| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09528867B2 |
Ultrasonic flow meter and damper assembly for vibration reduction mounting
An ultrasonic flow meter comprises a flow channel for a fluid to be measured to flow through, an ultrasonic transducer having an acoustic matching body and a piezoelectric element fixed to a metal plate, an insulating damping member which covers the metal plate except for the acoustic matching body, a mounting portion provided in the flow channel, and a fixing member that fixes the ultrasonic transducer to the mounting portion, The fixing member has a pressing portion and an extended portion, and the ultrasonic transducer is fixed to the mounting portion by engaging a hole disposed in the extended portion with a hook disposed on the mounting portion. This structure reduces through-the-case conduction, and achieves the ultrasonic flow meter of high accuracy. |
| US09528866B2 |
Ultrasonic flow measuring device having a signal path of multiple straight subsection having a minimum separation in the range of 0.4-0.6r from the tube axis
An ultrasonic, flow measuring device, comprising a measuring tube having a straight measuring tube axis, a transmitter for sending an acoustic signal on a first signal path, a receiver for receiving the acoustic signal on the first signal path and a number of reflection surfaces, on which the acoustic signal is reflected at least once on the first signal path, wherein minimum separations of at least three subsections from the measuring tube axis lie in the range 0.4-0.6 r, wherein r is the inner radius of the measuring tube. |
| US09528863B2 |
Sensor devices utilizing look-up tables for error correction and methods thereof
Sensor devices and methods for producing corrected sensor vectors are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method of correcting a sensor vector provided by a sensor includes determining a largest magnitude vector component of a sensor vector having N dimensions, and determining a sign of the largest magnitude vector component. The method further includes selecting a major region of interest of a look-up table based on the largest magnitude vector component of the sensor vector and the sign of the largest magnitude vector component, wherein the look-up table includes 2*N major regions of interest, and each major region of interest has a plurality of cells. A cell that is nearest to the sensor vector is selected, and a final corrective data cv is applied to the sensor vector to obtain a corrected sensor vector, wherein the final corrective data cv is associated with the selected cell. |
| US09528859B2 |
Transducer assembly with digitally created signals
Techniques for coupling with devices that convert displacements into differential voltages and improve the sensitivity of such devices. A transducer operates based on changes of inductances between primary and secondary of a transformer to produce a differential signal that includes a noninverted signal and an inverted signal. A switch receives the noninverted signal and the inverted signal. A processor creates a square wave signal for driving the transducer input, and also digitally creates an inverted transducer output. A filter operates to filter the square wave output from the processor to produce a substantially single frequency signal at a specified timing having a specified phase relationship relative to the first phase inversion signal based on instructions that are executed by the processor. |
| US09528858B2 |
Inductive sensor
In one embodiment, an electronic device includes an excitation control; a first excitation element coupled to the excitation control; a second excitation element coupled to the excitation control; a target positioned near the first and second excitation elements and within the electromagnetic fields generated by the first and second excitation elements; a receiving element positioned near the target and within the electromagnetic fields generated by the first and second excitation elements; and a signal processor coupled to the receiving element and coupled to the excitation control. |
| US09528855B2 |
Multi-turn absolute rotation angle detection device and method of detecting absolute rotation angle
This detection device is configured from a gear mechanism (1) provided with first to third counter-shaft gears that mesh with a main-shaft gear (10b), and has a relationship in which the difference between the numbers of teeth of the main-shaft gear and the first counter-shaft gear is two or an integer (a) exceeding two, the difference between the numbers of teeth of the main-shaft gear and the second counter-shaft gear is one, and the number of teeth of the first counter-shaft gear is an integral multiple of the product of the difference of the number of teeth thereof from that of the main-shaft gear and the shaft angle multiplier of a main shaft detector. The detected values of angle detectors (RS0-RS3) are given as digitized angle detected values (P0(4X), P1(1X), P2(1X), P3(1X)) to a multi-turn arithmetic circuit (25). The determination region of the detected value (P0(4X)) of a main shaft is determined, and the rotation angle of the main shaft is found. Further, periodic signal values indicating the differences in rotation angle between the main shaft and first to third counter shafts are generated, respectively, and on the basis of a combination of the relative numbers of rotations of the first to third counter shafts found from the respective periodic signal values, the number of rotations of the main shaft is found. The multi-turn absolute rotation angle can be obtained by adding the rotation angle to the number of rotations of the main shaft. |
| US09528853B2 |
Method and system for displaying a representation of a driving pattern of a vehicle
A method is disclosed for displaying a representation of a driving pattern of a vehicle. The method may include determining the driving pattern in the form of a condition involving excess fuel consumption of the vehicle, and displaying a representation of the excess fuel consumption on a display unit in the vehicle. The method may further include providing first input data related to an actual speed of the vehicle travelling along a route, providing second input data related to a reference speed for the route, calculating, based on the first and second input data, a measure of the excess fuel consumption as a result of the actual speed exceeding the reference speed, and presenting, on the display unit, the representation of the excess fuel consumption. A system is also disclosed for displaying a representation of a driving pattern of a vehicle. |
| US09528849B2 |
System for interaction of navigation and connectivity applications and personal information management applications
A system and method for providing fluent interaction between connectivity applications, personal information management applications and navigation applications. The present invention enables a user to launch navigation application directly from a “Contacts” application. This invention also enables the same result to be achieved in reverse, enabling direct access from a navigation application to contact information, eliminating the need for the user to manually access and enter information. |
| US09528843B2 |
Mobile navigation system operating with a remote server
A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and destination specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping data and reconstructs the optimal route. The route is subsequently displayed and highlighted on the client. |
| US09528838B2 |
Autonomous vehicle detection of and response to intersection priority
An automated driving system and methods are disclosed. The automated driving system includes a perception system disposed on an autonomous vehicle. The automated driving system can detect, using the perception system, a neighboring vehicle proximate to an intersection, identify two or more potential paths through the intersection for the neighboring vehicle, determine a path priority for each of the two or more potential paths, and determine a path priority for a planned path through the intersection for the autonomous vehicle. If the path priority of at least one of the potential paths is higher than the path priority of the planned path, the automated driving system can send a command to one or more vehicle systems configured to allow the neighboring vehicle to proceed through the intersection before the autonomous vehicle. |
| US09528836B2 |
Access route optimization for harvestable resources
Methods and apparatuses for generating a route plan for accessing harvestable resources is provided. A processor receives a node layout for a location with harvestable resources, wherein the location includes at least two parcels. A processor determines a first route network for the location at a first time step. A processor determines a second route network for the location at a second time step. A processor generates a first route plan is based, at least in part, on the first route network and the second route network. |
| US09528827B2 |
Device for measurement of deviation from a reference axis
A device for measurement of deviation of a surface being assessed from a reference axis includes a device body having a means for determining a pre-selected reference axis, the means including a reference surface of the device body which can be aligned with the reference axis, and an indicator on the device body for indicating alignment of the reference surface with the reference axis. A deviation meter connected to the device body is configured to measure the extent of deviation from the reference axis, wherein the deviation meter includes a reference point and a gauging means indicating the measure of the deviation of the reference point from the reference surface. An adjuster is configured to adjust the relative position of the reference point of the deviation meter to the reference surface of the device. |
| US09528826B2 |
High speed metrology with numerically controlled machines
Systems, apparatuses and methods are described for integrating an electronic metrology sensor with precision production equipment such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. For example, a laser distance measuring sensor is used. Measurements are taken at a relatively high sample rate and converted into a format compatible with other data generated or accepted by the CNC machine. Measurements from the sensor are synchronized with the position of the arm of the machine such as through the use of offsets. Processing yields a detailed and highly accurate three-dimensional map of a workpiece in the machine. Applicable metrology instruments include other near continuously reading non-destructive characterization instruments such as contact and non-contact dimensional, eddy current, ultra-sound, and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) sensors. |
| US09528821B2 |
High speed magnetic oscillating device
A high speed oscillating system for non-contact optical scanning of an elongated product moving in a linear production process to determine the dimensional properties and surface profile integrity thereof. The system is designed to increase the scanning frequency and thereby the capability to measure the diameter or size of the product as well as its surface integrity and pick out flaws in the structure of the product in a manner which otherwise is not possible with present day systems on the market. |
| US09528818B2 |
Control method for producing ground markings, and reference beam generator
The invention relates to a control method for producing ground markings, with a reference beam generator for determining a reference plane, a reception of the reference beams by means of an optical detector, wherein the position of an application unit for the marking substance can be derived relative to the reference plane by using the received reference beams, a derivation of the orientation relative to the reference plane, and a control of an application of the marking substance to produce ground markings according to the orientation. According to the method, the intensity in the solid angle covered by the reference beam is varied in time during the production of the marking. |
| US09528817B2 |
Systems and methods for phase measurements
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for phase measurement of biological materials which can be applied to the fields of, for example, cellular physiology and neuroscience. These preferred embodiments are based on principles of phase measurements and imaging technologies. The scientific motivation for using phase measurements and imaging technologies is derived from, for example, cellular biology at the sub-micron level which can include, without limitation, imaging origins of dysplasia, cellular communication, neuronal transmission and implementation of the genetic code. The structure and dynamics of sub-cellular constituents cannot be currently studied in their native state using the existing methods and technologies including, for example, x-ray and neutron scattering. |
| US09528814B2 |
Apparatus and method of using impedance resonance sensor for thickness measurement
An apparatus for, and methods of use for, measuring film thickness on an underlying body are provided. The apparatus may include at least one Impedance Resonance (IR) sensor, which may include at least one sensing head. The at least one sensing head may include an inductor having at least one excitation coil and at least one sensing coil. The excitation coil may propagate energy to the sensing coil so that the sensing coil may generate a probing electromagnetic field. The apparatus may also include at least one power supply, at least one RF sweep generator electrically connected to the excitation coil; at least one data acquisition block electrically connected to the sensing coil; at least one calculation block; and at least one communication block. Methods of monitoring conductive, semiconductive or non-conductive film thickness, and various tools for Chemical Mechanical Polishing/Planarization (CMP), etching, deposition and stand-alone metrology are also provided. |
| US09528806B2 |
Projectile having a discardable sabot
The invention relates to a sabot (4) for a sub-caliber projectile (1) having a projectile core (2). When the projectile exits a weapon barrel, the sabot detaches from the projectile core (2) without transferring momentum by means of a separating aid (4) incorporated between the projectile core (2) and the sabot. The separating aid (4) has a plurality of fingers (5) having at least one predetermined breaking point (8a, 8b), which is connected to the projectile core (2) by a type of snap-connection bead (6) on the fingers/braces (5). |
| US09528783B2 |
Bolt carrier with integral adjustable gas key
A bolt carrier with integral adjustable gas key for use with a firearm is provided. The adjustable gas key includes a base portion and a tube portion coupled to the base portion. An inlet passage extends through the tube portion and an outlet passage angled from the inlet passage exits through the base portion. The adjustable gas key includes an inner volume located at a junction of the inlet passage and the outlet passage. The adjustable gas key also includes an adjustment device operatively coupled to the adjustable gas key, wherein the adjustment device adjusts a size of the inner volume. The adjustable gas key is integral and unitary with a bolt carrier of the firearm, wherein adjustment of the size of the inner volume adjusts the force of action of the bolt carrier. |
| US09528782B2 |
Firearm system and methods of assembly and disassembly
A firearm is described herein. The firearm comprises a receiver assembly adapted to receive a cartridge, a bolt assembly including a firing device operable to fire the cartridge, a barrel adapted to receive the projectile after the cartridge is fired, and a gas assembly including a gas tube. The receiver assembly includes an upper receiver portion, a lower receiver portion, and an upper receiver cover. The upper receiver portion defines a longitudinal axis, and an indexing slot operable to receive the gas tube. The upper receiver portion includes at least one integrated exterior track extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis adapted to slidably couple with the upper receiver cover and a plurality of interior tracks extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis adapted to slidably couple with the bolt assembly. The upper and lower receiver portions are pivotally connected to one another. |
| US09528779B2 |
Heat exchanger
Provided is a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a refrigerant tube through which a refrigerant flows and a fin having at least two tube through holes in which the refrigerant tube is inserted. The fin includes a fin body, a plurality of louvers protruding from a surface of the fin body, a plane part defined between the plurality of louvers, the plane part having a flat surface, and a guide part disposed on at least one side of the plane part to guide a flow of air or discharge of defrosting water. |
| US09528768B2 |
Test stand and method for testing fluid pumps and fluid injectors
A test stand for testing a fluid injection pump and/or a fluid injector has a device for conditioning a test fluid used for the testing. The device has a tank to accommodate and store the test fluid, a first fluid removal line to withdraw test fluid from the tank and to convey it to the fluid injection pump, and a cooling circuit for cooling the test fluid stored inside the tank. The cooling circuit has a second fluid removal line and a return line. The fluid removal line is to withdraw test fluid from the tank and is connected to a heat exchanger, which cools the test fluid withdrawn from the tank. The return line is connected to the heat exchanger and returns the test fluid from the heat exchanger back into the tank. |
| US09528766B2 |
Top submerged injecting lances
A lance for conducting a pyrometallurgical operation by top submerged lancing (TSL) injection, has inner and outer substantially concentric pipes. The lower end of the inner or at least a next innermost pipe is set at a level relative to the lower end of the outer pipe required for the pyrometallurgical operation. The relative positions of the inner and outer pipes are longitudinally adjustable to enable the length of the mixing chamber to be maintained at a desired setting during a period of use to compensate for the lower end of the outer pipe wearing and burning back. |
| US09528749B2 |
Refrigerator
There is disclosed a refrigerator including a vacuum space formed between an outer case and an inner case to improve an insulation function thereof, which includes an inner case that defines an exterior appearance of a storage space, an outer case spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case, with being maintained vacuum, to insulate the inner case from the outer case, a plurality of spacers for supporting the inner case and the outer case space that are spaced apart from each other, and a radiation blocking film provided in the vacuum space, spaced apart from the inner case and the outer case. |
| US09528740B1 |
Adaptive beater and scraper speed control for frozen product dispenser
A controller for a drive motor for a scraper of a frozen product dispenser operates the drive motor to rotate the scraper at selected ones of a plurality of different speeds within a freeze barrel of the dispenser, in accordance with the values of sensed operating parameters of the dispenser. The arrangement provides for rotation of the scraper at speeds appropriate for, but no greater than required for, the then existent operating condition of the dispenser. |
| US09528739B2 |
Illuminated artificial snowmaking method and apparatus
An apparatus for making artificial snow comprises: a) a reservoir for an evaporative snow solution; b) a fluid line with an upper end and a lower end; c) a pump to deliver the evaporative snow solution through the fluid line to a fan at or near the upper end of the fluid line; d) a sock; e) an illuminating means which is configured to illuminate the artificial snow once produced and falling; and f) a ventilated protective membrane around the illuminating means to prevent ingress of fluid; wherein the entire apparatus is contained within the body of a decorative device, and wherein the sock is disposed at or near an upper area of said device, and wherein the fan is capable of blowing the evaporative solution from the upper end of the fluid line through the fabric of the sock so as to create a foam-like snow. |
| US09528735B2 |
Method for filling mixed refrigerant containing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
A principal object of the present invention is to provide a method for filling a refrigerant mixture. According to this method, when a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture comprising HFC-32 and HFO-1234yf is transferred, changes in the composition that occur during the transfer can be made to fall within an acceptable range in terms of refrigerant properties. |
| US09528734B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying and operating air purge in safe mode and having a dip tube
A refrigerant recovery unit is provided and includes a safe purging mode. The safe purging mode allows non-condensable gases to be incrementally purged from a storage tank when the determined ideal vapor pressure is high, such as 40 p.s.i., in order to minimize refrigerant loss during purging. The purging can be done in small increments of time, pressure or mass. The storage tank can include a dip tube that extends into the liquid portion of the refrigerant in order to heat up the refrigerant in the tank with the heated recovered refrigerant. |
| US09528732B2 |
Heat pump apparatus
A heat pump apparatus is provided. The heat pump raises the water temperature during a hot-water supply without using a separate heat source such as a heater. The heat pump apparatus includes an outdoor unit including a first compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve. The heat pump apparatus includes an indoor unit including a second heat exchanger and a second expansion valve, a hydro unit including a second compressor, a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger, a fifth heat exchanger, a third expansion valve, a fourth expansion valve, and a fifth expansion valve. The heat pump apparatus includes a refrigerant flow path switching unit to switch among flow paths, and a water flow path switching unit to switch between flow paths of the water. |
| US09528728B2 |
Parallel magnetic refrigerator assembly and a method of refrigerating
A parallel magnetic refrigerator assembly, includes at least two magnetocaloric stages arranged in parallel connection, each having in use a cold side and a hot side; each magnetocaloric stage including hot and cold side heat exchange circuit for carrying a heat exchange fluid to respectively receive and transfer heat from the magnetocaloric stages; wherein the hot and cold side heat exchange circuit are configured such that in use a heat exchange fluid passes in thermal contact with the respective hot and cold sides of both magnetocaloric stages. The magnetocaloric stages have substantially the same temperature spans but different cold end and hot end temperatures. In this way the device temperature span may be substantially larger than the individual temperature span of each magnetocaloric stage. |
| US09528727B2 |
Robust fixed-sequence control method and appliance for exceptional temperature stability
A method to control a fixed-sequence dual evaporator cooling system including providing a recurring cooling cycle cooling system wherein each recurring cooling cycle comprises first and second cooling cycles for cooling respective first and second interiors, a pump-out cycle for returning coolant to a condenser, and an idle cycle, and providing a processor to establish exceptions to the recurring cooling cycle. A step includes the processor monitoring first and second actual temperatures of the respective first and second interiors, selecting predetermined first and second control temperatures for the respective first and second interiors, and selecting a command input signal to supply to a compressor, the condenser fan, the first and second evaporator fans, and the valve of the cooling system during the recurring cooling cycle based upon the first and second actual temperatures and the predetermined first and second control temperatures to initiate the established exceptions. |
| US09528723B2 |
Pulse width modulated multiple heater control
A system includes, in one example, a first heater device, a second heater device, and a temperature sensor, each disposed within a fluid flow. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first heater device, the second heater device, and the temperature sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the temperature sensor, an indication of a measured temperature of the fluid flow. The controller is further configured to control, based on a difference between the measured temperature of the fluid flow and a target temperature, operation of the first heater device via a first pulse width modulation signal and operation of the second heater device via a second pulse width modulation signal. |
| US09528717B2 |
Efficiency heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning through extended run-time control
An extended run time device for extending the time that a compressor-based heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system runs so as to increase energy efficiency of the HVAC system. The extended run time device includes a sensing circuit, a switching device and a processor. Based upon a signal from the sensing circuit, the processor causes the switching device to transmit a proxy control signal to the compressor, thereby causing power to the compressor to be maintained for a time period longer than a time period requested by the temperature control device. |
| US09528716B2 |
Fan coil thermostat with activity sensing
Fan coil thermostats can provide energy savings by, for example, not unnecessarily heating and/or cooling an unoccupied room or other space. Fan coil systems employing such a fan coil thermostat may be more energy efficient. A fan coil system may include a fan coil that is configured for fluid communication with a source of heated fluid and/or a source of cooled fluid, a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil, a fan that blows air across the fan coil and a fan coil thermostat. The fan coil thermostat may include a controller that implements a control algorithm that may include an unoccupied temperature setting. The controller may be programmed to permit a user to enter a user-chosen temperature setting. In response, the controller may initiate a timer, and may automatically return to the unoccupied temperature setting once the timer has expired. |
| US09528712B2 |
Modulating burner system
A modulating burner system includes a speed control responsive to inputs received from a thermostat. The speed control modulating a blower which provides combustion air and a vacuum proportional to the speed of the blower. The modulating burner system further includes a gas amplifying valve in communication with the vacuum via a vacuum conduit. The gas amplifying valve providing modulated combustion gas responsive to the vacuum; wherein modulated combustion air and gas communicated to a burner for continuously variable firing rates of 50 to 100% of the maximum firing rate. The modulating burner system further includes control circuit dampers for smoothing out vacuum spikes and fluctuations. |
| US09528710B2 |
Sensing system for a cooktop appliance with airflow protected sensor
The present invention provides for operation of a sensor directed toward a cooking surface positioned beneath the sensor. If a cooking utensil is detected on the cooking surface, a fan is operated to direct a flow of air over the sensing end of the sensor to protect or shield it during cooking operations. |
| US09528703B2 |
Micro-mixer fuel plenum and methods for fuel tube installation
The present application provides a fuel plenum for a micro-mixer combustor. The fuel plenum may include a first assembly plate with a first assembly plate aperture, a second assembly plate with a second assembly plate aperture, a fuel tube extending through the first assembly plate aperture of the first assembly plate and the second assembly plate aperture of the second assembly plate, and an installation insert positioned between the fuel tube and the first assembly plate aperture. |
| US09528701B2 |
System for tuning a combustor of a gas turbine
A system for tuning a combustor of a gas turbine includes a flow sleeve having an annular main body. The main body includes an upstream end, a downstream end, an inner surface and an outer surface. A cooling channel extends along the inner surface of the main body. The cooling channel extends at least partially between the downstream end and the upstream end of the main body. |
| US09528697B2 |
Energy accumulation and distribution
An energy accumulation, a distribution system and an energy accumulator that accumulates waste energy. A first energy interface is adapted for receiving first waste energy to be accumulated from a braking power reserve. A second energy interface is adapted for receiving second waste energy to be accumulated from a power generation reserve. An energy store is adapted for accumulating said received first and second waste energy. A third energy interface is adapted for providing the accumulated waste energy to at least one of an auxiliary energy exchanger and a main steam line so as to distribute the accumulated energy. A corresponding method, computer program, and computer program product and are also provided. |
| US09528694B2 |
Plant-growing lamp capable of effecting change in local environment
A plant-growing lamp capable of effecting a change in local environment includes a container, a lampshade with a fixing space, a lighting unit, a water supply unit, a power supply unit, and a sensor. The container is provided with a receiving space, a water storage space, and a loudspeaker. The lighting unit is provided with a circuit board, which has two sides respectively provided with first and second light-emitting elements and can drive the first and second light-emitting elements to emit light of different colors and of different wavelengths respectively. The water supply unit includes a pipe with a water outlet end facing the receiving space. The power supply unit supplies electricity to the loudspeaker, the lighting unit, the water supply unit, and the sensor. The sensor triggers the loudspeaker, the lighting unit, and the water supply unit to generate a simulated weather condition when sensing an approaching person. |
| US09528688B2 |
Retrofit floodlight systems, brackets and related methods
Retrofit floodlight systems, brackets and related methods are provided for retrofitting existing floodlight systems having a floodlight enclosure and a superseded light source to include solid-state lighting functionality. An example retrofit floodlight system includes a floodlight enclosure having a base receptacle and a cover coupled to the base receptacle to define an interior cavity and at least one light generation assembly including an array of solid-state lighting elements operable to collectively emit a flood of light from the floodlight enclosure which is mounted within the floodlight enclosure by a retrofit bracket. |
| US09528686B2 |
Light-emitting arrangement with organic phosphor
The invention provides a light-emitting arrangement (100) comprising a light source (105) adapted to emit light of a first wavelength, and a wavelength converting member (106) arranged to receive light of said first wavelength and adapted to convert at least part of the light of said first wavelength to light of a second wavelength, said wavelength converting member comprising i) a carrier polymeric material comprising a polyester backbone comprising an aromatic moiety, and ii) at least one wavelength converting material of a specified general formula. The perylene derived compounds have been found to have excellent stability when incorporated into said matrix material. |
| US09528666B2 |
Integrated LED based illumination device
A light emitting diode (LED) based illumination device include a plurality of LEDS mounted to mounting board and includes a transmissive plate disposed above the LEDs. The transmissive plate includes an amount of wavelength converting material configured to change a wavelength of an amount of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs. A base reflector structure is coupled to the LED mounting board and the transmissive plate between at least two of the LEDs. In another configuration, a dam of reflective material surrounds the LEDs and is coupled to the LED mounting board and the transmissive plate, while a dam of thermally conductive material surrounds the dam of reflective material. In another configuration, the LED mounting board has a protrusion of thermally conductive material that surrounds the LEDs and is coupled to the transmissive plate, and has a void on the side opposite the protrusion. |
| US09528663B2 |
LED-based light source reflector with shell elements
An optical element that may be replaceably mounted to an LED based illumination device. The optical element includes a hollow shell reflector and a plurality of annular shell elements disposed within the hollow shell reflector at different distances from the input port of the optical element. An annular shell element that is closer to the input port of the optical element has a radius that is less than the radius of an annular shell element farther from the input port. |
| US09528661B2 |
Lighting module for LED-based lighting
A lighting module including an electronic board adapted to accommodate a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided. The lighting module includes a metallic base having cavities adapted to receive adapters. The adapters include a connector body provided with: a) means adapted to accommodate electrical contacts for interconnection to the electronic board; b) means adapted to accommodate gaskets for shielding the contacts; and c) means for the mechanical locking of the adapters on the module. |
| US09528657B2 |
Device and method for filling a container with a gas under pressure
Device for filling a container with a gas under pressure, especially hydrogen in a tank of a vehicle, comprising at least one source (1, 2, 3, 6) of gas pressurized to a first pressure, called high pressure, a transfer circuit (201, 36, 13, 14, 136, 146) capable of selectively connecting the source or sources (1, 2, 3, 6) of pressurized gas to the tank to be filled, the transfer circuit comprising control members (204, 132, 142) for controlling the flow of the gas from the source or sources (1, 2, 3, 6) to the tank, the transfer circuit further including at least one cooling exchanger (9), for cooling the pressurized gas, wherein the cooling exchanger (9) comprises a hot flow circuit (99) for the pressurized gas to be cooled, a cold flow circuit (98) for a cold cooling fluid, and a refrigeration hold-over medium (5), the refrigeration hold-over medium (5) being in direct heat exchange, on the one hand, with the cold fluid of the cold circuit (98) and, on the other hand, with the pressurized gas to be cooled of the hot circuit (99), in order to selectively carry out indirect heat exchange between the pressurized gas and the cold fluid (4) via the refrigeration hold-over medium (5), and wherein the refrigeration hold-over medium (5) forms and fills a gap (1) between the cold fluid of the cold circuit (98) and the pressurized gas of the hot circuit (99), the gap (1) having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and preferably between 20 and 50 mm. |
| US09528647B2 |
Fluid coupling with safety lock
A coupling for connection to a source of fluid pressure such as in a breathing-protection. The coupling has a socket end and a plug end insertable into the socket end. The socket end has a body and a locking sleeve on the body. As the plug end is inserted into the socket end, the locking sleeve is moved axial from a first axial position to a second axial position locking the plug end within the socket end, and rotationally from a release position to a locked position delimiting the movement of the locking sleeve from the second axial position to the first axial position. When the coupling is pressurized, a piston within the body is moved from a retracted position to an extended position delimiting the rotational movement of the locking sleeve from the locked position to the release position. |
| US09528643B2 |
Air grommet connector
A connector is provided for connecting a pneumatic hose having an end to a structural member of an agricultural implement. A tubular grommet extends through a port in the structural member. A flange extends radially from the outer surface from the tubular grommet and is engageable with a first side of the structural member. A locking barb also extends from the outer surface from the tubular grommet adjacent a second end thereof. The locking barb is engageable with a second side of the structural member with the second end of the tubular grommet received within the interior of structural member. |
| US09528638B2 |
Electromagnetic induction welding of plastic pipe distribution systems
Electromagnetic induction welding of plastic pipe distribution systems including inter alia induction weldable pipe connectors each having at least one induction weldable pipe socket. The induction weldable pipe sockets include a solid metal susceptor sleeve enveloping a plastic solder lining. Electromagnetic induction coil assemblies for clamping on induction weldable pipe sockets. |
| US09528629B2 |
Methods and apparatus to use vibration data to determine a condition of a process control device
Methods and apparatus to use vibration data to determine a condition of a process control device are disclosed. An example method includes collecting first vibration data from a first sensor operatively coupled to a process control device during a calibration. The example method further includes calculating an operating threshold of the process control device based on the first vibration data, and determining a condition of the process control device if second vibration data associated with the process control device collected after the calibration exceeds the operating threshold. |
| US09528621B2 |
Apparatus for shutting off flow of water through ductwork
An apparatus for shutting off the flow of water through ductwork is disclosed that is installed in an air conditioning duct in a building and closes the air conditioning duct in the event of the attack of seawater. Two upper and lower hinged door bodies disposed in the inside of the air conditioning duct are supported by a support device in the state in which the inside of the air conditioning duct is open. The opening and closing operations of the upper door body are interlocked with the opening and closing operations of the lower door body by a chain. A water intrusion detection device releases the supporting of the two upper and lower door bodies in the event of the intrusion of water. The two upper and lower door bodies are horizontally moved in the direction of water pressure when the inside of the air conditioning duct is closed. |
| US09528610B2 |
Valve assembly for an injection valve and injection valve
An injection valve assembly includes a valve body having a central longitudinal axis and a cavity with fluid inlet and outlet portions, a valve needle axially movable in the cavity to control a fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion. The valve needle includes a radially extending retainer element. An electro-magnetic actuator unit including an armature axially movable in the cavity and designed to actuate the valve needle via the retainer element, and a pole piece fixedly coupled to the valve body and including an inner recess, the retainer element being at least partially arranged in the inner recess. The pole piece includes a stop element extending radially into the inner recess of the pole piece. The stop element has a stop surface facing the fluid outlet portion and the retainer element. The stop surface of the stop element limits the axial movement of the retainer element. |
| US09528603B2 |
Shift-by-wire transmission
A shift-by-wire transmission system is provided. The system includes a gearbox that is configured and arranged to receive a rotational input and provide a select rotational output. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear assemblies that are operationally coupled together to provide the select rotational output from the rotational input. A shift assembly is operationally coupled to the plurality of gear assemblies of the gearbox to selectively change gearing of gearbox. An electric motor is operationally coupled to the shift assembly to activate the shift assembly to selectively change the gearing of the gearbox. A manual shift override is employed that is coupled between the shift assembly and the electric motor. The manual shift override is configured and arranged to manually disconnect the electric motor from the shift assembly and activate the shift assembly. |
| US09528601B2 |
Automatic transmission power flow detection
A transmission is provided having a control module, an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members, a plurality of torque transmitting devices, and at least one speed sensor assembly. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The control module includes a control logic sequence for assuring engagement of torque transmitting mechanisms for achieving specific gear ratios between the input and output members. |
| US09528588B2 |
Low-noise sprocket
A bicycle chainwheel assembly includes at least one smaller chainwheel and at least one larger chainwheel, the chainwheels engageable by a chain. The larger chainwheel includes a first tooth and a second tooth disposed adjacent the first tooth opposite a drive rotation direction. The first tooth and the second tooth have a configuration that improves the shifting of a chain from a smaller chainwheel to the larger chainwheel. The first tooth has a lateral recess and the second tooth has a deflection chamfer. The second tooth may also have a recess. The first and second teeth have a configuration that prevents the first and second teeth from capturing the chain. An inner link plate of the chain includes a chamfer disposed on an outer side surface in a central region of the plate. |
| US09528587B2 |
Harmonic drive and method of assembling
A harmonic drive includes a flexible gear. Also included is a ring gear that meshes with the flexible gear. Further included is a rotor. Yet further included is a wave generator sleeve directly fitted over an outer surface of the rotor, wherein the wave generator sleeve is disposed radially within the flexible gear. Also included is a bearing assembly disposed between the wave generator sleeve and the flexible gear, wherein the wave generator rotates the flexible gear as the wave generator sleeve is rotated by the rotor. |
