue device can be entirely received in the concealed storage space, letting the water craft have good maneuverability and, after inflated, the rescue device will be ejected out of the concealed storage space for carrying many persons thereon, thus advantageous to carry out rescue mission.
US09376177B2 Water sled apparatus
A towed water sled apparatus is disclosed. The towed water sled apparatus is designed to provide lift to an overturned water sled apparatus thereby preventing the overturned water sled apparatus from diving below the water surface. The towing line may be above the water surface while pulling the overturned water sled apparatus along the water surface. The nose radius may transition to the lift section to provide lift to the overturned water sled apparatus and prevent the overturned water sled apparatus from sinking into the water surface.
US09376172B2 Spring loaded vertical and horizontal self aligning roller chock
A self-aligning roller chock comprises a deck mounting structure which includes a boss member coupled to the deck and a swivel base plate rotationally coupled to the boss member for rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the deck; a pivot assembly coupled to the swivel base plate; a frame coupled to the pivot member and configured to pivot relative to the deck mounting member about the pivot assembly; and a sheave wheel rotationally mounted within the frame adapted to receive rigging line therein. The chock will pivot about two axes providing a self-aligning horizontal and vertical alignment with a resulting force of the rigging line. The self-aligning roller chock may further include a spring coupled to the frame and partially supporting the weight of the frame and the sheave wheel at least when the axis of the sheave wheel is non-parallel to the plane of the deck.
US09376169B1 Ratline for modern sailboats and method for providing a removably-positionable ratline
A removably-positionable ratline for modern sailboats comprising an adjustable belt and two shroud vice clamps with a base member and a jaw comprising mating faces with arcs that, when aligned with one another, allow a fastener to be engaged through them so as to hold both components together and form a central opening to grip a shroud cable.
US09376164B2 Electrically assisted vehicle
An electrically assisted vehicle includes a vehicle body, pedals to input human power, a crank that is coupled to the pedals and freely rotatably supported on the vehicle body, a wheel (i.e., at least one wheel) that is attached to the vehicle body and rotates according to a rotation of the crank, a first electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the wheel, a second electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the wheel or another wheel, a torque detection unit that detects a torque applied to the crank, a torque command value calculation unit, and a motor drive unit that drives the first electric motor and second electric motor according to a calculated torque command value. The torque command value calculation unit calculates a first torque command value for the first electric motor and a second torque command value for the second electric motor according to a torque detected by the torque detection unit, and calculates the first and second torque command values such that the first and second torque command values are mutually shifted in phase.
US09376156B2 Bicycle frame with assymetric seat support
A bicycle including front and rear wheels and a frame supported by the front and rear wheels. The rear wheel defines a central plane of the bicycle. The frame includes a main frame and a rear frame that is movable relative to the main frame. The main frame has a seat support with an offset portion that is offset from the central plane. The bicycle also includes a seat supported by the seat support, and a suspension unit coupled between the rear frame and the main frame to inhibit relative movement between the rear frame and the main frame. The suspension unit is positioned with the offset portion of the seat support laterally aligned with a first side of the suspension unit, and a second side of the suspension unit opposite the first side is not laterally aligned with the seat support.
US09376152B2 Multi-axis motorized wheel
A robotic device includes a drive pod defined between multiple wheels coupled to an axle of the drive pod. The robotic device further includes a single mounting shaft coupled to the drive pod and configured to couple the drive pod with a body of the robotic device. The robotic device also includes multiple first motors defined within the drive pod and configured to control multiple first drive gears coupled to a drive shaft gear of the drive pod. The robotic device still further includes a second motor defined within the drive pod and configured to control a second drive gear coupled to a carousel gear of the drive pod.
US09376151B2 Walking robot and control method thereof
A walking robot and a control method thereof. The control method includes performing transition of a second leg to a toe-off state, when ground reaction force applied to a first leg exceeds a first set value under the condition that the first leg is in a swing state and the second leg is in a support state, performing transition of the second leg to the swing state and transition of the first leg to the support state, when ground reaction force applied to the second leg is below a second set value under the condition that the second leg is in the toe-off state, and achieving walking of the walking robot by repeating the transitions among the swing state, the support state and the toe-off state. Thereby, the control method allows the robot to more stably and naturally walk.
US09376148B2 Caterpillar for cable mobile robot and cable mobile robot using the same
Provided herein is a caterpillar for cable mobile robot and a cable mobile robot using the same, the caterpillar for cable mobile robot and cable mobile robot including a case; a plurality of first rotating members configured to rotate and distanced from one another inside the case; a second rotating member configured to rotate and provided between the first rotating members; a belt member mounted to the first rotating members and the second rotating member; and a tension adjuster located between the second rotating members and the first rotating member, and configured to support the belt member at its lower part so that the tension of the belt is adjusted.
US09376146B2 Reinforced structure of a motor vehicle
A reinforced structure is disclosed which includes a structural component as well as a reinforcing part that is arranged in a cavity of the structural component. The reinforcing part can include a support part and a connection, the support part being arranged in the cavity such that a distance between the support part and the structural component at a position of the structural component with a higher probability of deforming under a force load from outside on the structural component is shorter than at a position of the structural component with a lower probability of deforming under a force load from the outside.
US09376141B1 Steering apparatus with multi-steering modes
The present invention relates to a steering system that allows the user to switch between a first steering mode and a second steering mode by a purely mechanical means. This includes, but is not limited to, switching from an all-wheel steering mode to a crab steering mode. The four wheel steering interchange system includes a chassis, a front wheel steering system, a rear wheel steering system, and a steering control link that connects the front wheel steering system and the rear wheel steering system. The four wheel steering interchange system also includes a steering interchange that mechanically switches the steer of the attached vehicle from one mode to a second mode.
US09376137B2 Steering device
A steering device includes: a steering shaft and a column jacket that are telescopically adjustable in an axial direction; a lock plate provided with a plurality of holes; a lock mechanism that moves a tooth such that the tooth advances to the lock plate to be engaged with one of the holes, and retreats from the lock plate to be disengaged from the hole. The lock plate includes a bent portion as a stopper at an end portion of the lock plate in the axial direction, and the stopper restricts a movement of an upper jacket relative to a lower jacket in the axial direction by abutting on the lock mechanism in the axial direction when the steering shaft and the column jacket is telescopically adjusted.
US09376134B2 Media entertainment center for strollers
A media and entertainment center for baby strollers. The center can be incorporated originally into a baby stroller or retrofitted to existing baby strollers. The center includes a V-shaped pocket that extends downwardly from the shade of the stroller and has two main panels and two side panels with the main panels being joined together leaning the bottom of the V-shaped pocket. The main panel that faces the infant carried by the stroller is transparent and the side panels have perforations to allow sound to pass through the V-shaped pocket. A media device can be located within the V-shaped pocket with the viewing screen of the media device facing the transparent panel to enable the infant to see the viewing screen through the main panel and hear the sound through the side panels.
US09376133B2 Stroller
A stroller is provided. A support frame (100) of the stroller includes a pair of vertical bars (120), lengths of which are vertically controllable in a telescopic manner, and provided to be spaced apart from each other, a one-side support (111) and an other-side support (112) respectively disposed at one side and the other side to include horizontal bars (130) having both ends connected to the pair of vertical bars to support the pair of vertical bars, and side supports (150) and a bottom support (160). The stroller also includes extension rods (140) respectively coupled to be capable of vertically moving into or out of upper ends of the vertical bars, an inner sheet (400) formed in a shape corresponding to an internal space of the support frame, detachable members (180) detachably coupled to the extension rods, and a sun cover (500) coupled to the detachable members.
US09376132B1 Car dolly and methods of making and using same
A car dolly comprises a frame having a supporting portion and a tire receiving portion. The supporting portion has a plurality of wheel acceptance areas. The tire receiving portion comprises a pair of angled inner walls and a pair of outer walls. The dolly has a pair of rotatable arms and a reversible saddle. In an extended configuration, each rotatable arm extends above the frame at an angle. In a retracted configuration, each rotatable arm extends generally horizontally underneath the frame.
US09376129B2 Methods and systems for detection and notification of blocked rail crossings
A blocked rail crossing detection and notification system is described. The system includes a processing device, a communications interface communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable for facilitating communications between the processing device and at least one external device, and at least one vehicle detection mechanism placed proximate to a rail grade crossing. The at least one vehicle detection mechanism is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable to provide signals to the processing device indicative of the presence or non-presence of a vehicle within a defined area surrounding an intersection of a roadway and one or more railroad tracks. The processing device is further programmed to communicate the presence or non-presence of a vehicle along with supporting correlative visual data within the defined area to the at least one external device via the communications interface.
US09376119B2 Vehicle-center-of-gravity condition determining apparatus and vehicle behavior control system
A vehicle-center-of-gravity condition determining apparatus includes: a rear wheel brake pressure change unit; a front wheel brake pressure detector; a rear wheel brake pressure detector; a rear wheel axle load estimating unit configured to estimate a rear wheel axle load based on a relationship between front and rear brake pressures detected during braking and a rear wheel axle load property of the rear wheel brake pressure change unit; and a vehicle-center-of-gravity condition determiner configured to determine a center of gravity condition of a vehicle in a vehicle width direction based on the estimated rear wheel axle load. The rear wheel axle load estimating unit is configured to estimate each of the rear wheel axle loads in a case where braking is performed in a state of at least two of during straight running, during right turning, and during left turning.
US09376110B2 Vehicle control apparatus
A vehicle control apparatus is disclosed, which includes a processing device that calculates a target acceleration such that a vehicle speed of a vehicle, which includes a continuously variable transmission, becomes a target vehicle speed; sets a threshold for a change amount of an engine rpm based on the target acceleration; and controls the engine rpm such that the change amount of the engine rpm does not exceed the threshold.
US09376103B2 Traveling mode switching controller of hybrid electric vehicle
A traveling mode switching controller of a hybrid electric vehicle has a velocity detection unit, a state-of-charge detection unit, and a switching control unit for selectively switching among first to third traveling modes. In the first traveling mode, an engine is deactivated and a drive motor is activated to actuate drive wheels. In the second traveling mode, the engine activates a generator to activate the drive motor. In the third traveling mode, the engine activates the drive wheels. When the state of charge is less than a first state of charge, the switching control unit performs switching between the second traveling mode and the third traveling mode at a first velocity. When the state of charge is the first state of charge or more, the switching control unit performs switching between the first traveling mode and the third traveling mode at a predetermined velocity higher than the first velocity.
US09376097B2 Vehicle brake device and method of controlling the same
An object of the invention is to prevent abnormal noise from being generated when the pressure of brake fluid supplied to a brake caliper is reduced.A vehicle brake device includes first and second hydraulic brakes generating a hydraulic brake force and a regenerative brake generating a regenerative brake force and divides a braking force into the hydraulic brake force and the regenerative brake force. The vehicle brake device includes a regulating valve that is provided between the first and second hydraulic brakes and continuously regulates the flow rate of brake fluid flowing to the second hydraulic brake from the first hydraulic brake, and a pressure reducing valve that reduces the pressure of the brake fluid supplied to the second hydraulic brake. An opening of the regulating valve is continuously increased and the pressure reducing valve is opened, when the hydraulic brake force of the first hydraulic brake is reduced.
US09376093B2 System and method for independent braking system enablement
Described herein is a system and method to enable braking system operation independent of conventional aircraft signals, such as those tied to the hibernation commands. Stated another way, the present disclosure relates to the enablement of a braking system in response to an initiation signal. In this way, the crew has the ability to force the braking system out of a hibernation mode into an “emergency type” braking mode if desired. The concepts described herein may be applicable to an electric braking system and to a hydraulic braking system.
US09376092B2 Car wash system
A automatic car washing apparatus is provided with a preparation station including a spray bar joined with an armature. The spray bar is manually moveable to selectively spray certain portions of a vehicle determined by the attendant. The armature provides forces to assist the user in manually manipulating the spray bar to prepare the vehicle to undergo subsequent and/or additional washing or cleaning procedures. A related method is also provided.
US09376089B1 Hinged seatbelt connection
A seat belt system for a vehicle having a vehicle structure and a seat operatively connected to the vehicle structure includes a lap belt having a first end and a second end. The first end of the lap belt includes a buckle element and the second end of the lap belt includes a belt link. The seat belt system also includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable is connected to an anchor and the second end of the cable includes a ferrule. The seat belt system additionally includes a hinge operatively connecting the belt link to the ferrule. The hinge operates to pivot the belt link relative to the ferrule when an occupant of the vehicle is positioned in the seat and restrained by the seatbelt system.
US09376081B2 Airbag device for vehicle
An airbag device for a vehicle may include a main vent hole formed in an airbag cushion and configured to discharge an expanding gas therein, a cover provided to an outer side of the airbag cushion and configured to switch between a state in which the cover is spaced apart from the main vent hole by a given tensile force to open the main vent hole and a state in which the cover is closely adhered to the main vent hole to close the main vent hole, a tether configured to have one end portion connected to the cover and another end portion fixed in the airbag cushion and provide the tensile force to the cover through the main vent hole, and a tether guide.
US09376074B2 Architected automotive impact beam
A curved sandwich impact structure for a vehicle having a micro-truss core. In one embodiment, the sandwich impact structure includes a micro-truss layer sandwiched between two facesheets, a micro-truss layer designed for energy absorption on the outside of one of the facesheets, and a fascia panel in contact with the energy absorbing micro-truss layer.
US09376062B2 Carrier apparatus for vehicle
A carrier apparatus for a vehicle may include guide rails, a carrier, an extending bar, an extending linkage, a support unit and lamps. The guide rails may be symmetrically disposed under a rear bumper beam and extend in a front-rear direction. The carrier may have a panel and sliding rails and be stowed in or drawn out from the rear bumper beam. The extending bar may be coupled to a driving unit disposed on a front of the carrier and extend rearward from the driving unit and be connected to the panel. The extending linkage may include a plurality of links on the the extending bar which open laterally away from the extending bar when the driving unit operates. The support unit may be connected to the links and moves laterally with the links. The lamps may be mounted on the support unit and slide laterally with the support unit.
US09376058B2 Fluid level indicator using photoluminescent illumination
An illumination system for a vehicle container includes a fluid container, a photoluminescent portion disposed on the container, and a light source located proximate the container. The light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate the container.
US09376055B2 Illuminated emblem
An emblem device includes a back plate, an emblem and a lighting device. The emblem overlies the back plate, and has a translucent portion and an opaque portion. The lighting device is disposed between the emblem and the back plate, and is configured and arranged to be able to disperse light though the translucent portion of the emblem.
US09376050B1 Resilient strap member with side rail assembly
A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends, at least one of which is coupled to the strap such that the resilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link within the restraint assembly. A limiter haves at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly, the limiter being longer than the resilient member when the resilient member is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter prevents the resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition. At least one side rail is coupled to the resilient member and the strap, the side rail being positioned aside the resilient member and the strap, the side rail including coupling structure operable to couple the resilient member to the strap.
US09376039B1 Seat back frame assembly with interference member
A seat back frame assembly and seat assembly are provided. The seat back frame assembly includes a pair of side members spaced apart from each other, a top member spaced apart from a bottom member, each of the top and bottom members interconnecting each of the pair of side members so as to define a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge enclosing a back space. An interference member is disposed within the back space and spaced apart from an inner surface of one of the pair of side members. The interference member disposed above a midpoint of the one of the pair of side members and includes a sliding surface angled obtusely with respect to the back space so as to direct an occupant forward of the back space and away from the side member when experiencing a side load.
US09376034B2 Method for minimizing the electricity consumption required for a public transport network and associated algorithmic platform
A method for minimizing the electricity consumption required for a public transport network that includes several consumers such as electric vehicles. When the vehicles brake, they deliver energy which is recoverable by consumers on the network, such as moving vehicles. A timetable of running orders for all the vehicles is produced, taking account of at least the following parameters: a dynamic location of each vehicle, a stop schedule for each vehicle outside a stop zone, a start schedule for each vehicle in a stop zone in the network; depending on time and motion variations in at least one of said parameters, at least some of the running orders in the timetable are modified chronologically according to a criterion for the maximum distribution of energy recovered from braking to consumers potentially actively requiring power. The timetable is delivered to the vehicles. An associated algorithmic platform may implement the novel process.
US09376033B2 Insulating section, power feeding rail, and track transportation system
In an insulating section, a power feeding rail, and a track transportation system, the insulating section extending along a travel direction of a vehicle and connecting electric train lines coming into contact with a pantograph of the vehicle at a contact surface facing the vehicle is characterized by including: a main surface portion formed on a surface which follows a current-conducting surface coming into contact with the pantograph in the electric train line, and having a portion in which a width in an up-down direction orthogonal to the travel direction is larger than the width of the pantograph; and inclined surface portions provided on both sides in the up-down direction on at least the near side in the travel direction of the main surface portion, inclined so as to gradually approach the vehicle as it goes toward the far side from the near side in the travel direction, and connected to the main surface portion.
US09376026B2 System and method for inductance compensation in wireless power transfer
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect an apparatus for wirelessly transferring power from a charging power source to a device is provided. The apparatus includes a first strand wound in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source and a second strand wound together with the first strand in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source. The apparatus further includes an inductor circuit connected to the first strand and disconnected from the second strand. The inductor circuit is further configured to reduce a current difference between a first current flowing through the first strand and a second current flowing through the second strand.
US09376022B2 Battery emulator and methods of use
A dynamic battery emulator for replacing and mimicking the characteristics of a battery in a portable electronic device when the device is located in or on a vehicle can include a power control module capable of varying its output voltage to adapt to the voltage requirements of an attached portable electronic device; an input for conveying electrical power from the vehicle's electrical system to the power control module; an output for providing electrical power to the portable electronic device; an output for communicating a control signal from the power adaptor to the portable electronic device to selectively turn on and off the portable electronic device; a battery replacement module configured to replace the battery in a portable electronic device and including battery replacement circuitry for transferring electrical power from the power control module to the portable electronic device via the output for providing electrical power; an ignition sense controller for determining the power state of the vehicle's electrical system; and in communication with the ignition sense controller, at least one timer and switch for reducing the conveyance of electrical power from the vehicle's electrical system to the portable electronic device at a predetermined time after the vehicle's ignition or electrical system is turned off.
