Document	Document Title
US09951961B2	Control housing for a heating or ventilation or air-conditioning control system, and system equipped with said housing Control housing (1) for a heating or ventilation or air conditioning system, consisting in a housing body (2) closed by a lid assembly and being characterized by the fact that the housing body (2) includes at least one hydraulic control compartment (4) in which a hydraulic equipment-receiving space is formed, the hydraulic control compartment (4) including at least one opening (16, 17) for piping element(s) to pass through, the receiving space further including a unit (27, 28, 36) for maintaining in position at least one piping element. The maintaining unit may include a device (27, 28) for supporting piping element(s) which are formed by at least one pair of bearing surfaces (29) and a unit for locking in position at least one piping element against at least one bearing surface (29).
US09951952B2	Hot surface igniters and methods of making same A method of making a hot surface igniter is described. A silicon carbide composition that includes both fines fraction and a coarse fraction is sintered in a nitrogen and argon reducing atmosphere in a manner that controls the incorporation of nitrogen with in the lattice of recrystallized silicon carbide. The controlled incorporation of nitrogen in the lattice provides enhanced control over heating and electrical properties, while simultaneously achieving a lower surface area fully recrystallized structure for oxidation resistance and long service life.
US09951951B2	Apparatus for controlling and adjusting the combustion in a fuel gas burner An apparatus for adjusting and controlling the combustion in a fuel gas burner. The apparatus comprises the following mutually integrated components: a comburent gas/fuel gas mixing pipe provided with a Venturi mixer in correspondence of which a fuel gas supply duct opens; means for adjusting the flow rate of fuel gas; a fan, at least partially housed in said mixing pipe; a burner arranged downstream of said fan; a safety system based upon the detection of the flame present in said burner; and an electronic control unit of devices belonging to the apparatus. The apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises: a temperature probe arranged on the inner surface of the burner; a valve for adjusting the fuel gas flow rate in the duct; said valve belonging to said control means and being mechanically controlled by an actuator; and an electronic card, electronically connected to said probe, to said fan and to said actuator.
US09951947B2	Incineration grate consisting of grate bars and method for fitting grate bars in and removing same from an incineration grate An incineration grate includes several levels including first and second grate bars arranged in rows alongside one another and in rows one above another, forming step-shaped combustion surfaces with their upper supporting surfaces. At least once in an area of the upper supporting surfaces, the first grate bars form, over their width, a smaller supporting surface for fuel than that of the second grate bars via a first shoulder disposed inwards in a direction of a longitudinal center plane. In an area of the upper supporting surfaces, the second grate bars have a supporting surface with a larger width in order to form an overlap with the first grate bars via a second shoulder disposed outwards over the width of the first grate bars. The second grate bars have at least one pin configured to be introduced into a pocket in the first grate bars and increase the larger width.
US09951941B2	Light mounting systems and methods Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods associated with light mounting systems. Embodiments may include lighting shelves that are configured to be mounted to a fixed structure, such as to a wall or supports within a room via a cantilever design that is mounted to unistrut. The lighting shelves may be anchored at only a single end to the unistrut, and the lighting shelves may protrude away from the unistrut. The lighting shelves may have a sufficient width and length to cover an entire region of interest below the lighting shelves, which may enable to lighting shelves to uniformly distribute light to plants.
US09951940B2	Floating illumination device for a swimming pool or other body of water and method therefor A floating illumination device for a water feature has a housing having a sub-housing extending down from a bottom section of the housing. A lighting circuit is held by the sub-housing. A plurality of illuminating elements of the lighting circuit is attached to an outer perimeter of the sub-housing. A cover is positioned over the sub-housing forming a watertight seal.
US09951935B2	Display device The invention relates to a display device (1) having a display area (2) consisting of non-illuminated areas (9) and illuminated areas (12), wherein the centroids of adjacent illuminated areas (12) are located at distances (11, 11.1) from each other which are smaller than the resolving power of a viewer (50), wherein preferably the proportion of the non-illuminated areas (9) in the entire display area (2) is more than 70%, and wherein the display device (1) has at least one functional element (40.1, 40.2, 40.3, 40.4).
US09951934B2	Junction box for LED drivers Junction boxes for enclosing and making electrical connections to LED drivers are disclosed. The junction boxes include a bottom or base and a cover. Dividers arising from the base divide the junction box into high-voltage and low-voltage compartments. A cut-out open at the top of each divider allows a driver to be placed in a junction box without having to pull wires through holes or openings. Typically, the base is open along the top and along at least a portion of one sidewall, with the cover being L- or U-shaped to complete the enclosure. Various mounting mechanisms are disclosed for securing drivers within junction boxes. Embodiments that can house several drivers or components within one junction box are disclosed, as are weather- and water-resistant embodiments.
US09951932B2	Composite type LED circuit board and manufacturing method Various embodiments provide a light emitting diode (LED) module. In one embodiment, the LED module comprises a circuit board; a peripheral metal board abutting and about said circuit board; an electrical insulation layer on both a first surface and a second surface of said circuit board and said peripheral metal board; electrical traces on said electrical insulation layer; and one or more LEDs mounted on said electrical traces and said electrical insulation layer over said peripheral metal board.
US09951928B2	Multi-color hunting spotlight A multi-color spotlight has a lens on a first side, a rotational mechanism, a knob for actuating the rotational mechanism, and a power supply source within a housing operably coupled to the rotational mechanism. The rotational mechanism has a rotatable rod having a plurality of substrates coupled around the circumference thereof, each substrate having an LED chip mounted in the same vertical geometric plane in relation to the other LED chips, and wherein only the LED chip that is positioned directly beneath the lens is configured to receive power from the power supply source and illuminate.
US09951922B2	LED light unit and method of producing an LED light unit An LED light unit comprises a support portion, a light source having at least one LED, the light source being arranged on the support portion and having a source-side light intensity distribution (LISS), and a refractive optical element having an inner surface and an outer surface, with at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface being non-spherical, the refractive optical element being arranged over the light source and being attached to the support portion.
US09951921B2	Vehicle taillight system A vehicle taillight system being capable of representing various situations occurring upon driving a vehicle is provided. The vehicle taillight system includes: first and second taillights mounted at the rear of a vehicle; a plurality of light sources installed at each of the first and second taillights; and a controller connected to the first and second taillights and that controls the plurality of light sources to together or individually operate and that controls to output driving information of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle through the first and second taillights. Therefore, because a driver's intention expression can be more clearly represented, various safety accidents can be beforehand prevented.
US09951917B2	Hybrid emergency exit lighting system An emergency lighting system (ELS) for an aircraft has a capacitor, a light emitting diode (LED) selectively powered by the capacitor, and at least one of a photoluminescent sign and a photoluminescent panel configured to receive light emitted from the LED.
US09951910B2	LED lamp with base having a biased electrical interconnect A LED lamp includes an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure and a base. A LED assembly includes at least one LED, where the LED is located in the enclosure and is operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. An electronics board is in the electrical path and is coupled to the base by an electrical interconnect comprising at least one base-side contact that is biased into engagement with the base.
US09951907B2	Self generating power generator for cryogenic systems A cryogenic system to remove energy includes a heat engine to store content at a predetermined temperature; one or more fans to deliver air flow through the heat engine; a cryogenic storage unit to store cryogen and having one or more insulated pipes thermally coupled to the heat engine to cool the heat engine; one or more reuse pipes coupled to one or more insulated pipes to send a portion of cryogen gas flow back to the cryogenic storage for reuse; a controller to maintain the predetermined temperature; and an on-board power generator to supply operating power to the controller and the one or more fans.
US09951906B2	Apparatus and method for heating a liquefied stream In a heater for a liquefied stream, a first heat transfer zone has a box stretching longitudinally along an axis. A first heat transfer surface is arranged inside the box, across which a first indirect heat exchanging contact is established between a liquefied stream that is to be heated and a heat transfer fluid. A second heat transfer zone is located gravitationally lower and includes a second heat transfer surface across which the heat transfer fluid is brought in a second indirect heat exchanging contact with the ambient. A downcomer fluidly connects the first heat transfer zone with the second heat transfer zone and has a first transverse portion and a first downward portion that are fluidly connected to each other via a connecting elbow portion. The connecting elbow portion, when viewed in a vertical projection on a horizontal plane, is located external to the box compared to the axis.
US09951905B2	Compressed natural gas storage and dispensing system A compressed natural gas storage and dispensing system having descending pressure bulk storage banks in fluid communication with a supply source for CNG and high pressure storage banks in fluid communication with the descending pressure bulk storage bank, both banks being in fluid communication with fuel dispensers, wherein the delivery pressure of the CNG during simultaneous refueling of CNG powered vehicles is equalized.
US09951903B2	Digital display mounting and lift bracket A digital display mounting and lift bracket can be employed to mount a display device to a wall or other surface or within an enclosure. The bracket can be configured to pivot between an open and a closed position. When the bracket is in the open position, a display device will be lifted upwardly thereby facilitating access to the rear surface of the display device. The bracket can then be returned to the closed position in which the display device will be properly oriented for use.
US09951901B2	Method for rapidly freezing pipe A rapid pipe freezing method including a process of wrapping the pipe with a cooling coil along the outer circumference surface of the pipe rapidly is disclosed. The method includes bending the cooling coil not to be blocked by itself so that a refrigerant flow through the inside thereof and arranging the cooling coil to form a freezing area, fixing the cooling coil to fix the cooling coil on one surface of the cover sheet such that at least one part of the freezing area may be overlapped with the cover sheet, installing the cover sheet wrapping the outer circumference surface of the pipe with the cover sheet such that the cooling coil of the freezing area may face the outer circumference surface of the pipe, and flowing a refrigerant by connecting a refrigerant cooling device to the one end of the cooling coil and the other end of the same and flowing a refrigerant through the inside of the cooling coil to freeze the inside of the pipe where the freezing area is overlapped.
US09951900B2	External seal for isolating an elbow fitting An external seal for sealing against an elbow fitting of a fluid line has an elbow clamp and a seal. The elbow clamp has a first part that is sized and shaped to engage the outer radiused curve of the elbow fitting, and a second part that engages the inner radiused curve of the elbow fitting. The first part defines a tool opening and a tool engagement profile sealingly engages a valve in axial alignment with the tool opening. A clamping member brings the first part into engagement with the outer radiused curve of the elbow fitting. The seal is adjacent to the first part of the elbow clamp in line with the tool opening and seals around the tool opening between the elbow clamp and the elbow fitting when the clamping force is applied.
US09951897B2	Elastic seal element for a fluid passage An elastic seal element seals a fluid passage between a first component and a second component from the surroundings, the fluid passage passing through the seal element. The seal element has a first bead, which provides a sealing line to sealingly contact the first component around the fluid passage. The seal element further has a second bead, which provides a second sealing line to sealingly contact the second component around the fluid passage. The seal element has a tubular shape, a tubular casing extending between the first bead at the first end of the seal element and the second bead at the second end of the seal element, wherein the tubular casing allows a transversal offset of the second bead relative to the first bead to seal the fluid passage by the seal element even when the second component is offset transversely relative to the first component.
US09951895B2	Two-piece self-locking mechanism for tube assemblies A fitting for connecting tubular assemblies includes a base member defining a first bore configured to receive a tube therein. A retaining band defines a second bore for receiving a portion of the base member. The retaining band defines an engagement feature on a radially outward surface configured to engage a locking mechanism of a fastening member.
US09951889B2	Cable tie and retention system A cable tie system has a cable tie member and a cable retaining member. The cable tie member has a base with an inner facing surface and an outer facing surface, a pair of cable tie strips connected to the base and projecting outward from the inner facing surface, and a locking member connected to the base and projecting outward from outer facing surface. The cable retaining member has a retainer housing with a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of tie strip receiving passageways complimentary to the cable tie strips, a resilient tie strip engaging arm positioned in each tie strip receiving passageway and in releasable contact with one of the cable tie strips when the cable tie strips are positioned in the tie strip receiving passageways, and a release member connected to an end of each resilient tie strip engaging arm.
US09951882B2	Handwheel cap Provided is a cap for a handwheel that opens and closes a valve, capable of being readily attached to the handwheel without requiring a large space around the handwheel. The cap has easily switchable two working modes: One is a co-rotation mode where the cap is capable of rotating with the handwheel and the other is an independent rotation mode where the cap is capable of rotating independently of the handwheel. The cap has an internal casing to be securely fitted to the handwheel; an external casing being rotatable around its axis and having the internal casing in an interior thereof; a clutch for connecting the external casing with the internal casing and for disconnecting the former from the latter; and a maintaining member for keeping the external casing rotatable independently of the internal casing when they are disconnected by the clutch.
US09951881B2	Solenoid operated unit for detecting and bleeding undesired fluid A solenoid operated unit for detecting and bleeding undesired liquid present in desired liquid of different resistivity and specific gravity, the two liquids being immiscible with each other; with an electrical arrangement having a pair of parallel sensor pins and a pair of serial sensor pins. A dual function diaphragm ensures suitability for use with contaminated fluids. A pressure equalization outlet ensures smooth and speedy bleeding of undesired liquid. A modular mechanical sensor, when provided, provides redundancy such that desired fluid is not drained in situations of any electro-mechanical failure.
US09951877B2	Multi-stage trim A system including a valve trim having a plurality of flow paths, wherein each flow path of the plurality of flow paths includes a series of stages, and a plurality of expansion zones disposed in series with the series or stages, wherein each expansion zone of the plurality of expansion zones is disposed between a sequential set of adjacent upstream and downstream stages of the series of stages, wherein each expansion zone of the plurality of expansion zones is configured to flow a fluid in a direction that is generally transverse to directions of flow in both the adjacent-upstream stage and the adjacent-downstream stage, and wherein each expansion zone of the plurality of expansion zones is in line with one of the adjacent-upstream stage or the adjacent-downstream stage and offset from a different one of the corresponding adjacent-upstream stage or the adjacent-downstream stage.
US09951876B2	Double eccentric valve A double eccentric valve includes a valve seat having a seat surface, a valve element having a sealing surface, a passage in which the valve seat and the valve element are arranged, and a rotary shaft which rotates the valve element attached to an attaching part of the rotary shaft. With respect to the valve element and the valve hole, a main axis of the rotary shaft is doubly eccentric in a passage direction and a direction perpendicular to the passage. By rotation about the main axis, the valve element moves between a fully closed position where the sealing surface contacts the seat surface and a fully open position where the sealing surface is furthest away from the seat surface. A second axis of the attaching part extends parallel to the main axis and eccentrically in a radial direction of the rotary shaft from the main axis.
US09951875B2	Butterfly valve with strut A valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve body central axis. A valve actuator is operably connected to the valve body and is located such that a central axis of the valve actuator is nonparallel to the valve body central axis. A strut extends from the valve body to the valve actuator to support the valve actuator in a fixed relationship to the valve body. A pneumatically-actuated butterfly valve includes a valve body having a valve body central axis and a valve disc. A pneumatic actuator is located such that its central axis is nonparallel to the valve body central axis. The actuator includes a piston disposed in a cylinder, the piston operably connected to the valve disc. A strut extends from the valve body to support the actuator in a fixed relationship to the valve body.
US09951871B2	Brush seal assembly A brush seal assembly may seal a gap between a diaphragm and a rotor of a turbine. The brush seal assembly includes a brush, one end of which is inserted in a rotor facing surface of a diaphragm while the other end thereof protrudes toward a rotor, and a support strip spaced apart from one side of the brush so that one side end portion of the support strip is fixed and the other side end portion thereof supports one side of the brush.
US09951868B2	Piston ring comprising a groove in the circumferential direction A piston ring for an internal combustion engine or for a compressor, in particular a piston ring includes an exterior running surface (3), two flanks (5, 6), and an interior circumferential surface (7); the running surface (3) has a profiled section with a groove (2), the groove (2) being located between an upper portion (3′) of the running surface and a lower portion (3″) of the running surface in relation to the cross-section of the piston ring (1).
US09951867B2	Piston damper A piston damper has a cylinder including an attachment portion; a piston reciprocatingly disposed inside the cylinder; and a rod including an attachment portion that is moved synchronously with the piston. Each of the attachment portions of the cylinder and the rod is adapted to connect to different one of a first member and a second member to damp a movement of the other member relative to one member among both the members. At least one of the attachment portion of the cylinder and the attachment portion of the rod is formed with a fitting hole, and the attachment portion is axially supported in a fitted state between the fitting hole and an axis relative to at least one of the first member and the second member, and includes an urging device absorbing looseness of the fitting hole relative to the axis.
US09951864B2	Control apparatus for an automatic transmission This invention provides a control apparatus for an automatic transmission, which includes a plurality of engaging mechanisms. The plurality of engaging mechanisms includes a mechanical engaging mechanism configured to function as a brake. The mechanical engaging mechanism can be switched between a first state in which rotation of a rotational element is restricted only in one direction and a second state in which the rotation is restricted in both directions. When switching from the first state to the second state, the control apparatus executes engagement control to set a plurality of hydraulic friction engaging mechanisms in an engaging state. Control to set a predetermined hydraulic friction engaging mechanism in a half-engaging state and brake an output member can be executed in parallel to the engagement control.
US09951862B2	Drive device, image forming apparatus, and grease composition A drive device includes a gear having a hole; a shaft that passes through the hole; and a grease composition that is held in a clearance between the shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the hole. The gear rotates on a peripheral surface of the shaft. At least one of the gear and the shaft is made of a resin. The clearance is in a range of 10 to 110 μm. The grease composition contains a hydrocarbon base oil and lithium soap serving as a thickener. A weight ratio of the hydrocarbon base oil to the lithium soap is in a range of 94.5:5.5 to 96.0:4.0. A consistency of the grease composition is in a range of 360 to 400.
US09951861B2	Transmission hydraulic control system An automatic transmission uses 6 shift elements applied in combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The automatic transmission uses a hydraulic control system to control engagement of the six elements, control engagement of a torque converter bypass clutch, control engagement of a parking pawl, and to provide fluid for a hydrodynamic torque converter and for lubrication. The parking pawl is disengaged in response to engagement of two of the six shift elements and remains disengaged in response to engagement of other shift elements. A single valve controls several different functions associated with the two-pass torque converter. Pressurized fluid is provided by a variable displacement engine driven pump and also by an electric pump. A priority valve reduces lubrication flow when other fluid demands are high as indicated by the pump displacement control circuit.
US09951854B2	Differential gear set assembling method and differential gear set assembling device A differential gear set assembling method includes: a pivoting step of closing openings by guide portion and pivoting a pair of pinions between a pair of side gears; and an insertion step of inserting a pinion shaft into a pair of case shaft holes and a pair of pinion shaft holes from outside the differential case. The pivoting step is performed in a state where projecting portions are buried in the guide portions. The insertion step is performed in a state where the projecting portions are projected from the guide portions toward the pair of side gears, and the pair of side gears are pressed by the projecting portions so as to apply loads against biasing forces of coned disc springs to the pair of side gears.
US09951850B2	Drive assembly for an electric drive A drive assembly for a motor vehicle has a multi-step transmission and a differential drive. The multi-step transmission comprises a rotatingly drivable driveshaft and an intermediate shaft parallel to the driveshaft, and at least one first transmission stage and a second transmission stage for transmitting torque from the driveshaft to the intermediate shaft with different transmission ratios, as well as a shift unit, wherein the intermediate shaft comprises an output gear for transmitting torque to a differential carrier of the differential drive, wherein a rotational axis of the differential carrier extends parallel to the intermediate shaft, wherein the output gear and the shift unit are arranged axially between the at least two transmission stages, and wherein the driveshaft comprises bores for supplying lubricant.
US09951848B2	Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, an input shaft mounted with the first, second, and third planetary gear sets at an external circumference of the input shaft, an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft and mounted with the fourth planetary gear set on external circumference of the output shaft, a first shaft, a second shaft directly connected with the input shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft gear-meshed with the output shaft, a fifth shaft, a sixth shaft, a seventh shaft, an eighth shaft, a ninth shaft directly connected with the output shaft, a tenth shaft, and transfer gears, each gear-meshed with at least one of the shafts.
US09951847B2	Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft; an output shaft; a first to fourth planetary gear sets and six control elements disposed at portions selectively connecting between the rotation elements or disposed at portions selectively connecting between the rotation elements and a transmission housing, wherein the input shaft is continuously connected to the second rotation element, the output shaft is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the first rotation element is continuously connected to the fourth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is continuously connected to the eighth rotation element, the sixth rotation element is continuously connected to the eleventh rotation element, the ninth rotation element is continuously connected to the tenth rotation element, the ninth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the six control elements are selectively operated in combination of three of the six control elements.
US09951835B2	Window system A window system is disclosed. The window system includes a window which has a first window pane spatially separated from a second window pane. The window panes are surrounded by a window frame, which houses a memory device for storing electronic data.
US09951832B2	Floating calliper for disc brake Floating calliper for disc brake comprising a calliper body and a bracket, wherein the calliper body is suitable for being positioned astride the disc brake, extending from an inner side to an outer side of the calliper, the bracket comprises means of attachment of the calliper for disc brake to a relative support, the calliper body sliding in relation to the bracket in an axial direction, the calliper comprising means of coupling between the calliper body and the bracket, suitable to permit the relative sliding between these parallel to the axial direction. The bracket extends only on the inner side of the calliper and delimits a first seat housing at least a first pad to exert the braking action on an inner side of the disc brake. The calliper body delimits a second seat, axially opposite the first seat, so as to house at least a second pad exerting a braking action on an outer side of the disc brake facing the outer side of the calliper. Advantageously, the coupling means comprise a guide pin and an attachment pin, the guide pin enabling and guiding a relative sliding, in the axial direction, of the calliper body in relation to the bracket and the attachment pin angularly blocking the calliper body on the bracket, preventing its rotation in relation to the guide pin, so that the calliper body is axially guided solely by the guide pin.
US09951830B2	Vehicle, control apparatus for vehicle, and control method for vehicle An electronic control unit performs lockup clutch engagement control in the sequence of fast fill control, constant-pressure standby control and command pressure raising control, and starts the lockup clutch engagement control from that one of the fast fill control and the command pressure raising control which is later in sequence than the other, as a command pressure for a control oil pressure at a transition time point for making a transition to the lockup clutch engagement control rises, in making the transition to the lockup clutch engagement control during the lockup clutch release control. Therefore, when the command pressure for the control oil pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value that is needed to carry out packing for narrowing a pack clearance of a lockup clutch, the lockup clutch engagement control is started from the command pressure raising control.
US09951822B2	Constant-velocity joint In a constant-velocity joint, an inner member thereof includes holders that serve to retain respective roller assemblies. When each of the holders is hypothetically divided into three equal parts made up of a proximal end portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal end portion from a side of an annular member, an inner wall surface of an inner roller of the roller assembly contacts only a side wall surface of the proximal end portion. The inner roller preferably has an inside diameter, which is minimum at a contact point that contacts the side wall surface of the proximal end portion. More specifically, the inside diameter of the inner roller gradually expands in diameter from the contact point to a side that faces toward the annular member, and further, gradually expands in diameter from the contact point to a side that faces toward the distal end portion.
US09951809B2	Rolling-element bearing and method of countering load applied to rolling-element bearing A rolling-element bearing includes an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring. The inner bearing ring and the outer bearing ring define an axial direction and a circumferential direction. The rolling-element bearing includes a plurality of rolling elements. The rolling elements are configured to roll circumferentially between the inner bearing ring and the outer bearing ring. The rolling-element bearing includes at least one oil chamber. The oil chamber is between the inner bearing ring and the outer bearing ring. Each oil chamber is defined by the inner bearing ring, the outer bearing ring and an oil chamber housing. The oil chamber housing is fixed to one of the inner bearing ring and the outer bearing ring. The rolling-element bearing includes at least one duct corresponding to each oil chamber. The at least one duct is for a supply of oil to the corresponding oil chamber. Each duct extends through the bearing ring to which the oil chamber housing is fixed.
US09951800B2	Surface plasma actuator A surface plasma actuator includes a conducting wire attached to a surface of a target object and electrically insulated from the target object. Surface plasma is generated along a neighborhood of the conducting wire by applying a pulse voltage between the conducting wire and a conductive portion on a side of the target object. An induced gas flow is generated by the surface plasma.
US09951799B2	Fluid pressure cylinder and twist-type clamp device technical field An open/shut valve mechanism for detecting that a piston member of a hydraulic pressure cylinder has reached an unclamp position comprises: a valve body reception hole that communicates with a unclamp hydraulic pressure operating chamber, a valve body movably received in the valve body reception hole and having an annular concave engagement portion on its external circumferential portion; a spherical body that is movably installed in a cylinder main body and that can engage with the concave engagement portion; and an engagement portion that is formed on an auxiliary rod and with which the spherical body can engage; and when hydraulic pressure is charged into the unclamp hydraulic pressure operating chamber and the piston member has reached its unclamp position, the valve body receives the hydraulic pressure, a portion of the spherical body engages to the engagement portion and the valve body changes over to the valve closed position; and, when the piston member has shifted from its unclamp position, the spherical body engages with the annular concave engagement portion without engaging to the engagement portion, so that the valve body is held in its open position.
US09951798B2	Device for controlling the movement of a hydraulic cylinder, particularly for hydraulic machines A control device includes a valve, having a body connected to the first chamber of a cylinder via a first hydraulic connection and to the second chamber of the cylinder via a second hydraulic connection. The control device includes a first hydraulic duct connected to a first actuating-fluid source, and a second hydraulic duct connected to a second actuating-fluid source. The hydraulic ducts communicate with the body of the valve. The valve further includes a distribution device that is movable within the body of the valve, between a first position, in which the distribution device places the first hydraulic connection and the first hydraulic duct in fluid communication, and a second position, in which the distribution device places the second hydraulic connection and the second hydraulic duct in fluid communication.
US09951786B2	Centrifugal pump impellor with novel balancing holes that improve pump efficiency A centrifugal pump impellor includes balancing holes that reduce axial thrust while minimizing the loss of pump efficiency. In one general aspect, the balancing holes penetrate the rear shroud between the blades, and are angled in both axial and rotational directions so as to direct the leakage fluid approximately parallel to the primary process fluid, so that it causes minimal interference with the primary fluid flow. In a second general aspect, the balancing holes extend from the rear cavity within the impellor blades and through the leading edges of the blades, thereby entering the primary flow in locations where the process fluid is almost static relative to the blades. This minimizes the impact on the flow of the process fluid past the blades, and thereby minimizes the loss of pump efficiency caused by the balance holes. In embodiments, each blade leading edge includes a plurality of balancing hole outlets.
US09951778B2	Permanent magnet motor pump A structural improvement of the canned pump is to improve the stiffness of a stationary shaft and, according to requirement, to dispose a monitor device. The method for improving the stiffness of the stationary shaft includes axially inserting a shaft metal rear support of the metal structural of a motor rear casing of a canned motor into the inner side of a rotor yoke of an inner rotor of the canned motor, tightly attaching the shaft metal rear support to a rear shaft seat for improving the stiffness of the stationary shaft by longer hold length, and for shortening an arm length of the composite force. The monitor device, used for detecting the wear of a bearing for enhancing the reliability and satisfying the driving requirement, is installed in the ring slot to be protected by the rear shaft seat.
US09951775B2	Rotary compressor On a plane orthogonal to the rotation shaft, an upper muffler chamber has a plurality of flared portions that are flared from a center of a rotation shaft toward between penetrating bolts and a plurality of small-diameter portions that connect between the flared portions, are apart from penetrating bolts, and are formed on a center side of the rotation shaft from the penetrating bolts. A muffler outlet is provided in each flared portion. A second outlet and a refrigerant path hole of an upper end plate are positioned on an inside of one of a plurality of flared portions, and an opening area of the muffler outlet of one flared portion is greater than an opening area of the muffler outlet of each of the other flared portions.
US09951772B2	Scroll compressor with unmachined separator plate and method of making same A scroll compressor includes scroll compressor bodies, which, in turn, include a fixed scroll compressor body and a moveable scroll compressor body. The scroll compressor bodies have respective bases and respective scroll ribs that project from the respective bases, and which mutually engage about an axis for compressing fluid. The scroll compressor also includes a housing to house the scroll compressor bodies. A separator plate is configured to separate a high-pressure gas chamber from a low-pressure gas chamber within the housing. The separator plate has no machined surfaces, and has an outer perimeter portion which is attached to an unmachined inner surface of the housing. Having no machined surfaces indicates that no material is removed from the separator plate during its manufacture apart from operations to form initial inner and outer diameters of the separator plate.
US09951768B2	Cassette system integrated apparatus A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
US09951767B2	Vibrational fluid mover active controller A vibrational fluid mover includes a housing having at least one actuator element positioned thereon that vibrates responsive to a wave shape voltage applied thereto, such that a volume of a chamber in the housing increases and decreases to entrain and eject fluid into/out from the chamber. A control system is operably connected to the actuator element to cause the voltage to be provided thereto so as to actively control the movement of the actuator element. The control system is programmed to set a baseline value for an operational parameter of the vibrational fluid mover generated responsive to a target voltage and frequency being provided, monitor operation of the vibrational fluid mover during operation at the target voltage and frequency, identify a deviation of the operational parameter from the baseline value, and modify the voltage and frequency provided to the actuator element based on any deviation of the operational parameter.
US09951747B2	Method and system for extracting kinetic energy from surface waves of a water The invention relates to extracting kinetic energy from surface waves. Therein, at least one float (8) is kept floating in the area of the surface waves, while a working fluid is held in a reservoir structure (2, 3). The float is connected to a fluid displacement structure in such manner that an individual surface wave, which causes an upward stroke of the float, moves the working fluid within the reservoir structure in such manner that the potential energy of the working fluid is increased. Before the wave has reached the float, the wave is detected by a sensor (7). Based on said detection, a prediction is calculated of the amount of kinetic energy available in the wave. Tuned to said prediction, an energy transmission structure of the fluid displacement structure is adjusted for realizing the energy conversion.
US09951745B2	Axial flow water turbine An axial flow water turbine according to an embodiment includes a discharge ring and a runner vane. When seen in the runner meridional cross section, a straight line that passes a border between a cylindrical surface and a spherical surface of the discharge ring and that is perpendicular to a water turbine rotation axis is denoted as A. A crossing point between the straight line A and the water turbine rotation axis is denoted as B. A straight line inclined by an angle θ of 10 degrees or less is denoted as C. A cross point between the straight line C and the external peripheral end surface of the runner vane is denoted as D. In this case, the external peripheral end of the forward edge of the runner vane is located on the crossing point D.
US09951729B2	Fuel supply devices A fuel supply device has a cover member which is attached to an opening of a fuel tank, a pump unit comprising a pump, and a connecting portion configured to connect the cover member and the pump unit. A connecting shaft which is formed to one of the two connected members of the connecting portion is inserted into a connecting hole which is formed to the other of the two such that the pump unit is connected to be relatively movable to the connecting portion. The pump unit includes an upper base on which the pump is placed, and a lower base which contacts to the fuel tank. The upper base and the lower base are coupled through attachments whereby an engagement portion of the upper base is fitted into a recessed portion formed on the side of the lower base. The recessed portion has a pair of planes opposing to each other and oriented toward a bottom surface of the lower base from a predetermined position. The recessed portion is further configured such that an interval between a pair of the planes is gradually increased toward the bottom surface.
US09951722B2	Chamber for reducing operating noise of purge control solenoid valve for evaporative emission control system A chamber for reducing operating noise of a purge control solenoid valve (PCSV) for an evaporative emission control system comprises a first housing into which operating noise of the PCSV enters. The first housing has an inner space to change a cross sectional area of an operating noise path or an operating noise transfer direction at least once. A second housing has an upper portion coupled to a lower portion of the first housing to transfer the operating noise outside. At least one end of the chamber in a length direction thereof is connected with a vapor hose which connects a canister collecting fuel evaporation gas generated from a fuel tank with the PCSV to deliver the fuel evaporation gas to an engine and through which the fuel evaporation gas flows.