| US09528585B2 |
Piston engine
A piston system comprises a first arm and a second arm, each mounted respectively on a first shaft and a second shaft, and being mounted for rotational oscillation about a central axis. Both arms terminate radially outward from the central axis, and are coupled to piston arrangements. The piston arrangements include pistons. Each set of pistons is mounted for movement within respective stationary chambers. Each stationary chamber may be defined, at least in part, by a piston coupled to the first arm and a piston coupled to the second arm. The stationary chambers are arranged about the central axis. The first and the second shaft are connected to an energy transfer mechanism. An energy transfer mechanism includes coupled non-circular gears arranged to convert oscillatory rotational motion to unidirectional rotational motion. |
| US09528577B2 |
Timing belt spacer tool
A timing belt spacer tool with an arcuate spacer portion of predetermined uniform thickness and an extension tab extending in an axial direction from the mid-section of the spacer portion. The extension tab may have a grip, which may be in the form of a protrusion, bulge, thickness variation, edging, bead, or the like. The opposing ends of the arcuate spacer portion may be flexible enough to be straightened in use but still return to their original arcuate shape. |
| US09528573B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A multiple speed power transmission including: an input shaft, an output shaft, a first gearing assembly imposing a fixed linear speed relationship among five shafts, a second gearing assembly imposing a fixed linear speed relationship among three shafts, two clutches, and four brakes capable of producing nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio when clutches and brakes are applied in combinations of two. |
| US09528568B2 |
Vibration isolation
A support for machinery, and for isolating vibration from the machinery, includes a plurality of mounts, each mount including an elastomeric block for completely supporting the static load of the machinery, and an active isolation element including inertial shakers arranged to effect a zero stiffness of the mount to excited structural resonances over a desired frequency band above the mount resonant frequency, and to modify the transmission of out of balance forces to the hull. A control system coupled to the inertial shakers includes a controller configured to apply damping force signals, such as to dampen structural resonances, to inhibit the onset of resonant vibration. |
| US09528564B2 |
Disc brake for a motor vehicle, comprising a plastically deformable restoring spring, and restoring spring
A disc brake for a motor vehicle brake system and a restoring spring arranged therein, the disc brake comprising the following: a brake support which has at least one receiving region; a brake lining arrangement which has a brake lining support and a brake lining which is attached to the brake lining support and which can be brought into interaction with a brake disc in order to achieve a braking effect, wherein the brake lining arrangement is received in the at least one receiving region in a guided manner via a guiding portion formed on the brake lining support; and at least one restoring spring which engages the brake lining arrangement and biases the brake lining arrangement under elastic deformation into a starting position that does not produce a braking effect. The at least one restoring spring can be plastically deformed in order to compensate for brake lining wear. To improve the wear compensation by means of the restoring spring, rests against the brake support via a base portion and has at least one limb which is connected to the base portion via a connecting region and which is arranged at an angle relative to the base portion, the angle changing under the effect of plastic deformation as the brake lining wear increases. |
| US09528562B1 |
Interlock braking system
In an approach to interlock braking, one or more driving wheels and one or more driven wheels are engaged to rotate in the same first direction. One or more braking wheels are driven by a power transmission mechanism associated with the one or more driving wheels. A first braking surface, associated with the one or more driven wheels, and a second braking surface, associated with the one or more braking wheels, engage. A braking force is generated by the engagement of the first braking surface and the second braking surface, and transmitted by the power transmission mechanism to the one or more driving wheels. |
| US09528555B2 |
Main bearing cap with locating feature
A bearing cap in which each foot includes a protrusion formed thereon that is generally linear having opposing sides in which each of these opposing sides support a plurality of crush ribs. |
| US09528548B2 |
Center bearing support
In a center bearing support, a plurality of bored portions corresponding to spaces passing through a rubber-like elastic body in an axial direction are provided around a shaft hole. The bored portions are constructed by a combination of inner peripheral side bored portions arranged comparatively near the shaft hole, and outer peripheral side bored portions arranged comparatively far from the shaft hole. The inner peripheral side bored portions and the outer peripheral side bored portions are alternately provided circumferentially, and are provided so as to overlap in a part circumferentially, thereby having connection portions constructed by a part of the rubber-like elastic body between the inner peripheral side bored portions and the outer peripheral side bored portions. The connection portions are extended in a direction which is inclined to both of a circumferential direction and an axially perpendicular direction as seen from one side of the axial direction. |
| US09528546B2 |
Connecting rod for a reciprocating-piston engine
A length-adjustable connecting rod for a reciprocating-piston engine. At least one first rod part and second rod part are telescopically displaceable relative to and/or into one another. The second rod part forms a guide cylinder and the first rod part forms a piston element which is longitudinally displaceable in the guide cylinder. Between the first and second rod parts is a high-pressure chamber into which at least one first oil duct opens. At least one control valve is arranged in the first oil duct, with an actuator thereof to be displaced into a first position by a spring and into a second position by oil pressure against the force of the spring. To permit adjustment of the compression ratio, a second oil duct formed as a feed duct opens into the high-pressure chamber and in which a check valve is arranged which opens in the direction of the high-pressure chamber. |
| US09528542B2 |
Rivetless nut plate, rivetless nut plate assemblies, workpieces containing rivetless nut plate fasteners, and related methods
The invention encompasses a rivetless nut plate that includes: a base plate having an inferior face and a superior face, a plurality of extensions for engaging a fastener, each of the extensions extending from the superior face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the superior face, the extensions defining a cage region between the extensions, and the extensions being adapted to receive a retainer for retaining the fastener against the superior face in the cage region, and an anchor comprising a body extending from the inferior face to a distal end, having a groove to contain a portion of a substrate that is formed about the anchor being disposed between the inferior face and the distal end and the body having a conformation that is not rotationally symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the inferior face of the base plate. |
| US09528539B2 |
Coating agent device and coating device
Various exemplary illustrations of a coating agent device are disclosed. In one example, a coating agent device may be a coating agent valve, e.g., for influencing the discharge of a coating agent. The coating agent device may include a plug-in or pluggable fastening base configured to facilitate a plug-in or pluggable mounting of the coating agent device. In some examples, the coating agent device may prevent relative rotation of the device relative to a mating component. |
| US09528534B2 |
Hydraulic or pneumatic drive for actuating a fitting comprising a control valve or selector valve
A safety circuit for valves actuated hydraulically via a positioning cylinder. The positioning cylinder in one embodiment is configured to be hydraulically or pneumatically depressurized in an emergency. The positioning cylinder has two cylinder chambers configured to be fluidically connected via a working line. A first and a second series-connected shut-off valve are provided in the working line. The positioning cylinder in another embodiment is configured to be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated in an emergency. The positioning cylinder has at least one first cylinder chamber configured, in an emergency, to be supplied with pressurized fluid via a first pressure medium flow path. A first and a second series-connected shut-off valve are provided in the first pressure medium flow path. |
| US09528531B2 |
Hydraulic drive apparatus for work machine
Provided is a hydraulic drive apparatus for working machine capable of preventing an excessive pressure drop on a meter-in side and moving a load in a lowering direction at a stable speed requiring no counter balance valve, including a hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic actuator lowering a first load, an operating device, a first hydraulic circuit including meter-in and meter-out flow passages, a control valve, a meter-in-flow-rate controller, a meter-out-flow-rate controller making a meter-out flow rate not lower than a meter-in flow rate, a second hydraulic actuator, a second hydraulic circuit between the first hydraulic circuit and a tank and for the second hydraulic actuator, a back pressure valve between the second hydraulic circuit and the tank, a regeneration line leading a part of hydraulic fluid from between the second hydraulic circuit and the back pressure valve to the meter-in flow passage, and a check valve in the regeneration line. |
| US09528521B2 |
Controllable coolant pump
A controllable coolant pump driven by a belt pulley for internal combustion engines is equipped with a valve slide. A seal is disposed on the outer edge of the wall plate between the plate and the outer cylinder of the valve slide. At least one additional flow outlet opening is disposed on the pump housing, the outlet volume stream of which openings can be additionally controlled, aside from the controllable volume stream that exits from the flow exit opening. The flow outlet opening from which the controllable outlet volume stream exits is connected with an outflow opening disposed near the rear wall of the valve slide, in the pump chamber rear wall, via an outflow channel. The outflow opening is enclosed by a ring seal disposed in the pump chamber rear wall, which enters into operative engagement with the valve slide in its rear end position. |
| US09528520B2 |
Test and monitoring system for a dual sump pump system
A test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation of the type having two electrically-powered pumps in a sump container wherein each, when actuated by rising liquid in the container, pump water from the container to a dispersal site. A test control module initiates a first test cycle in which the operation of the second pump is inhibited and fresh water is admitted into the container until the first pump, if functional, pumps liquid from the container. The test control module then initiates a second test cycle in which operation of the first pump is inhibited and fresh water is again admitted into the container until the second pump, if functional, pumps liquid from the container. A separate indication of a satisfactory of unsatisfactory test is given for each sump pump. |
| US09528519B2 |
Pressure control by phase current and initial adjustment at car line
A closed loop control system for a fuel pump based on characteristics of speed, pressure, and current. The pressure generated by the pump system is increased at the point in time when the pump system is working against a dead head system (i.e., coasting) to a level that a calibration valve is opened to a determined working point. By measuring the characteristic phase current as a function of the speed, the characteristic is able to be compared, with the pre-calibrated value of the hardware to perform an error compensation algorithm. The error compensation is overlaid with the standard pressure characteristic as a function of speed and phase current, and uses the pre-calibrated opening pressure value (i.e., the inflection point) of the calibration valve and/or in addition the change of the speed to the initial (first calibration), or to a sliding average therefrom. |
| US09528517B2 |
Alignment feature for a lower bearing assembly for a scroll compressor
A compressor including a shell, and a compression mechanism disposed in the shell including a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap and a second scroll member having a second spiral wrap intermeshed with the first spiral wrap. A drive shaft has a first end engaged with the first scroll member for moving the first scroll member relative to the second scroll member, and a bearing assembly including a bearing housing rotatably supports a second end of the drive shaft. A base is secured to the shell, and a mounting feature formed on either the bearing assembly or the base orients the bearing assembly relative to the base. |
| US09528514B2 |
Gas compressor having an asymmetric cylinder chamber
In a gas compressor, an outline shape of an inner peripheral surface (41) of a cylinder (40) is set such that in a point before a first compression chamber (43B) adjacent to a second compression chamber (43A) in an upstream side in a rotational direction (W) is exposed to a discharge hole (45b) of a primary discharge portion (45) with rotation of a rotor (50) in the rotational direction (W) (point where the first compression chamber (43B) is positioned upstream of an angular position of being exposed to the discharge hole (45b) of the primary discharge portion (45)), a pressure of refrigerant gas (G) inside the compression chamber (43) reaches a discharge pressure. Therefore, the discharge hole (45b) of the primary discharge portion (45) always discharges the refrigerant gas (G) from the compression chamber (43). |
| US09528513B2 |
Method for handling variable length plumbing needs on an electrical submersible pump test bench
A submersible pump test bench capable of testing multiple lengths of submersible pumps. The test bench includes a series of trolleys that may be moved along, added to, or removed from a rail depending on the length of submersible pump to be tested. The test bench further includes a hose handler for redirecting a length of hose connecting the submersible pump to a broader hydraulic circuit. In certain embodiments, the hose handler includes a rotating sheave or similar structure that redirects the hose back on itself, providing a length-multiplying effect. |
| US09528510B2 |
Selector valve for shortening management system
A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes a cooking medium tank for storing the cooking medium and a rotary valve including a rotary inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the cooking medium tank. The rotary outlet further includes a plurality of rotary outlets including a first rotary outlet in fluid communication with a first cooking vessel and a second rotary outlet in fluid communication with a second cooking vessel. Moreover, the rotary valve is configured to selectively place the rotary inlet in fluid communication with one of the plurality of rotary outlets. In other embodiments, the system further includes a motor operatively connected to the rotary valve and configured to operate the rotary valve to select one of the plurality of rotary outlets. |
| US09528509B2 |
Reciprocating compressor crankshaft adapter and method
Method and device for lubricating a connection. A housing is configured to house a crankshaft adapter that connects an oil pump to a compressor. The housing includes a shell forming a round cavity configured to receive the crankshaft adapter; an oil feed conduit configured to enter through the shell into the round cavity and to deliver oil; a first drain conduit, opposite to the oil feed conduit, and configured to enter through the shell into the round cavity; a plug provided in the first drain conduit; and a second drain conduit configured to enter through the shell into the round cavity. The second drain conduit is located between the oil feed conduit and the first drain conduit, substantially between 50 and 130 degrees relative to the first drain conduit on a periphery of the shell. |
| US09528507B2 |
Distributed thrusters driven gas compressor
A distributed thruster based gas compressor, the compressor including an enclosed housing having an inlet aperture exposed to a source of ambient gas; at least one pressure producing device formed over the inlet aperture and adapted to produce a pressure, the pressure producing device being formed of distributed thrusters, such as Nano Molecular Solid-state Electrodynamics Thrusters (NMSETs); a control unit coupled to the first pressure producing device; and wherein the control unit controls the pressure producing device to produce the pressure to cause the ambient gas to be compressed in the housing. |
| US09528506B2 |
Air compressor
An inverter substrate in which heat generating components which make up an inverter control unit are mounted on a rear surface side thereof is accommodated in a case which is made of a material having a good thermal conductivity in such a manner that the heat generating components are closely contact with a base of the case. The case is provided between a pair of air tanks which are disposed parallel to each other at an interval and on a lower side of at least either of an electric motor and compressors in such a manner as to be oriented downwards so that the base is located at an upper position. An air flow generated by cooling fans which are driven by the electric motor is introduced to flow along the base of the case to thereby cool the heat generating components via the case. |
| US09528505B2 |
Linear compressor
A linear compressor and a method for operating a linear compressor are provided. The linear compressor includes a casing and a machined spring. An inner back iron assembly is fixed to the machined spring at a middle portion of the machined spring. The linear compressor also includes features for adjusting a length of the machined spring. |
| US09528494B2 |
Method and system for operating a wind turbine during a fault
A method and a system for operating a wind turbine (10) during a fault. The system includes a pitch motor for rotating each rotor blade (18), second pitch sensors (72) for determining when the rotor blade (18) is rotated to a set point, and a backup pitch controller (80). After a fault is detected, the method determines whether the wind speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine (10) is less than or greater than or equal to a maximum rated velocity of the wind turbine (10). The backup pitch controller (80) then rotates the rotor blades (18) to a specific set point based on the determination. |
| US09528473B2 |
Method and system for diagnosing a purge ejector
Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a purge path ejector used for purging fuel vapors from a canister under boosted engine conditions. The response of an exhaust gas sensor is monitored during each of vacuum purging of the canister and a subsequent boost purging of the canister, and compared to stoichiometry, to diagnose the ejector. By relying on changes in the exhaust air-fuel ratio incurred during purging, the coupling of the ejector to the compressor inlet may be diagnosed without the need for additional sensors or hardware. |
| US09528462B2 |
NOx sensor plausibility monitor
A vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust system, and a controller. The exhaust system includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device, and a rear nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor. The controller, which is in communication with the NOx sensor, includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory. A plurality of data maps and a plurality of binary maps are recorded in memory. Each data map is indexed by a different pair of exhaust system performance values. Each cell of each data map is populated by estimated downstream NOx levels. The binary maps are indexed by one of the pairs of exhaust system performance values. Each cell of each binary map is populated by a binary value, i.e., a 0 or 1. The controller uses the data maps and the binary maps to execute a control action with respect to the exhaust system, such as verifying plausibility of the rear NOx sensor. |
| US09528461B2 |
Obstacle detection device for vehicle and misacceleration mitigation device using the same
To prevent a decrease in detection accuracy of an obstacle that occurs when an obstacle detection distance of an infrared beam at the center is set longer than an infrared beam of at least one of the left or the right, an obstacle detection device for a vehicle which detects an obstacle in front includes an effective-range control part 19 which controls the maximum effective distance of obstacle detection. The effective-range control part 19 extends the maximum effective distance of the second emitting-and-receiving parts 11b, 11c disposed on at least one of the left or the right from an initial value L1 to an extended value L2, when the first emitting-and-receiving part 11a at the center detects an obstacle 5. |
| US09528460B2 |
Fuel injection apparatus
A fuel injection apparatus includes an injector that injects fuel into a combustion chamber or an intake port of an internal combustion engine; an injection amount controller that controls a fuel injection amount of the injector and corrects the fuel injection amount to increase when the internal combustion engine is in a given cold state; an air-fuel ratio detector that detects an air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine; and an air-fuel ratio rich fault determiner that determines an air-fuel ratio rich fault when the air-fuel ratio exists on a rich side than a predetermined determination value. The air-fuel ratio rich fault determiner shifts the predetermined determination value toward the rich side in accordance with the increasing correction of the fuel injection amount so as to correct the predetermined determination value. |
| US09528448B2 |
Methods and system for fuel ethanol content estimation and engine control
Methods and systems are provided for determining an amount of alcohol in fuel injected into an engine based on outputs from an exhaust gas sensor. In one example, a method includes estimating a first fuel alcohol content based on an air-fuel ratio estimated with the exhaust oxygen sensor and estimating a second fuel alcohol content based on a change in sensor output during modulating a reference voltage of the exhaust oxygen sensor between a first and second voltage. The method further includes adjusting engine operation based on a difference between the first and second fuel alcohol contents. |
| US09528437B2 |
Internal combustion engine comprising variable compression ratio mechanism
This internal combustion engine comprising a variable compression ratio mechanism either measures an exhaust temperature or exhaust pressure which varies according to an actual expansion ratio, or measures a physical quantity which varies according to the exhaust temperature and/or the exhaust pressure, and estimates the current mechanical compression ratio on the basis of the measured value. |
| US09528432B2 |
System for controlling an air handling system including an electric motor assisted variable geometry turbocharger
A system and method are provided for controlling an air handling system for an internal combustion engine including a turbocharger having a variable geometry turbine fluidly coupled to an exhaust manifold of the engine and a compressor fluidly coupled to an intake manifold of the engine, and an electric motor coupled to a rotatable shaft connected between the compressor and the variable geometry turbine. A target torque required to drive the compressor to achieve target compressor operating parameters is determined, a maximum available torque that can be supplied by the variable geometry turbine in response to a target exhaust gas flow through the variable geometry turbine is determined, and the electric motor is enabled to supply supplemental torque to the rotatable shaft if the target torque is greater than the maximum available torque. |
| US09528430B2 |
Methods and system for compensating compressor recirculation sludge
Systems and methods for compensating for deposits that may accumulate within a compressor recirculation valve positioned in parallel with a turbocharger compressor are presented. The systems and methods adjust actuators to maintain engine operation such that it may be more difficult for a driver to become aware that a compressor recirculation valve diagnostic is being executed. |
| US09528416B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
The purpose is to prevent ammonia from flowing out of a NOx selective reduction catalyst when an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into a NOx storage/reduction catalyst decreases. An NSR catalyst, a NOx sensor, and an SCR catalyst are provided in an exhaust passage in sequence from an upstream side, and a control apparatus is further provided to determine an amount of ammonia supplied to the NOx selective catalytic reduction catalyst on the basis of a detection value of the NOx sensor. When the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the NOx storage/reduction catalyst is set at or below a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, an amount of ammonia supplied from an ammonia supply apparatus relative to the detection value of the NOx sensor is decreased so as to be smaller than when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is larger than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. |
| US09528409B2 |
Exhaust purification device for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine, wherein an amount of fuel supply during a forced regeneration is optimized, and a fuel efficiency is effectively improved. The device includes a filter in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine for collecting particulate matter in an exhaust gas, an electrostatic capacity detecting unit that detects an electrostatic capacity of the filter, and a filter regenerating unit that supplies fuel to the filter and executes a forced regeneration to burn and remove the particulate matter in the filter. The filter regenerating unit stops supplying fuel when a rate of decrease in the detected electrostatic capacity per predetermined period of time reaches or falls below a predetermined lower threshold, which indicates a drop in burning efficiency of the particulate matter, while the forced regeneration is being executed. |
| US09528404B2 |
Power transmission device
A power transmission device has a first check valve and a second check valve on the respective discharge passages. An oil temperature sensor is disposed at a position that is vertically lower than an oil-introducing portion of a merging section. |
| US09528401B2 |
Valve timing controller
A planet bearing has a single row of spherical rolling elements between an outer wheel and an inner wheel. A planet gear is supported by the outer wheel from a radially inner side. A planet carrier supports the inner wheel from a radially inner side. An elastic component is interposed between the inner wheel and the planet carrier. A driving rotor or a driven rotor has a thrust bearing part that supports the planet gear from one side in the axial direction. The outer wheel is in contact with the spherical rolling element at a rolling contact point and defines a contact angle on the one side in the axial direction. |
| US09528400B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes: a rear plate; a housing fixed to the rear plate; and a vane rotor which is able to rotate relative to the housing. The vane rotor includes a rotor and a vane extending from the rotor outward in a radial direction to divide an oil pressure chamber of the housing into an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The vane has an axial end surface adjacent to the rear plate and a radially outer surface. A first chamfer part is defined at a connection between the axial end surface and the radially outer surface of the vane so as to reduce a surface pressure applied from the rear plate to the vane. |
| US09528394B2 |
Power generating apparatus and method of operating power generating apparatus
Provided is a power generating apparatus including an evaporator configured to evaporate a working medium with a heating medium supplied from the outside of a working medium flow path, an expander to which a driven machine is connected and which is configured to convert expansion force of the evaporated working medium into rotational force to drive the driven machine, a condensing mechanism configured to condense the working medium discharged from the expander with a cooling medium supplied from the outside of the working medium flow path, the condensing mechanism having at least one heat exchanger pipe through which the working medium flows, a cooling water sprayer configured to spray cooling water as the cooling medium over the surface of one or a plurality of heat exchanger pipes of the at least one heat exchanger pipe, and a cooling fan configured to blow ambient air over the one or a plurality of heat exchanger pipes to evaporate cooling water attached to the surface of the one or a plurality of heat exchanger pipes, and a circulating pump configured to pressurize and supply the condensed working medium to the evaporator. |
| US09528390B2 |
Hydrodynamic sliding bearing, in particular of a magnetic coupling pump
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic sliding bearing of a shaft (2), in particular of a magnetic coupling pump (1), wherein the hydrodynamic sliding bearing (4) comprises a clamping sleeve (7) disposed between bearing sleeves (6), wherein the bearing sleeves (6) are each mounted with their bearing front side (8) on an axial bearing element (9). The hydrodynamic sliding bearing (4) is characterized in that the bearing sleeve (6) and the clamping sleeve (7) have on their respective front sides (11, 12) a respectively correspondingly designed spherical region (18, 19) which intermesh, wherein the clamping sleeve (7) has at least one concentric groove (28, 29, 31) and wherein the axial bearing element (9) has a recess (42) adapted to the bearing front side (8) of the bearing sleeve (6). |
| US09528386B2 |
Nozzle blade
This relates to a nozzle blade in which the leading edge shape has a curved-line shape that is formed by the distance from the rotation axis of the nozzle blade to the leading edge changing depending on the nozzle blade height position, and the trailing edge shape has a straight-line shape that is formed by the distance from the rotation axis of the nozzle blade to the trailing edge being constant irrespective of the nozzle blade height position. |
| US09528384B2 |
Brush seal
A brush seal is provided having a brush housing having a back plate and a front plate, a first layer of bristles disposed adjacent to the back plate, where at least one of the first layer of bristles has a first diameter. A second layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the first layer of bristles, and at least one of the second layer of bristles has a second diameter. A third layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the second layer of bristles, and at least one of the third layer of bristles has a third diameter. The first diameter and the third diameter are larger than the second diameter. |
| US09528383B2 |
System for sealing between combustors and turbine of gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a gas turbine and a plurality of combustors each in fluid communication with the gas turbine. The gas turbine engine includes a first seal disposed between the gas turbine and the plurality of turbine combustors. The first seal is configured to sealingly engage with the gas turbine and at least two of the plurality of turbine combustors. The gas turbine engine also includes a second seal disposed between the gas turbine and the plurality of turbine combustors. The second seal is configured to sealingly engage with the gas turbine and at least two of the plurality of turbine combustors. |
| US09528382B2 |
Airfoil heat shield
Exemplary embodiments include a multi-layer, modular and replaceable heat shield for gas turbines. The heat shield apparatus can include a base layer adjacent the airfoil and a thermal layer coupled to the base layer, wherein the base layer and the thermal layer match a contour of the airfoil. |
| US09528375B2 |
Non-uniform blade distribution for rotary wing aircraft
A translational thrust system for a rotary wing aircraft is provided including a propeller system. The propeller system includes more than one pair of propeller blades extending radially outward from a rotatable propeller hub. Each pair of propeller blades includes a first propeller blade and a second propeller blade arranged diametrically opposite one another about a circumference of the propeller hub. Each pair of propeller blades is arranged at an angle to an adjacent pair of propeller blades such that the angle is less than is the pairs of propeller blades were uniformly distributed around the circumference of the propeller hub. |
| US09528374B2 |
Turbofan, and air-conditioning apparatus
A turbofan and air-conditioning apparatus that can suppress the separation of an airflow from the surface of each blade, and can reduce noise due to turbulence is obtained. At least one of a blade pressure surface of the blade that is the front surface in the rotation direction, and a blade suction surface of the blade that is the rear surface in the rotation direction has a blade leading edge side jagged portion formed near the blade leading edge portion, the blade leading edge side jagged portion including a recessed portion a extending substantially along the blade inner peripheral side leading edge portion and the blade shroud side leading edge portion and recessed in the thickness direction of the blade, and an inclined portion in which the thickness of the blade gradually increases toward the blade trailing edge portion from the recessed portion. |
| US09528364B2 |
Well integrity management using coupled engineering analysis
Systems and methods for well integrity management in all phases of development using a coupled engineering analysis to calculate a safety factor, based on actual and/or average values of various well integrity parameters from continuous real-time monitoring, which is compared to a respective threshold limit. |
| US09528360B2 |
Using a combination of a perforating gun with an inflatable to complete multiple zones in a single trip
A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command. |
| US09528359B2 |
Downhole steam generator and method of use
A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir. |
| US09528356B2 |
Flow control mechanism for downhole tool
Flow control mechanism (100) for a downhole tool includes a housing (102), an inner liner (104), and a rotatable sleeve (106). The inner liner (104) is provided in and remains stationary relative the housing (102). The rotatable sleeve (106) can be arranged to rotate about the inner liner (104) to provide a closed configuration (900), a first open configuration (1400), and a second open configuration (1900). The closed configuration (900) can enable through-flow of fluid through the flow control mechanism (100) to a distal tool (50). The first open configuration (1400) can enable partial through-flow of fluid through the flow control mechanism (100) to the distal tool (50) and partial through-flow of fluid in a substantially radial direction. The second open configuration (1900) can prevent through-flow of fluid through the flow control mechanism to the distal tool (50) and to enable through-flow of fluid in a substantially radial direction. |
| US09528347B2 |
Eletric subsurface safety valve with integrated communications system
Certain aspects and features are directed to an electric subsurface safety valve including an integrated communications system that can be disposed in a wellbore. The electric subsurface safety valve can include a body adapted to be coupled to a cable, a communications system disposed in the body, and a closure mechanism. The body can be disposed within the wellbore. The communications system can include one or more transceiving devices and a processing device. The transceiving devices can communicate signals via the cable to a rig at the surface and can wirelessly communicate signals to target tool in the well system. The processing device can process signals received by the one or more transceiving devices for communication via the cable. The closure mechanism can be positioned in a passageway defined by the wellbore and can control a flow of fluid to through the passageway. |
| US09528345B2 |
Hydraulic communication device
The present invention generally relates to a hydraulic communication device that is used in a wellbore for fluid communication during a wellbore operation. In one aspect, a hydraulic communication device is provided. The hydraulic communication device includes a body having a central passageway and a bore formed in a wall of the body. The bore is in fluid communication with the central passageway, and the bore is configured to receive an end of a control line. The hydraulic communication device further includes a plug assembly disposed in the bore formed in the wall of the body. The plug assembly is movable from a first position in which fluid communication through the bore is blocked and a second position in which fluid communication through the bore is unblocked. |
| US09528344B2 |
Safety valve with independent flow tube
A safety valve can be disposed in a wellbore that is through a fluid-producing formation. The safety valve can include a flow tube that is allowed to move at least partially independent, or free, from a piston assembly to avoid negative effects from forces on the flow tube from a closing assembly, such as one including a flapper. For example, the flow tube may not be required to be rigidly connected to a piston assembly such that the flow tube can move more than the piston assembly moves. |
| US09528343B2 |
Degradable ball sealer
High strength, degradable ball sealer for temporarily sealing off lower zones in a wellbore from the flow of a fluid injected into the well. The degradable ball sealer may also seal openings formed through slidable packers or sleeves received within a tubing string in the well, from the flow of a fluid injected into the well. The ball sealer includes an aluminum-based alloy matrix containing gallium, with graphitic carbon particulate and salt particulate homogeneously distributed within the aluminum-based alloy matrix. |
| US09528340B2 |
Solenoid valve housings for blowout preventer
A subsea blowout preventer control system has horizontally oriented solenoid valve housings. Solenoid valves mounted within each of the solenoid valve housings are electrically controlled to selectively provide a hydraulic pilot signal to a hydraulic valve. A vertically extending central chamber contains a dielectric liquid and extends alongside the solenoid valve housings. A communication tube for each solenoid valve housing has an open upper end within the central chamber adjacent an upper end of the central chamber. Each of the communication tubes has an open lower end extending into one of the solenoid valve housings for communicating dielectric liquid in the central chamber with an interior of each of the solenoid valve housings. A separate drain line mounted to each of the solenoid valve housings enables draining of one of the solenoid valve housings for maintenance without requiring draining of other of the solenoid valve housings. |
| US09528337B2 |
Up-hole bushing and core barrel head assembly comprising same
A bushing for positioning within a core barrel assembly during an up-hole drilling operation. The bushing has a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an inlet, an outlet, and a central bore of the bushing. The central bore surrounds a longitudinal axis of the bushing and extends between the inlet and the outlet. The outer surface has a first portion positioned proximate the inlet and a second portion positioned proximate the outlet. The first portion of the outer surface of the wall projects outwardly from the second portion of the outer surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the bushing such that the first portion of the outer surface defines opposed first and second shoulder surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis. Core barrel head assemblies including such bushings are also described. |
| US09528333B2 |
Mixing tank and method of use
A method of transmitting a fluid into an oil well bore provides a frame supporting a vessel, the vessel having an interior, upper and lower end portions, a conically shaped side wall, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the vessel. A viscous polymeric material is added to the vessel interior. A discharge pipe having a vertical section is placed below the vessel, the discharge pipe being in communication with the outlet. A positive displacement pump is contained within the discharge pipe. The pump transmits fluid from the outlet into the discharge pipe downstream of the vertical pipe section or pump. The fluid is selectively transmitted to either the vessel interior (for recirculating) or into the well. Air is added to the discharge flow line downstream of the pump. |
| US09528332B2 |
Power tong
A power tong includes a rotor, driven by a primary drive, for spinning and torquing threaded connections of a tubular gripped in the rotor. A grip in the rotor grips the tubular. A serpentine member supplies power to actuate the grip. The serpentine member is driven by a secondary drive. The primary and secondary drives are mounted on a stator frame. The rotor is rotatably mounted to the stator frame and driven by the primary drive during continuous three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation. A fixed or backup jaw may also be mounted to the stator frame. Tubular grippers on the fixed jaw grip a first side of a tubular joint. The grip on the rotor grips the opposite side of the tubular joint. High torque low-rotational speed applied to the rotor torques the joint. Low torque high-rotational speed applied to the rotor spins the joint. |
| US09528322B2 |
Dual motor systems and non-rotating sensors for use in developing wellbores in subsurface formations
