| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US10041615B2 |
Multifunction integrated connection head assembly structure
A multifunction integrated connection head assembly structure includes a first connection head module and a second connection head module. The first connection head module includes a first carrier body, at least two first fluid connectors, a first power connector, and a first retaining body. The second connection head module includes a second carrier body detachably connected with the first carrier body, at least two second fluid connectors respectively detachably connected with the at least two first fluid connectors, a second power connector detachably electrically connected with the first power connector, and a second retaining body detachably mated with the first retaining body. An electrical device using a multifunction integrated connection head assembly structure is further disclosed. |
| US10041614B2 |
Pipe connection having a reverse hub
A pipe connection in which at least one of the flanges has a reverse hub between the outer portion of the flange and the inner portion of the flange that extends outward to form to the weld neck. The reverse hub tapers down toward the sealing face of the flange, rather than away from the face of the flange. This taper may follow a spline curve which is empirically determined to reduce stresses that are caused by rotation of the outer portion of the flange around the gasket. The reverse hub eliminates material that would be required for a positive hub and thereby reduces the weight of the flange. By reducing the stresses resulting from rotation of the outer portion of the flange around the gasket, the thickness of the flange may also be reduced, further reducing the weight of the flange. |
| US10041611B2 |
Pipe securing apparatus
A device for securing a pipe to a wall, including an exterior wall of a building, is provided. The device has a generally flat surface which adheres to the wall and a generally curved support unit which receives the pipe. An optional securing bar may be locked over the top of the pipe to prevent movement of the pipe. In an embodiment, the device has an extension flange which allows the pipe to be secured to the wall in an off-set manner. Preferably, a plurality of the present aligned devices secure the pipe to the wall in a horizontal or vertical manner. The device allows the pipe to be secured to a wall in compliance with governmental regulations. An adapter unit may be inserted over the curved support unit for one or more smaller pipes. |
| US10041609B2 |
Sink and shower handle restraint
Systems and methods are provided herein for restraining sink and shower handles. In a first aspect of a sink handle restraint, a first sink handle cuff fits over a first sink handle of a sink faucet, and a second sink handle cuff fits over a second sink handle of the sink faucet. The first sink handle cuff and second sink handle cuff slide along an elongated element that locks the first sink handle cuff and second sink handle cuff into place, preventing the first and second sink handles from being rotated into an “on” position. |
| US10041607B2 |
High pressure hydrogen valve
The invention is directed to a gas valve comprising a valve body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage connecting the inlet with the outlet, gas shut-off device in the gas passage, with a seat on the valve body and a movable closure member, an electromagnetic actuator with an electric coil and a movable plunger configured for actuating the closure member of the gas shut-off device, a sleeve extending through the coil and slidably receiving the movable plunger and wherein the sleeve is made of austenitic stainless steel. This avoids embrittlement problems when using the valve with hydrogen under high pressure. |
| US10041606B2 |
Specific gravity valve
A specific gravity valve, has a floating valve member with a specific gravity that is less than the specific gravity of a first liquid and greater than the specific gravity of a second, heavier liquid. A valve seat is associated with the floating valve member. A valve member retainer retains the floating valve member and permits limited vertical movement of the floating valve member between an open position away from the valve seat and a closed position engaged with the valve seat, such that in the open position, fluid flow through the respective outlet is permitted, and in the closed position, fluid flow through the respective outlet is prevented. The specific gravity valve may be used with a production tank to prevent an unintended draw off of the wrong fluid component in the tank. |
| US10041605B2 |
Pneumatic valve for vehicle
The present disclosure provides a pneumatic valve for vehicle. The pneumatic valve includes: a valve housing having a flow passage through which air flows; a core fixed to the center of the flow passage; a plunger that is disposed to face an end of the core and moves along the flow passage; and a damper made of an elastic material that is disposed at one end of the plunger facing the end of the core, and comes into contact with the end of the core by movement of the plunger. |
| US10041603B2 |
Hydraulic valve
A hydraulic valve, in particular a hydraulic transmission valve including a magnetizable housing which envelops a magnet coil at an outer circumference and at least at one face of the magnet coil; a pole cap arranged in an interior of the housing, wherein the pole cap includes a pole core and a pole tube arranged in an axial sequence towards a face of the magnet coil, wherein the pole core and the pole tube are integrally connected in one piece by a connection bar, wherein the pole core is connected with the connection bar by a pole core cone and/or the pole tube is connected with the connection bar by a pole tube cone, and wherein the pole tube includes an end that is closed with a termination plate at a face of the pole tube that is oriented away from the connection bar. |
| US10041602B2 |
Top entry axial flow regulator
An axial flow regulator includes a lateral access port through a portion of the valve body that provides access to a valve seat assembly and/or other portions of the valve trim without having to remove or uncouple the outlet flange or the inlet flange from the adjacent pipe sections. The lateral access port may extend through an outlet flange portion of the valve body and is configured to allow a valve seat assembly to be laterally inserted into and removed from the outlet flange. A valve seat assembly which may be configured for installation in the axial flow regulator includes a pad holder and a support ring for the pad holder that is separable from the pad holder. The pad holder may have alignment struts projecting radially outwardly from a pad support body. The support ring may include strut receivers that slidably receive the alignment struts of the pad holder. |
| US10041597B2 |
Seal ring for axially sealing two parts arranged so as to be able to move axially with respect to one another, and seal system having the seal ring
A seal ring is provided for axially sealing two parts arranged so as to be able to move axially with respect to one another. The seal ring has two sealing lips which are arranged circumferentially on an axial first end side of the seal ring. In this context, the sealing lips are designed such that they can be spread apart from one another by a first fluid pressure of a first fluid volume to bear in a sealing manner against mutually opposing sealing faces of a first of the parts. The seal ring also has a sealing projection which is arranged circumferentially on a second end side of the seal ring, oriented axially away from the first end side. In that context, the sealing projection is designed in order, when in a state bearing against a sealing surface of a second of the parts, to seal the first fluid volume in a region arranged radially inward with respect to the sealing projection against a second fluid volume at a second fluid pressure in a region arranged radially outward with respect to the sealing projection. |
| US10041596B2 |
Radial shaft seal
A radial shaft seal is provided for sealing between high and low pressure sides in an annular space between a shaft and a static structural receiving part, wherein the shaft seal is rotationally symmetric and arranged coaxially to the shaft. A first sealing ring has an inner periphery bulging toward the low pressure side and forms a first sealing lip abutting the shaft. A spacer ring has first and second faces directed towards the high and low pressure sides, respectively. An elastic shaped part has an outer periphery abutting the second face of the spacer ring and an inner periphery bulging toward the high pressure side and abutting the first sealing lip. At least the spacer ring and elastic shaped part define a cavity subjected to the high pressure side or a control pressure which presses the first sealing lip against the shaft via the elastic shaped part. |
| US10041590B2 |
Shift drum assembly of a transmission
A shift-by-wire transmission system is provided. The system includes a gearbox that is configured and arranged to receive a rotational input and provide a select rotational output. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear assemblies that are operationally coupled together to provide the select rotational output from the rotational input. A shift assembly is operationally coupled to the plurality of gear assemblies of the gearbox to selectively change gearing of gearbox. An electric motor is operationally coupled to the shift assembly to activate the shift assembly to selectively change the gearing of the gearbox. A manual shift override is employed that is coupled between the shift assembly and the electric motor. The manual shift override is configured and arranged to manually disconnect the electric motor from the shift assembly and activate the shift assembly. |
| US10041588B2 |
Working machine