US09951719B2	Combined inlet laminar and thrust reverser cascade efflux flow control system A nacelle assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan nacelle bounding a bypass flow path. The fan nacelle includes a first nacelle section and a second nacelle section. The second nacelle section includes a moveable portion movable relative to a forward portion to define a secondary flow passage. The first nacelle section includes an inlet lip. A thrust reverser is configured to selectively communicate a portion of bypass airflow between the bypass flow path and the secondary flow passage. A pump is configured to selectively communicate airflow between the inlet lip and the secondary flow passage. A method of flow distribution for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
US09951713B2	Fuel injection apparatus A fuel injection apparatus includes: an injector disposed at a position offset from an ignition plug toward an intake port and injecting a fuel spray toward a crown surface of a piston, and an injection controller causing the injector to perform injection in accordance with an amount and timing of fuel injection preset in accordance with an operating state of an engine. The piston includes: a first recess formed by recessing a central portion of the crown surface and a second recess formed by recessing part of the first recess on an injector side further than the first recess. The injector injects 50% or more of fuel to be injected for the last fuel injection toward the second recess during a compression stroke, and injects part of the fuel to be injected for the last fuel injection toward an area of the first recess other than the second recess.
US09951710B2	Vehicle and control method for vehicle An electronic control unit sets a misfire determination threshold to a first value in the cylinder injection mode, and sets the misfire determination threshold to a second value smaller than the first value in the port injection mode, and determines that a misfire occurs in the engine when a rotation fluctuation of the engine is larger than the misfire determination threshold. In a case where the cylinder injection mode is changed to the port injection mode, when a predetermined period has elapsed from the change, the electronic control unit changes the misfire determination threshold from the first value to the second value.
US09951709B2	Drive control device and drive control method for hybrid electric vehicle A hybrid electric vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine and an electric motor/generator connected via a first clutch. In response to a system stop request in a vehicle stop state, a rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is decreased to a predetermined rotation speed higher than a predetermined resonance frequency band by a negative torque applied to the internal combustion engine from the electric motor/generator via the first clutch. Then, the disengagement of the first clutch starts. The rotation speed of the engine falls below the predetermined resonance frequency band within a predetermined period from the start of the disengagement. As a consequence, the required period from a stopping operation of the internal combustion engine until actual operation stop thereof in a vehicle stationary state is reduced.
US09951708B2	Control apparatus for internal combustion engine The invention relates to a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine (10) including a control target (60V, 52) that controls controlled variable (Pim, Regr). The control apparatus according to the invention is capable of selectively performing single control that is control for controlling the controlled variable to a target value thereof (Pimt, Regrt) without considering a change in the controlled variable that acts as a disturbance on the control of the controlled variable, and composite control that is control for controlling the controlled variable to the target value thereof in consideration of the change in the controlled variable that acts as the disturbance on the control of the controlled variable. The controlled variable is controlled to the target value thereof through the single control when an absolute value of a controlled variable change rate (Rpim, Rregr) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (Rpimth, Rregrth). The controlled variable is controlled to the target value thereof through the composite control when the absolute value of the controlled variable change rate is larger than the predetermined value.
US09951706B2	Calibration strategies to improve spinel mixed metal oxides catalytic converters Modified calibration strategies for controlling an internal combustion engine and monitoring catalyst performance are disclosed. The modified calibration strategies are implemented using an engine and test cell/catalyst chamber setup wherein the engine is a Euro V 1.2 L turbo gasoline direct injection engine and test cells/catalyst chamber are implemented as substantially free of platinum group metals (PGM) catalysts, herein referred as ZPGM catalysts, and synergized PGM (SPGM) catalysts including a stoichiometric spinel structure within the catalyst configuration. The utilization of an open ECU enables the modified calibration of the engine out targeted AFR. The conventional ECU AFR control strategies are not modified to have the ECU AFR control strategies to continue running normally and only the final engine out targeted AFR values are modified by applying offset AFR values. The modified calibration strategies improve engine operation and catalyst conversion efficiency of the ZPGM and SPGM catalysts including the spinel structures.
US09951705B2	Control unit and program for same The first memory of a control unit has a control program stored therein, and an update of the control program is performed at a predetermined timing. After the update of the control program, the second memory in the control unit is referred to, and an event code stored in the second memory is extracted if the event code does not correspond to any one of event code group respectively associated with events that can possibly be generated by the updated control program. Due to the decreased necessity for use as reference data, the extracted event code may be considered as un-necessary and may be deleted, for example, from the memory.
US09951702B2	Internal combustion engine having dedicated cylinder(s) for generation of both EGR and exhaust aftertreatment reformate for three-way catalyst An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for an internal combustion engine having dedicated EGR and operating at a net stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. In such engines, one or more cylinders is operable as a dedicated EGR cylinder, such that all of the exhaust produced by the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) may be directed back to the intake manifold. Because the engine's exhaust is net stoichiometric, its exhaust aftertreatment system has a three-way catalyst. An EGR loop is configured to recirculate EGR from the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) to the engine's intake manifold. A diversion line, modulated with a valve, connects the EGR loop to the exhaust aftertreatment system, thereby allowing adjustment of the relative amounts of EGR to be recirculated and to be provided to the exhaust system.
US09951694B2	System and method for emergency starting of an aircraft turbomachine An emergency start system for a turbine engine of an aircraft including at least one solid propellant gas generator, an electrically controlled ignition device, a computer connected to the ignition device, and at least one starter motor comprising a turbine for driving a shaft which is for coupling to a shaft of the turbine engine The outlet of the gases from the generator are connected to the inlet of the turbine of the starter motor.
US09951693B2	Fuel supply system for a gas turbine combustor A fuel supply system for a gas turbine combustor includes a fuel distribution manifold. A first fuel circuit extends from the fuel distribution manifold in a first circumferential direction around an outer surface of the outer casing and provides for fluid communication from the fuel distribution manifold, through the outer casing and to at least one fuel injector disposed within the outer casing. A second fuel circuit extends from the fuel distribution manifold in a second circumferential direction around the outer surface of the outer casing. The second fuel circuit provides for fluid communication from the fuel distribution manifold, through the outer casing and to at least one fuel injector within the outer casing. In particular configurations, the fuel supply system includes a shield that surrounds at least a portion of the outer casing and at least partially encases the first fuel circuit and the second fuel circuit.
US09951682B2	Compressor and motor vehicle A compressor for an internal combustion engine is provided. The compressor includes a compressor shaft having compressor blades attached thereto, positioned in an intake air duct, and rotating about an axis during compressor operation and a magnetic bearing positioned upstream of the compressor blades in the intake air duct, including a ring positioned around the compressor shaft, stator electrics arranged in the ring, and at least two magnets arranged on the compressor shaft configured to exert a magnetic force on the stator electrics to form an air gap between the ring and the compressor shaft.
US09951680B2	Turbocharger system having an air-cooled solenoid valve A turbocharger system is provided. The turbocharger system includes a turbine positioned downstream of a combustion chamber and a turbine bypass conduit in fluidic communication with a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet. The turbocharger system further includes a wastegate positioned in the turbine bypass conduit, a wastegate actuator coupled to the wastegate adjusting a position of the wastegate, and an air-cooled solenoid valve coupled to wastegate actuator adjusting a position of the wastegate actuator, the air-cooled solenoid valve receiving cooling airflow from an intake conduit positioned upstream of a compressor mechanically coupled to the turbine.
US09951672B2	Method and system for exhaust particulate matter sensing Methods and systems are provided for sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include accumulating incoming particulate matter by applying a higher bias to a first trap of the particulate matter sensor, and further charging the particulate matter and forming highly charged dendrites. The method further includes capturing the dendrites exiting the first trap by applying a lower bias to a second trap also housed within the same particulate matter sensor, thereby reducing the effects of exhaust flow rate on the particulate matter sensor and further increasing the sensitivity of the particulate matter sensor.
US09951671B2	Heat transfer device, temperature controller, internal combustion engine, exhaust system thereof, and melting furnace A heat transfer device that includes a thermionic power generator, a wiring, a load circuit, and a switch circuit. The thermionic power generator includes an emitter electrode and a collector electrode facing each other with an inter-electrode gap distance, and converts heat energy into electric energy by capturing, with the collector electrode, a thermoelectron that is emitted from the emitter electrode. The wiring electrically connects the emitter electrode and the collector electrode. The load circuit is connected to an electric current path of by wiring between the emitter electrode and the collector electrode. The switch circuit switches between an ON state and an OFF state.
US09951670B2	Exhaust gas purification apparatus of internal combustion engine An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes an oxygen ion conductor which can conduct oxygen ions when a voltage is applied to the conductor and a NOx absorption/discharge device. The NOx absorption/discharge device is formed by a first electrode provided on a first surface of the oxygen ion conductor and a second electrode including silver and provided on a second surface of the oxygen ion conductor opposite to the first surface across the oxygen ion conductor. The apparatus applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes such that oxygen ions move through the oxygen ion conductor from the first electrode toward the second electrode when satisfied is a purification condition that nitrogen oxide discharged from the NOx absorption/discharge device can be purified in the exhaust passage.
US09951668B2	Crankcase filter assembly A filter assembly that includes a separator for separating gas from a fluid. The assembly includes; a base with surrounding walls that define a fluid reservoir; a baffle that overlies at least a portion of the reservoir; a filter element that is beneath the baffle and in the reservoir; and, a cover that is removably fastened to the base and includes a fluid inlet that terminates in a conical base with an unrestricted opening and the baffle includes a fluid impact cone.
US09951665B2	Cover mounting unit A cover assembly unit includes a thin-walled cover pan with a sealing flange, at least two screw holes in the sealing flange, at least one fixing opening, a fastening screw captively arranged in each screw hole; and a carrier frame gasket with a carrier, a gasket, which bears against the sealing flange, a screw passage for each screw hole, a fixing element for each fixing opening, and a centering body for the fastening screw in each screw passage.
US09951644B2	Gas turbine and operating method thereof Provided is a gas turbine capable of achieving high-speed startup of the gas turbine through quick operation control of an ACC system during startup of the gas turbine, improving the cooling efficiency of turbine stationary components, and quickly carrying out an operation required for cat back prevention during shutdown of the gas turbine. Included are a pressurizing device (40) connected to a branching channel (42) branching from the discharge side of a compressor (11) and capable of carrying out an operation for introducing and pressurizing air independently from the compressor (11); a temperature-control-medium supply channel (43) that guides compressed air pressurized at the pressuring device (40) to a turbine-cooling-medium channel (50) provided in stationary components of a turbine (13); and a temperature-control-medium return channel (44) that guides the compressed air that has passed through the turbine-cooling-medium channel (50) to the discharge side of the compressor (11) such that the flows are combined, and the pressurizing device (40) is operated at startup of the gas turbine and in preparation immediately before startup to carry out temperature-raising and cooling by letting the compressed air flow in the turbine-cooling-medium channel (50). The pressurizing device (40) is operated during shutdown of the gas turbine to exhaust the high-temperature gas remaining in the turbine (13).
US09951638B2	Shaped rim cavity wing surface A shaped rim cavity wing includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface has a geometric shape to control the separation of airflow as it passes around the lower surface to the top surface. A point of maximum extent defines the boundary between the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein the point of maximum extent defines a corner that that separates airflow from the shaped rim cavity rim and creates a flow re-circulation adjacent to the top surface of the shaped rim cavity wing.
US09951637B2	Seal for a rotary machine A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a machine stator, a labyrinth seal disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator, a dry gas seal disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator, the dry gas seal being disposed downstream of the labyrinth seal, the labyrinth seal including a labyrinth seal rotor, and, a labyrinth seal stator, the labyrinth seal stator having a cavity containing a heat transfer medium configured to transfer heat between the labyrinth seal stator and a zone adjacent the labyrinth seal stator to cool or heat a pressurized process fluid before the process fluid bears against the dry gas seal.
US09951632B2	Hybrid bonded turbine rotors and methods for manufacturing the same Hybrid bonded turbine rotors and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. A method for manufacturing a hybrid bonded turbine rotor comprises the steps of providing turbine disk having a rim portion comprising a live rim of circumferentially continuous material and a plurality of live rim notches in an outer periphery of the turbine disk alternating with a plurality of raised blade attachment surfaces defining the outer periphery; providing a plurality of turbine blades, each of which comprising an airfoil portion and a shank portion, the shank portion having a base surface; metallurgically bonding a compliant alloy material layer to either or both of the raised blade attachments surfaces of the turbine disk and the base surfaces of the blade shanks; and linear friction welding the plurality of blades to the turbine disk so as to form a bond plane between the raised blade attachments surfaces of the turbine disk and the base surfaces of the blade shanks, the compliant alloy material layer being disposed at the bond plane.
US09951629B2	Tip leakage flow directionality control An airfoil according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a suction sidewall and a pressure sidewall, each sidewall extending spanwise from an airfoil base and extending chordwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge. A tip wall extends chordwise from the leading edge to the trailing edge and joining respective outer spanwise ends of the suction and pressure sidewalls. A tip leakage control channel is recessed into the tip wall, the tip leakage control channel including a control channel floor that extends between a first control channel vane sidewall and a second control channel vane sidewall established by a corresponding tip leakage control vane. An internal cooling cavity is disposed between the suction sidewall and the pressure sidewall and a channel cooling aperture feeds airflow from the internal cooling cavity to the tip leakage control channel.
US09951622B2	System for painting a splayed end of a hollow shaft on a rotary paint bench A system paints the external and internal faces of a splayed end of a hollow shaft, with a rotary paint bench. This splayed end includes an end support face and an opposite support face. The system includes a fixing ring applied against the end support face and a counter-ring applied against the opposite support face as well as a fixing device, an end hub fixed to the fixing ring in line with the splayed end, and including a running belt suitable for resting on two rollers of the bench, a hollow external hub including two half-hubs delimiting a running belt suitable for resting on two rollers of the bench, and fixed to the counter-ring while surrounding the splayed end.
US09951620B1	Working fluid turbo A working fluid turbo comprising an enclosed housing; an intake port; an exhaust port; at least two sets of a plurality of disks within the housing; and a shaft connected to at least one set of the at least two sets of plurality of disks. The at least two sets of a plurality of disks has a first set of disks aligned with the intake port and a second set of disks aligned with the exhaust port. The shaft connects to at least one set of the at least two sets of disks. The first set of disks and the second set of disks each include an end plate with X-shaped walls that forms an X-shaped disk shaft, whereby the X-shaped disk shaft allows the working fluid to move between solid disks and holed disks.
US09951619B2	Actuator of a rotary positive displacement machine Disclosed are rotary positive displacement machines capable of acting as an engine and as a pump, serving to improve the profile of working members of helical rotary engines, compressors and pumps. An actuator is comprised of a pair of rotors having engaged helical teeth. The rotors are disposed in chambers which encircle both. The working areas of the profiles of the teeth in an engaged pair are delineated in cross-section by portions of a cycloidal curve for one rotor and by arcs of circumferences which are eccentrically offset from the axis of the second rotor. Such a profile of teeth produces an eccentrically cycloidal engagement capable to work efficiently at very high rotor rotation speeds. The presence of power contact and low sensitivity to gearwheel skews allow for working with nonhomogeneous media, including those containing solid inclusions.
US09951610B2	Reliable downhole data transmission system A downhole signal transmission system provides electric radiofrequency signals that are coupled to electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids through electrical insulators. A plurality of signal repeaters are tuned to the frequencies of the radiofrequency signals, and a plurality of transmission lines terminated by resonance circuits are also provided such that the terminating resonance circuits resonate on the frequencies of the electric radiofrequency signals. The plurality of signal repeaters and plurality of transmission elements are arranged to be redundant such that a failure of one or more of the signal repeaters or a failure of one or more of the transmission elements does not substantially affect the operation of the data transmission system. The signal repeaters and transmission elements also are arranged such that a failure of any of the signal repeaters or a failure of any of the transmission elements is communicated to the surface.
US09951609B2	Data communications system A three phase power system provided with a data communications system and associated method of data transmission for transmitting data over a three phase power system between a surface and a sub-surface location for an arrangement such as an oil field electrical submersible pump, the data communications system comprising a cabled connection from a surface system to a sub-surface system; a power module coupled to the cabled connection via a tuned circuit tuned to a first frequency, a data signal module coupled to the cabled connection via a tuned circuit tuned to a second frequency, independently of the coupled power module so as to minimize interference between the power signal module and data signal module during operation.
US09951606B2	Directional drilling using mechanical waves detectors A method and apparatus for directional drilling using mechanical wave detectors and a drill string having a drill bit at a drill bit end of the drill string. During an underground drilling operation in an underground formation, a mechanical wave signal is transmitted using a mechanical wave transmitter carried at the drill bit end of the drill string. The mechanical wave signal is received by an array of mechanical wave receivers at a ground surface above the underground formation. The received mechanical wave signals are processed to determine at least the location of the drill bit in the underground formation. The position and direction of travel data is communicated to a drilling control unit.
US09951600B2	Managed pressure cementing A method of cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: deploying the tubular string into the wellbore; pumping cement slurry into the tubular string; launching a cementing plug after pumping the cement slurry; propelling the cementing plug through the tubular string, thereby pumping the cement slurry through the tubular string and into an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore; and controlling flow of fluid displaced from the wellbore by the cement slurry to control pressure of the annulus.
US09951595B2	Pressure swing solvent assisted well stimulation A method of initiating or accelerating the establishment of fluid communication between injection and production wells located in a formation, including injecting sufficient solvent into the wellbores of the wells such that the solvent occupies more than the horizontal sections of the wells; pressurizing the solvent column in the injection wellbore and optionally also the solvent column in the production wellbore by injecting gas such that the pressures at the toe and heel of the horizontal section of the injection well and optionally the production well are greater than a fracture pressure of the formation; maintaining the pressure in the injection wellbore and optionally also the production wellbore; depressurizing the injection wellbore and optionally the production wellbore, either simultaneously or consecutively in the case where both wellbores have been pressurized; and repeating the pressurization and depressurization steps for at least one more cycle to generate pressure swings.
US09951594B2	Method of utilizing carbon monoxide to increase oil recovery A method of utilizing carbon monoxide to increase oil recovery includes methods of injecting an effective amount of carbon monoxide into an oil reservoir. The carbon monoxide increases oil flow from the oil reservoir through a variety of chemical mechanisms.
US09951590B2	Plunger assembly with dampening system The present application includes and assembly having a rigid hollowed body and an internal dart configured to traverse the length of a well bore and remove contaminants. The body having a central channel for accepting the dart. The dart includes a central passage and an exit port to selectively permit the passage of working fluid around and through the dart. The dart is configured to transition between an extended position and a seated position. The body includes one or more restricted diameter sections to create a dampener effect to minimize and distribute the impact forces upon the assembly. The assembly optionally includes one or more external wear pads, and an expandable seal coupled to the body configured to expand in diameter from the increase in pressure in the well bore. The expandable seal contacts the walls as the assembly rises in the well.
US09951578B2	Radially expandable ratchet locking borehole barrier assembly A borehole barrier comprises a scroll where the overlapping parts have a ratchet for radial expansion against a surrounding tubular with the ratchet controlling springing back. The outer surface can have carbide or other hard particles to penetrate the surrounding tubular for fixation. The end of the scroll forms a tapered ball seat. Expansion into place can be with a tool, or by releasing potential energy in the scroll or by using a shape memory alloy that enlarges at above its critical temperature. The scrolls can be removed by milling or allowed to dissolve or disintegrate with exposure to well fluids. The scroll design is quickly deployed and removed and is far more economical than known plugs that have the traditional seal and slip design. The balls can be milled out with their associated scrolls or flowed to the surface with produced fluids.
US09951576B2	Lockdown for high pressure wellhead A lockdown tool for locking down a high pressure wellhead with a conductor wellhead housing includes a housing that includes a conductor wellhead housing facing surface designed to come in contact with a conductor wellhead housing positioned at or near a seafloor. The housing further includes a lockdown mechanism facing surface designed to come in contact with a lockdown mechanism that is between the conductor wellhead housing and a high pressure wellhead seated in the conductor wellhead housing. The housing also includes a wellhead facing surface having a profile that matches a profile of the high pressure wellhead formed on an outer surface of the high pressure wellhead. The lockdown tool further includes a piston positioned in a cavity of the housing and a hydraulic pressure port extending through a wall of the housing for applying hydraulic pressure by an external hydraulic pressure source into the cavity of the housing.
US09951573B2	Whipstock and deflector assembly for multilateral wellbores A method includes conveying a whipstock and a latch anchor into a parent wellbore, the latch anchor being attached to the whipstock at a releasable connection and the parent wellbore being lined with casing that includes a latch coupling. The latch anchor is secured to the latch coupling and the whipstock is then separated from the latch anchor at the releasable connection and thereby exposing a portion of the releasable connection. The whipstock is then removed from the parent wellbore and a completion deflector is subsequently conveyed into the parent wellbore in combination with lateral tubing (with or without a multilateral junction positioned thereabove), and the completion deflector is attached to the latch coupling at the releasable connection. The lateral tubing (with or without multilateral junction positioned thereabove) is then installed to correct depth.
US09951572B2	X-Y-Z pipe racker for a drilling rig Apparatus and methods include an x-direction support structure extending in the same direction as a line extending between a well center and a V-door on a drilling rig and include a y-direction support structure moveable along the x-direction support structure. The y-direction support structure extends on a drilling rig in a direction transverse to the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig. A racker device is carried by the y-direction support structure and is configured to connect to and carry a tubular stand used in a well drilling process, the racker device being moveable along the y-direction support structure from a position inline with the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig to a position offline from the line to provide space for additional drilling processes along the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig.
US09951564B1	Rotational drill bits and drilling apparatuses including the same A subterranean support-bolt drilling assembly has a drill bit rotatable about a central axis and including at least one cutting edge. The drilling assembly also includes a spacer coupled to a rearward end of the drill bit. A reamer member is coupled to a rearward end of the spacer, the reamer member having at least one cutting element, the at least one cutting element having a cutting edge that extends radially beyond an outer peripheral portion of the drill bit relative to the central axis. A subterranean support-bolt drill bit includes a bit body and at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The support-bolt drill bit has a central pilot extending from the bit body in an axially forward direction. The cutting edge of the at least one cutting element extends radially beyond the central pilot relative to a central axis of the drill bit.
US09951560B2	Axial motion drill bit model A method for predicting an amount of axial motion of a drill bit having one or more cutters for drilling formation rock includes: receiving lithology data for the formation rock; receiving drilling parameters; calculating confined compressive strength (CCS) of the rock using the received information; calculating an area of cut into the formation rock by each of the one or more cutters; calculating an effective back rake of each of the one or more cutters; calculating a force applied to each of the one or more cutters using the CCS, the area of cut and the effective back rake of the one or more cutters, and by accounting for an orientation of each cutter with respect to a surface of the rock to be cut; and summing the calculated forces applied to each of the one or more cutters to calculate the weight on bit and torque on bit.
US09951556B2	Motorized roller tube system having dual-mode operation A motorized system for reeling and unreeling a flexible member on a roller tube between fully open wound and fully closed unwound conditions to minimize sound pressure level has a rotatable roller tube and a flexible member that winds on the tube. A d-c motor drives the tube through a gear reduction. The motor has a motor speed versus torque characteristic extending linearly from high maximum RPM, low minimum torque, to low minimum RPM high maximum torque with peak efficiency at a given RPM. The motor moves the member between the two positions at a motor speed less than the given peak efficiency RPM and less than 50% of high maximum RPM with efficiency less than 25% of peak efficiency, intentionally at a high torque and low efficiency. The motor has two or more modes each moving the member at predetermined different linear speed.
US09951555B2	Device for mounting a shaft of a screen on a surface The present invention relates to a device for mounting a shaft of a screen, such as a window covering, on a surface such as a wall, window frame or a ceiling, wherein the device comprises a mounting bracket and a shaft holder, wherein the mounting bracket is configured for mounting on the surface and the shaft holder is attachable to the mounting bracket, wherein the shaft holder is provided with coupling means for coupling the shaft and the shaft holder in releasably attachable manner to the mounting bracket.
US09951546B1	Redundant boltwork lock A safe locking system that provides a means to operate one of two (or more) safe locks of any type to facilitate safe opening of a door. The safe door can be opened by operating either of two locks, regardless of the type or style; e.g., e-locks and mechanical locks. A sliding bar assembly is mounted to the rear face of the safe door for displacing the boltwork into and out of the door frame. Extension of the lock bolts of both locks prevents movement of a main locking bar and attached boltwork, which prevents a user from opening the door. Retraction of either of the lock bolts permits sliding movement of the main locking bar, such that a user can unlock the door from the frame.
US09951544B2	Cylinder lock A cylinder lock 1 for use with a lock assembly 10. More specifically the cylinder lock is of the kind including a cam 5 rotatable from one side by a hand turn means 4, and an opposed side by a key controlled barrel 3. The configuration of the first side of the cam 5 so as to inhibit the interaction with the barrel 3 provides a useful result.
US09951541B1	Modular umbrella shading system A modular umbrella shading system includes a base module, a core module assembly and a first extension assembly, the first extension assembly connecting the base unit to the core umbrella assembly. A modular umbrella shading system further includes an arm expansion sensor module and a second extension assembly, the second extension assembly detachably connecting the core umbrella assembly to the arm expansion sensor module.
US09951535B2	System and process for mixing and delivering building materials There is disclosed a system for depositing building materials comprising a motor vehicle, a container comprising a material depositing system and at least one device for removing the container from the motor vehicle. The device can comprise one or more outriggers which are adapted to remove the container from the motor vehicle and which can be used to deposit the container on a job site. In addition there is a system which includes a hydraulically controlled crane and silo doors for allowing material to be automatically added to containers for mixing building materials.
US09951532B2	Installation adjustment device for an auto-return arrangement In an installation adjustment device for an auto-return arrangement which comprises a support rod with a front stop surface and an adjustable slide which is slideably supported on the support rod so as to be stepwise position-adjustable, the slide is provided with an adjustment surface which extends parallel to the stop surface and the normal vectors pointing to the stop surface and the adjustment surface have the same direction, whereby the adjustment of an auto-return arrangement is facilitated.
US09951531B2	System and method for an adjustable channel for an air conditioning line set A system is presented for covering a plurality of line sets with respective sizes. The system includes a first portion defining a plurality of slots formed along a sidewall of the first portion. The system also includes a second portion including a latch to extend from a sidewall of the second portion. The latch selectively engages one of the plurality of slots to secure the first and second portions with an opening therebetween of an adjustable size. The slot engaged by the latch is selected such the adjustable size of the opening corresponds to the respective size of the line set of the plurality of line sets to be covered by the system. A method is also presented for covering the plurality of line sets with respective sizes.
US09951530B2	Method for producing laminate floorboards having edges following the natural curvature of the wooden material The present invention relates to a method for producing laminate floorboards having edges following the natural curvature of veneer planks cut from timber planks with natural curvature. With the method laminate floorboards are obtained, each floorboard comprising a veneer plank glued onto a substrate, the contour of the substrate and the veneer corresponding with each other.
US09951528B2	Deck pedestal A method of fabricating a plate for a support pedestal used to support a building surface component above a fixed surface includes forming one or more ribs into a sheet of material adjacent a periphery of the sheet so that the rib extends substantially continuously about a central axis of the sheet that is perpendicular to first and second opposite surfaces of the sheet and creating a series of spacer tabs out of the sheet between the central axis and the rib that are configured to space adjacent building surface components placed over the sheet.
US09951521B2	Self-confining ceramic articles using advanced material reinforcements and method of manufacture A self-confining structural article includes a ceramic matrix with a reinforcement member disposed within the ceramic matrix. The reinforcement member is continuous, and has a mesh with holes not exceeding 4 mm in size.
US09951517B2	Wall attachment clip, wall panel system, and system and method for supporting wall panels A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier.
US09951515B2	Expansion joint seal with surface load transfer and intumescent An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.
US09951513B2	Method for erecting a structure made of prefabricated concrete elements and associated structure The invention relates to a method for erecting a structure 0 comprising at least two prefabricated concrete elements 1, 2, the method comprising: installing a first concrete element 1; placing a second concrete element 2 with at least one spacer 4 maintaining a gap between respective end faces 104, 203 of the first element and second element; tensioning at least one bar 105, 3 held on the first and second elements and passing through the gap maintained by the spacer, and introducing a hardenable interface product 5 into said gap. The method thus makes it possible to move off the critical path relating to the erection the need to wait, between two assembly operations, for the joints between the assembled pieces to have hardened. Incidentally, a significant reduction in the time taken for erecting such a structure is obtained.
US09951511B2	Shear tie system for vented roof ridge A roof system which includes a shear tie for the ridge beam is provided. This system is for use in connection with tile roofing systems in which a ridge vent for ventilation is also provided, but can be used with other roof systems. Sheathing is located on the rafters and a gap or slot is provided between the top edge of the sheathing and the ridge beam that extends along a majority of the ridge beam in order to provide an air flow path for building ventilation. A shear tie strap is connected to the ridge beam and to the sheathing on either side of the ridge beam. A shear tie strap is also provided.
US09951493B2	Precast integral post and retaining wall and method for installing same A prefabricated retaining wall structure and method of installing. The structure has a precast concrete face panel and an elongated support column permanently joined to the face panel. The face panel has a top and bottom, opposing end edges and first and second sides with a thickness therebetween. The elongated support column is secured to the face panel between the opposing end edges. The column has first and second ends and an elongated body therebetween and extends along a portion of the first side of the face panel.
US09951489B2	Pet waste collector A waste collector includes a bag body and a waste collecting apparatus. The bag body, which is made of flexible material, has a top opening and a waste collecting cavity. The waste collecting apparatus includes two elongated scraper arms spacedly affixed at the bag body to partition the bag body into a first bag portion and a second bag portion. When the bag body is reversibly flipped inside out from the top opening to form a temporary waste cavity within the first bag portion of the bag body, the scraper arms are moved toward each other for enclosing the temporary waste cavity within the first bag portion of the bag body and for scraping a waste within the temporary waste cavity. Therefore, the bag body is flipped back for automatically retaining the waste in the waste collecting cavity from the temporary waste cavity.
US09951487B1	Elevation mechanism for an articulated platform for streets A selectively activated speed bump is placed on streets to slow down vehicles. The cover has a central part and lateral parts on both sides of the central part. An elevation movement mechanism for the cover is installed in a rectangular pit formed by a box. A shaft has a terminal end joined to pillow blocks inside the box and a plurality of cams, being flexible offset discs, along a length of the shaft. The cams turn to raise the cover to a higher level than the ground and continue to turn in order to return the cover to the same height of the ground. The speed bump slows vehicles on streets and on avenues.
US09951486B2	Durable debris and alkaline resistant preformed thermoplastic runway pavement marking compositions Disclosed are PP/PE copolymer backbone based pre-manufactured thermoplastic airport signage compositions primarily applied in relatively large sections onto airport runways, taxiways, and additional paved surfaces. The composition provides alkali resistant formulations comprising at least 6 weight percent PE/PP, 20 weight percent binder resin with between 5 and 15 weight percent of a tackifier resin, between 2 and 12 weight percent titanium dioxide with an optional organic dye, wherein the intermix is at least 30 weight percent of the composition and wherein the intermix is an inorganic filler that greatly reduce or eliminate debris resistance when compared to other polymer backbone compositions.
US09951485B2	Cart for building a bridge board forward progressive Cart for building a bridge board forward progressive which incorporates a system for positioning reinforcement pieces, which have displacement tracks on the upper working surface and runners on which the reinforcement pieces are situated and which are displaced on the displacement tracks, where by means of the system for positioning reinforcement pieces it situates the reinforcement pieces in a position of the upper working surface for a subsequent concreting of a section of the board of the bridge, with the cart being fixed in the position thereof.