A method for forming a subsurface wellbore is disclosed. The method includes operating a drilling string in a first direction of rotation. A first motor located near the end of the drilling string is operated in a direction of rotation opposite that of the drilling string. A drill bit is rotated using a second motor that is coupled to the first motor. |
| US09528305B2 |
Recreational vehicle open assist handle
A door assist system including a door and a door assist assembly. The door is pivotally attached to a wall. The door has a paddle handle configured to be pivoted about a first pivot axis relative to the door for allowing the door to rotate relative to the wall to open. The door assist assembly includes a bar connected to the door and configured to pivot relative to the door about a second pivot axis. The door assist assembly further includes a handle engagement member connected to the bar and securely engaging the paddle handle. Rotation of the bar about the second pivot axis causes the handle engagement member to rotate the paddle handle about the first pivot axis to allow the door to open. |
| US09528298B2 |
Appliance latch with uni-directional actuator
A door locking mechanism for an appliance provides a bolt that is biased by a spring but may be moved by a unidirectional actuator. A bi-stable mechanism blocks movement of the bolt at certain positions at successive actuations of the unidirectional actuator. In this way, energy need not be provided to the electromechanical actuator except periodically. |
| US09528296B1 |
Off center drive mechanism for thumb turning lock system for intelligent door system
An intelligent door lock system has a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of the lock device. The lock has an off center drive mechanism relative to an outer periphery that allows up to R displacements from a center of rotation of the lock, where R is a radius of the lock. An engine is provided with a memory. The engine is coupled to the positioning sensing device. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source. A device converts energy into mechanical energy is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source. |
| US09528286B2 |
System and method of concrete crack repair
A method and system for repairing a crack in a concrete structure is provided including securing a plurality of ports at spaced intervals along the crack, adhering a carbon fiber panel to the concrete structure over the top of a crack, and injecting epoxy into each of the plurality of ports to fill the crack while the adhered carbon fiber panel seals the injected epoxy within the crack to provide a reliable epoxy-filled crack repair process. |
| US09528280B2 |
Surface underlayment system with interlocking resilient anti-slip shock tiles
A modular energy absorbing system sandwiched between an impact-receiving upper surface and a lower foundation. The energy absorbing system has one or more interconnected modules that cooperate to absorb and distribute impact forces applied thereto. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have bases that underlie the upper impact-receiving surface such as a football field or a basketball court. |
| US09528278B2 |
Panel, covering and method for installing such panels
A panel for forming a covering, more particularly a floor panel for forming a floor covering, which at least at two opposite edges, comprises coupling parts arranged to couple two of such panels to each other by means of a downward movement of one panel in respect to the other. The coupling parts form a first locking system arranged to lock in the plane of the panels and perpendicularly to the edges, as well as form a second locking system, which effects a locking perpendicularly to the plane of the panels. At least one of the coupling parts is formed at least partially from soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride), as well as at least partially formed from a milled profiled part of the soft PVC. |
| US09528277B2 |
Prefabricated element for floors or floor baseboards
A prefabricated element or floors or floor baseboards is described that includes a rigid base having an upper surface and two opposed longitudinal lateral surfaces, the upper surface and lateral surfaces being covered by a layer made of vinyl fabric. A modular floor tile is also described that includes a plurality of the prefabricated elements mounted on a rigid support. The invention enables an outdoor decorated wood flooring with no need of maintenance to be realized. |
| US09528276B2 |
Locking system and flooring board
A locking system for mechanical joining of rectangular floorboards having a body and long and short edges. Said locking system including a tongue and a groove for vertical locking of two joint short edges and for horizontal joining a locking groove formed in the underside of a first one of the short joint edges, and a portion projecting from the second short joint edge having a locking element cooperating with the locking groove. The tongue is arranged on the second short edge. The groove is arranged on the first short edge. The projecting portion is integrally formed with the board, by working of the body of the board. |
| US09528272B2 |
Roofing cap system
A vented ridge cap assembly can include an upper ridge cap member and one or more non-continuous members configured to support the ridge cap member at a position spaced above a roof of a structure. The non-continuous members include one or more gaps to allow air to pass there through. The ridge cap assembly can optionally include a non-continuous member with one or more folds so as to define two or more parallel walls which can provide enhanced rigidity and/or wind resistance. Optionally, the roof cap assembly can include lower mounting portions for mating with upper surface of a roof structure. |
| US09528266B2 |
Dual glazing panel system
Panel unit assemblies with first and second engagement members having panel-attachment members for retaining portions of the panels and pairs of opposed transparent or translucent panels with retaining portions attached to the panel-attachment members of the first and second engagement members to form adjacent interlocked panel units. The first engagement member has a first wall disposed between the first pair of panels and a male member projecting from the first wall with at least one catch rail and the second engagement member has a second wall disposed between the panels with a pair of sidewalls defining an interlock cavity for receiving the male member. The catch rail of the male member is disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the sidewalls to engage an interlock cavity sidewall inner surface and limit pivoting movement of the panels. |
| US09528258B1 |
Manhole ring support for unified concrete pours around grease interceptor
A kit of materials to make a support for one or more manhole rings during a concrete pour around a prefabricated grease interceptor includes a base, a plurality of vertical supports, and a peripheral grid to surround a top of the prefabricated grease interceptor at a position to support a manhole seating ring. The vertical supports are long enough that they extend from the base to the peripheral grid for most grease interceptor installations or can be cut to size to position the peripheral grid. |
| US09528257B2 |
Toilet bowl trapping device
A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap and a plurality of hooks. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the first end includes a first tab extending perpendicular to the strap and the second end includes a second tab extending perpendicular to the strap, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks extend from an inner wall of the strap. The strap is made of a strap material that is resilient to bend and springs back to its previous shape, such as a stainless steel or a high density polyethylene. |
| US09528256B2 |
Flow channel switching apparatus for bidet nozzle
The present invention relates a flow channel switching apparatus for bidet nozzle which is capable of providing a rectal injection function in addition to anus and genitalia cleaning, which makes the bowel movement comfortable; of fluidly connecting the water tank and the drain hole to drain cold water supplied to prevent the water tank from overheating during initial stage of providing hot water and the final stage of the cleaning, even in a state where the water is not supplied to the anus cleaning hole, the genitalia cleaning hole, or the rectal injection hole, which allows reliable use of the bidet; and when the rotating plate is rotated to fluidly connect the supply through hole of the rotating plate and the anus cleaning hole, the genitalia cleaning hole, or the rectal injection hole penetrated through the disc valve, the supply through hole is fluidly connected to the respective supply hole to supply water, or either one of the first and the second drain through hole is fluidly connected to the discharge hole to guide water to be drained, which allows reliable use of bidet. |
| US09528255B2 |
Nozzle device and a toilet with the nozzle device
An effuser for a plumbing apparatus including a stepper motor, a transmission mechanism connected with an output end of the stepper motor, an effuser connected with the transmission mechanism and configured to spray water from an internal water pipe using a nozzle, wherein the transmission mechanism extends and retracts the effuser by rotating the effuser about an axis transverse to the plumbing apparatus when driven by the stepper motor. |
| US09528247B1 |
Control system for work vehicle, control method, and work vehicle
A control system for a work vehicle includes a temperature detecting unit and a controller. The temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of the electrical drive system. The controller controls the output of an electric motor when the temperature of the electrical drive system detected by the temperature detecting unit exceeds a predetermined first threshold and an operating member of the movable body is positioned in a neutral position. The controller does not limit the output of the electric motor when the operating member for the movable body is being operated even when the temperature of the electrical drive system exceeds the first threshold. |
| US09528244B2 |
Work vehicle
A wheel loader is provided with an engine, an engine compartment, a top plate, an injection device, and a duct member. The engine compartment houses the engine. The top plate has a first opening section. The top plate defines the upper surface of the engine compartment. The injection device is disposed inside the engine compartment. The duct member is disposed above the injection device. The duct member is disposed below the first opening section. |
| US09528233B2 |
Pet waste collection and isolating device
Devices and methods for collecting pet droppings into bags and disposing of them in a way that the user and equipment avoid contact with the droppings are disclosed. In one embodiment, the mouth of an open bag is placed over the dropping and elastic cords manipulated by a remote handle wrap around the waste bag and closes its opening to snare the droppings. In another embodiment, two jaws are configured for sideways movement and to close over the dropping by a remote handle. A collection bag is placed inside the jaws with its rim wrapped around the jaws in a way that closing the jaws ensnares the droppings inside the bag. |
| US09528228B2 |
Vehicle-mounted ground marking system and method
A ground marking system includes a position signal receiver configured to receive a position signal and generate current position information based on the position signal. A paint supply is configured to discharge paint onto ground beneath the paint supply. A first actuator is operatively connected to the paint supply for linearly moving the paint supply in both a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A second actuator is operatively connected to the paint supply for controlling the discharge of paint from the paint supply. A memory device stores predetermined positional data. A processor is in communication with the position signal receiver and the memory device, and is configured to control linear movements of the first actuator based on the current position information received from the position signal receiver and the predetermined positional data stored in the memory device, and adjust a position of the paint supply. |
| US09528226B2 |
Curb drain block
A rectangular channel is cut into a contoured concrete curb along a street to expose an end of ground drain pipe. Sealing fill material is applied to portions of cut surfaces of the rectangular channel. A curb drain modular insert that is placed into the rectangular channel has a molded body that is formed to have a rear surface, bottom surface and lateral surfaces that are generally planar. The lateral surfaces are generally parallel to each other. Each lateral surface, rear surface and bottom surface being generally perpendicular to each other for being placed into the rectangular channel cut into the contoured curb. The molded body has a contoured top surface that conforms to portions of the contoured curb that are adjacent to the rectangular channel. A horizontal bore is formed in the molded body from the rear surface through the top surface to conduct ground water. |
| US09528225B2 |
Method and apparatus for machining a workpiece by way of a geometrically defined blade
A method for stock-removal machining of a surface of a workpiece includes driving a carrier revolvingly about an axis so as to move at least one geometrically defined cutter disposed on the carrier via a receiver on a revolution path about the axis; and moving the cutter relative to the carrier during the machining, so that the cutter moves in a straight path relative to the surface of the workpiece. |
| US09528221B2 |
Treatment agent, method for forming image, method for producing treatment agent, method for producing fabric having image, and fabric having image
Provided is a treatment agent used for forming an image on fabric, containing a resin emulsion and a metal salt. A pH of the treatment agent is in a range from 5.5 to 9. The pH may be adjusted using a pH adjuster. Examples of the pH adjuster include sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, triethanolamine, and N-butyl diethanolamine. |
| US09528211B2 |
Cleaning apparatus
A cleaning apparatus adapted to clean at least one object is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a chamber, a fixed assembly, a movable assembly and a driving unit. The chamber is adapted to receive a cleaning liquid. The fixed assembly is disposed within the chamber. The movable assembly is movably disposed on the fixed assembly. The object is adapted to be hanged on the fixed assembly or the movable assembly. The driving unit is connected to the movable assembly and adapted to drive the movable assembly to perform a reciprocating motion along a first direction, so that the object is clapped by the fixed assembly and the movable assembly. |
| US09528207B2 |
Bicomponent nonwoven fabric having an improved strength and air permeability and manufacturing method thereof
A nonwoven fabric having improved air permeability and strength is formed with a filament of sheath-core shape, the core part being constituted with blending a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having melting point (Tm) of 250˜270° C. of 40 to 60 parts by weight with a polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) having melting point of 215˜235° C. of 10 to 50 parts by weight, the sheath part being constituted with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having melting point of 210˜230° C. of 10 to 30 parts by weight, and the core and sheath parts being spun with conjugate respectively, and formed with a web. The bicomponent nonwoven fabric uses a bicomponent polymer and improved spin method with conjugate and blending spinning to produce PTT nonwoven fabric having an improved strength and air permeability and soft property and proper resistance which are required for a variety of uses and to produce it economically. |
| US09528204B2 |
Survivalist kernmantle
An improved kernmantle cord in part comprises 550-Paracord manufactured to exceed MIL-STD-C-5040H Type III. The improved kern at the core includes three nylon fibers in each of seven yarns, one continuous filament of waterproofed paraffin-waxed jute twine fiber tinder, one continuous abrasion-resistant nylon or fluorocarbon monofilament, and one continuous copper wire. The monofilament is strong enough for 50# test, yet small enough not to adversely impact the pliability of the cord as a whole. The copper wire itself may be multistrand or braided to improve flexibility or solid to provide more body. The mantle sheathing is of woven nylon and provides abrasion resistance for the whole cord, and functions as an electrical insulator for the copper wire and fireproofing for the paraffin-waxed jute twine fiber tinder. |
| US09528197B2 |
Controlled chemical stabilization of polyvinyl precursor fiber, and high strength carbon fiber produced therefrom
Method for the preparation of carbon fiber, which comprises: (i) immersing functionalized polyvinyl precursor fiber into a liquid solution having a boiling point of at least 60° C.; (ii) heating the liquid solution to a first temperature of at least 25° C. at which the functionalized precursor fiber engages in an elimination-addition equilibrium while a tension of at least 0.1 MPa is applied to the fiber; (iii) gradually raising the first temperature to a final temperature that is at least 20° C. above the first temperature and up to the boiling point of the liquid solution for sufficient time to convert the functionalized precursor fiber to a pre-carbonized fiber; and (iv) subjecting the pre-carbonized fiber produced according to step (iii) to high temperature carbonization conditions to produce the final carbon fiber. Articles and devices containing the fibers, including woven and non-woven mats or paper forms of the fibers, are also described. |
| US09528178B2 |
Fastener element for slide fasteners
A fastener element for slide fasteners where the color and pattern change diversely with viewing angle. A coiled fastener element for slide fasteners that is to be furnished on a fastener tape, wherein the fastener element is provided with an engagement head, an upper leg, a lower leg, and inverting part for connecting the upper leg with the lower leg; a coating comprising at least one light-transmissive layer is formed on at least the upper leg; and the thickness of the light-permeable layer is formed so as to decrease gradually from the approximate top of the upper leg to the fastener tape side and so that the layer thickness near the top is at most about 50-1500 nm. |
| US09528176B2 |
Thermal spray powder and film that contain rare-earth element, and member provided with film
A thermal spray powder of the present invention contains a rare earth element and a diluent element that is not a rare earth element or oxygen, which is at least one element selected, for example, from zinc, silicon, boron, phosphorus, titanium, calcium, strontium, and magnesium. A sintered body of a single oxide of the diluent element has an erosion rate under specific etching conditions that is no less than 5 times the erosion rate of an yttrium oxide sintered body under the same etching conditions. |
| US09528175B2 |
Pre-weld heat treatment for a nickel based superalloy
A pre-weld heat treatment of the nickel based superalloy including heating a nickel based superalloy (e.g., IN939) casting to 2120° F. at a rate of 2° F. per minute, and then soaking the casing for one hour at 2120° F. The casting is then cooled in stages including slowly cooling the casting at a rate of 1° F. per minute to about 1900° F. and holding at that temperature for about 10 minutes. Then the casting is further slowly cooled at a rate of 1° F. per minute to about 1800° F. and holding at that temperature for about 10 minutes, and further slowly cooled to a temperature range of 1650° F. to 1450° F., and then fast cooled to room temperature. The pre-weld heat treatment may optionally include a step of heating the casting to about 1850° F. at a rate of 50° F. per minute before slowly heating to 2120° F. |
| US09528172B2 |
High-strength steel sheet having improved resistance to fracture and to HIC
A high-strength steel sheet having improved HIC resistance and fracture resistance even when it is thick has a chemical composition comprising, in mass %, C: 0.02-0.07%, Si: 0.05-0.50%, Mn: 1.10-1.60%, P: at most 0.015%, S: at most 0.0030%, Nb: 0.005-0.030%, Ti: 0.005-0.020%, Al: 0.005-0.060%, Ca: 0.0005-0.0060%, N: 0.0015-0.0070%, at least one of Cu, Ni, Cr, and Mo in a total of greater than 0.1% to less than 1.5%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities and a steel structure composed of at least 10% by area of bainite and a remainder of ferrite and pearlite. The degree of segregation is less than 1.6 for Nb and less than 1.4 for Mn in the central portion of the thickness of the steel sheet. |
| US09528164B2 |
Sugar recovery method from ligno-cellulosic biomass
Disclosed in this specification is a process for the improved hydrolysis of glucans to glucose wherein a portion of the glucose is removed from the process to improve the yield of glucose. |
| US09528163B2 |
Reagents and methods for detecting HCV
The present disclosure relates to oligonucleotide sequences for amplification primers and their use in performing nucleic acid amplifications of HCV, in particular regions that encode the NS3 polypeptide. In some embodiments the primers are used in nested PCR methods for the detection or sequencing of HCV NS3. The oligonucleotide sequences are also provided assembled as kits that can be used to amplify and detect or sequence HCV NS3. |
| US09528149B2 |
Method for analyzing multiple nucleic acid targets
A detection device includes a PCR processor for conducting a PCR process on a first drop to a fourth drop flowing in a flow channel, a boundary detector for detecting intensities of fluorescence outputted from the first drop to the fourth drop after the PCR process and acquiring boundaries between the first drop to the fourth drop flowing in a flow channel based on the intensities of fluorescence, and a detector for acquiring a number of the second drop and the fourth drop having an intensity of fluorescence greater than or equal to a first threshold based on the intensity of fluorescence and boundaries between the first drop to the fourth drop, and detecting whether or not the objective nucleic acid target includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a first nucleic acid target and a second nucleic acid target based on the number of the second drop and the fourth drop. |
| US09528145B2 |
Rare earth spatial/spectral barcodes for multiplexed biochemical testing
Hydrogel microparticles spatially and spectrally encoded using upconverting phosphor nanoparticles are described for use in biochemical testing. In each microparticle, upconversion nanocrystals having spectrally distinguishable emission spectra are disposed in different pardons of an encoding region of the microparticle. |
| US09528142B2 |
Heat-reduction methods and systems related to microfluidic devices
Systems and methods for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic device while generating heat in selected regions of the device are described. Current can be supplied to a heating element through electric leads that are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. Unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex can be reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex by, for example, running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex. Unwanted heat can be removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices. |
| US09528131B2 |
Methods of using ketoreductase polypeptides for reduction of acetophenones
The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds. |
| US09528128B2 |
Method for the simultaneous production of ethanol and a fermented, solid product
The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous production of a fermented, solid product and ethanol comprising the following steps: 1) providing a mixture of milled or flaked or otherwise disintegrated biomass, comprising oligosaccharides and/or polysaccharides and live yeast in a dry matter ratio of from 2:1 to 100:1, and water; 2) fermenting the mixture resulting from step (1) under conditions where the water content in the initial mixture does not exceed 65% by weight, for 1-36 hours at a temperature of about 25-60° C. under anaerobic conditions; 3) incubating the fermented mixture resulting from step (2) for 0.5-240 minutes at a temperature of about 70-150° C.; and 4) separating wet fermented, solid product from the fermented mixture resulting from step (3); further comprising either a) that the fermentation in step (2) is performed in one or more interconnected paddle worm or continuous worm conveyers with inlet means for the fermentation mixture and additives and outlet means for the ferment as well as control means for rotation speed, temperature and pH, or b) that one or more processing aids are added in any of steps (1), (2) and (3) and further comprising a step of 5) separating crude ethanol from the fermented mixture in step (2) by vacuum and/or in step (3) by vacuum or by injection of steam and condensing the surplus stripping steam. The invention further relates to the products of this method as well as uses thereof. |
| US09528116B2 |
Method for producing therapeutic proteins in Pichia pastoris lacking dipeptidyl aminopeptidase activity
The present invention related to methods and compositions for producing therapeutic proteins in yeast cell lines, and in particular Pichia pastoris, lacking dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (DAP) activity. DAP activity has been eliminated by genetically modifying a Pichia pastoris cell line such that STE13 and DAP2 have been deleted. |
| US09528115B1 |
Pseudomonas fluorescens2-79 with genes for biosynthesis of pyrrolnitrin improves biocontrol activity
In exemplary embodiments, the invention provides Pseudomonas fluorescens 2-79 strains having pyrrolnitrin biosynthetic genes for biocontrol of soilborne diseases. |
| US09528113B2 |
Therapy delivery and monitoring using a gene of interest-reporter fusion protein and optical imaging
The present invention relates to a method of non-invasively monitoring the expression of a gene of interest in a cell when contacting said cell with a compound influencing the expression of said gene of interest. The present invention is also concerned with different isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a coding sequence. Said coding sequence comprises a gene of interest-sequence encoding a gene of interest-polypeptide fused to a reporter sequence encoding a fluorescent reporter polypeptide and is operatively coupled to a promoter sequence. The present invention is also concerned with the use of a method and a nucleic acid molecule of the invention for delivering a compound influencing the expression of a gene of interest in a cell, monitoring the delivery of said compound as well as monitoring the influence on the expression of said gene of interest induced by said compound at the same time. |
| US09528107B2 |
Compositions and methods for selection of nucleic acids
Methods are provided for reducing the complexity of a population of nucleic acids prior to performing an analysis of the nucleic acids, e.g., sequence analysis. The methods result in a subset of the initial population enriched for a target region, which is typically located within one or more target fragments. The methods are particularly useful for analyzing populations having a high degree of complexity, e.g., chromosomal-derived DNA, whole genomic DNA, or mRNA populations. |
| US09528104B2 |
System for simultaneous isomerization and fermentation of sugars
Methods and systems for the isomerization and fermentation of xylose and hexose sugars using an immobilized enzyme system capable of sustaining two different pH microenvironments in a single vessel are disclosed. Bilayer particles are dispersed in a mixture comprising an ionic borate source and xylose. The bilayer particles have a first region with a first enzymatic activity comprising xylose isomerase and a pH of 6 or above, and a second region having a second enzymatic activity at an acidic pH. |
| US09528103B2 |
Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of isoleucyl tRNA synthetases
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications. |
| US09528102B2 |
Proteoglycan degrading mutants for treatment of CNS
The present disclosure relates to the preparation and deletion mutants of chondroitinase proteins and their use in methods for promoting the diffusion of therapeutic composition into tissues and their use for neurological functional recovery after central nervous system (“CNS”) injury or disease. |
| US09528101B2 |
Granzyme B protease variants
The present disclosure provides novel variants of enzymes exhibiting serine protease activity; nucleic acid molecules encoding said proteases, vectors, host cells containing the nucleic acids and methods for preparation and producing such enzymes; compositions and complexes comprising at least one of the proteases; and methods for using such enzymes as a part of an immunoprotease, in particular for the treatment of cancer. |
| US09528098B2 |
Fungal strains
The present invention provides improved fungal strains. In some embodiments, the improved fungal strains find use in hydrolyzing cellulosic material to glucose. |
| US09528085B2 |
Method for providing a circuit for biological liquid and circuit obtained
The method comprises the step of forming pipes (12) by clamping a bag between shells (13, 14) and by injecting an inflating agent via an inflating connector.The circuit comprises a bag (126) and a press (10) comprising two shells (13, 14) clamping said bag in a state in which pipes (12) are formed between the films (25, 26) of the bag. |
| US09528076B2 |
Detergent composition comprising surfactant boosting polymers
The present invention relates to a compact liquid detergent composition comprising less than 25% of water by weight of the composition and further comprising surfactant, surfactant boosting polymer and fatty acid suitable for use in laundry cleaning. |
| US09528073B2 |
Lubricant composition and mechanical member
The invention provides a lubricant composition capable of favorably preventing the members from causing hydrogen embrittlement-induced flaking when the members are operated under the conditions where the oil film is thin (namely, the metal surfaces considerably come in contact with each other). The lubricant composition used for lubricating the steel mechanical members operated by a rolling motion or rolling-sliding motion is characterized by containing a base oil and additives, the additives including an organic sulfonate rust inhibitor and a load carrying additive. |
| US09528066B2 |
High-temperature lubricants comprising elongated carbon nanoparticles for use in subterranean formation operations
An embodiment disclosed herein provides a high-temperature lubricant comprising an oil-soluble lubricating base fluid or a water-soluble lubricating base fluid; and elongated carbon nanoparticles that align in flow. In some embodiments, the lubricating composition may be selected from the group consisting of graphene nanoribbons; carbon nanotubes; carbon nanohorns; and any combination thereof. |
| US09528051B2 |
Integrated hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactor in a catalytic reforming process configuration for improved aromatics production
A process for reforming hydrocarbons is presented. The process involves applying process controls over the reaction temperatures to preferentially convert a portion of the hydrocarbon stream to generate an intermediate stream, which will further react with reduced endothermicity. The intermediate stream is then processed at a higher temperature, where a second reforming reactor is operated under substantially isothermal conditions. |
| US09528046B2 |
Substrate for soil improvement having a water-storing property, method for producing same, and use thereof
In a method for producing a substrate for soil improvement with water-storing property on the basis of lignin, lignin is provided and oxidized alternatively in an aqueous alkaline or a pH-neutral aqueous suspension, wherein the pH-neutral aqueous suspension after oxidation of the lignin is converted into an alkaline medium. The lignin is cross-linked in an aqueous alkaline medium by multi-functional compounds. Subsequently, the lignin is neutralized, dried, and comminuted. The produced lignin is used as a substrate for improvement of soil properties in that the substrate is used as a water storage that, compared to water storages of non-modified technical lignins, exhibits a significantly higher water adsorption capacity or swelling capacity. |
| US09528043B2 |
Compositions and methods for treatment of well bore tar
Of the many compositions and methods, one method includes contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizer comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer; and allowing the tar stabilizer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface. |
| US09528042B1 |
Drilling fluid additive composition and super high temperature super high density clay-free oil-in-water drilling fluid
The present invention relates to the field of petrochemical drilling and discloses a drilling fluid additive composition. The composition contains an emulsifier and a rheological modifier. The emulsifier is one or more of the compounds represented by Formula (1); the rheological modifier is dimer acid-organic amine copolymer, comprising structural units from the dimer acid, structural units from the alkylamine and structural units from the arylamine. The present invention further provides a drilling fluid containing the foregoing composition. When a clay-free oil-in-water drilling fluid contains the drilling fluid additive composition of the present invention containing the emulsifier and rheological modifier, it may have high temperature resistance and high density; |
| US09528040B2 |
Additives for boosting performance of water-based drilling fluids, drilling fluids including same, and methods of making and using same
An additive composition for boosting performance of water-based drilling fluids. Modified water-based drilling fluids including the additive composition. Methods of making the additive compositions. Methods of using the modified drilling fluids to drill or perform other operations in reactive shale formations. The additive compositions include one or more multi-hydroxyl alcohols, a lubricant mix, a shale inhibitor, a strong base to adjust pH, and optionally water up to about 20 percent by volume, based on total volume of the additive composition. |
| US09528037B2 |
Method for selecting lubricants for heat pumps
Provided is a method for selecting a lubricant and a refrigerant for use in a vapor-compression refrigeration device such that the combination of the lubricant and refrigerant produces a fluid system having a lubricant-rich phase and a refrigerant-rich phase, yet exhibits miscible-type properties. |
| US09528013B2 |
Actinic radiation-curable ink-jet ink and image formation method
Disclosed herein are an active energy ray-curable ink-jet ink that is excellent in ejection stability and does not undergo a local thermal polymerization reaction, and an image forming method using the same. The active energy ray-curable ink-jet ink is an actinic radiation-curable ink-jet ink that undergoes temperature-dependent reversible sol-gel phase transition, comprising a photopolymerizable compound, a photoinitiator, and a gelling agent, wherein the photopolymerizable compound comprises one or more combinations of: a compound A that has n (n is an integer of 2 or more) (meth)acrylate ester units, is represented by the following formula, and has a molecular weight in a range of 280 to 1500; and a compound B that has n−1 (meth)acrylate ester units and a hydroxyl group, is represented by the following formula, and has a molecular weight in a range of 280 to 1500, (wherein n is an integer of 2 or more, R is an n-valent branched or unbranched linear or cyclic hydrocarbon group that optionally contains an oxygen atom or a nitrogen atom, and n and R in both the compounds A and B are the same integer and the same structure, respectively), in at least one of the combinations of the compound A and the compound B, an amount of the compound B contained is 5 to 15 mass % of a total mass of the compound A as a counterpart of the compound B, an amount of the gelling agent contained is 0.5 to 7.0 mass % of a total mass of the ink, and a gelling temperature of the ink is 50° C. or more. |
| US09528006B2 |
Coating composition for undercoating
To provide a coating composition for undercoating which, in forming a gas-barrier layer having a crosslinked structure between a polycarboxylic acid type polymer and polyvalent metal ions by the heating at a low temperature for a short period of time, permits polyvalent metal ions to be easily and quickly fed into the polycarboxylic acid type polymer and, besides, into the whole gas-barrier layer. A coating composition containing, as chief components, a nonaqueous polyester polyol, an isocyanate compound, and an alkaline compound of a polyvalent metal that serves as an ion source for forming the crosslinked structure, wherein the nonaqueous polyester polyol contains a nonaqueous polyester polyol which contains a metal element in the resin skeleton thereof as an essential component, and the alkaline compound of the polyvalent metal has an average primary particle size in a range of 0.005 to 0.5 μm. |
| US09528005B1 |
Liquid rubber composition
Liquid rubber compositions are particularly formulated for use in repair or modification of various household items, hand tools, garden tools, cooking or eating utensils, sports equipment, motor vehicles, appliances, etc. The compositions may be applied by brushing, dipping, or coating. Once cured, the composition forms a durable, breathable, weatherproof barrier that is resistant to rain, snow, sun, wind, air moisture, UV degradation, and natural weathering over a wide temperature range. The composition contains a polyether having silane terminal groups, a mineral filler, a fluid carrier, a crosslinker, fumed silica and a catalyst in specific amounts. It can also contain a colorant. |
| US09527992B2 |
Composition for 3D printing
The present invention relates to polymer compositions suitable for 3D printing. The composition comprises 60 to 80 mass % of oligoester acrylate; 10 to 30 mass % of a liquid polyethylene glycol; 7 to 9 mass % of a non-liquid polyethylene glycol; and 0.1 to 1 mass % of a system of photopolymerization initiators. A distinguishing feature of the composition is that after being extruded at an environment temperature of 22° C. with the extrusion rate of 2.5 to 3.5 cm/sec through a nozzle of a hand-held 3D printing device having an output orifice with a diameter in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 mm and after being irradiated after extrusion with a light having a wavelength in the range of 390 to 410 nm by LEDs having a total power of 2 Wt, the composition maintained its shape without a support. |
| US09527988B2 |
Production of blend of polyolefin and organopolysiloxane
A process for the production of a polymer composition is disclosed. The polymer composition comprises an organopolysiloxane dispersed in a thermoplastic organic polymer liable to thermo-radical degradation or cross-linking when subjected to a high compounding energy at a temperature above its melting point. In a first step (I), a thermoplastic organic polymer and an organopolysiloxane are mixed at a temperature at which both the thermoplastic organic polymer and the organopolysiloxane are in liquid phases to form a masterbatch. In a second step (II), the masterbatch is mixed with further thermoplastic organic polymer to form a polymer composition having a lower concentration of organopolysiloxane than that in the masterbatch. In the first step (I), the thermoplastic organic polymer and the organopolysiloxane are mixed in the presence of an additive capable of inhibiting the thermo-radical degradation or cross-linking of the thermoplastic organic polymer. The organopolysiloxane of the masterbatch remains stable during processing. |
| US09527976B2 |
Rigid polyurethane foam and system and method for making the same
An embodiment of a closed-cell polymeric rigid foam may be made using a one-shot method and a reaction system that includes a hydrofluoroalkene physical blowing agent and a polyol mixture having an aminic polyol. The hydrofluoroalkene blowing agent has 3 to 5 carbon atoms and a boiling point between 10° C. and 40° C. at 1 atmosphere pressure. Embodiments of rigid foams may have high closed cell content and are particularly well suited for thermal insulation. |
| US09527970B2 |
Polymer-modified bitumen compound for a bituminous covering layer of a roof sheet, a bituminous roof sheet and a fully recyclable roof sheet
A polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) compound for a bituminous covering layer of a roof sheet, predominantly including a distillation bitumen, in particular one which may contain a synthetic rubber filler in the form of SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) in an amount which modifies the properties of the distillation bitumen, wherein an additive which further modifies the bitumen is present in the form of a polymer, wherein the SBS-modified bitumen further modified by the additive has properties in respect of a softening point and penetration, wherein the polymer is polyethylene present in an amount ranging from 2.5 wt.-% to 7.5 wt.-%, the softening point is in a range between 70° C. and 170° C., and the penetration value is between 99 and 30 1/10 mm. |
| US09527968B2 |
Rubber wet master batch producing method, rubber wet master batch, and rubber composition containing rubber wet master batch
A method for producing a rubber wet master batch contains a coagulating step of mixing a slurry solution containing the filler and the dispersing solvent with the rubber latex solution, and coagulating the mixture, thereby producing a filler-containing rubber coagulation, and a heating step of using a uniaxial extruder to heat the filler-containing rubber coagulation to a temperature of 180 to 200 C, thereby dehydrating, drying and plasticizing the filler-containing rubber coagulation through a single step. The uniaxial extruder is an extruder having a screw, and an outer cylinder having an inner wall surface in which a slit is formed to be extended along the longitudinal direction of the outer cylinder (screw axial direction); and at least one portion of the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder is subjected to blasting treatment. |
| US09527965B2 |
Polydiorganosiloxane polymide copolymers having organic soft segments
Polydiorganosiloxane polyamide, block copolymers having organic soft segments and methods of making the copolymers are provided. |