US09376018B2 System and method for determining when a task may be performed on a vehicle
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining when a task may be performed on a vehicle that is moving. The method includes generating a driver workload value based on at least one task parameter describing a predetermined attribute of the task and preventing a user from performing the task if the driver workload value exceeds a predetermined driver workload threshold and the vehicle is moving.
US09376016B2 Method and apparatus for indicating a driving mode change to a driver by idle vehicle travel
A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle having at least one drive unit in the form of an internal combustion engine that is actuated by an accelerator pedal and a control unit that interacts with the accelerator pedal. Haptic feedback on the accelerator pedal indicates to a driver that a defined action causing a change in the driving mode is about to be initiated and carried out. The haptic feedback is realized as idle travel defined in a characteristic curve stored in the control unit of the accelerator pedal proceeding from the specific accelerator pedal travel.
US09376012B2 Vehicle fuel filler system seal
A fuel door assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The fuel door assembly includes a housing, a fuel door and a door seal. The fuel door is hingedly supported by the housing for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door seal includes a proximal edge supported by the housing and a distal edge separated from the housing. The door seal has an arcuate shape extending from the proximal edge to the distal edge when the fuel door is in the open position.
US09376004B2 Anti-vibration device for vehicle
An anti-vibration device for a vehicle including a rod (11) fixed to an engine (1) at one end portion (12) thereof and fixed to a vehicle body at the other end portion (13) thereof, an inertia mass (15) supported on the rod (11), an actuator (17) operative to reciprocate the inertia mass in an axial direction of the rod, and an acceleration sensor (21) that detects vibration of the rod in the axial direction. The acceleration sensor (21) is disposed between the one end portion (12) of the rod (11) and the other end portion (13) of the rod (11). Accordingly, sensitivity to pitch vibration of the rod (11) is reduced so that accuracy in detection of rigid body resonance in the axial direction is enhanced.
US09375996B2 Device and method for controlling compressor of vehicles based on acceleration condition of vehicle
A device and a method for a controlling compressor of vehicles may include a cabin temperature sensor, an outdoor temperature sensor, an evaporator temperature sensor, an engine speed sensor, and a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle opening, a condenser, an evaporator, a temperature control door controlling a temperature of an air flowed in a cabin, an intake door selectively flowing an inner air or an outer air in the cabin, and a blower blowing the air to the intake door, and a controller controlling an operation of the air conditioning system, wherein the controller decides a acceleration mode and an allowable temperature at each acceleration mode when an acceleration condition occurs, and decreases an operation of the compressor according to a difference between the evaporator temperature and the allowable temperature.
US09375990B2 Suspension control device
Provided is a configuration including a basic input amount detecting unit configured to calculate a basic input amount of the vehicle, based on wheel speed fluctuation amount which a wheel speed sensor has detected; a first target current setting unit configured to set a first target current, based on the basic input amount; a second target current setting unit configured to set a second target current, based on vehicle acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor; and a damper control unit configured to control dampers, based on the first target current if a vehicle behavior control device is not operating, and based on the second target current if the vehicle behavior control device is operating.
US09375989B2 Vehicle suspension system
A vehicle suspension system is provided where two or more flexible members are arranged in a non-planar way with a distance there between. These flexible members are being rigidly mounted between a frame structure of a vehicle and a wheel structure of the vehicle and the arrangement of the flexible members is so as to provide guided suspension and being resistive against forces other than those in the intended direction of the suspension movement.
US09375986B1 Cart and hitch insert apparatus for a vehicle
A special hitch insert, adapted to receive a rolling cart, can be inserted into a standard vehicle hitch. The hitch insert allows the cart to be loaded at ground level, rolled to the rear of the vehicle, and secured to the hitch insert by using the cart as a lever to raise the cart and lock it onto the hitch insert at the level of the receiving hitch.
US09375983B2 Apparatus for displaying a tire pressure state for vehicle tires of a truck trailer
An apparatus for displaying the state of the tire pressure for a vehicle tire of a truck trailer includes a lamp to optically display the tire pressure state. An arm is provided with the lamp arranged thereon. A mount fixes the arm to the truck trailer and the arm is made substantially of an elastomer material so as to cause the arm to be flexibly deformable when colliding with a foreign object. The arm reverts back to its initial configuration after such a collision as a result of its elastic material characteristic.
US09375977B2 Vehicle wheel
Provided is a one piece vehicle wheel capable of obtaining design having a high-class feeling, improving the cleaning property, reducing the weight, and easily adjusting the weight balance without deteriorating the design. A one piece type vehicle wheel 1 is provided with a cylindrical rim 2, a disk 3 provided inside the rim 2, and a plurality of spokes 7 each of which extends from the central part of the disk 3 toward the rim 2 and has an outer end connected to the rim. A boundary groove 23 is formed on a design surface side of the vehicle wheel 1 along the boundary between the rim 2 and each of the spokes 7.
US09375968B2 Plastic film for printing by dye diffusion thermal transfer printing
The invention relates to a special layer construction and a special film of plastic for the production of such a layer construction which is suitable for printing by means of dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, a process for the production thereof and a security and/or valuable document comprising such a layer construction.
US09375962B1 System and method for identification of marks in printed test patterns
A method of analyzing a printed test pattern includes printing first and second rows of marks, each row including at least two pluralities of marks. A gap between two pluralities of marks in the first row is located in a first position in a cross-process direction that is different than a second position of another gap between pluralities of marks in the second row. A controller identifies the first row of marks with reference to a predetermined set of image data corresponding to the first row of marks including the first plurality of marks, the second plurality of marks, and the gap in the first row.
US09375961B2 Print control apparatus, print control method, and storage medium
A print control apparatus includes an acquiring unit, a receiving unit, and a print control unit. The acquiring unit acquires an attribute of print paper set in a printing apparatus. The receiving unit receives a category, designated by a user, of the attribute of the print paper to be used by the printing apparatus. The print control unit causes the printing apparatus to print an image in accordance with the attribute in a case where the category received by the receiving unit and a category including the attribute acquired by the acquiring unit are matched.
US09375960B2 Spring fixing member and ink jet recording head
A coil spring fixing member includes: a mount member having an arrangement surface on which an end portion of the coil spring is disposed; a boss provided on the arrangement surface, on which boss the coil spring is fitted; and a protrusion provided at a site on a side surface of the boss, the site being apart from the arrangement surface by at least a wire diameter of the coil spring, wherein the protrusion is engaged with winding of the coil spring disposed between the arrangement surface and the protrusion, and a portion of the boss ranging includes a first region having a first diameter, and a second region which is nearer to the end portion than the first region and has a diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a step intervenes between the first region and the second region.
US09375955B2 Printing apparatus and control method
A printing apparatus includes a printing unit, a first and second conveying units conveying a printing medium, a driving unit driving the conveying units and a control unit controlling the driving unit. A load mutually acting on the conveying units through the medium in a conveyance state by the conveying units is recursively calculated for each predetermined conveyance unit while setting the initial value to 0. The driving unit is controlled based on the calculation result at the time of the transition to suppress a fluctuation in a conveyance amount at the time of the transition of the conveyance state of the medium from the conveyance state by the conveying units to a conveyance state only by the second conveying unit.
US09375932B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus performs a wiping process for wiping a nozzle forming face while a leaking process for leaking liquid from a plurality of nozzle groups is performed by setting a pressure difference to a second pressure difference which is smaller than a first pressure difference, after performing a discharging process for discharging liquid from a part of nozzle groups among the plurality of nozzle groups by setting the pressure difference to the first pressure difference, when a difference which is obtained by subtracting an external pressure which is a pressure in a space to which a nozzle is open from an internal pressure which is a pressure of liquid in the nozzle included in the plurality of nozzle groups which eject liquid is set to the pressure difference.
US09375928B2 Fluid ejection device with mixing beads
In an embodiment, a fluid ejection device includes a die substrate with a chiclet adhered by its front side to the die substrate. The fluid ejection device also includes an ink delivery slot formed through the chiclet from its back side to its front side. The fluid ejection device further includes a mixing bead at the back side of the chiclet, adjacent the ink delivery slot.
US09375927B1 Apparatus and process for digital printing on articles
An apparatus for digital printing on articles (2), comprises a drum (3) rotatable about a central axis (C), carrying piece-holder elements (4) circumferentially distributed around said central axis (C) and each configured for carrying an article (2) being processed. The drum (3) rotates to transfer the piece-holder element (4) through printing stations (9) carrying printheads (10), each operating according to a printing area (15) of predetermined length (L), to create a printing pattern (M) on a side surface (2a) of each article (2), driven in rotation around its own axis (X). Auxiliary movement devices (21) shift the printhead (10) parallel to the main extension direction (D) of the printing area to allow the articles to be processed having an extension greater than the length of the printing area (15). It is also described a printing process implemented by the apparatus.
US09375926B1 Membrane bond alignment for electrostatic ink jet printhead
An electrostatic ink jet printhead having an electrostatic actuator with improved resistance to adverse effects resulting from misalignment of a body layer to a gap standoff layer. In an embodiment, first and second portions of the gap standoff layer each have a first width and first and second sections of the body have each have a second width that is wider than the first width. Even with an amount of misalignment, the first and second sections of the body layer define nodes for an actuator membrane, thereby maintaining an effective width (WE) of the actuator membrane that is equal to a target width (WT) of the actuator membrane.
US09375923B2 Piezoelectric element, liquid droplet discharging head, liquid droplet discharging device, image forming apparatus, and manufacturing method of piezoelectric element
A piezoelectric element includes a vibration plate; a lower electrode; a piezoelectric film; and an upper electrode, which are laminated in the stated order. An electric field is applied to the piezoelectric film by the lower electrode and the upper electrode. A shape of the piezoelectric film near a boundary face between the piezoelectric film and the upper electrode as viewed from a lamination direction of the piezoelectric film and the upper electrode, is substantially the same as a shape of the upper electrode. A width of the piezoelectric film precipitously extends from an end of the boundary face. A thickness of the piezoelectric film in an area in the width of the piezoelectric film where the upper electrode is not formed, is formed to be proportionate to the precipitous extension of the width of the piezoelectric film.
US09375919B2 Inkjet printing apparatus, inkjet printing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
The inkjet printing apparatus uses a different scanning condition in printing for a unit region on the back side of a printing medium corresponding to a unit region on the front side of the printing medium where cockling is estimated to occur.
US09375915B2 Screen printing machine and screen printing method
In a screen printing that shifts squeegees in a horizontal direction while abutting the squeegees against a mask, and slides the squeegees on the mask, and scrapes up the paste on the mask so that opening portions are filled with the paste to transfer the paste onto the substrate, a larger amount of paste Ps is supplied to regions in which the paste is scraped up by the end portions of the squeegee than a region in which the paste is scraped up by a center portion of the squeegee on the mask.
US09375907B2 Production system for producing fibre composite material components
To produce a fiber composite material component, a production system has a mold providing unit with at least one component mold. Fiber composite material can be applied to the at least one component mold by means of at least two production units. The at least two production units can be moved for this purpose on a guide path. The guide path runs round the mold providing unit so that the at least two production units can travel round the mold providing unit along the guide path. The productivity and flexibility of production can thereby be increased.
US09375899B2 Gypsum composites used in fire resistant building components
A composite product includes gypsum in an amount of 70 to 90% by weight, fibers in an amount of 1.5 to 26% by weight substantially homogeneously distributed through the composite, and a rheology-modifying agent in an amount of 0.5 to 6% by weight. The composite is caused or allowed to cure to form a cured composite. The cured composite is a fire resistant component used in a fire-rated door core, a fire-rated door or a fire-rated building panel. The fire resistant component may include a building panel, a door panel, a door core, a door rail, a door stile, a door lock block, a door border, or a door insert.
US09375893B2 Automotive panels
A panel construction suitable for automotive parts comprises (a) a first composite fiber mat layer (b) adjacent to and covering a face of the fiber mat, a thermoplastic polymer film and optionally (c) adjacent to and covering the thermoplastic film, a second composite fiber mat layer, where the fiber mats comprise non-woven fibers or fabrics and a cured acrylic resin binder. The thermoplastic film is preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane film. The construction preferably contains no adhesive layer between components (a), (b) and (c).
US09375890B2 Extrusion-molding device and method for producing molded body using same
The extrusion-molding device of the invention includes a flow passage for transporting a paste raw material composition; a screw provided at an upstream side of the flow passage to knead the raw material composition and transport it to a downstream side; a die provided at a downstream side of the flow passage to extrude a molded body composed of the raw material composition therefrom; a resistive tube for connecting the flow passage and the die; and a current plate provided between the screw and the die. The current plate comprises a plurality of through-holes that penetrate from a upstream end side to a downstream end side, and an opening of the through-hole on the upstream end side has a larger open area than an opening on the downstream end side.
US09375888B2 Method for the manufacturing of a cladding element for a passenger cabin of a vehicle
A method for manufacturing a cladding element for a passenger cabin of a vehicle is provided. A first layer is introduced into a forming shell. A support layer is provided onto the first layer, such that the first layer extends beyond an edge of the support layer. An elastic material strip is provided onto a portion of the first layer hat extends beyond the support layer, such that the material strip is flush with the edge of the support layer. A second layer is provided onto the support layer, such that a portion of the second layer extends beyond the edge of the support layer and is superimposed on the material strip. The forming shell is closed and a pressure is exerted on the layer arrangement accommodated in the forming shell at a temperature between 50° C. to 100° C., to form a sandwich structure.
US09375871B2 Imprint process, and transfer substrate and adhesive used therewith
The imprint process of the invention includes at least an adhesion layer-formation step, a filling step, a curing step, and a releasing step. In the adhesion layer-formation step, an adhesive including a compound including in one molecule a tetravalent atom having one hydrolysable group and two inert group, and a reactive functional group bonded to the atom is brought into contact with a substrate blank that is then scrubbed thereby forming an adhesion layer on the substrate blank to prepare a transfer substrate. In the filling step, a mold is located in proximity to the transfer substrate with a work-material interleaved between the mold and the adhesion layer to fill the work-material up in a transfer shape area of the mold; in the curing step, the work-material is cured; and in the releasing step, the mold is released off from the work-material.
US09375867B2 Transfer film for in-mold molding and method for producing same
Provided is a transfer film for in-mold molding which is superior in solvent resistance, heat resistance, durability, blocking resistance, and moldability, and is capable of suppressing the generation of gate flow, and also provided is a method for producing such a film. The film is provided with: a transfer layer (11) which is to be transferred to an in-mold molded body and which is to be cured when irradiated with active energy rays after the transfer; and a film shaped substrate (L0). The transfer layer (11) comprises an IMD layer (L2) laminated on the substrate (L0) and to be arranged on the outermost surface of the molded body after the in-mold molding. The IMD layer (L2) is constituted by a mixture composition containing at least one active-energy curable resin and at least one thermosetting resin.
US09375861B2 Tower
A concrete tower manufactured by an apparatus comprising a slipform, which is circumferentially guided in such a way that the slipform slides helically on top of the end face of the tower is provided. During the sliding, concrete is disposed by the slipform to the end face of the tower. After numerous revolutions, a low-cost tower is erected.
US09375859B2 Device for slicing of food products
An apparatus for slicing food products, in particular sausage, meat or cheese, includes a product support for at least one product, a cutting blade which is disposed after the product support and to which the product can be supplied along a conveying direction, and at least one product holder movable along the conveying direction and cooperating with the product at least at times during the slicing procedure, wherein the product support has a loading zone which is disposed between a starting position and an end position of the product holder and in which the product support can be loaded with the product and wherein the product holder is movable from the end position back into the start position while bypassing the loading zone.
US09375852B2 Rotational hydraulic joints
A rotational hydraulic joint may include an extension chamber and a retraction chamber. Each chamber may include an end cap and a piston that moves relative to the end cap. One or more ports may add and remove fluid from the chamber. The rotational hydraulic joint may rotate in a cyclical direction when fluid is added to the extension chamber and in a countercyclical direction when fluid is added to the retraction chamber. The chambers may each include a torus-shaped cavity. Bladders may prevent fluid from leaking out of the rotational hydraulic joint. Stationary and movable electrodes may be coupled to the end cap and piston respectively. A plurality of rotational hydraulic joints may be combined to create a compound joint.
US09375843B2 Protocol for a remotely controlled videoconferencing robot
A robotic system that includes a robot and a remote station. The remote station can generate control commands that are transmitted to the robot through a broadband network. The control commands can be interpreted by the robot to induce action such as robot movement or focusing a robot camera. The robot can generate reporting commands that are transmitted to the remote station through the broadband network. The reporting commands can provide positional feedback or system reports on the robot.
US09375837B2 Arm structure
When the compression spring is compressed due to the relative displacement of the stopper which occurs in response to the tilt angle of the arm structure, the compression spring is compressed by the small relative displacement of the stopper over its entire body in the longitudinal direction, so that a repulsive force is obtained which varies little over the entire range of the tilt angle, enabling support of the heavy object in a stable condition.
US09375825B2 Polishing pad conditioning system including suction
A system for use in substrate polishing includes a conditioner system for conditioning a surface of a polishing pad and a vacuum system having a vacuum port. The conditioner system includes a conditioner head constructed to receive an abrasive conditioner component. The vacuum system is configured to apply suction through the vacuum port to the surface of the polishing pad in a direction away from the surface to remove material on the surface.
US09375824B2 Adjustment of polishing rates during substrate polishing with predictive filters
A measured characterizing value dependent on a thickness of a region of a substrate is input into a first predictive filter. The first predictive filter generates a filtered characterizing value. A measured characterizing rate at which the measured characterizing value changes is input into a second predictive filter. The second predictive filter generates a filtered characterizing rate of the region of the substrate. The measured characterizing value and the measured characterizing rate are determined based on in-situ measurements made at or before a first time during a polishing process of the substrate. A desired characterizing rate is determined to be used for polishing the region of the substrate after the first time and before a second, later time based on the filtered characterizing value and the filtered characterizing rate.
US09375820B2 Method and system for finishing glass sheets
A method of finishing glass sheets includes forming a stack comprising alternating layers of unfinished glass sheets and spacer pads. The stack is such that there is no physical contact between any two adjacent unfinished glass sheets and outer edges of the spacer pads are recessed relative to outer edges of the unfinished glass sheets. The stack is secured by clamping the unfinished glass sheets and spacer pads together and then supported on a working surface. The unfinished glass sheets of the stack are finished simultaneously while the stack is supported on the working surface. After the finishing, the stack comprises alternating layers of finished glass sheets and spacer pads.