US09951481B2	Concrete dowel system A dowel placement system including a fastener configured to be engageable with a form, and a radially compressible bushing coupled to the fastener and defining an adjustable outer diameter. The system further includes an elongate dowel sleeve having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an axial opening having an inner diameter and extending into the dowel sleeve from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The bushing is insertable within the axial opening of the dowel sleeve, and the bushing and dowel sleeve are configured such that insertion of the bushing within the dowel sleeve causes the outer diameter of the bushing to compress and conform to the inner diameter of the dowel sleeve and to create a friction force between the bushing and the dowel sleeve to mitigate movement of the dowel sleeve relative to the bushing during formation of the concrete structure.
US09951475B2	Wet end chemicals for dry end strength in paper The disclosure provides methods and compositions for increasing the dry strength of paper. The invention utilizes a tailored strength agent whose size and shape is tailored to fit into the junction points between flocs of a paper sheet. The strength agents is in contact with the slurry for just enough time to collect at the junction points but not so much that it can migrate away from there.
US09951472B2	Methods and apparatuses for controlling a manufacturing line used to convert a paper web into paper products by reading marks on the paper web A converting line for producing a paper product. The converting line includes a paper web being unwound from a parent roll. The paper web has a plurality of sections with at least one mark having a paper rating assigned to each of the plurality of sections. The converting line also includes a mark reading unit that reads at least one of the plurality of marks on the paper web and produces a corresponding output. The converting line includes a controller that receives the output from the mark reading unit, and is configured: (i) to obtain the paper rating associated with the at least one mark read by the reading unit, and (ii) to change at least one operational parameter of the converting line based upon the paper rating. The converting line also includes a finisher. The paper web is fed to the finisher and converted into a paper product.
US09951467B2	Bacteriostatically treating method The present invention provides a method for imparting bacteriostatic effect to a textile product by immersing the textile product for 20 minutes or more in an aqueous solution containing a cationic polypeptide at a concentration of 250 ppm or more, which solution has a temperature of 25° C. or more. By bacteriostatically treating a textile product in accordance with such method, the bacteriostatic effect is not reduced and thus retained even after the textile product is washed for a plurality of times.
US09951459B2	Systems and methods for monitoring sanitation agents in a laundry system A system for monitoring sanitation agents in a laundry machine comprises a plurality of channels. Each channel has an input port, an output port, and a glass tube. Each input port and output port is adapted to be fluidly coupled to the laundry machine. The system includes a monitoring unit associated with each of the glass tubes. Each monitoring unit includes a bubble detector and a flow rate measurement unit. A beeper is configured to generate an indication of an alarm condition based on a determination made by any one of the monitoring units. The system has a display screen, a memory storing computer-readable instructions, and a controller communicatively coupled to each of the monitoring units. The controller is configured to execute the instructions to wirelessly communicate to a web page a volume of a sanitation agent that has passed through each of the glass tubes.
US09951447B2	Jacket for a lengthy body A jacket for a load-bearing, lengthy body, wherein the jacket is comprised of a plurality of braid elements which, when braided, enclose at least a portion of the lengthy body, and wherein the braid element is comprised of a braided ribbon. A method of forming the jacket is also described.
US09951435B2	Coating packaged chamber parts for semiconductor plasma apparatus An advanced coating for parts used in plasma processing chamber. The advanced coating is formed over an anodized surface that has not been sealed. After the coating is formed, the coated area is masked, and the remaining anodized surface is sealed. The porous and rough structure of the anodized but un-sealed aluminum enhances adhesion of the coating. However, to prevent particle generation, the exposed anodized surface is sealed after formation of the coating. The coating can be of yttria, formed by plasma enhanced atomic deposition techniques which results in a dense and smooth coating.
US09951428B2	Anti-corrosion formulations that are stable during storage The present invention relates to formulations for inhibiting the corrosion of the metals used in the oil industry, and more generally in all types of industries for drilling for fossil compounds or ores, such as gas or oil. The corrosion-inhibiting formulations are stable during storage, and have improved properties due to the presence of at least one compound having at least one triazine unit. The invention also relates to the use of at least one compound comprising at least one triazine unit in a corrosion-inhibiting formulation, as well as to the use of said corrosion-inhibiting formulation in the oil, gas and mining industry.
US09951427B2	Coating arrangement A coating arrangement has the following characteristics: —particles having a scratch hardness greater than or equal to 9 and a median grain size that can be determined, —a coating having a thickness equaling approximately half the median grain size, —a coating carrier with a surface comprising recesses, wherein a portion greater than 85% of the recesses compared to a surface surrounding the associated recess is designed with a depth smaller than approximately 10% and/or a opening width smaller than or equal to approximately 15% of the coating thickness, and —the coating is applied to the surface of the coating carrier and surrounds the particles at least at a lower region oriented toward the coating carrier.
US09951416B2	Vacuum coating apparatus A vacuum coating apparatus includes at least a chamber, an arc discharge plasma source, a feeding-reeling unit, and a roller set. The first and second openings are connecting with the feeding or reeling unit so as to allow the substrate to enter and leave the chamber therethrough, respectively. The arc discharge plasma source located inside the chamber generates the plasma, which discharges radially from the arc discharge plasma source as its center. The roller set includes a plurality of the first rollers, which are located in the chamber and enclosing the arc discharge plasma source. A first surface of the substrate is facing the plurality of the first rollers and contacts tightly on the periphery of the first rollers so that the first rollers can rotate by the moving of the substrate. The material evaporated and emitted by the plasma is attached onto the first surface of the substrate.
US09951410B2	Infrared surface light source generating device and method of manufacturing same An infrared surface light source generating device includes a substrate layer and a carbon material layer formed on a surface of the substrate layer and having a sheet resistance value ranged between 0.01 and 1000Ω/□. The carbon material layer is able to emit far infrared rays when it is heated by an amount of external low-power energy to a temperature above 36° C. A method of manufacturing the above infrared surface light source generating device is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (A) providing a substrate layer and (B) forming a carbon material layer that is located on a surface of the substrate layer and has a sheet resistance value ranged between 0.01 and 1000Ω/□. Since the method involves only a simplified manufacturing process, the infrared surface light source generating device can be manufactured at reduced cost.
US09951409B2	Modified surface properties of percussion tools used in downhole drilling A system and method of fabricating a percussion tool that includes one or more surfaces modified using the ferritic nitrocarburization process. The percussion tool includes a piston positioned in sliding contact within a casing. The piston includes an inner wall and an outer wall, where the inner wall defines a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The outer wall is positioned in close fitting relationship with an internal surface of the casing. One or more surfaces of at least one of the casing's internal surface and/or the piston's outer wall are modified using the ferritic nitrocarburization process.
US09951408B2	Method and apparatus for load-locked printing The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.
US09951404B2	Methods for making high hardness, high toughness iron-base alloys One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to low-alloy steels exhibiting high hardness and an advantageous level of multi-hit ballistic resistance with minimal crack propagation imparting a level of ballistic performance suitable for military armor applications. Certain embodiments of the steels according to the present disclosure have hardness in excess of 550 HBN and demonstrate a high level of ballistic penetration resistance relative to conventional military specifications.
US09951401B2	Boron containing aluminum material and method for manufacturing the same This boron-containing aluminum material is obtained by carrying out the following: a mixed powder, obtained by mixing a boride powder containing first boride particles, second boride particles and particles of unavoidable impurities with an aluminum powder or aluminum alloy powder that forms a matrix, is filled into in a square aluminum pipe having a prescribed shape and then rolled by using pressure rolls the gap between which is adjusted.
US09951400B1	Wrought machinable brass alloy A wrought machinable low copper, silicon, zinc alloy having a copper content between about 66 weight percent and about 70 weight percent and wherein the silicon content is between about 1.3 weight percent and about 2.0 weight percent.
US09951394B2	Hide routing systems and methods Methods and systems for processing raw animal hides into leather are provided. In particular, one or more embodiments comprise a tanning manager that directs the routing of hides to a plurality of tanning drums. This allows the tanning manager to efficiently use the capacity of the plurality of tanning drums and provides improved consistency in the tanning of the hides. Furthermore, one or more embodiments enable the tanning manager to route hides to tanning drums based on various factors, such as hide type, hide weight, and hide size. In addition, one or more embodiments provide the tanning manager with greater control over the processing of hides into leather by customizing the tanning recipes applied to each batch of hides.
US09951385B1	Methods and apparatus that increase sequencing-by-binding efficiency A method of nucleic acid detection including (a) contacting a primed template with a polymerase, nucleotide cognate of a first base type and nucleotide cognate of a second base type under ternary complex stabilizing conditions; (b) contacting the primed template nucleic acid with a polymerase, nucleotide cognate of the first base type and nucleotide cognate of a third base type under ternary complex stabilizing conditions; (c) examining products of (a) and (b) for signals produced by a ternary complex that includes the primed template nucleic acid, polymerase and next correct nucleotide, wherein signals for the product of (a) are ambiguous for the first and second base type, and signals for the product of (b) are ambiguous for the first and third base type; (d) disambiguating signals acquired in (c) to identify the next correct nucleotide.
US09951383B2	Methods of sequencing and identifying the position of a modified base in a nucleic acid Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Methods are provided that include linking forward and reverse strands of a double stranded segment to form circular template molecules, and obtaining sequence data from the circular template molecule to identify modified bases, for example including the use of bisulfite treatment. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.
US09951381B2	Apparatus for high throughput chemical reactions Apparatus, systems, chips, and methods of performing a large number of simultaneous chemical reactions are provided herein. The chips of the invention comprise addressable units that can be addressed according to the temperature of the reaction to be run. The subject apparatus, systems, and chips are particularly suited for performing polymerase chain reactions on thousands of nucleic acid sequences, up to and including sequences of an entire genome of an organism of interest.
US09951375B2	Biomolecule isolation and thermal processing Methods, devices and systems for handling sample liquids, encapsulating liquids and magnetic particles are disclosed.
US09951374B2	Enhanced throughput mineral coatings for optimization of stem cell behavior Disclosed are methods for cell transfection and regulating cellular behavior. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods of non-viral cell transfection and regulating cellular behavior using mineral coatings that allow for the enhanced transfection of cells. The mineral coatings bind polynucleotides and provide a source of calcium and phosphate ions to enhance transfection. The present disclosure also provides a high throughput platform for screening non-viral transfection of cells. The methods of the present disclosure also provide an advantageous polynucleotide delivery platform because the mineral coatings may be deposited on various medical device materials after being specifically developed using the high throughput screening platform.
US09951369B2	Device designed to receive a biological sample A device designed to receive a biological sample and methods of using the same are disclosed. The device includes a leak-proof container, a sampler, and a receptacle. The container includes an enclosure, a filler and a closing mechanism that hermetically closes the filler. The sampler is positioned inside the enclosure. The sampler samples biological and/or physiochemical information from a sample and analyzes the information. The receptacle includes a disinfecting agent that is released when the receptacle is opened. An analysis restrictor inhibits analysis by the sampler. A portion of the sampler and/or the analysis restrictor is designed to shift from a first position that prevents analysis of the sampler to a second position that allows analysis of the sampler. A receptacle opening is mechanically induced when shifting from the first position to the second position.
US09951368B2	Methods of DNA constructs for high yield production of polypeptides The invention provides an inclusion body fusion partner to increase peptide and polypeptide production in a cell.
US09951365B2	Recombinant bacterial host cell for protein expression The present disclosure relates to a recombinant gram-negative bacterial cell comprising: a.) a mutant spr gene encoding a spr protein having a mutation at one or more amino acids selected from D133, H145, H157, N31, R62, I70, Q73, C94, S95, V98, Q99, R100, L108, Y115, V135, L136, G140, R144 and G147 and b.) a gene capable of expressing or overexpressing one or more proteins capable of facilitating protein folding, such as FkpA, Skp, SurA, PPiA and PPiD, wherein the cell has reduced Tsp protein activity compared to a wild-type cell, methods employing the cells, use of the cells in the expression of proteins in particular antibodies, such as anti Fc Rn antibodies and proteins made by the methods described herein.
US09951364B2	Processes for producing fermentation products The present invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material, wherein an alpha-amylase and a thermostable endoglucanase is present and/or added during liquefaction. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in processes of the invention.
US09951355B2	Microorganisms for the production of methacrylic acid The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid. The method can include culturing a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid producing microbial organism expressing at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount and culturing under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or methacrylic acid.
US09951352B2	Poxvirus expression system There is provided a method for inserting a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a foreign peptide into a poxvirus genome, said method comprising: identifying in the poxvirus genome a poxvirus open reading frame wherein said open reading frame is characterized by an initial ATG start codon and wherein expression of said open reading frame is driven by an operably-linked poxvirus promoter located upstream of the open reading frame and wherein expression of said open reading frame provides a peptide that is non-essential to viability of the poxvirus; and inserting the nucleic acid sequence that encodes the foreign peptide at a position downstream of the poxvirus promoter; wherein following said insertion, (i) the nucleic acid that encodes the foreign peptide is operably-linked to the poxvirus promoter and expression of said nucleic acid is driven by said poxvirus promoter; and (ii) translation of the foreign peptide is initiated at an ATG start codon located at the same position as the ATG start codon of the poxvirus open reading frame. Also provided are a poxvirus vector and corresponding uses of the poxvirus vector in medicine.
US09951345B2	Host cells and methods for producing diacid compounds The present invention provides for a method of producing one or more fatty acid derived dicarboxylic acids in a genetically modified host cell which does not naturally produce the one or more derived fatty acid derived dicarboxylic acids. The invention provides for the biosynthesis of dicarboxylic acid ranging in length from C3 to C26. The host cell can be further modified to increase fatty acid production or export of the desired fatty acid derived compound, and/or decrease fatty acid storage or metabolism.
US09951344B2	Exogenous terminators for controlling fungal gene expression Provided herein are exogenous terminator sequences for use in fungi cell transcriptional termination.
US09951343B2	Process for recombinant protein expression augmentation in Bacillus expression system A process for efficient expression of a foreign gene in a Bacillus host was developed by varying the length and nucleotide sequence in the spacer region between ribosomal binding sequence (RBS) and initiation codon (ATG) of the gene. Bacillus thuringiensis cry2Ac gene was selected as a model gene because it requires an upstream open reading frame designated as orf2 for its efficient expression and crystallization in a Bacillus host.
US09951340B2	Compositions and methods for bacterial delivery of polypeptides The methods and compositions described herein relate to the delivery of polypeptides to a target cell, e.g. by utilizing engineered non-pathogenic bacteria comprising a type three secretion system (T3SS) and T3SS-compatible substrates. In one aspect, described herein are non-pathogenic microbial cells that have been engineered to express both a functional type three secretion system (T3SS) and at least one polypeptide that is compatible with the T3SS. Due to the wide variety of polypeptides that can be delivered to a target eukaryotic cell using the compositions and systems described herein, a commensurately wide variety of applications is contemplated, e.g. therapeutics and reprogramming.
US09951335B2	Compositions and methods for treating otitis media and other conditions with inhibitors of CYLD The present invention is based, in part, on our studies of molecular pathways that include the deubiquitinase CYLD. Accordingly, the present invention features, inter alia, nucleic acid constructs that express CYLD or a biologically active variant thereof (e.g., a variant including the catalytic domain), nucleic acids that inhibit the expression of a negative regulator of CYLD (e.g., PDE4B or LNK2), nucleic acids that modulate the expression of downstream CYLD targets (e.g., Akt, by inhibiting or promoting the expression of the downstream target), compositions including one or more of these types of constructs (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions), kits including one or more of the compositions described herein and instructions for use, screening methods to identify therapeutic agents {e.g., anti-inflammatory agents) that upregulate CYLD, downregulate a negative regulatory of CYLD, or modulate (e.g., inhibit) a downstream CYLD target (e.g., Akt), and various methods of treatment including the administration of the nucleic acids described above, protein biotherapeutics, and/or small molecules, alone or in combination, to address cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis. The compositions described herein can be used in the preparation of a medicament (e.g., used in the preparation of a medicament to treat cancer, inflammation, fibrosis, or one or more of the more specific conditions described herein).
US09951319B2	Polypeptides having peroxygenase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09951303B2	Compositions for grafting fragrance substances This disclosure relates to composition for grafting fragrance substances, as well as related articles, consumer products, and methods.
US09951300B2	Laundry detergent Liquid laundry detergent compositions containing a microcapsule with a cationically charged coating and a fluorescent brightener with a distyrylbiphenyl unit, preferably Fluorescent Brightener-49, are provided. The compositions provide improved delivery efficiency of microcapsules and brightening of fabric while minimizing phase stability issues.
US09951294B2	Coated microcapsules Accordingly, there are provided coated microcapsules including: a microcapsule including a polymeric shell and a liquid core material encapsulated therein; and a metallic coating surrounding said microcapsule, wherein the metallic coating includes particles of a first metal adsorbed on said polymeric shell and a film of a second metal formed thereon; wherein the particles of the first metal are sterically-stabilized nanoparticles; processes for preparing the coated microcapsules, as well as formulations related thereto are also provided.
US09951288B2	Use of an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofuran to reduce fuel consumption The use of an alkoxylated polytetrahydrofurane of formula wherein m, m′, n, n′, p, p′ and k are integers in the range of ≥1, R1 denotes an unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl radical, R2 denotes —CH2—CH3, and R3 denotes a hydrogen atom or —CH3, as an additive in a fuel for reducing fuel consumption in the operation of an internal combustion engine with this fuel.
US09951283B2	Petroleum upgrading and desulfurizing process A petroleum feedstock upgrading method is provided. The method includes supplying a mixed stream that includes hydrocarbon feedstock and water to a hydrothermal reactor where the mixed stream is maintained at a temperature and pressure greater than the critical temperatures and pressure of water in the absence of catalyst for a residence time sufficient to convert the mixed stream into a modified stream having an increased concentration of lighter hydrocarbons and/or concentration of sulfur containing compounds. The modified stream is then supplied to an adsorptive reaction stage charged with a solid adsorbent operable to remove at least a portion of the sulfur present to produce a trimmed stream. The trimmed stream is then separated into a gas and a liquid streams, and the liquid stream is separated into a water stream and an upgraded hydrocarbon product stream.
US09951279B2	Gasifier with controlled biochar removal mechanism A biochar and electric power generator that receives carbonaceous material and outputs variable amounts of electrical energy and char, including a pyrolysis module, a reaction module, and a char removal mechanism arranged between the pyrolysis module and the reaction module, an engine module including an engine and an alternator, configured to convert gaseous fuel produced by the reaction module into electric power and to provide waste heat to the pyrolysis module, and a flare configured to burn tar gas and to provide waste heat to the pyrolysis module.
US09951263B2	Process for the recovery of heavy oil from an underground reservoir A process for the recovery of heavy oil from an underground reservoir, comprising: injecting an oil-in-water nanoemulsion into one or more injection wells; recovering said heavy oil from one or more production wells. Said process is particularly advantageous for enhancing the recovery of heavy oils from underground reservoirs within the range of technologies for tertiary recovery, usually known as “EOR” (Enhanced Oil Recovery”).
US09951261B2	Cement spacer system for wellbores, methods of making, and methods of use A cement spacer fluid for use in a wellbore includes an aqueous cement spacer carrier fluid and a preformed synthetic polymer swellable in the aqueous cement spacer carrier fluid in an amount effective to displace a drilling fluid during a cementing operation. Preferably, the polymer is particulate, and forms a hydrated pack of particles. A method of cementing a wellbore comprising a drilling fluid includes injecting the cement spacer fluid into the wellbore to displace the drilling fluid; injecting a cement slurry into the wellbore subsequent to injecting the cement spacer fluid; and hardening the cement in the slurry to cement the wellbore.
US09951257B2	Caulking adhesive An epoxy caulking adhesive, including: a component A and a component B. The component A at least includes the following components in parts by weight: between 50 and 100 parts of an epoxy resin, between 0 and 100 part(s) of an inorganic filler, between 0 and 20 part(s) of a thickener. The component B at least includes the following components in parts by weight: between 20 and 100 parts of an amine curing agent, between 0 and 150 part(s) of the inorganic filler, and between 0 and 25 part(s) of the thickener. The weight ratio of the component A to the component B is between 1:1 and 10:1. At least one of the inorganic filler and the thickener exists in both the component A and the component B.
US09951256B2	Storage-stable heat-activated tertiary amine catalysts for epoxy resins Epoxy adhesive compositions contain a heat-activatable catalyst. The heat-activatable catalyst includes a tertiary amine catalyst and a novolac resin that has a weight average molecular weight of at least 3000. One-component epoxy adhesive formulations that contain the heat-activatable catalyst have unexpectedly good storage stability.
US09951251B2	Lightweight particles and compositions containing them Particles that have an exterior surface coated with a thin polymer coating, such as a coating that includes a sulfur-containing polymer can be used as lightweight fillers in compositions, such as fuel resistant sealant and coating compositions. The compositions can be used to seal apertures on aerospace vehicles.
US09951249B2	Aqueous coating agent and gas barrier film An aqueous coating agent of the invention comprising (A) an aqueous polyurethane resin containing a polyurethane resin having an acid group and a polyamine compound, (B) a water-soluble polymer, and (C) an inorganic layered mineral as main constituents, wherein solid formulation ratios of the aqueous polyurethane resin (A), the water-soluble polymer (B) and the inorganic layered mineral (C) occupied in a total solid content of the aqueous coating agent are within approximate ranges indicated below. Aqueous polyurethane resin (A): 5 to 60 mass % Water-soluble resin (B): 25 to 80 mass % Inorganic layered compound (C): 8 to 20 mass %
US09951238B2	Ink-jet ink, ink cartridge, ink-jet recording method An ink-jet ink of the invention is an ink-jet ink using a pigment and includes polymer particles containing an urethane polymer which includes at least repeating units derived from a polycarbonate diol, repeating units derived from an alicyclic isocyanate, and repeating units derived from an acid group-containing diol, which has an acid value of from 5 to 30 mgKOH/gm, and in which the number of urethane groups is 10 times or more the number of urea groups. The content of the polymer particles is from 0.5 to 3 times the content of the pigment.
US09951233B2	Environmentally friendly coalescing agents A composition may include a binder; a coalescing agent with the general formula of wherein Z is C1-C10, wherein X is —H and Y is ═O or X is ═O and Y is —H or —CH3, and wherein R1 and R2 are independently selectable and comprise a C1-C12 or derivative thereof; and a solvent. The composition may be used in products like a paint, a coating, an adhesive, an ink, a toner, a sealant, a stain, a glaze, a carpet backing, and a primer.
US09951232B2	IR absorbing coatings comprising fluorinated nanoparticles The present disclosure relates to solution processed nanomaterials, and methods for their manufacture, with activity in the infrared (IR) region for a variety of commercial and defense applications, including conformal large-area IR coatings, devices and pigments that necessitate an absorption band edge in the MWIR or LWIR.
US09951225B2	Rhodamine derivatives dyes and uses thereof This invention is directed to photoluminescent compounds based on rhodamine dyes with green emission and uses thereof for photoluminescence based devices.
US09951218B2	Plant derivatives as extender oils and biofillers in elastomeric compositions The invention relates to elastomeric compositions containing plant derivatives as biofillers and vegetable oil derivatives acting as extender oils. In particular, one object of the invention are elastomeric compositions comprising at least one elastomer, at least one vegetable oil derivative, at least one biofiller of plant origin and at least one coupling agent.
US09951215B2	Injectable composite material reinforced by natural fibers The invention relates to an injectable composite material comprising: (a) 28 to 95% by weight of a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer; (b) 0 to 10% by weight of a flow enhancer; (c) 1 to 20% by weight of an impact modifier; (d) 1 to 20% by weight of a compatibilizing agent; and (e) 3 to 70% by weight of natural fibers, wherein the polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer forms a matrix. It also relates to a method for preparing this composite material as well as to a method for its use for manufacturing parts by injection or by overmolding.
US09951211B2	Heat-curable rubber compositions having plastisol-like rheological properties The invention relates to heat-curing reactive compositions based on natural and/or synthetic liquid elastomers containing olefinic double bonds and on vulcanizing agents, where these comprise a quantity, relative to the entire composition, of from 1 to 25% by weight, preferably from 1 to 15% by weight, of at least one liquid polyisoprene, preferably at least one cis-1,4 polyisoprene; a quantity, relative to the entire composition, of from 0.5 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight, of at least one functionalized liquid polybutadiene; a quantity, relative to the entire composition, of up to 40% by weight, preferably from 1 to 25% by weight, of a triglyceride fraction, the distribution of fatty acid in which comprises a proportion of at least 5% by weight, more particularly at least 60% by weight, of one or more omega-3 fatty acids and/or one or more omega-6 fatty acids; and at least one vulcanizing agent, where the proportion, relative to the entire composition, of synthetic polymers having at least one C═C double bond and/or at least one C≡C triple bond is at least 7.5% by weight, preferably 9% by weight. These have plastisol-like rheology and therefore can be applied at room temperature by conventional spray systems. The invention also relates to use of same as sealant composition or as coating composition, and to methods for bonding components and/or sealing joints between components and/or coating components with use of the compositions.
US09951204B2	Use of tetrahydrobenzoxazines as stabilizers The use of tetrahydrobenzoxazines I where R1 is a hydrocarbyl radical and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups or hydrocarbyl radicals, and where R2 to R5 may also form a second and a third tetrahydrooxazine ring, with the proviso that at least one of the substituents has from 4 to 3000 carbon atoms and the remaining substituents, when they are hydrocarbyl radicals, each have from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, as stabilizers for stabilizing inanimate organic material, especially turbine fuels, against the action of light, oxygen and heat.
US09951193B2	Resin foam composition and foam, and wallpaper A resin foam composition comprises, at least, a resin emulsion and cellulose nanofibers.
US09951175B2	Method of forming a polymer comprising a conjugated backbone A method of forming a polymer comprising a conjugated backbone and side-groups pendant from the conjugated backbone wherein the method comprises the steps of: polymerizing one or more monomers to form a precursor polymer comprising the conjugated backbone and precursor groups pendant from the conjugated backbone, and subsequently converting the precursor groups to the side-groups.
US09951171B2	Polyester polyols from recycled polymers and waste streams The present invention relates to polyester polyols made from aromatic polyacid sources such as thermoplastic polyesters. The polyols can be made by heating a thermoplastic polyester such as virgin polyethylene terephthalate, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, or mixtures thereof, with a glycol to give a digested intermediate which is then reacted with a digestible polymer, which can be obtained from various recycle waste streams. The polyester polyols comprise a glycol-digested polyacid source and a further digestible polymer. The polyester polyols provide a sustainable alternative to petrochemical or biochemical based polyester polyols.
US09951164B2	Non-ionic aryl ketone based polymeric photo-acid generators Non-ionic photo-acid generating (PAG) polymerizable monomers were prepared that contain a side chain sulfonate ester of an alpha-hydroxy aryl ketone. The aryl ketone group has a perfluorinated substituent alpha to the ketone carbonyl. The sulfur of the sulfonate ester is also directly linked to a fluorinated group. PAG polymers prepared from the PAG monomers release a strong sulfonic acid when exposed to high energy radiation such as deep UV or extreme UV light. The photo-generated sulfonic acid has a low diffusion rate in an exposed resist layer subjected to a post-exposure bake (PEB) at 100° C. to 150° C., resulting in formation of good line patterns after development.
US09951159B2	Compound, resin, resist composition and method for producing resist pattern A compound represented by formula (I), a resin including a structural unit derived from the compound and a resist composition including the resin: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C1 to C6 alkyl group in which a hydrogen atom may be replaced by a halogen atom, R2 represents a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group or —CHRf1Rf2, represents a binding site to a carbonyl group, Rf1 and Rf2 each independently represent a C1 to C4 perfluoroalkyl group or Rf1 and Rf2 may be bonded together with a carbon atom bonded thereto to form a ring, A1 represents a single bond, a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group or -A3-X1-(A4-X2)a-(A5)b-, represents a binding site to an oxygen atom, A2, A3, A4 and A5 each independently represent a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group, X1 and X2 each independently represent —O—, —CO—O— or —O—CO—, a and b each represent 0 or 1, and W1 represents a C5 to C18 divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group.
US09951156B2	Titanium phosphinimide and titanium iminoimidazolidide catalyst systems with activator-supports Catalyst compositions containing activator-supports and half-metallocene titanium phosphinimide complexes or half-metallocene titanium iminoimidazolidide complexes are disclosed. These catalyst compositions can be used to produce olefin polymers having relatively broad molecular weight distributions and low levels of long chain branching.
US09951151B2	Miniemulsion polymerization to prepare drag reducers A method of producing a polymer latex drag reducer. The method begins by forming an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant, a buffer and water. The method then forms an organic solution comprising a monomer and a co-stabilizer. The aqueous solution and the organic solution are mixed to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then subjecting to a high shear device to produce a miniemulsion, wherein the monomers are broken into small droplets followed by polymerizing the miniemulsion with the addition of an initiator, wherein a nucleation occurs in the small monomer droplets.
US09951150B2	Aminosilane terminal modifier to which functional group has been introduced, method for producing terminal-modified conjugated diene polymer using the aminosilane terminal modifier, and terminal-modified conjugated diene polymer produced according to the method Disclosed are an end-modified conjugated diene-based polymer configured such that the end of a conjugated diene-based polymer is coupled with an aminosilane-based end modifier, and a method of preparing the same.
US09951145B2	CH3 domain variant pair inducing formation of heterodimer of heavy chain constant region of antibody at high efficiency, method for preparing same, and use thereof Disclosed are a CH3 domain variant pair of an antibody, a method for preparing same, and a use thereof. A mutation is induced in the CH3 domain so as to improve a yield of forming a heterodimer heavy chain constant region of an antibody. The CH3 domain heterodimer forms a heterodimer heavy chain constant region with a high efficiency of 90 to 95% or more and also has outstanding heat stability. A heterodimer heavy chain constant region including the CH3 domain heterodimer can construct a bispecific monoclonal antibody which simultaneously recognizes two kinds of antigens. The CH3 domain heterodimer and the bispecific antibody or fusion protein of an antibody constant region comprising same can be usefully applied to the treatment or prevention of a disease associated with a target antigen or a target protein.
US09951142B2	Anti-presepsin antibody The present invention provides methods and compositions for determining sepsis in an individual. Specifically, the present invention provides for antibodies of fragments thereof that specifically bind to presepsin. The antibodies of the present invention may be monoclonal antibodies, and they may specifically bind to a particular epitope of presepsin. The present invention further provides methods of using such antibodies to determine whether an individual has sepsis, and kits comprising the disclosed antibodies.
US09951140B2	Antibodies against human CSF-1R and uses thereof The present invention relates to antibodies against human CSF-1R (CSF-1R antibody), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.
US09951139B2	Antibodies against human CSF-1R and uses thereof The present invention relates to antibodies against human CSF-1R (CSF-1R antibody), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.
US09951137B2	ST2L antagonists and methods of use The present invention relates to ST2L antagonists, polynucleotides encoding the antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing.
US09951128B2	Caninized anti-NGF antibodies and methods thereof The present disclosure describes novel caninized anti-NGF antibodies, antigen binding proteins and polynucleotides encoding the same. The disclosure further describes use of the novel antibodies, antigen binding proteins and/or nucleotides of the invention for the treatment and/or prevention of NGF related disorders, particularly for the management of canine pain.
US09951118B2	Engineering antiviral T cell immunity through stem cells and chimeric antigen receptors The HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response is a critical component in controlling HIV replication and is an important part of the ultimate failure to eradicate the virus. Disclosed herein are methods for genetically enhancing the HIV-specific CTL response to allow long-term viral suppression or viral clearance. Human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were genetically modified such that they differentiate into mature CTLs that will kill HIV infected cells. As disclosed herein, the functional effector cells are not human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted. As disclosed herein, stem cells are transduced with non-HLA restricted chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that allow the recognition of HIV or HIV-infected cells when expressed by a CTL. These CARs are hybrid molecules that contain an extracellular HIV recognition domain and an intracellular TCR-zeta signaling domain. The CTL response may be enhanced through the targeting of T cell inhibitory receptors. The methods and compositions disclosed herein may be used to engineer antiviral immunity and HIV-specific CTL responses in vivo. Also disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of chronic viral infections such as HIV.