| US09527959B2 |
Moisture curable organopolysiloxane composition
The present invention provides curable compositions comprising non-tin metal catalysts that accelerate the condensation curing of moisture-curable silicones/non-silicones. In particular, the present invention provides bismuth(III) sulfonate complexes that are particularly suitable as replacements for organotin in sealant and RTV formulations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides bismuth (III) camphorsulfonate and bismuth(III) methanesulfonate complexes. Further, these bismuth(III) sulfonate complexes are comparable or superior to organotin such as DBTDL, exhibit certain behavior in the presence of components that allow for tuning or adjusting the cure characteristics of the present compositions, and provide good adhesion and storage stability. |
| US09527946B2 |
Olefin block copolymer and preparation method thereof
The present description relates to an olefin block copolymer having excellences in elasticity and heat resistance and its preparation method. The olefin block copolymer includes a plurality of blocks or segments, each of which includes an ethylene or propylene repeating unit and an α-olefin repeating unit at different weight fractions. The olefin block copolymer has a density of 0.85 to 0.92 g/cm3, and density X (g/cm3) and TMA (Thermal Mechanical Analysis) value Y (° C.) satisfy a defined relationship. |
| US09527944B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for transparent conductive film, transparent conductive film with pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, transparent conductive laminate, and touch panel
Provided is a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for a transparent conductive film having a patterned transparent conductive thin film, which has transparent as the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for transparent conductive film and can prevent the patterned transparent conductive thin film from degrading the appearance of the conductive film. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for a transparent conductive film having a patterned transparent conductive thin film, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is made from an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing: 100 parts by weight of an acryl-based polymer obtained by polymerization of a monomer component including an alkyl(meth)acrylate; and 30 to 150 parts by weight of a styrene-based oligomer, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a refractive index of 1.50 or more, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a haze of 2% or less as measured at a thickness of 30 μm. |
| US09527940B2 |
Polymerization process for producing ethylene based polymers
The instant invention provides a polymerization process for producing ethylene based polymers.In one embodiment, the instant invention provides a polymerization process for producing ethylene based polymers comprising: polymerizing ethylene with optionally one or more α-olefins in the presence of one or more first catalyst systems and optionally one or more second catalyst systems in in a dual reator system or a multiple reactor system, wherein first catalyst system comprises; (a) one ore more procatalysts comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I): |
| US09527937B2 |
Polymer compound for a conductive polymer and method for producing same
The present invention provides a polymer compound for a conductive polymer, containing one or more repeating units (a) represented by the following general formula (1), the polymer compound for a conductive polymer being synthesized by ion-exchange of a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or a nitrogen compound salt of a sulfonic acid residue, and having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 500,000. There can be provided a polymer compound for a conductive polymer having a specific superacidic sulfo group which is soluble in an organic solvent, and suitably used for a fuel cell or a dopant for a conductive material. |
| US09527933B2 |
Branched polyethylenes by hydrosilation grafting to improve processability of polyethylene
This invention relates to blends of polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and polyhydrosilane-modified polyolefins, methods to prepare the blends and methods to prepare polyhydrosilane-modified polyolefins. |
| US09527930B2 |
FGF receptor-activating N-sulfate oligosaccharides, preparation thereof, and therapeutic use thereof
The invention relates to FGF receptor-activating N-sulfate oligosaccharides having Formula (I), wherein R1, R4, R6, and R8 are —OSO3− or hydroxyl groups, R2 is an —O-alkyl group or a monosaccharide having Formula (II), R3 is a disaccharide having Formula (III), R5 is a disaccharide having Formula (IV), R7 is a hydroxyl group or a disaccharide having Formula (VI), and R9 is a hydroxyl or —O-alkyl group or a disaccharide having Formula (VII), where R10— is an —O-alkyl group. The invention further relates to the preparation of said oligosaccharides and to the therapeutic use thereof. |
| US09527926B2 |
Heterodimeric proteins and methods for producing and purifying them
The present invention relates to engineered heteromultimeric proteins, and more specifically, to methods for producing and purifying heterodimeric proteins, such as bispecific antibodies and other heterodimeric proteins comprising immunoglobulin-like hinge sequences. Methods for producing and purifying such engineered heterodimeric proteins and their use in diagnostics and therapeutics are also provided. |
| US09527925B2 |
Bispecific binding molecules binding to VEGF and ANG2
Bispecific binding molecules binding to both VEGF and Ang2, preferably in the form of immunoglobulin single variable domains like VHHs and domain antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and their use in the treatment of diseases that are associated with VEGF- and/or Ang2-mediated effects on angiogenesis are disclosed. Further, nucleic acids encoding bispecific binding molecules, host cells and methods for preparing same are also described. |
| US09527916B2 |
Agonistic antibody to CD27
The invention relates to a binding compound, which binds the same epitope of human CD27 as monoclonal antibody hCD27.15, produced by hybridoma hCD27.15 which was deposited with the ATCC in on Jun. 2, 2010 under number PTA-11008. In particular the invention relates to such a binding compound of claim 1 which may comprise: an antibody heavy chain variable region which may comprise at least one CDR selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 5, 6 and 7, or a variant of any of said sequences; and/or an antibody light chain variable region which may comprise at least one CDR selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 8, 9 and 10, or a variant of any of said sequences. |
| US09527914B2 |
Monospecific and bispecific anti-IGF-1R and anti-ErbB3 antibodies
Provided are monospecific and bispecific antibodies that are useful as anti-neoplastic agents and that bind specifically to human IGF-1R and human ErbB3. Exemplary antibodies inhibit signal transduction through either or both of IGF-1R and ErbB3. Exemplary polyvalent proteins comprise at least one anti-IGF-1R binding site and at least one anti-ErbB3 binding site. In certain embodiments the binding sites may be linked through an immunoglobulin constant region. AntiErbB3 and anti-IGF-1R antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) are also provided. |
| US09527903B2 |
Engineered antibody constant domain molecules
Described herein are engineered antibody constant domain molecules, such as CH2 or CH3 domain molecules, comprising at least one mutation, or comprising at least one complementarity determining region (CDR), or a functional fragment thereof, engrafted in a loop region of the CH2 domain. The CH2 domain molecules described herein are small, stable, soluble, exhibit little to no toxicity and are capable of binding antigen. |
| US09527900B2 |
Double-acylated GLP-1 derivatives
The invention relates to a derivative of a GLP-1 analog, which analog comprises a first K residue at a position corresponding to position 27 of GLP-1(7-37) (SEQ ID NO: 1); a second K residue at a position corresponding to position T of GLP-1(7-37), where T is an integer in the range of 7-37 except 18 and 27; and a maximum of ten amino acid changes as compared to GLP-1(7-37); wherein the first K residue is designated K27, and the second K residue is designated KT; which derivative comprises two albumin binding moieties attached to K27 and KT, respectively, via a linker, wherein the albumin binding moiety comprises a protracting moiety selected from HOOC—(CH2)x—CO— and HOOC—C6H4—O—(CH2)y—CO—; in which x is an integer in the range of 6-16, and y is an integer in the range of 3-17; wherein the linker comprises an element of the formula —NH—(CH2)2—(O—(CH2)2)k—O—(CH2)n—CO—, wherein k is an integer in the range of 1-5, and n is an integer in the range of 1-5; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, amide, or ester thereof. The invention also relates to the pharmaceutical use thereof, for example in the treatment and/or prevention of all forms of diabetes and related diseases, as well as to corresponding novel GLP-1 analogs. The derivatives are suitable for oral administration. |
| US09527899B2 |
Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone
The present invention pertains to improved FSH preparations which are capable of stimulating sex steroid release at much lower concentration than the commonly used urinary FSH or recombinant FSH obtained from CHO cells and which act independent of cAMP signaling These improved FSH preparations can be used in infertility treatment. |
| US09527898B2 |
Oxyntomodulin derivatives and pharmaceutical composition for treating obesity comprising the same
The present invention relates to a novel peptide showing more excellent activities on a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor and a glucagon receptor than native oxyntomodulin, and a composition for the prevention or treatment of obesity comprising the peptide as an active ingredient. Unlike native oxyntomodulin, the novel peptide of the present invention reduces food intake, suppresses gastric emptying, and facilitates lipolysis with reduced side-effects, and also shows excellent receptor-activating effects. Thus, it can be widely used in the treatment of obesity with safety and efficacy. |
| US09527897B2 |
CD40L collectin fusion proteins and encoding nucleic acid molecules
The present invention refers to a fusion protein comprising a TNF-superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine or a receptor binding domain thereof fused to a collectin trimerization domain, to a nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion protein, and to a cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule. The fusion protein is present as a trimeric complex or as an oligomer thereof. The fusion protein, the nucleic acid, and the cell is suitable as pharmaceutical composition or for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications. |
| US09527881B2 |
Steroid analogues for neuroprotection
Provided are steroid analogues functionalized with polar substituents at the C3 and/or C20 positions of the steroid ring system that exhibit improved water solubility. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the steroid analogues and methods using the novel steroid analogues for the treatment and prevention of neurodegeneration in a patient following injury to the central nervous system. |
| US09527880B2 |
Non-caloric sweetener
Disclosed is a steviol glycoside referred to as rebaudioside D3. Rebaudioside D3 has five β-D-glucosyl units connected to the aglycone steviol. Also disclosed are methods for producing rebaudioside D3, a UDP-glycosyltransferase fusion enzyme, and methods for producing rebaudioside D and rebaudioside E. |
| US09527874B2 |
Process for surface modification of particulate solids
Improved utilization of organosilicon compounds in hydrophobicizing finely divided particulate solids is accomplished by metering a partial amount of unreacted solids with organosilicon containing offgases derived from admixing and reacting a major portion of solids with organosilicon compounds and admixing the offgas-treated solids with the major portion of solids to be treated. |
| US09527867B2 |
Antibacterial biaromatic derivatives
The invention relates to antibacterial compounds of formula I and salts thereof and methods of treating bacterial infection using the compounds. |
| US09527865B2 |
Quinazoline analogs as receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors
This invention provides quinazoline analogs of Formula I: where A is bonded to at least one of the carbons at the 5, 6, 7 or 8 position of the bicyclic ring, and the ring is substituted by up to two independent R3 groups. The invention also includes methods of using compounds of Formula I as type I receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer. |
| US09527864B2 |
Tricyclic heterocycles as BET protein inhibitors
The present disclosure relates to tricyclic heterocycles of Formula I, which are inhibitors of BET proteins such as BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRD-t and are useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer. |
| US09527859B2 |
Amidopyridine derivative and use thereof
The present invention relates to novel amidopyridine derivatives. More specifically, the present invention provides a medicinal agent which is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diseases based on the production of cytokines from T cells, comprising as the active ingredient an amidopyridine derivative or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. Provided are an amidopyridine derivative of the following general formula (I): wherein each symbol has the same meaning as defined in the description, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09527851B2 |
Pyrrole six-membered heteroaryl ring derivative, preparation method thereof, and medicinal uses thereof
The present invention relates to a pyrrole six-membered heteroaryl ring derivative, the preparation method therefor, and the medicinal uses thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to a new pyrrole six-membered heteroaryl ring derivative as represented by formula (I), the preparation method therefor, a medicinal composition comprising the derivative, and a therapeutic method using same, and, in particular, the uses as a JAK inhibitor and an immunosuppressor. Substituents in formula (I) have the same definitions as in the description. |
| US09527848B2 |
N-(1-(substituted-phenyl)ethyl)-9H-purin-6-amines as PI3K inhibitors
The present invention provides N-(1-(substituted-phenyl)ethyl)-9H-purin-6-amines derivatives that modulate the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of PI3Ks including, for example, inflammatory disorders, immune-based disorders, cancer, and other diseases. |
| US09527841B2 |
Substituted pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazines as phosphodiesterase 2A inhibitors
The present invention provides a compound having a PDE2A selective inhibitory action, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and the like.The present invention is a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein each symbol is as described in the specification, or a salt thereof. |
| US09527838B2 |
2-pyridinecarboxamide derivatives, compositions containing such compounds, and methods of treatment
Novel pyridine-2-carboxamide derivatives of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are disclosed as useful for treating or preventing type 2 diabetes and similar conditions. The compounds are effective as glucokinase activating agents. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also included. The present invention relates to novel pyridine-2-carboxamide derivatives and salts thereof which are effective as glucokinase activating agents. Moreover, it relates to compositions containing such compounds, and methods of treatment. |
| US09527836B2 |
Crystal having specific crystal habit and pharmaceutical composition containing the crystal as active ingredient
An object is to provide a crystal having a new crystal habit of luliconazole and expand the possibility of application to pharmaceuticals. Disclosed is a crystal of luliconazole having such a crystal habit that (020) plane is a specific crystal growth surface. |
| US09527829B2 |
Histone demethylase inhibitors
The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for treating cancer and neoplastic diseases. Provided herein are substituted imidazole-pyridine derivative compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. The subject compounds and compositions are useful for inhibition of histone demethylase enzymes. Furthermore, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for the treatment of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and/or melanoma and the like. |
| US09527826B2 |
Single step process for conversion of furfural to tetrahydrofuran
The present patent discloses a one step process for the synthesis of THF and related ring hydrogenated products form furfural using Palladium metal based carbon supported catalyst with high selectivity and 100% conversion in both batch and continuous modes. |
| US09527811B2 |
Carboxamide compounds and their use as calpain inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel carboxamide compounds and their use for the manufacture of a medicament. The carboxamide compounds are inhibitors of calpain (calcium dependant cysteine proteases). The invention therefore also relates to the use of these carboxamide compounds for treating a disorder associated with an elevated calpain activity.The carboxamide compounds are compounds of the general formula I in which R1, R2, R3a, R3b, R4, Q, Y, A and X have the meanings mentioned in the claims and the description, the tautomers thereof and the pharmaceutically suitable salts thereof. In particular, the compounds have the general formula Ia and Ib in which R1, r, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4, Y and X have the meanings mentioned in the claims, including the tautomers thereof and the pharmaceutically suitable salts thereof. Of these compounds those are preferred wherein Y is a moiety CH2—CH2, CH2—CH2—CH2, N(Ry#)—CH2, N(Ry#)—CH2—CH2 or CH═CH—CH═, each optionally having 1 or 2H-atoms replaced with identical or different radicals Ry, wherein Ry and Ry# have the meanings mentioned in the claims. |
| US09527801B2 |
Process and device for recycling waste acid produced in process of producing zoalene
A process and a device for recycling waste acid produced in the process of producing Zoalene. The process comprises steps: heating, depressurizing and distilling the waste acid recycled after nitration reaction; collecting acid liquid A and distilled water A; mixing the acid liquid A with new concentrated sulfuric acid in proportion, and putting the mixture to a new Zoalene nitration reaction process; and putting the distilled water A into a diluting pot for diluting the liquid produced in the nitration reaction. The waste acid produced in the process of producing Zoalene is recycled and not directly discharged; water resources are recycled, waste of the water resources is reduced, and discharge of waste water produced in the process of producing Zoalene is greatly reduced, so that not only production cost is saved, but also environment pressure is reduced. |
| US09527798B2 |
Cyclopropylboronic compounds, preparation process thereof and use thereof
Cyclopropylboronic compounds, the preparation process thereof and the use thereof. |
| US09527797B1 |
Isomer-selective synthesis of methanofullerenes
[6,6]-Phenyl C71 butyric acid derivatives (C70-PCBR3) having a selectivity of greater than 95 wt % of the α-isomer are provided by reacting fullerene C70 with a dialkyl sulfonium tetrafluoroborate having the formula: |
| US09527796B2 |
Process for the preparation of succinic acid ester
A process for the production of dialkyl succinate from a bio-succinic acid feedstock commencing by feeding bio-succinic acid to a reaction distillation column to enable esterification of the succinic acid. The feedstock is passed co-currently with upflowing alkanol such that an esterification reaction occurs. An overhead vapor stream is removed from the reaction distillation column comprising di-ester, alkanol, water of esterification and organic components. The vapor stream is sent to an alkanol separation column where alkanol is separated from the water of esterification and organic components. A side draw is removed from the alkanol separation column comprising partially immiscible organic and aqueous phases. The side draw is passed to a phase separation apparatus where the partially immiscible organic and aqueous phases are separated. The organic phase is passed to a column where the dialkyl succinate is recovered from residual water and other organic components. |
| US09527793B2 |
Mandelic acid condensation polymers
Disclosed herein are compounds and compositions useful for reducing the risk of infection. In particular, disclosed herein are mandelic acid condensation polymers, compositions comprising such compounds, processes for producing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds. |
| US09527792B2 |
Method for producing (meth)acrylic acid
The present invention provides a (meth)acrylic acid-producing method capable of suppressing formation of carbides so that the production yield of (meth)acrylic acid is enhanced. In such a method, (meth)acrylic acid is produced through gas-phase catalytic oxidation reactions of (meth)acrolein by using molecular oxygen in a fixed-bed reactor configured to have a packed layer containing a packing material and a catalyst layer formed with a catalyst containing at least molybdenum and vanadium. The packed layer contains a packing material that has been used at least once for above gas-phase catalytic oxidation reactions, and the catalyst is present in the packed layer at 0.001˜0.15 mass % of the total amount of the packing material. |
| US09527783B2 |
Catalyst for methanation of carbon dioxide, preparation method and usage thereof
A catalyst for methanation of carbon dioxide, a method of preparing the catalyst, and a method of hydrogenating carbon dioxide in the presence of the catalyst in a fixed bed reactor are disclosed. The catalyst is formed by mixing ash from a biomass power plant with a nickel compound and calcining the resulting mixture. The catalyst formed by calcination includes between 2 and 20 wt. % of nickel supported on ash from combusting biomass. |
| US09527772B2 |
Process for production of a hydraulic composition with entrained air
A treatment process for the production of a hydraulic composition with entrained air including at least one admixture and a constituent including carbonaceous materials, the process including: obtaining a representative value of the adsorption of probe molecules by the carbonaceous materials; and producing the hydraulic composition or treating the constituent with a quantity of admixture which depends on the value. |
| US09527757B2 |
Supercapacitor desalination cells, devices and methods
A supercapacitor desalination cell comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a spacer disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a monovalent ion selective layer disposed on at least one of the first and second electrodes. A supercapacitor desalination device and a method for desalination of a liquid are further presented. |
| US09527755B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating sewage
Method for treating sewage, comprising at least one step of electrolytically treating sewage, an energy transfer step comprising at least one selected in the group comprising: a temperature raising treatment, an ultrasound treatment. The electrolytic treatment and energy transfer steps determining the dissociation from the sewage of gas comprising nitrogen. Further, the method comprises a step of separating gases comprising nitrogen from the mass of sewage. |
| US09527752B2 |
Methods for producing aluminum trifluoride
Methods for producing aluminum trifluoride by acid digestion of fluoride salts of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and aluminum, optionally, in the presence of a source of silicon; methods for producing silane that include acid digestion of by-products of silane production to produce aluminum trifluoride. |
| US09527751B2 |
Organotemplate-free synthetic process for the production of a zeolitic material of the CHA-type structure
The present invention relates to an organotemplate-free synthetic process for the production of a zeolitic material having a CHA-type framework structure comprising YO2, X2O3, and optionally comprising Z2O5, wherein said process comprises the steps of: (1) providing a mixture comprising one or more sources for YO2, one or more sources for X2O3, and seed crystals having a CHA framework structure, wherein the CHA framework structure of the seed crystals comprises YO2, X2O3, and optionally comprises Z2O5; and (2) crystallizing the mixture obtained in step (1); wherein Y is a tetravalent element, X is a trivalent element, and Z is a pentavalent element, wherein optionally one or more sources for Z2O5 are further provided in step (1), and wherein if the CHA framework of the seed crystals does not contain Z2O5, the seed crystals then have a YO2:X2O3 molar ratio of 5 or greater than 5. |
| US09527748B2 |
Production process for nanometer-size silicon material
A nanometer-size silicon material produced by heat treating a lamellar polysilane exhibits Raman-shift peaks existing at 341±10 cm−1, 360±10 cm−1, 498±10 cm−1, 638±10 cm−1, and 734±10 cm−1 in a Raman spectrum, has a large specific surface area, and has a reduced SiO content. |
| US09527743B2 |
Process for preparing graphene nanoribbons
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a graphene nanoribbon, which comprises: (a) providing at least one aromatic monomer compound which is selected from at least one polycyclic aromatic monomer compound, at least one oligo phenylene aromatic monomer compound, or combinations thereof, on a solid substrate, (b) polymerization of the aromatic monomer compound so as to form at least one polymer on the surface of the solid substrate, (c) at least partially cyclodehydrogenating the one or more polymers of step (b), wherein at least step (b) is carried out at a total pressure p(total) of at least 1×10−9 mbar; and a partial oxygen pressure p(O2) and partial water pressure p(H2O) which satisfy the following relation: p(O2)×p(H20)<3×10−14 mbar2. |
| US09527740B2 |
Ground expanded graphite agglomerates, methods of making, and applications of the same
The present disclosure relates to ground expanded graphite agglomerate compositions, methods for making such agglomerates, their use as conductive additives, and conductive composites including such ground expanded graphite agglomerates. The disclosure also relates to methods for making such composites and the use of such composites in preparing thermally conductive materials. The agglomerates may be characterized by a certain softness allowing the agglomerates to dissolve, for example, through shear forces applied during compounding, thereby leading to an improved feedability and a highly homogenous distribution of the expanded graphite material in the composite matrix. |
| US09527738B2 |
Method for making carbon nanotube film
A method for making carbon nanotube array includes providing a carbon nanotube array formed on a surface of a substrate. The carbon nanotube array is stripped from the surface of the substrate. The carbon nanotube array is suspended in an inert gas environment or a vacuum environment. A temperature of the carbon nanotube array can be in a range from about 200° C. to about 2400° C. by heating the carbon nanotube array. In a state of heating the carbon nanotube array, a plurality of carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube array is selected and a carbon nanotube film is pulled out by a drawing tool. |
| US09527737B2 |
Carbon nanotube manufacturing method
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having a desired diameter are selectively produced by reacting a carbon source with a cyclic compound in which multiple aromatic rings are continuously bonded. The reaction is preferably performed by supplying a gaseous carbon source under reduced pressure and heating. The cyclic compound in which multiple aromatic rings are continuously bonded is preferably a cyclic compound in which bivalent aromatic hydrocarbon groups are continuously bonded, or a modified cycloparaphenylene compound in which a cycloparaphenylene compound or at least one phenylene group of the cycloparaphenylene compound is substituted with a condensed cyclic group such as a naphthylene group. |
| US09527736B2 |
System and method for generating nitrogen from a gas turbine
A system includes a gas turbine. The gas turbine includes a first compressor configured to provide a first portion of a discharge air to a combustor. The gas turbine also includes the combustor configured to combust a mixture of the first portion of the discharge air and fuel to generate an exhaust gas and to provide the exhaust gas to a turbine. The gas turbine also includes an exhaust outlet coupled to the turbine and configured to enable the exhaust gas to exit the gas turbine. The system also includes a nitrogen purification system coupled to the gas turbine. The nitrogen purification system includes a membrane nitrogen generator configured to receive a second portion of the discharge air from the compressor or a portion of the exhaust gas from the exhaust outlet, wherein the membrane nitrogen generator is configured to generate nitrogen from the second portion of the discharge air or the portion of the exhaust gas. |
| US09527728B2 |
Integrated circuit package and method
A method of forming a packaged electronic device includes fabricating a MEMS structure, such as a BAW structure, on a first semiconductor wafer substrate; forming a cavity in a second semiconductor wafer substrate; and mounting the second substrate on the first substrate such that the MEMS structure is positioned inside the cavity in the second substrate. A wafer level assembly and an integrated circuit package are also described. |
| US09527725B2 |
Semiconductor structure with lamella defined by singulation trench
A method for fabricating a semiconductor structure includes etching a first opening into a substrate; etching a chip singulation trench into the substrate to define a lamella between the first opening and the chip singulation trench; fabricating a sense element for sensing a deflection of the lamella; and singulating the semiconductor structure at the chip singulation trench. |
| US09527718B2 |
Refueling systems and methods for mixed liquid and gaseous fuel
A fuel tank system, comprising: a fuel tank configured to store a liquid fuel and a pressurized gaseous fuel capable of partially dissolving in the liquid fuel; a refueling conduit coupled to the fuel tank via a tank access valve; a first high pressure refueling port coupled to the refueling conduit; a low pressure refueling port coupled to the refueling conduit via a check valve. In this way, pressurized gaseous fuel or a pre-pressurized mix of fuels may be added to the fuel tank without active control any time the fuel pressure in the fuel tank is below a maximum allowable pressure, and liquid fuel may be added to the fuel tank with active control whenever the fuel pressure and liquid fuel level in the fuel tank are below threshold levels. |
| US09527706B2 |
Locking lift arms safety mechanism for a hydraulic floor jack
A floor jack includes a frame having a handle with a control knob, and a pair of pivotal lift arms elevated by pushing the rearward ends by a push bar of a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder has a control valve attached to a control shaft extending from the control knob. A pair of guide rail are attached to the bottom of the frame; and a pair of rack bars are slidably mounted on each guide rail, and has a forward end pivotally attached to the push bar. A pair of dogs are positioned above the rack bar, each having a rearward end pivotally attached to the frame and a forward for engaging a tooth of the rack bar. The forward end of the dogs engage the rack bar as the lift arms are elevated; and in the event of a hydraulic failure, the dogs lock the lift arms in the elevated position. A release includes a cam tube having a V slotted opening in the underside thereof. A swing plate has a cam follower stud slidably engaged within the V slotted opening. The swing plate includes linkage that is actuated by rotation of the control knob. An initial rotation of the control knob automatically rotates the cam tube to release the dogs, and further rotation opens the valve to lower the lift arms. |
| US09527705B2 |
Locking lift arms safety mechanism for a lifting device-power unit
A power unit includes a frame having a handle with a control knob, and a pair of pivotal lift arms elevated by pushing the rearward ends by a push bar of a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder has a control valve attached to a control shaft extending from the control knob. A pair of guide rail are attached to the bottom of the frame; and a pair of rack bars are slidably mounted on each guide rail, and has a forward end pivotally linked to the push bar. A pair of dogs are positioned above the rack bar, each having a rearward end pivotally attached to the frame and a forward end engaging a tooth of the rack bar. The forward end of each dog engages the rack bar as the lift arms are elevated; and in the event of a hydraulic failure, the dogs lock the lift arms in the elevated position. A release includes a cam tube having a V slotted opening in the underside thereof. A swing plate has a cam follower stud slidably engaged within the V slotted opening. The swing plate includes linkage that is actuated by rotation of the control knob. An initial rotation of the control knob automatically rotates the cam tube to release the dogs, and further rotation opens the valve to lower the lift arms. |
| US09527702B2 |
Hoist pull-limiting device
A hoist (19) pull (P) limiting device (11), comprising: a first bearing element (14) to which the hoist (10) is fastened; a second bearing element (18) fastened to the bearing structure (24) on which the pull strength (P) acting on the hoist (10) is unloaded; a butt hinge (16) connecting the first (14) and the second (18) bearing elements with each other, the hinge (16) axis being substantially perpendicular to the direction wherein, through rope (22) of the hoist (10), the pull (P) acts on the latter, said axis being at a certain distance from the rope (22) leaving the hoist (10) drum; elastic means (20; 20A; 20.1; 20.1A) suitable to oppose the rotation of the first bearing element (14) away from the second bearing element (18) on account of the pull (P); means (28) suitable to detect when the width of the rotation angle (f) of the first bearing element (14) relative to the second bearing element (18) matches the maximum predetermined pull (P), as well as to emit the relevant signal. |
| US09527699B2 |
Lift control systems for lifting devices and lifting devices comprising the same
A control system for a lifting device and a lifting device comprising the same are disclosed. The control system includes a control unit comprising a processor with a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and having computer readable and executable instructions. A battery is electrically coupled to the control unit in addition to at least one indicator. The processor executes the computer readable and executable instructions to: determine an operating characteristic of the lifting device and an operating time of the lifting device as the lifting device is actuated; determine an accumulated load-time parameter for the lifting device based on the operating characteristic and the operating time; store the accumulated load-time parameter in the memory of the lift control system; compare the accumulated load-time parameter to a service constant; and provide an indication the indicator that a lift structural component requires service based on the comparison. |
| US09527694B2 |
System and method for feeding metal wires at constant tension
A system for supplying metal wire to a machine by a wire supply device. The wire having a desired tension detected by a tension sensor. The supply device has at least one rotary member driven by an actuator thereof on which the metal wire is wound for a fraction of rotation or several rotations and adapted to supply the wire to the machine with predefined tension under the action of a control unit. The system has a detector, for detecting at least one wire physical characteristic, downstream of the supply device and connected to the control unit to provide to the latter the data regarding each detected physical characteristic. The control unit intervening on the rotary member for adjusting the wire tension for maintaining, at least approximately around a reference value, the characteristic of the wire controlled. The latter is at least one dimensional and/or electrical characteristic. |
| US09527693B2 |
Multi-position collation system with retracting guides
A system for collating a plurality of media including a first bin, a second bin arranged adjacent to the first bin, a collated stack receiver arranged proximate the second bin opposite the first bin, three guides, a movable wall arranged generally perpendicular relative to the three guides, and a pusher. The movable wall is translatable in a process direction. When the guides are positioned in non-retracted locations, a first set of the plurality of media is deposited in the first bin and a second set of the plurality of media is deposited in the second bin, and when the guides are positioned in retracted locations, the pusher moves the first set to the second bin vertically above the second set to form a combined set and moves the combined set to the collated stack receiver. The position of the movable wall varies based on characteristics of the plurality of media. |
| US09527690B2 |
Monitoring web speed of material web
A drive roller, driven by a motor, moves a material web on a set of rollers. The present rotational speed of the motor is detected. A current web speed is determined from the detected rotational speed and a diameter of the drive roller. The current web speed is compared with a specified target speed value and a specified threshold speed value of the web speed. |
| US09527689B2 |
Image forming apparatus including re-conveying unit
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit and a re-conveying unit to re-convey a sheet in a re-conveying direction. The re-conveying unit includes a first roller, a second roller, a pressing member, and a regulating member. The first roller is configured to rotate about a first axis and has a surface made from rubber. The second roller faces the first roller and is configured to rotate about a second axis inclined with respect to the first axis. The second roller has a first end portion and a second end portion positioned upstream of the first end portion. The pressing member is configured to exert resilient force to urge the second roller toward the first roller. The regulating member is configured to restrict the first end portion or the second end portion from moving toward the first roller, and is positioned adjacent to the second end portion. |
| US09527688B2 |
Belt-drive device and image forming apparatus
A belt-drive device includes a roller, a belt, and a meandering prevention member. The roller is rotatable about an axis. The belt is wound on an outer circumferential surface of the roller. The meandering prevention member is attached to an end of the roller and abuts a side of the belt in the direction of the axis. The meandering prevention member is elastically deformable and has an annular shape. The meandering prevention member has an inner circumferential surface whose diameter is less than an outer diameter of the roller before the meandering prevention member is attached to the roller. |
| US09527684B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device (1) includes a cassette (10), size detector (60), and attachment detector (30). The size detector (60) detects the size of sheets in the cassette (10). The size detector (60) includes an interlocking member (61) and switch unit (81). The interlocking member (61) includes size-detection target portions (64) and slides to sliding of a regulating member (11). The switch unit (81) detects a position of the regulating member (11) based on a state of the switches (82) that detect the size-detection target portions (64). The attachment detector (30) includes an attachment-detection target member (31) and attachment detecting member (41). The attachment detecting member (41) detects the attachment-detection target member (31) in response to attachment of the cassette (10). The controller (70) detects the sheet size based on a state of the switch unit (81) in response to the attachment detector (30) detecting attachment of the cassette (10). |
| US09527674B2 |
Transmission device with air-float guide wheel of the liquid crystal display panel
The present invention is provided for a transmission device with air-float guide wheel to guide the liquid crystal display panel, which comprising an air-float supplying platform, two air-float guide groups and a magnetic wheel driving device, wherein a plurality of gas holes are opening on the air-float supplying platform, the two air-float guide groups are assembled at the two sides of the air-float supplying platform, the magnetic wheel is connected with the air-float guide groups, and the air-float guide groups can be rotating with the magnetic wheel rolling, the air can be flowing through the gas holes of the air-float supplying platform, the liquid crystal display panel can be limited and transmitted by the two air-float guide groups in the rolling direction. |
| US09527672B2 |
Cleanable conveyor frame assembly including snap-on components
A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. The conveyor includes at least one toolbar and one or more auxiliary components mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp having a protrusion that mates with a channel on the toolbar. |
| US09527670B2 |
Continuous conveyor for transporting heavy bulk materials or unit loads
A continuous conveyor such as, for example, a conveyor belt for transporting heavy bulk materials or unit loads comprises an endless tractive transport mechanism that revolves between a driving roller and a return roller. The driving roller is driven by a permanently excited multi-pole synchronous motor that delivers a very high torque at a comparatively slow nominal speed. The synchronous motor can drive the driving roller directly or alternatively via a single-stage step-down gear with low reduction factor. The drive is characterized by a mass moment of inertia that is up to 10-times lower than in conventional drive systems. In this way, the risk of damaging or even tearing the belt during disruptions is substantially reduced such that the operational reliability significantly increases. |