US09375797B2 Filing fixture
A fixture configured to file a chain of a chain saw. The fixture includes at least one pair of flanges, wherein each of the flanges has a first end and a second end. Further, a first connecting portion connects the flanges at their first ends, and a second connecting portion connects the flanges at their second ends. Further, the first connecting portion includes a pair of counter holds configured to provide area contact with a guide bar of the chain saw. The fixture also includes a cam portion pivotally coupled to the second connecting portion, wherein the cam portion and at least one of the counter holds simultaneously secure the fixture to the guide bar.
US09375791B2 Polygonal turning insert
The present disclosure relates to a polygonal turning insert having primary cutting edges, which individually include a nose edge and two main edges, which converge toward the same. Behind the nose edge, chip-directing guide surfaces are formed, on one hand, with a breast surface included in a knob situated behind the nose edge along a bisector between the main edges, and, on the other hand, with a pair of flank surfaces included in a land there behind. At a distance behind the knob, there is formed a second breast surface, the upper part of which is situated on a higher level than the upper part of the first breast surface. In such a way, it is guaranteed that thin chips, which tend to pass or jump over the first breast surface without being affected by the same, will impinge on the second, higher breast surface and be subjected to guiding by the same.
US09375785B2 Molten metal holding and pouring box with dual pouring nozzles
A molten metal holding and pouring box with a rectangular-shaped upper section and a pyramidal-shaped lower section provides a relatively constant flow of molten metal being poured from the box through each of two bottom nozzles into two separate foundry molds at the same time. The two bottom nozzles are contained in a unitary dual nozzle assembly that facilitates replacement as required by wear, or a change in location of the sprue cups in the two separate foundry molds being filled with molten metal.
US09375783B2 Discontinuous short fiber preform and fiber-reinforced aluminum billet and methods of manufacturing the same
Discontinuous fiber preforms, fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites, and methods of making same are disclosed. A fiber preform includes a milled fiber material having a weighted average fiber length of about 0.03 mm to 0.12 mm and/or a percent fiber volume fraction of the fiber preform of about 15% to about 55%. The milled fiber material is at least substantially free of a binder material. A fiber-reinforced MMC includes a milled fiber material having a weighted-average fiber length of about 0.03 mm to 0.12 mm and/or a percent fiber volume fraction of the fiber preform of about 15% to about 55%. The fiber-reinforced MMC further includes a metal infiltrated into the milled fiber material. The milled fiber material is at least substantially free of a binder material. The milled fiber can be substantially uniformly oriented and/or randomly oriented in the fiber preform and/or the fiber-reinforced MMC.
US09375777B2 Stock ejector assembly
A stock ejector assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a stock ejector with a large spring and a ring-style stripper. The ring-style stripper provides a larger surface area for contacting the stock. The large compression spring is preloaded and when a load is applied, the stripper retracts and the spring pressure increases. When the dies separate, the stock ejector pushes the part off flat surfaces, separating surfaces sealed by adhesion, including but not limited to oil or lubricant adhesion.
US09375769B2 Method for manufacturing drive shaft
Disclosed in a method for manufacturing a drive shaft which comprises forming a first shaft unit by shrinking one side of a metallic pipe which has a uniform first strength; decreasing the thickness of an intermediate portion of the metallic pipe by drawing the intermediate portion of the metallic pipe which is integral with the first shaft unit; forming at an inner side surface of the other side of the metallic pipe a strength decrease unit which has a second strength smaller than the first strength, by heat-treating by a predetermined distance the inner side surface of the other side being opposite to one side of the metallic pipe; and forming a second shaft unit without transforming any portion of the intermediate portion by shrinking the metallic pipe which has the strength decrease unit, wherein the second shaft unit is formed by applying compression force to a portion where the strength decrease unit in the metallic pipe is formed, in a predetermine direction being vertical with respect to the axial direction of the metallic pipe.
US09375768B2 Environmental remediation process
The present invention is directed to a method of oxidizing an organic compound present in soil, groundwater, process water or wastewater comprising contacting such organic compound with a persulfate and ferrous lactate.
US09375765B1 Tube scraper projectile
Tube scrapper projectiles for tube cleaning applications such as condenser and chiller tube cleaning utilizing projectile-based mechanical agitation of tubes and pipes. In some cases, the tube cleaning projectiles are configured for selectable indexing of various biasing levels for the blades and in some cases the biasing elements comprise a plurality of arcuate and/or tapered beams oriented axially along the scraper projectile.
US09375761B1 Methods for modifying non-standard frac sand to sand with fracking properties
Methods for converting non-standard frac sand into sand with fracking properties using at least one jet pump.
US09375753B2 Methods for preparing multilayer composites using calendered films and products produced from same
Described herein are methods for preparing multilayer composites comprising a fiberglass substrate encapsulated, at least in part, by a calendered film; along with products produced from same. The methods improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process and provide a product with improved performance characteristics.
US09375747B2 Valve, in particular glue valve
The valve, in particular glue valve, consists of a valve housing (10) and of a plug unit (11) fitted thereto. The two parts are assembled separately, with connecting clips (41, 42) being connected to the plug unit (11) and, when the plug unit (11) is fitted onto the valve housing (10), being connected to the latter, namely to the coil core (15), via clamping members.
US09375735B2 Rotary atomizer edge guard
The invention relates to rotary bell cup atomizers used in the coating of substrates; more particularly, the invention provides a protective cover for the outer atomizing edge of such devices during idle periods in the coating process, which cover is retractable to expose the atomizing edge and permit unimpeded conventional coating to proceed upon initiation of coating.
US09375729B2 Cassette and system component insertable into a centrifuge in cooperation with the cassette
The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a positioning means (3a, 3b) engageable with a counter-piece on a centrifuge having a rotor for separating blood components or on a system component (4) arranged in a centrifuge. The positioning is effected such that a section of the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) is aligned with a section of the centrifuge or the system component arranged in the centrifuge. Furthermore, a tube connected with bags is accommodated in the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b).
US09375726B2 Apparatus including placer-gold processing system and method therefor
An apparatus includes a placer-gold processing system, including: (A) an upstream section; (B) a gold-concentrator assembly being configured to be in fluid communication with the upstream section; (C) a gold-detection assembly being configured to be in fluid communication with the gold-concentrator assembly; and (D) a magnetite-separator assembly being configured to be in fluid communication with the gold-concentrator assembly.
US09375719B2 Lateral wall for a roller press
A lateral wall arrangement for laterally bounding the roller gap of a roller press having rollers supported in a machine frame, driven in opposite directions, and forming a roller gap, comprising a lateral wall, an assembly device, and a suspension for the lateral wall, wherein the lateral wall is supported in a spring-loaded manner by the suspension. The suspension is a linkage in the simplest case. It is thus achieved in an advantageous manner that the lateral wall is both easy to dismantle and is able to follow deflection motions of the rollers.
US09375712B2 Lab on a chip
A Lab On a Chip (LOC) comprises: a sample inlet for receiving a liquid sample; and a Sample Preparation Module (SPM) coupled to the sample inlet. The SPM comprises: a mixing chamber; a reagent chamber containing a reagent; a semi-permeable membrane oriented between the mixing chamber and the reagent chamber; and a tuned energy source, wherein the tuned energy source selectively causes contents of the reagent chamber to expand and pass through the semi-permeable membrane into the mixing chamber to mix the reagent with the liquid sample. The LOC further comprises a microchannel coupled to the SPM; a light source; an optic module optically proximate to the microchannel; and a plurality of lenses within the optic module, wherein each lens has a different effective focal length for generating a single composite image of an object passing through the microchannel.
US09375694B2 Device with dilated oxidation zone for gasifying feedstock
A downdraft gasifier that utilizes a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth), which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.
US09375683B2 Filtration with internal fouling control
Filtration processes and systems are provided for the separation of a filterable fluid stream by a filtration membrane module with uniform transmembrane pressure and flux along the membrane and internal control of membrane fouling via intermittent periodic reduction of the pressure differential between the permeate and retentate sides of the membrane and/or backwashing cycles during separation, recovery, and/or purification of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, biologically produced polymers and other compounds or materials from aqueous fluids.
US09375670B2 Air purification system
An air purification system including a Particle Phase Pollutant (PPP) treatment section (9) having an air inlet (14) and an air outlet (15), a particle removal filter, (11) and a blower (12) to draw air from the air inlet (14) of the PPP treatment section (9) to pass through the particle removal filter (11) and exit through the air outlet (15) of the PPP treatment section (9). The system also includes a Gas Phase Pollutant (GPP) treatment section (10) installed at a downstream position of the particle removal filter (11) of the PPP treatment section (9), the GPP treatment section (10) having an air inlet (19) and an air outlet (20), a gas removal filter (16) with high filter air flow resistance, and a blower (17) located at a downstream position of the gas removal filter (16) to draw air from the air inlet (19) of the GPP treatment section (10) to pass through the gas removal filter (16) and exit through the air outlet (20) of the GPP treatment section (10). In addition, airflows of the GPP treatment section (10) and PPP treatment section (9) are directed by their respective blower (12, 17), and a portion of the air exiting the air outlet (15) of the PPP treatment section (9) is directed through the air inlet (19) of the GPP treatment section (10).
US09375664B2 Filter assembly
A filter assembly includes a housing defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet in communication with the cavity and establishing a flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A filter is disposed in the cavity between the inlet and the outlet. The filter includes a vertex extending transversely to the flow path for diffusing the flow of fluid and increasing the surface area of the filter. The filter includes a pair of legs spaced from each other and each extending across the flow path from the vertex to the housing. The legs extend transversely to each other at the vertex with one of the legs extending along a first arcuate path from the vertex to the housing and the other of the legs extending along a second arcuate path different than the first arcuate path from the vertex to the housing.
US09375652B2 Confetti cannon and method of manufacturing and use thereof
A confetti cannon includes a one-piece housing. The one-piece housing has a confetti hopper, a launch tube, and a valve housing. The valve housing has an inlet connected to an internal valve. Whereby, the confetti hopper, the launch tube, and the valve housing are integrally formed to create the one-piece housing. The internal valve can be an electric solenoid valve for controlling the confetti cannon remotely.
US09375651B2 Toy glove including fluid retaining portion
A toy glove is disclosed, and includes an inflatable user engagement portion and a fluid retention portion. The fluid retention portion is affixed to the user engagement portion and includes an attachment layer, an absorbent layer, and a retention layer. The absorbent layer is configured to absorb and retain fluid, and is compressible under an applied force so that fluid stored in the absorbent layer is displaced therefrom under pressure. The retention layer covers the absorbent layer and is semi-permeable so that the retention layer inhibits fluid at an equilibrium state from flowing therethrough and allows at least a portion of the fluid displaced from the absorbent layer under pressure to pass therethrough.
US09375650B1 Electric power airplane conversion kit
A toy paper airplane conversion kit has a nose-piece with a combination capacitor mounting portion and nose clip connected to a rear, electric motor driven propeller unit by a lead receiving, square section conductor conduit which keys into a complementary socket of the motor mount, maintaining the rear propeller unit tilted upward. The nose-piece has a combination capacitor mount and nose clip with two paper-clamping, cantilever spring arms extending rearwardly in spaced-apart, coplanar, side-by-side relation under the capacitor mounting portion and having converging portions adjacent rear free ends and, a stubby, paper spreading, crease stuffing fin from the nose-piece, rearward of free ends of the springs. The capacitor mouth receiving a charging plug of a battery pack unit.
US09375637B2 Game machine for displaying option screen and game program for displaying option screen
In a game machine 1 for displaying an option screen that displays an option constitution image SEP indicating two or more options CHC on a display 11 so as to select the options by a player, two or more options are located on the option constitution image SEP, being scattered on a plane when displaying the options CHC. When locating the options on the option constitution image and displaying these, such a control is done that the letters comprising each option are set by a different size and the options having respectively different size of letters are located on the option constitution image. The letters comprising each option displayed on the option constitution image are enlarged or reduced every option at a predetermined display time cycle.
US09375635B2 System and method for improving the graphics performance of hosted applications
A system and method for efficiently performing graphics operations on a video game/application hosting service. One embodiment of a system comprises: an application/game server comprising a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit generating a series of video frames; a buffer management logic to manage the series of video frames; a shared buffer managed by the buffer management logic to store the video frames generated; wherein the buffer management logic continually monitors a signal indicating when a video display or video compression unit is ready to receive a next video frame and, responsive to detecting that the display or video compression unit is about to be ready, the buffer management logic to transfer the most recently completed from the shared buffer to a back buffer; and responsive to detecting the signal, the buffer management logic transferring the video frame from the back buffer to a front buffer.
US09375634B2 Fusible bead toy
A fusible bead toy includes a particulate bead. The particulate bead is made of a transparent and water soluble resin. The particulate bead has a shape of polyhedron.
US09375629B2 Method and apparatus for visual simulation of exercise
A method and apparatus to receive a measure of heart rate for a user while the user is exercising on a stationary exercise device, calculate a speed of the user based on the measure of heart rate, and display on a display device viewable by the user a location of where the user would be along a selected route based on the user's speed.
US09375628B2 Associative object tracking systems and methods
Systems and methods track a first object when continuous tracking information for the first object is not available. The systems and methods detect when the tracking information for the first object is not available. A last time of a last determined location of the first object is determined and a second object closest to the last determined location at the last time is determined. The location of the first object is associated with a location of the second object if tracking information for the first object is not available.
US09375626B2 Rotatable weight tree
The present embodiments are directed to a rack adapted to support a plurality of weighted plates. Such a rack is commonly known as a “weight tree” or “plate tree” due to the extensions that branch out from the center of the rack. The embodiments described herein may feature extensions that rotate about a central vertical axis so that weight plates stored on the weight tree are easily accessible to a user. In further embodiments, the weight tree may be assembled/disassembled so that individual components of the weight tree may be elsewhere employed, such as on another weight tree or on lifting equipment (e.g., a Smith machine, bench press, squat rack, etc.) adapted to receive such components.
US09375623B2 Method for training and improving overhand throwing
Methods for training and improving overhand throwing. A first embodiment of a method includes training exercises performed using a system which includes at least one upper arm that extends from a central body. A pathway marked by indicia extends down the upper arm curving to indicate the correct motion for a desired overhand throw. A flexible slap card may be located along the pathway for use in a first training exercise. The body may include a hole positioned and sized for use as a target for a second training exercise.
US09375622B2 Perfect swing baseball training apparatus
A swing guide training apparatus may have a base with a vertical support where the vertical support can adjust the height of the apparatus. Opposite the base, there is a pair of swing guide arms forming a swing guide assembly. These swing guide arms are open on each end and are connected by a U-shaped member allowing a bat to be swung through the space provided by the swing guide assembly. The U-shaped member can be compressed or expanded to change the width of the swinging channel. Additionally, other features may be present such as a mount for holding a baseball and a device to measure the speed of the bat as it is swung through the swing channel. The swing guide assembly rotates to accommodate batters that are left and right handed.
US09375619B2 Golf club shaft
An adjustable length golf club shaft having a grip portion with an end point is disclosed. A locking element is located within the grip portion and a lower shaft having an inner surface that is in frictional contact with the locking element is also disclosed. The locking element is configured to engage the inner surface of the lower shaft. A total length of the golf club shaft is adjustable by a distance of at least one inch and a total weight of the golf club shaft in a weight zone is less than 110 g. The weight zone is defined as a region of the golf club shaft extending from the end point of the grip portion up to 11″ along a central axis of the golf club shaft toward a tip portion of the shaft.
US09375616B2 Interchangeable shaft system
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.
US09375604B2 Adjustable pedal assembly for fitness machine
An adjustable pedal assembly for use in a fitness machine is disclosed to include a pedal holder frame including two lateral plates, two guide axles connected in parallel between the lateral plates and a mounting unit for mounting on the fitness machine, two pedals slidably supported on the guide axles of the pedal holder frame, and an adjustment device including an actuation member inserted through and connected with the pedals and rotatable to move the pedals relative to each other, and a rotary adjustment knob fastened to one end of the actuation member and operable to rotate the actuation member in adjusting the transverse distance between the two pedals.
US09375600B2 Figure trimmer
A figure trimmer comprises a chassis, a pedal set, a rotating assembly, at least a first elastic component, and at least a second elastic component. The pedal set is arranged on the chassis and is able to restrictedly rotate in horizontal and vertical direction. The rotating assembly couples to the pedal set and the chassis, so as to drive the pedal set rotating in the horizontal direction. When the pedal set rotates in the horizontal direction, the first elastic component exerts an opposite reaction force to the pedal set. When the pedal set rotates in the vertical direction, the second elastic component exerts an opposite reaction force to the pedal set.
US09375587B2 Low dose-rate radiation for medical and veterinary therapies with three dimensionally shaped profiles
Various embodiments relate to a method of performing microbeam radiation therapy (microbeam radiosurgery) for a subject, including: producing a high-energy radiation beam; shaping, attenuating, strengthening, hardening and/or otherwise appropriately modifying the high-energy radiation beam using a low-Z, high-Z, or variable-Z filter; passing the beam before or after it has been so modified through a collimator to produce high-dose regions alternating with low-dose regions; and irradiating the subject with the collimated beam so modified.
US09375575B2 Short duration pre-pulsing to reduce stimulation-evoked side-effetcs
A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is placed in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs).
US09375574B2 System and method of providing computer assisted stimulation programming (CASP)
A computer assisted programming method includes ramping up a stimulation current for a plurality of contacts on a lead. Patient feedback is received while the stimulation current is being ramped up. Patient feedback indicates that the patient is beginning to feel stimulation. Based on the patient feedback, amplitude of the stimulation current that resulted in the patient feedback is recorded, and contacts are divided into groups. The contacts are activated one group at a time to the recorded amplitude. For each activated group of contacts, whether the patient can feel stimulation is determined. Thereafter, the target group that caused the patient to feel stimulation is then sub-divided into sub-groups. This process repeats a plurality of cycles until one or more contacts that caused the patient to feel stimulation are identified. The recorded amplitude is assigned as a perception threshold for the identified one or more contacts.