US09951117B2	Vesicular stomatitis viruses This document provides methods and materials related to vesicular stomatitis viruses. For example, vesicular stomatitis viruses, nucleic acid molecules encoding VSV polypeptides, methods for making vesicular stomatitis viruses, and methods for using vesicular stomatitis viruses to treat cancer are provided.
US09951115B2	CGRP agonist peptides The embodiments provide a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) agonist peptide or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, including pharmaceutical compositions comprising a CGRP agonist peptide. The embodiments further provide treatment methods, including method of treating metabolic disorders and metabolic disorders selected from metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity. The methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of CGRP peptide.
US09951114B2	Recombinant cancer therapeutic cytokine Recombinant therapeutic cytokines (“therakines”) for the treatment of cancer are provided. The recombinant therakines include a truncated region of MDA-7/TL-24 (“M4”) not normally found in nature that has anti-cancer activity and a secretory signal which causes secretion of the therakine from plasmid/virus transduced normal and cancer cells and interaction of the therakine to MDA-7/IL-24 receptors on adjacent, neighboring and distant cancer cells. Therakine interaction results in bystander killing of the target cancer cell as well as adjacent, neighboring and distant cancer cells.
US09951111B2	Type I interferon mimetics as therapeutics for cancer, viral infections, and multiple sclerosis The subject invention pertains to agonist peptides of type I interferons and methods of using the peptides. These peptides are based on the amino acid sequence of the C-terminus region of the type I IFN molecules and are capable of binding to the cytoplasmic domain of type I IFN receptors. Surprisingly, these peptides were found to possess the same or similar biological activity as that associated with the full-length, mature type I IFN proteins, even though these peptides do not bind to the extracellular domain of the type I IFN receptors. In one embodiment, the peptide is a peptide of IFNα. In another embodiment, the peptide is a peptide of IFNβ. Exemplified peptides of the invention include those having SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:39, and SEQ ID NO:40. The subject peptides have been shown to effect increased resistance to viral infection. Peptides of the invention can be used to treat or prevent viral infections, to treat oncological disorders, and to treat autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.
US09951110B2	Neuropeptides useful as insecticides The invention provides short peptides derived from an insect neuropeptide for controlling insects, particularly peptides or their analogs derived from PBAN family neuropeptide having at least one dPhe residue. The invention further provides an environmentally friendly method for controlling and/or preventing insect infestation by applying the short peptides in very low concentrations.
US09951108B2	Protein isolation A general method and strains of bacteria are described by means where the endogenous DNAK protein or homolog of the DNAK protein is tagged with a recognizable amino acid sequence and that through this tag, DNAK may be efficiently removed, and as such, recombinant protein purification may be greatly improved both in yield and purity with simplified purification steps that remove the DNAK and reduced cost, waste accumulation and labor, and the isolated recombinant protein will significantly benefit research and therapeutics in its application.
US09951094B2	Phosphole compound and fluorescent dye containing the same The following formula is an example of a phosphole compound of the present invention. The phosphole compound of the present invention has the characteristic of maintaining a high fluorescence quantum yield in a wide range of solvents from low-polarity solvents to high-polarity solvents, as well as the characteristic in which the fluorescence wavelength shifts to the longer wavelength side as the polarity of the solvent increases. Because of these characteristics, the phosphole compound of the present invention is expected to be used, for example, for quantitatively determining the polarity in the environment therearound by using the absorption wavelength and fluorescence wavelength thereof, or used as a new fluorescent probe dye or a highly efficient luminescent material in organic electronic devices.
US09951093B2	Chiral compounds substituted with phosphonic acid ester functions or phosphonic acid functions The present invention relates to novel compounds that contain PNA units substituted with phosphonic acid ester functions or phosphonic acid functions, and have at least one chiral center. The compounds may be used for the treatment of viral diseases, such as AIDS.
US09951092B2	Methods, compositions, devices, and kits for performing phospholipid separation Methods, kits and devices for separating phospholipids and proteins from small molecules in biochemical samples can feature an apparatus having a wetting barrier, at least one fit and a separation media. For example, an apparatus can include at least one wall defining a chamber having an exit and an entrance; a wetting barrier disposed between the exit and entrance, so as to define a separation media space located between the wetting barrier and the exit and a sample receiving area located between the wetting barrier and the entrance; and a separation media disposed adjacent to the wetting barrier and having a specific affinity for phospholipids. The wetting barrier is adapted to (i) retain the liquid sample and a protein precipitating agent in the sample receiving area under a first force, thereby facilitating the formation of a protein precipitate and a processed sample, and (ii) flow the processed sample through the wetting barrier and separation media under a second force, wherein the second force is greater than the first force, thereby retaining the protein precipitate in the sample receiving area, retaining phospholipids in the separation media, and eluting small molecules.
US09951075B2	Pteridines useful as HCV inhibitors and methods for the preparation thereof The present invention relates to the use of pteridines as inhibitors of HCV replication as well as their use in pharmaceutical compositions aimed to treat or combat HCV infections. In addition, the present invention relates to compounds per se and their use as medicines. The present invention also concerns processes for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and combinations of said compounds with other anti-HCV agents.
US09951074B2	Dihydropteridinone derivatives and uses thereof The present disclosure provides compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically compositions thereof. Compounds of Formula (I) have been found to bind bromodomains and/or bromodomain-containing proteins (e.g., bromo and extra terminal (BET) proteins). Also provided are methods, uses, and kits of the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting the activity (e.g., increased activity) of bromodomains and/or bromodomain-containing proteins and for treating and/or preventing in a subject diseases associated with bromodomains or bromodomain-containing proteins (e.g., proliferative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, viral infections, fibrotic diseases, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, endocrine diseases, and radiation poisoning). The compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits are also useful for male contraception.
US09951073B2	Compounds and compositions for treating chemical warfare agent-induced injuries Compounds and compositions for treating injuries caused by exposure to chemical warfare agents are described herein.
US09951067B2	Optically active α-trifluoromethyl-β-amino acid derivative production method A method for producing an optically active α-trifluoromethyl-β-amino acid derivative, the method including: allowing a compound represented by the following General Formula (1) and a compound represented by the following General Formula (2) to react in the presence of a copper-optically active phosphine complex obtained from a copper compound and an optically active phosphine compound, to thereby obtain an optically active α-trifluoromethyl-β-amino acid derivative represented by the following General Formula (3):
US09951064B2	Azaindazole compounds as inhibitors of T790M containing EGFR mutants This invention relates to novel compounds which are inhibitors of T790M containing EGFR mutants, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation, and to their use in therapy for the prevention or treatment of cancer.
US09951063B2	8-(piperazin-1-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline derivatives The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as described in the description; to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and to the use of such compounds as medicaments, especially as modulators of the CXCR3 receptor.
US09951062B2	Substituted 1 H-pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridine and 1 H-pyrazolo [3, 4-b] pyridine derivatives as salt inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) inhibitors Compounds according to Formulas I, IA or IB: to pharmaceutically acceptable composition, salts thereof, their synthesis and their use as SIK2 inhibitors including such compounds and methods of using said compounds in the treatment of various diseases and/or disorders such as cancer, stroke, cardiovascular, obesity and type II diabetes.
US09951061B2	CaMKII inhibitors and uses thereof The present invention provides compounds useful as inhibitors of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII), compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US09951060B2	2-acylaminothiazole derivative or salt thereof [Problem]To provide a compound which is useful as an active ingredient for a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating urine storage dysfunction, voiding dysfunction, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and the like.[Means for Solution]The present inventors have found that a thiazole derivative substituted with pyrazinylcarbonylamino at the 2-position is an excellent muscarinic M3 receptor-positive allosteric modulator and is expected as an agent for preventing or treating bladder/urinary tract diseases associated with bladder contractions via a muscarinic M3 receptor, thereby completing the present invention. 2-Acylaminothiazole derivative or a salt thereof of the present invention is expected as an agent for preventing or treating bladder/urinary tract diseases associated with bladder contractions via a muscarinic M3 receptor, for example voiding dysfunction such as underactive bladder.
US09951058B2	Compound, pharmaceutically acceptable salt or optical isomer thereof, method for preparing the same, and pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treatment of viral diseases containing same as active ingredient The present invention relates to a novel compound, to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or optical isomer thereof, to a method for preparing same, and to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of viral diseases containing same as an active ingredient. The novel compound according to the present invention not only has low cytotoxicity but also has excellent antiviral activity against picornavirus such as coxsackievirus, enterovirus, echovirus, poliovirus and rhinovirus, and thus can be effectively used as a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of viral diseases such as infantile paralysis, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, viral meningitis, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, vesicular disease, hepatitis A, myitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, diabetes, epidemic myalgia, encephalitis, cold, herpangina, foot-and-mouth disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sinus infection, or otitis media.
US09951054B2	CMP porous pad with particles in a polymeric matrix The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing pad comprising a polymeric matrix and 0.1-15 wt. % of metal oxide particles. The polymeric matrix has pores, the metal oxide particles are uniformly distributed throughout the pores, and the metal oxide particles have a specific surface area of about 25 m2/g to about 450 m2/g. The invention further provides a method of polishing a substrate with the polishing pad.
US09951051B2	Process for producing alkynylketone derivative The present invention relates to a Sonogashira-Carbonylation reaction using two types of gas, as well as novel crystals which can control a heat of the said reaction and the process of producing the same. In addition, the present invention relates to a ligand (additive) to prevent the deactivation of a palladium catalyst.
US09951042B2	Polymorphic form of [5-fluoro-3-({2-[(4-fluorobenzene) sulfonyl] pyridin-3-yl}methyl)-2-methylindol-1-yl]-acetic acid The invention relates to a polymorphic form of [5-fluoro-3-({2-[(4-fluorobenzene)sulfonyl]pyridin-3-yl}methyl)-2-methylindol-1-yl]-acetic acid which has higher solubility than other forms and is therefore useful for preparing stable pharmaceutical formulations.
US09951032B2	Antibacterial compounds The present invention relates to the following compounds for use in the treatment of a bacterial infection wherein the integers are as defined in the description. The invention also relates to compounds for use as medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions and some novel compounds.
US09951029B2	Styryl quinazoline derivatives as pharmaceutically active agents The present invention relates to styryl quinazoline derivatives of the general formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, hydrates, salts, regioisomeric and polymorphic forms thereof as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of the described compounds as pharmaceutically active agent. The compounds have been identified as new drug candidates for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to disfunction(s) of hematopoiesis and cancer or any other form of neo- or hyperplasias related to Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) containing Internal Tandem Duplications (ITD), especially in the case of myeloid leukemia. The compounds have been also identified as new drug candidates as antibacterial agents (having bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity) which can be used for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infectious diseases.
US09951023B2	Process for preparing 5-fluoro-1-alkyl-3-fluoroalkyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde A method for the preparation of compounds of formula (I), for example, N-methyl-3-difluoromethyl-5-fluorpyrazole aldehyde, starting from compounds of formula (II), for example, N-methyl-3-haloalkyl-5 chloropyrazole aldehyde, comprising simultaneous fluorination (one step process) of haloalkyl group in position 3 and replacing haloatom in position 5 by fluorine.
US09951021B2	Compounds for inhibiting c-Myc/Max/DNA complex formation Disclosed are novel compounds of specific chemical structures having inhibitory activity on c-Myc/Max/DNA complex formation or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US09951016B2	Crystalline forms of an NK-1 antagonist The present invention is related to crystalline forms of 2-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-N,2-dimethyl-N-(6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-4-(o-tolyl)pyridin-3-yl)propanamide which is an NK-1 antagonist useful in the treatment of induced vomiting and other disorders.
US09951014B2	Mammalian and bacterial nitric oxide synthase inhibitors Compounds and related methods for inhibition of mammalian and bacterial nitric oxide synthase.
US09951010B2	Compounds as CRTH2 antagonist and uses thereof The compounds of Formula (I) which can be used as CRTH2 receptor antagonists are provided. The compounds of Formula (I) can be used in the treatment and prevention of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, as well as other diseases mediated by prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) at the CRTH2 receptor.
US09951007B2	2-methylthiopyrrolidines and their use for modulating bacterial quorum sensing Compounds of Formula (I) are disclosed herein and their use in inhibiting quorum sensing in bacteria.
US09951001B2	Hepatoprotectant acetaminophen mutual prodrugs The present invention provides hepatoprotectant acetaminophen mutual prodrugs, which have an acetaminophen moiety covalently linked to a second moiety that may act as a hepatoprotectant against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Additionally, acetaminophen mutual prodrugs may have improved water solubility which may provide better suitability for parenteral and other dosage forms relative to administration of acetaminophen. Also provided are methods of treating a disease or condition that is responsive to acetaminophen (such as fever, pain and ischemic injury) using hepatoprotectant acetaminophen mutual prodrugs, as well as kits and unit dosages.
US09950992B2	Water soluble haloanilide calcium-release calcium channel inhibitory compounds and methods to control bone erosion and inflammation associated with arthritides A compound that is selected from the group consisting of 3-(3,4-dichloroanilino)-3-oxopropanoic acid (hereinafter “DCOPA”); N-methyl-DCOPA; N,2-dimethyl-DCOPA; 2-methyl-DCOPA; isobutyl-DCOPA; N-methyl-isobutyl DCOPA; 3-(3,4-bibromoanilino)-3-oxopropanoic acid; and analogs of DCOPA; and analogs of 3-(3,4-bibromoanilino)-3-oxopropanoic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, are disclosed. A method of controlling bone erosion in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of these compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of at least one of these compounds, is provided. A method of reducing inflammation in a patient having an inflammatory condition comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of these compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of at least one of these compounds is provided.
US09950981B2	Allyl alcohol hydroformylation process The present disclosure relates to a method of using homogenous rhodium-BIPHEPHOS catalysts comprising for the hydroformylation of an allyl alcohol. In some aspects, the methods provided herein relate to the hydroformylation of allyl alcohol to produce 4-hydroxybutyraldehyde in a continuous process.
US09950966B2	Manufacturing of nitrogen-containing materials It has been discovered that waste cross-linked polymer materials both synthetic (scrap tire rubber, used polyurethane, and epoxy and phenol resins in discarded printed circuit boards) and natural (wood biomass, keratin, and chitin) can be conveniently depolymerized at slightly elevated temperatures and moderate pressures by the action of a liquid chemical reagent. The proposed inexpensive process results in a substantial to total depolymerization of synthetic polymers and thereby recovers valuable liquid and solid materials. When applied to lignocellulosic biomass, the proposed process, depending on the reaction conditions, either unlocks the lignin-hemicellulose matrix making cellulose more available for fermenting microorganisms or results in carbonization, or coalification of the biomass that may be desirable in terms of sequestering excessive carbon from the Earth's biosphere.
US09950965B2	Ceramic element and method of manufacturing the same A ceramic element includes: a ceramic body; a first coating layer disposed on a first part of a front surface of the ceramic body; and a second coating layer disposed on a second part of a back surface of the ceramic body. The first coating layer continuously extends from the front surface to a first region of a side surface of the ceramic body, the side surface being a machined surface, and the first region being a front side region of the side surface. The second coating layer continuously extends from the back surface to a second region of the side surface of the ceramic body, the second region being a back side region of the side surface. In the machined surface, one of the first and second coating layers is disposed at least partially on the other of the first and second coating layers.
US09950958B2	Electromagnetic effect material and ceramic electronic component A magnetoelectric effect material includes as a primary component, a polycrystalline oxide ceramic containing at least Sr, Co, and Fe. In the polycrystalline oxide ceramic, the crystal c-axis is oriented in a predetermined direction, and the degree of orientation of the c-axis is 0.2 or more by a Lotgering method. A component substrate is formed of this magnetoelectric effect material.
US09950948B2	Lead-free low-melting glass composition, low-temperature sealing glass frit, low-temperature sealing glass paste, conductive material, and conductive glass paste containing glass composition, and glass-sealed component and electric/electronic component prepared using the same An Ag2O—V2O5—TeO2 lead-free low-melting glass composition that is prevented or restrained from crystallization by heating so as to soften and flow more satisfactorily at a low temperature contains a principal component which includes a vanadium oxide, a tellurium oxide and a silver oxide; a secondary component which includes at least one selected from the group consisting of BaO, WO3 and P2O5; and an additional component which includes at least one selected from the group consisting of oxides of elements in Group 13 of periodic table. A total component of the principal component is 85 mole percent or more in terms of V2O5, TeO2 and Ag2O. Contents of TeO2 and Ag2O each is 1 to 2 times as much as a content of V2O5. A content of the secondary component is 0 to 13 mole percent. A content of the additional component is 0.1 to 3.0 mole percent.
US09950928B2	Process for producing ammonia synthesis gas A process and a related equipment for producing ammonia synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock (20), the process comprising the steps of: primary reforming with steam (21), secondary reforming with an oxidant stream (23), and purification of the effluent of said secondary reforming, said purification comprising a step of shift conversion (13) of carbon monoxide, wherein the synthesis gas (25) produced by said secondary reforming is subject to a medium-temperature shift over a copper-based catalyst, and the global steam to carbon ratio of the process is not greater than 2.
US09950924B2	Methods and structures of integrated MEMS-CMOS devices A method for fabricating an integrated MEMS-CMOS device uses a micro-fabrication process that realizes moving mechanical structures (MEMS) on top of a conventional CMOS structure by bonding a mechanical structural wafer on top of the CMOS and etching the mechanical layer using plasma etching processes, such as Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). During etching of the mechanical layer, CMOS devices that are directly connected to the mechanical layer are exposed to plasma. This sometimes causes permanent damage to CMOS circuits and is termed Plasma Induced Damage (PID). Embodiments of the present invention presents methods and structures to prevent or reduce this PID and protect the underlying CMOS circuits by grounding and providing an alternate path for the CMOS circuits until the MEMS layer is completely etched.
US09950920B2	Micro-electro-mechanical system structure and method for forming the same A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) structure and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The MEMS structure includes a sacrificial layer, a lower dielectric film, an upper dielectric film, a plurality of through holes and a protective film. The sacrificial layer comprises an opening. The lower dielectric film is on the sacrificial layer. The upper dielectric film is on the lower dielectric film. The plurality of through holes passes through the lower dielectric film and the upper dielectric film. The protective film covers side walls of the upper dielectric film and the lower dielectric film and a film interface between the lower dielectric film and the upper dielectric film.
US09950911B2	Adjustable wear pad assembly for a telescopic boom A wear pad assembly for a telescopic boom includes a wear pad having a first side for contacting an outer wall of an inner section of the boom, and a second side facing an inner wall of an outer section of the boom. At least one rigid plate is secured to the second side of the wear pad, and a stud in screw-threaded engagement with the outer section of the boom or a plate secured to the outer section of the boom is associated with each rigid plate, the end of stud and the associated rigid plate having mating formations to enable the stud to urge the first surface of the wear pad against the outer wall of the inner section while preventing the wear pad from being displaced in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the stud.
US09950895B2	Welding wire coil packaging system A welding wire coil packaging system including a process stand having an upright, the upright defining a hub receiver, the upright including a yolk supported on upright and spaced axially inward therefrom, and a cartridge including a shaft having a hub at one axial extremity, the hub being received in the hub receiver and at least partially supported on the yolk, a mandrel mounted on the shaft between a pair of end forms and adapted to receive a welding wire thereon in a coil winding process.
US09950892B2	Method for perforating a nonlinear line of weakness A method for providing a nonlinear line of weakness on a web material includes: providing a counter component comprising a nonlinear shape, where the nonlinear shape has a shape width, W; providing a blade in operative relationship with the counter component and comprising a plurality of teeth; rotating at least one of the blade and the counter component into interacting relationship with the other of the blade and the counter component; feeding a web between the counter component and the blade such that while in interacting relationship the blade cooperates with the counter component to perforate the web, wherein the web is moving in a machine direction; and reciprocally shifting one of the counter component and the blade for a distance, D, in a shifting direction, wherein D is at least the translational distance that one tooth travels to cover the shape width, W.
US09950878B2	Case manipulator for a palletizer system A case manipulator receives cases from an infeed conveyer and manipulates individual cases or groups of cases and transfers the manipulated cases to a row accumulator platform in a desired and pre-determined orientation and positioned on the accumulator platform to a desired and pre-determined location. The manipulation of individual cases, or groups of cases, is continued in a sequential operation until a complete row is formed on the accumulator platform according to a pre-determined build menu. The case manipulator includes a swing plate pivotal on a first axis and a paddle arm that is attached to the swing plate and pivotal on a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. The invention allows the palletizer to have the next case in a row transferred from the infeed conveyer to the row-build staging area while the case manipulator is operating on an already-delivered case.
US09950871B2	Method for the continuous manufacture and filling of flexible containers The present invention relates to a packaging method comprising the operation of transferring containers to an endless conveyor element moving forward continuously, conveying suspended containers and describing a closed trajectory imposed by a series of rotary diverting elements using to that end a container transferring device assembled on one of the diverting elements of the endless conveyor element, and rotating in a synchronized manner therewith. A device for putting the method into practice comprises a rotary body driving a plurality of clamps guided by mechanisms which can further slow down the displacement of the clamps without changing the rotating speed of the rotary body.
US09950870B2	Vertical spiral conveyor The present application discloses vertical spiral conveyors for transporting loose material without the use of vibration or oscillation and methods of transporting materials without the use of vibration or oscillation. In certain embodiments, the vertical spiral conveyor (600) comprises a vertical spiral fabrication (690) having a spiral conveyor tray (680) connected to a vertical member (612) that is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (670), a drive arm (660) extending from the vertical spiral fabrication (690), and a drive system for rotating the vertical spiral fabrication (690) about the axis of rotation (670). The drive system comprises a power source (610) and a transmission (620) coupled to the drive arm (660). The drive system generates alternating forward and backward strokes on the drive arm (660) that rotate the vertical spiral fabrication (690) clockwise and counterclockwise about the axis of rotation to cause loose material to be conveyed around the spiral conveyor tray (680).
US09950869B1	Belt tensioner in a food processing machine A belt tensioner for a food processing machine includes a base member, a nose member, a belt member, and a driving member. The nose member is pivotally connected with the base member. The belt member is moveably disposed around the base member and the nose member. The driving device is configured to pivotally move the nose member relative to the base member. As the nose member pivotally moves relative to the base member the nose member applies variable levels of tension on the belt member.
US09950843B2	Packaging container A packaging container has an improved degree of freedom in the shapes of a container body and a cap, and prevents required turning force from being excessively large. The packaging container includes a container body having an upward-facing mouth, and a cap for closing the mouth. The container body has a plurality of axial drive ribs and a circumferential locking groove formed on an outer perimeter of the mouth. The cap has protruding rib portions on an inner surface side and locking claws to elastically lock into the locking groove, extended down from a top surface thereof.
US09950841B2	Non-continuously laminated multi-layered bags Multi-layer bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge. The first and second layers may be non-continuously laminated together to include bonded regions in which the layers are bonded and unbonded regions in which the layers are not bonded. Such a bag may be described as a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is non-continuously bonded to the outer bag. The inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations of non-continuous bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer films and bags.
US09950839B2	Spout A semi-flexible device configured to act as a spout or funnel for medium to large size containers. When flat, the device is trapezoidal in shape, with the top narrower than the bottom, and the sides angled to connect the top to the bottom. When used as a spout, the device is semi-circular in profile, configured to follow the shape of a container rim. When used as a funnel, the device is circular in profile, configured to fit into a hole such as the opening of a jar. The device includes at least one edge that includes two lips or rims close together but separable, the gap between which is configured to receive the rim of a container. At least one of frictional force of the lips on the container rim and pressing force of the device pushing against the more rigid container holds the device onto the container rim.
US09950837B2	Bottle A bottle that includes adaptive measuring equipment. The bottle having a container and a measuring receptacle. The container includes a securing device secured thereto and includes a device base, a fitting member and a receiving chamber. The device base includes a securing mechanism receiving passageway extending there through. The fitting member extends from the device base, while the receiving chamber is accessible through the securing mechanism receiving passageway and positioned within inner walls of the fitting member. The measuring receptacle includes a receptacle base, a side wall extending from an upper surface of the receptacle base, and a securing mechanism extending upward from the upper surface of the receptacle base and passing through the securing mechanism receiving passageway.
US09950835B2	Product distribution methods and apparatus Products (30) are distributed to retail outlets in containers (20). The products (30) are loaded onto the tray assembly (1) that is placed in a container (20) at a production or storage facility and transported to the retail outlet. Information as to a sequence in which the products (30) will be placed on retail shelving (32) at the retail outlet is used to determine a loading order of the products (30) on the tray assembly (1) so that the products (30) may be removed from the carrying device in the order required for placement on the retail shelves (32). The tray assembly (1) is removable from the container, and the trays (6) are moveable relative to each other to facilitate loading and unloading.
US09950822B2	Cup feeder A column of cups guided by their rims in elongated slots is spaced into desired cup pitch by one or more linear stars from which the cups can be transferred for packaging. The linear stars have lugs engaging and spacing the cups. In another aspect of the invention, cups are manipulated into patterns for final grouping and packaging and by a plurality of cup orienting pickers engaging, inverting and re-orienting the cups. In one final packaged cup group of two or more layers, alternating cups in each layer are inverted and a top lid of a cup in an upper layer is disposed on a top lid of a cup in a bottom layer, while a bottom of a cup in an upper layer is disposed on a bottom of a cup in a lower layer, and in an alternating pattern.
US09950819B2	Tablet packing method and tablet packing apparatus Provided is a tablet packing method including: a step of conveying a long sheet material that is a material of a packing bag in a longitudinal direction; a step of introducing all of a same kind of tablets of the tablets prescribed to each patient to a packing space formed by the conveyed long sheet material; a step of sealing the long sheet material to form a section in which the packing space provided with the tablets is airtight; and a step of cutting the long sheet material provided with one or a plurality of the sections, in predetermined units in the longitudinal direction.
US09950815B2	Systems and methods for detecting damage A system and method of detecting damage to a component may include a first sensor and a processor. The method may include the steps of receiving, by the processor, a first data for the component from a first sensor, aligning, by the processor, the first data with a reference model, determining, by the processor, a feature dissimilarity between the first data and the reference model, classifying, by the processor, the feature dissimilarity, and determining, by the processor, a probability that the feature dissimilarity indicates damage to the component.
US09950814B1	Ground-based mobile maintenance facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles Intermodal vehicles may be loaded with items and an aerial vehicle, and directed to travel to areas where demand for the items is known or anticipated. The intermodal vehicles may be coupled to locomotives, container ships, road tractors or other vehicles, and equipped with systems for loading one or more items onto the aerial vehicle, and for launching or retrieving the aerial vehicle while the intermodal vehicles are in motion. The areas where the demand is known or anticipated may be identified on any basis, including but not limited to past histories of purchases or deliveries to such areas, or events that are scheduled to occur in such areas. Additionally, intermodal vehicles may be loaded with replacement parts and/or inspection equipment, and configured to conduct repairs, servicing operations or inspections on aerial vehicles within the intermodal vehicles, while the intermodal vehicles are in motion.
US09950813B2	Non-destructive inspection of airfoil-shaped body using self-propelling articulated robot A robotic apparatus comprising an articulated arm mounted to a chassis and having an end effector capable of inspecting the root and tip, as well as the length between the root and tip, of an airfoil-shaped body (such as a rotorblade). The robotic apparatus has means for propelling the chassis in a spanwise direction. The chassis-mounted articulated arm facilitates the scanning of sensors over the root or tip of the airfoil-shaped body without repositioning the chassis.
US09950805B2	Aircraft engine fan speed display improvements for enhanced monitoring and thrust setting ability Systems and methods for displaying N1 speed on a flight deck display in a manner that provides increased resolution at the upper end of the operating range. This is accomplished by a variable scale(s) which improves the functionality of the N1 gauge (serving as an indication of thrust) in the desired region. Also, there is visual indication to provide pilots the ability to discern if the current thrust is within a specific tolerance to the desired value within the takeoff region. This additional indication is based on color changes associated with the N1 display structure.
US09950799B2	Shielded anti-icing system and methods An anti-icing system is provided for an inlet lip annularly extending about a nacelle of an aircraft engine assembly. The anti-icing system includes an interior wall structure at least partially forming an annular anti-icing chamber with the inlet lip and an annular shield with a first end coupled to the interior wall structure and a second end extending into the annular anti-icing chamber. The annular shield divides the annular anti-icing chamber into first and second chamber portions fluidly coupled together by a passage formed between the second end and the internal surface of the inlet lip. The anti-icing system further includes a nozzle at an inwardly radial position relative to the first end of the annular shield such that the heated air exits the nozzle into the first chamber portion in which the annular shield blocks direct impingement on the internal surface of the inlet lip.
US09950797B2	Method and system for homogenous thermoplastic seat back assembly A seat back assembly that includes a composite seat back cover. The composite seat back cover includes at least one composite layer, that includes a layer of reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic layer surrounding the reinforcing fibers. The thermoplastic layer is coextensive with the layer of reinforcing fibers. In various embodiments, the seat back includes a seat back frame. The seat back frame includes a side rail, a top rail main section, and a top rail cap. The side rail, the top rail main section, and the top rail cap are fused to each other by a homogenous chemical bond. A homogenous chemical bond is formed between the seat back cover and the seat back frame creating a unitary seat back assembly.
US09950790B2	Air vehicle flight mechanism and control method Heavier-than-air, aircraft having flapping wings, e.g., ornithopters, where angular orientation control is effected by variable differential sweep angles of deflection of the flappable wings in the course of sweep angles of travel and/or the control of variable wing membrane tension.
US09950776B2	Weed-trimmer outboard motor Weed-trimmer outboard motor attachment has a lower shaft housing with a proximal coupling to correspondingly mate and engage a distal mid-shaft coupling of an upper part of a motorized weed-trimming device having a motor and a shaft that rotate a number of rotations per minute when operating; a distal termination thereto, which includes a propeller; and a rotation speed reduction unit to reduce a number of rotations of the propeller in relation to the number of rotations of the motor of the motorized weed-trimming device. The attachment can be assembled with the weed-trimming device to provide an outboard motor. A mount for mounting the weed-trimmer outboard motor to a boat can be provided as well.
US09950763B2	Bicycle handlebar assembly with forearm support A bicycle handlebar assembly including a stem extension and a handlebar cross member, a pair of steering bars affixed perpendicular to the handlebar cross member, and a pair of forearm supports affixed to the handlebar cross member in proximity with the steering bars. The gear shifting and brake controls are placed at the forward ends of the two steering bars. An embodiment of the invention would allow this handlebar assembly to be raised or lowered as the rider desires, to provide raised comfort position and a lowered aerodynamic position. The forearm supports and steering bars provide comfort and control to the rider not provided by typical handlebars. Alternatively the pair of steering bars could be replaced with a single closed steering bar circuit.
US09950751B2	Aerodynamic system and method for diagnosing the aerodynamic system and verify downforce estimation based on electric motor current A method can be executed to diagnose an aerodynamic system and includes the following steps: (a) determining, via a controller, a first expected downforce acting on an aerodynamic element of a vehicle based, at least in part, on a current position of the aerodynamic element relative to a vehicle body of the vehicle, wherein an electric motor is operatively coupled to the aerodynamic element; (b) determining, via the controller, a second expected downforce acting on the aerodynamic element of the vehicle based, at least in part, on an electrical current used to move the electric motor in order to move the aerodynamic element from the current position to another position; (c) determining a deviation, via the controller, based on the first expected downforce and the second expected downforce; and (d) controlling, via the controller, the aerodynamic element based, at least in part, on the deviation.