| US09527664B2 |
Proppant storage vessel and assembly thereof
A proppant storage vessel has a container having a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The first and second end walls extend between opposite ends of the first and second side walls. The walls define an interior volume of the container. The walls have a rigidity suitable for retaining no less than 30,000 pounds of proppant therein. A top hatch is formed centrally on the top wall and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A bottom hatch is formed generally centrally on the bottom wall of the container and is movable between an open position and a closed position. |
| US09527663B2 |
Machine for making filter bags for infusion products
A machine (100) for making filter bags (1) for infusion products comprises: a station (2) for feeding a first continuous strip (3) of thermoformable filter material; a station (4) for heating the first continuous strip (3); a continuously rotating drum (5) provided with a series of dies (9), and a corresponding series of punches (10) configured for plastically deforming a portion of the first strip (3) and making a three-dimensional chamber (C) to contain a dose (12) of infusion product; a station (11) for dosing doses (12) of the infusion product; a feed station (13) for feeding a second strip (14) of filter material; a joining station (15) for joining the first strip (3) to the second strip (14) to close the three-dimensional chamber (C); and a cutting station for making single filter bags (1). |
| US09527661B2 |
Disposable single use beverage package
A disposable single use beverage package is disclosed. The package may include an impermeable barrier surrounding a permeable single walled basket. The permeable basket may include a frame and a filter. The permeable basket may also include a lid. The permeable basket may be provided preloaded with beverage grounds or may be loaded with beverage grounds during use. The beverage packet may be manufactured of materials that are biodegradable, compostable, or otherwise environmentally friendly. |
| US09527657B2 |
Dispensing valves
A valve for discharging a fluid, comprising: a valve body at least partially defining a fluid chamber; and a valve stem extending into the fluid chamber, the valve stem comprising an outlet port for transfer, in use, of fluid from the fluid chamber into the valve stem; the valve stem being slidably movable relative to the valve body from: i) a non-dispensing position in which the outlet port is out of communication with the fluid chamber; to ii) a dispensing position in which the outlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber so as to permit transfer of the fluid from the fluid chamber into the valve stem; wherein the valve further comprises a locking member which is configured to prevent return of the valve stem into the non-dispensing position once the valve stem slides beyond a locking position. |
| US09527651B2 |
Insulated container
This invention relates to an insulated container (1) comprising at least one wall (7) comprising at least one layer of a first material including jute, at least one layer of a second material including a natural fiber and at least one layer of a third material including a natural fiber, the layer of the first material being trapped between at least one layer of the second material and at least one layer of the third material, the first, second and third materials being made of woven cloth. |
| US09527641B2 |
Fixturing apparatus kit
A fixturing apparatus kit that includes a fixturing apparatus and an unlocking key. The fixturing apparatus including a housing formed to include an aperture extending therethrough said aperture formed to include a medial surface and an opposing lateral surface, a plurality of locking teeth disposed on either or both of the medial surface and/or lateral surface, and a flexible strap having a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to the housing. |
| US09527637B2 |
Childproof closure for a dispensing apparatus
A childproof closure for a dispensing apparatus having first bayonet fastening means, wherein the closure has second bayonet fastening means. One of the two bayonet fastening means has bayonet lugs which can be introduced into corresponding socket elements of the other bayonet fastening means. Both bayonet fastening means moreover have coding elements for a preset alignment of the closure and of the dispensing apparatus. The closure has a closure element having first engagement elements and a securing cap which at least partly covers the closure element and has second engagement elements. The securing cap and the closure element are connected cohesively strongly, but rotatably with respect to one another, by means of shape-matched elements. The securing cap is configured at least partly elastically deformably such that the first and second engagement elements can be brought into engagement with one another by pressing the securing cap toward the closure element. |
| US09527631B2 |
Stopper for a beverage container
The invention relates to a stopper (1) for a beverage container, a tapping assembly and a beverage container (100). The stopper (1) comprises an outer part (4) which has a ring flange (41) and a sleeve (42), the sleeve (42), below the ring flange (41), being circumferentially deformed to form a bulge (43), and a spreading ring (3) which has a ring flange (31) and a plurality of L-shaped elements (32) which have a pivot (D) at the angle of the “L” and the free ends of which are designed as hooks (33), and a bushing (2) and a rotational cover (5), which has a cover plate (54) and a sleeve (51). When the stopper (1) is in a position of nonuse, the spreading ring (3) is pre-positioned in the outer part (4), the bushing (2) protrudes partially into the spreading ring (3), and the hooks (33) point radially inward. The rotational cover (5) can provide a closure arrangement, in which the rotational cover (5), the spreading ring (3), and the bushing (2) are accommodated so far from the outer part (4) that the hooks (33) of the spreading ring (3) are turned outward and engage in the bulge (43), whereby a circumferential projection is pressed in the direction of an underside of the ring flange (41). |
| US09527627B2 |
Connector for dialysis container, container equipped with such connector, manufacturing and filling method for such connectors and containers
A container for a solid product for dialysis has a connector (200) for connection to a dialysis machine, with a filling channel (202) that crosses it from one end to the other for filling the receptacle with solid product; a fluid line (211, 212, 213) for introducing a solution-making liquid, extending between a first connecting portion (211) that opens to the outside and an orifice (213) that opens to the inside; and a fluid line (221, 222, 223, 224) for extracting the obtained solution, extending between a second connecting portion (221) that opens to the outside and an orifice (224) that opens to the inside. The filling channel (202) is open at both ends and the two fluid lines (211, 212, 213; 221, 222, 223, 224) are fluid-tight between the orifice (213, 224) that opens into the receptacle and the first or second connecting portion (221, 221), respectively. |
| US09527626B1 |
Pop up cargo tote
A collapsible cargo tote is comprised of a bottom with an integral stiffener plate, at least one unitary end wall with an integral stiffener plate hingedly attached to the bottom a center wall and a sidewall, at least one sidewall comprised of three triangular panels, each having a stiffener panel, a center wall comprised of a locking cuff and three triangular panels, each with an integral stiffener panel and an exterior surface covering hingedly attached to each other. The sidewall, end wall and center wall collapse when the locking cuff is unlocked into a collapsed configuration and transitions from a collapsed configuration to an erect configuration when an end wall is raised and the sidewalls, end wall and center wall are raised into a vertical configuration. The locking cuff holds the tote in an erect configuration by the engagement of the locking cuff with the panels of the center wall. |
| US09527623B1 |
Collapsible container with inner containers and sleeves
A collapsible container for holding items above a support surface when in a deployed configuration, and for substantially sealing the items within the container when in a collapsed configuration, comprises an elongated inner container having an outer surface, two opposing ends and a central storage cavity between the ends for receiving the items therein. Two hollow sleeves are each open at a first end thereof, and two attachment mechanisms are each fixed between one of the ends of the inner container and the first end of one of the hollow sleeves. In use, in the collapsed configuration the sleeves cover the opposing ends of the inner container, and in the deployed configuration each sleeve is fixed proximate the first open end thereof with one end of the inner container to support the inner container above the support surface. |
| US09527603B2 |
Method for recovering a UAV
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recovery system comprises a base and a pneumatic capture net, including a set of upwardly extending, flexible, inflatable tubes, supported by a capture net support assembly. Drag forces are exerted on a UAV by the set of tubes when the UAV flies into them. In some examples the recovery system includes a plurality of decelerators, each decelerator having a supply of a restraint strap, connected to the pneumatic net, which can be pulled from the decelerator upon the application of a sufficient force so that movement of the pneumatic net is resistible by forces exertable by the decelerators on the pneumatic net. |
| US09527591B2 |
Modular lavatory with alcove
A modular lavatory monument assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The modular lavatory monument assembly includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines a lavatory interior. The fourth wall includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a sink module positioned in the alcove, a mirror module positioned above the sink module in the alcove, and a door positioned on one of the second or third walls. |
| US09527590B2 |
Cradle device
A cradle device of the present disclosure includes a tray, a main body, a pop-up mechanism, and a magnet. The pop-up mechanism is disposed on the main body and moves the tray from a stowing position to a taking-out position. The magnet is disposed in the main body at a side opposite to a mounting face of the tray. In a case of taking out the handset is, the magnet attracts the handset toward the tray from the stowing position to the taking-out position and moves to a predetermined retracting position when the handset is taken out of the tray. In a case of returning the handset to the tray, the magnet moves from the retracting position to an attracting position at which the handset is attracted toward the tray when the handset is pushed into the stowing position. |
| US09527589B2 |
Method for protecting a passenger and arrangement consisting of a folding table and a seat screen
To increase the safety of a passenger in a means of transport and to better protect the passenger from an in-seat screen, wherein a folding table and at least one in-seat screen arranged above the folding table are provided in front of the passenger, and the folding table has a first folded position when the folding table is not in use and a second folded position for using the table which is pivoted with respect to the first folded position through approximately 90°, the method is characterized in that at least a portion of the folding table can be moved in front of the in-seat screen in order to protect the passenger from the screen. A corresponding arrangement is also provided. |
| US09527585B2 |
Aircraft ground steering system
In some embodiments, the steering of an aircraft is enhanced by the use of a steering control system. The steering control system may include a steering request unit, a speed measurement unit, a steering control unit, and a steering control device. The steering control system is operable to generate and transmit to a steering control device, a wheel position request based on a steering request and the speed of the aircraft. |
| US09527569B2 |
Hydrogen-regenerating solar-powered aircraft
An aircraft comprising a hydrogen-containing envelope, a water-collection system for collecting water from the envelope, an electrolyzer to convert the water collected using the water-collection system into hydrogen, and a hydrogen-replenishment system for replenishing the envelope with hydrogen generated using the electrolyzer. In one embodiment, generated hydrogen is also supplied to a hydrogen-fuelled propulsion system for propulsion of the aircraft. |
| US09527564B2 |
Small vessel propulsion system
A small vessel propulsion system includes a mode switching signal output outputting a mode switching signal to switch a travel mode among a plurality of travel modes including a first mode of making a small vessel travel in accordance with operation of an accelerator operator and a second mode of making the small vessel travel in accordance with a command different from the operation of the accelerator operator, and a controller configured or programmed to switch the shift position of the shift mechanism to the forward drive position by controlling the shift actuator and switch the travel mode to the second mode when the mode switching signal output outputs the mode switching signal to switch from the first mode to the second mode and the shift position detector detects a shift position other than the forward drive position. |
| US09527562B1 |
Paddle board dock rack
A paddle board rack is provided and which is designed to be secured to one side of a dock which extends outwardly into a body of water. The paddle board rack of this invention includes a vertically disposed mounting frame which is secured to one side of the dock. A lift frame is selectively vertically adjustably secured to the mounting frame. The lift frame includes a pair of lift arms which extend outwardly from the lower end of the lift frame. The lift arms are selectively movable from a first horizontally extending paddle board loading/unloading position to a substantially vertically disposed paddle board storage or rack position whereby the paddle board is positioned between the lift arms and the lift frame. |
| US09527560B2 |
Marine lifting apparatus
A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame and a second frame each spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. An object that has been salvaged can be placed upon the vessel. |
| US09527555B2 |
Adjustable kayak chair IM
A watercraft having a seat securely carried on the watercraft, the seat having a plastic seat frame and a plastic seat back frame. The seat frame and the seat back frame are joined via a hinged connection. The bottom of the seat frame has receptacles that easily engage with engagement elements mounted on the deck of the watercraft. The seat has mechanism to easily adjust the height of the front of the seat, the height of the rear of the seat, the recline angle, and the amount of lumbar support. The seat has four legs stored under the seat frame which can be plugged into the seat frame to turn the seat into a lawnchair. |
| US09527533B2 |
Motor vehicle having a rear engine and comprising an improved front compartment
The invention relates to a motor vehicle that includes a rear compartment, containing a power train of the motor vehicle, and a front compartment including: a first area which is located on the right for a vehicle driven on the right, or located on the left for a vehicle driven on the left, and which receives at least one steering column, a brake servo, and main rigid brake lines; and a second area which is located on one side of the vehicle, opposite the first area, and which receives at least one battery, characterized in that the front compartment includes a third area which is located between the first and second areas and which receives at least one hydraulic brake unit and secondary rigid brake lines. |
| US09527532B2 |
Three wheeled vehicle
A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface. |
| US09527518B2 |
System, method and computer software code for controlling a powered system and operational information used in a mission by the powered system
A method for communicating operational information for a mission plan to an operator of a powered system, the method including collecting information specific to a mission plan, verifying information specific to the mission, and/or accepting information specific to the mission. The powered system is allowed to be autonomously controlled. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for communicating operational information for a mission plan to an operator of a powered system. |
| US09527516B2 |
Railcar bogie and railcar including same
A railcar bogie includes: a cross beam to support a carbody of a railcar; wheels at both railcar width direction sides of the bogie lined up longitudinally at each side; a pair of front and rear axles respectively at a front side and rear side in the railcar longitudinal direction to sandwich the cross beam each of the axles connect wheels located at the left side and right side of the railcar; bearings at both railcar width direction sides of each axle to rotatably support the axle; axle box portions coupled to the cross beam via elastic members to store the bearing; and plate spring portions to respectively support both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and both railcar longitudinal direction end portions of the plate spring portions, supported by the axle box portions. The axle box portions include a surface that supports the plate spring portion. |
| US09527515B2 |
Vehicle performance based on analysis of drive data
Data is collected during the operation of a vehicle and used to produce a ranking of a driver's performance, and that ranking is shared on a hosted website, such that the drivers can compare their performance metrics to their peers. Fleet operators can use these performance metrics as incentives, by linking driver pay with performance. Individual fleet operators can host their own website, where driver rankings in that fleet can be compared, or the website can be hosted by a third party, and multiple fleet operators participate. The third party can offset their costs for operating the website by charging participating fleet operators a fee, and/or by advertising revenue. In some embodiments, all driver performance data is displayed in an anonymous format, so that individual drivers cannot be identified unless the driver shares their user ID. |
| US09527502B1 |
Method and apparatus for controlling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
A method and apparatus for operating a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle are provided. The includes setting an initial distance until charge (DUC) and calculating a current DUC by subtracting a travel distance of the vehicle from the initial DUC after the initial DUC is set. A current distance to empty (DTE) is calculated based on a current state of charge (SOC) of a battery and the current SOC of the battery is compared with a reference SOC. The current DUC is compared with the current DTE when the current SOC is greater than the reference SOC. Thus, whether a high speed condition or a high load condition is satisfied is determined when the current DUC is greater than the current DTE. A driving mode of the vehicle is then set to be a charge sustaining (CS) mode when the high speed condition or the high load condition is satisfied. |
| US09527494B2 |
System and method for adjusting driveline operation
Methods and systems for determining driveline control parameters for a vehicle are described. In one example, a method for requesting a vehicle to operate in a specific operating region based on a request from a cloud network is described. The method may include options for driver interaction and autonomous vehicle operation. |
| US09527492B2 |
Negative pressure sensor abnormality detection apparatus, control apparatus for internal combustion engine and control system
A negative pressure sensor abnormality detection apparatus includes a negative pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to a negative pressure that a negative pressure pump generates, the negative pressure assisting a vehicle driver's brake operation; a negative pressure detection part that detects the negative pressure based on the signal that is output by the negative pressure sensor; a number-of-rotations counting part that counts the number of rotations of the negative pressure pump; and an abnormality determination part that determines that the negative pressure sensor is in an abnormal condition if, under a condition where a change in the driver's brake operation falls within a predetermined range, a change in the negative pressure detected by the negative pressure detection part along with an increase in the number of rotations counted by the number-of-rotations counting part is out of a predetermined range. |
| US09527489B2 |
Failure tolerant vehicle speed
An autonomous vehicle control sub-system includes first and second brake control modules that are communicatively and electrically connected to one another and a plurality of wheel-speed sensors communicatively connected to the first brake control module. The first module is programmed to receive wheel-speed data from the wheel-speed sensors. The second module is programmed to process the wheel-speed data in the event of a failure in the first module. |
| US09527473B2 |
Through anchor
A through anchor (10), in which, when an occupant is restrained by a webbing (28) in a vehicle emergency, the webbing (28) is moved to the vehicle front side of an insertion hole (20) of a guide piece (18) due to movement of the occupant under inertia, and a vehicle front side end face of the webbing (28) contacts a displacement wall (26) of the guide piece (18) at high load. Rigidity of the displacement wall (26) of the guide piece (18) is reduced due to a displacement hole (24). The displacement wall (26) is accordingly deformed and displaced to the vehicle front side by the webbing (28), enabling occurrence of skewing of the webbing (28) toward the vehicle front side in the insertion hole (20) to be suppressed. |
| US09527468B2 |
Airbag door assembly
Embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag door assembly for use in a vehicle. The door assembly includes a moving door panel that deforms under pressure of an airbag as it deploys. The airbag system employing this airbag door assembly may be installed in a cavity in a structure on-board the vehicle, or it may be independently mounted to a vehicle structure. |
| US09527445B2 |
Accessory mounting system for mounting an accessory at a vehicle such that a camera views through the vehicle windshield
An accessory mounting system for mounting an accessory at a windshield of a vehicle includes an accessory adapted for mounting at and demounting from a receiving structure adhesively attached by an adhesive to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory includes a camera and circuitry. With the accessory received and supported by the receiving structure and with the receiving structure adhesively attached by an adhesive to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield, (i) the accessory receives an input from the equipped vehicle via a CAN bus communication and delivers an output to the equipped vehicle via a CAN bus communication, and (ii) the camera views forwardly through the windshield via a light transmitting portion of a light absorbing layer of the windshield of the equipped vehicle, with the light absorbing layer otherwise hiding the accessory from view through the windshield from external the equipped vehicle. |
| US09527442B2 |
Driver dangerous driving reporting device
A driver dangerous driving reporting device (100) is provided with a danger prediction unit (30) and a danger reporting unit (40). The danger predicting unit (30) associates a driver inside a vehicle with a subject outside the vehicle, and on the basis of a single image simultaneously representing the driver (subject outside vehicle), is capable of predicting dangerous driving of the vehicle by the driver. When dangerous driving by the driver is predicted by the danger prediction unit (30), the danger reporting unit (40) is capable of reporting the dangerous driving by the driver to the driver. |
| US09527433B2 |
Control apparatus for controlling light emission of vehicle headlight, and headlight system provided with the control apparatus
A control apparatus, which controls a headlight unit, repeatedly performs a process of measuring brightness ahead of the own vehicle using a luminance sensor. For example, when a curved road region is present ahead of the own vehicle, measurement is made of the brightness of a road surface or a guardrail of a specified region (region to which light from a headlight unit of a forward vehicle is emitted) in the road region. Then, a variation (Δ) in a measurement value of the brightness from a previous measurement value is calculated. When the variation (Δ) is equal to or more than a threshold TH, a vehicle yet to emerge is predicted to emerge in a forward view of the own vehicle to thereby switch a lighting mode for the light emitted from the headlight unit to another mode so that the emergence area is darkened. |
| US09527427B2 |
Container auto-lock system
A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device. |
| US09527421B2 |
Electro-active polymer actuators for vehicle seating applications
A vehicle seat comprising a seat base and seat back each including a spring structure, planar electro-active polymer actuators, each having a first state and coupled to one of the spring structures, a control in communication with the actuators and configured to deliver a predetermined electrical input to one or more of the actuators, wherein the predetermined electrical input deforms at least one of the actuators to a second state. |
| US09527420B2 |
Vehicle seat cover for retaining an object
A seat assembly is provided that includes a seat cover having a base panel with a rear-facing surface and first and second opposing lateral extremities. The seat cover has a first panel that is secured to the base panel and at least partially overlays the base panel. The first panel has a first free end that defines a first pocket that opens toward the first lateral extremity. The seat cover also includes a retaining member that is secured to the base panel and at least partially overlays the base panel. The retaining member is spaced laterally on the base panel from the first panel and is configured with a free midportion that can be selectively liftable away from the base panel. The free midportion is aligned with the first pocket for retaining an object between the first panel and the retaining member. |
| US09527418B2 |
Semi rigid push/pull vented envelope system
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat back and a seat base. A shell is disposed in the seat base and includes a left leg support and a right leg support. A membrane is disposed over the shell and includes a plurality of perforations. The membrane and the shell define a cavity. An air channel is defined in a bottom wall of the shell. The air channel extends at least partially into the left leg support and the right leg support. A spacer material is disposed in the cavity. A fan is in communication with the air channel and is configured to move air through the channel, the spacer material, and the plurality of perforations. |
| US09527411B2 |
Child restraint system with automated installation
Provided is a child restraint system (CRS) with automated installation that provides automated feedback and control of seat installation angle, belt latching and tightening, and confirmation of correct install. The CRS utilizes sensors to monitor CRS base angle relative to level, confirm correct latching of the CRS to its base and then to the vehicle seat, and confirm tightening of the belts to the required tension to be crashworthy. The stepwise operation and confirmation of the installation procedure may be operated via button(s) or other tactical input, and relayed to the user via electronic visual display and/or audible means. All operations will be overseen and processed by an integrated control system, affording minimal user decision or interface. An intelligent latching device which can be adapted for use with an existing CRS is also provided. |
| US09527403B2 |
Charging station providing thermal conditioning of electric vehicle during charging session
A method of thermally conditioning an energy storage of a vehicle while charging includes: receiving, at a charging station, thermal information about the energy storage; supplying, by the charging station, electric energy to the energy storage in a charging session; and providing, by the charging station and based on the thermal information, thermal conditioning of the energy storage during at least part of the charging session. |
| US09527397B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing overshoot at the beginning of slow charging
An apparatus for preventing overshoot at the beginning of slow charging is provided. The apparatus includes a controller configured to receive initial charging command information during slow charging from electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and generate initial charging information for preventing overshoot using the initial charging command information. The apparatus further includes a charger for performing charging of a battery using the initial charging information, and a battery management system (BMS) configured to generate sensing information by sensing the charger, and charge the battery using the sensing information based on an originally set algorithm of the EVSE after a preset time based on whether the charging of the battery is stabilized. |
| US09527381B2 |
Fuel filler lid device
A fuel filler lid device is capable of protrusion and movement and has a door hook which locks a fuel filler lid in a closed state by being urged in an extending direction by a spring and unlocks the fuel filler lid by being contracted/operated by a door motor. A wall portion that regulates extension of the door hook at a first position in a state locked by the door hook at a closed position is provided on the fuel filler lid. If a sensor detects that the door hook is at the first position for a predetermined time, it is determined that the fuel filler lid is in the closed state, while the sensor detects that the door hook is at a second position protruding more than the first position for a predetermined time, it is determined that the fuel filler lid is in an open state. |
| US09527378B2 |
Electric vehicle
An air supply mechanism of an electric vehicle includes: a first air flowing pipe; a second air flowing pipe; and an air blower configured to generate a flow of air such that the air flows through a first air inlet into a first air flowing pipe and is discharged through a first air outlet to electric component accommodating spaces, and the air in the electric component accommodating spaces flows through a second air inlet into a second air flowing pipe and is discharged through a second air outlet to a space outside a vehicle body. The first air inlet and the second air outlet are arranged higher than a first battery, a second battery, and an inverter serving as “electric components.” |
| US09527377B2 |
Powertrain for hybrid vehicle
A powertrain apparatus may include a planetary gear set including a first rotary member connected to a first motor and selectively operating as an input element or a fixing element, a second rotary member supplied with power from an engine and selectively operating as an input element, and a third rotary member connected to an output shaft and selectively operating as an output element, a second motor supplying power to a motor input shaft, and a transmission including a plurality of pairs of engaged gears forming different transmission gear ratios, the pairs of engaged gears being provided on the motor input shaft and the output shaft, respectively, with an engaging unit provided on the motor input shaft at a location between the pairs of engaged gears and selecting one of the pairs of engaged gears corresponding to a driving speed. |
| US09527374B2 |
Golf cart enclosure
A golf cart enclosure system for a golf cart having a passenger cabin, a roof mounted on a frame for covering the passenger cabin and a front windshield. The system comprises a guide rail secured to the frame proximate the roof and a panel of a length sufficient to extend from the guide rail to the golf cart passenger cabin below. A plurality of swivel rollers is provided, wherein a first end of the swivel roller rollably engages the guide rail and wherein a second end of the swivel roller is fastened to the panel. The panel slidably moves along the guide rail from a closed position where the panel is fully extended to an open position where the panel is retracted. |
| US09527373B2 |
Corner assembly for tonneau cover system of pick-up truck
A corner assembly for a tonneau cover system of a pick-up truck is provided and has a corner member, a lid member and a lengthened cushion member. A connection surface of the corner member is formed with a stepped recess, and the lid member is embedded in the stepped recess to cover ribs and cavities in the stepped recess. The lengthened cushion member is L-shaped and attached to the connection surface of the corner member, the lid member and two surfaces of two adjacent frame members. |
| US09527372B2 |
Vehicle body structure having detachable roof
A vehicle body structure having a detachable roof, in which a front seal member is provided in a roof opening, and the front seal member is in contact with a press end of a soft top. The front seal member includes a first stopper member provided adjacent to a first seal member and a second stopper member provided adjacent to a second seal member. The press end is in contact with both the first stopper member and the second stopper member in a condition that sealing is maintained by both the first seal member and the second seal member. |
| US09527370B2 |
Damping and stiffening of a vehicle body panel
A damping and stiffening assembly for a body panel. The assembly includes a first damping patch and a second damping patch that are attached to the body panel. The assembly also includes a stiffening lamination that has a first end, a middle portion, and a second end. The first end of the stiffening lamination attaches to and overlaps the first damping patch. The middle portion of the stiffening lamination attaches to the body panel. The second end of the stiffening lamination attaches to and overlaps the second damping patch. |
| US09527368B2 |
Semi-independent suspension system for a low-floor vechicle
A semi-independent suspension system adapted for a rear or front drive and optionally steerable axle system of a low-floor heavy vehicle, comprising a twist beam axle assembly (1), a Panhard rod (8), and a pair of spring and shock absorber systems (9). The twist beam axle assembly (1) comprises a pair of rigid longitudinal trailing arms (3), a pair of wheel mounting members to lower the cross-beam relative to the wheel axis (2) and a straight cross-beam (7). The cross-beam is set in the right and left trailing arms and the wheel mounting members by an interference fit technique. The cross-beam (7) has an open-section and is rigid in bending but flexible in torsion. The shape of the cross-section is specifically tailored to increase and control each of the vertical and horizontal bending stiffness (7). The cross-section is characterized by having horizontal and vertical lines of symmetry, but with asymmetric horizontal and vertical geometries. The combination of features of the twist beam axle assembly (1) provides for a full flat floor without slope or extra height over the axle. |
| US09527365B2 |
Vehicle height adjusting apparatus
A vehicle height adjusting apparatus includes: an annular movable spring receiver in sliding contact with a guide surface formed on an outer periphery of an outer tube of a damper, the movable spring receiver being configured to support one side end of a suspension spring, the suspension spring biasing the damper in an expansion direction; a driving mechanism configured to drive the movable spring receiver in an axial direction of the damper; an auxiliary spring configured to bias the movable spring receiver to the suspension spring side; and a dust cover configured to cover a portion on the guide surface, the movable spring receiver being in sliding contact with the guide surface in the portion. The dust cover is held on the outer tube by means of a spring force of the auxiliary spring. |
| US09527364B2 |
System and method for estimating damper temperature
Systems and methods for controlling a damper force based on temperature are disclosed. Signals associated with a damping force value of one or more dampers are received at a controller. The signals are received, at the controller, from at least one suspension height sensor, at least one vehicle velocity sensor, at least one ambient temperature sensor, and at least one engine coolant sensor. A damper temperature is estimated, at the controller, and a damping force of the damper is adjusted to a nominal force based on the estimated damper temperature. |
| US09527363B2 |
Look ahead vehicle suspension system
An active suspension system senses roadway defects and adjusts an active and controllable suspension system of the vehicle before tires come in contact with the defect. The active suspension system identifies a type of defect or debris, e.g., pothole, bump, object, etc., along with the size, width, depth, and/or height information of the defect to more accurately control operation of the suspension system to prepare for, or avoid contact with the roadway defects and obstacles. Imaging techniques are employed to identify the defect or debris. Operation of a serviced cruise control system is controlled to enhance passenger safety and comfort. |
| US09527360B2 |
Refurbishment assembly for heavy duty chassis and method
A refurbishment assembly for heavy duty truck chassis and a novel bracket for maintaining said assembly in such chassis including a method of creating or manufacturing such an assembly and its mounting on a heavy duty truck chassis. |
| US09527357B2 |
Trunnion suspension structure
A trunnion bracket 4 mounted through fastening members 16 on a lower surface of each of opposite ends of a cross member 10 laterally of a vehicle is integrally formed with a trunnion plate part 4b which extends and stands upward from an outer surface of the trunnion bracket 4 and is mounted on an outer surface of a web 5a of a frame 5 through fastening members 17. |
| US09527356B2 |
Locking hitch ring
A locking hitch ring apparatus includes a hitch ring member adapted at a rear end thereof for attachment to a towed vehicle. A drawpin hole defined by the hitch ring member is oriented such that an axis of the drawpin hole is oriented vertically when the hitch ring member is attached to the towed vehicle. A lock plate is movably attached to the hitch ring member such that the lock plate is movable from a closed position, where the lock plate blocks the drawpin hole, to an open position, where the drawpin hole is open, and a lock mechanism is operative to lock the lock plate in the closed position. |
| US09527355B1 |
Folding tongue trailer hitch
A folding tongue trailer hitch for installation on a towable vehicle provides the ability to store the hitch while not in use for aesthetic and space efficiency purposes. A vehicle attachment frame is connected to the towable vehicle, and a hitch support frame is hingedly connected to the vehicle attachment frame by a hitching linkage. A hitching element is connected to the hitch support frame opposite the hinging linkage and may be any pertinent towing element. An angular lock releasably secures the hitch support frame in the lowered position for towing, utilizing receiving slots in the vehicle attachment frame and the hitch support frame into which locking rods may be inserted to lock the hitch support frame in the lowered position. A first and second lateral arm of the hitch support frame are positioned symmetrically about a central arm of the hitch support frame for structural support. |
| US09527348B2 |
Low-wear tyre tread band
A tire tread band having a center, two shoulders on either side of the center, and two edges on either side of the shoulders and forming a transition with the sidewalls. The profile of the tread band has at least a first arc forming part of the center, two second arcs forming part of the shoulders, and two third arcs forming part of the edges; and, at one junction, each second arc is connected discontinuously to the first arc by a step, wherein the second arc is not tangent to, and is radially lower than, the first arc. |
| US09527341B2 |
Extruded board with realistic appearance
In one embodiment, an extruded board includes at least one streak portion including a first colored portion at an outer surface of a core portion of the board, a second colored portion extending into the core from the first colored portion, and a third colored portion extending further into the core from the second colored portion, and at least one resin portion including a first base portion located directly between the second colored portion and the outer surface, and a second base portion located directly between the third colored portion and the outer surface, the resin portion having an opacity which allows the second colored portion to be viewed from the outer surface through the first base portion under natural light, and which does not allow the third colored portion to the viewed from the outer surface through the second base portion under natural light. |
| US09527338B1 |
Paint can rim cover
A paint can rim cover attaches to a grooved annular rim of a paint can. The rim cover is an annular cover with concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls and an intermediate cylindrical plug extending from the bottom surface of the annular cover. An inner fin extends outwardly from the bottom of the inner cylindrical wall and an outer fin extends inwardly from the bottom of the outer cylindrical wall. When attached, the plug substantially fills the groove and the fins engage inner and outer edges of the rim. |
| US09527331B2 |
Repositionable medium and stack thereof
A repositionable medium includes a base, a paper, and a first repositionable adhesive. The base has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, and a second end edge. The paper is fixedly coupled to the top surface of the base proximate to the first end edge. The paper has an inner edge and an outer edge. The outer edge is closer to the first end edge than the inner edge is to the first end edge. The inner edge is spaced a first distance from the first end edge of the base. The first repositionable adhesive is fixed to the bottom surface of the base and is not present in a first low adhesion area at a line across a width of the base and spaced a second distance from the second end edge of the base. The second distance equals the length of the first distance. |