US09375571B2 Mobile phone using non-invasive nerve stimulation
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical noninvasive stimulation of a vagus nerve. The system comprises a handheld stimulator that is applied to the surface of the patient's neck, wherein the stimulator comprises or is joined to a smartphone. A camera of the smartphone may be used to position and reposition the stimulator to a particular location on the patient's neck. The system may also comprise a base station that is used to meter the charging of a rechargeable battery within the stimulator. The base station and stimulator transmit data to one another regarding the status of a stimulation session.
US09375565B2 Stimulating assembly fixation features
Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a stimulating assembly of a cochlear implant. The stimulating assembly comprises one or more fixation features configured to be inserted into a recipient's cochlea via an opening in the cochlea. Following insertion, the one or more fixation features are configured to engage an inner surface of the cochlea adjacent to the opening to prevent movement of the stimulating assembly out of the cochlea through the opening.
US09375563B2 Systems and methods of forming contact assemblies for leads of electrical stimulation systems
A method of forming an electrical stimulation lead includes molding an electrically-nonconductive substrate over and between spaced-apart electrically-conductive contacts to form a multi-contact lead assembly. The contacts are disposed along a first face of the substrate with a first face of each of the contacts exposed along the first face of the substrate and an opposing second face of each of the contacts covered by material forming a second face of the substrate. The multi-contact lead assembly is coupled along a first end portion of a lead body with the first face of the multi-contact lead assembly conforming to a shape of an outer surface of the lead body, and with the multi-contact lead assembly wrapping around the outer surface of the lead body. Conductors extending along a length of the lead body are electrically coupled to each of the contacts of the multi-contact lead assembly.
US09375558B2 Method of treating infections, diseases or disorders of nail unit
Methods for the subungual treatment of diseases or disorders of the nail unit including infections, especially fungal infections, and nail psoriasis involving the toenails and fingernails are described. The methods provide a technique for placement of a drug-containing composition subungually with reduced risk of hematoma formation and improved patient comfort.
US09375543B2 Systems and methods for providing low-noise positive airway pressure
The systems and methods described herein include a low-noise apparatus for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The systems may include a housing with an inlet port, a vibrationally isolated blower unit positioned in an acoustic chamber, and an outlet port for delivery of the pressurized air from the blower unit. The acoustic chamber may include noise attenuators, such as walls, which adjust airflow so as to reduce the overall noise output of the system.
US09375529B2 Extended use medical device
Provided is an extended use self-contained, wearable medical device. The device is preferably configured with an infusion deployment mechanism for variably inserting and retracting an infusion needle to different depths, or completely retracting the infusion needle from the infusion site and then re-inserting the infusion needle after a predetermined period of time, throughout an infusion cycle for extending the viability of the infusion site. Another embodiment comprises dual needle deployment mechanisms which may also variably insert and retract the infusion needles. A flow sensor is preferably provided for detecting the stoppage of flow through the infusion cannula and signaling the needle deployment mechanism to attempt infusion at a different depth or to deploy a second infusion needle. A re-fillable reservoir assembly is preferably provided for supplying a drug over the extended use of the device. Another embodiment comprises a partially reusable and partially disposable medical device implementing the above features.
US09375528B2 Methods and systems for dosing control in an automated fluid delivery system
Methods and systems for dispensing a fluid using an automated fluid delivery system are disclosed. A pump may be configured to force an aliquot of fluid from a fluid source into a fluid delivery channel. A processor may receive values of a property for the aliquot and the fluid source of the aliquot, and may use these values to determine a volume of the aliquot. The determined volume is compared by the processor against an expected volume to establish the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit, such as time or revolutions. The processor controls operation of the pump to dispense a predetermined dose based on the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit.
US09375525B2 Modular extracorporeal systems and methods for treating blood-borne diseases
Extracorporeal systems and methods for treating blood-borne diseases in a subject or for developing drugs to treat blood-borne diseases include various environmental and treatment modules that can be tailored to a specific disease or infection. In certain embodiments of the systems and methods, a blood sample is treated with cold plasma and optionally with hydrostatic pressure, a pulsed electrical field, a pharmaceutical agent, microwave, centrifugation, sonification, radiation, or a combination thereof, under environmental conditions that are effective for the treatment.
US09375512B2 Tissue expander
This invention relates to a tissue expander for use in medical, veterinary and dental applications. The tissue expander comprises a self-inflating polymer network and a biodegradable polymer having a non-degraded state and a degraded state which in the non-degraded state constrains the inflation of the self-inflating polymer network and in the degraded state allows inflation of the self-inflating polymer network. In a preferred embodiment, the self-inflating polymer network and the biodegradable polymer form an interpenetrating polymer network or a semi-interpenetrating polymer network. Alternatively or in addition, the self-inflating polymer network forms a core and the biodegradable polymer forms coating which partially or fully surrounds the core.
US09375504B2 Method and apparatus for fluid sterilization for patient support surfaces
An apparatus and method is provided for treating fluid provided to a patient support. An apparatus comprises a housing defining an interior space, an inlet in flow communication with a source of untreated fluid and the interior space, an outlet in flow communication with the patient support and the interior space, and a light source directed into the interior space such that light emitted by the light source bombards fluid flowing through the interior space with light within a wavelength range that destroys organisms within the fluid to thereby provide treated fluid to the patient support.
US09375501B2 Deodorant composition
The present invention relates to a deodorant composition containing (a) a polyphenol compound or a plant extract containing a polyphenol compound, (b) a basic substance, and (c) a metal salt. The deodorant composition of the present invention is capable of providing a deodorizing effect in a short period of time when it is applied to a malodor source, is capable of providing an excellent deodorizing activity and is also excellent in the store stability.
US09375497B2 [F-18]-labeled L-glutamic acid, [F-18]-labeled L-glutamine, derivatives thereof and use thereof and processes for their preparation
The compounds and the synthesis of [F-18]-labeled L-glutamic acid, [F-18]-labeled L-glutamate, their derivatives as set forth in formula (I) and their uses are described.
US09375491B2 Chimeric promoter for cone photoreceptor targeted gene therapy
The subject invention concerns materials and methods for providing for cone cell specific expression of a polynucleotide in a human or animal. One aspect of the invention concerns a polynucleotide promoter sequence that directs expression of an operably linked polynucleotide in cone cells. In one embodiment, a polynucleotide of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence of an interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) gene that is positioned upstream of a promoter nucleotide sequence of a cone transducin alpha-subunit (GNAT2) gene. Another aspect of the subject invention concerns methods for expressing a selected polynucleotide in cone cells. The selected polynucleotide can be provided in a polynucleotide of the invention wherein the selected polynucleotide is operably linked to a polynucleotide promoter sequence of the invention. In one embodiment, the selected polynucleotide sequence is provided in a polynucleotide vector of the invention. The vector comprising the selected polynucleotide is then introduced into a cell. The selected polynucleotide is expressed only in cone cells, with very little, if any, expression in rods or other cells. A selected polynucleotide can be one that encodes, for example, a therapeutic protein or a functional protein that is defective or underexpressed in the targeted cone cells.
US09375489B2 Antibody-SN-38 immunoconjugates with a CL2A linker
The present invention concerns improved methods and compositions for preparing SN-38 conjugates of proteins or peptides, preferably immunoconjugates of antibodies or antigen-binding antibody fragments. More preferably, the SN-38 is attached to the antibody or antibody fragment using a CL2A linker, with 1-12, more preferably 6 or less, most preferably 1-5 SN-38 moieties per antibody or antibody fragment. Most preferably, the immunoconjugate is prepared in large scale batches, with various modifications to the reaction scheme to optimize yield and recovery in large scale. Other embodiments concern optimized dosages and/or schedules of administration of immunoconjugate to maximize efficacy for disease treatment and minimize side effects of administration.
US09375485B2 Use of telomerase inhibitors for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders and myeloproliferative neoplasms
Provided herein are methods for reducing neoplastic progenitor cell proliferation and alleviating symptoms associated in individuals diagnosed with or thought to have Essential Thrombocythemia (ET). Also provided herein are methods for using telomerase inhibitors for maintaining blood platelet counts at relatively normal ranges in the blood of individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having ET.
US09375484B2 Taxane silicate prodrugs and nanoparticles
The invention provides silicate prodrugs comprising a therapeutic agent linked to one or more groups of formula (I): —Si(OR)3 (I); wherein each R independently has any of the values defined herein, as well as nanoparticles comprising such compounds.
US09375481B2 Drug loaded polymeric nanoparticles and methods of making and using same
The present disclosure generally relates to methods of making nanoparticles having about 0.2 to about 35 weight percent of a therapeutic agent; and about 10 to about 99 weight percent of biocompatible polymer such as a diblock poly(lactic) acid-poly(ethylene)glycol.
US09375478B1 Vasopressin formulations for use in treatment of hypotension
Provided herein are peptide formulations comprising polymers as stabilizing agents. The peptide formulations can be more stable for prolonged periods of time at temperatures higher than room temperature when formulated with the polymers. The polymers used in the present invention can decrease the degradation of the constituent peptides of the peptide formulations.
US09375476B2 Anti-inflammatory topical botulinum toxin composition
A pharmaceutical composition of botulinum toxin and an adjuvant is disclosed. The composition is formulated for topical administration to deliver a therapeutically effective dose of botulinum toxin to an area of a subject suffering from inflammation. The botulinum toxin composition reduces a symptom of inflammation without producing substantial muscle weakness. The composition may optionally contain additional anti-inflammatory agents, such as steroidal or non-steroidal agents.
US09375475B2 Combination immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer
Agonists to ICOS in combination with a blocking agent to a T cell inhibitory receptor (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1, etc.) are demonstrated herein to be useful for the treatment of tumors.
US09375469B2 H5 proteins, nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding for those, and their medicinal use
The present invention relates to novel hemagglutinin H5 proteins, nucleic acids and vectors encoding for those as well as vaccines comprising any of such H5 proteins, nucleic acids or vectors encoding for those H5 proteins. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the medicinal use of any of such compositions in humans and animals.
US09375456B2 Antiviral composition containing an Aleurites fordii or Daphne kiusiana extract or a fraction thereof as an active ingredient
The present invention relates to an antiviral composition containing an Aleurites fordii or Daphne kiusiana extract or a fraction thereof as an active ingredient. In detail, extracts of Aleurites fordii or Daphne kiusiana or fractions thereof can induce the secretion of an immune-related cytokine, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in natural killer (NK) cells, and thus exhibit potent antiviral activity and superior effects for viral diseases, and therefore can be effectively used in an antiviral composition.
US09375452B2 Use of stem cells to generate inner ear cells
This invention relates generally to methods and compositions for inducing stem cell or progenitor cell differentiation, and more particularly to methods and compositions for inducing differentiation of stem cells and/or progenitor cells into cells that function within the inner ear.
US09375451B2 Compositions of nutrition supplementation for nutritional deficiencies and method of use therefore
A nutritional supplement composition for treating nutritional deficiencies caused by a medical condition in subjects is disclosed. The present application further discloses a method of using a nutritional supplements composition for treating a subject with complications resulting from sickle cell anemia. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of the nutritional supplement.
US09375442B2 Method of treating malignant solid tumors using transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)
This invention is directed to methods of treating solid tumor cancers, particularly refractory cancers by administration of two pluralities of microparticles, one comprising drug-carrying microparticles sized to lodge at the tumor preferably in the capillary bed of the tumor and the other comprising non-drug-carrying microparticles sized to lodge in the arterial system servicing the tumor so as to embolize the tumor.
US09375429B2 Compositions and methods comprising erythrohydroxybupropion and related compounds for improving the efficacy of dextromethorphan
This disclosure relates to methods of improving the efficacy of dextromethorphan, or providing beneficial pharmacokinetic effects to dextromethorphan, comprising co-administering erythrohydroxybupropion, or a prodrug thereof, and dextromethorphan to a human being. Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to dextromethorphan and erythrohydroxybupropion or a prodrug of erythrohydroxybupropion are also disclosed.
US09375428B2 Morphine controlled release system
Described are controlled release oral pharmaceutical composition comprising an erodible matrix composition comprising a polyethylene oxide, a therapeutically effective amount of an opioid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, complex, solvate or anhydrate thereof, or a mixture thereof and, optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and a coating on the matrix composition, wherein the coating has at least one opening exposing a surface of an end portion of the matrix composition, thereby allowing controlled release of the opioid by erosion of the matrix surface, wherein the composition exhibits zero order release of at least 80% of the opioid contained in the composition. The matrix may have a cylindrical shape having a long axis and a conus-shaped end portion having a largest diameter and a smallest diameter, such that the surface area exposed increases during erosion of the conus-shaped end portion.
US09375423B2 Use of aminoindane compounds in treating overactive bladder and interstitial cystitis
The present application provides methods of using the aminoindane compounds of formula (I) or (II) in treating an overactive bladder or interstitial cystitis by administering one or more of the compounds to a patient.
US09375419B1 Antiviral agents
A method for treating or preventing a norovirus, such as Norwalk virus, infection in a subject, which comprises administering to said subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or solvate thereof or mixtures thereof. The subject can be an animal, particularly mammals and more particularly humans and companion animals such as cats and dogs.
US09375410B2 Modified release dosage forms of skeletal muscle relaxants
A unit dosage form, such as a capsule or the like, for delivering a skeletal muscle relaxant, such as cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, into the body in an extended or sustained release fashion comprising one or more populations of drug-containing particles (beads, pellets, granules, etc.) is disclosed. At least one bead population exhibits a pre-designed sustained release profile. Such a drug delivery system is designed for once-daily oral administration to maintain an adequate plasma concentration-time profile, thereby providing relief of muscle spasm associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions over a 24 hour period.
US09375404B2 Formulation of doxylamine and pyridoxine and/or metabolites or salts thereof
A dual release oral dosage system/dosage form comprising an immediate release component/composition and a delayed release component/composition is described. Each of the immediate release component/composition and delayed release component/composition comprises one or more of doxylamine, an analog thereof, a derivative thereof, a prodrug thereof, a metabolite thereof and/or a salt thereof, and one or more of pyridoxine, a salt thereof, a metabolite thereof and/or a salt of the metabolite. The dual release oral dosage system/dosage form exhibits an improved pharmacokinetic profile relative to the current Diclectin® formulation and is useful for example for the alleviation of the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, for example in the case of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP).
US09375400B2 Manganese ion coated nanoparticles for delivery of compositions into the central nervous system by nasal insufflation
The compositions and methods of the disclosure particularly target the divalent metal transporter expressed on olfactory nerve terminals to transport divalent cation-coated or cation-containing nanoparticles to all regions of brain. It has been found that such divalent cation-containing nanoparticles, including those nanoparticles comprising manganese have affinity for the metal transport receptor proteins. Although this receptor has particular affinity for manganese, it is contemplated that other divalent ions, including magnesium, calcium, and the like may also be bound to such receptors leading to transport of the nanoparticles into the intracellular cytoplasm. Nanoparticles have been developed, therefore, as vehicles for parenteral delivery of genes, proteins and drugs. The present disclosure encompasses embodiments of nanoparticle-based compositions and methods for the use thereof for the delivery of genes, oligonucleotides, including but not limited to small interfering RNA, and other small molecule drugs, into the brain by nasal insufflation.
US09375392B2 Use of the guanidinium cation and light-emitting component
The invention relates to a use of the guanidinium cation and to a light-emitting component. This invention for the first time describes matrix materials and emitters for uses in organic electrochemical light-emitting cells containing a guanidinium cation unit. Guanidinium groups as a cationic system promise a wide electrochemical window and hence stable components. The route to guanidinium systems is described in detail in the literature.
US09375390B2 Agricultural compositions comprising renewably-based biodegradable 1,3-propanediol
Biodegradable agricultural compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol and its esters are provided. The 1,3-propanediol and its esters in the agricultural composition are biologically derived, and as such, the agricultural compositions exhibit a low anthropogenic CO2 emission profile.
US09375382B2 Hand rehabilitation device
A hand rehabilitation device is used in rehabilitation therapies, for motility and functionality of the hands. The device has an orthosis, fitted to partially cover a patient's hand and forearm, and flexible rods for a passive and assisted active, concurrent, and/or selective bending or extension of the fingers. Movements are freely settable by an operator. Elements for sliding and supporting of the flexible rods during bending or extension of the fingers include ‘finger socks” or gloves provided with thimbles, fixed rods, or plates to stabilize the thimbles and hinged to move the flexible rods. A movement/command and control unit, integral to, or remoted located relative to, the orthosis is provided with actuators for moving the flexible rods. A tension adjusts the rods and rehabilitation device, adjusting and adapting to the hand s anatomical features.
US09375381B2 Automated resuscitation device with ventilation sensing and prompting
A device for assisting a caregiver in delivering cardiac resuscitation to a patient, the device comprising a user interface configured to deliver prompts to a caregiver to assist the caregiver in delivering cardiac resuscitation to a patient; at least one sensor configured to detect the caregiver's progress in delivering the cardiac resuscitation, wherein the sensor is configured to provide a signal containing information indicative of ventilation; a memory in which a plurality of different prompts are stored, including at least one ventilation progress prompt to guide the rescuer's performance of ventilation; a processor configured to process the output of the sensor to determine a parameter descriptive of ventilation progress and to determine whether the ventilation progress prompt should be selected for delivery. Possible parameters descriptive of ventilation progress include ventilation rate, delivered tidal volume, and flow rate.
US09375379B1 Crutch extension upper body support assembly
A crutch extension upper body support assembly is provided. The crutch extension upper body support assembly includes a crutch extension member secured to rails of a crutch by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes an inner plate having a pair of vertical channels for receiving the rails of the crutch. A hollow tubular member on the inner plate is adapted to receive the crutch extension member and an outer plate is affixed to the inner plate for securing the locking mechanism and the crutch extension member in place. A harness may be placed on the upper torso of an individual and attached to one or more crutch extension members by a pair of loops located on shoulder straps of the harness. When adjusted properly, placing the loops onto the one or more crutch extension members causes the weight of an individual to be distributed throughout the entire upper body.
US09375377B1 Hands-free crutch assembly
A hands-free crutch assembly allows a user's foot to float suspended over an artificial foot, while transferring at least a portion of the walking load to the upper leg and permitting more natural knee flexion and extension while walking.