US09950750B2	Collapsible tailgate arrangement and related method An apparatus for partially covering an end of a vehicle bed includes a tailgate comprising a frame adapted for moving between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the vehicle bed. The frame supports at least one member adapted for moving along the frame to at least partially expose the end of the vehicle bed without moving the frame to the lowered position. A plurality of movable members in the form of panels may be provided, along with actuators for rotating and/or moving one or more of the panels between the raised and collapsed configuration. A related method is also disclosed.
US09950749B2	Hybrid composite instrument panel A vehicular instrument panel having a reinforcement that includes a plurality of chopped carbon fibers within a nylon resin, and a substrate coupled to the reinforcement comprising a plurality of chopped carbon and chopped glass fibers within a nylon resin. The plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate are segregated such that the carbon fibers and the glass fibers are each substantially concentrated within respective driver-side and passenger-side portions of the substrate. The substrate can also include a boundary region such that the plurality of chopped carbon and glass fibers in the substrate are substantially mixed in the boundary region.
US09950745B2	Cockpit cross beam with variable steering column angle of inclination A cockpit cross beam for a motor vehicle includes at least one structured metal section arranged on the driver's side, wherein the metal section exhibits cross-sectional areas varying in the axial direction and has connection elements for connecting the metal section to other structural parts of a motor vehicle body. A cockpit cross beam that permits variable steering column angles of inclination with identical steering column connection is achieved in that the metal section arranged on the driver's side in each case has rotationally symmetric cross-sectional areas as connection elements at its ends and the cross-sectional areas of the ends have a common rotational axis.
US09950738B2	Trailering assist system with trailer angle detection A trailering assist system for a vehicle includes a rearward facing camera disposed at a rearward portion of a vehicle equipped with the trailering assist system. The rearward facing camera is operable to capture image data representative of the scene rearward of the equipped vehicle. When a trailer is near and/or attached to the equipped vehicle and is rearward of the equipped vehicle, a processor is operable to process the captured image data and, responsive at least in part to such processing, is operable to determine a trailer angle of the trailer relative to a longitudinal axis of the equipped vehicle.
US09950725B2	Reversible table and cart A reversible cart with wheels is disclosed which can be flipped from one orientation with wheels down and handles pointed upwards, to another orientation with the wheels and handles both pointed downwards (relative to the ground). In the latter embodiment, the cart functions as a table. To accomplish this, portals extend through the cart/table, at least some of which are equidistantly spaced from others, and two support beams of a handle or handles are inserted into two successive portals. The portals can be on narrow and long sides of a rectangular cart/table, allowing the handles to be inserted in various configurations, such as only on the narrow side, on both narrow sides, or on the long side. The cart/table itself can have two sides spaced apart by ribbing, creating a shelf there-between.
US09950720B2	Light emission power control apparatus and method A system and method for adjusting light emitter output for a railway track inspection system based on data feedback from one or more sensors.
US09950717B2	Peripheral control post of railway field devices and installation method of said peripheral post There is described a peripheral post of railway field devices, comprising: a plurality of control modules operatively connected or connectable by electric cables to respective railway field devices; —a rack housing said plurality of control modules, wherein said rack comprises: —a wiring frame adapted to be permanently attached to a support surface or to an installation wall, comprising a front side and an opposite rear side and comprising on the rear side first connectors adapted to be electrically connected to end portions of said cables; —a support and containment frame of the modules adapted to house said modules and adapted to be coupled to the wiring frame by drawing said support and containment frame near the wiring frame from said front side so as to reach a coupling position.
US09950715B2	Air-coupled ultrasonic inspection of rails In some example implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include generating, by an air-coupled transducer, a first ultrasonic guided wave to cause the generated ultrasonic guided wave to propagate into a rail being tested for one or more defects, wherein a frequency of the first ultrasonic guided wave is controlled by at least changing the frequency of a voltage sent to the air-coupled transducer generating the first ultrasonic guided wave; receiving, by a receiver, a second ultrasonic guided wave, wherein the second ultrasonic guided wave is received from the rail; and analyzing a signal representative of the received second ultrasonic guided wave to detect the one or more defects in the rail. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also provided.
US09950711B2	Device for a vehicle A device having a sensor, a control unit, and a display designed for a vehicle which is designed as an at least partially self-driving vehicle. The sensor detects objects in the surroundings of the vehicle. The device displays the objects, together with the vehicle, on the display in animated form.
US09950710B2	Method and device for handling safety critical errors A device for operating an apparatus comprising a first controller configured to be controlled by a first control signal, a second controller configured to be controlled by a second control signal, a control unit operatively connected to the first controller and the second controller, wherein the first controller and the second controller are both configured to operate the apparatus.
US09950704B2	Device and method for charging control Provided is a charging control device that allows the actual state of charge of a secondary battery to converge quickly to an upper limit value given as a control center value when the actual state of charge is higher than the upper limit value so that charging may be performed in an efficient manner and fuel economy may be improved. The charging control device (10) includes a charge/discharge integration unit (23) for computing an integrated charge/discharge value (IW) of the secondary battery, a charge control unit (26) for controlling the charging of the secondary battery such that the recognized state of charge is maintained at a prescribed upper limit value (80%) lower than a fully charged state (100%) by switching a generation voltage of a generator. When a disconnection of a terminal of the secondary battery is detected by a terminal disconnection detection unit (25), the charge control unit (26) prohibits the charging of the secondary battery from then on until the integrated charge/discharge value reaches a prescribed discharge value (−20%).
US09950687B2	Occupant protection device An airbag of an occupant protection device as fully deployed includes a front panel section deployable in front of the head of an occupant for catching the head when the head moves forward, a left panel section deployable on a left side of the head for catching the head when the head moves towards the left, and a right panel section deployable on a right side of the head for catching the head when the head moves towards the right. The front panel section includes a main panel region that is deployable in such a manner as to be opposed to a front face of the head and an extended panel region that extends downwardly from the main panel region so as to catch at least an upper part of a thorax of the occupant.
US09950686B2	Occupant protection apparatus An occupant protection apparatus is provided with a first airbag device having a window airbag that protects an occupant in a vehicle and a second airbag device having an adjacent airbag that completes inflation to contact the window airbag for which inflation is completed, thereby protecting the occupant. Where the internal pressure of an inflation chamber at the contact site during contact with the adjacent airbag by the window airbag is P1 and the internal pressure of the adjacent airbag is P2, P1
US09950679B2	Fabrication method for making an equipment device for an automotive vehicle and associated equipment device for an automotive vehicle comprising a composite body A fabrication method for fabricating an equipment part for an automotive vehicle. The method includes the following steps. Supplying a sheet comprising ceramic fibers and thermofusible polymer fibers, the melting temperature of the thermofusible polymer being higher than 200° C. Heating the sheet, at a temperature higher than 200° C., so as to melt the thermofusible polymer. Applying a fabric on the sheet, the fabric comprising filament yarns having a core made of polymer presenting a softening point temperature that is higher than or equal to 200° C. And then thermoforming of the fabric and the sheet in a conforming mold.
US09950672B1	Articulated fence for a vehicle cargo area A vehicle having a cargo area accessible through a liftgate opening frame and partially defined by a floor, side quarter trims, and pillar covers is provided. The vehicle includes an articulated fence movable between a stowed position and an elevated position, and a guide formed in at least one of the pillar covers for guiding the articulated fence between the stowed position and the elevated position. A motor is positioned behind one of the side quarter trims for moving a belt attached to the articulated fence. The articulated fence is transparent and positioned within a recess beneath the floor in the stowed position. A cover may be attached to the articulated fence and is substantially flush with the floor when the articulated fence is in the stowed position.
US09950669B2	Vehicle camera system with multiple-camera alignment Systems and methods are described for creating a unified output image based on image data from multiple cameras with overlapping fields of view by converting a raw image from each camera into a rectified output image using a look-up table. Camera misalignments are mitigated by generating an updated look-up table based on feature point detection and matching in the overlapping fields of view.
US09950667B2	Vehicle system for detecting object and operation method thereof A vehicle system for detecting an object, including: an image input unit installed at the front or the rear of a vehicle to capture images in the vicinity of the vehicle; an image processing unit converting the image input from the image input unit; an object detecting unit analyzing the images converted by the image processing unit and extracting key points for a background of the images to detect a moving object approaching the vehicle; an interface unit including an input means for the vehicle and an output means outputting information; and a control unit controlling a warning for the moving object to be detected from the object detecting unit and output through the interface.
US09950664B2	Sound generating system for environment friendly vehicle and a method for controlling the system An environmentally-friendly vehicle sound generator apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle state sensing unit, a sound source storage unit, a sound source playback unit, a sound source amplification unit, a sound output unit, and a control unit. The control unit receives a sensing signal from the vehicle state sensing unit and controlling the operation of the sound source playback unit so as to play back the operating sound in different playback methods to control and change the operating sound according to the received sensing signal. The vehicle state sensing unit senses a vehicle speed, and if it is determined according to a vehicle speed signal that the vehicle speed reaches a preset speed range, the control unit fades out the output of the sound output unit at a preset ratio of the vehicle speed to a time elapsed after the vehicle speed reaches the preset speed range.
US09950662B2	Multifunctional lamp for vehicle interior A multifunctional lamp for a vehicle interior includes a housing having a light source installed therein. An indirect illumination diffusing lens is disposed in front of the housing to diffuse and emit light of the light source. A concentrated illumination light emitting unit moves back and forth while passing through the light diffusing lens. The concentrated illumination light emitting unit emits the light of the light source toward a front side of the housing through an internal passage of the light emitting unit in the form of concentrated illumination and shields the light diffusing lens from the light when concentrated illumination light emitting unit moves to surround a periphery of the light source.
US09950652B2	Telescoping head restraint A headrest assembly includes a headrest bun adjustably supported on a linkage system. An adjustable cover assembly is operable between stowed and deployed positons relative to a position of the headrest bun and is configured to cover the linkage system in use. The adjustable cover assembly includes first and second members, wherein the first member is coupled to the linkage system for movement therewith and the second member is pivotally coupled to the first member. A gap is defined between the first member and the second member, and the gap is maintained by a plurality of spacers disposed on the first member as the cover assembly moves from the stowed position to the deployed position with the headrest bun.
US09950649B2	Child car seat having adjustable headrest bolsters A child car seat that includes a headrest portion that is adjustable with respect to the car seat base in a vertical and horizontal direction, wherein the adjustment of the headrest in a vertical direction is accomplished via a screw-type mechanism.
US09950644B2	Vehicle seat control apparatus A vehicle seat control apparatus is configured to be provided in a vehicle switchable between a manual driving state in which a driver performs a driving operation of the vehicle and an automatic driving state in which the driving operation is performed automatically. The apparatus includes a seat adjuster, a controller, and a storage. The seat adjuster adjusts a position of a seat of the vehicle. The controller drives the seat adjuster and makes a transition between the driving two states. The storage stores seat position information indicating the seat position in the the manual driving state. The controller drives the seat adjuster on a basis of the seat position information read out from the storage, and moves, by the seat adjuster, the seat rearward on a basis of the seat position in the manual driving state as a reference position, upon making a transition from the manual driving state to the automatic driving state.
US09950631B2	Electricity-charging system between a crane and tractor Disclosed is a crane and a tractor used at a container base of a harbor or a container terminal, and more particularly, a charging system in which a power supplying device capable of supplying power in a contactless fashion is installed at the crane and a power collecting device capable of receiving power from the power supplying device is installed at the tractor, so that the tractor receives power from the power supplying unit installed at the crane while performing lifting or landing works below the crane to charge power required for movement of the tractor.
US09950612B2	Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle grille shutters based on engine operation Methods and systems are provided for adjusting grille shutters based on engine coolant temperature and a difference in aerodynamic drag between the grille shutter positions. In one example, the grille shutters may be adjusted into a position closer to a first smaller opening when a difference in aerodynamic drag between the first and second positions is large. In other examples, the grille shutters may be adjusted into a position closer to the second larger opening when a difference in aerodynamic drag between the first and second positions is small thus maintaining the engine at lower temperatures.
US09950602B2	Installation structure for lithium battery box of electric vehicle The installation structure for the lithium battery box of the electric vehicle includes a battery box body and a vehicle frame oblique beam, where an insertion hole is produced in a front end of the battery box body; an installation groove is produced in the vehicle frame oblique beam; a front battery box base is installed in a front installation groove; an insertion bolt driven through a key is arranged on the front battery box base; where an upwards-bulged arc-shaped limit groove is produced in the middle of the lower cover in the axis of the box body; the installation groove of the vehicle frame oblique beam is an installation groove with a front opening and a rear opening; a limit bulge adaptive to the arc-shaped limit groove is produced on a groove bottom of the installation groove.
US09950599B2	Sealing for a vehicle roof A roof module for a vehicle roof, which can have a roof panel for closing an opening in the vehicle roof, a frame for mounting the Roof module onto the vehicle roof, a sealing which can be fixedly mounted to the frame for sealing engagement with the panel, and adjusting elements for adjusting the roof panel relative to the frame. The sealing can have a cover lip for covering the adjusting elements, wherein the cover lip can be bent away in a resilient manner for accessing the adjusting elements.
US09950596B2	Sunshade assembly and open roof construction provided therewith A sunshade assembly includes a flexible sunscreen and two opposed longitudinal guides for guiding longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. A rotatable winding shaft winds and unwinds the sunscreen. An operating beam is connected to the opposite transversal edge of the sunscreen. Two drive cables are connected to opposite ends of the operating beam. Two positioning members move with the operating beam. Each positioning member extends into a corresponding one of the opposed longitudinal guides. Each of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen near the opposite transversal edge is provided with a wing folded inward in a direction away from the respective positioning member, so that the wing and the respective positioning member are on opposite sides of the sunscreen. The wing accessible to the respective positioning member from the opposite side of the flexible sunscreen in order to engage the respective positioning member.
US09950594B1	Impact absorbing system for a vehicle A vehicle includes a door and an impact absorbing structure. The door has an interior panel. The impact absorbing structure is secured to an inner surface of the interior panel. The impact absorbing structure has a centrally located hub and a plurality of spokes extending radially outward from the hub toward a peripheral boundary of the interior panel.
US09950586B2	Driving unit and cleaning robot comprising same Disclosed herein is a cleaning robot including an improved driving unit to escape from an undriveable state occurring under various driving conditions. The cleaning robot includes a body, and a driving unit that drives the body. The driving unit includes a first driving motor and a second driving motor that generate driving power; a driving wheel that rotates when the driving power is delivered to the driving wheel from the first driving motor; and a wheel frame that supports the driving wheel to be rotatable and rotates between a first position and a second position with respect to a motor shaft of the first driving motor. The wheel frame rotates in at least one section between the first position and the second position when the driving power is delivered to the wheel frame from the second driving motor.
US09950584B2	Machine suspension and height adjustment An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to a wheel, a chassis attachment component for pivotably attaching the assembly to a chassis of the vehicle, and a suspension component operably interposed between the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachment component. A first adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and coupled with a first portion of the suspension component, and a second adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and coupled with the first portion of the suspension component. The first and second adjustment elements are configured to shift the first portion of the suspension component between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassis attachment component. A single strut bar slidingly engages the wheel attachment component and is rigidly coupled with a second portion of the suspension component.
US09950578B2	Tire air pressure detection device A tire air pressure detection device has transmitters each detecting a running state of a vehicle on the basis of a detection signal of an acceleration sensor and transmitting a frame when it is determined that the vehicle is running. Because acceleration varies independently of a tire rotation speed, a frame can be transmitted even before a vehicle speed reaches or exceeds, for example, 30 km/h. Consequently, data on a tire air pressure can be transmitted in a short time period from a running start of the vehicle and hence a decrease in tire air pressure can be detected in a short time period from the running start of the vehicle.
US09950570B2	Pneumatic tire A pneumatic tire includes at least three circumferential main grooves that extend in the tire circumferential direction, and land portions that are partitioned and formed by these circumferential main grooves. In addition, a belt layer is formed by laminating a pair of cross belts each having a belt angle of not less than 10° and not more than 45° as an absolute value and having mutually opposite signs, and a circumferential reinforcing layer having a belt angle within a range of ±5° with respect to the tire circumferential direction. In addition, in a cross-sectional view taken along the tire meridian direction, a diameter D1 at a point at an edge portion on the inner side of a shoulder land portion in the tire width direction and a diameter D2 at a predetermined point within the ground-contact surface of the shoulder land portion have a relationship such that D2
US09950546B2	Recording apparatus A printer includes a recording head performing recording on a medium and includes a base stand that has a mounting surface capable of mounting the medium. A pump that absorbs or suctions the medium mounted on the mounting surface of the base stand, in which a pressure or a suction force is applied from a part of the medium to an entirety thereof.
US09950542B2	Processing digital ink input subject to monitoring and intervention by an application program A facility for processing ink input is described. In one example facility, the facility receives ink input from an input device. The facility generates and renders ink stroke data structures in response to received ink input in accordance with an ink input processing pipeline. The facility provides to an executing application access to information traversing the ink input processing pipeline at a selected point in the ink input processing pipeline.
US09950537B2	Cartridge and printing material supply system A printing material supply system 10 includes a printer 50 equipped with a holder 600 and cartridges 20 that are detachably attached to the holder 600. The holder 600 has a first apparatus-side locking element 810 and a lever 800. The first apparatus-side locking element 810 is formed as part of the lever 800. The cartridge 20 has a first cartridge-side locking element 210 that includes a first locking surface 211 to engage with the first apparatus-side locking element 810. The first cartridge-side locking element 210 has an extended surface 219 that prevents a negative Z-axis end 818 of the lever 800 from running on the first locking surface 211.
US09950536B2	Liquid supply mechanism and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid supply mechanism includes a sub-tank that supplies liquid to a liquid ejection head and a liquid replenishing mechanism that suctions liquid from a main tank into the sub-tank. The liquid replenishing mechanism has a diaphragm, a biasing member, and a drive member. The diaphragm has a movable portion and a mounting portion and closes one end of a liquid container chamber provided on the sub-tank. The biasing member biases the diaphragm in a first direction in which a volume of the liquid container chamber is decreased. The drive member pulls the diaphragm in a second direction in which the volume of the liquid container chamber is increased. The movable portion of the diaphragm can move in the first direction and the second direction. The movable portion has a first portion, which is flexible, and a second portion that retains its shape when the liquid container chamber is pressurized.
US09950529B2	Ink jet printer and ink jet head There is provided an ink jet printer including a carriage, and an ink jet head. The ink jet head has two first nozzle groups to jet a first ink, two second nozzle groups to jet a second ink, and two third nozzle groups to jet the second ink. Each of the first, second and third nozzle groups includes a plurality of nozzles arrayed at a pitch P along a second direction. The second nozzle groups accord respectively with the first nozzle groups in terms of nozzle position in the second direction, the third nozzle groups are dislocated respectively from the second nozzle groups in terms of nozzle position in the second direction, and any two groups selected from the first and second nozzle groups are arranged respectively on two opposite sides of each of the third nozzle groups in the first direction.
US09950520B2	Printhead having a number of single-dimensional memristor banks A printhead having a number of single-dimensional memristor banks is described. The printhead includes a number of nozzles to deposit an amount of fluid onto a print medium. Each nozzle includes a firing chamber to hold the amount of fluid, an opening to dispense the amount of fluid onto the print medium, and an ejector to eject the amount of fluid through the opening. The printhead also includes a number of single-dimensional memristor banks. Each memristor bank includes a number of memristors arranged in a single dimension and a number of serially-connected de-multiplexers to selectively activate a target memristor of the memristor bank. The number of serially-connected de-multiplexers is equal to the number of memristors and an output of at least one de-multiplexer is an input into a subsequent de-multiplexer.
US09950519B2	Liquid jetting apparatus There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus including a conveyor, a liquid jet head, a carriage, a carriage moving device, and a controller. The controller carries out printing by repeating a scan-printing operation and a conveyance operation, and carries out a process of determining a jet-timing such that the jet-timing and a predetermined reference timing may deviate oppositely from each other between a print area on the upstream side and a print area on the downstream side along a scanning direction for the carriage to move in the scan-printing operation with respect to a predetermined reference position in the scanning direction, based on a value of a correction parameter. The correction parameter is set to the same value for nozzles included in an identical one of nozzle groups and to different values for the corresponding nozzles included in different ones of the nozzle groups.
US09950516B1	Method of slicing and printing multi-colour 3D object A method of slicing and printing multi-color 3D object includes following steps of: executing a path-slicing process to a coordinate information of a multi-color 3D object (22) to generate a plurality of path data; generating a plurality of continuous-tone images according to a color information of the multi-color 3D object (22); calculating a plurality of dithering masks according to a plurality of displacement values and an initial mask; generating a plurality of halftone images according to each dithering mask and the same-layer continuous tone image; and, controlling a modeling nozzle (100) of a multi-color 3D printer (1) to print a plurality of printing slices (S1-S3) according to each path data layer by layer and controlling a coloring nozzle (102) of the multi-color 3D printer (1) to color each of printed printing slice (S1-S3) according to the same-layer halftone image.
US09950514B2	Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and piezoelectric element device Provided are a vibrating plate, a first electrode provided over the vibrating plate, a piezoelectric layer provided over the first electrode, and a second electrode provided over the piezoelectric layer are provided. The piezoelectric layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The piezoelectric layer includes an active portion of which at least one end portion is defined by the first electrode, and a non-active portion provided on an outside of the end portion of the first electrode for defining the active portion. The vibrating plate includes a first vibration portion under the non-active portion and a second vibration portion on an outside of the first vibration portion. The second vibration portion includes a taper part having the thickness which is increased toward the first vibration portion.
US09950513B2	Liquid discharging device, correction chart generating method, and recording medium A controller for a liquid discharging device generates a correction chart including a reference pattern and a correction part, using a liquid discharged from a liquid discharge head, the liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles that are arranged to form a nozzle array. The controller drives a predetermined number of the plurality of nozzles to form the reference pattern on the recording sheet along a direction of the nozzle array, the predetermined number being a number equal to or less than a total number of the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle array, and drives a number of the plurality of nozzles that is different than the predetermined number of nozzles driven in forming the reference pattern, to form the correction pattern on the recording sheet along the direction of the nozzle array.
US09950512B2	Liquid discharge head A liquid discharge head includes an element substrate to which an electric signal is supplied, an electrical wiring board that is connected to the element substrate and that is capable of supplying the electric signal to the element substrate, and a printed circuit board that includes a wiring line and an insulating layer covering the wiring line and that is capable of supplying the electric signal to the element substrate via the wiring line. A protruding structure that has a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of the wiring line and that is covered with the insulating layer is disposed along the wiring line on the printed circuit board, and a portion of the electrical wiring board is bonded to a portion of the insulating layer located on the wiring line disposed on the printed circuit board.
US09950509B2	Baffled ink cup A modified ink cup for plate printing is presented, where the ink cup is separated internally into two domains, a storage area and a print area, by a baffle system. The baffling allows only a limited amount of exposure of the ink in the ink cup to the outside air, reducing evaporation of the ink solvent and extending the life of the ink supply in the cup. This system greatly reduces the number of times an ink cup has to be re-filled to perform plate printing and limits the evaporation of possibly toxic solvents to the air.
US09950507B2	Three-dimensional structure manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method of three-dimensional structure, and three-dimensional structure Provided is a three-dimensional structure manufacturing apparatus which manufactures a three-dimensional structure by laminating layers formed using three-dimensional formation compositions containing three-dimensional formation powders, the apparatus including: a formation unit in which the three-dimensional structure is formed; a first supply unit and a second supply unit which supply the three-dimensional formation compositions to the formation unit; a first squeegee and a second squeegee which form the layers configured with the three-dimensional formation compositions on the formation unit; and a discharge unit which discharges a binding solution for binding the three-dimensional formation compositions to the layer, in which the first supply unit, the first squeegee, the discharge unit, the second squeegee, and the second supply unit are arranged in this order, along a movement direction of the discharge unit.
US09950502B2	Paper and cardboard packaging with barrier coating Described is paper or cardboard packaging produced from mineral oil contaminated, (e.g., recycled) paper, wherein the packaging includes a barrier layer obtainable by applying an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtainable by emulsion polymerization of C1-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylates, acid monomers, e.g., acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, 0-20 wt % of acrylonitrile and 0 to 10 wt % of further monomers in an aqueous medium in the presence of a carbohydrate compound, preferably in the form of a degraded starch, wherein the glass transition temperature of the copolymer is in the range from +10 to +45° C. The barrier layer may be situated on one of the surfaces of the packaging or form one of multiple layers of a multilayered packaging coating or be situated as a coating on one side of an inner bag situated within the packaging.
US09950493B2	Decorative film A decorative film includes a dark-colored opaque substrate, which includes a surface that includes an uneven section, and a transparent decorative layer, which is stacked on the surface of the opaque substrate and closely contacts the uneven section. The uneven section includes ridges and grooves, which are located between the ridges. The ridges extend in directions of the same tendency, and the grooves extend in directions of the same tendency as the ridges. A minute uneven section formed in the top surface of each ridge includes minute ridges and minute grooves, which are located between the minute ridges. The minute ridges extend in directions of the same tendency and have a narrower width than the ridges and the grooves, and the minute grooves extend in directions of the same tendency as the minute ridges and have a narrower width than the ridges and the grooves.
US09950491B2	Flexible nozzle for inflation and sealing device A flexible structure inflation and sealing assembly that can comprise a driver configured for engaging the flexible structure to drive the structure in a downstream direction longitudinally along a material path and a nozzle configured for reception in an inflation channel that extends through the flexible structure. At least a portion of the nozzle is flexible and is operable to adjust to the direction and angle that the flexible structure approaches from. The flexible portion may align with a tip of the nozzle in one axis and the opposite end of the nozzle in a second axis thereby allowing for misalignment of the flexible structure as it engages the nozzle and is directed to a pinch area.
US09950489B2	Bag and method of making the same The plastic bag may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a pattern imparted onto them. The wrinkle pattern may be a plurality of linear ribs formed into the sidewall that may be arranged adjacent and parallel to one another. To impart the pattern to the sidewall, a thermoplastic web used to make the sidewall may be directed between a first cylindrical roller and a second cylindrical roller, each of which may have a plurality of spaced ridges extending about their peripheries. When the web is directed between the first and second rollers, the meshing of the ridges may form ribs into the web.
US09950485B2	Apparatus and method for forming an annular apex filler for tire beads The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of forming an annular apex filler for tire beads. Said apparatus comprises a cylindrical former (2) for supporting a cut length of an apex filler strip (91) of elastomeric material, wherein said cylindrical former (2) comprises a hollow rotary shaft (21) and a plurality of rigid, circumferentially spaced apart fingers (22). The fingers (22) are movably connected to support members (24) for flipping the apex filler when wound on the cylindrical former. The support members (24) are movable connected to substantially radially extending guiding members (25). The guiding members (25) are connected to a hollow rotary shaft (21). The fingers (22) are connected via linkages (27) to a driving member (281) which is connected to a push/pull shaft (28) which extends at least partially through the hollow rotary shaft (21). Said apparatus further comprises a setting unit comprising a setting plate (26), said unit being arranged for moving the support members (24) radially inwardly or outwardly, and a feed assembly for feeding said apex filler (91) to said cylindrical former (2).
US09950478B2	Method of fabricating a spar for a blade, and a method of fabricating a blade A method of fabricating a spar for a blade, which spar includes transversely at least one arrangement. A male former is defined for each arrangement that is to be fabricated and each arrangement is subdivided into a pressure-side subassembly and a suction-side subassembly, each comprising a plurality of hanks, each hank comprising a plurality of U-shaped tape segments stacked on one another. Each subassembly of an arrangement is fabricated outside a mold for fabricating the blade on a single former adapted to that particular arrangement, fabrication being by stacking tape segments on the former using a fiber placement method implemented by a placement head.
US09950458B2	Gate design with plunging nozzle and a waste reservoir for separating off ratio material This invention relates generally to an apparatus for casting a portion of a tire or other article of manufacture, and, more specifically, to an apparatus that has a gate design, that has a plunging nozzle with a waste reservoir for separating off-ratio material before it enters the cavity that forms a portion of the tire or other article of manufacture. The design may further include a passage that connects the runner to the waste reservoir as-well as an air vent that allows trapped gas or air to exit the waste reservoir as it fills with waste material, a valve that is operative!'/associated with the passage for closing and opening the passage at appropriate times, and a nozzle constructed from two independently translating components for initially introducing material into the waste reservoir and subsequently into the runner.
US09950454B2	Method for the vacuum-assisted production of a PUR/PIR foam body The present invention relates to a method for producing a PUR/PIR foam body, comprising the steps of providing a mold adapted for applying an underpressure to the interior of the mold; introducing a reaction mixture comprising an isocyanate-reactive component A and an isocyanate B into the mold, and applying an underpressure to the interior of the mold, so the underpressure acts on the introduced reaction mixture. The underpressure is applied to the interior of the mold no later than the reaction mixture has started to set in the mold, and the isocyanate index of the reaction mixture is ≥300.
US09950448B2	In-mold adjustment of pylsteer parameters Molds, methods and systems are provided for adjusting one or more plysteer parameters in a tire having a tread formed from a mold.
US09950446B2	Device for granulating melt material A device for producing pellets from a melt material. The device can have a perforated plate with nozzles from which a melt material emerges. Located opposite the perforated plate is a cutting chamber with a motor-driven cutter arrangement having a cutter head with at least one blade, and a cutter shaft. A coolant is introduced into the cutting chamber from an inlet apparatus. The inlet apparatus has a separate inlet chamber that circumferentially encloses the cutting chamber in the area of rotation of the at least one blade, and has an adjustable annular inlet nozzle arrangement. Coolant is introduced into the cutting chamber circumferentially and substantially radially inward from the outside. A substantially centripetal flow of the coolant is produced in the area of rotation, and the coolant and the pellets are conveyed to an outlet of the cutting chamber.
US09950445B2	Hole-drilling device for drilling hole with expanded diameter hole portion A device for drilling a hole with an expanded diameter includes: a body, a shank; a sleeve; a compression spring; a drill bit body; an expanded diameter hole portion forming member attached to a side surface of the drill bit body and configured such that a cutting bit protrudes laterally from the drill bit body when the expanded diameter hole portion forming member moves forward on the side surface; a compression spring, which urges the expanded diameter hole portion forming member rearward relative to the drill bit body; and a cam. The expanded diameter hole portion forming member is configured to move forward on the side surface of the drill bit body owing to rotation of the cam when the body moves forward relative to the sleeve.
US09950437B2	Methods and apparatuses for preparing Shawarma, Gyros and Doner kebab sandwiches and meals Methods and apparatuses for preparing sandwiches (subs, wraps) and meal, such as Shawarma, Gyros and Doner Kebab sandwiches and meals. The apparatus includes a grilling mechanism, a smoking mechanism, a slicing mechanism, sandwich and meal assembly mechanism, sandwich wrapping and packing mechanism and accepting money and credit card mechanism. The slicing mechanism is configured to slice a cylinder or cone of meat in an automated, substantially helical slicing pattern. The sandwich assembly includes various components to automatically dispense selected bread, condiments, and other sandwich and meal ingredients and wrapping and packing the sandwich.
US09950429B2	Robot cleaning system and method of controlling robot cleaner Disclosed is a method of controlling a robot cleaner. The control method includes acquiring an image of the robot cleaner and a surrounding area of the robot cleaner at a reference position, the robot cleaner having two markers spaced apart from each other by a given distance, extracting the two markers from the acquired image, defining a horizontal plane of an actual space in which the two markers are located, based on positions of the two markers displayed on the acquired image and an actual distance between the two markers, acquiring position information of the robot cleaner relative to the reference position, based on position information of the two markers in the horizontal plane, and controlling travel of the robot cleaner based on the position information of the robot cleaner relative to the reference position.