A working machine having a belt-type continuously variable transmission in a working power transmission system includes a target working speed setting section for optionally setting a target working rotational speed of a working unit, a working unit speed sensor that detects an actual working rotational speed of the working unit, a speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism that regulates a minimum speed reduction ratio of a rotational speed of a driven pulley with respect to a drive pulley, and a control unit. The control unit controls a drive source rotational speed to bring the actual working rotational speed close to the target working rotational speed, obtains a minimum limit speed reduction ratio based upon a target minimum rotational speed of a drive source and the target working rotational speed, and controls the speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism to keep the minimum limit speed reduction ratio. |
| US10041585B2 |
Electromagnetic valve control system and a method of controlling the electromagnetic valve
An electromagnetic valve control apparatus controlling an electromagnetic valve in a control valve apparatus supplying driving oil to an automatic transmission may include an electromagnetic valve driving circuit structured to apply a driving current to the electromagnetic valve based on a set driving condition; an operating state input unit structured to input an engine operating state of the vehicle; an oil pressure state decision unit structured to decide an oil pressure state from a pressure value of the oil at an output side of the electromagnetic valve; a storage unit structured to store decision results of the oil pressure state decision unit; and a driving condition setting unit structured to set the driving condition based on the decision results stored in the storage unit in response to a determination that an engine operating command signal is input based on the operating state input to the operating state input unit. |
| US10041581B2 |
Planetary roller power transmission device
A planetary roller power transmission device includes: a stationary ring; a sun shaft; planetary rollers provided between the stationary ring and the sun shaft so as to be pressed against them; a carrier that supports the planetary rollers so that the planetary rollers are rotatable and that rotates in conjunction with revolution of the planetary rollers; and a disk-shaped support plate supporting an oil-containing member that can be in contact with a peripheral surface of each planetary roller. Axial free movement of the support plate is restricted by the planetary rollers and the sun shaft or a member that is integrated with the sun shaft so as to be integrally rotatable. The support plate is structured so as to be rotatable relatively to the sun shaft in conjunction with rotation of the sun shaft due to contact with the sun shaft or the member. |
| US10041580B2 |
Tractor with improved clutch housing
There is provided a tractor with an improved clutch housing structure, which includes a hydro-static transmission (HST) positioned between a clutch and a secondary transmission, to transmit power. The tractor comprises: a clutch housing with the clutch and the HST positioned inside; a partition to separate the clutch from the HST formed inside the clutch housing; and a heat-radiating opening formed in the partition. |
| US10041576B2 |
Torque converter including cover fluid flow baffles
A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a cover. The cover includes a radially extending section and an axially extending section extending axially from an outer radial end of the radially extending section. The torque converter also includes at least one baffle assembly attached to the radially extending section or the axially extending section of the cover. The at least one baffle assembly includes a plurality of baffles protruding from the cover to impact fluid flow in the torque converter. Methods of forming a torque converter are also provided. |
| US10041575B2 |
Torsional damper system
A damper system includes a turbine shaft rotatably connected to a torque converter having a clutch. A hydraulically actuated clutch is coupled to the turbine shaft. A first spring cage has a first cage portion connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage portion connected to a friction plate. A first spring set is connected to the first and second cage portions. Springs of the first spring set are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage portions when the torque converter clutch is engaged. A second spring cage has a first cage section connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage section connected to a torque converter turbine. A second spring set has second springs having a spring constant different than the first spring set. The second spring set springs are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage sections. |
| US10041570B2 |
Power transmission device
A first planetary gear and a clutch are placed between a second carrier of a second planetary gear and an output shaft in the axial direction. A transmission case has a small diameter tubular portion that rotatably supports an output shaft, an annular wall portion extended radially outward from the small diameter tubular portion, and a large diameter tubular portion extended in the axial direction from the outer periphery of the annular wall portion such that the first planetary gear and the clutch are partially surrounded. A mount is fixed to a vehicle body of a vehicle so as to at least partially overlap the small diameter tubular portion, the annular wall portion, and the large diameter tubular portion as viewed in the radial direction. A parking gear of a parking lock device is coupled to the outer periphery of the second carrier. |
| US10041563B2 |
In-line four cylinder engine
An offset in-line four cylinder engine has reduced vibration generated by a secondary inertia couple based on lateral pressures from pistons. A reference line passes through a shaft center of a crankshaft and is parallel or substantially parallel to cylinder axes of four cylinders as viewed in the axial direction of the crankshaft. As viewed in the axial direction of the crankshaft, the direction in which the reference line extends is referred to as first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is referred to as second direction. A distance between the shaft center of a first balancer shaft and the reference line as measured in the second direction is different from the distance between the shaft center of a second balancer shaft and the reference line as measured in the second direction, or a magnitude of a first unbalancing portion is different from a magnitude of the second unbalancing portion. |
| US10041562B2 |
Sealing structure
A sealing structure allows for formation of a side lip, as well as a labyrinth structure between an oil seal and a torsional vibration damper, even when a reinforcing ring has a short inward flange part. The sealing body 120 includes a side lip 124 extending from near a distal end of an inward flange part 112 radially inward and further toward an air side (A) than a dust lip 122 to a position not as far as the outer circumferential surface of a tubular part 210. An annular member 250 is further provided, which is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the tubular part 210 further on the air side (A) than the side lip 124 and covering an outer circumferential surface of the side lip 124 such that there is a gap between the annular member 250 itself and the outer circumferential surface of the side lip 124. |
| US10041556B2 |
Method and tool to determine a brake disk deterioration state
Method to determine a deterioration state of a brake disk of a braking system of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: emitting, by means of a light emitting head, a beam of light towards a face of the brake disk so as to trace on the face at least one light line, and determine a deterioration state of the brake disk on the basis of the traced light line. |
| US10041552B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle air conditioner using a pressure sensor located within a compressor
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of an automotive air conditioning system including a pressure sensor positioned within a compression chamber. In one example, a method may include adjusting operation of the air conditioning system based on one or more parameters of a compressor operation including a compressor inlet pressure, a compressor outlet pressure, and a compressor speed, that are determined based on output from the pressure sensor positioned within the compression chamber. |
| US10041551B2 |
Driving force transmission apparatus
A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a meshing member that switches two rotating members between a coupled state and an uncoupled state; a piston member with a plurality of locked portions formed along a circumferential direction; an armature that moves the piston member forward and backward between a first position where the armature presses the piston member in an axial direction and a second position where the armature does not press the piston member; a biasing member that biases the piston member in the opposite direction from the pressing direction of the armature; and a locking member that locks the locked portions. The piston member has a mechanism that mitigates a possible shock when the locking member comes into abutting contact with an abutting contact surface of a first locked portion. |
| US10041542B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly including a bearing having a first ring with a hole, two front edges and an outer cylindrical surface, and a second ring with a hole, two radial edges and an outer cylindrical surface is provided. The first and second rings rotate relatively about a central axis. The bearing includes at least one row of rolling elements housed in a chamber formed between an outer cylindrical surface and a hole of the rings, the first and second rings and the rolling elements determining a pitch diameter of the bearing. A sealing means is provided having an engagement portion rigidly connected to one of the rings and a tapered annular body extending from the engagement portion towards the other ring. When idle, the body forms a non-zero angle with a plane perpendicular to the pitch diameter and is in direct or indirect contact with the other bearing ring. |