US09375375B2 Nursing bed
A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a plurality of mesh openings and a bearing frame. The net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is 2 to 6 times the diameter of the warp and the weft. The ratio of the sum of the areas of the mesh openings with respect to the area of the net-shaped fabric is 35% to 78%. The diameter or the inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is less than 1.5 mm. The diameter of the warp and the weft is less than 0.55 mm. The thickness of the net-shaped fabric is less than 1.1 mm. At least two edges of the net-shaped fabric are connected to two opposite edges of the bearing frame, respectively.
US09375374B2 Siderail power communication interface
A siderail assembly for a person support apparatus comprises a siderail body, a grip portion, and a power communication device. The siderail body includes a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface extending between the front surface and the back surface. The side surface defines a perimeter of the siderail body. The grip portion includes a siderail opening through a portion of the siderail body. The grip opening has an upper grip opening portion that cooperates with the side surface to define a grip. The power communication device is configured to communicate power wirelessly to a device in communication therewith.
US09375362B2 Fasteners having improved comfort
A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.
US09375358B2 Absorbent article with high absorbent material content
An absorbent article comprising a pair of leg cuffs (32) with an raised section (34) and an absorbent core (28) comprising at least one channel (26, 26′) at least partially oriented in the longitudinal direction (80) of the article. The article has crotch width (Wd) before use as measured between the proximal edges of the leg cuffs at the level of the crotch point of from to 70 mm to 200 mm, and a Relative Crotch Width Reduction (RCWR) of at least 30 mm/kg.
US09375356B2 Absorbent article
The objective of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that enables the rapid transfer of menstrual blood to an absorbent body, is not susceptible to the spread of menstrual blood above a top sheet, and is not susceptible to causing feelings of stickiness on the top sheet. The absorbent article of the present disclosure has the following structure. An absorbent article (1) having a liquid-permeable top sheet (2), a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body (3). The absorbent article (1) is characterized by: having an excretory orifice contact region (4) and embossed portions (5); the top sheet (2) inside the excretory orifice contact region (4) and the embossed portions (5) respectively containing a prescribed blood lubricating agent; and the amount of the blood lubricating agent in the embossed portions (5) being larger than the amount of the blood lubricating agent in the top sheet (2) in the excretory orifice contact region (4).
US09375344B2 Systems and methods for breathing assistance
Various embodiments provide for a breathing assistance device comprising right and left flanges and a protuberance. The right and left flanges may comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, and the flanges may be configured to be placed in a user's mouth such that at least a portion of the flanges are in front of teeth of the user. The protuberance may extend from the outside surface of the flanges and may define an air passage that passes through the flanges.
US09375343B2 Patient positioning system
A system and method are disclosed for positioning a patient on an operating table. The patient positioning system includes a positioning pad having a body formed from a compressible material including a slip-resistant surface, a first end and a second end. The body has a thickness which increases from the first end of the positioning pad to the second end of the positioning pad. A plurality of tethers is fixedly secured to the body. Each of the tethers includes a fastening member adapted to secure the body to an operating table. The body includes a transverse cut which extends transversely from one side wall of the body to an opposite side wall of the body. The system also includes a sheet positioned within the transverse cut of the body of the positioning pad spaced from the slip-resistant surface of the positioning pad and at least one strap for securing the patient to the operating table. The positioning pad may include a perforated section to mirror a perineal cutout of an operating table.
US09375338B2 Intraluminal device and method with enhanced anti-migration
An intraluminal device and method includes positioning the intraluminal device, such as a bariatric device, in a lumen that is subject to peristaltic waves, such as the GI tract. The intraluminal device includes a surface defined by a wall having opposite end portions. The surface is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the lumen. The end portions are spaced apart along an axis in the direction of peristaltic movement along the lumen. The cover has at least one opening therein between the end portions in order to resist peristaltic waves causing distal migration of the device.
US09375331B2 Flexible stent
The present invention is directed to a flexible expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery. The stent generally includes a series of metallic cylindrical rings longitudinally aligned on a common axis of the stent and interconnected by a series of links which be polymeric or metallic. Varying configurations and patterns of the links and rings provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent while maintaining sufficient column strength to space the cylindrical rings along the longitudinal axis and providing a low crimp profile, enhanced stent security and radial stiffness.
US09375318B2 Multi-component knee implant assembly with combined articulating and belt support and traveling surfaces
A joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper bone and an opposing lower bone. The assembly includes a pair of first components anchored into reconditioned bone end surfaces of a first joint defining bone and exhibiting a flexible and band-shaped loop displace-ably supported along exposed undersides established between outer portions which are assembled around the bands. A second component anchored into a second reconditioned end surface of a second joint defining bone exhibits a planar support surface upon which said bands are in contact with and displace during articulating motion of the bones. Entrapment pockets are formed within the first components for collecting wear particles and debris resulting from displacement of the belt.
US09375297B2 Method of surgical planning
A method of pre-operatively forming a surgical splint configured to receive a patient's dentition can include combining a 3-D facial computer model and a 3-D dental computer model. The method includes the step of obtaining a 3-D facial computer model of at least the patient's maxilla, mandible, and dentition from a CT scanner and the step of obtaining a 3-D dental computer model of the patient's dentition with an optical scanner. The 3-D dental computer model is then combined with the 3-D facial computer model to form a composite virtual model. The composite virtual model can be manipulated into a planned post-operative shape, and a surgical splint can be custom constructed to match the planned post-operative shape. The surgical splint can be configured to receive the patient's dentition.
US09375289B1 Intra-oral device
A mouthpiece of medical grade silicone that has two connecting portions, one a molded shallow trough that wraps around and contours the teeth, and another a flap or wing portion that attaches to the front of the shallow trough and that acts to sit between and keep separate the teeth and lips.
US09375282B2 Light energy sealing, cutting and sensing surgical device
The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.
US09375275B2 Tunable microwave ablation probe
An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a tunable helical antenna element is disclosed. The probe includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor coaxially disposed within a dielectric, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The inner conductor and dielectric extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer conductor. A helical antenna element is operably coupled to a distal end of the inner conductor. During use, the antenna may be tuned by changing at least one dimension of the helical antenna element. Embodiments are presented wherein a dimensions of the helical antenna element is changed by state change of a shape memory alloy, by a change in temperature, by activation of a piston by fluidic pressure, by linear motion of a conical tip, and by a manual screw-type adjustment.
US09375274B2 Ablation systems, probes, and methods for reducing radiation from an ablation probe into the environment
The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.
US09375272B2 Antenna assemblies for medical applications
A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a monopole antenna assembly that includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material. The monopole antenna assembly also includes a ground plane disposed at a proximal end of the monopole antenna radiating section, wherein the ground plane is configured to direct energy into the target volume of tissue.
US09375270B2 Vessel sealing system
An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a microprocessor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue.
US09375269B2 Catheter with integrated flow sensor
Methods and systems facilitate catheterization of a living subject by passing a fluid through an irrigation conduit. Heat energy is delivered to the conduit to create a heated pod of irrigation fluid that propagates downstream from the heat source. A departure time of the pod from a first location in the conduit is recorded, and an arrival time of the pod is detected at a second location that is downstream from the first location. A transit time of the pod from the first location to the second location is determined, and the flow of the fluid is adjusted responsively to the transit time.
US09375266B2 Electrosurgical instrument
An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. Each jaw member has a jaw housing and an electrosurgical seal plate. The first jaw member is movable relative to the second jaw member from an open configuration to a clamping configuration. The first jaw member includes an elongated channel defined in its respective jaw housing and extends along a length thereof. A drive assembly operably couples to the first jaw member via a drive rod that is engageable with the elongated channel to move the first jaw member from the open configuration to the clamping configuration and to provide a closure force between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the clamping configuration.
US09375261B2 Limited-use medical device
A medical device may include one or more operable components and one or more limited-use portions. The limited-use portion(s) is configured to transition from a first state to a second state upon being subjected to sterilization above a sterilization threshold. In the second state, the limited-use portion(s) inhibit the operability of the one or more operable components.
US09375260B2 Surgical instrument with non-contact electrical coupling
A surgical instrument includes a reusable base component including a handle and an electrically activatable modular component removably coupled to the base component. The modular component includes an end effector operable from the handle to treat tissue. The end effector is responsive to manipulation of the handle. A first energy storage component is disposed onboard the base component and is electrically coupled to a source of electricity. A second energy storage component is disposed onboard the modular component and is electrically insulated from the first energy storage component. The second energy storage component is arranged such that a current may be selectively induced in the modular component by delivery of electrical energy to the first energy storage component.
US09375257B2 High-frequency treatment instrument
A high-frequency treatment instrument 1 comprises a flexible tube 3 which is inserted into a body cavity and a treatment portion 2 which is located on the distal end of the flexible tube 3 when a high-frequency current is applied. In this high frequency treatment instrument 1, the flexible tube 3 is formed by a plurality of wound conductive wires and is provided with a multiple-thread coil 6 connected electrically to the treatment portion 2, and the high-frequency current is applied to the multiple-thread coil 6.
US09375251B2 Apparatus and method for monitoring early formation of steam pop during ablation
A system for measuring real-time tissue reflection spectral characteristics during ablation includes a catheter for collecting light reflected from tissue undergoing ablation, a detection component for separating constituent wavelengths of the collected light, a quantification apparatus for generating measured light intensity data of the collected light, and a processor for analyzing the data in relation to time. A method for monitoring formation of steam pop during ablation includes delivering light to tissue, delivering ablative energy to the tissue, measuring the reflectance spectral intensity of the tissue, and observing whether the measured reflectance spectral instensity (MRSI) initially increases in a specified time period followed by a decrease at a specified rate. If the MRSI does not decrease, delivery of ablation energy continues. If the MRSI decreases within the specified time at the specified rate, formation of a steam pocket is inferred and delivery of ablative energy is decreased or discontinued.
US09375249B2 System and method for directing energy to tissue
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical power generating source, an energy applicator operably associated with the electrosurgical power generating source, a processor unit, and a data acquisition module configured to receive a reflected signal. The processor unit is disposed in operative communication with the data acquisition module and adapted to determine a tissue desiccation rate around at least a portion of the energy applicator based on one or more signals received from the data acquisition module.
US09375248B2 Electrosurgical HF generator
An electrosurgical high frequency (HF) generator comprising a generator circuit that produces an HF current between an active electrode and at least one neutral electrode. During the cutting or coagulating of biological tissue, unwanted tissue heating due to the HF current can be reduced because the electrosurgical HF generator comprises at least one further auxiliary neutral electrode connected in parallel to the neutral electrode.
US09375246B2 System and method of using thermal and electrical conductivity of tissue
A system for planning, performing and/or evaluating the effectiveness of a therapeutic treatment of a target tissue is provided. The system includes at least one of a thermal conductivity probe including a microprobe sensor configured and adapted to measure a thermal conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction and an electrical conductivity probe including a microprobe sensor configured and adapted to measure an electrical conductivity in the target tissue in at least one direction. The system further includes a multimeter operatively connected to at least one of the thermal conductivity probe and the electrical conductivity probe, the multimeter being configured and adapted to deliver energy to at least one of the thermal conductivity probe and the electrical conductivity probe and a computer operatively connected to the multimeter.
US09375243B1 Method for deploying a fusion device for sacroiliac joint fusion
A method for fusing a spinal sacroiliac joint The method includes the steps of locating the sacroiliac joint, retracting the soft tissue to expose the graft site, removing any bone obstructions and preparing a relatively smooth graft site horizontal to the immediate sacroiliac joint, creating a therapeutic cavity by creating a first cavity in the ilium and a second cavity in the sacrum to a predetermined depth that spans the sacroiliac joint, inserting a stabilization implant into the therapeutic cavity, and seating the implant within the therapeutic cavity at a predetermined depth.
US09375241B2 Bone nail for the heel
The bone nail is intended for the heel. It comprises a front part (15) that is intended to be inserted in the bone and is provided with a tip (17) and it also comprises a rear part (16) having an end (18). The rear part (16) is rigid at a length of at least 120 mm, starting from the end (18). The bone nail is cured in a plane and the curvature for each infinitesimal section of the bone nail has a curvature radius that is at least 130 mm. The key advantages that can be achieved with the bone nail according to the invention and thanks to the surgical technique that becomes possible with it are the possibility to adjust the heel with high precision relative to the lower leg and knee axis, the avoidance of the risk of an injury to the plantar nerves, and a less invasive implant compared to the known surgical techniques using other nails.
US09375240B2 Spinal implant system and method
A system includes a sleeve including first and second arms each including an outer ramp and an inward projection, each of the arms defining a cavity. First and second extensions are configured for disposal in the cavities. A fastener includes walls defining an implant cavity and a distal portion. The walls each include first and second end surfaces and a locking cavity. The extensions are configured for translation relative to the sleeve between a first orientation such that the extensions engage the respective ramps to fix the projections with a respective locking cavity in a configuration to capture the fastener with the sleeve and a second orientation such that the extensions move out of engagement with the respective ramps so that the projections are movable out of engagement with the locking cavities to release the fastener from the sleeve. Methods of use are disclosed.
US09375239B2 Spinal fixation devices and methods of use
Disclosed is an orthopedic implant and methods of implantation for fixing adjacent bones. In an embodiment, the implant includes a locking mechanism that is adapted to be advanced by a locking instrument, wherein advancement of the locking mechanism in a first direction produces rotation of a first rigid abutment surface from a first orientation to a second orientation, and continued advancement of the locking mechanism produces advancement of the first rigid abutment surface towards a second rigid abutment surface and placement of a compressive load onto and sufficient to immobilize the implant relative to the first bony surface and the second bony surface.
US09375220B2 Jig and saw guides for use in osteotomies
An apparatus for locating a curvilinear cut in a bone comprises a jig body and a first arm, a top end of which is rotatably coupleable to a first portion of the jig body in combination with a second arm, a top end of which is rotatably coupleable to a second portion of the jig body separated from the first portion and a saw guide rotatably coupleable to the first arm, the saw guide including a bottom surface extending along a curve corresponding to a desired path through which a bone is to be cut, the saw guide including a locking feature receiving a bone fixation element which, in an operative configuration, is mounted in the bone to align the saw guide relative to the arm so that an operator may precisely align a desired axis of the saw guide with a longitudinal axis of the first arm.
US09375213B2 Methods and instruments for treating obesity
The invention relates surgical abdominal methods of treating obesity in a patient by implanting a volume filling device that, when implanted in a patient, reduces the food cavity in size by a volume substantially exceeding the volume of the volume filling device. Also disclosed is a laparoscopic instrument for providing a volume filling device to be invaginated in the stomach wall of a human patient to treat obesity.
US09375205B2 Deployment mechanisms for surgical instruments
A surgical instrument includes a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and a deployment mechanism. The first drive assembly is coupled to a first component and is configured to translate a first longitudinal distance X1 to deploy the first component. The second drive assembly is coupled to a second component and is configured to translate a second longitudinal distance X2 to deploy the second component. The deployment mechanism is operably coupled to both the first and second drive assemblies and is configured to move from a first position to a second position to translate the first and second drive assemblies the respective first and second longitudinal distances X1 and X2 to deploy the first and second components.
US09375196B2 System and method for detecting critical structures using ultrasound
A system and method of ultrasound imaging, the system including a laparoscopic surgical instrument including at least one ultrasound transducer, and a processor adapted to receive acoustic data from the ultrasound transducer and process the acoustic data from the ultrasound transducer to produce a graphical representation of the acoustic data, the graphical representation depicting echoic attributes of tissue substantially axially aligned with a transmission path of the at least one ultrasound transducer, and the distance of at least one tissue type having different echoic attributes from surrounding tissue form a distal tip of the laparoscopic surgical instrument.
US09375192B2 Reconstruction of a cone beam scanned object
A method for generating a 3-dimensional reconstruction model of an object of interest that lies within a volume, the method executed at least in part by a computer, acquires a first set of projection images of the volume at a first exposure and a first field of view and a second set of projection images of the object of interest within the volume at a second exposure that is higher than the first exposure and a second field of view that is narrower than the first field of view. An object of interest is reconstructed from the second set of projection images according to information related to portions of the volume that lie outside the object of interest. The reconstructed object of interest is displayed.
US09375181B2 Filtering noise from a signal subjected to blanking
The disclosure describes techniques and systems for filtering noise from a physiological signal. In one example, one or more processors are configured to receive a signal indicative of physiological activity of a patient, wherein the signal comprises noise at one or more frequencies, and filter the noise from the signal according to a noise rejection model, wherein the noise rejection model predicts the noise at the one or more frequencies. The one or more processors may also be configured to, responsive to initiation of a blanking period for the signal, advance the noise rejection model in time during the blanking period, and, responsive to termination of the blanking period, filter, based on the noise rejection model advanced in time, the noise at the one or more frequencies from the signal.
US09375164B2 Co-use of endoluminal data and extraluminal imaging
Apparatus and methods are described for use with an endoluminal data-acquisition device having a radiopaque portion coupled thereto, including, while the endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through the lumen, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. A combined extraluminal image of the lumen is generated that contains images of the radiopaque portion at first and second locations within the lumen, by co-registering first and second extraluminal images with each other. At least one location on the combined extraluminal image is identified as corresponding to a location within the lumen at which a given one of the endoluminal data points was acquired, by identifying the first and second locations of the radiopaque portion within the combined extraluminal image. An output is generated, in response thereto. Other applications are also described.
US09375161B2 System and method for detecting cardiac arrhythmias from heart nerve activity
A method has been developed that detects cardiac arrhythmia from intrinsic cardiac nerve signals obtained from a heart in a patient. The method includes sampling intrinsic cardiac nerve activity at a high sample rate, filtering the sampled signal with a high pass filter, comparing the filtered signal to a predetermined threshold, and initiating a therapeutic action in response to the filtered signal exceeding the predetermined threshold. The intrinsic cardiac nerve activity may be received through an electrode implanted on the heart or from an electrode inserted into the venous structure of the heart.
US09375160B2 Systems and methods for model-based estimation of cardiac output and total peripheral resistance
The methods and systems for estimating cardiac output and total peripheral resistance include observing arterial blood pressure waveforms to determine intra-beat and inter-beat variability in arterial blood pressure and estimating from the variability a time constant for a lumped parameter beat-to-beat averaged Windkessel model of the arterial tree. Uncalibrated cardiac output and uncalibrated total peripheral resistance may then be calculated from the time constant. Calibrated cardiac output and calibrated total peripheral resistance may be computed using calibration data, assuming an arterial compliance that is either constant or dependent on mean arterial blood pressure. The parameters of the arterial compliance may be estimated in a least-squares manner.