US09950425B2	Robot control apparatus and robot system A robot control apparatus, which controls motions of an industrial robot based on processing results of an image processing apparatus which images the robot or objects around the robot, includes: a first communication unit which communicates with a computer for development as an external computer; a second communication unit which is connected to the image processing apparatus via a network; and a command processing unit which opens a communication port of the second communication unit and causes the second communication unit to start communication with the image processing apparatus via a server on the network in response to an open command received by the first communication unit.
US09950424B2	Robotic servicing multifunctional tool Herein is disclosed a multifunctional tool with replaceable tool tips. The disclosed multifunctional tool may be used as an end-effector on a robotic arm in space. Each tool tip, when in the tool holder, is driven by a common motor. The same motor can also be used to control the orientation of the tool tip about an axis. The tool tips are replaceable in the tool holder by simple and robust means, resulting in a lighter and cheaper multifunctional tool. The tool tips can be variously adapted to perform a variety of functions, including cutting, grasping, drilling, driving, etc. Since the tool may be driven by only one actuator, and the single actuator may be used to drive both the tool and rotation of the tool, mass can be saved. Use of such a multifunctional tool also reduces overall system power requirements, and system complexity.
US09950423B2	Industrial robot with a drive arrangement arranged on an arm extension An industrial robot includes a robot arm with multiple elements connected via joints, one element of which is designed as a linkage and another designed as an arm extension. The arm extension is mounted on one side of the linkage in a pivotal manner about a rotational axis by one of the joints and supports at least two other elements which form hand elements of the robot arm. An arm extension drive on the arm extension pivots the arm extension relative to the linkage, and a first hand element drive on the arm extension moves one of the hand elements relative to the arm extension. A motor shaft of the arm extension drive on the arm extension is offset from and runs parallel to the rotational axis, and a motor shaft of the first hand element drive on the arm extension is perpendicular to and spaced from the rotational axis.
US09950422B2	Twisted string actuators for an exosuit system A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.
US09950416B2	Handle and power tool comprising same handle To provide a handle that is effective at achieving both vibration resistance and usability. A handle attached to a tool body of a power tool has: a grip portion; a connecting portion that connects to the tool body; elastic element interposing regions that are formed between the grip portion and the connecting portion; elastic elements disposed in the elastic element interposing regions; a powder filling region formed between the grip portion and connecting portion; and a plurality of powder bodies that fill the powder filling region.
US09950413B2	Multi-functional tool for flexible pipe and related methods A multifunctional tool includes first and second handle members, first and second jaw members operatively connected to the first and second handle members and movable between a first open position and a second closed position, and first and second removable collar attachment members configured to be removably installed in the first and second jaw members, respectively, to provide different sizes of compressing and/or cutting diameters when the first and second jaw members are in the second closed position.
US09950412B2	Torque wrench A torque wrench includes a driving shank having two pivot bases, an anchor pivotally attached to one of the pivot bases and having channel formed in the anchor, a connection rod pivotally attached to the other pivot base, a housing engaged onto the connection rod, a casing disposed on the housing, a peg secured to the casing and slidably engaged in the channel of the anchor, a retainer member engaged into the casing and having a protrusion engaged into the housing, and a positioning element is engaged into the housing and engaged with the protrusion of the retainer member and for positioning the positioning element to the housing.
US09950403B2	Device for grinding and deburring a flat workpiece A device for grinding and deburring a flat workpiece comprise a grinding roller having an abrasive coating. A coaxial drive shaft that is connected rotation-fast to the guide roller is driven by a drive motor via a primary belt drive. The grinding roller is borne axially displaceable on the drive shaft. Via a second secondary belt drive, the drive motor drives a cam mechanism, comprising a control cylinder that is rotatably borne on the drive shaft of the grinding roller and that has a groove cam and comprising a cam slide arranged on the grinding roller. The rotating grinding roller thus performs an oscillating axial back-and-forth movement.
US09950402B2	System and method for aligning an ingot with mounting block An alignment system for aligning an ingot of semiconductor or solar-grade material is provided. The alignment system includes a mounting block for attachment to the ingot, an optical device for aligning a predetermined centerline of the ingot with a reference line, and adjustable supports configured for supporting the ingot on at least four support points and configured to adjust the position of the ingot. The mounting block is movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position.
US09950391B2	Welding system for vehicle body components A welding system is provided. The welding system includes a fixture, a plurality of pressure blocks, and a laser welder. The fixture is configured to grasp a roof panel and transition to an advanced position in order to align the roof panel with a roof rail along a weld line. The plurality of pressure blocks are movably secured to the fixture such that advancing the pressure blocks when the fixture is in the advanced position provides a compression force between the roof panel and roof rail along the weld line to prevent distortion during a welding operation. The laser welder is configured to weld the roof panel to the roof rail along the weld line.
US09950386B2	Method and end assembly for welding device An end assembly for use with a welding device having a chamber between the diffuser sleeve and the insert which allows for cooling the insert and for controlling the flow of gas through the end assembly. Some of the components of the end assembly such as the contact tip, insert and gooseneck are constructed of a conductive material which are securely held together in contact by a diffuser sleeve constructed of a non-conductive material. The end assembly provides better conductivity of the current through the end assembly for use of less energy during welding.
US09950381B2	Tube coupling and a method for forming a tube coupling A method for forming a tube coupling includes forming a metallurgical joint between a copper tube and an aluminum tube and annealing the copper tube and the aluminum tube after forming the metallurgical joint. The metallurgical joint has a eutectic region and an intermetallic region after annealing the copper tube and the aluminum tube. The method may assist with improving a performance of the metallurgical joint. A related tube coupling and evaporator are also provided.
US09950380B1	Method for forming a dual threaded die An electric discharge machining electrode is shaped to form a die for roll forming a dual threaded screw. The electrode is oriented with a face thereof adjacent to a forming surface of the die and placed within an electric discharge machine to cause electric discharge via the electrode to the forming surface of the die, to shape the die to have the geometry required for roll forming of the dual threaded screw. The EDM electrode face has a plurality of troughs and tips substantially matching coarse threads of the screw. Grooves are formed in the tips. The grooves are angled relative the tips and have a geometry substantially matching the fine threads of the screw. The face of the electrode has a form which shapes the forming surface of the die so that the die can roll form the dual threaded screw.
US09950378B2	Wire electric discharge machine In a wire electric discharge machine, a discharge delay time is used to classify the inter-electrode state into three categories; a short-circuit state, small-gap state, and large-gap state. Based on this classification, the magnitude of a machining current supplied from a main discharge circuit is determined. If the discharge delay time is zero (i.e., if no electric discharge is generated) after the lapse of a predetermined time since the start of the application of a machining voltage to an inter-electrode gap by an auxiliary discharge circuit, the inter-electrode gap is determined to be short-circuited by machining chips. Thereupon, a short-circuit machining current is supplied from the main discharge circuit to the inter-electrode gap to remove the machining chips. In this way, establishment of a complete short-circuit state is prevented so that the machining efficiency is improved to increase the machining speed.
US09950372B2	Transportable beveling tool Beveling tools having a variety of features are described. The tools can utilize a combination of handles, a protective external frame, guide rollers that are positionally adjusted by swing arms with timing lobes, or by an alternative guide bar mounting system, a helical knurled drive roller, guide rollers that have a convex or crowned face, skewed guide rollers, a positive clutch assembly for governing force applied to the guide rollers, a hand crank assembly for moving the tool when mounted on a workpiece, position adjustment provisions for varying the position of a milling head, and indicators providing visual feedback to an operator.
US09950371B2	Method and facility for transforming a liquid-state metal into a solid-state metal Method and installation for converting a metal in the liquid state into a fragmented metal in the solid state. The metal in the liquid state is poured on an upstream portion of a receiving surface (7) of a first cooled vibrating table (4). The metal falls from the downstream end of the first table on an upstream portion of a receiving surface (17) of a second cooled vibrating table (5). The fragmented and solidified metal is discharged at the downstream end of the receiving surface of that second table. A rotary fragmentation roller (102) may be positioned above a table. The tables comprise an upstream cooling zone (7) by means of a liquid/gas emulsion and a downstream cooling zone (17) by means of a liquid.
US09950362B2	Clean green energy electric protectors for materials A device to generate and direct electric heat 10 for use over risers, drains, pathways and pour cups during solidification in which less than 2% plasma is utilized, comprising an outer shell 20 having one open heat delivery end 25, at least one lip 30 located at the open end 25, one closed end 35, at least one electric heating element 80 affixed within the closed 35 end and refractory material 60 surrounding the electric heating element 80. A method, employing the device 10, to improve the properties of cast alloys which comprises the heating and blanketing of a molten cast surface with an atmosphere of less than 2% plasma during solidification, the atmosphere of less than 2% plasma thereby controlling temperature during the solidification and shielding the molten cast surface from the affects of oxidation.
US09950360B2	Process and apparatus for minimizing the potential for explosions in the direct chill casting of lithium alloys An apparatus and a system including a casting pit; a mold including a reservoir and a cavity; a coolant feed operable to introduce a coolant to a periphery of a metal emerging from the mold cavity; an array of water vapor exhaust ports about at least the top periphery of the casting pit; a mechanism to introduce an inert fluid into the coolant feed. A method for a direct chill casting including, after detecting a bleed out, exhausting generated gas from the casting pit at a flow volume rate that is enhanced relative to a flow volume rate prior to detecting bleed out or run out; introducing an inert gas into the casting pit; and introducing an inert fluid into a coolant feed to the casting mold.
US09950353B2	Bioremediation composition with time-release materials for removing energetic compounds from contaminated environments A composition useful for removing energetic compounds from contaminated environments. The composition includes a supported reactant including an adsorbent with high affinity for energetic compounds. Further, the composition includes a first bioremediation material comprising at least one organism capable of degrading an energetic compound and a polymeric substance fueling the first bioremediation material during the degrading of the energetic compound. Additionally, the composition includes a second bioremediation material breaking the polymeric substance into smaller molecules over a degradation time period to provide the fueling of the first bioremediation material in a time-release manner.
US09950347B2	Individual sorting device for sorting tablets, system with such an individual sorting device and with a tableting device, and method for checking an individual sorting device The invention relates to an individual sorting device (10) for sorting tablets which have been pressed by a tableting machine using press punches. The individual sorting device (10) comprises a tablet feed (20), a pressing force signal input (30) for receiving pressing force signals which can be assigned to the fed tablets, a programmable control unit (40), and a storage unit (50). The individual sorting device (10) is suitable for separating tablets to which an unacceptable pressing force signal can be assigned, said unacceptable pressing force signal lying outside of an accepted pressing force range, from tablets to which an acceptable pressing force signal can be assigned, said acceptable pressing force signal lying within the accepted pressing force range. A test control program is stored in the storage unit (50) for programming the control unit (40) for a test operation of the individual sorting device (10), and during the test operation, the test control program includes the offset application of pressing force signals which can be assigned to tablets that have been pressed by at least one of the pressing punches of the tableting machine. The invention further relates to a system comprising a tableting device with multiple pressing punches and with an individual sorting device (10) and to a method for checking a proper functioning of an individual sorting device (10) for a tableting device with pressing punches.
US09950345B2	Systems and methods for shear and warp detection and correction The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for warp and shear detection and correction and, more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting and correcting shear and warp in an address block of a mailpiece. The method is implemented in a computing device and includes: locating a barcode which is spatially consistent with a block of text; obtaining barcode bar data from the barcode which correlates to a difference in spatial orientation of one or more bars of the barcode with respect to a best fit line through the barcode; and replacing the block of text with a non-distorted block of text which can be read by optical character recognition processes, based on the barcode bar data.
US09950335B2	Device for separating overspray The invention relates to a device for separating overspray from the booth air of coating booths, in particular painting systems, charged with overspray. The device includes a separation unit through which booth air charged with overspray can be guided and in which overspray is separated. The separating unit is designed as an exchangeable structural unit having a filter housing, an inlet opening and a filter unit. The air flow charged with overspray can be guided via the air guiding device to the separation unit. The separating unit includes an inlet collar which defines the inlet at least in sections and the air guiding device includes a connecting sleeve, which immerses in such a manner into the inlet opening when the separating device is in operation in such a manner that said connecting sleeve is surrounded by the inlet collar of the separation unit.
US09950333B2	Device for coating parts including a movable receiver in which a dispenser device and an IR emitter device are located The present invention relates to a coating device for small parts, in particular for lacquering mass produced small parts, like e.g. bolts, small plastic parts and similar, and it relates to a method for this purpose with a movable receiver element for receiving and moving the small parts, and a dispenser device, located at the receiver element for continuous or portioned dispensing the coating material into the receiver element, wherein a radiation emitter device is provided in the receiver element for emitting radiation for drying and/or hardening the coating material.
US09950325B2	Carbon fiber composite discharge electrode with mechanical bias A discharge electrode using carbon fibers, nanofibers and/or nanotubes to generate the corona discharge. The invention contemplates conductive fiber, such as carbon strands with or without a polymer matrix to form a composite, and a supporting configuration in which the strand is extended along or wrapped helically around a supporting rod that extends along the length of the electrode. A mechanical bias is applied to each strand to maintain tension on the strand. Preferably this includes coil springs extending between bushings mounted on the rod and moveable hemispherical supports slidably mounted on the rod that seat against the strand.
US09950320B2	Sulfonated aminomethylated chelate resins The invention relates to sulfonated aminomethylated chelate resins, to a method for producing same, to the use thereof for obtaining and purifying metals, in particular rare earth metals, from aqueous solutions and organic liquids, and for producing highly pure silicon.
US09950318B2	Metal oxide catalysts with a laser induced hydrophobic characteristic A process for treating metal oxide catalysts includes activating one or more lasers to produce laser light. The process also includes exposing at least a portion of the metal oxide catalyst to the laser light to increase hydrophobicity of the metal oxide catalyst. The metal oxide catalyst may include a plurality of metal oxide particles or a metal oxide film.
US09950299B2	Apparatus and process for the separation of a particulate matter from a fluid The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the treatment of an incoming fluid, comprising: a bottom part connecting a common feed stream to individual membrane filter modules through a tailor made connecting piece; a top part connecting individual membrane filter modules to a common retentate stream through a tailor made connecting piece. According to the invention the apparatus is assembled out of tailor-made parts with the object to reduce material costs and labor costs, and the part are made such that footprint of the contraption is minimized. Furthermore, the individual parts form a sub-unit with such dimensions that multiple sub-units can be combined into one main unit, without the need to execute any alterations to the sub-units in terms of sizing, by which means modularity and scalability is introduced into the main units.
US09950287B2	Filter for fluid, filter element of a filter, and filter housing of a filter A filter for fluid has a filter housing and a filter element disposed in the filter housing. An element-associated electrical connecting element associated with an electrical/electronic functional component is provided. A housing-associated electrical connecting element is provided. When the filter element is mounted in the filter housing, the element-associated electrical element and the housing-associated electrical connecting element are connected electrically with each other and form an electrical connection. A positioning assist device assists in positioning the element-associated electrical connecting element and the housing-associated electrical connecting element relative to each other.
US09950286B2	Capsule body attachment A filter housing comprising an accommodation space for accommodating a filter is disclosed, wherein the filter housing further comprises at least one connector-like coupling element configured to indirectly or directly mate with at least one mating coupling element of a mating filter housing; and wherein the coupling element is integrally formed on a portion of the filter housing.
US09950274B2	Method and apparatus for cooling a flow containing at least 35% carbon dioxide and mercury In a method for cooling a flow containing at least 35% carbon dioxide and at least 0.2 μg/Nm3 of mercury, the mercury being in liquid and/or gas form, the flow is cooled in a first brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger from a first temperature to a second temperature higher than −38.6° C. to form a cold flow at the second temperature, and the flow cooled to the second temperature is cooled in a second heat exchanger, which is a tube and shell heat exchanger, to a third temperature lower than −38.6° C.
US09950269B2	Electrically-operated toy [Problem to be Solved] To provide an electrically-operated toy that uses an electric double-layer capacitor as a main power source and yet can secure an operation duration time per charge that is long enough to fully satisfy the users who are infants, younger school children, etc.[Solution] Provided is an electrically-operated toy that includes: an electric double-layer capacitor acting as a main power source; a movable mechanism for realizing toy functions; an electric motive power source for operating the movable mechanism; and a chopper-type step-up DC/DC converter that boosts a voltage received from the electric double-layer capacitor and supplies the voltage as a power source to at least the electric motive power source.
US09950266B2	Tornado yoyo The present disclosure discloses a tornado yoyo, including two rotating disks and a connecting axle configured to connect back portions of the two rotating disks, in which a protruding cylinder provided with a bearing thereon is disposed in the rotating disk and located in the middle of the rotating disk; a rotating cap is disposed outside the rotating disk and provided with a connecting hole portion extending from the middle of the rotating cap to the rotating disk, and the connecting hole portion is sleeved on the bearing to realize a rotation of the rotating cap relative to the rotating disk; and an outer edge of the rotating cap is provided with an edgefold configured to envelop an edge of the rotating disk, so that when the yo-yo is held or pinched in a forward direction, the rotation of the rotating disk will not be influenced.
US09950257B2	Recording companion Active gameplay of a video game on a computer gaming device is overseen by a platform-level in-game recording companion that executes separately from any of a plurality of different video games. During active gameplay of the video game, the active gameplay is continuously and automatically buffered to a temporary storage buffer. During active gameplay the computer gaming device receives a command to save a segment of the active gameplay for subsequent viewing. Without interrupting the active gameplay, the segment of the active gameplay is saved from the temporary storage buffer to a library of the platform-level in-game recording companion.
US09950256B2	High-dimensional touchpad game controller with multiple usage and networking modalities A device comprising a High Dimensional Touch Parameter (HDTP) touch capability that can selectively function, as desired by the user, as one or more of a game controller that connects to a game console via network connections, an independent portable/mobile game device with limited but sufficient capacity of processor/memory, a controller for a game console connected remotely through the internet and or a storage device/media player that can store gaming history, personal information, or media files. In an embodiment the device comprises at least one processor for executing at least one algorithm, the algorithm including at least a game, at least one touch sensor providing real-time tactile information to at least one algorithm, the algorithm implementing at least on HDTP function, and at least one networking element configured to network the device to at least the internet.
US09950248B2	Electronic puzzles A computing system of an electronic puzzle includes a memory, an electronically controlled lock, and a plurality of sensors to generate sensor data. The computing system controls the electronically controlled lock to regulate access to an inner chamber of the electronic puzzle and monitors the sensor data generated by the plurality of sensors. The computing system generates an input password based on the monitored sensor data, compares the input password to a puzzle password stored in the memory, and unlocks the electronically controlled lock to permit access to the inner chamber in response to a determination that the input password matches the puzzle password.
US09950246B2	Color side bets in baccarat A method, gaming machine, and online gaming system for playing a game of baccarat with a color side bet that the number of cards of a selected suit color in either the Player hand or the Banker hand will exceed the number of similarly colored cards in the other hand. After the regular baccarat hand is played, the Banker hand and the Player hand are compared with respect to the number of cards of the selected color and the outcome of the color side bet is determined based on which hand contains more cards of the selected color. A gaming table is configured the specific areas for receiving the color side bet.
US09950245B2	Gregarious card game A new game and the methods thereof are disclosed. The game comprises utilizing new devices, rules, methods, well-defined terms, and a plurality of playing cards designed with special markings and performing alternative actions within a conditional loop to tactically and strategically form the cards on-hand as required melds/pair with bonus-earning patterns. The structure, format, rules, and playing methods of the present invention are designed to provide a great mental workout, and the purpose of the present invention is to engage people and create a friendly and gregarious environment that allows everyone to enjoy the company of others.
US09950242B2	Automatically adaptive ski A ski for use on ice or snow is disclosed. The ski includes a ski body having a tip portion, a tail portion, and a longitudinal running length extending between the tip portion and the tail portion and a substantially flat bottom surface for sliding on snow or ice. The ski also includes a suspension system comprised of a substantially rigid support structure secured to the longitudinally central region of the said ski body at two attachment locations separated by a distance of at least 5 inches along the longitudinal axis of the ski body, and at least one resilient element configured to exert an opposing force between the support structure and the ski body in the area between the two attachment locations.
US09950218B2	Golf club head or other ball striking device A head for a ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face member having a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball and a rear surface opposite the striking surface, a weight member connected to the face member behind the rear surface of the face member, and a resilient member positioned between the weight member and the face member. The resilient member is connected to the rear surface of the face member to connect the weight member to the face member. The resilient member is compressible to permit energy and/or momentum to be transferred between the weight member and the face member through the resilient member during impact, including an off-center impact on the striking surface. Momentum transferred from the weight member to the face member during an off-center impact may reduce energy loss and twisting of the face on impact.
US09950217B1	Multilayer composite high-elastic environmentally-friendly ball structure The utility model discloses a multilayer composite high-elastic environmentally-friendly ball structure which comprises a base layer, a first coating layer, a second coating layer, a third coating layer and a fourth coating layer, wherein both the base layer and the first coating layer are formed by splicing a number of pieces into a hollow spherical structure, and a contact surface of two adjacent spliced pieces is a stepped surface in a “Z” shape or a concave-convex fitting surface in a “U” shape. The utility model have the advantages of simple manufacturing process, novel design, high stability, high reliability, high elasticity and long service life.
US09950214B2	Multi-piece solid golf ball A multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, at least one intermediate layer encasing the core and at least one outer layer encasing the intermediate layer is characterized in that the intermediate layer is formed of a resin composition containing a specific acid-containing polymer or ionomer resin, and the outer layer is formed of primarily a polyurethane or a polyurea. The ball also has, between the intermediate layer and the outer layer, a bonding layer made of a polycarbonate and/or polyether-type aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition which includes a specific aqueous polycarbodiimide.
US09950207B2	Exercise tire frame An exercise device includes a frame having a width and a length and defining a first opening extending in a direction perpendicular to the width and the length. The first opening is sized to retain at least a portion of a weighted object therein such that the width and the length of the frame extends along at least a portion of a width and a length of the weighted object, respectively, and externally thereto when the frame is connected to the weighted object. A handle member is connected to the frame to be gripped by a user.
US09950200B2	Respirator A closing device is provided for a container of a respirator with two container shells (2, 2′) joining each other at front surfaces, with at least one tightening strap (4), which encloses a part of a container shell outer surface located at right angles to the front surfaces. Two holding elements (5, 5′) are each provided with a recess (6, 6′) and are formed at the free ends of the tightening strap (4). A closing element (7) is formed in a U-shaped pattern with two legs (8) and meshes with each recess (6, 6′) of the holding elements (5, 5′). The legs (8) of the closing element (7) can be pulled out of the recess (6, 6′) of the holding elements (5, 5′) to take off the tightening strap (4).
US09950198B2	Multi-mission rebreather cooling system An apparatus includes a scrubber bed, a cooling unit operatively connected to the scrubber bed, and a frame configured for a user to carry the apparatus. The cooling unit includes a compressor, a condensing coil operatively connecting the compressor to an expansion valve, and an evaporating coil operatively connecting the expansion valve to the compressor, and a first fluid circulating through the compressor, the condensing coil, the expansion valve, and the evaporating coil. A method of cooling a gas in a rebreather apparatus includes scrubbing an exhalation gas to produce a recycled gas having a lower concentration of carbon dioxide than the exhalation gas, compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant in a closed-loop system, transferring heat energy from the recycled gas to the refrigerant, and metering a cooled gas to the user.
US09950186B2	Phototherapy display device and method for controlling the same According to one aspect, a display device may include: a display unit including a plurality of pixels; and a controller arranged to receive an image signal comprising a plurality of image frames and then, if certain of the image frames are determined to represent a still image, to insert a sub-image frame between immediately successive image frames of the certain of the image frames, the sub-image frame allowing at least one of the plurality of pixels to emit light of a specified wavelength.
US09950182B2	External defibrillator An external defibrillator estimates the phase of ventricular defibrillation (VF) by deriving, from an ECG exhibiting VF, at least one quality marker representing the morphology of the ECG and, therefore, the duration of the VF. The duration of the VF is calculated as a function of the value (s) of the quality marker (s). The quality marker (s) may comprise any one or more of the median slope of the ECG, the average slope of the ECG, the ratio of the power in relatively high and low frequency bands of the ECG, and a measure of the density and amplitude of peaks in the ECG, over a predetermined period.
US09950169B2	Dynamic stimulation adjustment for identification of a neural fulcrum Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A computer-implemented control system is operated to automatically identify a neural fulcrum zone based on a monitored patient physiological response. Ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone.
US09950159B2	Systems and methods for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine and kits for implanting the same A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system may include one or more electrode leads coupled to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) and a tunneler system for subcutaneously implanting a proximal portion of the lead(s). The system may also include a handheld activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the IPG, and an external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the IPG. The stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that the treating physician may program and adjust stimulation parameters.
US09950158B2	Directional features for implantable medical leads An implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system for directing stimulation energy toward a target tissue and away from unwanted tissues for providing an appropriate stimulation is provided by the present invention. The implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes an implantable lead. The implantable lead includes a lead body and an electrically insulating member. The lead body includes at least one electrode extending substantially around the lead body. The electrically insulating member defines at least one window. At least one insulating member includes a protruding portion configured to urge at least one electrode toward the target tissue.
US09950157B2	Systems and methods for anesthetizing ear tissue A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The sealing member includes microholes which vent fluid above a certain pressure threshold. A headset may connect the earplug to a second earplug. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.
US09950156B2	Disc therapy Apparatus is provided that includes at least one intra-pulposus exposed electrode surface, configured to be implanted in a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, and a plurality of extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, configured to be implanted outside the nucleus pulposus, in electrical communication with the intervertebral disc. Control circuitry is configured to separately control at least two of the plurality of extra-pulposus exposed electrode surfaces, and to repeatedly alternatively assume: (a) a pressure-increasing mode of operation, in which fluid is electroosmotically driven into the nucleus pulposus to increase pressure in the intervertebral disc, by applying a first mean voltage of less than 1.23 V between the exposed electrode surfaces, and (b) an oxygen-generating mode of operation, in which oxygen is generated within the nucleus pulposus by electrolysis, by applying a second mean voltage of at least 1.23 V between the exposed electrode surfaces. Other embodiments are also described.
US09950155B2	Identify insulation breach using electrograms An implantable medical device capable of sensing cardiac signals and delivering cardiac electrical stimulation therapies is enabled to detect a short circuit of a medical electrical lead. A physiological signal correlated to a motion of a patient is sensed via a physiological sensor. If a lead monitoring condition is met based on the physiological signal, a cardiac signal is acquired and analyzed to detect an abnormality. The short circuit of the medical electrical lead is detected in response to detecting the abnormality.
US09950154B2	Method of manufacturing an implantable electrode array by forming packages around the array control modules after the control modules are bonded to substrates A method of forming an implantable electrode array that includes one or more packaged control modules. A control module is packaged by mounting the module to a substrate and forming a containment ring around the module. A conformal coating is disposed over the surface of the module to cover the carrier. Within the containment ring, the conformal coating hardens to form a non-porous shell around the control module. The one or more packaged control modules are placed in a flexible array. Electrodes that are mounted to or embedded in the flexible carrier are connected to the one or more control modules.
US09950151B2	Implantable medical devices An implantable medical system that comprises a gas unit for supplying gas that is essentially oxygen and at least one functional cells unit configured to receive oxygen from the gas unit so as to maintain the cells in a viable condition. The cells unit is flexible. Several embodiments are disclosed.
US09950143B2	Intravenous splint cover and associated methods An intravenous splint cover may include a main body, a pair of opposing securing members, and a splinting member. The main body may be rectangular shaped and have a bottom portion and a top portion. The pair of opposing securing members may be rectangular shaped and be connected to and extend outwardly from the main body and have a bottom portion and a top portion. The splinting member may be rectangular shaped and be carried by the bottom portion of the main body and extend outwardly from the main body to create an elevated portion of the main body. The bottom portions of the pair of opposing securing members may have an adhesive material applied thereto. The bottom portion of the main body that does not carry the splinting member may have an adhesive material applied thereto.
US09950128B2	Oscillating positive expiratory pressure device An oscillating positive expiratory pressure device comprising a housing enclosing at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, and a chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber. A channel is positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, with the channel being moveably connected to a chamber of the at least one chamber. An air flow regulator is moveable with respect to the channel between a first position, where the flow of air through the channel is restricted and a second position, where the flow of air through the channel is less restricted, the air flow regulator being configured to repeatedly move between the first position and the second position in response to a flow of exhaled air.
US09950118B2	Medical injection device comprising a secondary safety limiter The present invention relates to an injection device (1) for setting and injecting set doses from a held drug cartridge (10). The injection device (1) comprises a housing (110,120,130, 140), a piston rod (800), a rotatable driver (500, 700) and a dose setting device (400). The dose setting device (400) comprises a predetermined stop to limit the amount of an expelled dose corresponding to the amount of a set dose. A secondary stop limiter includes first (700) and second (270) components and a secondary stop track follower (950) arranged between the first (700) and second (270) components. If the predetermined stop fails to stop the driver (500, 700) at the end of injection, the secondary stop track follower (950) moves towards a safety stop (708) to prevent the driver (500, 700) from rotating further.
US09950117B2	Medical device and cartridge A cartridge engageable with a medical device, the method of making a cartridge comprising an ordered arrangement of N electrical components each with different respective values of an electrical property, and an ordered arrangement of N conductors operably coupled to the ordered arrangement of the N electrical components.A medical device is arranged to receive a cartridge comprises for each of N conductors on the cartridge, at least a first respective contact arranged to electrically couple with the corresponding conductor when the cartridge is engaged with the medical device; the medical device also comprises an evaluation means operable to evaluate the different respective values of an electrical property of N electrical components on the cartridge, wherein the N electrical components form an ordered arrangement which is operably coupled to the N conductors on the cartridge, and a switching arrangement operable to selectively electrically couple a respective pair of contacts to said evaluation means.
US09950113B2	Needle assembly for the delivery of at least two medicaments Various embodiments of needle assemblies for use with a drug delivery device to deliver two or more medicaments are provided. Additionally, various embodiments of methods for delivering two or medicaments are provided. In one embodiment, a needle assembly comprises an injection needle, a proximal housing member, a distal housing member, and a medicament transfer element. The proximal housing member contains a first medicament and is configured to attach to a drug delivery device containing a second medicament. The distal housing member is movably engaged with the proximal housing member such that relative axial movement between the proximal and distal housing members causes the first medicament to be delivered. Upon activation of the drug delivery device (e.g., activation of a dose button of the drug delivery device) the second medicament is transferred, via the medicament transfer feature, from the drug delivery device to the injection needle of the needle assembly such that the second medicament can be delivered.
US09950111B2	Device for the transcutaneous, in vivo measurement of the concentration of at least one analyte in a living organism A device for the transcutaneous, in vivo measurement of the concentration of at least one analyte in a living organism includes a catheter which can be introduced into the organism, and a luminescence indicator, which is immobilized on the catheter and which reacts to a change in the concentration of the at least one analyte to be measured with a change in at least one optical property. The luminescence indicator is transcutaneously connected to a source for providing an excitation radiation and a detector for detecting the measuring radiation. The luminescence indicator is immobilized on the outer circumference of the catheter, which is used to dispense a fluid medium, for example a medication, into the organism or to drain a body fluid.
US09950110B2	Optical displacement sensor for infusion devices An optical sensor for a delivery device having a piston that displaces a substance, such as a fluid, from a reservoir. The optical sensor has a light source and a detector array for imaging encoding features disposed along a plunger rod coupled to the piston. By virtue of the pattern of encoding features, an absolute position of the plunger rod relative to a fiducial position may be determined uniquely. Thus, the volume of fluid remaining in the reservoir, the rate of fluid delivery, and proper loading of the reservoir may be accurately ascertained. Additionally, the encoding may serve to uniquely identify a version of the reservoir which may be supplied in various versions corresponding, for example, to differing concentrations of a therapeutic agent to be dispensed.