| US10041540B2 |
Grease composition and rolling device
A grease composition which is excellent in seizure resistance can be provided without deteriorating resistance to stirring in the rolling device, and a rolling device in which the grease composition intervenes to a predetermined portion can be also provided by use of a grease composition comprising a base oil and a thickener, the thickener being a diurea compound obtained by allowing an amine mixture comprising alkylphenylamine, an alkyl group of which has 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and cyclohexylamine, to react with a diisocyanate compound, the amount of cyclohexylamine in the amine mixture being 80% by mole or more and less than 91% by mole, and a worked penetration being 300 to 330. |
| US10041536B2 |
Sintered bearing for motor-type fuel pump with superior corrosion resistance, wear resistance and conformability
A bearing for a motor-type fuel pump comprises a Zn—P—Ni—Sn—C—Cu-based sintered alloy and has corrosion resistance to a coarse gasoline containing sulfur or an organic acid(s); superior wear resistance; and superior conformability with a shaft as a counterpart. The bearing is suitable for use in a downsized fuel pump and has a structure in which a base comprises 3 to 13% by mass of Zn, 0.1 to 0.9% by mass of P, 10 to 21% by mass of Ni, 3 to 12% by mass of Sn, 1 to 8% by mass of C and a remainder composed of Cu and inevitable impurities. The base also comprises a solid solution phase of a Zn—Ni—Sn—Cu alloy. A Sn alloy phase containing no less than 15% by mass of Sn is formed in grain boundaries of the base. Pores have a porosity of 8 to 18% and free graphite distributed therein. |
| US10041531B2 |
Sensor device with mounting means
A sensor device for monitoring a component of interest, including at least one sensor for measuring at least one parameter indicative of condition of the component of interest, signal processing device for processing the signals of the sensor, and a mounting element for mounting the sensor device close to the component of interest. The mounting element can be made of a zinc alloy. |
| US10041517B2 |
Fastener element
A fastener element for transmitting a load to a machine part. One of the fastener's longitudinal extension axial ends is fixed with the machine part. The load acts onto the fastener at the other longitudinal extension axial end in a load area. The fastener comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending base parts, including the load area. The base parts are connected to each other by corrugations. To reduce shear in the fastener, a height of the corrugations is substantially constant along a first extension in a fastener longitudinal direction, extending from the machine part to a transition region. The load area is arranged along a second extension in the fastener longitudinal direction adjoining the first extension. Along the second extension, the corrugations height is reduced from the transition region, becoming zero at a final section of the fastener in the axial end region remote from the machine part. |
| US10041512B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator for generating a linear actuating force, including a first drive unit having a first drive shaft designed as a hollow shaft, a first rotation-translation transmission driven by the first drive unit, having a first threaded spindle and a first threaded nut engaging with the threaded spindle, wherein the drive shaft of the first drive unit is designed as a first threaded spindle, a second drive unit arranged axially to the first drive unit and having a drive shaft, and a second rotation-translation transmission driven by the second drive unit, having a second threaded spindle and a threaded nut engaging with the second threaded spindle, wherein the drive shaft of the second drive unit is connected to the second threaded spindle; via the hollow shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. |
| US10041506B2 |
System for discharging compressed air from a compressor
A system for discharging compressed air from a compressor includes a air distribution manifold that is in fluid communication with the compressor via a conduit and at least one discharge line that is in fluid communication with the air distribution manifold. The discharge line defines a flow path from the air distribution manifold to atmosphere. The discharge line comprises a coupling pipe that is coupled to the air distribution manifold, a sparger section that is disposed downstream from the coupling pipe and at least one restrictor plate that is disposed between the coupling pipe and the sparger section within the flow path. The restrictor plate comprises at least one aperture that provides a pressure drop of the compressed air between the air distribution manifold and the sparger section. |
| US10041505B2 |
Airflow assembly having improved acoustical performance
An airflow assembly includes a fan, a shroud, a plurality of ribs, and a fan support. The fan has a number of fan blades. The shroud includes (i) a plenum defining a plenum opening located adjacent to the number of fan blades, and (ii) a barrel extending from the plenum so as to surround the plenum opening. The plenum further defines at least one airflow opening spaced apart from the plenum opening. Each of the plurality of ribs extends inwardly from the barrel. The fan support is attached to the plurality of ribs and is configured to support the fan. The at least one airflow opening is not an attachment structure or a guiding structure, is not configured to receive a fastening member, and does not function as a water drain. |
| US10041502B2 |
Air blower
An air blower includes an impeller, a motor and a blower housing. The blower housing includes a first housing member for receiving the motor and a second housing member for receiving the impeller. The first and second housing members are mounted to each other. Two opposed air outlets are formed at an end of the first housing member remote from the second housing member. Each air outlet is formed by an outwardly inclined cutout. The cutout is bounded by two inclined sides. An angle A formed by each inclined side and an axial direction of the blower is in the range from 0 to 45 degrees. Radial lines extending from one inclined side of one air outlet and the adjacent inclined side of the other air outlet form an angle B in the range from 15 to 45 degrees. |
| US10041500B2 |
Venturi effect endwall treatment
A gas turbine engine endwall treatment includes a recirculation passages distributed circumferentially around and extending generally axially in an endwall or shroud, Venturi effect producing main throats between main inlet and outlet passages including main inlet and outlet ports respectively extending through the endwall or shroud, and main inlet ports axially aft and downstream of the main outlet ports. Second inlet passages may connect second inlet ports in endwall to main recirculation passages at or near main throats and second inlet ports. An annular groove in endwall may pass through and interconnect the second inlet ports. Two or more clustered inlet passages may extend from two or more clustered secondary inlet ports to two or more intersections of the two or more clustered inlet passages and the main recirculation passage. The main inlet and outlet ports may be spaced one or more stages apart. |
| US10041499B2 |
Fan and filter installed in the same
A fan is provided. The fan includes a first power terminal, a second power terminal, a filter, a motor driver, a motor, a current sensor, and a controller. The filter includes an amplifying element, a resistor, and a capacitor, wherein a first terminal of the amplifying element is electrically connected to the first power terminal, a second terminal of the amplifying element is electrically connected to a first terminal of the resistor, and the capacitor is electrically connected between the second power terminal and a third terminal of the amplifying element. The motor is electrically connected to the third terminal of the amplifying element. The current sensor detects the current flowing through the motor and correspondingly generates a current sensing signal. The controller outputs a first control signal to the resistor according to the current sensing signal such that the amplifying element operating in an active region. |
| US10041496B2 |
Ventilation device
Between the lower stage in respective phases of inverter circuit and the negative potential side, shunt resistors are inserted for respective phases. The potential differences across shunt resistors occurring by current flowing through shunt resistors are amplified by amplifier unit. From the output of amplifier unit, current detecting unit detects current of each phase flowing through motor formed by a sensorless brushless DC motor. Rotation detecting unit calculates the rotation speed and position of motor based on the current detected by current detecting unit. This structure makes it possible to directly detect solely the current flowing through the windings of motor. Therefore, it becomes possible to accurately detect the current of the motor windings, and the ventilation device can maintain the ventilation air volume from a small air volume to a large air volume always at a constant value. |
| US10041493B2 |
Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor is provided that may include a first scroll provided with a discharge port, a second scroll engaged with the first scroll to form a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber, and a rotational shaft provided with an eccentric portion eccentrically coupled to the first scroll or the second scroll The eccentric portion may overlap the first and second compression chambers in a radial direction. The discharge port may be provided with at least one discharge inlet and a discharge outlet The at least one discharge inlet may include a plurality of discharge inlets, which have different areas from each other, whereby a refrigerant of each compression chamber may be smoothly discharged, thereby preventing an over-compression loss due to a delay of discharge. |