| US09527330B2 |
Device for forming book cases
The invention pertains to a device for forming the spine region and/or the adjacent joint areas of a book case prior to casing-in the book block by means of a forming component that lifts the spine region out of the extended starting position relative to rails that hold down the case boards or the joint areas, wherein the forming geometry of the forming component can be varied by means of motor-driven adjustments, and wherein a separate adjusting drive is assigned to each of the elements that can be adjusted relative to the base element and form the book case. |
| US09527312B2 |
Liquid discharging apparatus
A liquid discharging apparatus includes a discharge unit that is capable of discharging a liquid, a medium support unit in which an opening portion is provided, and which supports a medium onto which the liquid is discharged, a heater that is capable of applying heat to the medium, a sensor that detects an energy in a detectable region, a control unit that is capable of changing an output of the heater on the basis of the energy, and a detectable portion whose energy is detected by the sensor, and which is provided in a position that is within the opening portion and is within the detectable region. |
| US09527306B2 |
Inkjet printer and printing method
The effect of air resistance acting on ink drops discharged from nozzles of an ink-jet head is appropriately controlled, for example, by means of a method suitable for a breathable medium, such as a cloth and the like. In this way, for example, high-resolution printing, printing with a great gap distance, and the like is properly implemented.An ink-jet printer 10, for printing on a breathable medium 50 through which air passes from a printing surface to a rear surface, includes an ink-jet head 12 for discharging ink drops toward the medium 50, and a rear side component 14, having a hollow portion that opens its space toward the rear surface of the medium 50; and then ink-jet head 12 includes nozzles for discharging ink drops to the medium 50, and an airflow blowing section for blowing airflow, at least a part of the airflow going through a travel path of the ink drops, and the airflow moving toward the medium 50 together with the ink drops; and the rear side component 14 receives the airflow, passing through from the printing surface of the medium 50 to the rear surface of the same, with the hollow portion. |
| US09527300B2 |
Print head mounting assembly
A print head mounting assembly for mounting and positioning an inkjet print head on a print head support structure includes a first clamping mechanism for clamping the inkjet print head in a first direction and a second clamping mechanism for clamping the inkjet print head in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In order to ease adjustment of the position of the print head, the second clamping mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the print head in the second direction and a release mechanism for releasing the first clamping mechanism, the release mechanism being arranged that the release mechanism is to be operated for operating the adjustment mechanism. |
| US09527294B2 |
Printer
A head includes a nozzle face having a nozzle discharging a first liquid. A wiper contacts to the nozzle face and moves in relation to the nozzle face. An absorption member moistened by a second liquid absorbs the first liquid adhered to the wiper while moving in relation to the wiper and has a contact portion and a surface groove. The contact portion is provided on a side of an absorption face of the absorption member so as to come into contact with the wiper. The absorption face is a face on a side of the absorption member facing the wiper. The surface groove is provided on an absorption face side. The surface groove is recessed in a direction apart from the wiper than the contact portion and extends along an extending direction in which an edge on an absorption member side of the wiper extends. |
| US09527288B2 |
Liquid discharging apparatus
Provided is a liquid discharging apparatus for discharging a liquid. The liquid discharging apparatus includes droplet dischargers each discharging droplets onto a substrate, a cap unit provided with recesses covering outlets of the droplet dischargers, and movable between a retracting position away from the outlets of the droplet dischargers and a capping position in which the outlets of the droplet dischargers are closed, and a cleaner provided with absorbers contacting edges of the recesses of the cap unit, and closing the recesses in synchronization with movement of the cap unit to the retracting position. |
| US09527286B2 |
Print apparatus and print method
Humidified gas generated by a humidifying unit is supplied to a space between two adjacent print heads from one side of the space, and the humidified gas supplied to the space is discharged from the other side facing the one side across the space. |
| US09527285B2 |
Nozzle plate, liquid droplet discharge head, and liquid droplet discharge apparatus
A nozzle plate for a liquid droplet discharge head to discharge a charged liquid droplet, includes a discharge port disposed on a nozzle face; a discharge chamber filled with liquid to be discharged from the discharge port; a nozzle hole extending from the discharge port in a thickness direction of the nozzle plate and communicating with the discharge chamber; a first electrode disposed at either the discharge chamber or the nozzle hole and contacting part of the liquid droplet; and a second electrode disposed on the nozzle face and neither connecting to the first electrode nor contacting the liquid droplet. |
| US09527280B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing medium, and printing method
For a lenticular in which a lens body having low shape accuracy is disposed on one end portion, when the other end portion of the lenticular is detected, a position of a carriage at the time of detecting the end portion of the lenticular is stored in a buffer as a paper end position, a carriage motor is controlled such that the carriage is separated from a home position and moved in a main scanning direction, and a printing head is controlled such that an ink discharge having a color according to printing data is started at the paper end position. Since the lens body having high shape accuracy is disposed on the end portion of the lenticular, it is possible to land the ink onto a more suitable position with respect to the lens body, thereby allowing printing quality to be improved. |
| US09527279B2 |
Liquid droplet discharge device, liquid droplet discharge method, and non-transitory storage medium storing program
A liquid droplet discharge device includes pressure chambers in communication with nozzles, wherein the pressure chambers are for storing ink; an oscillation plate that is disposed over the pressure chambers, so that an elastic wall of each of the pressure chambers is formed; pressure generating elements that are disposed to face the pressure chambers through the oscillation plate; a drive waveform generator for generating, for each of the nozzles, a drive waveform by using drive waveform data that indicates a shape of the drive waveform for driving the corresponding pressure generating element; a residual oscillation detector for detecting residual oscillation that is generated in each of the pressure chambers after driving the pressure generating elements; and a controller for correcting, during printing, the drive waveform data for each of the nozzles, based on a detection result by the residual oscillation detector. |
| US09527270B2 |
Cylinder system for tissue paper lamination
A cylinder system for tissue paper lamination comprising an embossing cylinder (22), which includes a combined DESL (1) and Point to Point (2) embossing, and for this purpose, higher elements (23) are provided for DESL process, and lower elements (24) for Point to Point process, such elements forming several relieves on paper surface and can compose figures, ribbing and all sorts of drawings. |
| US09527265B2 |
Polyethylene terephthelate part bonded to polyester and polycarbonate alloy part
A device has a first part including polyethylene terephthelate (PET) with a fiber fill and a second part bonded to the first part. The second part includes an alloy of polyester and polycarbonate. The first and second part may be bonded together by placing the first part and the second part in contact with one another and heating the second part to bond the second part to the first part. |
| US09527263B2 |
Stain proof textured fabric
This application relates to a method and apparatus for forming a textured stain resistant fabric. The stain resistant layer can be formed from a non-conventional anti-stain resistant resin that can conform to varying texturing geometries. In one embodiment, the stain resistant layer can be formed against a sheet of release paper having a texturing surface configured to form a textured surface on the stain resistant layer. |
| US09527256B2 |
Process and apparatus for building tyres for vehicle wheels
A process and an apparatus for building tires for vehicle wheels includes assembling at least one tire component through laying of strip-like elements disposed circumferentially close to each other on a deposition surface radially external to the forming drum, wherein laying of each strip-like element includes: radially moving the strip-like element close to the deposition surface; locking a central portion of the strip-like element against the deposition surface; and pulling the strip-like element in opposite directions starting from the central portion toward the opposite ends thereof, while the central portion is maintained in a locked condition against the deposition surface, so as to progressively lay down the strip-like element against the deposition surface. |
| US09527252B2 |
Method of making eyewear frame having sections joined with nose bridge
A method of making an eyewear frame having substantially rigid sections joined with a soft and/or flexible nose bridge. The substantially rigid sections and soft and/or flexible nose bridge are made in separate molding processes. The cured substantially rigid sections and cured soft and/or flexible nose bridge are then joined together in a further molding process by injecting a bonding material into interfaces between the soft and/or flexible nose bridge and the respective substantially rigid sections. The eyewear frame may be painted. A pre-painting surface treatment may be applied to the soft and/or flexible nose bridge before it is joined with the substantially rigid right and left sections. |
| US09527245B2 |
Method of 3D printing
Provided is a method of 3D printing with the use of a heater-free, hand-held 3D printing device such as a 3D printing pen. The method consists of adjusting the extrusion feed rate of the substance through the orifice with the use of a substance feed mechanism to provide curing conditions at which the extruded substance maintains a shape-sustaining state; extruding the substance; and curing the extruded substance to the shape-sustaining state by irradiating the extruded substance outside the device with light-radiation elements such as LEDs. The feed rate of the extrusion is carried out once, experimentally, before multiple practical use of the heater-free 3D printing device. The extrudable substance is a photopolymerizable polymer composition that has kinematic viscosity in the range of 7.00 to 10.00 MM2/C when measured at room temperature by the capillarity method. |
| US09527238B2 |
Method of manufacturing thrust reverser cascades
Methods are provided for manufacturing a thrust reverser cascade. One of these methods includes providing a first cascade segment and providing a second cascade segment. The first cascade segment includes a first frame rail, a second frame rail and an array of first vane segments laterally between the first and the second frame rails. The second cascade segment includes an array of second vane segments. The second cascade segment is bonded laterally to and between the first and the second frame rails and transversely to the array of first vane segments. In another method, first and second cascade segments are discretely molded. Each of the cascade segments includes an array of vane segments and comprises fiber reinforcement in a polymer matrix. The second cascade segment is bonded to the first cascade segment and is nested into the first cascade segment. |
| US09527233B2 |
Method for operating a container handling installation and container handling installation
The present invention includes a method for operating a container treatment installation and a container treatment installation. The container treatment installation comprises at least one container treatment device with at least one first functional element (6). The first functional element (6) comprises a first drive for at least one first work function of the first functional element (6) during active container treatment mode (AM). The container treatment installation further comprises at least one second functional element (11). The first functional element (6) comprises at least one first actuation element (7) and, in a first active container treatment mode (AM), is set such that the first actuation element (7) performs no function on the second functional element (11). For a second active container treatment mode or for a third change operating mode (WM), the at least one first functional element (6) is moved and/or re-positioned or adjusted by the first drive such that the first actuation element (7) triggers or activates a function of the second functional element (11) through contact with the at least one second functional element (11). |
| US09527225B2 |
Process and equipment for manufacturing a plastic hollow body from two sheets
A process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body by molding two sheets of molten plastic in a mold including two cavities, the process including: a) two molten plastic sheets are manufactured by extrusion of at least one stream of molten plastic and transverse cutting thereof; b) these sheets are introduced between the mold cavities; c) the mold is closed and the hollow body is manufactured by conforming the two sheets to the mold cavities; d) the hollow body thus obtained is removed from the mold; e) all of operations a) to d) are repeated to manufacture another hollow body from two new sheets; and before, during, or after the transverse cutting operation, the lower portion of the two new sheets is cooled using a specific device that makes possible a local cooling of the sheets in the lower portion. |
| US09527221B2 |
Method of forming barbs on a suture
A method is provided for forming a barbed medical device which includes the steps of providing a blank workpiece and forming at least one barb on the blank workpiece by applying vibrational energy to a tool and bringing the tool and the blank workpiece into contact with each other at an angle such that the tool cuts into the surface of the blank workpiece. A barbed medical device formed by this method is also provided. |
| US09527212B2 |
Method for automatically triggering a self-positioning process
A mobile self-propelled robot for autonomously carrying out actions. The robot includes a drive module for moving the robot over a floor area; a processing module for carrying out the activities during a processing stage; at least one sensor module for detecting information relating to the structure of the surroundings; a detector module configured to detect a displacement of the robot prior to or during the processing stage. Further, the robot includes a navigation module configured to navigate the robot over the floor area during the processing stage using a map of the surroundings, to store and manage one or more maps of the surroundings, and to carry out a self-positioning process if the detector module has detected a displacement of the robot. During the self-positioning process, the presence and the location of the robot within the stored maps are detected. |
| US09527201B2 |
Portable power tool
A hand-power tool, in particular a drill and/or chiseling hammer, includes a transmission, a machine housing, and an inner housing arranged within the machine housing. The inner housing is provided for at least partially receiving at least one transmission element of the transmission. The at least one transmission element is supported jointly by the inner housing and by the machine housing. |
| US09527200B2 |
Electric power tool
A shoe attached to a shoe attachment portion includes a spanner portion. As the shoe can be separated from a tool main body of the cutout tool, the shoe can be used as a spanner. The shoe can function as the spanner for replacing a bit in a bit attachment mechanism. In addition, the shoe has its original function of the shoe by which a protrusion amount of the bit can be adjusted. Since the shoe is attached to the shoe attachment portion and held by the tool main body, it turns out that the spanner can be prepared for use with the cutout tool. |
| US09527199B2 |
Chiseling power tool
A hand-held power tool is disclosed. The tool has a pneumatic striking mechanism. The striking mechanism includes a motor-driven exciter, a guide tube and a striker. A pneumatic spring configured inside the guide tube between the exciter and the striker is circumferentially sealed pressure-tight by an inner surface of the guide tube. The exciter and/or the striker are configured as a piston guided by the inner surface. An inner surface of the guide tube is provided with a plurality of molded depressions. |
| US09527194B2 |
Polyaxial ratchet tool
A polyaxial tool, including an elongate body defining a first end, a second and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; the elongate body defining a cavity at the first end; a plurality of arcuate gear teeth circumferentially arranged in the cavity and movable with respect to the elongate body; a socket coupled to the housing and coaxial with the plurality of gear teeth; and a handle coupled to the second end, where an angular position of at least one of the elongate body and handle is adjustable with respect to the plurality of gear teeth. |
| US09527191B2 |
Locking pliers with extendible jaws
A locking pliers is provided with pivotably secured first and second handles; a link and quick release assembly having both ends pivotably secured to the first and second handles respectively; first and second jaw carriers each including a casing member, a jaw pivotaby secured to the casing member, and an arm having one end secured to the casing member and the other end moveably mounted in either handle; a spring member disposed in either handle for clamping the arm. |
| US09527190B2 |
High articulation glove with removable work surface attachments
A high articulation glove includes a covering for a human hand. The covering includes a palm portion, a dorsal portion, a thumb sheath, an index finger sheath, a middle finger sheath, a ring finger sheath, and a small finger sheath. At least one hook or loop fastener is attached to a distal phalanx portion of at least one of the finger sheaths on a palm side of the covering. The at least one hook or loop fastener has a size smaller than the distal phalanx portion of the corresponding at least one finger sheath on the palm side of the covering it is attached to. |
| US09527186B2 |
Eyeglass lens processing system and eyeglass lens processing method
An eyeglass lens processing system includes: a plurality of processing devices including first and second processing devices, each of the first and second processing devices including a lens processing unit configured to process an eyeglass lens and a processing control unit configured to control the lens processing unit; a memory unit configured to store first processing information based on which the first processing device performs a first process on the eyeglass lens; and a processing setting unit that includes a setting unit configured to set, for each of the first and second processing devices, correction data based on which the first processing information is to be corrected to acquire second processing information. One of the first and second processing devices performs a second process on the eyeglass lens based on the second processing information. |
| US09527185B2 |
Test gauge
A test gauge for determining whether a tool holder assembly that utilizes a retention knob is properly assembled. The test gauge is mounted on a tool holder before the installation of a retention knob. Measurement devices, such as dial indicators, determine whether a “wobble” exists between the test gauge and the tapered surface of the tool holder and also provide a distance measurement between the test gauge and a reference surface on the tool holder. After installation of the retention knob, the test gauge is again placed on the tool holder in the same relative position and the distance between the test gauge and the reference surface is again observed. Any change in the distance measurement is an indication that the installation of the retention knob produced a distortion in the tool holder tapered surface which, if not corrected, can produce wear in the tool holder, the spindle and/or the cutting tool. The test gauge also includes at least one measurement device for measuring wobble between the test gauge and a tool holder received by the test gauge. |
| US09527180B2 |
Machine tool
A set means for setting a workpiece (11) is provided behind a main shaft (4), the front end of which is provided with a chuck (8) that opens and closes freely, and is disposed so as to support the workpiece (11) with the chuck central axis line (C1) of the chuck (8) and the workpiece central axis line (C2) of the workpiece (11) positioned on a single line. The orientation of a workpiece (11)-holding means (53) of a conveyance means (56) for conveying the workpiece (11) between the set means (41) and the main shaft (4) is configured to be maintained when transferring the workpiece (11) between the holding means and the set means (41) and when transferring between the holding means and the chuck (8). |
| US09527178B2 |
Apparatus for inverting large panels
An apparatus for inverting a panel including a base assembly, an elongated support assembly mounted on the base assembly, a carriage assembly mounted on the support assembly displaceable along the length thereof, means for displacing the carriage assembly along the length of the support assembly, an elongated beam assembly provided with means for detachably securing a panel, pivotally connected to the carriage assembly and means for pivoting the beam assembly relative to the support assembly. |
| US09527175B2 |
Moving body guide mechanism of machine tool
A moving body guide mechanism of a machine tool includes at least two bar-shaped guide members, and sliders engaged with the two guide members, respectively, movably with respect to the guide members so that a moving body is guided along an axis parallel to a moving axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the guide members. Attaching surfaces of the two guide members or the sliders to the moving body are provided symmetrically across a plane including the axis parallel to the moving axis in such a manner that an angle formed by the attaching surfaces becomes smaller than 180°. |
| US09527171B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing and removing a flow restrictor from a differential pressure measurement device
An apparatus for installing and removing a flow restrictor from a differential pressure measurement device with a seal housing attached to the differential measurement device. The seal housing being sealed to the fitting opening and having a channel connecting the fitting opening and a housing opening. The seal housing has first, second and third seals spaced along the channel. The distance between the first and third seals is greater than the height of the flow restrictor. The first, second and third seals are retractable between an extended, sealing position and a retracted, open position. At least one bleeder valve is positioned between the first and third seals for equalizing pressure between the channel and an external pressure. A series of rotating drivers are spaced along the channel and move the flow restrictor along the channel between the receptacle in the fitting and the housing opening of the seal housing. |
| US09527145B2 |
Saw attachment mechanism
A saw attachment mechanism includes at least one guide roller configured for releasable engagement with a track, a guide roller shaft and a guide roller pivot, each coupled to the guide roller, at least one pushrod configured for engagement with the guide roller shaft, and a cam shaft coupled to a handle. The guide roller can rotate around a guide roller axle. The guide roller pivot is coupled to the one guide roller to allow rotation of the guide roller and guide roller shaft toward and away from an engaged configuration. The pushrod can engage the guide roller shaft at a first end and the cam shaft at a second end. As the cam shaft is rotated, the pushrod slides to engage the guide roller shaft, to swing the guide roller shaft into an engaged position. |
| US09527144B2 |
Extendable workpiece support for a portable power tool
A table saw includes a base, a workpiece support structure, and an extension support assembly. The workpiece support structure is supported by the base and defines a workpiece support surface. The extension support assembly includes (i) a guide movable in relation to the base between a first guide position and a second guide position, (ii) an arm assembly movably supported by the guide, and (iii) a cam mechanism movable in relation to the base between a first cam position and a second cam position. Movement of the cam mechanism from the first cam position to the second cam position causes movement of the guide from the first guide position to the second guide position. |
| US09527138B2 |
Clamping device
A clamping means in the type of an outer clamping means or an inner clamping means for fixed-clamping of work pieces, for the purpose of rotative processing. For achieving a radial displaceability of the clamping segments thereof, an inclined guide surface of a clamping sleeve or of a clamping mandrel with correspondingly inclined slide surfaces on the clamping segments are used. For the application of force into the clamping segments, at least one coupling element is provided on the housing or on the actuation member. The clamping element is axially fixed to the housing or to the actuation member and engages with at least one clamping segment axially in a form-fit manner in a coupling region between an in axial direction distal guide surface region of the guide surface and an in axial direction proximal guide surface region of the guide surface. |
| US09527135B2 |
Bar puller
In a bar puller, pins mount serrated rollers to pivoting arms, which are mounted by additional pins to a bar puller body. The body houses movable cups positioned to compress springs in response to pivoting motion of the pivoting arms. A cover retains the springs and cups in the body. In a manufacturing process where elongated stock material needs to be positioned automatically, such as in a CNC turning center, the bar puller manipulates the elongated material in the machine by holding it rigidly so that the bar puller can move the elongated material on the axis of elongation. This is accomplished by forcing the end effectors over the material, which separates the end effectors by pivoting the arms. The geometry of the pivoting arms causes interaction with the cups and springs to generate an opposing spring force to separate the end effectors. |
| US09527114B2 |
Apparatus and method for opening and sorting envelopes
An apparatus is provided for processing mail by severing an edge of each envelope in a stack of mail. The apparatus includes an input bin for receiving a stack of mail. A feeder feeds the bottom envelope from the input bin to a transport that conveys the envelope along an envelope path. A cutter positioned along the envelope path severs one edge of the envelopes. A detector detects a characteristic of the envelope and a sorter sorts the envelope in response to the detected characteristic. |
| US09527106B2 |
Applicator and method for dispensing a viscous fluid
An applicator for dispensing a first viscous fluid includes a support structure, a cartridge including a first wall and a first interior space. The first interior space receives a first collapsible tube holding the first viscous fluid. The first collapsible tube is formed from a flexible material and has a length with generally opposite sidewall portions defined along the length. The first collapsible tube is positioned against the first wall and further includes a closed end and a dispensing end. An actuator is operatively coupled to the support structure and moves through the interior space of the cartridge along the length of the collapsible tube and against one of the generally opposite sidewall portions to compress the one generally opposite sidewall portion against the other sidewall portion along the length and squeeze the viscous fluid from the dispensing end. |
| US09527103B2 |
Flameless candle device with fountain
A flameless candle device with a fountain includes a container, a light-emitting member, and a pump motor. The container has an outer wall to surround an accommodation space. The accommodation space is divided into a first half portion and a second half portion by a partition. The first half portion is in communication with the second half portion through an opening. The partition has a flange thereon. The accommodation space is adapted to accommodate a fluid, such as water. The light-emitting member is located in the accommodation space. The pump motor is in communication with the first half portion and the second half portion. When the pump motor is activated, the water flows from the first half portion to the second half portion, alternatively, from the second half portion to the first half portion. The present invention provides an illumination effect as well as visual and auditory enjoyments. |
| US09527096B1 |
Methods and systems for a sprinkler system
Embodiments disclosed herein describe sprinkler systems that are integrated into a fence. More specifically, embodiments relate to a sprinkler system with sprinkler heads that are configured to be extended from a top surface of the fence when in operation and recessed into the fence when not in use. |
| US09527092B2 |
Nozzle hole mechanism
A nozzle hole mechanism (10) is provided with a nozzle hole (28) which ejects a concentrate into the atmosphere, a swirl chamber (30) which supplies the concentrate to the nozzle hole (28), and a path (27) which supplies the concentrate to the swirl chamber (30). The diameter of the nozzle hole (28) is 0.2 mm or less, the length of the nozzle hole (28) is in the range of 0.05-0.3 mm, and the swirl chamber (30) and the nozzle hole (28) are located on the same axis. The swirl chamber (3) is equipped with a front section having a solid cylindrical shape, which communicates with the nozzle hole, and a rear section having an ring shape. The nozzle hole mechanism is configured in such a manner that the concentrate is supplied to the rear section (30a) and discharged from the nozzle hole (28) via the front section (30b). The configuration enables the nozzle mechanism to spray fine particles over a wide area using small spray amount. |
| US09527089B2 |
Magnetic filter systems and methods
Magnetic filter systems may be constructed with various arrangements of permanent magnets, including but not limited to checkerboard and spiral arrangements. When coupled to a conventional filter, exemplary magnetic filter systems capture ferrous particulates against the outer wall of the conventional filter by magnetic attraction, thereby reducing the number of particulates in a fluid stream and improving the quality of the filtered fluid. |
| US09527086B2 |
Frame for a gyratory crusher
A gyratory crusher includes a frame and a crushing head which is arranged rotatably about a substantially vertical shaft. The frame has an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. The lower frame portion includes a hub. The hub has a centralized arranged through hole with a center axis extending through the hole and the hub. The hole is arranged to cooperate with the shaft being rotatably arranged in the hole. The hub is connected by arms to the lower frame portion and includes a drive ring pocket. |
| US09527067B2 |
Inorganic/polymeric hybrid catalytic materials containing metal nano-particles therein
Catalytic materials with high activity in various chemical reactions as well as high durability are described. The catalytic materials are composed of specific, hybrid combinations of inorganic/polymeric compounds containing metal nano-particles therein, and can be easily reused with negligible catalysts leaching. They are particularly useful, but not limited to, the hydrogenation of substituted α,β unsaturated acids or esters. |
| US09527062B2 |
Process for scalable synthesis of molybdenum disulfide monolayer and few-layer films
The present disclosure relates to nanosheet synthesis. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) atomic thin films and hydrogen evolution reactions. In one or more embodiments, a synthesis process may include sublimation of sulfur and MoCl5, reaction of MoCl5 and S to produce gaseous MoS2 species, transfer of the MoS2 species by carrier gas, diffusion of MoS2 species from the gas phase onto receiving substrates, and precipitation of MoS2 on the substrates. |
| US09527059B2 |
Field sampling kit for chemical recovery, storage, and profiling, method of making and using the kit, and dynamic fabric phase sorptive extraction (DFPSE) medium
A field kit for collecting analytical samples has one or more dynamic fabric phase sorptive extraction (DFPSE) devices and/or fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) devices and a plurality of containers for storing and transporting the DFPSEs and/or FPSEs that were used for sampling. The field kit has media for documenting information concerning the site, quantity, date, and/or other pertinent information concerning the sampling. Samples can be maintained within the kit for any required period of storage. Sampling can be done once or a plurality of times, such that an initial analysis can be carried out and analysis can be repeated using a portion of a FPSE or with a redundant FPSE that has been stored. The DFPSE device is a sampling device including a plurality of FPSEs, such that a number of different types of analytes can be sampled in different layers of the DFPSE. At least one external surface layer of the DFPSE is a barrier FPSE that restricts solids from underlying layers. |
| US09527056B2 |
Methods and systems for creating aerosols
Aerosols can be created by filament stretching and breaking of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids by applying a strain to and stretching the fluid. The fluid is stretched along a strain pathway and forms a fluid filament between diverging surfaces. The stretched fluid filament breaks into droplets that can be harvested to form a mist or aerosol. The aerosol creation systems can include one or more pairs of counter-rotating rollers that are positioned adjacent to each other that stretch the fluid or a pair of pistons that move toward and away from each other to stretch the fluid. Some aerosol creation systems can include multiple pairs of counter-rotating rollers that are positioned in a circular, oval, or linear pattern. The aerosol creation system with multiple pairs of counter-rotating rollers can generate mist is one or more directions and can be positioned between two concentric rings or linearly, among other configurations. |
| US09527045B2 |
Carbon molecular sieve membranes made from 6FDA and DETDA-based precursor polymers
A carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membrane is made by pyrolyzing a film or hollow fiber membrane made of a polyimide polymer or copolymer essentially consisting of repeating units of dianhydride-derived units and diamine-derived units. At least 50% of the dianhydride-derived units are derived from 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane (6FDA). At least 50% of the diamine-derived units are derived from 2,5-diethyl-6-methyl-1,3-diamino benzene (DETDA). |
| US09527041B2 |
Multiblock copolymer films, methods of making same, and uses thereof
A method for forming an isoporous graded film comprising multiblock copolymers and isoporous graded films. The films have a surface layer and a bulk layer. The surface layer can have at least 1×1014 pores/m2 and a pore size distribution (dmax/dmin)) of less than 3. The bulk layer has an asymmetric structure. The films can be used in filtration applications. |
| US09527038B2 |
Osmotic bioelectrochemical systems
A bioelectrochemical system includes an anode, a saline solution chamber, and a cathode. The anode is at least partially positioned within an anode chamber containing an aqueous reaction mixture including one or more organic compounds and one or more bacteria for oxidizing the organic compounds. The saline solution chamber contains a draw solution and is separated from the anode chamber by a forward osmosis membrane. Water diffuses across the forward osmosis membrane from the aqueous reaction mixture to the draw solution. |
| US09527033B2 |
Mixed metal oxide catalyst
A three-way catalytic material that reduces NOx in an oxidizing atmosphere and a process for reducing NOx in an oxidizing atmosphere. The material is a mixed metal oxide catalyst and can be made from a doped barium cerate matrix with a chemical formula of BaAyDzCe(1-y-z)O3-δ, where A is a precious metal or a combination of two or more precious metals and D is at least one transition metal. The coefficient y has a value between 0.0 and 0.20, inclusive, and the coefficient z has a value between 0.0 and 0.20, inclusive, and δ has a value between 0.00 and 0.20, inclusive. |
| US09527032B2 |
Non-PGM catalyst for burning carbon soot, and filtration filter and exhaust gas post-processing apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a non-PGM catalyst for burning carbon soot without using a noble metal, the non-PGM catalyst comprising: a cerium-praseodymium complex oxide and an iron oxide, the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide impregnated with silver (Ag). The cerium-praseodymium complex oxide illustratively consists of 60 to 95 wt % of cerium oxide and 5 to 40 wt % of praseodymium oxide, and silver (Ag) impregnated in the complex oxide is 1.5 to 3.0 parts by weight of the total weight of the complex oxide. The iron oxide may be an oxide in a form of particles separate from the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide in which silver is impregnated, and may be 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of the total weight of the cerium praseodymium complex oxide. |
| US09527024B2 |
Scent dispersing assembly
A scent dispersing assembly includes a frame coupled to an air handler. A filter is coupled to the frame to filter particles from air urged by the air handler. A second frame is coupled to the air handler such that the second frame is aligned with the frame. A second filter is coupled to the second frame to filter particles from air urged by the air handler. A pad is positioned between the filter and the second filter. The pad is infused with a scent, releasing the scent into the air urged by the air handler. |
| US09527023B2 |
Air filter arrangement; assembly; and, methods
An air filter arrangement is disclosed. The air filter arrangement includes strips of media comprising fluted sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. Media pack arrangements including such stacked media with peripheral, perimeter, housing seal arrangements are described. Also described are air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. Also, systems of use are described. |
| US09527019B2 |
Filter plate comprising a temperature control body and filter cartridge comprising such a filter plate
A filter plate having a basic body and an elastic element which is fastened to the basic body in an annular and liquid-tight manner. The filter plate is distinguished by the fact that a temperature-control plate is fastened to the elastic element. |
| US09527017B2 |
Filter element having cover portion and filter assembly
A filter element may include a tubular member, and tubular member may include a partition at least partially defining first and second chambers. The tubular member may further include an end portion at least partially defining an inlet port configured to provide flow communication into the first chamber, and at least partially defining an outlet port configured to provide flow communication from the second chamber. The tubular member may further include a cover portion at the end portion of the tubular member, with the cover portion extending from the partition. The cover portion may be configured to at least partially cover a longitudinal end of the second chamber. The filter element may further include a filter medium associated with at least one outlet aperture and the at least one inlet aperture of the tubular member. |
| US09527011B2 |
Method for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
A method for extracting a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon from a material such as tobacco or tobacco extracts or other materials comprises treating the material with a molecularly imprinted polymer selective for the hydrocarbon in the presence of a low polarity medium. |
| US09527010B2 |
Separation system and method
A separation system comprises (i) at least two separation units, each separation unit comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the separation units are connected in series outlet to inlet to form a line of separation units, and (ii) sensing and adjustment means, provided in-line between each separation unit, for continuously monitoring and adjusting at least one environmental property parameter of fluid flowing from one separation unit to a subsequent separation unit in the line of separation units. Uses of the separation system and a method for purification of a liquid containing a desired species, using separation units and in-line adjustment of a fluid flow or flows, are also disclosed. |
| US09527003B2 |
Subterranean well production saltwater evaporation station with iodine separator
A production saltwater evaporation apparatus, comprising a separation and storage area comprising an iodine separation unit configured to remove iodine from production saltwater and produce saltwater, and an evaporator configured to emit a stream of the saltwater along a path in air such that at least some of the water in the saltwater evaporates. Included is a production saltwater evaporation apparatus, comprising a saltwater clarifying unit configured to separate metals from production saltwater and produce saltwater, and an evaporator configured to emit a stream of the saltwater along a path in air such that at least some of the water in the saltwater evaporates. |