US09375158B2 Systems and methods for providing beam scan patterns for high speed doppler optical frequency domain imaging
An exemplary apparatus and/or an exemplary method can be provided using which, it is possible (e.g., with at least one first arrangement) to measure an amplitude and/or a phase of at least one electromagnetic radiation provided from a particular portion of a sample. Further, it is possible (e.g., using at least one second arrangement) to scan a location of the particular portion along a path from a first point of the sample to a second point of the sample. In addition, it is possible to control the scan (e.g., with the second arrangement) such that the scan may comprise at least one first segment having a positive velocity and at least one segment having a negative velocity. A first distance of the first segment and/or the second segment can be smaller than a second distance between the first and second points.
US09375154B2 System and method for locating and identifying the functional nerves innervating the wall of arteries and catheters for same
System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using this method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.
US09375151B1 Acute ischemia detection based on parameter value range estimation
A method for detecting acute ischemia is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining ST segment deviations and storing the results in heart rate based histograms. The histogram data is periodically analyzed to estimate a true range of ST deviation for a particular heart rate range. A current threshold for a heart rate range is set by estimating the true range of ST deviations within that bin, determining the median value of ST deviations within the range, and basing thresholds on the range and median value. The true range for a particular heart rate bin is estimated by locating ST deviation values between which reside a predetermined percentage of all ST deviation values collected for that bin.
US09375147B2 Scanning mechanisms for imaging probe
The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism having including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of an elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to the longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.
US09375141B2 Automatic pathway and waypoint generation and navigation method
A navigation system for use in a luminal network of a patient, such as the airways, that is able to analyze a three-dimensional model of the luminal network and automatically determine a pathway from an entry point to a designated target. The system further automatically assigns waypoints along the determined pathway in order to assist a physician in navigating a probe to the designated target.
US09375132B2 Medical image processing apparatus and medical image diagnosis apparatus
A medical image processing apparatus including a storage, virtual endoscopic image generating unit, region identifying unit, and image generating unit. The storage stores three-dimensional images of a tubular body. The virtual endoscopic image generating unit generates, by using the three-dimensional images of the tubular body, virtual endoscopic images when an inside of a tract of the tubular body is observed based on a view point location and view direction placed inside the tract. The region identifying unit obtains an observation region and/or non-observation region based on the view point location and view direction by using the three-dimensional images. The image generating unit that generates an image that corresponds to the observation region and/or non-observation region are/is distinguishably displayed on the image obtained from the three-dimensional images.
US09375121B2 Vacuum hose storage system
A vacuum hose storage system comprises a vacuum unit, a storage tube, and a vacuum hose. The vacuum unit is fluidly connected to the storage tube, and is operable to generate a partial vacuum within the storage tube. The vacuum hose can be draw in into the storage tube by the partial vacuum. The vacuum hose can be removed from the storage tube and connected to an inlet to provide a partial vacuum within the vacuum hose.
US09375118B2 Device for dispensing pre-cut rolled or Z-folded wiping material
The invention relates to an apparatus including a housing having a cover and a pivotably mounted flap, said housing receiving a module that receives the strip of precut material. Said module is arranged with a transverse supporting plate, and a flap that is pivotably mounted relative to said module and to said supporting plate while being placed in front of the latter and opposite the inner front surface of the cover so as to enable the material strip to pass therethrough. The module hingedly receives, in front of the flap, a cover plate that is profiled, on the top edge thereof, with an edge, which is oriented toward the inside of the flap and which is suitable for projecting from the top of said flap so as to make it possible to guide the material strip between said flap and said cover plate. Said flap and the cover plate are arranged in a complementary manner on both sides of central notches, with one or more slots and one or more ribs that are capable of penetrating into said slot(s) when closing the cover, wherein the flap and the transverse supporting plate are coupled together so as to be limitedly pivotable such that the operator can access the inner space between the flap and the cover plate.
US09375109B2 Christmas tree stand
A tree stand comprising a supporting base including an upwardly facing hemispherical socket, a positioning sphere having a cavity for receiving a trunk of the tree, and a collar engageable by threads with the base and comprising a flange, wherein the positioning sphere may be disposed in the hemispherical cavity, and the compression collar maximally threadably engaged with the base, thereby contacting the flange with the sphere and immobilizing the sphere in the socket.
US09375106B2 Bowl/mug system with a figurine for playing with food
A bowl or mug system has various extensions from the handle or rim portions that are indicative of parts of various sports games, such as soccer and hockey nets, field-goal posts, and other extensions containing openings, holes, or back stops that are connected to the rim or handle of a mug and extend over the open container portion of the mug or bowl. Embodiments also contain launching platforms formed opposite from the sports equipment.
US09375089B2 Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism for providing additional layout
A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.
US09375072B2 Device for packaging a cosmetic product
A device for packaging a cosmetic product, comprising a container having an opening defined by a neck of the container, a cap for closing the container, a closing-off element for the opening, connected to the cap, a spring member located between the cap and the closing-off element, a seal able to engage with the closing-off element and the neck of the container, and a mechanism for locking the cap on the container in a locked position.The locking mechanism comprises a retaining means and a means for actuating the retaining means in order to inactivate the retaining means so as to enable the cap to be moved from its locked position into an unlocked position in which the cap can be separated freely from the container.
US09375069B2 Consumer care packaging
A package for a consumer care composition including a container having a base, a solid stick of a consumer care composition supported on the base, an annular sleeve surrounding the solid stick, the annular sleeve being coupled to the base by a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism being adapted to control longitudinal movement of the annular sleeve relative to the base between extended and refracted positions.
US09375068B2 Click-type applicator
In a click-type applicator, when the propelling element is moved forwards by a clicking operation, the advancing motion is transformed into a rotary motion of a transfer cam element in one direction by the function of guide slots of the propelling element and projected parts so that when a cam portion of transfer cam element meshes with a cam portion at the rear of a rotary cam element, the rotation of the transfer cam element causes rotary cam element to rotate and thereby move the screw shaft and hence a piston forwards. On the other hand, by releasing the clicking operation, propelling element is moved backwards due to the repulsive force of a spring, and the backward motion is transformed into a rotary motion of transfer cam element in the other direction by the function of the guide slots and projected parts so as to restore the original position.
US09375059B2 Safety lock for zipper bags
The invention provides a safety lock for zipper bags, comprising a first pull block with a locking bar and a second pull block with a locking frame. Said locking bar is inserted into the locking frame to link the first pull block with said second pull block; said second pull block is further equipped with a release unit for detaching the locking bar from the locking frame. A slot is formed between said release unit and top surface of the second pull block. In the invention, the locking bar and the locking frame can connect and lock the two pull blocks which can be unlocked by pressing the pressing portions with certain force. Children are unable to open the zipper bag easily. Therefore, the invention can prevent children from mistakenly opening the zipper bag effectively and avoids loss of important documents and accidental ingestion of medicines.
US09375051B2 Article with coloring layer and control surface layer
An article, such as an article of footwear or an article of apparel, includes an upper having a gradient-like coloring pattern. The article further includes protruding elements configured in a pattern that corresponds to the coloring pattern. The article may have a layered structure including a base layer, a coloring ink layer and a layer of protruding elements.
US09375047B2 Bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes controlled by a web-based cloud computer system using a smartphone device
A computer system including a Web site and/or a cloud array of computers. The system is configured to have a connection to a smartphone or other mobile computer device and to use the device to control a configuration of computer-controlled bladders, compartments, chambers and/or internal sipes in footwear soles of a device user. The system is further configured to control the configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and/or internal sipes by using the device and the connection to: transmit data to the system for storage and/or shared or independent processing and/or analysis: process data received from the sensors in the footwear soles, a sensor including a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer in the device and a sensor including a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer located in, on, or near a head of the device user; and use the processed data to alter a configuration of the bladders, compartments, chambers and/or internal sipes.
US09375037B1 Adjustable infant carrying garment for outdoor wear
A garment for outdoor wear, having a central portion adapted to fit about an adult's torso, the central portion comprising respective side panels; sleeves extending downwardly from the upper extremity of the central portion, to accommodate the arms of a person wearing the garment; and size-adjusting closures extending from the lower extremity of the central portion upwardly under the sleeves.
US09375033B2 Tobacco-containing gel composition
A smokeless tobacco gel product is providing, including a tobacco material in an amount of at least about 0.01 weight percent, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel product; at least about 50 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols; a humectant in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent; and water in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent. The tobacco material (e.g., particulate tobacco or a tobacco extract such as tobacco-derived nicotine) can be present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent. The humectant amount can be varied to vary the properties of the gel product, with more paste-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of at least about 7 weight percent, and more syrup-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of less than about 6 weight percent.
US09375024B2 Process of producing cocoa shell powder
A process for producing powdered cocoa shells as a food ingredient, as replacer for cocoa powder, to impart coloration in food products, and as fat bloom inhibitor in cocoa-based products.
US09375023B2 Sunflower oil with high heat stability
The invention relates to a sunflower oil with high heat stability, which is characterized in that between 15% and 45% of the fatty acid total are saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid and stearic acid), between 45% and 75% of the fatty acid total is oleic acid and more than 85% of the tocopherol total corresponds to the sum of gamma-tocopherol and delta-tocopherol. The invention also relates to sunflower seeds that contain an oil with the aforementioned characteristics and sunflower plants which as a result of self-pollination produce seeds with the aforementioned characteristics. In addition, the invention relates to the use of said oil in food and animal feed and for the formulation of biolubricants and biofuels.
US09375022B2 Food product heat treatment apparatus and method for heat treating food products
A food product heat treatment apparatus for heat-sensitive fluid food products, including an inlet for supplying the food product, an outlet for discharging the heat treated food product, a holding device downstream the inlet for holding the food product a specific time at a specific temperature, and a back pressure device downstream the holding device, wherein the holding device is a positive displacement holding device and/or a self cleaning holding device. A method for heat treating a heat-sensitive fluid food product, including supplying the food product to an inlet, heat treating the food product by holding the food product a specific time at a specific temperature in a holding device, providing a back pressure device downstream the holding device, and discharging the heat treated food product through an outlet, wherein the back pressure device includes a cooled valve and/or the food product is positively displaced through the holding device.
US09375018B2 Animal hide removal apparatus
An animal hide removal apparatus is provided. The apparatus may have a plurality of pulleys and winches that are associated with cables that are selectively connected to a carcass. Operation of the winches moves the cables in opposite directions to remove the hide from the animal.
US09375017B2 Method for debristling animal skin
A variety of compositions and methods for removing hair from animal skin are disclosed. The methods can include heating the skin and applying force to the skin to remove hair. The methods can further include applying an adhesive comprising a wax and a resin to the skin, allowing the adhesive to solidify, and applying force to the adhesive.
US09375013B2 Herbicidal composition
At present, many herbicidal compositions have been developed and used, but they are not necessarily sufficient to control undesired plants such as weeds to be controlled in some cases, and a herbicidal composition having high activity has been desired.A herbicidal composition comprising flazasulfuron or its salt, and at least one herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of imazapic, hexazinone, mesotrione and their salts, and a method for controlling undesired plants using it.
US09375010B2 Fungicidal 3-{phenyl[(heterocyclylmethoxy)imino]methyl}-oxadiazolone derivatives
The present invention provides 4-substituted-3-{phenyl[(heterocyclylmethoxy)imino]methyl}-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one derivatives of formula (I) Wherein A, X1 to X3, Y1 to Y5 represent various substituents.
US09374999B2 Biocide compositions
Disclosed are biocide compositions. The compositions are useful in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions, particularly in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas.
US09374995B2 Micromanipulation and storage apparatus and methods
An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.
US09374984B2 Elastic dog leash
A dog leash (10) comprising an elastic section (11) having an elliptical section elastic material (12) and an outer braiding (13) whereby the braiding is woven so that it may extend in a limited amount in the direction of the arrow (14) and be limited in that extension by reason of the limitation imposed by the weave on the braiding.
US09374981B2 Automated animal feeding apparatus
An animal feeder is configured to resist clogging, enable user cleaning of the feed dispensing canister assembly and resist pest intrusion. The animal feeder includes an outer shell assembly detachably connected to a dispensing canister assembly configured to push the feed over the top of the dispensing canister assembly into the outer shell assembly. The expelled feed is collected into a feed passage and delivered to a feed receptacle.
US09374978B2 System and method for transporting sand
A conveyor system for transporting sand that is moved outwardly, from a lower end of an enclosure region in at least one animal stall toward a gutter, to a discharge location. The conveyor system includes a conveyor assembly having a transportation element for moving the sand, a drive subassembly for moving the transportation element on a predetermined path, and one or more guide subassemblies, for guiding the transportation element. The conveyor system also includes one or more support assemblies for at least partially defining a slot in the preselected region in which a part of the transportation element is receivable, for receiving at least a portion of the sand, and one or more grates located at least partially above the part of the transportation element positioned in the preselected region, through which the portion of the sand is permitted to pass.
US09374977B2 Disposable and biodegradable litter system for animals
A biodegradable litter kit to be used for the collection and disposal of animal waste. The kit includes a litter box having a tray portion and a retractable lid. The tray has a bottom and at least one protruding side to which the lid is connected. The box includes a perforated false bottom positioned within the tray for holding a layer of fresh litter above the bottom of the tray. The perforated false bottom permits for the passage of soiled litter but prevents the passage of fresh litter to the bottom of the tray thus keeping a layer of fresh litter accessible for use by an animal. A separator piece may be included for selective positioning over the layer of fresh litter to maintain it within the box when the box is not in use. The box may include biodegradable accessories.
US09374975B2 System and method of attaching cups to a dairy animal
A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the right front teat, a second cup to the left front teat, a third cup to the right rear teat, and a fourth cup to the left rear teat.
US09374965B1 Maize inbred PH263M
A novel maize variety designated PH263M and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH263M with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH263M through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH263M or a locus conversion of PH263M with another maize variety.
US09374959B1 Maize inbred PH1K8N
A novel maize variety designated PH1K8N and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1K8N with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1K8N through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1K8N or a locus conversion of PH1K8N with another maize variety.
US09374957B2 Cotton variety 11R115B2R2
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 11R115B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 11R115B2R2. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 11R115B2R2 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 11R115B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.
US09374955B2 Compositions and methods for anti-transpiration in plants
Methods and compositions comprising design of enlarged pectins are provided. Elaborated pectins are useful for a multitude of functions including surface coating, penetrant, additive and gell. Methods according to the present invention comprise steps for treatments to one or more live pectic cells in one or more compositions that result in modified pectins. In specific embodiments, methods are provided for applying the nanotechnology to live cells for carriage and incorporation of polar compounds.
US09374952B1 Rotatable vertical growing system
A rotatable vertical growing system enhances circulation between a hydroponic network and an aquaponic network in a closed fluid circulation. The networks are interdependent and operate on a constant body of growth fluid that continuously circulates between an aquaponic vessel and a hydroponic growing container. A rotational energy and a direct pressure generated by an external fluid serve to increase the flow rate of the growth fluid during circulation. A rotatable base portion floats concentrically in the aquaponic vessel. The base portion includes a gear system that enables rotation. Protruding members extend from the rotating base portion to agitate and guide the growth fluid through the circulatory path. The external fluid discharges into the vessel to aerate the fluid, increase the flow rate of the growth fluid, and actuate the gear system. The hydroponic growing container rotates to provide uniform access to light for the plants.
US09374945B2 Combined method for compacting material into a bale and wrapping the bale and a combined baler and bale wrapping apparatus
An apparatus and method for compacting material into a bale and wrapping the bale with a wrapping material is set forth. The method comprises steps of supplying a material to be baled to a baling chamber of a combined baler and bale wrapping apparatus, and forming a bale of the material in the baling chamber, opening a cover of the baling chamber, securing the bale by a securing-mechanism operatively assigned to the baling chamber in the baling chamber, applying a wrapping material supplied from a dispenser to the secured bale, thereby providing one or more securing layers of the wrapping material encircling the bale, and releasing the bale from securing by the securing-mechanism, and wrapping the bale with the wrapping material by supplying further wrapping material from the dispenser to the bale, and expelling the wrapped bale from the baling chamber.
US09374944B2 Fluid line connection for an agricultural air seeder
An agricultural air seeder includes a tilling implement having a plurality of air lines. An air cart is coupled with the tilling implement, and includes a pneumatic distribution system with a plurality of air lines. A plurality of air line connections respectively interconnect between an air line associated with the tilling implement and an air line associated with the air cart. Each air line connection has a female connector and a male connector. Each female connector has an inside diameter with an annular groove, and a seal disposed within the annular groove. The male connector is positioned within the female connector and sealed with the seal.
US09374943B1 Agricultural seeder implements
An agricultural seeder implement includes a seed boot connected directly to an opener having a leading extremity and a trailing extremity. The seed boot and the opener form a channel and an outlet. The channel extends forwardly from an inlet of the seed boot proximate to the trailing extremity of the opener to the outlet behind the leading extremity of the opener. The opener is for being pulled for cutting a furrow in the ground by the leading extremity ahead of the outlet, and the channel is for guiding a stream of air-driven seed forwardly therethrough from the inlet and into the furrow through the outlet directed downwardly in the furrow.
US09380728B1 Configurable drawer-based computing system and related methods
Systems and methods providing for packaging of scalable machines are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include a configurable drawer-based computing system that includes a frame configured to hold drawer modules that may each be slidably inserted into or pulled out from the frame. The system may provide power, networking, and cooling to the drawer modules, even while a drawer module has been pulled out for purposes such as system maintenance. Each drawer module may include printed circuit board assemblies and other components. The system may provide for configurability in the mounting of the drawer modules such that slidable modules that differ in function and/or size may be combined with minimal wasted space within the frame.
US09380722B2 Computing assembly having a moveable storage bay and method for providing the same
A computing assembly comprises an enclosure body having opposite first and second planar surfaces, one or more storage bays operably coupled with the enclosure body (where the one or more storage bays pivot relative to the enclosure body to protrude outward from the first planar surface of the enclosure body), one or more computing node devices at least partially disposed within the enclosure body (where the one or more computing node devices include one or more circuits) and one or more memory devices disposed within the one or more storage bays.