US09950097B2	Multifunctional chitosan grafted surfaces and uses thereof The invention relates to a multifunctional chitosan grafted surface. Specifically, the invention relates to a chitosan modified with a quaternary ammonium salt (CH-Q) grafted surface that provides various functional properties, including stability (pH 3-9) and unique pH dependent swelling and antibacterial properties.
US09950096B2	Particle/polyurethane composites and methods thereof The present invention encompasses the finding that certain treatments (e.g., surface modifications) to particulate materials can provide surprising and unexpected benefits and/or features to composites and/or compositions as described herein. In some embodiments, such benefits and/or features may render particular composites and/or compositions particularly useful in a certain therapeutic context (e.g, for repair of tibial plateau, femoral head, craniofacial, or lateral mandibular body defects). The present invention demonstrates that certain composites and/or compositions wherein the particular material is or comprises defatted bone have surprising and beneficial attributes.
US09950093B2	Fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites and methods of forming fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites A fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite is provided. The composite includes a hydrogel and a fibrous component containing a plurality of fibers. Length of each of the plurality of fibers is less than about 1,000 μm. A method of preparing a fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite is also provided. The method includes coating a hydrogel precursor solution on a substrate to form a hydrogel precursor film, depositing the plurality of fibers onto the hydrogel precursor film, and allowing the hydrogel precursor film to form a hydrogel film, thereby forming the fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite. A scaffold containing the fiber-reinforced composite, and a tissue repair method using the fiber-reinforced composite are also provided.
US09950092B2	Dermal filler compositions for fine line treatment The present invention provides highly injectable, long-lasting hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel dermal filler compositions which are particularly advantageous for correction of fine lines in the face.
US09950085B2	Ultraviolet disinfecting device for food and beverage dispensers Disinfecting devices and related methods are provided that apply germicidal ultraviolet light to disinfect dispensing components of food and beverage dispensers. A disinfecting holster for a bar gun includes a support surface configured to interface with a bar gun to support the bar gun when stowed in the holster, a housing coupled with the support surface and surrounding a dispensing nozzle of the bar gun when the bar gun is stowed in the holster, and an ultraviolet light source configured to emit germicidal ultraviolet light onto the nozzle. The housing substantially contains the ultraviolet light within the housing during the application of the ultraviolet light to the dispensing nozzle. The ultraviolet light can be periodically applied to maintain the nozzle in a disinfected state.
US09950077B2	Anti-folate receptor alpha (FRA) antibody-drug conjugates and methods of using thereof The present disclosure provides anti-folate receptor alpha (FRA) antibody-drug conjugates comprising a hydrophilic self-immolative linker. The present disclosures further provide compositions and methods for treating cancers.
US09950076B2	Maytansinoid derivatives, conjugates thereof, and methods of use Provided herein are maytansinoid compounds, derivatives thereof, conjugates thereof, and methods of treating or preventing proliferative diseases with the same.
US09950074B2	Composition and delivery vehicle for active agents and methods therefor A vehicle composition in the form of a vesicular composition or a particular composition and, optionally, an active agent associated with the vesicle forming components or particles, and folate receptor alpha is used as a delivery system for the transport of components and/or active agents into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or brain and/or central nervous system and/or spinal cord. The composition is used for treating of CSF or brain pertaining diseases, disorders or conditions, such as preventing or treating neurological or neurodegenerative diseases, disorders or conditions.
US09950072B2	Controlled release formulations for the delivery of HIF-1 inhibitors Controlled release dosage formulations for the delivery of one or more HIF-1 inhibitors are provided. The controlled release formulations contain one or more HIF-1 inhibitors conjugated to or dispersed in a polymeric vehicle. The one or more HIF-1 inhibitors can be dispersed or encapsulated in a polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, the one or more HIF-1 inhibitors are covalently bound to a polymer, forming a polymer-drug conjugate. Polymeric vehicles can be formed into implants, microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. Controlled release HIF-1 formulations provide prolonged therapeutic benefit while lowering side effects by releasing low levels of one or more HIF-1 inhibitors and/or HIF-1 inhibitor conjugates over a prolonged period of time. Controlled release dosage formulations can be used to treat or prevent a disease or disorder in a patient associated with vascularization, including cancer, obesity, and ocular diseases such as wet AMD.
US09950070B2	HER2 aptamer-anticancer drug complex for cancer cell chemotherapy This invention relates to a complex for cancer cell chemotherapy and, more particularly, to a HER2 aptamer-anticancer drug complex for chemotherapy of cancer cells, which includes a nucleic acid aptamer specifically binding to HER2 and an anticancer drug linked with the nucleic acid aptamer, so that HER2-positive breast cancer cells are selectively targeted and killed.
US09950069B2	Material and method for treating internal cavities A hydrophilic biocompatible sustained-release material is disclosed. The material comprises amounts of Pluronic F-127, PEG-400, HPMC and water, effective to produce a composition of sufficiently low viscosity at room temperature to be injectable into an internal body cavity via a tube inserted within a urinary catheter. At body temperature, the material exhibits a much higher viscosity and will stably adhere to the internal surface of a body cavity. As the material dissolves, a therapeutic agent incorporated therein is slowly released to the body cavity, while the material itself is excreted from the body.
US09950063B2	Vaccine composition containing synthetic adjuvant Compositions and methods, including vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing or enhancing an immune response are disclosed based on the discovery of useful immunological adjuvant properties in a synthetic, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) that is provided in substantially homogeneous form. Chemically defined, synthetic GLA offers a consistent vaccine component from lot to lot without the fluctuations in contaminants or activity that compromise natural-product adjuvants. Also provided are vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions that include GLA and one or more of an antigen, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, a co-adjuvant and a carrier such as a pharmaceutical carrier.
US09950034B2	Methods for preventing or treating disorders by increasing bioavailability of iron and related pharmaceutical formulation The present disclosure relates to methods of treating, ameliorating or preventing a disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition to a subject in need thereof, which composition contains a lipocalin mutein or a fragment or a variant thereof capable of increasing the bioavailability of iron in the subject.
US09950032B2	Compositions and methods for lung regeneration Airway stem cells have been implicated in the pathology and progression of chronic airway diseases and yet also hold the promise of physiological and ultimately therapeutic repair of damage wrought by these conditions. The present invention is based on the observation that certain p63-expressing stem cells in the bronchiolar epithelium undergo rapid proliferation after infection and radiate to interbronchiolar regions of alveolar ablation. Once there, these cells assemble into discrete, Krt5+ pods and initiate expression of markers typical of alveoli. The dynamics of this p63-expressing stem cell in lung regeneration mirrors parallel findings that defined pedigrees of human distal airway stem cells assemble alveoli-like structures in vitro and provides new therapeutic avenues to acute and chronic airway disease as well as identifying agents which can promote repair.
US09950028B2	Uses of starch binding protein (SBP)-tagged immunostimulatory protein The present invention relates to a method for preventing or treating virus and protozoa infection in a subject in need thereof comprising: orally administering to said subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a complex consisting of a starch binding protein (SBP)-tagged immunostimulatory protein and a SBP-binding matrix, wherein the immunostimulatory protein is from Ganoderma species. The present invention also relates to a method for inducing interferon-gamma production in a subject in need thereof comprising: orally administering to said subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a complex consisting of a starch binding protein (SBP)-tagged immunostimulatory protein and a SBP-binding matrix, wherein the immunostimulatory protein is from Ganoderma species. The present invention further relates to a method for improving feed intake, growth rate or feed conversion ratio in a subject in need thereof comprising: administering to said subject by oral administration or injection an effective amount of a composition comprising a complex consisting of a starch binding protein (SBP)-tagged immunostimulatory protein and a SBP-binding matrix, wherein the immunostimulatory protein is from Ganoderma species.
US09950027B2	Peptide analogues with branched amino acid probe(s) The present invention relates to peptide analogs comprising one or more branched amino acid probes and a peptide, native or variants thereof.
US09950023B1	Composition for the treatment of acne An all-natural composition for treating acne, the composition comprising: N-acetylcysteine (NAC); Nicotinamide; Resveratrol; Rhodionin; Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamin D3, Allicin; and Propolis.
US09950020B2	Extracts from fusarium oxysporum and use thereof Disclosed are the action and use of water extracts and polysaccharides from Fusarium oxysporum in immune enhancement, which belong to the field of biological medicine. The water extracts and polysaccharides from Fusarium oxysporum have a significant immune enhancement effect, which can promote the proliferation of macrophages, increase the phagocytic ability of macrophages, activate macrophages to release immunological active factors NO, IL-1α and TNF-α and can be used in lower immune function diseases and tumor adjuvant treatment.
US09950007B2	Neuronal protection by cerium oxide nanoparticles A method of treating a subject with elevated levels of peroxynitrite includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of cerium oxide nanoparticles to the subject, wherein the cerium oxide nanoparticles reduce the level of peroxynitrite in the subject.
US09950005B2	Compositions comprising biomembrane sealing agent for treatment of neuronal injury, and methods of use The invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for treatment of neuronal injury. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a biomembrane sealing agent, such as PEG, and a bioactive agent, such as a magnesium compound. The biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent an intravenous administration, an intramuscular administration, an intrathecal administration, a subcutaneous administration, an epidural administration, a parenteral administration, a direct application onto or adjacent to a site of the pathological condition, and any combinations thereof. Alternatively, the biomembrane sealing agent and/or the bioactive agent may be delivered from a pump or an implant.
US09949997B2	Pharmaceutical composition, methods for treating and uses thereof The present invention relates to certain SGLT-2 inhibitors for treating and/or preventing oxidative stress, for example in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as well as to the use of such SGLT-2 inhibitors in treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular diseases in patients, for example type 1 or type 2 diabetes patients. The present invention further relates to certain SGLT-2 inhibitors for treating and/or preventing a metabolic disorder and preventing, reducing the risk of or delaying the occurrence of a cardiovascular event in patients, for example patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
US09949995B2	Compositions and methods of treating of bacterial infections with β-lactamase inhibitors A method of treating a bacterial infection in a subject in need thereof includes administering to the subject therapeutically effective amounts of at least one β-lactam antibiotic and at least one triazolylmethyl boronic acid.
US09949993B2	Compositions for administration of zoledronic acid or related compounds for treating low back pain Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as zoledronic acid, in an acid or a salt form can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions, such as chronic low back pain.
US09949988B2	Antibacterial use of halogenated salicylanilides The invention relates to a halogenated salicylanilide selected from closantel, rafoxanide, oxyclozanide and niclosamide and derivatives thereof including salts, hydrates, esters and the like for use in the topical treatment or prevention of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, in particular Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus, in particular Streptococcus pyogenes. Gram positive bacteria treated with the halogenated salicylanilides exhibit a very low frequency of appearance of resistant mutants compared to commonly used topical antibiotics.
US09949984B2	Method for use of homopiperazinium compounds in the treatment of cancer A method for treating cancer comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, Xa is CH or N, Ya is hydrogen or a substituent, each of which is independently selected; n is an integer from 1 to 5, J is a counter ion.
US09949981B2	Compositions and methods for treating proliferation disorders The present invention relates to methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer or Proteus syndrome, by utilizing 3-(3-(4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl)-5-phenyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-amine or 3-(3-(4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl)-5-(3-morpholinophenyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-amine or N-(1-(3-(3-(4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl)-2-(2-aminopyridin-3-yl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-5-yl)phenyl)piperidin-4-yl)-N-methylacetamide. The methods of the present invention can also relate to methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer or Proteus syndrome, by utilizing the above compounds in combination with ((R)-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-(2-((2-methoxyethyl)amino)ethyl)phenyl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]quinazolin-2-amine).
US09949973B2	Acoustic mixing for auto granulation A process for acoustically mixing a bulk drug substance involves the application of acoustic energy to drive an accelerative force in a mixing vessel containing the drug substance. The drug substance may be, for example, Elagolix.
US09949962B2	Pharmaceutical composition comprising glutarimide derivatives and use thereof in the treatment of eosinophilic diseases The present invention relates to novel biologically active glutarimide derivatives of general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, their use as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of eosinophilic diseases, preferably of allergic nature, in particular bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, polypous rhinosinusopathies, eosinophilic colitis, eosinophilic syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, eosinophilic vasculitis, eosinophylic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, or fibroses. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising glutarimide derivatives of general formula (I):
US09949954B2	Angiotensin II receptor antagonist for the prevention or treatment of systemic diseases in cats A method is described for the treatment of systemic diseases in cats. A composition is administered to a cat, where the composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT-1) antagonist (sartan).
US09949946B2	Inclusion complexes of pinocembrin with cyclodextrin or its derivatives Inclusion complexes of pinocembrin with cyclodextrin or its derivatives and their preparation are provided. The inclusion complexes can be used to make drugs.
US09949940B2	Pharmaceutical compositions containing dexketoprofen and tramadol A pharmaceutical composition as a solid oral dosage form is described, comprising: i) a combination of two pharmacological active principles, dexketoprofen salt with an organic or inorganic base and tramadol salt with an organic or inorganic acid, wherein: the organic or inorganic base is selected in the group: trometamol, trimethylamine, dimethylamine, ethylamine, triethylamine, diethylamine, L-lysine, L-arginine, diethanolamine, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide the organic or inorganic acid is selected in the group: hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, sulfuric, methanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, toluenesulfonic, acetic, propionic, malic, maleic, succinic, citric, L-tartaric, lactic, malonic, aspartic, glutamic; ii) microcrystalline cellulose as a filler; iii) a binder selected in the group: maize starch, pre-gelatinized maize starch, hypromellose or their mixtures; iv) pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
US09949933B2	Fenofibrate formulation Various fenofibrate dosage forms contain a plurality of beads or particles, where the beads or particles include a pharmaceutical composition comprising fenofibrate; from 0.3% to 10% by weight of the beads or particles of a surfactant; and from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the beads or particles of a water soluble or water dispersible cellulosic binder. The mass ratio of the drug to the binder in the dosage form is between about 3.5:1 and 4.5:1; and the dosage form produces a first Cmax in vivo that is between about 10% and about 50% higher than a comparative Cmax produced by a comparative dosage form. The comparative dosage form comprises the drug and the binder in a ratio of between about 5:1 and 15:1.The dosage form may contain a plurality of beads or particles, each of the beads or particles including a pharmaceutical composition containing from about 20% to about 55% by weight of fenofibrate; from 0.3% to 10% by weight of a surfactant; and from about 5% to about 15% by weight of a water soluble or water dispersible cellulosic binder.
US09949912B2	Compositions and methods for treating hair loss and delaying aging of skin The invention provides methods of hair loss or inducing new hair growth, as well as methods of preventing hair loss, comprising applying an effective amount of a dihydromyricetin compound to the scalp. The invention also provides methods of delaying or reversing signs of aging skin comprising applying an effective amount of a dihydromyricetin compound to the skin. Also provided are cosmetic products (e.g., skin and hair products) comprising a dihydromyricetin compound and methods of making the same.
US09949911B2	Antiperspirant and deodorant compositions The present application relates to antiperspirant compositions comprising nitrogen-based and/or oxygen based perfume raw materials, and methods for making and using the antiperspirant compositions.
US09949910B2	Cleansing compositions and methods of use thereof A method of improving the rinsability of a cleansing composition comprising an isethionate ester surfactant of formula R6COOCH2CH2SO3−M+ the method comprising incorporating into the composition one or more compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 and R6 each independently represents a C4-36 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; each of R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group and wherein at least one of R2, R3, R4 and R5 is not hydrogen and M+ represents a cation.
US09949907B2	Oral care compositions comprising calcium carbonate and a clay The present invention provides an oral care composition comprising, by total weight of the composition: (a) 15 to 35 weight % calcium carbonate; (b) 0.5 to 2 weight % cellulose ether thickening agent; (c) 1 to 6 weight % clay thickening agent; and (d) at least 35 weight % water; wherein, when the composition comprises less than 28 weight % calcium carbonate and less than 4 weight % clay thickening agent, the cellulose ether thickening agent is present in an amount of greater than 1 weight %.
US09949906B2	Substrates having formulations with improved transferability Substrates having formulations disposed thereon, wherein the formulations have improved transfer rates from the substrate to skin, are disclosed herein. More particularly, the formulations can be applied to nonwoven, particularly elastomeric substrates, as well as tissue paper, and can be easily and efficiently transferred from the substrate to the skin of a user upon intimate contact thereto. Laminated articles using one or more of the substrates having the formulations disposed thereon are further disclosed.
US09949903B2	Water-in-oil cosmetic composition having high levels of active ingredients A composition for imparting anti-aging benefits onto skin containing: (a) an aqueous phase containing: (i) from about 0.5% to 10% by weight, of at least one water-soluble active ingredient; and (ii) water; and (b) an oil phase containing: (iii) at least one emulsifying crosslinked siloxane elastomer; (iv) from about 0.1% to 1% by weight, of at least one oil-soluble active ingredient; (v) wax; and (vi) oil; all weights based on the total weight of the composition.
US09949899B2	Color cosmetic with high coverage and naturalness Described herein is a cosmetic composition comprising a mixture of metal oxide pigments having different shapes and sizes which provides high coverage and a natural look upon application.
US09949893B2	Implantable electroacupuncture system and method for treating dyslipidemia and obesity An exemplary method of treating obesity or dyslipidemia of a patient includes 1) generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, and 2) applying, by the electroacupuncture device in accordance with the duty cycle, the stimulation sessions to at least one of a saphenous nerve and a peroneal nerve of the patient by way of an electrode array located within the patient at an acupoint corresponding to at least one of the saphenous nerve and the peroneal nerve.
US09949889B2	At-home light-emitting diode and massage device for vaginal rejuvenation A light emitting module and massage device provide vaginal rejuvenation. The device exposes collagen in the vaginal area or mucosa to temperatures elevated over normal body temperature to cause the collagen to reversibly or irreversibly denature while simultaneously applying vibration. Once thermally-induced collagen denaturation has occurred, both neoelastogenesis and neocollagenesis may occur and may be initiated with fibroblast proliferation, which may be promoted with vibration. Neofibrogenesis also occurs due to the fibroblastic activity, responsible for secretion of new collagen matrix to effect tissue repair. Thus, the device exploits thermally-induced collagen denaturation and repair along with simultaneous vibration to improve tissue tone, connective tissue tension and bulk tissue regeneration.
US09949874B2	Therapeutic agent delivery device with convergent lumen An apparatus has a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, a connector member, an first tubular member, a second tubular member, and an inner cannula. The connector member has first and second passageways in which the first and second fluid conduits are positioned, respectively. A portion of the second tubular member is positioned within the lumen of the first tubular member. A proximal portion of the inner cannula is fixedly secured within the lumen of the first tubular member. The inner cannula lumen is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits via the lumen of the first tubular member and the lumen of the second tubular member. The inner cannula may be inserted into the subretinal space of a human eye to deliver a leading bleb of fluid and then deliver a therapeutic agent, without having to withdraw the inner cannula from the subretinal space between the acts of delivering the leading bleb delivering the therapeutic agent.
US09949871B2	Method for controlling flow of eggs in a uterine tube There is provided a method for controlling a flow of eggs in a uterine tube formed by a uterine tube wall of a patient. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the uterine tube wall) at least one portion of the uterine tube wall to influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, or for actively moving the fluid in the uterine tube, with a low risk of injuring the uterine tube.
US09949862B2	Pouch comprising a safety valve A pouch (10) comprises a flexible bag (12) having an opening (12a) at one end, and a safety valve arranged inside the bag (12) to substantially prevent the content of the bag (12) leaving through the opening (12a). The valve comprises a first pair of sheets (22) and a second pair of sheets (24) that are bonded together locally at a plurality of spaced-apart primary bonding points (25), and a third pair of sheets (26), the first, second, and third pairs of sheets (22, 24, and 26) being bonded together locally at a plurality of spaced-apart secondary bonding points (27). The distance between the primary bonding points (25) and the distal end of the sheets of the second pair of sheets (24) varies along a transverse axis (Dt) of the bag (12).
US09949856B2	Implantable weight control device to promote early and prolonged satiety in a bariatric patient The present disclosure provides an inflatable weight control device that is implanted long-term with an endoscope in obese and bariatric human patients to promote early and prolonged satiety. The device includes a flexible, inflatable member coupled to a valve body assembly and an elongated durable module residing within the flexible member. The flexible member is selectively inflated to form two bulbs with a central passageway extending through the bulbs and the valve body assembly. Once the bulbs are inflated, the device is retained within the patient's pyloric valve to form a gastric outlet obstruction wherein chyme accumulates and then is directed through the central passageway to reach the patient's duodenum. Due to its unique configuration, the implanted device reduces gastric outflow which results in early and prolonged satiety when the patient consumes normal-sized meals or food portions, thereby reducing food consumption and increasing the patient's weight loss.
US09949850B2	Magnetic locking mechanism for prosthetic or orthotic joints A magnetic locking actuator for a prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. The actuator includes a first component including one or more magnets and a second component including one or more magnets. The first and second components are coupled to separate portions of the device. The magnets allow for adjustment of a length of the actuator to adjust an angular orientation of the first and second portions of the device. When magnets in the second component are aligned with magnets in the first component having an opposite polarity, a position of the second component is fixed relative to the first component, locking the actuator. When magnets in the second component are not aligned with magnets in the first component having the opposite polarity, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component, thereby allowing adjustment of the height of the actuator.
US09949849B2	Medial-lateral stabilizing prosthetic ankle/foot for angled and rough ground gait A device is provided including a first linkage system and a second linkage system. Each linkage system may include an upper support, a lower support, and a cross bar linkage including a first cross bar and a second cross bar. The first cross bar may be configured with a first end pivotally coupled to a first end of the lower support and a second end pivotally coupled to a second end of the upper support. The second cross bar may be configured with a first end pivotally coupled to a second end of the lower support and a second end pivotally coupled to a first end of the upper support. The device may also include a flexible bridging platform coupled to one of the upper support or the lower support of the first linkage system and coupled to the upper support of the second linkage system, and a flexible strut coupled to the lower support of the second linkage system.
US09949842B2	Expandable anterior lumbar interbody fusion device An expandable anterior lumbar interbody fusion device comprises a deformable monolithic body having posterior and anterior ends, an upper bone contact structure and a lower bone contact structure. The body is expandable along a height axis between a first smaller height to a second larger height. The body comprises a pair of opposed side structures, each including a translatable center section being movable in a direction transverse to the height axis, a first locator arm adjacent the posterior end, a second locator arm adjacent the anterior end and a pair of formable load-bearing columns supported by the upper bone contact structure, the lower bone contact structure and the center section. The columns are not formed at the first height but are operative upon expansion of the body to the second height to form load-bearing columns along the height axis between the upper and lower bone contact structures.
US09949841B2	Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
US09949834B2	Prosthetic element for bone extremities such as fingers or toes, or for teeth, and corresponding production method Prosthetic element for bone extremities such as fingers or toes, or teeth, comprising a trabecular part (20, 40, 120) and two end parts or stumps (12, 34, 112; 15, 39, 115).
US09949831B2	Image-guided heart valve placement A method for determining whether a medical device is appropriate for implanting into a cardiovascular conduit of a patient is disclosed comprising imaging a first section of the conduit of the patient into which the medical device is to be implanted during a first expanded state occurring at a first portion of a heart rhythm; reimaging the first section of the conduit of the patient during a first contracted state occurring at a second portion of the heart rhythm; deriving, from the imaging and the reimaging, dimensional characteristics of the first section of the conduit; and determining whether the medical device is appropriate for implantation in the first section of conduit based on the derived dimensional characteristics. The first section of the conduit includes a sizing device providing a selected radial force on the patient.
US09949830B2	Method for replacing a heart valve A method for replacing a native heart valve in need thereof comprises delivering to the native heart valve an apparatus comprising a valve member, a connecting member, and an anchor member suitable for anchoring the apparatus. The valve member reversibly moves between an open position and a closed position to augment or replace the function of the native valve leaflets, thereby reducing valve regurgitation. Some embodiments include a stent that is positioned in the native heart valve with the valve member disposed therein.
US09949828B2	Controlled steering functionality for implant-delivery tool A catheter (14), advanced toward an anatomical site, has a proximal end and a steerable distal end. An anchor (32, 2332) is advanced through the catheter. An anchor driver (36) drives the anchor out of the catheter's distal end (104), anchoring the anchor at the site. A first constraining member (1602, 1652) engages tissue, and inhibits, after the anchor has been driven out of the catheter and before the anchoring, movement of at least the anchor driver's distal end, on a first axis between the anchor driver's distal end and a site at which the first constraining member engages the tissue. A second constraining member (26) inhibits, after the anchor has been driven out of the catheter and before the anchoring, movement of at least the anchor driver's distal end, on a second axis. Other embodiments are also described.
US09949827B2	Replacement heart valves, delivery devices and methods A replacement heart valve and method of treating valve insufficiency includes an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body is coupled to the frame. The valve body can include a leaflet portion and possibly a skirt portion. A portion of the frame has a foreshortening portion configured to longitudinally expand when urged to a radially compacted state and longitudinally contract when urged to a radially expanded state. In one embodiment the valve skirt is attached to the frame so that it can adapt to changes in the length of the frame. A delivery device in some embodiments can use one or more coverings, such as sheaths, to controllably release the replacement heart valve at a native heart valve.
US09949820B2	Composite interference screws and drivers The present disclosure relates to a delivery device and screw combination. The combination includes a delivery device comprising a handle and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a non-circular cannulation, and markings along a length of the shaft; an interference screw coupled to the delivery device comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the screw including threads extending in an open helical form from the proximal end to the distal end, a suture bridge located at a distal end of the screw and housed within a slot of the delivery device shaft, and a plurality of runners extending longitudinally along an interior of the screw, the runners housed within grooves of the delivery device shaft; and a suture disposed around the suture bridge, ends of the suture extending through the cannulation of the delivery device shaft.
US09949812B2	Vaginal operation method for the treatment of anal incontinence in women There is disclosed a method for treating anal incontinence in women. The method comprises accessing the rectum or colon or anus though an incision in the vagina and implanting a powered restriction device on the rectum, colon or anal sphincter. There are also disclosed methods for energizing and controlling the restriction device.
US09949811B2	Pelvic implant and therapeutic agent system and method Various embodiments of a mesh or implant system are provided for treating pelvic conditions such as incontinence, vaginal prolapsed, and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness. Embodiments of the implants can include a material, substrate, configuration or coating adapted to provide immediate or timed release of various therapeutic agents or drugs to treat the surrounding tissue.
US09949808B2	Process for the production of a ceramic body, in particular of a dental ceramic blank, with spatially selectively adjustable degrees of physical properties A process for producing a ceramic body (100), in particular a dental ceramic blank, having selectively adjustable degrees of expression of one or more different physical properties, wherein the ceramic body (100) has a porosity to enable the control of a selective distribution of one or more chemical substances (101, 102) that are suitable for influencing the physical properties of the ceramic body (100), and in a first step, which is a loading step, the ceramic body is loaded with one or more solutions (104) of the one or more chemical substances (101, 102). In a second step, which is a distribution step, the distribution of the one or more chemical substances (101, 102) within the porous ceramic body (100) is controlled, wherein a progression and/or a spatial progression of the degree of expression of the one or more physical properties can be produced. The control is effected by adjusting one or more ambient parameters (106) in an environment (108), in particular by adjusting the air humidity and/or the pressure and/or the temperature.
US09949801B2	Systems and methods for commanded reconfiguration of a surgical manipulator using the null-space Devices, systems, and methods for reconfiguring a surgical manipulator by moving the manipulator within a null-space of a kinematic Jacobian of the manipulator arm. In one aspect, in response to receiving a reconfiguration command, the system drives a first set of joints and calculates velocities of the plurality of joints to be within a null-space. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and the calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector or a remote center about which an instrument shaft pivots. In another aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector or remote center displacing velocities within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect the desired reconfiguration concurrently with a desired movement of the end effector or remote center.
US09949786B2	Surgical devices having removable blade and jaws Surgical devices are provided having end effectors including a jaw closure. The devices herein generally include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector having first and second jaws configured to engage tissue. In some embodiments, the devices can be configured to allow for the removal of the upper jaw and the cutting blade when the device is not in use. In certain aspects, the jaw and/or cutting blade can be cleaned, sterilized, and reused or completely replaced. In some aspects, the device can then be reassembled including the cleaned or new elements, and reused.
US09949775B2	Hammer toe implant with expansion portion for retrograde approach A system includes and implant and an elongate device. The implant includes a first bone engaging portion and a flexible portion coupled to an end of the first bone engaging portion at an engagement portion. The flexible portion is configured to be compressed toward a longitudinal axis defined by the flexible portion. The elongate device includes an engagement end that is sized and configured to engage the engagement portion of the implant.
US09949770B2	Pedicle screw engaging control instrument with a guidewire capturing system A control instrument 100 for a guidewire comprising a first component moveable from a first position, in which the guidewire can move axially relative to the first component, to a second position in which the guidewire is fixed relative to the first component and a second, rotatable, component, wherein rotation of the second component causes the first component to move axially, only when the first component is in its second position, thereby moving the guidewire move axially.
US09949767B2	Methods and devices for manipulating a vertebra Methods and devices are provided for manipulating a vertebra. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include a frame configured to couple two or more surgical instruments attached to one or more vertebrae. Coupling the two or more surgical instruments together, the frame and/or at least one of the surgical instruments can be manipulated to move at least one of the surgical instruments, thereby effecting movement at least one of the vertebra or vertebrae to which the surgical instruments coupled to the frame are attached. In this way, the surgical device can be used to facilitate rotation of a vertebra relative to another vertebra to correct the angular relationship of the vertebrae.
US09949761B2	Noninvasive device for adjusting fastener One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a system for noninvasive adjusting fastener tensioning has an elongated shaft having a slot defined therein. The shaft has a first end oppositely disposed from the second end. An associated rod or rods may pass through each end. Selectively adjustable fasteners may have a plurality of magnets disposed in the head of the fastener. An external drive device generating a magnetic field may be used to rotate the fasteners via the magnets in the fastener head externally without the need for surgery. The fasteners may move in and out from the shaft and contact the rod to adjust tensioning.
US09949760B2	Polyaxial bone anchor with polymer sleeve A bone anchor assembly comprising a shank, receiver, pressure insert, sleeve and closure. The sleeve having a body constructed of deformable material and including a transfer of non deformable material molded into the body of the sleeve to transfer force around the body. The receiver having interior guides and the insert having guide followers that cooperate to align the insert in the receiver and prevent rotation of the insert in the receiver.
US09949759B2	Growing rod for treating spinal deformities and method for using same A growing rod adapted to be secured along a length of a spine for treating deformities of the spine. The growing rod comprises a base rod, an extendable rod having a proximal portion that is slidably coupled to the base rod and arranged with a gear rack, and a distraction unit. The distraction unit includes a housing attached to the base rod, a rotatable drive interface accessible by an external driver from outside of the housing, and a drive gear mechanism housed within the housing and coupled to the rotatable drive interface and the gear rack such that rotation of the rotatable drive interface causes linear movement of the extendable rod through the gear rack.
US09949756B2	Apparatus and methods for accessing and sealing bodily vessels and cavities Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.
US09949729B2	Surgical retractor systems A medical device for keeping open of a wound during surgery is described. It comprises a surgical retractor, a mechanical retracting system a force element for automatically winding an elongate wire-like element to apply tension to the elongate wire-like element.
US09949716B2	Method for generating an elasticity image An image processing method enables an elasticity image of a body including a cavity to be produced on the basis of the material(s) forming the body, wherein the method includes the steps of: receiving a deformation image illustrating a field of movement of the points of the body on the basis of a pressure difference in the body, estimating a shape function of the body from the deformation image, calculating an elasticity image of the body on the basis of the shape function, of the pressure difference and of the deformation image.