| US09526993B2 |
Systems and methods for associating players of electronic games
A system, processor or computer readable device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving a user attribute of a first user based on a record of stimulation of an electronic gaming accessory of the first user. The record of stimulation is determined responsive to game-related activity in an electronic game application. A first user record is updated responsive to the receiving of the user attribute of the first user, resulting in an updated first user record. The updated first user record is forwarded to a matching service, wherein the matching service matches the first user and a second user based on the updated first user record. Such matching can be used to associate players of electronic games, for example, as members of a team. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09526985B2 |
Method for forming game content group, computer-readable, non-transitory medium, and computer
A method for forming a game content group performed by a computer which includes an operation module and a shake detector for detecting a shake, and which forms the game content group formed by a plurality of game contents to be used in a game, includes storing a first state of the game content group in a storage module, changing the game content group to a second state according to an operation by a user via the operation module, and restoring the game content group to the first state based on a detection result by the shake detector. |
| US09526977B2 |
Powered skate with automatic motor control
Systems including powered skates with automatic motor control are provided. One such system includes a pair of powered skates, each including a foot platform configured to receive a foot of a rider, a plurality of wheels coupled to the foot platform, a motor coupled to at least one of the plurality of wheels, the motor configured to rotate the at least one wheel, and a load sensor coupled to the foot platform and configured to sense an applied force, and a controller coupled to each of the motors and to each of the load sensors, the controller configured to control each of the motors, using a single algorithm, based on signals received from each of the load sensors. |
| US09526974B2 |
Quick uncoupling/coupling ski pole strap
A combination of a handle and a strap of a ski pole, the strap adapted to be between a hand of a person and the handle, and the combination allowing a quick uncoupling/re-coupling of the strap with the hand from/to the pole handle. The handle includes a handle body fixed on the pole, a locking base fixed in the body, a slide movable in respect to the body and locking base, an unlock lever communicating with the slide while shifted in respect to the body; and a pin having a first end with a widening and a second end fixing the pin to the strap in a predetermined area thereof. The strap is shaped to enclose by contact and extend around a palm and a wrist and between a thumb and forefinger by tightening. The predetermined area of the strap is centrally within the strap, between the thumb and forefinger. |
| US09526972B2 |
Front unit for a ski binding and system consisting of a front unit and a rear unit
The present invention relates to a front unit for a ski binding, comprising a front jaw for fixating a ski boot in a downhill position and engagement members for pivotably supporting the ski boot about a horizontal pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski in a climbing position, wherein for switching between the downhill position and the climbing position the front jaw is disposed slidably in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ski relative to the engagement members. |
| US09526967B2 |
Monitoring fitness using a mobile device
Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. In one example, an athletic monitoring device may include or be associated with multiple types of movement sensors and switch between the sensors or use both depending on various factors including type of workout. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment used and the like. In one or more examples, the parameters may be automatically determined based on location. User workouts and accomplishments may also be celebrated through messages from celebrities, family, friends and other users. In some cases, the messages may be triggered by various conditions. Coaching may also be provided to the user to help improve workouts and overall athletic performance. Running routes may also be automatically tracked, stored and shared. |
| US09526966B2 |
Weight lifting apparatus
A buckle system for a weight belt having a first end and a second end includes a first linkage member fixedly attachable to the first end of the weight belt. A second linkage member is removably attachable to the second end of the weight belt. A middle linkage member having a free end, a middle portion, and a pivot end is provided. The first linkage member is pivotally attached to the middle linkage member at the middle portion of the middle linage member. The second linkage member is pivotally attached to the pivot end of the middle linkage member. Actuation of the free end of the middle linkage member from a first position to a second position causes the buckle system to be transitioned from an open position to a closed position, thereby tightening the weight belt when the first linkage member is attached to the first end of the weight belt, and second linkage member is attached to the second end of the weight belt. |
| US09526964B2 |
Using pressure signal from racket to advise player
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for comparing signals from pressure sensors under the grip of a tennis racket to digital templates to gain insight into the player's grip, e.g., during ball striking moments. |
| US09526959B2 |
Golf tee with spark induction coating and method for improving golf performance
A golf tee having a contact alert coating provides a novel training aid that is economical, compact, and encourages proper golfing form. The golf tee has a golf tee body with a top plate, top wall and side walls. The top plate is fixedly attached to a shaft which terminates into a point that is inserted into a ground surface when a ball is placed on the top plate. A contact alert coating is coated on at least an upper portion of the golf tee body. The contact alert coating is composed of a material that will generate an alert when a golf club head strikes the ball and strikes the contact alert coating of the golf tee at the coating/golf tee interface. Preferably, the material is a spark inducing composition or a spark and sound generating composition. |
| US09526957B2 |
Golf club shaft protector
The specification provides a golf club shaft protector which includes a first tube member, a second tube member, a first end cap, and a second end cap. Each of the first and second tube members has a generally semi-oval cross-section and the first and second tube members are interlocked with one another along opposed elongate edges to form a hollow tube. This hollow tube has first end and a second end and an inner diameter sized for receiving and retaining a golf club shaft. The first end cap includes a cylindrical side portion and a closed top portion and fits over the first end of the hollow tube. The second end cap also includes a cylindrical side portion and a top portion and fits over the first end of the hollow tube. The top portion of the second end cap includes an opening for inserting and removing a golf club shaft and a plurality of flexible teeth disposed around a perimeter of the opening. |
| US09526948B2 |
Golf balls having a core layer made from plasticized thermoplastic compositions
Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoplastic composition, preferably including: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions. |
| US09526941B2 |
Barbell
A barbell is provided. The barbell includes a main body and two holding elements. The main body is elongated and hollow to enclose a receiving room. The receiving room is adapted for being filled with fluid or solid. The main body defines a longitudinal direction. The main body is formed with at least one positioning recess on the outer surface thereof. Each holding element is movable sleeved onto the main body. The holding element has a positioning element which is selectively abutted against the positioning recess to position the holding element on the main body. The holding element further has a holding portion for holding. |
| US09526913B2 |
Non-invasive energy upconversion methods and systems
A nanoparticle-based system for enhancement of emitted light inside a medium. The nanoparticle-based system includes a phosphorescent material which, upon activation, produces the emitted light, and a metallic structure attached to the phosphorescent material. The metallic structure has a surface plasmon resonance which resonates at a frequency which spectrally overlaps with one or more frequencies of the emitted light. |
| US09526900B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure
Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stimulation circuit may be configured to deliver a stimulation pulse to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart of a patient, and at least one controller may be configured to execute delivery of one or more stimulation patterns of stimulation pulses to the at least one cardiac chamber, wherein at least one of the stimulation pulses stimulates the heart such that an atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction of an atrium overlaps in time a passive pressure build-up of the atrium, such that an atrial pressure of the atrium resulting from the stimulation is a combination of the atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction and the passive pressure build-up and is higher than an atrial pressure of the atrium would be without the stimulation, and such that the blood pressure of the patient is reduced. |
| US09526895B2 |
Video processing unit for a visual prosthetic apparatus
A visual prosthesis configured to convert a video image to stimulation patterns for stimulating visual neural tissue including a camera configured to obtain a video image, a video processing unit configured to receive the image from the camera and create stimulation patterns based upon the image, an implantable stimulation system suitable to stimulate visual neural tissue according to the stimulation patterns, a wireless communication system configured to send a stimulation signal from the video processing unit to the implantable stimulation system, and a voltage and current monitoring circuit in the video processing unit monitoring the stimulation signal sent by the video processing unit. |
| US09526894B2 |
Spatial mapping for a visual prosthesis
A visual prosthesis and a method of operating a visual prosthesis are disclosed. Neural stimulation through electrodes is controlled by spatial maps, where a grouped or random association is established between the data points of the acquired data and the electrodes. In this way distortions from the foveal pit and wiring mistakes in the implant can be corrected. Moreover, broken electrodes can be bypassed and a resolution limit can be tested, together with testing the benefit the patient receives from correct spatial mapping. |
| US09526893B2 |
Blood volume redistribution therapy for heart failure
A first fluid status indicator of a pulmonary fluid status associated with pulmonary edema and a second fluid status indicator of a non-pulmonary fluid status can be used to provide an alert or to control a therapy for pulmonary edema. Additionally, intermittent cardiac blood volume redistribution therapy can be used to provide cardiac conditioning in heart failure patients. |
| US09526891B2 |
Intracardiac medical device
An implantable pacemaker system includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A control electronics subassembly defines the housing proximal end, and a battery subassembly defines the housing distal end. A distal fixation member extends from the housing distal end for fixing the housing distal end at an implant site. A pacing extension extends from the housing proximal end and carries a pacing cathode electrode. The pacing extension extends the pacing cathode electrode to a pacing site that is spaced apart from the implant site when the pacemaker is deployed in a patient's body. |
| US09526885B1 |
Microneedles with sharpened tips and corresponding method of fabrication
Microneedles with sharpened tips are fabricated without any reduction to the shaft diameter below the tip. By sharpening the tip and not the entire length of the microneedle, their mechanical strength is maintained. The microneedles are fabricated out of a wafer substrate using lithography and deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE). By controlling the timing of the DRIE as the photoresist depletes, the sharpness and angle of the tips are controlled. |
| US09526880B2 |
3-dimensional large capacity cell encapsulation device assembly
Disclosed herein are implantable 3-dimensional large capacity device assemblies, specifically, large capacity device assemblies for encapsulating pancreatic progenitor cells for treatment of diabetes. |
| US09526879B2 |
Shunt valve for controlling siphon effect
An improved shunt valve for the control of hydrocephalus provides for physiological atmospherically-referenced siphon control that is not adversely affected by overlying tissue. The valve includes one or more porous outer anti-fouling membranes to protect the flow control membranes from external mechanical tissue pressure, while permitting free movement of the flow control moveable membranes and permitting positive inlet pressure to regulate flow through the improved fluid shunt valve of the invention. The porous membranes are configured to prevent tissue ingrowth into the membranes pores while allowing adequate fluid flow across so as not to inhibit movement of the movable membrane. |
| US09526874B2 |
Occlusion perfusion catheter
Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating, and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an optional visualization means that enables visualization between the first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen, and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent lumen. |
| US09526870B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling visibility and access to central venous access devices
A device for controlling visibility and access to central venous access devices is comprised of a two-sided body fitted around the torso of a patient. The device has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface is fitted with a layer of absorbent, wicking material and further includes strips of anti-slip material to fix the device in place. A flexible window is positioned between two lumen retaining flaps and fixed between the interior and exterior surfaces. A pair of indentions is positioned above and below the window. A pair of locking closures is attached to the body over the indentions. The body includes a flexible closure including a resilient gauze section to provide flexibility and size adjustability. The window allows visual access to the intravenous site and prevents patient tampering. The intravenous lines are protected from breakage and tampering by the locking closures, indentions, and lumen retaining flaps. |
| US09526860B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing personalized lighting
Methods and apparatus that provide first lighting having first light output characteristics to a first user and simultaneously provide second lighting having second light output characteristics to a second user. The first lighting and the second lighting are distinct and may optionally be dynamic and responsive to lighting needs of the respective users. |
| US09526857B2 |
Patient interface systems
A patient interface system for delivery of a supply of air at positive pressure to the entrance of a patient's airways for treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an air delivery tube connected to a flexible portion of a plenum; a vent structure having sufficient rigidity to support its own weight under gravity and/or not to block or fold under tube movement or tube drag; and a patient interface structure. The patient interface structure includes a seal forming structure arranged on a top portion of the plenum; and a seal positioning and stabilizing structure connected to a flexible portion of the plenum. The seal-forming structure is substantially decoupled from a tube drag force. |
| US09526851B2 |
Dose counters for inhalers, inhalers and methods of assembly thereof
An inhaler for inhaling medicaments has a body for retaining a medicament store; the body including a dose counter, the dose counter having a moveable actuator and a return spring for the actuator, the return spring having a generally cylindrical and annular end; the body having a support formation therein for supporting the end of the return spring, the support formation comprising a shelf onto which the end of the return spring is engageable and a recess below the shelf. |
| US09526847B2 |
Needle based helical coil safety device
The present disclosure describes anti-needle stick safety mechanism that is passively activated during the normal course of giving an injection. In one embodiment, the device includes a spring member coupled at a proximal end to a needle member and at a distal end to a needle cover. The passive activation of the device is triggered when the needle is inserted to a minimum depth into the patient's tissue to unleash the force of a compressed spring to urge a needle cover towards the distal end of the needle. As the needle is withdrawn from the tissue, the needle cover advances to the end of the needle and as it partially clears the end of the needle, it adopts an orientation that prevents the needle tip from re-emerging from the needle cover. |
| US09526844B2 |
Pen-type injector
The present invention relates to injectors, such as pen-type injectors, that provide for administration of medicinal products from a multidose-cartridge and permit a user to set the delivery dose. The injector may include a housing, a piston rod adapted to operate through the housing, a dose dial sleeve located between the housing and the piston rod, and a drive sleeve located between the dose dial sleeve and the piston rod. The dose dial sleeve may have a helical thread of first lead and the drive sleeve may have a helical groove of second lead. The first lead of the helical thread and the second lead of the helical groove may be the same. |
| US09526843B2 |
Drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices
The present disclosure is directed to a dose setting mechanism that may be used with a drug delivery device. The dose setting mechanism may include an inner body having a helical thread along an outer cylindrical surface of the inner body, and a drive sleeve for driving a piston rod in an axial direction, the drive sleeve positioned within at least a portion of the inner body. The dose setting mechanism may further include a dose dial sleeve rotatably engaged with the helical thread of the inner body and a dial grip connected to the dose dial sleeve and releasably connected to the drive sleeve. Further when a dose is set, the dial grip is rotated so that both the dose dial sleeve and the drive sleeve rotate with respect to the inner body. |
| US09526838B2 |
Pen-type injection device and electronic clip-on module therefor
A supplemental device for attachment to an injection device comprises an aligning arrangement for ensuring a predetermined positional relationship between the supplemental device and the injection device; and a securing arrangement for securing the supplemental device to the injection device. |
| US09526831B2 |
Pharmaceutical injection device
This pharmaceutical injection device comprises a main body case (2) that has an injection needle insertion and retraction opening (1); pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion (3) that is provided within the main body case (2); a piston (5) that is provided movably with respect to a pharmaceutical syringe (4) that is mounted to the pharmaceutical syringe mounting portion (3); a drive mechanism (6) that drives the piston (5); a controller (7) that is electrically connected to the drive mechanism (6); and a display section (35) that is electrically connected to the controller (7). The controller (7) updates the display content that is displayed on the display section (35) according to the number of times the drive mechanism (6) has been driven, and saves this updated display content in a memory (51), so that when the drive mechanism (6) has been driven a specific number of times, the display contents during the various instances of drive that were saved in the memory (51) are combined. |
| US09526825B2 |
Multiple drug infusion system and method
A drug infusion system includes a first infusion pump including a processor and a user interface in operable communication with the processor, and a second infusion pump, wherein the processor of the first infusion pump (i) enables an operator to make a selection using the user interface, the selection specifying a combination of a plurality of drugs to be delivered to a patient using the first and second infusion pumps, and (ii) commands the first infusion pump to deliver one or more drug of the combination to the patient and the second infusion pump to deliver one or more drug of the combination to the patient. |
| US09526822B2 |
Sodium and buffer source cartridges for use in a modular controlled compliant flow path
Systems and methods for using a sodium chloride source and a buffer source such as sodium bicarbonate in a controlled compliant flow path to generate from water a physiologically compatible fluid having a suitable level of a sodium ion and/or a buffer for use in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a conditioning flow path that has at least a salination valve or salination pump, and at least one container has at least one solute in excess of the solubility of that solute. At least one of the solutes is a buffer source or sodium chloride. The conditioning flow path is in fluid communication with a controlled compliant flow path. The conditioning flow path can selectively meter fluid into and out of the controlled compliant flow path. |
| US09526820B2 |
Dialysis systems, components, and methods
A dialysis system including a housing, a dialysate pump disposed in the housing, and a dialysate line configured to be operatively connected to the dialysate pump such that the dialysate pump can pump dialysate through the dialysate line when the dialysate line is in fluid communication with a dialysate source. |
| US09526801B2 |
Heteroarylene-bridged benzodiazepine dimers, conjugates thereof, and methods of making and using
Benzodiazepine dimers having a structure represented by wherein X comprises a heteroaromatic moiety and is as further defined in the application; R1 is and the other variables in formulae (I), (Ia), and (Ib) are as defined in the application. Such dimers are useful as anti-cancer agents, especially when used in an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). |
| US09526800B2 |
Cancer-related extracellular matrix signatures and related methods and products
Proteomic methods for identifying cancer related proteins and related products and kits are provided. The cancer specific proteins are extracellular matrix proteins that are associated with various aspects of cancer. Panels or signature sets of proteins useful in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancers as well as monitoring therapeutic progress in a cancer patient are provided herein along with methods for their detection and for their use in targeting imaging and/or therapeutic agents to the tumors via binding to the specified proteins. The proteins were identified using proteomics analyzes of tissue samples taken from cancer patients. In certain aspects the proteins are particularly useful in colon cancer patients. |
| US09526796B2 |
Peptide-based in vivo siRNA delivery system
The present invention is directed compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to hepatocytes in vivo. Targeted RNAi polynucleotides are administered together with co-targeted melittin delivery peptides. Delivery peptides provide membrane penetration function for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness to the delivery peptides. |
| US09526791B2 |
Weakly acidic pH-responsive peptide and liposome containing same
A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a peptide compound for producing a drug delivery carrier capable of releasing a target substance in a weakly acidic pH environment. The present invention provides a peptide compound comprising a hydrophilic amino acid block and a hydrophobic amino acid block; [1] the peptide compound containing 24 to 36 amino acids in total; [2] the hydrophilic amino acid block containing 4 to 10 amino acids in total and having an average hydropathy index of −3.0 to −1.0; and [3] the hydrophobic amino acid block containing 20 to 32 amino acids in total, containing one or more His residues, and having an average hydropathy index of 1.0 to 2.5. |
| US09526787B2 |
Sustained-release lipid pre-concentrate of pharmacologically active substance and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
Disclosed is a sustained release lipid pre-concentrate, comprising: a) a sorbitan unsaturated fatty acid ester having a polar head with at least two or more —OH (hydroxyl) groups; b) a phospholipid; and c) a liquid crystal hardener, free of an ionizable group, having a hydrophobic moiety of 15 to 40 carbon atoms with a triacyl group or a carbon ring structure. The lipid pre-concentrate exists as a liquid phase in the absence of aqueous fluid and forms into a liquid crystal in the presence of aqueous fluid. Also, a pharmaceutical composition further comprising a pharmacologically active ingredient plus the pre-concentrate is provided. |
| US09526782B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising inhibitors of zinc-ZIP8-MTF1 as active ingredients for preventing or treating a joint disease
The present invention relates to identification of Zinc-ZIP8-MTF1 axis that plays an important role to OA (osteoarthritis) pathogenesis process and a novel use thereof. According to the present invention, ZIP8 and MTF1 of the present invention increase in the expression in joint disease induced cells or cartilage tissue, and induce the expression of various matrix-degrading enzymes (e.g., MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-12, MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 etc.). In addition, when the expression of ZIP8 or MTF1 is inhibited in cells or tissues of animals (e.g., human, mouse), OA pathogenesis is inhibited. Therefore, the ZIP8 and MTF1 of the present invention may be applied to the diagnosis or prognosis of joint diseases, and may be used for the development of therapeutics for joint diseases using these. |
| US09526780B2 |
Liquid stable virus vaccines
The present invention discloses liquid stable vaccines that comprise a live attenuated virus, 10-30% sugar additive, and an amino acid. The present invention also discloses the manufacture of such vaccines and methods of protecting an animal by administration of such vaccines. |
| US09526779B2 |
Method for cancer immunotherapy and pharmaceutical compositions based on oncolytic non-pathogenic Sendai virus
The invention relates to the field of immunology and medicine, more specifically, oncology, and can be useful for the treatment of patients with carcinomas and sarcomas. A pharmaceutical composition is provided which contains biologically active oncolytic Sendai virus strain Moscow PTA-13024, and a method of treating patients with said malignancies is developed including administration of the said composition to a patient's body. The strain Sendai-Moscow deposited into ATCC as frozen allantoic fluid (deposit PTA-13024) and as lyophilized form (deposit PTA-121432) is characterized by high oncolytic activity and safety for humans. The exploitation of the invention allows an increase in efficacy of treatment due to direct elimination of malignant cells via virus action and induction of anti-tumor immunity by viruses. |
| US09526772B2 |
Ehrlichial invasin for immunization, diagnosis, and cell delivery
Disclosed are vaccines containing one or more immunogenic polypeptides derived from an EtpE protein from an Ehrlichia sp. or nucleic acid encoding these polypeptides. Also disclosed is a method for vaccinating a subject against Ehrlichia sp. that involves administering to the subject a composition comprising any of the disclosed vaccines. Also disclosed is a method for diagnosing and/or monitoring the treatment of Ehrlichiosis in a subject that comprising assaying a biological sample (e.g., blood, serum, or plasma sample) from the subject for the presence of an antibody that specifically binds an EtpE polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a cell in a subject that involves conjugating the agent, or a delivery vehicle comprising the agent, to polypeptide containing the C-terminal domain of an EtpE protein. |
| US09526766B2 |
Potentiation of antibiotic treatment with a protein-lipid complex
Provided are compositions and methods for potentiating the effect of antibiotics. The compositions comprise a non-covalent complex of alpha-lactalbumin and fatty acid. The fatty acids are cis, unsaturated, C14 to C20 fatty acids. The complex and antibiotic can be administered to an individual together or separately. The antibiotic may be one to which resistance has developed. |
| US09526760B2 |
LEDGF peptides and formulations thereof for treatment of degenerative disorders
LEDGF peptides with anti-protein aggregation activity and methods of use are provided. The LEDGF peptides disclosed herein demonstrate an ability to treat degenerative diseases and diseases with various cellular stresses including oxidative stress and protein-aggregation stress. In addition, extended release formulations, including formulations suitable for ophthalmic administration are provided. |
| US09526759B2 |
Activin-actriia antagonists and uses for treating or preventing breast cancer
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing breast cancer in humans. |
| US09526752B1 |
Composition of cannabinoids, odorous volatile compounds, and emu oil for topical application, and a method for cannabinoid transdermal delivery
A composition of cannabinoids, odorous volatile compounds, and emu oil for topical application, and a method for cannabinoid transdermal delivery wherein said composition effects increased delivery of cannabidinol to targeted areas in the hypodermis for therapeutic treatment therein whereby inflammation and other symptomology is alleviated and convalescence assisted. |
| US09526750B2 |
Induction of mucosal tolerance to antigens
The present invention relates to the induction of tolerance to antigens, by mucosal, preferably oral delivery of the antigen in combination with an immunomodulating compound producing micro-organism. More specifically, the invention relates to the induction of Foxp3+ and/or IL-10 and/or TGF-β producing regulatory T-cells, capable of suppressing undesired immune responses toward an antigen, by oral delivery of said antigen in combination with an immunosuppressing cytokine secreting micro-organism. |
| US09526748B2 |
Human skin equivalents expressing exogenous polypeptides
The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound closure. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides (e.g., antimicrobial polypeptides and keratinocyte growth factor 2) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. |
| US09526743B2 |
Non-digestible sugar-coated products and process
A method and composition are provided for coating a component to achieve colon-targeted delivery. A component is coated with a fructose-based non-digestible carbohydrate such as a inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide or neosugar. The coated component is orally administered to a monogastric animal. The non-digestible coating causes the composition to pass through the stomach and small intestine without being degraded, and delivers the component to the colon where the coating is digested by microbial fermentation and the component is released. |
| US09526737B2 |
Oxysterols for activation of hedgehog signaling, osteoinduction, antiadipogenesis, and Wnt signaling
Synthetic oxysterols can be made and can be used for the treatment of bone disorders, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. |
| US09526733B1 |
ERK inhibitors
The present invention provides thieno[2,3-c]pyrrol-4-one compounds that inhibit activity of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and may be useful in the treatment of cancer. |
| US09526726B2 |
Aripiprazole formulations having increased injection speeds
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I) that are useful for the intramuscular delivery of antipsychotic drugs using rapid injection rates. |
| US09526720B2 |
Modulators of hepatic lipoprotein metabolism
The present invention relates to compounds that are useful for modulating hepatic cholesterol metabolism in an animal. The invention includes methods of making and using the compounds of the invention. The invention further provides methods of treating, preventing and/or alleviating a cholesterol related disorder, a cardiovascular disease and/or liver disease in an animal, such as a human, comprising administering compounds of the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, to the animal. |
| US09526717B2 |
Composition for treating immune diseases containing daurinol compound as active ingredient
The daurinol compound according to the present invention exhibits excellent therapeutic effects on arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases by having an excellent activity in inhibiting the generation of IL-17 and TNF-α, which are inflammatory cytokines causing inflammation, and can alleviate transplant rejection by inhibiting the proliferation of alloreactive T cells and increasing regulatory T cells; therefore, the daurinol compound according to the present invention can be used as a pharmaceutical composition capable of treating and preventing immune diseases. In addition, being a natural substance derived from the Mongolian medicinal plant Haplophyllum dauricum or Haplophyllum cappadocicum, the daurinol compound according to the present invention does not cause cytotoxicity and thus may be used as a composition for a functional health food capable of preventing and remedying immune diseases. |
| US09526712B2 |
Methods and agents for preventing and treating plasma cell dyscrasias
Screening assays and methods of using same for screening to identify modulator agents or compounds that target endoplasmic reticulum stress related signaling pathways to induce apoptosis are described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising modulator agents or compounds identified by screening assays described herein are also encompassed. Methods for treating a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by monoclonal plasma cell proliferation in a subject using the aforementioned modulator agents or compounds are also envisioned. Modulator agents or compounds thereof for use in treating a myeloproliferative disorder in a subject and use of modulator agents or compounds thereof in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of a myeloproliferative disorder are also encompassed herein. Exemplary myeloproliferative disorders include: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and multiple myeloma (MM). |
| US09526709B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating cancer
The present invention provides, in part, compositions and methods for treating cancer using a combination of C6-ceramide and other anti-cancer agents. |
| US09526702B2 |
Vaccine nanotechnology
The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides vaccine nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or B cells, in some embodiments, comprising at least one immunomodulatory agent, and optionally comprising at last one targeting moiety and optionally at least one immunostimulatory agent. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive vaccine nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive vaccine nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention provides methods of prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions comprising administering at least one inventive vaccine nanocarrier to a subject in need thereof. |
| US09526696B2 |
Formulations of aminoglycoside and fosfomycin combinations and methods and systems for treatment of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator associated tracheal (VAT) bronchitis
The present invention is antibiotic compositions, ventilator-based systems and methods relating to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-associated tracheal (VAT) bronchitis. Antibiotic combinations of fosfomycin and an aminoglycoside, preferably amikacin, are administered via an inline nebulizer within the airway of the ventilator. Humidified conditions create an improved aerosol mist to treat VAP and VAT. |
| US09526692B2 |
Plant-based compositions and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compositions comprising a plant material and methods for using the same. The methods include extracting or removing a substance from a substrate, or remediating a substrate from a substance. The substance can comprise a hydrocarbon-containing substance, a protein, lipid, wax, fatty acid or fatty alcohol, grease, fat, oil or a combination thereof. |
| US09526680B2 |
Method for searching for malodor control agent, malodor control agent, and malodor control method
Provided are a method for searching for a malodor inhibitor by using the response of an olfactory receptor as an indicator; a method for inhibiting malodor based on the antagonism of olfactory receptors; and a malodor inhibitor. Disclosed are a method for searching for a malodor inhibitor, the method including: adding a test substance and a malodor-causing substance to any one olfactory receptor selected from the group consisting of OR51E1, OR2W1, OR10A6, OR51I2, and OR51L1, measuring the response of the olfactory receptor to the malodor-causing substance, identifying the test substance that suppresses the response of the olfactory receptor on the basis of the measured response, and selecting the identified test substance as a malodor inhibitor; an antagonist to any one olfactory receptor selected from the group consisting of OR51E1, OR2W1, OR10A6, OR51I2, and OR51L1; a method for inhibiting malodor using the antagonist. |
| US09526678B2 |
Water based creamy cosmetic composition
Disclosed are low wax, volatile solvent-free eye shadow compositions comprising a, an emulsifying system including a sucrose fatty acid ester and a co-emulsifier, less than 5% of a film forming polymer, viscosity increasing agent, a silicone oil, a filler/powder, water, a pigment and less than 3% wax. Also disclosed are methods for making up and/or enhancing the appearance of eyes by applying said compositions to the eyes and well as methods of making said compositions. |
| US09526676B2 |
Polymerizable resins containing a 1,3,5-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine moiety, methods of making, and dental compositions containing the same
Disclosed herein are methods of making polymerizable resins containing a 1,3,5-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine moiety and dental compositions comprising such novel hydrolytic stable, polymerizable resins derived from 1,3,5-triacryloyl-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (TAT). |
| US09526674B2 |
Maneuverable nasoenteric feeding tube
A maneuverable feeding tube system can include: a feeding tube having an internal lumen and distal opening; a maneuverable tube having a flexible distal end being located within the internal lumen of the feeding tube such that the flexible distal end is associated with the distal opening of the feeding tube, wherein the flexible distal end includes one or more flex members; a control member operably coupled to a flexible distal end of the maneuverable tube and extending through the internal lumen of the feeding tube; and a port coupled to a proximal end of the feeding tube with the control member extending therethrough. |
| US09526653B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for delivering nerve stimulation to a patient with physician oversight
The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms. |
| US09526647B2 |
Interconnection between selectively-expandable and self-expandable sections of an ostial stent
An ostial stent is operable to be placed at the ostium of a patient's vascular system so as to improve vessel patency in the ostial region. The ostial stent includes a stent tube that presents spaced apart proximal and distal stent openings and a longitudinal stent passage that extends between the openings. The stent tube includes a selectively-expandable tube section and a self-expandable tube section. The self-expandable tube section projects longitudinally from one of the stent openings, and is automatically expandable to a flared condition for placement within the ostium. |
| US09526644B2 |
Optimized drug-eluting stent assembly methods
Methods of preparing and using a stent assembly that includes a stent jacket formed from an expansible mesh structure having apertures and that includes a fiber having a diameter of about 7 micrometers and about 40 micrometers, and an expansible stent operatively associated with the stent jacket. The method further comprises administering to the subject an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) eluted from the stent assembly. |
| US09526641B2 |
Self constraining radially expandable medical devices
The current invention employs tubes that can be constrained and expanded by either axial or torsional strain. By torsionally displacing the tube in a direction counter to the biased helices and angularly displacing the lower angle helix to an angle equal to, but opposite, the starting angle, the tube is expanded diametrically with no significant change in length after expansion of the tube. These tubes find utility in medical and non medical applications. |
| US09526637B2 |
Wireless endovascular stent-based electrodes
Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a blood vessel of a subject, including a stent (20) configured to be placed in the blood vessel. The stent includes at least first (32), second (34), and third (36) strut portions disposed along the stent. The first and second strut portions are coupled to one another at a first junction (37A) that facilitates bending of the first and second strut portions with respect to one another. The second and third strut portions are coupled to one another at a second junction (37B) that facilitates bending of the second and third strut portions with respect to one another. At least one electrode (22) is disposed on at least an outer surface of the stent. Other applications are also described. |