US09380721B2 Cable clip for module electronics
The disclosure relates to an apparatus including a multi-part housing to be assembled around two lines and conducting a power current generated by a solar module, and an electric circuitry arranged within the housing. The apparatus further includes connection devices for connecting the electric circuitry to the two lines such that at least one component of the electric circuitry is connected in parallel to the solar module. The connection devices include insulation displacement terminals which electrically contact the two lines, and at least one cutting blade made of an electrically insulating material cutting through at least one of the two lines in assembling the multi-part housing.
US09380710B2 Printed circuit boards for communications connectors having openings that improve return loss and/or insertion loss performance and related connectors and methods
Printed circuit boards for communications connectors are provided that include a dielectric substrate formed of a first insulative material having a first dielectric constant. First and second pairs of input terminals and first and second pairs of output terminals are provided on the dielectric substrate. A first differential transmission line electrically connect the first pair of input terminals to the first pair of output terminals, and a second differential transmission line electrically connect the second pair of input terminals to the second pair of output terminals. The dielectric substrate includes an opening that is positioned between the conductive paths of the first differential transmission line, the opening containing a second insulative material having a second dielectric constant.
US09380707B2 Method of manufacturing wiring substrate
A method of manufacturing a wiring substrate includes: preparing a laminated plate of a metal layer and an insulating layer; adhering the laminated plate to a first support body facing the metal layer; and forming a first wiring layer with vias extending through the insulating layer and first pads exposed from a first surface of the insulating layer. The method also includes: separating a multilayer structure including the metal, insulating, and first wiring layer from the first support body; adhering the multilayer structure to a second support body facing the first wiring layer; removing the metal layer; forming a plurality of second wiring layers including second pads connected to the vias and exposed from a second surface of the insulating layer opposite the first surface; and separating the insulating, the first wiring, and the plurality of second wiring layers from the second support body, to obtain the wiring substrate.
US09380704B2 Transmission system and method for constructing backplane system
A through-hole stub AC termination circuit including a resistor and a capacitor, is connected to an open end of a stub of a through-hole provided in a circuit board.
US09380700B2 Method for forming traces of a printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a laminate substrate. The laminate substrate includes catalytic material that resists metal plating except where a surface of the catalytic material is ablated. Metal traces are formed within in trace channels within the laminate substrate. The channels extend below the surface of the catalytic material.
US09380697B2 Electronic device and manufacturing method for same
An electronic device includes: electronic elements; expandable and contractible conductors each disposed between two of the electronic elements adjacent to each other; a seal which covers the electronic elements and the conductors except principal surfaces of the electronic elements and first surfaces of the conductors, the principal surfaces of the electronic elements and the first surfaces of the conductors being present on a same plane on which surfaces of the seal are present; and leading electrode films each of which is attached in a film-like form to three surfaces which are the surface of the seal positioned between one of the electronic elements and one of the conductors, the first surface of the conductor, and part of the principal surface of the electronic element, to electrically connect the electronic element and the conductor through the leading electrode film.
US09380696B2 Flexible printed circuit board and electronic device
A flexible printed circuit board having a copper foil character with good visibility and without copper foil pattern peeling. The flexible printed circuit board has a base material having optical transparency, a wiring pattern formed on one surface of the base material; a first opaque cover lay film covering a surface of the wiring pattern, a character formed on the other surface of the base material; and a second opaque cover lay film covering a surface of the character. The first opaque cover lay film has an opening portion is formed therein, and the character is formed so as to be visually recognizable through the opening portion.
US09380690B2 Aligning and focusing an electron beam in an X-ray source
A technique for indirectly measuring the degree of alignment of a beam in an electron-optical system including aligning means, focusing means and deflection means. To carry out the measurements, a simple sensor may be used, even a single-element sensor, provided it has a well-defined spatial extent. When practiced in connection with an X-ray source which is operable to produce an X-ray target, further, a technique for determining and controlling a width of an electron-beam at its intersection point with the target.
US09380686B2 Discharge lamp lighting apparatus and projector
A polarity-reversal control circuit gives a polarity-reversal order so that the polarity of an inverter is inverted each time the polarity-reversal timing notified by a signal is recognized. The number of times of consecutive appearances of a normal polarity-reversal interval period, in which an interval of adjoining polarity-reversal timings is equal to or less than an upper limit of a polarity-reversal interval desirable for a discharge lamp, is counted, and if the unusual polarity-reversal interval period, in which an interval of the adjoining polarity-reversal timing is longer than the upper limit of a polarity-reversal interval, appears, Npm is memorized as the maximum of the number of times of consecutive appearances and after that, when the polarity-reversals signal in which the number of times of consecutive appearances becomes equal to Npm is received, it is regarded as a start of an unusual polarity-reversal interval period, and additional polarity-reversal order is given.
US09380685B2 Bypass circuit for neutral-less controller in lighting control system
A device provides a bypass path for leakage current of a neutral-less controller in a lighting control system for selectively supplying line voltage to a load. The device includes a dummy load, a voltage sensor, a bypass switch, a switch controller and a delay timer. The voltage sensor senses line voltage at an output of the neutral-less controller. The bypass switch selectively connects the dummy load in parallel with the lighting load. The switch controller activates the bypass switch to connect the dummy load in parallel with the lighting load when the line voltage is low, providing a bypass path for the leakage current, and deactivates the bypass switch after a delay period to disconnect the dummy load from being in parallel with the lighting load when the line voltage is high. The delay timer implements the delay period in response to the line voltage transitioning from low to high.
US09380679B2 Luminaire with touch pattern control interface
The present invention relates to a luminaire (100) comprising a plurality of controllable light sources (106), a touch sensitive member (108) configured to detect a position of a point of touch of a user touching the touch sensitive member (108) and to output sets of positioning information indicative of the point of touch, and a control unit configured to receive positioning information from the touch sensitive (108) member, to determine a touch pattern based on a plurality of received sets of positioning information, to select one of a plurality of predetermined illumination patterns corresponding to the determined touch pattern, and to control the plurality of controllable light sources (106) according to the selected illumination pattern. By means of the invention there is provided a user interface for controlling the luminaire (100) to emit different illumination patterns depending on which areas and for which duration of time the user touches the touch sensitive member (108) of the luminaire (100).
US09380674B2 Electronic ballast for operating at least one first cascade of LEDs and one second cascade of LEDs
An electronic ballast may include: a rectifier; a first unit including a first cascade of LEDs and a first storage capacitor connected in parallel with the first cascade; a second unit including at least a second cascade of LEDs and a second storage capacitor connected in parallel with the second cascade; wherein the second unit includes a diode coupled in series with the parallel circuit including the second cascade; wherein the electronic ballast includes: a current controller with an actual value input and a setpoint value input, a setpoint value presetting apparatus for the current through the cascades, wherein the setpoint value presetting apparatus is designed to provide a setpoint value at the setpoint value input which is proportional to the voltage at the output of the rectifier; a first actuating element; wherein the controller includes a drive output coupled to the first actuating element and a second actuating element.
US09380669B2 Low flicker LED driving circuit with high power factor
An LED-based lighting apparatus comprises a rectified AC voltage source having a rectified output connected to a storage capacitor through a switching device, a plurality of LED segments controlled by a linear driving circuit and at least one charging path connected between the LED segments and the storage capacitor. One or more controllable linear LED driving units may be connected in parallel with the storage capacitor to provide balance between reducing flicker and increasing power factor of the lighting apparatus.
US09380665B2 Spectral shift control for dimmable AC LED lighting
Apparatus and associated methods involve operation of an LED light engine in which a relative intensities of selected wavelengths shift as a function of electrical excitation. In an illustrative example, current may be selectively and automatically diverted substantially away from at least one of a number of LEDs arranged in a series circuit until the current or its associated periodic excitation voltage reaches a predetermined threshold level. The diversion current may be smoothly reduced in transition as the excitation current or voltage rises substantially above the predetermined threshold level. A color temperature of the light output may be substantially changed as a predetermined function of the excitation voltage. For example, some embodiments may substantially increase or decrease a color temperature output by a solid state light engine in response to dimming the AC voltage excitation (e.g., by phase-cutting or amplitude modulation).
US09380661B2 Lighting source and lighting apparatus
An LED lamp according to one aspect of the present invention including: a first LED array including first LED elements connected in series; a second LED array that includes second LED elements connected in series and emits light having an emission color different from an emission color of the first LED array; a FET switch that is provided between the two LED arrays and switches between a first current path to the first LED array and a second current path to the second LED array; a constant power output circuit that outputs the same power value to a current path through which current flows before the switching and a current path through which current flows after the switching, wherein a total forward voltage of the first LED array is different from a total forward voltage of the second LED array.
US09380657B2 LED lighting device
The purpose of the invention is to obtain, with a simple circuit configuration, an LED illumination device having an LED column driven by a pulsating voltage, capable of lighting with little flicker, and also having lighting control capability. The LED illumination device (400) comprises: an LED column (210) including a plurality of LEDs (211) connected in series; a rectifier (460) receiving an AC power supply (202) and outputting a pulsating voltage to the LED column (210); a current limit circuit (420) connected to the LED column (210) in series and having resistor elements (424 to 426); and a control circuit (250) for controlling the current flowing through the LED column (210) by controlling the resistor elements (424 to 426) and thereby controlling the lighting of the LED column (210).
US09380656B2 Power control unit and method for controlling electrical power provided to a load, in particular an LED unit, and voltage control unit for controlling an output voltage of a converter unit
The present invention relates to a power control unit (40; 60) for controlling electrical power provided to a load (12), in particular an LED unit (12) comprising one or more LEDs, said driver device comprising a converter unit (10) having an input terminal (42) for receiving an input voltage (V10) from an external power supply (22) and having an output terminal (44) for providing an output voltage (V14) to power the load (12), wherein the converter unit (10) comprises a switching device (14) for transforming the input voltage (V10) to the output voltage (V14), a control unit (20) for controlling the switching device (14), signal means (46; 62) connected to the output terminal (44) for applying a voltage or current signal to the output terminal (44), wherein the control unit (20) is connected to the signal means (46; 62) and adapted to control the signal means (46; 62).
US09380644B2 Access points to provide event notifications
An access point is to provide a wireless beacon packet via a wireless communication. The wireless beacon packet is to include an event notification in response to an indication of a need for the event notification.
US09380643B2 Uplink behavior for a device using multiple radio access technologies
Improving uplink behavior for a user equipment (UE) having a radio capable of communicating using at least a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT. The UE may be configured to use the radio for both the first RAT and the second RAT. The UE may receive a first uplink grant corresponding to the first RAT. Prior to completing a process corresponding to the first uplink grant for the first RAT, the UE may communicate using the second RAT. After communicating using the second RAT, the UE may transmit an uplink request for the first RAT instead of completing the process corresponding to the first uplink grant.
US09380641B2 Mobile station and method for processing signals of the GSM and TD-SCDMA radio standards
A mobile station is disclosed for processing differing radio standards such as GSM/GPRS/EDGE and TD-SCDMA. The mobile station includes a channel decoding unit and a coding unit. The signals of both radio standards are processed both with the coding unit and with the channel decoding unit. The coding unit and the channel decoding unit are arranged in the baseband chip of the mobile station. The TD-SCDMA-specific algorithms can be generated by means of a coprocessor that is electrically connected to the baseband chip or integrated in the baseband chip.
US09380639B2 Self-organization network architectures for heterogeneous networks
Self-Organized Network (SON) architectures for heterogeneous networks are disclosed. In some embodiments, various SON architectures for heterogeneous networks are provided that can evolve with such networks while the core functional modules of the SON solution can remain the same. In some embodiments, techniques for implementing SON architectures for heterogeneous networks includes providing a base station that includes performing a pre-operation self-configuration; and performing an operation self-optimization.
US09380635B2 Dynamic TCP layer optimization for real-time field performance
A method and system that mitigates data session degradation over a radio link connection with an end server by allocating resources at a wireless communication device based on real-time radio frequency (RF) channel conditions. A performance tracking and resource allocation (PTRA) logic monitors radio access bearer (RAB) configuration and radio link quality for communication links between the WCD and the end server. The PTRA logic sets a maximum transmission unit (MTU) size parameter to a pre-established size associated with the measured radio link quality. In response to detecting a change in the RAB configuration, the PTRA logic performs a real-time round trip time (RTT) measurement utilizing individual RTTs associated with packet segments transmitted at a lower protocol layer. In addition, the PTRA logic modifies at least one of a transmission control protocol (TCP) receive window (RWIN) and a TCP transmit window (TWIN) using the real-time RTT measurements and RAB configuration.
US09380634B2 Apparatus, system and method of tearing down a protocol adaptation layer (PAL) session
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of tearing down a Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) session. For example, an apparatus may include a first PAL communication unit to control a PAL connection, over a PAL, between a first device and a second device, the first PAL communication unit is to control the PAL connection during a session with a second PAL communication unit over a communication link, wherein the first PAL communication unit is to tear down the session according to a tear down procedure.
US09380631B2 System and method for state synchronization between a base station and a mobile station in a mobile communication system
A system and method for state synchronization between a base station and a mobile station in a mobile communication system. A count value indicative of a state change of the base station is received. The received current count value is compared with a previous count value previously received and stored. If the current count value is different from the previous count value, the mobile station performs a network entry procedure with the base station.
US09380629B2 Message generating arrangement
A message generating arrangement determines whether a first communication terminal of a communication system can participate, by means of packet-switching network elements of the communication system, in a communication link in which a second communication terminal of the communication system is participating by means of circuit-switching network elements of the communication system, and generates a message on the basis of the result of the determination.
US09380628B2 Method and apparatus for radio resources management in multi-radio access technology wireless systems
Methods and apparatus for performing wireless communication in a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) configured for multi-radio access technology (RAT) operation are disclosed. A method includes the WTRU wirelessly communicating information on a first operating frequency according to a first RAT. The WTRU also wirelessly communicates information on a second operating frequency according to a second RAT.
US09380623B2 Network-initiated control method and apparatus for providing proximity service
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, disclosed are a network-initiated control method and an apparatus for providing a proximity service (ProSe). A method for supporting ProSe between a plurality of terminals at a network node of a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of acquiring base ProSe information from one or more of the plurality of terminals or from one or more of other network nodes; a step of allowing the network node to detect whether ProSe is enabled between the plurality of terminals based on the acquired base ProSe information; and a step of transmitting information indicating whether ProSe is allowed or not to one or more of the plurality of terminals.
US09380609B2 Method and apparatus for processing emergency calls
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus initiates a call attempt in an internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) based on a dialed number, the dialed number including an emergency number. The apparatus receives a session initiation protocol (SIP) message in response to the call attempt. The apparatus determines in response to the SIP message whether to retry the call attempt as a normal call in a circuit-switched (CS) domain for an operator or as an emergency call in the CS domain for the operator. In an aspect, the determining is based at least in part on either an indication in the SIP message or on a characteristic of the operator.
US09380604B1 Opportunistic concurrency between wireless local area networks
A wireless transceiver apparatus configured to support wireless communications with transceiver nodes on a wireless local area network (WLAN). The wireless transceiver apparatus includes: transmit and receive path components and an opportunistic link controller. The opportunistic link controller includes: a carrier sensor module, a dominant link identifier module, and a concurrent link selector module. The carrier sensor module senses availability of the selected communication channel. The dominant link identifier module is responsive to a determination of carrier unavailability by the carrier sensor module and configured to identify carrier unavailability arising from a remote link on a neighboring WLAN. The concurrent link selector module is responsive to the identification of carrier unavailability arising from the remote link and configured to transmit a concurrent communication link to a corresponding one of the transceiver nodes on the associated WLAN which avoids interference with the remote link.
US09380590B2 Method and apparatus for handling the TDD tail problem for an ABS pattern
An interference problem for UE retransmissions at the end of a Sequence Frame Number pattern, in a system wherein a macro base station (12) employs Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) to avoid interference with a micro base station (16), is avoided by first recognizing that an ABS pattern will reset at the end of a SFN period. In some embodiments, in response to this recognition, the micro base station (16) may command (108) a UE to alter a transmission to the micro base station (12), to improve the probability of accurate reception—such as by increasing its transmit power during the relevant time slots, or utilizing a more robust data correction encoding scheme. In other embodiments, in response to recognizing the change in the ABS pattern, the macro base station (12) may schedule (208) other UE to a PRB where they cause lower interference, or may avoid scheduling macro cell UEs in the same time slot.
US09380583B1 Method of adjusting coverage of small cell for efficient use of cell resources
A method of adjusting the coverage of a small cell for efficient use of cell resources in which the position of user equipment (UE) in the small cell is estimated using timing advance information of the UE, and the coverage is adjusted in consideration of a load state of the cell and a channel state of the UE.
US09380581B2 Method and apparatus for allocating channel state information-reference signal in wireless communication system
Disclosed are an apparatus for Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) allocation and a method for CSI-RS transmission using the same in a wireless communication system. A CSI-RS for each antenna port is allocated to REs or subcarriers on a basis of a symbol or symbol axis in a subframe or Resource Block (RB), and is allocated in such a manner that a distance between neighboring CSI-RS allocation REs or subcarriers may be 3 REs or subcarriers. Accordingly, in the range of following CSI-RS transmission overhead, CSI-RSs are allocated to a time-frequency resource domain in such a manner so as to have perfect orthogonality or quasi-orthogonality according to cells or cell groups. Then, the CSI-RSs, which have been allocated to the time-frequency resource domain, are transmitted.
US09380574B2 Terminal apparatus and control channel decoding method
A wireless communication base station apparatus that allows the number of times of blind decodings at a mobile station to be reduced without increasing the overhead caused by notifying information. In this apparatus, a CCE allocation part allocates allocation information allocated to a PDCCH received from modulation parts to a particular one of a plurality of search spaces that is corresponding to a CCE aggregation size of the PDCCH. A placement part then places the allocation information in one of downstream line resources, reserved for the PDCCH, that is corresponding to the CCE of the particular search space to which the allocation information has been allocated. A radio transmission part then transmits an OFDM symbol, in which the allocation information has been placed, to the mobile station from an antenna.