| US10041491B2 |
Vane pump containing a back pressure introduction passage
In a vane pump, a communication groove that provides communication between a communication hole and a discharge port is formed in an outer side face of a rear housing. An opening of the communication groove is blocked by a fitting face of a control valve case. A back-pressure introduction passage that provides communication between the communication hole and an outlet is formed by the communication groove and the fitting face of the control valve case. The back-pressure introduction passage is formed between the rear housing and the control valve case, that is, on the outer side of the housing. |
| US10041487B2 |
Compressor assembly with liquid sensor
A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors. |
| US10041485B2 |
Two-way hand-drawn pneumatic cylinder piston
A piston for dual-directional hand inflator comprises a main body (1) having an internal hole (11) and an external hole (12). A plurality of spacers (17) are disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface of the main body (1) and divide a space into a gas-intake guide chamber (3) and a gas-exhaust guide chamber (5). The gas-intake guide chamber (3) communicates with the internal hole (11), and the gas-exhaust guide chamber (5) communicates with the external hole (12). A first cover plate (6) is disposed at an end of the gas-intake guide chamber to seal the gas-intake guide chamber. A second cover plate (7) is disposed at an end of the gas-exhaust guide chamber to seal the gas-exhaust guide chamber. There is only two cover plate to be adhered and fixed. The assembly is more convenient and the leakage probability is reduced. |
| US10041483B2 |
Method for accurate and low-consumption MEMS micropump actuation and device for carrying out said method
The present invention describes the improvements due to alternated actuation cycles to reduce the delivery errors related to the pumping chamber elasticity, the actuator relaxation or hysteresis. The method actuates a pumping device with an optimal driving voltage profile, wherein the pumping device comprises a pumping chamber including a pumping membrane and a voltage controlled actuator connected to said membrane; the movement of said membrane being defined by three positions, namely a rest, a bottom and a top position. The method includes the actuation of the membrane with a pumping pattern including at least two different cycles: Cycle A: rest-bottom-rest-top-rest Cycle B: rest-top-rest-bottom-rest. The invention also relates to a device to carry out the method. |
| US10041479B2 |
Hinged tower segments and transport method
This application relates to hinged tower segments and transport methods, and particularly to methods and apparatus for transporting and storing hinged segments of steel wind turbine towers. The wind turbine tower comprises a plurality of cylindrical vertical tower sections, which in the finished tower are mounted on top of one another. The vertical section of the tower has a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of wind turbine tower segments, the tower segments have vertical and horizontal edges and combine to form a complete vertical tower section by joining along their edges. Adjacent vertical tower sections are joined to each other along the horizontal edges of the wind turbine tower segments. Hinges are secured between tower segments and the tower segments rotated about the hinged axis to make them suitable for transport or storage. A method of assembling a tower section is discussed. |
| US10041475B1 |
Reducing curtailment of wind power generation
Historical power output measurements of a wind turbine for a time period immediately preceding a specified time are received. Historical wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine for a time periods immediately preceding the specified past time and immediately following the specified past time are received. The historical wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to wind power values. Based on the historical power output measurements and the wind power output values, a machine learning model for predicting wind power output is trained. Real-time power output measurements of the wind turbine and real-time wind speed micro-forecasts for the wind turbine are received. The real-time wind speed micro-forecasts are converted to real-time wind power values. Using the machine learning model with the real-time power output measurements and the real-time wind power values, a wind power output forecast for the wind turbine at a future time is outputted. |
| US10041467B2 |
Device for capturing wave energy
A device (OWC Oscillating Water Column) for capturing wave energy, the upper part of which contains a pressure accumulator (3) connected to the atmosphere through a unidirectional outlet turbine (4) and a vacuum accumulator (6) connected to the atmosphere through a unidirectional inlet turbine (5). The lower portion is formed by at least one block, where each block is made up of a structural column (19), which when submerged in the water gives rise to a water column (8) and an air chamber (1) in the upper portion. Each block is connected to the pressure accumulator (3) through a non-return intake valve (2), and to the vacuum accumulator (6) through a non-return exhaust valve (7), and having an inlet (16) arranged in the lower portion of each structural column (19).One of the main characteristics of the device is that the pressure (3) and vacuum (6) accumulators act as an air manifold, inhaling and exhaling through the blocks, and at the same time damping sudden changes in pressure. |
| US10041454B1 |
Disruptive air flow assembly for a vehicle engine
Present embodiments provide a disruptive air flow assembly which connects to a vacuum line and utilizes a valve to open and close and thereby vary the vacuum pressure in the vacuum line. This affects air flow into the engine which is utilized for combustion and therefore causes the engine to vary the engine sound by running roughly at a preselected engine speed. A vacuum fitting may house the valve to vary air flow by opening and closing inlets in the fitting. A motor may be utilized to move the valve between the open and closed positions. |
| US10041452B2 |
Arrangement for attaching a control valve to a flow channel housing of an internal combustion engine
An arrangement for attaching a control valve to a flow channel housing of an internal combustion engine which includes an insertion housing part which projects into the flow channel housing. The arrangement includes an actuator housing, an actuator arranged in the actuator housing, a housing plate which rests on the flow channel housing, screws, and a collar flange which radially surrounds the housing plate. The insertion housing part extends on a first side of the housing plate and the actuator housing extends on a second opposite side of the housing plate. The collar flange comprises a screw hole pattern arranged thereon and through-holes arranged therein. The screw hole pattern corresponds to a connecting bore pattern of the flow channel housing. The control valve is attached to the flow channel housing via the screws being inserted through the through-holes of the collar flange. |
| US10041451B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling air flow paths in an engine
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a temperature of gases within a heat exchanger, a ratio of gases output by the heat exchanger, and selectively charging/discharging gases from the heat exchanger to one or both of an intake system or an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include controlling operation of an energy recovery device coupled to the heat exchanger in response to engine operating conditions, and increasing or decreasing flow of exhaust gas and/or compressed intake air into the heat exchanger in response to energy recovery device output. |
| US10041449B2 |
Evaporative emissions testing using inductive heating
Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test on a fuel tank and an evaporative emissions system in a vehicle. In one example, pressure for the evaporative emissions test is provided by inductive heating of the fuel tank while the vehicle undergoes an inductive battery charging operation. In this way, evaporative emissions testing may be enabled under conditions wherein sufficient heat rejection from the engine to the fuel tank is not available, and further enables evaporative emissions testing without the use of an external pump thus eliminating additional costs, and reducing the space occupied in the vehicle for evaporative emissions testing diagnostics. |
| US10041448B2 |
Systems and methods for boost control
Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag in an engine system configured with a cylinder dedicated for exhaust gas recirculation and distinct turbines coupled to the dedicated EGR cylinder and remaining engine cylinders. An air-fuel ratio of combustion in the dedicated cylinder is adjusted responsive to a tip-in event by providing blow-through air and additional fuel based on the amount of heat required to spin up a turbine coupled to the dedicated cylinder and provide the requested boost pressure. The approach enables turbo lag to be reduced while providing high EGR at high boost conditions. |
| US10041443B2 |
Thrust reverser apparatus and method
A thrust reverser is adapted to be fixed within a turbofan engine nacelle that extends substantially about an engine core cowl. The nacelle and engine core cowl together define an axially extending annular duct for receiving an aft flowing fan bypass air stream that is forwardly redirected upon deployment of the thrust reverser. The nacelle includes an axially translating sleeve, circumferentially arranged translating cascade sets, and axially translatable blocker doors adapted to pivot radially inwardly from the translating sleeve to extend at least partially into the fan bypass air stream. A blocker door deployment drag linkage is pivotally coupled to each of the translating sleeve and the blocker doors. When stowed, an axially extending outer wall of the bypass duct is radially interposed between each blocker door and the fan bypass air stream to assure that the blocker doors remain entirely concealed from the fan bypass air stream. |