US09949715B2	Systems and methods for ultrasound probe guidance Systems and method for ultrasound probe guidance are provided. One system includes a probe guide with a body having at least one engagement portion for coupling an ultrasound probe to the body. The system also includes at least one sensor configured to communicate with an ultrasound imaging system, wherein the at least one sensor coupled to the body and configured to determine at least one of a spatial position, an orientation, a probe head movement speed, a temperature, a scan speed of the body relative to an object being scanned, or a contact pressure relative to the body and the object being scanned.
US09949700B2	Medical device approaches A system and method for providing image guidance for planning approach paths for one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can receive a volumetric medical image, determine a density of content within the volumetric medical image, receive an indication of a target location within the volumetric medical image, identify obstructing objects within the volumetric medical image, and determine a plurality of pathways from an approach region of the volumetric medical image to the target location. The system can cause a display to concurrently display the volumetric medical image and a plurality of emplacements for one or more medical imaging devices.
US09949697B2	Imaging a body There is disclosed a device for imaging a body. In one arrangement, the device comprises a controller, storage storing electronic program instructions for controlling the controller, a display for displaying a user interface, and an input means. In one form, the controller is operable, under control of the electronic program instructions, to receive input via the input means, where the input comprises a first representation of the body, to process the first representation, to generate a second representation of the body on the basis of processing of the first representation, and to display the generated second representation via the display.
US09949690B2	Automatic configuration system for an operator console An automatic configuration system for an operator console wherein one or more operators control and monitor physical facilities, operations or physically dispersed services. The system includes wearable personal identification devices worn by the operators and a control unit for communicating with the wearable personal identification devices in order to detect the presence of one or more operators within a defined control room area. Each personal identification device includes a sensor unit for monitoring operator data, and is adapted to communicate the operator data to the control unit, which is adapted to configure the operator console based on the operator data.
US09949688B2	Micro vein enhancer with a dual buffer mode of operation The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.
US09949687B2	System and method for correlation of patient health information and device data A system and method for correlating health related data for display. The system includes a medical device recording data and a display producing device which correlates the data and simultaneously displays different types of data or displays two sets of the same type of data along with the circumstances at which the two sets of data were recorded. Such displays aid a physician in prescribing and ascertaining the efficacy of cardiac therapies.
US09949684B2	Quantified injury diagnostics A new and/or novel image analysis technique for quantitative assessment of motion-based testing for injury in a patient using universally available and affordable devices and techniques is provided and disclosed. A video of a test being performed can be processed to track the motion of markers and/or bodily landmarks in two or more dimensions to quantitatively describe motion, thereby removing the subjective aspects typically associated with motion-based testing. In an example, the pivot shift test is a commonly used test for evaluating rotational instability of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee. The pivot shift test's subjective grading scale can be quantified and refined using image analysis techniques.
US09949677B2	Implantable oximetric measurement apparatus and method of use Embodiments provide an apparatus, system, kit and method for in vivo measurement of blood oxygen saturation (BAS). One embodiment provides an implantable apparatus for measuring BAS comprising a housing, emitter, detector, processor and power source. The housing is configured to be injected through a tissue penetrating device into a target tissue site (TS). The emitter is configured to emit light into the TS to measure BAS, the emitted light having at least one wavelength (LOW) whose absorbance is related to a BAS. The detector is configured to receive light reflected from the TS, detect light at the LOW and generate a detector output signal (DOS) responsive to an intensity of the detected light. The processor is operably coupled to the detector and emitter to send signals to the emitter to emit light and receive the DOS and includes logic for calculating a BAS and generate a signal encoding the BAS.
US09949675B2	Noninvasive blood measurement platform A noninvasive blood measurement platform may be used to determine the amounts of various constituents of the blood based on the bulk absorption characteristics of the blood. The platform may measure bulk absorption of energy such as, a broad-spectrum light, to determine maximum and minimum blood volumes. The platform may measure bulk absorption of energy at the maximum and minimum blood volumes. The bulk absorption measurements may be transformed using a transformation operation to determine bulk absorption characteristics in terms of frequency and/or wavelength. A time-varying component of the bulk absorption characteristics may be derived by comparing the bulk absorption characteristics at the maximum blood volume to the bulk absorption characteristics at the minimum blood volume. Multivariate analysis may be performed on the time-varying component to determine the amount of the one or more constituents of the blood.
US09949674B2	Portable clinical analysis system for hematocrit measurement The present invention covers the integration and utility of accelerometer features into a clinical analysis system. For example, measurement of dynamic acceleration and orientation of a blood-testing instrument with respect to Earth's gravitational field may be used to determine reliability of a test procedure and optionally to provide corrective elements thereof.
US09949671B2	Diagnostic mouthpieces Diagnostic mouthpieces and separate pads for same allow dental devices of various types to have a dual purpose. The diagnostic mouthpieces allow frequent use and early intervention.
US09949655B2	Method of EKG signal processing and apparatus for performing the method A method of measuring and analyzing the ultra high frequency EKG is performed by measuring the EKG within the frequency range above 250 Hz with a dynamic range of at least 100 dB. In the UHF EKG signal positions of Rm of R wave in QRS complex of EKG are detected on the time axis and the EKG signal is converted to amplitude or power envelopes, the amplitude or power envelopes frequency range is anywhere within the limits from 0.2 Hz to at least 500 Hz. From these envelopes the amplitude and time numerical parameters that describe the myocardium depolarization inhomogeneity and electric myocardium dyssynchrony are determined, and these parameters are used for selecting the patients for multi-chamber stimulators implementation and optimization of their setting.
US09949651B2	Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring system A surgical system kit is described. The surgical system kit includes a peripheral electrode, a surgical access instrument configured to be placed in a surgical target site, and a control unit. The surgical access instrument has a body with a proximal end, and a distal end, two or more electrodes on the distal end at fixed locations and spaced apart a known distance. The control unit is configured to send a signal to the peripheral electrode, receive information indicative of a neural response from at least one electrode of the surgical access instrument, and interpret the information according to a nerve conduction velocity modality to measure the nerve conduction velocity through the segment of the nerve.
US09949650B2	Fractional flow reserve estimation Approaches for assessing hemodynamic characteristics for an organ of interest are related. In one implementation, a fluid dynamics model may be provided with data derived from an anatomic imaging modality and blood flow information derived by ultrasound to derive the desired hemodynamic characteristics. In one such implementation, a fractional flow reserve is estimated.
US09949648B2	Continuous non-invasive blood pressure measurement apparatus and methods providing automatic recalibration A blood pressure measurement system is configured to perform a calibration automatically when a calibration condition is satisfied. The calibration condition is based upon one or more parameters of pulse waves of a subject. The parameters may include pulse wave area; a time difference between systolic peak and reflected wave peak or dichrotic notch in the pulse wave and a shape of at least a portion of the pulse wave.
US09949640B2	System for monitoring employee health Provided are embodiments of systems for sensing health characteristics of a user using a floor mat including a set of health sensors integrated therewith. The set of health sensors including temperature sensors, body position sensors, and body fat sensors. A method including receiving, from the temperature sensors, temperature data corresponding to a sensed body temperature of the user, receiving, from the body position sensors, body position data corresponding to a sensed body position of the user, receiving, from the body fat sensors, body fat data corresponding to a sensed body fat of the user, and transmitting, to a computer workstation, health data corresponding to the temperature data, the body position data, and the body fat data for use in determining the body temperature, the body position, and the body fat of the user.
US09949634B2	Hybrid telescope for optical beam delivery and related systems and methods Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging systems are provided including a source of broadband optical radiation coupled to a sample arm of the OCT imaging system; a beam shaping optical assembly in the sample arm, the beam shaping optical assembly being configured to receive optical radiation from the source as a beam of optical radiation and to shape the spatial profile of the beam of optical radiation; a scan mirror assembly coupled to the beam shaping optical assembly; and objective lens assembly coupled to the beam shaping optical assembly. The beam shaping optical assembly includes a lens assembly configured to change a NA of the OCT system without changing a focus; to change a focus of the OCT system without changing a NA of the system; or to change both the NA and the focus of the OCT system responsive to a control input.
US09949620B2	Minimally invasive surgical system A support system for minimally invasive surgical instruments. A platform supports one or more minimally invasive surgical instruments that extend through a guide tube into a patient. The platform is supported by at least one support arm link that is coupled to a base a rotational joint. The rotational joint's axis of rotation is aligned with a point at which the guide tube enters the patient.
US09949609B2	Water dispersible wipe substrate Water dispersible nonwoven substrates in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin. The nonwoven substrate can include staple fibers to a lesser extent than the individualized bast fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven substrate is formed into a web in a wet or a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a water dispersible nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate can be a tissue or a wet wipe.
US09949601B2	Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus A surface cleaning apparatus, which in one embodiment is a hand held vacuum cleaner, comprises a cyclone and a suction motor wherein the cyclone air outlet and the suction motor inlet are positioned towards the same end of the surface cleaning apparatus whereby air exiting the cyclone travels laterally and then axially to the suction motor inlet. A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone and a suction motor wherein the suction motor is positioned rearward of the cyclone and the cyclone air outlet is positioned at a lower end of the cyclone whereby air exiting the cyclone travels laterally and then axially towards the suction motor inlet.
US09949599B2	Vent valves and refill units with vent valves for use with inverted non-collapsing containers An exemplary refill unit for a dispenser includes an inverted non-collapsing container for holding a liquid. A pump housing is secured to the bottom of the inverted non-collapsing container. The pump housing includes a pump chamber for pumping fluid out of the inverted non-collapsing container. The pump housing includes an annular venting chamber. The annular venting chamber has a floor with an opening therethrough. A vent valve is located within the venting chamber. The vent valve has a first wiper seal in contact with a wall of the annular venting chamber.
US09949593B2	Embossed paper-based bakeable tray An embossed paper-based bakeable tray having a bottom surface and sidewalls and an embossed pattern formed in the bottom surface providing a series of closely spaced projections substantially entirely over the bottom surface.
US09949591B2	Pour over coffee maker system A pour-over coffee brewer apparatus comprises a base containing a motor that drives a coffee grinder via a set of gear assemblies, a vertical support structure extending upwards from a rear portion of the base, and a horizontal support structure extending out from a top portion of the vertical support structure, the horizontal support structure comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans and a water dispenser for dispensing water onto ground coffee beans. The set of gear assemblies comprises a first gear assembly in the base, a second gear assembly in the horizontal support structure, and a gear shaft in the vertical support structure that couples the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly.
US09949581B2	Rotatable picture frame The present disclosure relates generally to picture frames and picture cabinets, and more specifically to rotatable picture frames and picture cabinets. In some embodiments, the picture frame may be easily rotatable between a landscape display and a portrait display via a set of recesses that correspond to a set of protrusions on a hanging mount. The picture frame may also support a varying number of photographs in a varying number of picture support compartments while also allowing the picture frame to be accessible while said picture frame is mounted on a planar surface such as a wall.
US09949572B2	Systems and methods for internal airbed structure An air mattress comprises an internal structure for helping the air mattress maintain a desired geometric shape when inflated and for preventing shearing of the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress. The internal structure comprises a plurality of connection strips or a mesh web that are attached to a plurality of top surface connection points and bottom surface connection points.
US09949571B2	Spring unit for a mattress The present invention is a spring unit for a mattress comprising first and second pocket springs. Each of the first and second pocket springs comprise a coil pocket comprising a pocket and a coil spring disposed in the pocket and a cushion pocket comprising a pocket and a first resilient member disposed in the pocket of the cushion pocket. Each cushion pocket is engaged with and acting only upon the corresponding coil pocket. Substantially the entire side of the pocket of the coil pocket of the first pocket spring is engaged with substantially the entire side of the pocket of the coil pocket of the second pocket spring. Each cushion pocket is free standing and not connected with each other thereby creating a pumping action upon depression of the first pocket spring and/or the second pocket spring that produces circulation of air within the mattress.
US09949568B2	Pelvic and sacral bladder assembly An air bladder assembly for a seat comprising is provided. A central sacral bladder has a support surface defined by an enlarged width portion connected to an elongated tapered portion, wherein the tapered portion is defined by elongated lateral sides. A pair of side iliac bladders is provided so that one of the side bladders is positioned adjacent each of the elongated sides of the central bladder. A support surface of the central air bladder is not parallel to a support surface of the side air bladders when the air bladder assembly is inflated.
US09949563B2	Bottle rack and kit for bottle-supporting assembly A bottle rack includes a bottle-supporting assembly having an elongate portion and support bars connected to the elongate portion, with the support bars being spaced longitudinally along the elongate portion and suitable to support bottles therebetween; and a panel having support bar apertures suitable for the support bars of the bottle-supporting assembly to extend through. The bottle-supporting assembly is secured onto the panel with the support bars extending through the apertures of the panel and the support bars are suitable to support the bottles such that the bottles are substantially perpendicular to the support panel. The bottle supporting assembly may be supplied in the form of a kit.
US09949552B2	Handheld treatment apparatus for modifying keratinous surfaces An apparatus for treating human skin includes an outer housing including a graspable portion and an applicator portion comprising an applicator head and at least one nozzle in the applicator portion having a main axis for delivering a skin treatment composition through an opening in the applicator head onto human skin. An image capture device captures images of the human skin through the opening. A processor analyzes the images of the human skin to identify skin deviations. An optical axis of the image capture device is offset angularly from the main axis of the at least one nozzle.
US09949534B2	Customized article type A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method may include the steps of selecting a family of article types, selecting a customized article type, manufacturing an article of footwear with the customized article type and shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. The customized article type can be configured with a user selected characteristic. The method can also include limiting the number of article types displayed to a user at any time.
US09949533B2	Self-fitting, self-adjusting, automatically adjusting and/or automatically fitting shoe/sneaker/footwear Provided is a self-fitting and automatically adjustable footwear wherein the shoe upper and/or shoe tongue have or are attached to a shape memory material (‘SMM”). Upon stimulation, the SMM deforms and brings the footwear to self-assemble about a foot, which further brings two clasp members close to each other and facilitates the clasp thereof to form a self-assembled and closed footwear. The clasp members may be integrated with straps or shoelaces, and optionally SMM. The footwear may include a motor, a control unit, and sensors which enable a motor-actuated fine tensioning of the footwear. A push button to enable manual opening of the footwear may be affixed on the footwear or removably attached to multiple surfaces/locations. The entire assembly generates data transmittable to health care providers and other data trackers. The footwear may include a battery, which may be charged by placing the footwear on a charge dock station.
US09949530B2	Article of footwear having an auxetic structure A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a plate, a plurality of cleats extending from the plate, and an auxetic structure disposed between the plurality of cleats. The auxetic structure is affixed to the plate such that an outer surface of the auxetic structure is positioned between a lower surface of the plate and a tip surface of at least one of the plurality of cleats.
US09949528B2	Boot with an element in shell form A ski boot with an element in shell form at least partially contains a plastic compound material. The compound material contains a mixture of caprolactam polyamide and ionomers, such that cations and anions of the ionomers form ion bonds. Elastic components of the compound material form a physical network that is soluble between 60° C. and 100° C., and therefore the element in shell form of the ski boot at least partially containing the compound material can undergo thermoforming below 100° C.
US09949508B2	Single-use connector and cartridge for a smoking article and related method The present disclosure relates to connectors that may be employed in cartridges for smoking articles. The connectors may include a single-use mechanism that may include a blocking pin, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The release mechanism may hold the blocking pin in a partially retracted position in which the blocking pin is at least partially retracted from an aperture extending through threads defined by the connector. The release mechanism may include a latch that is displaced from contact with the blocking pin by a release pin upon engagement of the connector with a mating connector. The biasing mechanism may force the blocking pin against an end of the mating connector such that when the mating connector is unscrewed from the connector, the blocking pin extends through the aperture and blocks at least one recess defined between the threads such that the connector may not be reused.
US09949495B2	Sliced tenders A sliced jumbo tender of a meat tender or poultry breast resulting in strips having a desired weight and thickness with minimal losses. The sliced tender includes two diagonal cuts across and through the tender to yield three strips which are substantially the same in weight and thickness.
US09949493B2	Mass supply system A system for forming a product. The system includes a hopper with a rotating feeder; a mold drum with cavities; and a feed pump with a moving member. The feed pump is configured to pump food mass from the hopper into the cavities. The system has means configured to determine: a position and a motion of the mold drum relative to a frame of the system; a position and a motion of the moving member of the feed pump relative to a housing of the feed pump; and a position and a motion of the rotating feeder relative to the hopper to synchronize the motion of the mold drum and the motion of the moving member of the feed pump and to synchronize the motion of the rotating feeder with the motion of the moving member of the feed pump. The system has at least two pressure sensors.
US09949488B2	miRNA169 compositions and methods for the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and flowering in plants Compositions and methods for modulating flowering, sugar metabolism and stress response in plants are provided.
US09949475B2	Composition comprising active ingredient, oil and ionic liquid The present invention relates to a liquid composition comprising A) an organic active ingredient which is sparingly water-soluble and sparingly oil-soluble, in dissolved form, B) an oil which is soluble in water at 20° C. to at most 20 g/l, and C) an ionic liquid comprising a cation and an anion as described below. Also provided is a process for the preparation of the liquid composition, where the active ingredient, the oil and the ionic liquid are brought into contact; and also the use of the ionic liquid for increasing the solubility of the active ingredient in an oil.
US09949468B2	Fishing line guide and fishing rod One object is to provide a fishing line guide that allows a line snagged in a loop to be released readily. The line guide 5 according to the present invention include a frame including a fixing portion fixed on the outer surface of the rod, a ring retainer retaining a guide ring that admits the line, and a connecting portion connecting the ring retainer and the fixing portion. For a width Wa of the frame at the inflection point between the connecting portion and the ring retainer and a maximum width Wb of the ring retainer, the frame 5A is formed such that the width Wa is equal to or greater than 70% of the maximum width Wb.
US09949465B2	Atopic dermatitis model animal and use thereof The present invention provides a transgenic non-human mammal retaining, in a specifically expressible state, a DNA encoding IL-33 in the skin, and having one or more features selected from the group consisting of (1) spontaneous onset of dermatitis, (2) increase in the number of inflammatory cells, (3) increase in total IgE concentration, histamine concentration, cytokine concentration and/or chemokine concentration, and (4) increase in scratching time, under SPF (specific pathogen free) breeding conditions, as compared to a corresponding non-transgenic non-human mammal, and the like.
US09949463B2	Bubble electrolyzed water generation apparatus and automatic washing apparatus An automatic washing apparatus (1) includes: an electrolyzed water generation unit (8) that electrolyzes raw water to which an electrolyte is added to thereby generate electrolyzed water; a bubble generation unit (9) that allows fine bubbles to be contained in the electrolyzed water with use of a generated gas generated in the electrolyzed water generation unit (8) to thereby generate bubble electrolyzed water; a washing unit (4) that discharges the bubble electrolyzed water to a washing object to wash the washing object; and a control unit (2) that controls a discharge timing and discharge amount of the bubble electrolyzed water.
US09949462B2	Loader mounted blower for cleaning chicken houses A blower apparatus is supported on a frame detachably mounted on the implement mounting plate for a skid steer loader. The blower is powered by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to the auxiliary hydraulic system of the skid steer loader. The blower is mounted on the frame in a manner that orients the discharge spout upwardly to be directed at elevated structure within the chicken house. Re-orientation of the air stream from the blower can be affected by manipulating the tilt position of the implement mounting plate and by raising the boom arms of the skid steer loader to elevate the blower apparatus. By properly positioning and orienting the discharged air stream from the blower apparatus, the dirt and debris in elevated structure of the chicken house can be dislodged and removed from the chicken house to improve the health and environment for a subsequent flock of birds installed therein.
US09949461B2	Apparatus and method to identify morbid animals A method to identify morbid animals housed in a feedyard having a feed bunk, where the method includes providing a plurality of animal beacons and at least one beacon reader, placing the beacon reader adjacent the feed bunk, transmitting by a first animal beacon a first signal comprising a first unique identifier for a first animal wearing the first animal beacon, wherein the first animal is housed in the feedyard, receiving by the beacon reader the first signal, and based upon the first signal, determining a proximity of the first animal to the feed bunk.
US09949452B2	Low lignin non-transgenic alfalfa varieties and methods for producing the same Disclosed are alfalfa varieties with low or reduced lignin content, including an alfalfa seed designated CW 096043 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122473, an alfalfa seed designated CW 103009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122475, an alfalfa seed designated CW 099079 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122474, an alfalfa seed designated CW 090075 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122471, an alfalfa seed designated CW 054004 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122470, an alfalfa seed designated CW 093009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122472, and an alfalfa seed designated CW 104015 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122476. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the cultivar, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of these alfalfa varieties, such as CW 096043, CW 103009, CW 099079, CW 090075, CW 054004, CW 093009, or CW 104015 and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in alfalfa breeding and alfalfa transformation.
US09949442B2	Chopper for an agricultural harvester An agricultural harvester includes a frame; a threshing and separating system carried by the frame; a cleaning system carried by the frame; a mounting surface carried by the frame; and a residue system including a chopper carried by the frame and supplied with crop material from the threshing and separating system and/or the cleaning system. The chopper includes a chopper frame mounted to the mounting surface and having at least one shaft opening formed through; a chopper shaft held in the at least one shaft opening that is configured to rotate and is carried by the frame independently of the chopper frame; at least one rotating knife carried by the chopper shaft; and at least one stationary knife held in the chopper frame.
US09949439B2	Hinged covering for adhesive surface A wrapping material is provided comprising a plurality of wrapping units, each said wrapping unit having a leading edge at one of thereof and a tail edge at an opposing edge thereof, where each one of said plurality of wrapping units is serially connected to at least one other of said plurality of wrapping units at the corresponding leading edge, tail edge, or both. In a further embodiment, discrete adhesive areas are disposed on the first surface of said plurality of wrapping units. In a still further embodiment, the discrete adhesive areas are covered by a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is attached to the first surface of the next said serially connected wrapping unit.
US09949436B2	Grass mower with deck-mounted electric motor and power supply A grass mower is provided with a plurality of rotating shafts passing through a ceiling wall of a mower deck and extending upward, disposed in a side-by-side state; cutting blades respectively linked to the rotating shafts in an internal space of the mower deck; an electric motor mounted at a location to the lateral outside relative to a rotation path of the cutting blades within the mower deck, and having an output shaft extending upward; and a power transmission mechanism positioned above the ceiling wall of the mower deck, and configured to transmit power from the output shaft to the rotating shafts of the cutting blades.
US09949435B2	Equipment protection using a grain tank level sensor A grain tank level sensing system for a combine which harvests grain. The combine includes an upwardly open grain tank fillable with harvested grain and a cover that is displaceable for closing off the open grain tank. An actuator displaces the cover between an open and close position and either single or dual ultrasonic sensors continuously detect the level of grain in the tank and generate a signal proportional to the level of grain in the grain tank. A control system receives the signal from the ultrasonic sensors and generates an indication of the level in the tank to a monitor and/or disables the actuator to initiate the closing function when the grain tank is full.
US09949431B2	Yard maintenance vehicle obstacle avoidance/notification system A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a positioning module. The positioning module may include processing circuitry configured to receive information indicative of vehicle position of the riding yard maintenance vehicle, receive an indication of a triggering event that indicates a presence of an obstacle proximate to the riding yard maintenance vehicle, and cause recordation of an obstacle identifier in association with the vehicle position responsive to receipt of the indication.
US09949423B2	Customizable equipment library for command and control software An agricultural system includes agricultural equipment and a user interface. The agricultural equipment includes a command and control system and an equipment configuration code file. The command and control system, in operation, configures and controls the agricultural equipment based at least in part on the equipment configuration code file. The agricultural equipment comprises a work vehicle or an implement to be carried or towed by a work vehicle. The user interface displays information to, and receive inputs from a user for one or more data fields in the equipment configuration code file for the agricultural equipment. The data fields comprise a user-given name and at least one of a compatible implement, an accessory, or a task for which the agricultural equipment may be configured.
US09955620B2	Formation of equipment families on fitting lines The invention concerns a fitting line which is arranged to fit printed circuit boards with electronic components. A method for determining equipment families for the fitting line comprises the following steps: initial forming of a number of equipment families, each having allocated printed circuit boards; selecting of one of the equipment families; and distributing of the printed circuit boards of the selected equipment family to the other equipment families by means of integral linear programming.
US09955619B2	Light emitting device, light emitting element mounting method, and light emitting element mounter Disclosed is a light emitting device including: a light emitting element including an LED chip and a phosphor layer provided at the light emitting side of the LED chip; and a substrate on which the light emitting element is bonded by an adhesive material. The adhesive material is an anisotropic conductive material.
US09955610B2	Heat dissipation assembly A heat dissipation assembly includes a heat sink, an electronic component and an elastic fastener. The heat sink includes a contact surface, an engaging part and a wing part. The engaging part and the wing part are protruded externally from the contact surface. An accommodation space is defined by the engaging part, the wing part and the contact surface. The engaging part has a concave structure disposed within the accommodation space. The electronic component is disposed on the contact surface. The elastic fastener includes a first free end, a bent segment and a second free end. The first free end is locked on an inner wall of the concave structure. The bent segment is contacted with a first sidewall of the wing part. The second free end is locked on an external surface of the electronic component. Consequently, the electronic component is attached and fixed on the contact surface.
US09955606B2	Server capable of accessing and rotating storage devices accommodated therein A server capable of rotating and accessing storage devices accommodated therein includes a server chassis, a motherboard, a power supply module, two racks, and a system cooling module. The server chassis includes two side plates and an accommodating space between the two side plates. The power supply module is disposed in the accommodating space and arranged corresponding to the motherboard. The racks are arranged parallel to each other and detachably connected to the server chassis. A pivot structure and a handle for operating the rack are disposed at the rack near the motherboard. The rack is rotatable with respect to the server chassis by means of the pivot structure. The system cooling module is disposed adjacent to the rack. At least one cord passage is provided between the system cooling module and each of the side plates.
US09955591B2	Circuit substrate and method for manufacturing the same A circuit substrate includes a core substrate having a cavity penetrating through the substrate, a combined component accommodated in the cavity of the substrate, a first build-up layer laminated on first surface of the substrate and including an insulating layer such that the insulating layer is covering the cavity, a second build-up layer laminated on second surface of the substrate and including an insulating layer such that the insulating layer is covering the cavity, and a filling resin filling gap formed between the cavity and combined component accommodated in the cavity of the substrate. The combined component includes an electronic component and a metal block, the electronic component has terminal surface on side facing the first surface of the substrate, and the metal block is superposed to surface of the electronic component on the opposite side of the electronic component with respect to the terminal surface.
US09955587B2	LED tube lamp An LED tube lamp including a lamp tube, an end cap attached to an end of the lamp tube, a power supply disposed in the end cap, and an LED light bar disposed inside the lamp tube. The LED light bar is mounted with LED light sources which are electrically connected to the power supply by way of the LED light bar. The LED light bar includes a bendable circuit sheet which is longer than the lamp tube. A soldering pad is configured and disposed at an end of the bendable circuit sheet. The soldering pad is formed with a through-hole or a notch to allow tin solder to pass through when soldering such that the bendable circuit sheet can be directly soldered and electrically connected to the power supply.
US09955581B2	SGS or GSGSG pattern for signal transmitting channel, and PCB assembly, chip package using such SGS or GSGSG pattern A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly includes a PCB having a core substrate, a plurality of conductive traces on a first surface of the PCB, and a ground layer on the second surface of the PCB. The conductive traces comprise a pair of differential signal traces. An intervening reference trace is disposed between the differential signal traces. A connector is disposed at one end of the plurality of conductive traces. A semiconductor package is mounted on the first surface at the other end of the plurality of conductive traces.
US09955556B2	Method and system for controlling lighting effect on mobile devices In one aspect, a system for controlling lighting effect on a mobile device may include at least a 3C client end having at least one mobile device, at least a light effect control (LEC) end, and a server. Through a network, the server can connect with the 3C client end and the LEC client end. In one embodiment, the server can connect to a plurality of 3C client ends concurrently, but only enables a single LEC client end to connect thereto. The server has a database which is configured to separately store data of the 3C client ends, the LEC client ends and communications therebetween. Each of the venues has a plurality of preset flash lighting patterns for the 3C client ends, and the venue comprises its identified data and service data which are individually saved in the database and can be retrieved once the server is activated.
US09955553B2	Light tower This invention concerns a light tower (10) having a main body (12) and a mast (26) extending from the main body (12) such that the mast (26) is extendable between a retracted configuration and at least one extended configuration. A lighting unit (34) is mounted to the mast (26). Supports (44), such as legs, are arranged to support the main body in use. Sensors (56) are provided for monitoring the load distribution of the light tower (10) between the supports (44). A controller (64) is configured to alter the load distribution of the light tower (10) according to a comparison between the monitored load distribution and a predetermined acceptable load distribution range.
US09955551B2	Detector controlled illuminating system An illuminating device coupled with sensors or an image acquisition device and a logical controller allows illumination intensity and spectrum to be varied according to changing user needs. The system provides illumination to areas according to the principles of correct lighting practice for the optimal performance of visual tasks in the most efficient, cost effective manner. Aspects of the invention include: lighting fixtures which adapt to ambient lighting, movement, visual tasks being performed, and environmental and personal conditions affecting illumination requirements at any given instant. Lighting fixtures having spatial distribution of spectrum and intensity, providing both “background” room lighting, and “task” lighting.
US09955547B2	Charging an input capacitor of a load control device A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may include a rectifier circuit configured to receive a phase-control voltage and produce a rectified voltage. A power converter may be configured to receive the rectified voltage at an input and generate a bus voltage. An input capacitor may be coupled across the input of the power converter. The input capacitor may be adapted to charge when the magnitude of the phase control voltage is approximately zero volts. The power converter may be configured to operate in a boost mode, such that the magnitude of the bus voltage is greater than a peak magnitude of the input voltage. The power converter may be configured to operate in a buck mode to charge the input capacitor from the bus voltage when the magnitude of the phase-control voltage is approximately zero volts.
US09955545B1	Lighting system A lighting device includes a lighting module, a storage module storing light data sets corresponding respectively to successive time points of a cycling period, and a processing unit. In a routine mode, the processing unit controls the lighting module to emit light and to successively change color of light at the successive time points of the cycling period. In an adjustment mode, the processing unit reads from the storage device one light data set corresponding to the time point indicated by a time signal from an input device, adjusts the light data set according to a color signal from the input device, and controls the lighting module to emit light based on the adjusted light data set.
US09955538B2	Capacitive full-wave circuit for LED light strings A capacitive full-wave circuit for LED light strings makes use of capacitors and diodes together to drive a LED string with full AC waves. Different from the conventional four-diode full-wave rectifying circuit, one embodiment of capacitive full-wave circuit includes two capacitors and two diodes. Because of the large imaginary impedance, the capacitors not only limit and the voltage and current through the LEDs, but also consume almost no electrical power. The electrical current-voltage performance can be further improved by introducing four resistors with a cost of some additional power consumption. A LED light string module with the capacitive full-wave circuit is also presented, with the capacitive full-wave circuit integrated inside of a front power plug and a back power socket.
US09955526B1	Autonomous and remote pairing of internet of things devices utilizing a cloud service II A device and a method are disclosed. The device connected to a local area network, includes one or more processors, a machine-readable medium including instructions stored therein, which, when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform operations including broadcasting, by the first IoT device, a first message comprising at least identification information of the first IoT device, wherein the first IoT device is authenticated responsive to the broadcasting; and receiving, by the first IoT device, based on the authentication a second message, wherein the second message comprises wireless network access credentials to connect to an access point (AP) of the local area network.
US09955521B2	Device connectivity A method of operating a device comprising connecting to an external data source via a network, determining that the network connection has been broken, determining that the network connection has been restored, detecting that a user is accessing an application that requires access to the network connection, and prioritizing the accessed application with respect to the required access to the network connection.

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