| US09526633B2 |
Femoral extension prosthetic component and tibial shelf prosthetic component for unicondylar meniscal bearing knee prosthesis and prosthesis including such a component
A femoral extension prosthetic component for use in a unicondylar meniscal bearing unicompartmental knee replacement is described. The femoral component comprises a securing element and a bearing surface, the securing element adapted to abut and be connected to a distal end of a femur bone, and the bearing surface adapted to abut a meniscal bearing. The femoral component includes an entrapment portion adapted to extend beyond the meniscal bearing. Tibial components and meniscal bearings are also described, as well as methods of using such components. |
| US09526626B2 |
Transforaminal prosthetic spinal disc apparatus
An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate. |
| US09526615B2 |
Mitral annuloplasty ring with suture line
Annuloplasty rings optimally sized to take into account more of the common degenerative valve pathologies. Each ring has a structural ring body with a shape that complies with predicted shapes of degenerative valvular diseases, such as fibroelastic deficiency (FED), Marfan's or Barlow's. The predicted shapes are obtained through careful echocardiographic and intraoperative measurements, and often differ for different annulus orifice sizes. For instance, in mitral rings the larger rings have larger minor axis and oblique axis dimensions relative to their major axis dimensions, and are more circular as opposed to D-shaped. The rings may also be three-dimensional and the relative heights around the rings may change for different sized rings. A mitral ring may have a higher anterior saddle relative to a posterior saddle, with the relative heights varying across the ring sizes. The ring may have varying flexibility around the ring periphery which also changes for different ring sizes. A bulge on the sewing cuff forms a step on the outflow side for ease of suturing, which may be indicated by a suture line. |
| US09526604B2 |
Vessel filter
A vessel filter having a first region and a second region, the filter movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and includes a plurality of spaced apart filter struts. The struts each have a strut height defined as a distance between a first wall and a second wall. A plurality of hooks are at the second region, the hooks having a vessel penetrating tip and a width greater than the width of the strut from which it extends such that the penetrating tip portion of the hook extends beyond the first wall. |
| US09526603B2 |
Reversible stiffening of light weight mesh
An implant and a process for preparing such an implant are disclosed. The implant includes a mesh including a biodegradable polymeric coating having glass transition temperature of about 26° C. to about 36° C. The polymeric coating includes a first polymeric component including a lactone and a second polymeric component including a polyether. The first polymeric component is present in an amount from about 90% to about 99% of the polymeric coating and the second polymeric component is present in an amount from about 1% to about 10% of the polymeric coating. |
| US09526597B2 |
Mouthpiece for brushing teeth
The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece body (10) having portions (12, 14) configured to receive the user's upper and lower sets of teeth when it is inserted into the user's mouth. Mounted in the receiving portions are teeth-cleaning assemblies (16) which include bristles for cleaning of the teeth and a system for moving the bristles against the teeth to scrub and clean the teeth. Control elements (22) for the cleaning assemblies are actuated by a selected interior portion or element of the user's mouth, such as the tongue, cheek, lips or jaw. |
| US09526588B2 |
Illuminated microsurgical instrument including optical fiber with beveled end face
An illuminated microsurgical instrument includes a microsurgical instrument having a distal tip and an optical fiber for delivering a beam of light to a surgical site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving a light beam from a light source, and a distal end proximate to the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument for emitting the light beam. The distal end includes a beveled end face either oriented toward or oriented opposite from the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument. |
| US09526583B2 |
Robotic surgery system including position sensors using fiber Bragg gratings
A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm. |
| US09526577B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure
An apparatus for performing a microwave ablation procedure is provided. The apparatus includes a catheter including an open proximal end and a closed distal end configured to percutaneously access tissue. A directional microwave antenna probe adapted to connect to a source of microwave energy selectively couples to the catheter. The directional microwave antenna is rotatable within the catheter for directing the emission of microwave energy therefrom to tissue. |
| US09526575B2 |
Electrosurgical devices with directional radiation pattern
A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an antenna assembly and an elongated body member. The elongated body member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal and distal end portions define a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has a chamber defined therein that extends along the longitudinal axis, and a body wall surrounding the chamber. An antenna assembly is disposed in the chamber. The elongated body member also includes an opening in the body wall to allow energy radiated from the antenna assembly to transfer into the target volume of tissue. |
| US09526571B2 |
Methods and devices to treat nasal airways
Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways. |
| US09526564B2 |
Electric stapler device
An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a plurality of spaced apart small seal plates on opposing jaw members where each seal plate forms a pair of seal plates with the corresponding seal plate on the opposing jaw member. Each pair of seal plates is individually activatable, and the pair of seal plates are activated in sequence. When the opposing jaw members are in an approximated position, the pairs of seal plates around the periphery of each jaw member define a gap therebetween that is larger than the gap between pairs of seal plates along the center of each jaw member. |
| US09526563B2 |
Spindle assembly with mechanical fuse for surgical instruments
A spindle assembly of a surgical instrument is provided which includes a body and a cutter pin. The body has at least one wall forming first and second channels therein. The cutter pin is disposed within the second channel and operably coupled to a knife rod extending therethrough and is operatively coupled at its distal end to a knife. When the knife rod is moved between a retracted position and a deployed position, the spindle assembly is moved between a first and a second position along the shaft. The cutter pin is configured to deform and exit the body when the knife is deployed and disposed in a trapped condition and in response to an applied force, thereby decoupling the knife from the spindle assembly. |
| US09526554B2 |
System, instrumentation and method for spinal fixation using minimally invasive surgical techiques
A pedicle screw tower having a guide chute, open at both ends, affixed to the exterior of the main body of the tower. The guide chute extends the length of the tower and is curved inwardly at its bottom such that the exit direction is at approximately 90 degrees to and facing the central axis of tower. A guide cable is passed into and through the guide chute such that it is directed across the tower to an adjacent tower. |
| US09526553B2 |
Screw insertion instrument
An instrument for selectively coupling with a pedicle screw is disclosed. The instrument includes an inner shaft, wherein the distal tip is configured to engage a pedicle screw and the proximal end configured to be selectively engaged with a knob, and a knob assembly configured to advance over the inner shaft, wherein the distal end is configured to engage the tulip of the pedicle screw and the proximal end is configured to selectively engage the inner shaft. A method for selectively coupling the instrument to a pedicle screw is also disclosed. |
| US09526551B2 |
Apparatus and method for stylet-guided vertebral augmentation
A stylet-guided balloon vertebroplasty system, as well as methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure. |
| US09526541B2 |
Flexible intramedullary rod
An elongated rod for insertion into a bowed canal of a bone such as a femoral medulla of a femur bone, wherein the canal is bowed in one plane. The rod has a longitudinal axis disposed on a first plane and one or more cutouts formed in at least a portion of a length of the rod and on opposite sides of the first plane. The rod is flexible along a second plane which is co-planar with the bowed canal plane and which is disposed on the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first plane. |
| US09526534B2 |
Orthopedic implant system
A surgical instrument configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant. When the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument includes a surgical instrument body, an actuator, an engagement assembly, and a transfer assembly that extends between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod or part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod. |
| US09526533B1 |
Spinal repair implants and related methods
A spinal implant may include a frame having a plurality of attachment portions each configured to be received by a head of a bone anchor, a cover extending between at least two portions of the frame, and a plurality of spaces between the cover and the frame each of which is configured to accommodate the head of a bone anchor. Some embodiments may include a frame having a plurality of segments connected by joints. Some embodiments may have two or more covers in sliding engagement with one another and a plurality of attachments depending from transverse members, wherein each of the plurality of attachments includes a recess configured for receiving a mounting rod. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US09526531B2 |
Polyaxial plate rod system and surgical procedure
A spinal fixation device includes a bone screw, a nut, a bearing, a slider, and a plate construct. The screw has a head with a nut connection and a screw portion. The nut has an exterior wall and a bore connecting to the nut connection. The bearing has an exterior and defines a bore fitting therein the nut connection and the exterior wall of the nut. The slider defines a bore fitting the nut exterior wall therewithin and has an exterior with a given shape. The elongate plate construct has a first end defining a first opening shaped to accept the exterior of the bearing therein and a second end defining a second opening shaped to accept the slider therein and having a corresponding shape to the given shape to permit the slider to slide in at least a portion of the second opening. |
| US09526521B2 |
Surgical access assembly and method of use therefor
A surgical access assembly includes an access port and a seal anchor. The access port includes a proximal ring, an intermediate ring, a distal ring, and a sleeve defining a passage therethrough. In particular, the proximal, intermediate and distal rings are concentrically arranged with the passage of the sleeve, and the sleeve extends between the proximal and distal rings. The seal anchor is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the access port, and defines a lumen therethrough. At least one of the proximal, intermediate, and distal rings is configured and dimensioned to engage the seal anchor in a sealing relation therewith. |
| US09526514B2 |
Patient-specific assemblies, jigs, and methods for a personalized total hip arthroplasty system
A patient-specific total hip arthroplasty system including surgical guide and jig instrumentation modeled by computer aided design using image data derived from a specific patient's relevant anatomy. Patient-specific jigs fit surface topography of portions of the acetabulum and femur of the patient and are designed to guide surgical implantation at very precise geometries unique to each patient. Patient-specific pin-locating jigs, pin-rail and spacer systems, acetabular reaming and impacting jigs, and femoral resection and version jigs are fabricated pre-operatively according to the models. Methods for fabricating jig components of the system and methods of performing a total hip arthroplasty utilizing the system are also disclosed. |
| US09526509B2 |
Dynamic locking device
A surgical instrument including a tool, a handpiece, and a locking member. The handpiece includes both a coupling member configured to cooperate with the tool, and a driver for rotating the tool. The locking member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to centrifugal force generated during rotation of the locking member. The locking member is configured to secure the tool to the handpiece when in the locked position. |
| US09526505B2 |
Intracorporeal occlusive device and method
An intracorporeal space filling device and a delivery system and method for using the device is disclosed. The space filling device is preferably configured for percutaneous delivery from a peripheral conduit of a patient. The space filling device has an elongated tubular or interconnected bead structure which may have a transmutable material disposed within it. The transmutable material can be altered from a non-rigid state to a rigid state by the application of various types of energy or by other suitable means. The space filling device can be positioned by a delivery system and detached from the delivery system after desired positioning is achieved. |
| US09526500B2 |
Flexible transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device and method
A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device has sufficient flexibility and dimension to be passed through the mouth, throat, and esophagus of a patient into the patient's stomach. The device includes a first member and a second member hingedly coupled to the first member. The first and second members are configured to flex in a direction to follow the esophageal path into the stomach and to be substantially rigid when forming the restored gastroesophageal flap valve. |
| US09526499B2 |
Multi-use loading unit
A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel and a removable assembly in releasable engagement with the channel. The removable assembly includes a cartridge body and a support plate. The cartridge body includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The support plate is configured to mechanically engage the cartridge body and includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The engagement structure of the cartridge body is configured for longitudinal alignment with the engagement structure of the support plate. The engagement structures of the cartridge body and the engagement structure of the support plate are configured to mechanically engage the engagement structure of the channel when the removable assembly is engaged with the channel. |
| US09526483B2 |
Apical closure system
Aspects of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for closing an apical hole in a heart of a subject, including a hole-closure device that includes a tissue-attachment portion configured to attach to cardiac tissue around the apical hole, and a collapsible portion coupled to the tissue-attachment portion and configured to close the hole by collapsing inwardly inside the apical hole. |
| US09526476B2 |
System and method for motion tracking using unique ultrasound echo signatures
A system and method for tracking the position of a region in a subject using an ultrasound system is provided. Training data that indicates the position of the region is acquired from the subject while ultrasound data is acquired from the subject using the ultrasound system. A position mapping table is formed using the training data and ultrasound data; this table relates position information contained in the training data to the acquired ultrasound data. The position of the region is tracked by acquiring additional ultrasound data from the subject using the ultrasound system. This additional ultrasound data is compared to the ultrasound data contained in the position mapping table to identify the position of the region based on a unique relationship between the position of the region and ultrasound echo signatures of the ultrasound data acquired in both the training and motion tracking stages. |
| US09526471B2 |
Phantom and method for image quality assessment of a digital breast tomosynthesis system
A phantom for image quality assessment of digital breast tomosynthesis apparatus includes at least one set of beads arranged as a first ramp and as a second ramp in respective proximate parallel vertical planes in a reverse staircase pattern along a vertical direction with a final bead of the first ramp and an initial bead of the second ramp being located at substantially the same intermediate height within the phantom. The beads and additional test objects may be positioned in non-overlapping locations within the phantom to facilitate determination of multiple image quality parameters with a single scanning sequence of the phantom. |
| US09526470B2 |
Radiation image capturing system and detector with reset light control
A radiation detection device has: a scintillator for converting radiation into fluorescence; a photoelectric conversion unit for converting the fluorescence into an electric signal; and a reset light source unit for exposing reset light to the photoelectric conversion unit. A system control unit has an optical reset disabling unit for, based on a reset disabling instruction, disabling the exposure of the reset light output from the reset light source unit. |
| US09526466B2 |
Multi-layer flat panel X-ray detector
There is provided a multi-layer flat panel detector comprising a first conversion layer, a second conversion layer, at least one printed circuit board for receiving signals generated by the first or second direct conversion layers, and a processor for processing the signals to produce an image being generated. |
| US09526465B2 |
Radiography system, console and electronic cassette
For identification of individual electronic cassettes, a different label is attached to each of the electronic cassettes. Selection buttons for selecting one of the electronic cassettes are provided on a console in correspondence with the respective electronic cassettes. A cassette ID is assigned to each of the electronic cassettes, and the console communicates with the selected electronic cassette using the cassette ID assigned to the selected electronic cassette. Data of correspondence between the cassette ID and the label is memorized for each electronic cassette. The same label is displayed on the selection button as the label on the corresponding electronic cassette, allowing confirming whether the electronic cassette actually positioned for imaging coincides with the electronic cassette selected on the console. |
| US09526450B2 |
Devices and methods for profiling microbiota of skin
Devices and methods for profiling microbiota of skin are described which include a microbe profiling device including a device head and a hand-held housing, the device head including an epidermis-engaging component and an access window and configured to dislodge microbes from a skin surface, and the hand-held housing defining an opening aligned with the access window, the hand-held housing including a motor operably coupled to a motivatable component, a substrate disposed in relation to the motivatable component and including signal-generating complexes, a location-capture component to detect a location of one or more regions of the skin surface as the epidermis-engaging component contacts said one or more regions, at least one sensor component to detect one or more signals emitted from the signal-generating complexes, and a computing component including circuitry to associate the location of said one or more regions of the skin surface and the detected one or more signals. |
| US09526447B2 |
Hands on steering wheel vehicle safety control system
The present invention provides a safety control system for a vehicle with controls located on the vehicle steering wheel. The controls maybe arranged in a cluster on one or both sides of the upper half of the steering wheel. The controls can be located in areas of the steering wheel including the spokes, the rim or a special flange extended from the rim or the spoke of the steering wheel and are easily recognizable and accessible by the driver while the driver is looking ahead from a normal driving position with the driver's eyes focused on the road and maintaining the driver's hands on the steering wheel. The controls can be further enhanced by varied coloring, shape, size, and texture to make them easily identifiable. The controls can be used to access and control vehicle systems or portable telematics devices in multi modal process in conjunction with thumb gesture interpretation or speech recognition. A further enhancement to the system is the introduction of a universal portable devices docking station to eliminate falling devices and the consequences of accident. |
| US09526444B2 |
Biological signal measuring apparatus and biological signal measuring method
A biological signal measuring apparatus includes: a light emitter which emits at least two light beams having different wavelengths to living tissue of a subject; a light receiver which receives the light beams that are emitted from the light emitter, and which converts at least one of the light beams to at least one electric signal that corresponds to a reception light intensity of the at least one of the light beams; a detector which detects temporal variation of the reception light intensity from the electric signal; a selector which selects a pulse oximeter mode in which at least one of an oxygen saturation and a pulse rate is calculated and a capillary refilling time measurement mode in which a capillary refilling time is calculated; and a calculator which, based on the temporal variation of the reception light intensity, performs a calculation in the mode selected by the selector. |
| US09526443B1 |
Force and/or motion measurement system and a method of testing a subject
A force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject thereon, at least one visual display device having an output screen, and one or more data processing devices configured to generate a screen image comprising a plurality of substantially concentric bands on the output screen of the at least one visual display device that is configured to create a visual stimuli for the subject disposed on the force measurement assembly. A plurality of methods for testing a subject is also disclosed herein. The methods for testing a subject utilize a force measurement assembly and/or augmented reality glasses. A measurement system including a motion detection system, an object position detection system, and/or an eye movement tracking device is additionally disclosed herein. |
| US09526428B2 |
Attachment for a contact lens and production method for a contact lens system
An attachment for a contact lens that comprises a first part provided to be held in position against an eye and a second part connected to the first part. The second part is for fixing the attachment to a contact lens. The first part corresponds to a distal side of a contact lens and forms at least one of a sterile or a disinfected bearing surface for the eye. The second part is configured to connect the attachment to the contact lens and to bring the first part to rest against a distal side of the contact lens. |
| US09526412B2 |
Geographic atrophy identification and measurement
Geographic atrophy of the eye can be detected and measured by imaging the eye at a depth greater than the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) at a plurality of locations of the eye, for example, using optical coherence tomography (OCT); determining a ratio of the intensities of imaging signals of a retinal layer(s) with respect to the intensity of imaging signals of a sub-RPE layer(s) at each location; determining representative values based at least in part on the determined ratios; generating a map of the representative values; and identifying diseased areas from the map. Contours and binary maps may be generated based on the identified diseased areas. The size and shape of the identified areas may be analyzed and monitored over a period of time. |
| US09526408B2 |
Electronic endoscope system and method for controlling the same
A light source device of an electronic endoscope system has first and second semiconductor lasers. In a vascular observation mode, one of the semiconductor lasers is used in a full light state (100% rated output) while the other is used in a reduced light state (for example, 10% rated output). First and second images of an internal body portion are captured with a color imaging device under illumination of two patterns, respectively. Correlation operation of pixel values of three colors is performed between the two images. Noise components, caused by the first or second semiconductor lasers in the light reduced state, are removed from the first and second images. An oxygen saturation level of blood in a blood vessel is calculated using the first and second images with the noise components removed. |
| US09526405B2 |
Stereoendoscope
A stereo endoscope having an elongated shaft and a sensor unit comprising two flat image sensors that are symmetrically arranged about a central rotational axis of the shaft. With such stereo endoscope, a lateral direction of view of the stereo endoscope which deviates from a central 0° direction of view can be variably adjusted and/or changed independent of an orientation of the image sensors relative to each other. |
| US09526402B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
The endoscope apparatus effects shifting without disappearance of a side observation image until a boundary between the side observation image and a non-image-forming region reaches an end of a light receiving surface so that a displacement of a shift distance K is produced between an optical axis of an imaging optical system and a center position L of the light receiving surface of an imaging section, adjusts a magnification of the imaging optical system, and magnifies and displays a combined image of a front observation image and the side observation image. |
| US09526400B2 |
Apparatus for abatement of vapors for washing machines and washing machine comprising the apparatus
The present invention relates to an apparatus for abatement of vapors for washing machines as well as to a washing machine comprising the apparatus. The apparatus for abatement of vapors according to the present invention simultaneously allows vapors generated inside the washing chamber to be effectively abated and the energy consumption of the machine to be optimized by pre-heating the working fluid. |
| US09526397B2 |
Dishwasher doors with multiple silverware baskets
Dishwasher doors with multiple silverware baskets are disclosed. A disclosed example dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber having an opening, a door movably mounted to the tub to selectively open and close the opening, and two or more silverware baskets mounted one above the other on an interior of the door. |
| US09526395B2 |
Automatic dishwasher
An automatic dishwasher includes a heat pump device for heating washing liquid. The heat pump device includes an evaporator, a fan adapted to supply ambient air to the evaporator, and a device for wet dust collection connected upstream of the evaporator in the flow direction of the ambient air. |
| US09526390B2 |
Robot cleaner
A robot cleaner includes a main body that defines an external appearance of the robot cleaner. The robot cleaner further includes a plurality of dust sensors that are located at different positions on the main body and that are configured to sense dust that is located in a traveling route of the robot cleaner. The robot cleaner further includes a control unit that is configured to control movement and a cleaning operation of the robot cleaner based on sensing data from the plurality of dust sensors. |
| US09526373B2 |
Pump and heating method for coffee brewing
A method and system for brewing coffee that allows for control of the temperature of the water as it hits ground coffee and that is adapted for changes in the environment. A coffee machine may include: a water reservoir, a pump, a heating element, a filter holder, a temperature sensor, and a control element. Instead of using boiling water to drive the flow of water from the water container to the filter holder, which method relates the outlet temperature to the water's boiling point, which, in turn, is dependent on altitude and other factors, the coffee machine described herein uses a pump to deliver water from the water container to the heating element and on to the filter holder. The coffee machine also includes a heating element that is not susceptible to frost damage, which may include a silicone layer sandwiched between two metal components, such as aluminum blocks. |
| US09526368B2 |
Single cup coffee and tea brewing system
The first embodiment of the disclosure presents a single cup coffee brewer comprised of two components: a dripper component and a drip rate control component. The dripper component has a brewing container with a flat bottom having a drainage part, and a cylindrical tube member that fits inside the brewing container. A single sheet of Number 4 filter paper is wrapped around the cylindrical tube member, fitting snugly against the drainage part, thereby forming a dripper having a flat bottom using standard filter paper.The drip rate control component is attached to the dripper component, and has a lever that controls the drip control rate from zero to a maximum value. The coffee brewer can therefore be used as a dripper with a user controlled drip rate, or as an infuser followed by a dripper where the user controls the drip rate. |
| US09526360B2 |
Travel pillow
The present invention discloses a U-shaped travel pillow having a base cushion and raised cushion fixed to the top side of the base cushion. The inner peripheral walls of the base and raised cushions are mutually flush, while the rear walls are mutually flush and substantially flat for better contact with flat surfaces, such as a headrest, seat, or chair. Furthermore, the rear wall of the raised cushion is thinner than the sides, providing more liberty to adjust head position by easily adapting to the shape of the headrest, seat or chair. A removable cover is adapted to cover the base and raised cushions, while a drawstring with an adjustable cinch mechanism can be used for adjusting the travel pillow around the neck. |
| US09526358B2 |
Apparatus for displaying spectacles
The invention relates to an apparatus for displaying spectacles, having a basic body (1) and having a plurality of accommodating devices (2), which are carried by the basic body (1) and are each intended for accommodating a pair of spectacles, wherein each accommodating device (2) comprises at least one bearing region (3) on which to rest the pair of spectacles. The apparatus is characterized by the provision of a contactlessly operating removal-prevention means (5) which in the handling region, immediately in front of the bearing region (3), defines a detection region which is influenced when the pair of spectacles is removed by hand and/or when the spectacle frame is moved past it. |
| US09526353B2 |
Door for a freezer cabinet
A door for a refrigerated cabinet has an insulated glass unit of rectangular shape mounted in a pair of horizontally disposed aluminum rails and a pair of vertically disposed plastic rails connected to and across the pair horizontally disposed rails. A plastic breaker is mounted on each aluminum rail and a sealing gasket of open rectangular shape is mounted in each breaker and in each plastic rail to seal against a planar surface of the refrigerated cabinet in the closed position of the door. |
| US09526348B2 |
Person support systems
A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable. |
| US09526345B2 |
Botulinum toxin assay with improved sensitivity
Methods and compositions are provided where a transfected cell that produces a hybrid protein with a reporter-containing portion and a botulinum toxin cleavage site is contacted with a botulinum toxin at elevated temperatures and/or in media having a reduced sodium concentration. Kits that include such media and a botulinum toxin are also described. |
| US09526343B1 |
Footrest assembly of a chair
A footrest assembly disposed under a chair includes an assembly, a tracking frame, a first rotating plate, a second rotating plate and a footrest. The tracking frame is movably mounted in the seat mounting frame. The first rotating plate is pivotally connected to the tracking frame. The second rotating plate is pivotally connected to the first rotating plate. The footrest is mounted on the second rotating plate. By disposing the two rotating plates between the footrest and the tracking frame, the footrest can rotate twice relative to the tracking frame, so as to increase a distance between the footrest and the tracking frame. That is, a distance between the footrest and the chair is increased, so as to meet users' various needs. |
| US09526340B2 |
Rocker style chairs, modular components for use within rocker style chairs and parts for use within the modular components
Rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs with pivoting seats are provided along with modular components for use within rocker style chairs and parts for assembling within the modular components. The related components and chair assemblies minimize manufacturing time, maximize material usage and decrease related installation time. The related rocker style chairs may provide comfort to chair occupants and minimize noise during related chair component motion. |
| US09526330B2 |
Modularized presentation board having improved structure
A modularized presentation board includes multiple rectangular presentation board modules, multiple plug connectors and multiple articulation pieces; 45-degree chamfer structures are arranged at four corners of each presentation board module, a clamping slot is configured in the middle of each of four corners in the thickness direction, multiple strip-shaped bulges and multiple reinforced ribs perpendicular to the strip-shaped bulges are respectively arranged on both sides of each clamping slot, and a groove is defined between every two adjacent reinforced ribs; and the plug connectors and the articulation pieces are equipped with multiple annular bulges, respectively, and thus nested and matched connection between every two adjacent presentation board modules is realized. |
| US09526326B2 |
Fluid-dispensing apparatus
A fluid-dispensing apparatus, comprises a hollow handle, a working head from which fluid may be dispensed and an intermediate member, the hollow handle providing an enclosure defining a fluid reservoir therein, the handle having a distal end portion and having an outlet located in the distal end portion, the working head having a dispensing aperture for dispensing of fluid, the intermediate member being configured to receive the distal end portion of the handle therein, the working head being attachable to the intermediate member, the intermediate member has an opening which is in alignment with the outlet of the handle and with the dispensing aperture of the working head when assembled. The apparatus comprises a flow control member, which is received within the intermediate member and is movable to align apertures of different sizes with the handle outlet, providing discrete flow control configurations. |
| US09526323B2 |
Tissue cleaner and oral care implement
An oral care implement is provided, in one embodiment, with a plurality of spaced-apart tissue cleaning pads (400) radially arranged around a central axis (450) to form a grouping, each pad having an inner region (420, 430) close to the central axis and an outer region spaced away from the central axis, the inner region (420, 430) being raised relative to the outer region and having scraping surfaces along certain edge regions for improved cleaning of the soft tissue in an oral cavity Each pad further preferably includes one or more protrusions (920, 930) along an upper surface thereof. |
| US09526320B2 |
Case for a mobile device with a screen
A case for a mobile device with a screen, the case comprising a band arranged to surround the edge of the device. The band comprises a layer of flexible polymer (1) and a layer of a damping material (3) which is softer than the flexible polymer provided within the flexible polymer layer. The damping material (3) has a plurality of protrusions (2) projecting inwardly from a substantial portion of the inner periphery of the band to engage with the device. The protrusions are arranged such that, in normal use there is substantially no contact between the band and the device other than through the protrusions. |
| US09526319B2 |
Vehicle mounted hammock frame
The vehicle mounted hammock frame provides for a hammock to be suspended in the bed of a pickup truck approximately 6 feet above ground level. The hammock frame is intended to accommodate several sizes of hammocks including a family sized hammock, which affords comfortable lounging for two adults. The frame is simple to deploy by a single adult in minutes. It is anticipated that all parts may be attached to the unit so that pieces will not be lost or missing when it comes time to deploy the hammock frame. A storage case may be provided for ease of storage and transport. The hammock frame may have members added or attached to it in order that it can be deployed on the ground. Such members might include legs, bracing, and support members configured to allow a user to deploy the hammock frame on the ground. |
| US09526312B2 |
Razor cartridge dispenser
A razor cartridge dispenser for retaining, dispensing and receiving razor cartridges, the cartridges having a blade portion mounted to a handle connection portion, the dispenser including first and second cooperating members joined by a connection such that the first and second cooperating members can be adapted from a closed configuration to an open configuration, each of said first and second cooperating members comprising one or more compartments for retaining a cartridge. |
| US09526303B2 |
Molded catching elements and method for manufacturing same
The invention relates to a catching element of a male-female or male-male self-gripping device, which comprises a rod portion (1) and a catching portion (2), the rod portion extending in an axis that is transverse to a base strip (B) and the catching portion projecting laterally from the rod portion, characterized in that at least the catching portion is made of a thermoplastic material having a bending modulus of more than 1000 MPa, specifically more than 1200 MPa, in particular more than 1500 MPa at 25° C., the catching element being produced by molding, specifically by injection molding, and when the thermogram is plotted for the hook, in other words when differential scanning calorimetry is carried out, an absence or almost-absence of relaxation enthalpy near the glass transition can be seen during the first rise in temperature. |
| US09526301B1 |
Adaptable buckle system
An adaptable buckle system that can be secured to a loop in a strap or cable to replace a broken buckle or add a buckle. The present invention includes two component members, a male connector and a female connector, which removably engage to form a fastening buckle. Both components have an interlocking side-release mechanism at the end opposing the connector. The interlocking side-release mechanism comprises a receiver on one side of the component member configured to receive a prong extending from the free end of a flexible arm pivotally affixed to the other side of the component member. The flexible arm may be fed through a loop in a strap or cable. Ridges that line the inner surface of the prong and inner wall of the receiver cause a cross-biting action that secures the prong in place. The prong is released when the arm is twisted thereby rotating the prong. |
| US09526292B2 |
Power modules and headgear
A power module assembly for being mounted to headgear is provided. The power module assembly can include a housing member and a cover member configured to mount thereto. The housing member and cover member can have a generally curved profile configured for fitting against a user's head. The housing member can be generally rigid, and the cover member generally flexible and resilient, so that the cover member can mount to the housing member with a snap fit connection therebetween. The housing member can further include a plurality of handles, so that straps of the headgear can extend through openings between the handles corresponding surfaces of the housing member to secure the power module assemble to the headgear. |
| US09526283B1 |
Method of securing a necktie using a tie link
A tie link for securing a necktie is disclosed. The tie link includes a flexible link insertable through a strap on a necktie and extending a length which spans from a first shirt button hole to a second shirt button hole on a shirt. The tie link has a plurality of retention devices coupled to the flexible link. The retention devices extend perpendicular to the flexible link and are insertable into a respective plurality of button hole slots on the shirt. A method of securing a necktie is also disclosed. |
| US09526281B2 |
Short reversible dresses
A reversible bridesmaid dress or evening dress with a hem facing that allows the dress to have one color or pattern on one side and another color or pattern on the other side. When the dress is flipped inside out, it has a completely different appearance than on the other side. The reversible dress can come in a variety of different shapes, types and sizes. Dresses of different colors may be created from a single reversible dress. |
| US09526275B2 |
Adjustable pregnancy and postpartum support wrap with audio output
An elongated garment to support a pregnant mother and her unborn baby in utero is provided. The elongated garment may be dimensioned and adapted to lift the abdominal area of the pregnant wearer, support the hip area of the pregnant woman, reduce pelvic floor pressure and low back strain. The elongated garment is also adapted to provide a plurality of safe-decibel audio output which may be used with any media device, with pockets specifically positioned inside the garment used on the abdominal area so as to help guide her unborn baby into a head-down orientation in preparation of birth. |