| US10041440B2 |
Fuel injector insert
An insert for a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine that has a bore for receiving a fuel injector to deliver fuel through an injector nozzle into a combustion chamber. The insert comprises a generally tubular body having a longitudinally oriented passageway therethrough and receivable within the bore in the cylinder head. The generally tubular body has an inner end and an outer end, with the inner end in proximity to the combustion chamber when said insert is received within the bore. The passageway is tapered such that its diameter increases from the inner end toward the outer end. The longitudinal passageway is dimensioned to sealingly receive the nozzle of the fuel injector when the fuel injector is received within the bore. The insert limits blow-by between the insert and the nozzle of the fuel injector during operation of the internal combustion engine. |
| US10041424B2 |
Methods and system for catalyst reactivation
Embodiments for reactivating a catalyst are provided. In one example, a method for reactivating a catalyst coupled to an engine comprises when the engine is restarted following deactivation, adjusting a degree of fuel enrichment based on an engine off duration and an engine air amount during the restart. |
| US10041419B2 |
Valve flap device
A valve flap device having at least one valve housing having a shaft comprising a bearing surface and a valve axis, the shaft being rotationally supported about the valve axis by means of the bearing surface in the valve housing. A bearing element having a sliding bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface of the shaft contacts the sliding bearing surface. A bearing housing provided on the valve housing, in which the bearing element is supported at least in the radial direction to the valve axis, wherein the bearing element has an outer surface contacting the bearing housing. The support of the shaft is intended to be sufficiently tightly sealed, even for gaseous media, while simultaneously ensuring precise and statically determinate support. To this end, the bearing element is designed as a separate component coupled to the bearing housing about the valve axis with respect to the circumferential direction, such that the relative position between the bearing element and the bearing housing does not change in the circumferential direction when the shaft is rotated. |
| US10041418B2 |
Flap device for an internal combustion engine
A flap device for an internal combustion engine includes a flap body comprising at least one end position, a shaft which has the flap body arranged thereon, a housing which has a flow duct formed therein, an actuator which rotates the shaft in the flow duct, a lever which includes a lever surface, the lever being attached to the shaft outside of the flow duct, and an abutment which has the lever bear thereon in the at least one end position of the flap body. The flow duct includes a throughflow cross section which is regulated by a rotation of the shaft. The lever surface which faces toward the abutment includes an abutment region which is formed so as to be inclined in a direction of the abutment with respect to a radially outwardly extending straight line. |
| US10041411B2 |
Compact dosing device for an injector with two fuel circuits for an aircraft turbomachine
A fuel dosing device for a fuel injector of an aircraft turbomachine, including an opening, a movable member for sealing the opening, and elastic return, with the member able to be displaced under the effect of the fuel pressure. The device includes a first outlet communicating with a primary circuit of the injector as well as a second outlet communicating with a secondary circuit. In addition, it is designed such that up to a defined level of displacement of the sealing member, the latter allows the fuel coming from the opening to reach the first outlet and, only beyond the defined level of displacement, the member allows the fuel coming from the opening to reach the second outlet. |
| US10041404B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine including a first set of cylinders includes: a first two-stroke compression cylinder housing a first compression piston connected to a first crank shaft; a first four-stroke combustion cylinder housing a first combustion piston connected to a second crank shaft, the first four-stroke combustion cylinder being configured to receive compressed gas from the first two-stroke compression cylinder; and a first two-stroke expansion cylinder housing a first expansion piston connected to the first crank shaft, the first two-stroke expansion cylinder being configured to receive exhaust gas from the first four-stroke combustion cylinder, wherein the first compression piston is positioned to reach a lower end position within the first compression cylinder and the first expansion piston is positioned to reach an upper end position within the first expansion cylinder when the first combustion piston reaches a lower end position within the first combustion cylinder; wherein the second crank shaft is configured to rotate with a speed of at least twice the speed of the first crank shaft. |
| US10041400B2 |
Hollow filled turbocharger rotor shaft
A turbocharger rotor shaft assembly and associated turbocharger that includes at least one turbine rotor member having a first face and an opposed second face; and a rotor shaft having a first end and an opposed second end distal from the first end, wherein the rotor shaft is connected to the at least one turbine rotor at a location proximate to the first end and projects outward therefrom, the rotor shaft having an outwardly oriented face and an interior chamber defined therein, the interior chamber having an interior chamber volume. The turbocharger rotor shaft also includes at least one thermal transfer material contained in the interior chamber of the rotor shaft that has a thermal conductivity value that is greater than the thermal conductivity value of the material of construction of the rotor shaft. |
| US10041399B2 |
Exhaust gas turbocharger with wear-free connection of components of its wastegate system
An exhaust gas turbocharger includes a wastegate system. A control rod and a wastegate lever connected to the control rod by a connecting element belong to the wastegate system. The connecting element is a spring element. |
| US10041391B2 |
Apparatus for purifying exhaust gas
An apparatus includes a catalytic converter on an exhaust pipe and provided with a lean NOx trap (LNT) device coated with an LNT catalyst, and a catalyzed particulate filter (CPF) coated with a catalyst. The LNT device and CPF are sequentially disposed in the catalytic converter. The CPF includes at least one inlet channel, extending in a longitudinal direction, having a first end into which fluid flows and a blocked second end; at least one outlet channel, extending in the longitudinal direction, having a blocked first end and a second end through which the fluid flows out; at least one porous wall defining a boundary between neighboring inlet and outlet channels and that extends in the longitudinal direction; and a support coated with the catalyst and located within at least one among the at least one inlet channel and the at least one outlet channel. |
| US10041382B2 |
Variable valve apparatus for internal combustion engine
An variable valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the invention includes a cam base member, an elastic member, a cam lobe member, and a mechanism for fixing the cam lobe member to the cam base member. The cam lobe member includes a main cam part, and a push part provided at a different position from this. The cam lobe member can move relative to the cam base member, between a first position at which the push part protrudes from the cam base member and a second position at which the main cam part protrudes from the cam base member. The cam lobe member is biased toward the first position by the elastic member. When the push part is pushed by a follower member linked to an engine valve, the cam lobe member can move toward the second position side. |
| US10041381B2 |
Kinematically independent, thermo-hydro-dynamic turbocompound generator
A power generator may include a digital programmable governor, a plurality of power modules. The power modules have working fluid including compound gas and a magneto-responsive liquid column disposed therein, a thermal generator capable of adding heat to the working fluid, one Or more cooling exchangers configured to remove heat from the working fluid, at sets of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators, and a plurality of bidirectional turbines. The sets of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators are disposed proximate to the power modules, responsive to control of the digital programmable governor and in association with a thermal cycle of adding heat to and removing heat from the working fluid, provide influence to drive reciprocal flows of the working fluid through the power modules. The bi-directional turbines are disposed to receive the reciprocal flows and perform a kinematically independent conversion of the operating medium reciprocal flows to rotary motion power output. |
| US10041380B2 |
Engine preheating apparatus and preheating method of the engine
An engine preheating apparatus includes a waste heat recovery unit for recovering waste heat within a vehicle, and an air cooler connected to the waste heat recovery unit for receiving waste heat from the waste heat recovery unit, wherein an intake pipe in which intake air flows is connected to the air cooler in a communicating manner. |
| US10041366B2 |
Seal