US09380564B2 Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
To suppress concentration of channel quality information requests and reports in a case of discontinuously transmitting reference signals at specific resources in a time domain, and thereby preventing degradation in throughput. A transmission apparatus transmits an instruction of CSI request distributed for each reception apparatus in a subframe concurrently with or earlier than a reference signal CSI-RS to each of reception apparatuses. Each of the reception apparatuses detects the CSI request from the transmission apparatus and calculates CSI from a channel estimation value of CSI-RS received thereafter. Then, the reception apparatus identifies CSI report subframe of the own apparatus from CSI report interval information of a given time interval notified in advance, the subframe in which the CSI request is detected and transmission timing of CSI-RS, and transmits a feedback signal including CSI report value by using PUSCH at the timing of the CSI report subframe.
US09380560B2 Method and device for sending a paging indicator channel frame
A method and apparatus for transmitting a paging indicator channel frame are provided in the present invention, wherein, the method includes: a base station, according to values of various Paging indicators (PIs) in the paging indicator channel frame, deciding to transmit the paging indicator channel frame or a BitsGroup corresponding to the paging indicator in the paging indicator channel frame at a first power or a second power, wherein, the second power is less than the first power. The apparatus includes a paging indicator value analyzing unit and a paging indicator channel frame transmitting unit. The invention reduces the power overhead of the base station, reduces the power consumption of the base station, and enhances the pilot channel quality of the cell primary common pilot channel.
US09380557B2 Adaptive out of service scanning
A method for selecting an out of service (OOS) scan mode for a wireless communication device is provided. The method can include the wireless communication device detecting occurrence of an OOS condition; setting a displacement threshold in response to the OOS condition; determining a displacement magnitude indicative of a distance traveled by the wireless communication device during the OOS condition; determining whether the displacement magnitude exceeds the displacement threshold; using a first scan mode to scan for network coverage in an instance in which it is determined that the displacement magnitude exceeds the displacement threshold; and using a second scan mode to scan for network coverage in an instance in which it is determined that the displacement magnitude does not exceed the displacement threshold. The first scan mode can have a greater scan frequency than the second scan mode.
US09380554B2 Method for the determination of a receiver for location information
The invention relates to a radio network controller (RNC) for receiving a LOCATION_REPORTING_CONTROL message and analyzing a value of a request type information element received in the LOCATION_REPORTING_CONTROL message. The RNC directly determines requested location information for a user equipment (UE) if the request information element indicates sending location information as a direct response to the LOCATION_REPORTING_CONTROL message or the RNC determines the requested location information if the UE changes the service area if the request information element indicates sending location information at a change of service area by the UE. The RNC then sends a LOCATION_REPORT message comprising the location information and the request type information element to at least one control node.
US09380547B2 Integrated circuit for downlink data and control communication
Provided are a base station, a terminal, a band allocation method, and a downlink data communication method in which a mapping method for synchronization signals and report signals is implemented with high resource usage efficiency when a first system in which an independent single communication is allocated to a unit band co-exists with a second system in which a plurality of unit bands can be allocated to a single communication. In a base station, an OFDM signal generation unit maps primary synchronization channel (P-SCH), secondary synchronization channel (S-SCH), primary broadcast channel (P-BCH), and dynamic broadcast channel (D-BCH), which can be decoded by both an LTE terminal and an LTE+ terminal, to some of a plurality of unit bands. The OFDM signal generation unit also maps D-BCH+, which can be decoded only by an LTE+ terminal, to all of the plurality of unit bands to produce a multiplexed transmission signal.
US09380545B2 System and methods for synchronizing edge devices on channels without carrier sense
A system and method are disclosed for synchronizing edge devices on a network, wherein the network has limited bandwidth and does not support a practical carrier sense mechanism. The edge devices transmit, using a slotted protocol, to a server located at a central data aggregation point. The server also controls a Central Transmitter, which sends messages to the edge devices to assign transmission slots and provide timing information to the edge devices to ensure that transmissions sent by devices sharing the same communication channel do not collide.
US09380544B2 User equipment, base station and methods related to multiple input multiple output
It is presented a method for controlling multiple input multiple output, MIMO, pilot channel boosting. The method is performed in a user equipment, UE, capable of MIMO transmissions using a primary and a secondary stream. The method comprising the steps of: determining a rank used for uplink transmissions from the UE; and determining a boosting parameter affecting power boosting of an Enhanced Dedicated Physical Control Channel, E-DPCCH, and a Secondary Dedicated Physical Control Channel, S-DPCCH, based on the rank. A corresponding UE, base station and associated method are also presented.
US09380543B2 Apparatus and method for random access channel transmission considering reverse channel status in wireless communication system
An apparatus is capable of transmitting a signal through a Random Access Channel in a wireless communication system. The method of transmitting a signal through a random access channel includes estimating a reverse channel status using a signal received through a forward link, determining whether to transmit a signal through a random access channel in consideration of the reverse channel status, and transmitting a signal through the random access channel when it is determined to transmit a signal through the random access channel.
US09380542B2 Communication units and methods for power control of broadcast communication
A method and communication unit for power control in a wireless broadcast communication system that includes a plurality of communication cells, with broadcast content being routed from a base station to at least one wireless communication unit via at least one relay node (RN). The method includes, at the base station: broadcasting the broadcast content from the base station to at least one RN; receiving from the at least one RN an indication of signal quality of the broadcast content as received at the at least one RN; and adjusting a transmit power level of a broadcast transmission of broadcast content in response to the indication.
US09380541B1 Managing specific absorption rate distribution to maximize transmit power of a wireless device
Embodiments described herein provide a method and apparatus for determining a maximum transmitter power for a mobile device. First, a maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) value is determined. Then, a maximum transmitter power based on the maximum SAR value is determined. The maximum SAR value may be determined using any or all of the following methods: using a composite worst-case SAR map, determining a usage position of the mobile device, and a running average of transmitter power. A further embodiment provides an apparatus for managing transmitter power. The apparatus includes a modem that is in communication with a transmitter; a processor in communication with the modem; and a memory in communication with the processor.
US09380540B1 Key fob transmission compensation
A method comprising for adjusting a power level in a key fob includes transmitting a first output signal at a first power setting. A feedback signal is received via a feedback mechanism that indicates a first power level of the first output signal. The first output level is compared to a threshold level. A second output signal at a second power setting greater than the first power setting is transmitted if the first output power level is below the threshold.
US09380522B2 Method and apparatus for cell search in sensor system
Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of wireless communications, and in particular, to a method and an apparatus for cell search in a sensor system, used for solving the problem in the prior art that an operation time delay is long in cell selection and cell residence. The method of the embodiments of the present application comprises: a terminal determining different types of frequency points in frequency points supported by the sensor system, the frequency points of the sensor system being divided, in a diminishing sequence of priorities, into a first type of authorization frequency point, a first type of non-authorization frequency point, a second type of authorization frequency point and a second type of non-authorization frequency point; and performing, in a diminishing sequence of priorities, cell search and cell residence on the frequency points supported by the sensor system. With the present application, a suitable cell can be selected fast and accurately to perform residence, thereby reducing the operation time delay in cell selection and cell residence after a terminal is started, and improving user experience.
US09380517B2 Adjusting number of discovery frames sent based on access point deployment
Techniques are provided for determining, for at least one wireless access point in a wireless network, a number of first-time associations created with one or more wireless client devices in the wireless network. Based upon the determined number of first-time associations created, the number of discovery frames to be sent by the at least one wireless access point may be adjusted.
US09380504B2 Method, user equipment, and base station for changing access cell
The present invention discloses a method, a user equipment, and a base station for changing an access cell. According to the method, the user equipment, and the base station in the embodiments of the present invention, when the UE leaves the coverage of the first radio network and the UE is in the dual-camped state, the first cell of the first radio network that the UE currently accesses is changed to the second cell of the second radio network that the UE currently accesses, so as to avoid a cell change failure caused by an incorrect target cell during cell reselection or handover, thereby accurately changing an access cell, reducing network delay, and improving user experience.
US09380503B2 Method and apparatus for handover in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for handover in a wireless communication system. A handover indication can be received from a source base station (120) that is connected with a mobile station (110). The handover indication can include a random access channel preamble. The random access channel preamble can include a temporary mobile equipment identifier. The random access channel preamble can be received from the mobile station. A timing advance message can be sent in response to receiving random access channel preamble. The timing advance message can be addressed by the random access channel preamble and a source base station identifier. The connection with the mobile station can be switched from the source base station to a target base station (130).
US09380499B2 Apparatus and method for supporting cooperative handover in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for supporting a cooperative handover in a broadband wireless communication system. A method for operating a mobile station (MS) for a cooperative handover in a broadband wireless communication system includes determining a handover to a target BS and omitting a CID update process of the MS during the handover process to the target BS, wherein the CID of the MS is shared beforehand between a serving BS and the target BS.
US09380493B2 Cellular offloading system for vehicles approaching access points
Systems and methods for compiling lists of prospective access points for offloading cellular data traffic for a vehicle, and for selecting an access point to establish a non-cellular wireless Internet connection. Vehicular data mobile access involves properties and characteristics different from those of portable user data devices, and thus exhibit different criteria for cellular data offloading. Embodiments of the invention provide vehicle metrics to be used in conjunction with data requirement metrics in compiling the access lists and making the optimum selections based on the vehicle's predicted route. A predictive look-ahead is also provided, for use when predictive routing information is not available or is unreliable.
US09380491B2 Mechanism for interference mitigation in short-range communication PICO networks
There is provided an interference mitigation or frequency channel collision mitigation scheme usable for a short range communication network where a network element of a cellular network is used as a coordinator or controller for the collision mitigation. Communication information regarding a communication in the short range communication network and concerning a frequency selection for a communication are processed so as to determine collision mitigation data for reducing interference in the communication in the short range communication network. The collision mitigation data regarding the communication in the short range communication network are sent to a communication network element such as a UE acting as a master node of the short range communication network.
US09380471B2 Method, apparatus and system of determining a time of arrival of a wireless communication signal
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and methods of determining a Time of Arrival (ToA) of a wireless communication signal. For example, a method may include receiving a signal over a wireless communication channel, detecting a symbol boundary of a symbol of the signal, and determining a ToA of the signal based on the symbol boundary and a channel estimation of the wireless communication channel.
US09380466B2 Radio access networks
Among other things, a communication system comprising remote units and a controller is described. The remote units exchange radio frequency (RF) signals with mobile devices. At least some of the RF signals comprise information destined for, or originating from, a mobile device. The controller comprises one or more modems and is connected to an external network. At least one of the modems is a baseband modem and is configured to pass first data corresponding to the information. The controller is separated from the remote units by an intermediate network over which second data corresponding to the information is carried in frames between the controller and the remote units. The second data comprises baseband data and at least some of the baseband data is compressed in a frequency domain. The remote units and the controller are configured to compress the baseband data for transmission over the intermediate network.
US09380457B2 Method and system of secured direct link set-up (DLS) for wireless networks
Method and system of secured direct link set-up (DLS) for wireless networks. In accordance with aspects of the method, techniques are disclosed for setting up computationally secure direct links between stations in a wireless network in a manner that is computationally secure.
US09380456B1 System, method and computer program product for dynamically switching operating systems in a virtual mobile device platform
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a system, method, and computer program product for dynamically switching virtual devices in a virtual mobile device platform. The virtual devices may use any desired operating system or operating system version. In some embodiments, a launch application installed on a secondary virtual device is defined for opening a file of a given file type. Upon a request to open a file of the given file type, the secondary virtual device is launched, and a connection is established with a client device. A client device can connect to a secondary virtual device by using a primary virtual device as a proxy, or by using a bypass channel connection.
US09380453B2 Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
Provided is a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same. The mobile terminal includes a body and a display provided on a front side of the body. An input device is provided on a back side of the body. The input device may be exposed through a back surface of the body and may have a plurality of buttons. A storage device may be provided to store a mapping between a prescribed pattern of inputs associated with the input device and prescribed commands for a plurality of functions. A controller may detect an input at the input device, determine a prescribed pattern associated with the input at the input device, retrieve from the storage device a command for a function associated with the prescribed pattern of the input, and process the retrieved command for the function associated with the input.
US09380450B2 Provision of public service identities
A mechanism to handle Public Service Identities identifying services in a network when a given Public Service Identity (PSI) belongs to a range of Public Service Identities defined as a ‘Wildcard PSI’ range. An enhanced Home Subscriber Server, serving entity, and routing entity, all co-operating to carry out the invention by handling an identifier of the ‘Wildcard PSI’ range, which includes the given Public Service Identity, the ‘Wildcard PSI’ range being associated with a common service profile to be applied for services identified by those Public Service Identities belonging to the ‘Wildcard PSI’ range.
US09380438B2 Method and device for forwarding an incoming call according to a remaining battery capacity
A method and device are provided for forwarding an incoming call according to a remaining battery capacity. The method includes determining that the remaining battery capacity is below a threshold; providing an indication that the remaining battery capacity is below the threshold and that a call forwarding function may be set; receiving an input from a user to select a contact number; and sending, to an adjacent base station, a request for call forwarding an incoming call to the selected contact number.
US09380432B2 Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcast receiver and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control method of the digital broadcast receiver includes receiving a broadcast signal into which mobile service data and main service data are multiplexed, extracting TPC signaling information and FIC signaling information from a data group in the received mobile service data, acquiring a program table defining a mapping relation between each of all ensembles transmitted at a physical frequency and at least one virtual channel corresponding to the ensemble, using the extracted FIC signaling information, and detecting IP address information required for channel tuning to the at least one virtual channel corresponding to the ensemble, using the acquired program table.
US09380426B2 Methods, devices, and computer readable storage devices for tracking the locations of mobile target communication devices with respect to the location of a host communication device over time
A distance between a host communication device and a mobile target communication device at multiple times over a time period based on a received signal emitted by the mobile target communication device. An amount of time that the distance between the host communication device and the mobile target communication device is within a distance threshold is also determined. A determination is further made whether the amount of time the distance between the host communication device and the mobile target communication device is within the distance threshold is less than a predetermined amount of time. If the amount of time that the distance between the host communication device and the mobile target communication device is within the distance threshold is less than the predetermined amount of time, transmission of a notification to a third party is initiated via a gateway.
US09380424B2 Crowdsourced signal propagation model
According to an embodiment, a method of estimating a distance to a wireless access point in an indoor environment using a signal propagation model begins with the receipt of a first received signal strength value based on a signal received at a first device from a wireless access point in the indoor environment. Based on a predetermined characteristic of the indoor environment, an estimate is made that the received signal originated from a first distance from the first device. A signal propagation characteristic is estimated based on the first signal strength and the estimated first distance and a plurality of signal samples are received from a plurality of devices. Finally, a signal propagation model for the indoor environment is created based on the signal propagation characteristic and the signal samples, and a distance to any wireless access point in the indoor environment is estimated based on the signal propagation model.
US09380413B1 Dynamically forming the content of a message to a user based on a perceived emotion
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for dynamically forming the content of a message to a user based on a perceived emotion state of the user. During operation, the system determines a geo-location of a user. Next, the system analyzes a news feed associated with the geo-location of the user to determine a perceived emotion state of the user. The system then forms a content for a message to the user based on the perceived emotional state of the user. Finally, the system delivers the message.
US09380412B2 System and method for location of wireless communication terminals using application-level location data
Methods and systems for tracking the locations of wireless communication terminals such as mobile phones. A location system monitors communication conducted between a wireless communication terminal and a wireless communication network. The monitoring system may monitor the communication by intercepting one or more of the interfaces or links between network elements. The location system decodes the monitored communication, and identifies an interaction between the terminal and a server that provides the terminal with a location-based service. The identification may be performed, for example, by detecting a data pattern that is indicative of the Application Programming Interface (API) of the location-based service. The monitoring system then finds location data in the decoded communication between the terminal and the server. The monitoring system extracts this location data and uses it to track the location of the terminal.
US09380408B2 System and method for application driving service
The present invention relates to an application driving service system and method which is capable of solving unnecessary application redundant driving in a terminal in a procedure of providing a service using a beacon device, for example, a Bluetooth-based information providing service, a driving policy providing apparatus applied thereto, and a method for operating the apparatus.
US09380407B2 Information processing apparatus and communication control method
According to one embodiment, there is provided information processing apparatus, including: a first communication module configured to perform a communication under a first communication scheme which corresponds to a proximity wireless communication requiring no authentication; a second communication module configured to perform a communication under a second communication scheme which has a communicable distance longer than that of the proximity wireless communication; and a communication controller configured to perform a control, after the first communication module has started a data transmission with another information processing apparatus under the first communication scheme, so as to change-over the first communication scheme to the second communication scheme and then perform the data transmission.
US09380399B2 Handheld interface for speaker location
An interface for balancing speaker sound for use in consumer electronics and professional sound reinforcement field features a wireless speaker array. Optimization is accomplished by assigning the correct audio channel to each wireless speaker by a “chime” sound with multiple frequency components, and optimizing the sound of the speaker array by providing a wireless transmitter device with precise positions of each item for subsequent optimization of relative gain and delay for each speaker relative to the sweet spot.
US09380393B2 Capacitance sensor, acoustic sensor, and microphone
A capacitance sensor has a substrate, a vibration electrode plate formed over an upper side of the substrate, a back plate formed over the upper side of the substrate to cover the vibration electrode plate, and a fixed electrode plate arranged on the back plate facing the vibration electrode plate. At least one of the vibration electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate is divided into a plurality of regions. A sensing unit configured by the vibration electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate is formed in each of the divided regions. The plurality of sensing units output a plurality of signals having different sensitivities. At least some sensing units of the sensing units have vibration electrode plates having areas different from the areas of the vibration electrode plates in the other sensing units.
US09380387B2 Phase independent surround speaker
A speaker is disclosed that can be positioned as either a right or left front surround or a right or left rear surround in any surround sound system. The speaker includes a housing including a first driver, a second driver, a third driver, and a fourth driver. A high pass filter is connected with the first and third drivers and the first and third drivers are wired having opposite polarities from one another such that the first driver is out of phase with the third driver by 180 degrees. A low pass filter is connected with a lattice filter, wherein the low pass filter is configured to shift a phase of an input signal −90 degrees and the lattice filter is configured to shift the phase by adding +45 degrees thereby forming a −45 degree phase shift. An output of the lattice filter is connected with the second and fourth drivers.