The present disclosure relates generally to a sliding seal between two components. The sliding seal includes a substantially radially extending rail and a substantially axially extending leg, such that the seal has a substantially J-shaped cross-section. |
| US10041356B2 |
Showerhead hole scheme apparatus and system
The gas turbine component showerhead cooling hole layouts described herein include minimal lateral cooling hole exit diffusion on the middle showerhead cooling hole rows and interior facing sides of outer rows. In this way, rows of cooling holes may be placed close together. Stated another way, the outer showerhead cooling hole rows substantially only include lateral cooling hole exit diffusion in the direction away from the other rows to again allow the rows to be placed close together. |
| US10041351B2 |
Turbocharger shaft and wheel assembly
A unit for a turbocharger can include a turbine wheel portion that includes a turbine wheel material and a turbine wheel axis; a shaft portion that includes a shaft material and a shaft axis; a first weld that includes a first average axial position over a first azimuthal span and first weld composition formed of a greater proportion of the turbine wheel material than the shaft material; and a second weld that includes a second average axial position over a second azimuthal span and second weld composition formed of a greater proportion of the turbine wheel material than the shaft material, where a sum of the first azimuthal span and the second azimuthal span is approximately 360 degrees, where the first average axial position differs from the second average axial position, and where the first weld composition differs from the second weld composition. |
| US10041339B2 |
Oil recovery processing using a low salinity fluid composition
Method of recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing reservoir by using an injection fluid containing a viscosifying polymer in a low salinity water. The low salinity water has a total dissolved solids (TDS) content of 15,000 ppmv or less, and the ratio of the multivalent cation content of the low salinity water to the multivalent cation content of the connate water of the reservoir is less than 1. The viscosity of the injection fluid is in the range of 3 to 200 cP, and the reservoir is penetrated by one or more injection wells and by one or more production wells. The method includes injecting the injection fluid into at least one of the injection wells in a slug size in the range of 0.4 to 1.5 pore volume (PV). |
| US10041335B2 |
Switching device for, and a method of switching, a downhole tool
The switching device comprises an electronic switch embedded within a downhole tool (100) and an activator for remote switching of the electronic switch. The activator may be a handheld unit that is used at the surface of the wellbore by an operator or may be a wireline run unit. The activator permits wireless and contactless activation of the electronic switch without the need for mechanical switches which could provide a point of failure for the downhole tool. The electronic switch comprises an electronics module and a power source such as one or more batteries wherein in the active configuration, the switch can allow electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source and in the inactive configuration, the switch prevents electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source. |
| US10041320B2 |
Wellbore tubing cutting tool
In some aspects, a cutting tool is provided. The cutting tool can include a mandrel, a sleeve, and first and second cutting elements. The mandrel can include first and second protrusions positioned at respective first and second lengths along the mandrel. The sleeve can at least partially surround the mandrel. Each of the first and second cutting elements can move from a respective position within the sleeve to a respective position at least partially protruding from the sleeve in response to a respective force exerted by a respective one of the first and second protrusions. |
| US10041317B1 |
Circulating tool for assisting in upward expulsion of debris during drilling
Disclosed is a circulating tool for aiding in removing debris from near the drill bit when drilling, especially for coiled tubing drilling operations. The drilling fluid entering the tool is directed to a sleeve which can spin freely around the tool, and includes upwardly directed ejection ports and tangentially oriented tangential ports. Fluid ejected from the tangential ports induce the sleeve to spin about the tool, and thus, fluid ejected from the ejection ports is spun to create a drilling fluid vortex within the well bore—and assist in carrying debris up and out. |
| US10041313B2 |
Method and system for extending reach in deviated wellbores using selected injection speed
A method for extending reach of a coiled tubing string in a deviated wellbore includes vibrating the tubing string while the tubing string is injected into the wellbore at a first injection speed, finding the peak speed of lateral vibration of the tubing string, determining a second injection speed as a function of the obtained peak speed of lateral vibration, and adjusting the injection speed of the vibrating tubing string from the first injection speed to the determined second injection speed based on said function. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to execute the foregoing method is provided, along with a system for extending reach of a coiled tubing string in a deviated wellbore. |
| US10041308B2 |
Oilfield tubular connection system and method
A mineral extraction system including a first oilfield tubular, a second oilfield tubular to engage with the first oilfield tubular, a first flange coupled to the first oilfield tubular, a second flange coupled to the second oilfield tubular, and a plurality of fasteners to couple the first flange and the second flange. |
| US10041306B2 |
Fatigue performance enhancer
A rigid riser system including a rigid riser and one or more fatigue performance enhancers. The rigid riser includes a plurality of rigid metal sections welded together to form a plurality of girth weld joints. The one or more fatigue performance enhancers are positioned over one or more of the plurality of girth weld joints of the rigid riser to enhance the fatigue resistance and/or fatigue life. The body of the fatigue performance enhancer may include a central region and two end regions with the central region having a greater average radial cross-sectional thickness than each of the end regions. Methods of enhancing fatigue performance of the rigid riser and fatigue performance enhancers are also disclosed. |
| US10041299B2 |
CV joint for drilling motor and method
A CV joint for a downhole drilling motor includes a center shaft including a top shaft section and a bottom shaft section. The top shaft section is at least partially housed within a cavity of a first insert, which is housed within a cavity of a rotor adapter. The bottom shaft section is at least partially housed within a cavity of a second insert, which is housed within a cavity of a drive shaft adapter. An outer surface of the top and bottom shaft sections may include multiple top shaft pockets and multiple bottom shaft pockets, respectively. The first and second inserts may each include a series of recesses. Top shear members may be partially housed within the top shaft pockets and the recesses of the first insert. Bottom shear members may be partially housed within the bottom shaft pockets and the recesses of the second insert. |
| US10041291B2 |
Shutter slat and compact shutter assembly
A slat for use in a rolling shutter is provided. The slat comprises a engaging track located at a first edge of a body and a receiving track located at a second edge of the body. Illustratively, the engaging track has a hook-shaped profile, and the receiving track comprises a lip member and a guard member defining a space adapted to receive therein an engaging track of an adjacent slat. The engaging track and the receiving track are designed to minimize the space required for the rolling shutter to be retracted around a spindle. |
| US10041288B1 |
Panel-in-panel wall system
A structural wall panel system for use in light gauge construction to form a wall with door or window openings. The system includes a structural frame defining a wall opening sized and configured to receive a wall panel. A non-structural wall panel is removably fixed within the wall opening of the structural frame. The wall panel may include at least one opening for a door or window. The wall panel is mounted within the wall opening using a plurality of catch clips. The catch clips are mounted to the structural frame and they precisely position and retain the wall panel within the wall opening of the frame. |
| US10041285B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling sunroof to prevent malfunctions thereof
Disclosed herein is a sunroof control apparatus for preventing malfunctions. The sunroof control apparatus includes a sunroof motor which opens and closes a sunroof and a control portion which outputs a first control signal which drives the sunroof motor in a direction of opening the sunroof and a second control signal which drives the sunroof motor in a direction of closing the sunroof. Here, the control portion estimates angular velocity, torque, and a torque change rate according to a current voltage of the sunroof motor based on an estimator designed in advance. Also, when the estimated torque change rate is a preset threshold or more, the control portion determined that an object is caught in the sunroof while the sunroof is being closed and outputs the first control signal. |
| US10041281B1 |
Door control system
In an aspect, a door control system is provided for a vehicle door and includes a pushrod and a locking device. The pushrod has a first end connected to one of the vehicle body and the vehicle door. At least a portion of the locking device is mounted to the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle door. The locking device includes a leadscrew, a leadscrew nut mounted on the leadscrew, a housing including a guide path, and a brake. The pushrod has a second end connected to the leadscrew nut. The leadscrew nut is constrained against rotation but is slideable along the guide path by movement of the pushrod, which causes rotation of the leadscrew. The brake is positionable in a braking position in which the brake prevents rotation of the leadscrew, and a release position in which the brake permits rotation of the leadscrew. |
| US10041276B2 |
Vehicle locking apparatus for a vehicle using a coupling device
A vehicle locking apparatus for a vehicle using a coupling device for the separable connection of a vehicle door to a vehicle structure part, includes a first coupling element with two locking wedges mounted so as to be displaceable parallel to one another and having wedge faces. At least one of the locking wedges is formed with a locking nose on the wedge-side end face, and a second coupling element interacts with the first coupling element. The second coupling has two retaining jaws receiving the first coupling element therebetween with wedge grooves having wedge faces. The locking wedges are pushed via a driving device into the wedge grooves by separation of the wedge faces apart from one other and the locking nose is thereby received in a locking opening arranged in a wedge groove of a retaining jaw. |
| US10041275B2 |
Combination lock structure for simple password retrieval
A combination lock structure for simple password retrieval is provided. An inner sleeve is formed with a V-shaped groove. A clamping plate is provided with a V-shaped angle corresponding to the V-shaped groove. A hasp plate is provided with a hasp. A cylindrical flange of the inner sleeve is formed with a hasp groove for engagement of the hasp. A lower end of the hasp plate is provided with a convex point. A lock cylinder is formed with a protrusion corresponding to the convex point. When the lock cylinder is turned to an unlocked position, the protrusion urges the convex point to move upward and the hasp is moved upward so that the hasp is pressed against the cylindrical flange. When the hasp is engaged in the hasp groove, the V-shaped angle is engaged in the V-shaped groove. |
| US10041273B2 |
Strike plate lock
An auxiliary lock for preventing a hinged door from opening all the way is provided. The lock comprises a strike plate, a flip lock plate, a catching member to receive a door knob or handle, and a means for connecting the catching member and flip lock plate. In an embodiment, the strike plate may be configured to replace any standard strike plate disposed on an inside portion of a door jamb, and the flap lock plate may longitudinally extend from a hinged connection with strike plate in the direction of an opening door so as to optionally block the door from opening and avoid obstructing a swinging door when disengaged. In use, the catching member may be placed around the door knob or handle so that the means for connecting the catching member and flip lock plate form an inseparable link between the door jamb and door itself. |
| US10041272B2 |
High-ceiling tent frame
A high-ceiling tent frame includes one or more frame units. Each frame unit includes three or more vertical poles and a center pole connected by supporting pole groups. Each frame unit also includes vertical pole fixed and slidable connecting bases installed at the vertical poles, and center fixed and slidable connecting bases installed at the center pole. Each supporting top pole group includes one or more first connecting pole units pivotally connected to each other. Each first connecting pole unit includes two first connecting poles pivotally connected to each other and forms an X-shape when the tent frame is unfolded. Adjacent frame units are connected to each other by sharing at least two vertical poles. |
| US10041270B2 |
Utility tower lifting apparatus and method
A utility tower lifting apparatus and method for raising a lattice tower in addition to carried transmission cables without disturbing the tower foundation, disconnecting the cables, or requiring de-energization of the transmission lines. |
| US10041267B1 |
Seismic damping systems and methods
A system for damping seismic motions transmitted from a foundation to an architectural structure is disclosed. The system may include a stacked formation of elements including a washer, a sliding plate, and a damping member. The sliding plate may be fixedly connected to a base member of the architectural structure. During seismic motions, the washer may slide over the top of the sliding plate and the damping member may elastically deform. Accordingly, movement of the base member may trail movement of the foundation, and the acceleration experienced by the architectural structure may be reduced. A method of installing such a seismic damping system is also disclosed. |
| US10041252B1 |
Bar sleeve
A sleeve lock locks concrete reinforcing steel bars within rigid support structure retainers for stabilizing the reinforcing bars in place, while allowing the bars to spin freely within sleeves or holes within the retainers. The sleeve locks are stable couplings holding concrete reinforcing bars in position while allowing the bars to spin within the couplings. This reduces the need for tightening locks or fasteners at elevated heights of vertically positioned concrete reinforcing steel bars. |
| US10041248B1 |
Construction assembly and method for laying blocks
A construction assembly includes two frame members. A segment of one frame member contacts a surface of a contour of a first column. A segment of the other frame member contacts a surface of a contour of a second column. The surface of the contour of the second column aligns with the surface of the contour of the first column. A connector beam has a planar surface substantially perpendicular to a base surface from which the first and second columns extend. A first end portion of the connector beam couples to one frame member, and a second end portion of the connector beam couples to the other frame member. When coupled to the frame members, the connector beam substantially aligns with, and extends laterally between, the frame members. The connector beam receives blocks such that the planar surface is at a direct abutment with a planar surface of each block. |
| US10041247B2 |
Reinforced brick masonry column with polyester thread reinforcement strips
A method of reinforcing a masonry structure is described wherein polyester thread reinforcement strips are manufactured and mounted on the masonry structure to protect it from lateral forces caused by earthquake and other natural occurring phenomena that generally produce bending moments in the masonry structure. The disclosed method can easily and economically be applied to reinforce masonry structures in underprivileged regions. |
| US10041242B2 |
Toilet flange assembly with cover
A toilet flange is provided with a planar perimeter portion to assist the installer in accurately determining the distance to an adjacent wall as well as insuring the toilet fastening bolts are aligned parallel thereto. The toilet flange assembly includes a cover to store needed fastening elements while simultaneously preventing debris from entering the plumbing riser pipe. Additionally, a sleeve is provided that protects the threads of the toilet fastening bolts during construction and acts as an extendable flexible guide sleeve. The guide sleeve functionally extends the height of the toilet fastening bolt thereby assisting the toilet installer as a visual aid during installation. |
| US10041239B2 |
Water conservation device
A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user. |
| US10041236B2 |
Multi-function fixture for a lavatory system
Systems and methods for a multi-function lavatory fixture are disclosed. The lavatory fixture includes a first and second leg, where a first end of each leg is configured to be mounted to a deck and a second end of each leg is located over a basin of the lavatory fixture. A connecting section extends between the second ends of each leg and includes outlets to dispense water, soap, and air to wash a user's hands. The fixture also includes indicators located proximate each of the outlets to indicate to the user the location of each outlet. A sensor located near each outlet identifies the presence of a user's hands near the outlet and dispenses water, soap, or air accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump, fan, valve, and the like to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet. |
| US10041230B2 |
Implement tooth assembly with tip and adapter
A ground engaging tip of a tooth assembly for a base edge of a ground engaging implement, is provided, wherein the tooth assembly includes an adapter configured for attachment to a base edge of the ground engaging implement and having a forwardly extending adapter nose. The ground engaging tip may have a substantially keystone-shaped contour providing additional wear material at the top surface for use in top-wearing earth moving applications. |
| US10041228B2 |
Construction machine
A construction machine includes: a lower traveling body; an upper slewing body; a front attachment; a plurality of hydraulic actuators including traveling motors; hydraulic pumps; a plurality of control valves for the hydraulic actuators; a plurality of operation units for the control valves; traveling operation detectors that detect operations for the operation units for the traveling motors of the operation units; a back-pressure compensation valve generating back pressure in a return pipe line connecting each of the control valves and a tank and having a setting pressure switchable between low and high pressure setting values; and a back-pressure control section performing a back-pressure lowering control of making the setting pressure of the back-pressure compensation valve be the low pressure setting value when traveling operation amounts in the traveling operation units are large. |
| US10041215B2 |
Milling machine
A milling machine has a frame, a rotor, a mixing chamber with a front door and a rear door, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the frame, the rotor, the front door, and the rear door, and configured to operate the milling machine in a travel mode and a work mode. When the travel mode is actuated, the controller raises the rotor to a predetermined position, closes the front door and the rear door, and raises the frame to a predetermined height. When the work mode is actuated, the controller lowers the frame to a predetermined height, lowers the rotor to a predetermined position, and opens the front door and the rear door to predetermined positions. |
| US10041212B2 |
Digital overlay
A method to form a protective overlay with wear resistant particles applied in well-defined patterns by applying wear resistant particles on a surface, bonding a part of the wear resistant particles with a binder preferably applied with a digital drop application head and removing the non-bonded wear resistant particles from the surface. |
| US10041206B2 |
Cutting guide with seam allowance recess
A cutting guide having a seam allowance recess and methods of cutting a piece of material with such cutting guide. |
| US10041205B2 |
Portable clothes drying assemblies
Portable clothes-drying assemblies are provided to allow travelers to quickly and easily dry articles of clothing. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, an assembly includes a specially configured garment bag from which a conventional hand held hair dryer is suspended. An adapter tube for directing hot air from the hair dryer into the interior of the garment bag is also provided. The adapter tube has a proximal end configured to sealingly engage the nozzle of the hair dryer and a distal end configured to sealingly engage an inlet formed at the bottom of the garment bag. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hair dryer is suspended from a horizontal rod, such as a closet rod, from which an article of clothing is also hung. An adapter assembly is also provided. The adapter assembly includes an adapter tube and a plurality of flexible distribution tubes that extend through the adapter tube and are configured to be inserted into the article of clothing. Each of the tubes has an proximal end configured to receive hot air from the hair dryer nozzle, a closed distal end, and an elongated intermediate portion made from either a porous material such as cloth or an apertured non-porous material that allows hot air to pass into the article of clothing. |
| US10041200B2 |
Bulkiness recovery apparatus and bulkiness recovery method for nonwoven fabric
A bulkiness recovery apparatus for nonwoven fabric, the apparatus being for recovering bulkiness of the nonwoven fabric by blowing hot air to heat the nonwoven fabric, the apparatus including: a heating mechanism including case units, jet inlets and an evacuation opening, the case unit having a conveyor space in which the nonwoven fabric is conveyed, the jet inlet blasting hot air into the conveyor space from a one side toward another side of the conveyor space in a conveying direction of the nonwoven fabric, the evacuation opening evacuating hot air from the conveyor space, the hot air flowing along the conveying direction while being in contact with either one of two surfaces of the nonwoven fabric; and deformation mechanisms that deform the nonwoven fabric discharged from the case unit so that the one surface of the nonwoven fabric is convex. |
| US10041199B2 |
Sheet manufacturing apparatus
A sheet manufacturing apparatus can determine if the sheets supplied as feedstock have already been recycled. The sheet manufacturing apparatus has a supply unit configured to supply feedstock; a defibrating unit configured to defibrate the feedstock; an depositing unit configured to deposit defibrated material defibrated by the defibrating unit; a forming unit configured to form a sheet from a web laid by the depositing unit; a marking unit configured to apply a mark to at least one of the web and the sheet; and a reading unit configured to read the mark imparted to the feedstock when a sheet having mark imparted thereto is supplied as the feedstock. |
| US10041191B1 |
Polyethylene powder, and molded article and fiber thereof
A polyethylene powder, wherein the specific surface area as determined by the BET method is 0.20 m2/g or larger and 0.80 m2/g or smaller, the pore volume as determined by mercury penetration method is 0.95 mL/g or smaller, the full width at half maximum of a melting endothermic peak in differential scanning calorimetry is 6.00° C. or smaller, the viscosity-average molecular weight is 100000 or higher and 10000000 or lower, and the average particle size is 100 μm or larger and 300 μm or smaller. |
| US10041190B2 |
Fabric including polyolefin elastic fiber
An article comprising a yarn comprising an elastomeric propylene-based polymer composition; said polymer composition comprising at least one elastomeric propylene-based polymer, wherein said yarn has a draft greater than 200%; wherein said article is a fabric or a garment. |
| US10041186B2 |
Method for producing nitride crystal
It is used a crucible containing a flux and a source material, a reaction vessel containing the crucible, an intermediate vessel containing the reaction vessel, and a pressure vessel containing the intermediate vessel and used to fill a gas comprising at least a nitrogen atom. When the flux and the source material are melted by heating to grow the nitride crystal, a vapor of an organic compound is provided in a space outside of the reaction vessel and inside of the intermediate vessel. |
| US10041173B2 |
Apparatus and method of manufacturing display apparatus
An apparatus and a method of manufacturing a display apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a chamber and an inorganic layer forming nozzle unit formed in the chamber and configured to form at least one inorganic layer. The apparatus also includes an organic layer forming nozzle unit formed in the chamber and configured to form at least one organic layer, wherein the organic layer forming nozzle unit is arranged substantially in line with the inorganic layer forming nozzle unit. The apparatus further includes a separating nozzle unit formed between the inorganic layer forming nozzle unit and the organic layer forming nozzle unit and configured to spray an inert gas. |
| US10041161B2 |
Method and device for producing motor vehicle chassis parts
A method and device for producing motor vehicle chassis parts is provided. The motor vehicle chassis parts can be subjected to tensile stress, compressive stress and torsion and the mechanical strength of the motor vehicle chassis parts can be adjusted over the respective cross-section. The motor vehicle chassis parts have high ductility and temperature stability and are made of an AlSiZnMg alloy by permanent mold casting. |
| US10041147B2 |
Method for recovering rare earth metals from solid minerals and/or by-products of solid mineral processing
The invention relates to the technology of recovery of rare-earth elements form both solid fossil and technology-related materials obtained by means of their target-oriented processing. Rare-earth elements recovery method include the acid leaching of ground to less than 100 μm solid fossil and technology-related materials with the mixture of sulphuric and nitric acid at ratio from 6:1 to 1:1 mass parts, at the concentration in mixture of acids less than 15 wt. % at liquid/solid phases ratio of L:S from 2:1 to 6:1 mass parts. During the leaching operation progress the vacuum-impulse action is conducted during all operation of transferring of rare-earth elements compounds into a solution and obtaining of a precipitate of remained solid fossil and technology-related materials. The obtained precipitate of solid fossil and technology-related materials is separated from leaching solution.Separation of rare-earth elements from leaching solution is conducted using ion-exchange filter or membrane filter. |
| US10041138B1 |
Sugar compositions
A sugar composition comprising: at least 40% dissolved solids in an aqueous solution having a viscosity at least 10% lower than a 42 DE (Dextrose Equivalents) reference solution with a same dissolved solids concentration at a given temperature. |
| US10041135B2 |
Phage insensitive Streptococcus thermophilus
Bacteriophage Insensitive Mutants (BIMs) of three Streptococcus thermophilus parent strains were generated and characterized for phage sensitivity, sedimentation rate, cell chain length, phage adsorption and CRISPR loci alterations. Several BIMs showed an altered sedimentation phenotype as well as an increase cell chain length, reduced phage sensitivity, reduced phage adsorption and 100% identity in three CRISPR loci. The results show that the derived BIMs have become phage-resistant through a mechanism other than CRISPR. |
| US10041129B2 |
Immune gene signatures in cancer
This invention relates to methods for selecting a treatment, treating, and predicting survival time in subjects with cancer, such as colorectal cancer, based on tumor expression levels of chemokines, cytotoxic genes, and/or dendritic cell genes. |
| US10041127B2 |
Systems and methods to detect rare mutations and copy number variation
The present disclosure provides a system and method for the detection of rare mutations and copy number variations in cell free polynucleotides. Generally, the systems and methods comprise sample preparation, or the extraction and isolation of cell free polynucleotide sequences from a bodily fluid; subsequent sequencing of cell free polynucleotides by techniques known in the art; and application of bioinformatics tools to detect rare mutations and copy number variations as compared to a reference. The systems and methods also may contain a database or collection of different rare mutations or copy number variation profiles of different diseases, to be used as additional references in aiding detection of rare mutations, copy number variation profiling or general genetic profiling of a disease. |
| US10041126B2 |
Monocyte biomarkers for cancer detection
The disclosure relates to the field of biomarkers to diagnose a disease, more particularly to the field of biomarkers to diagnose cancer, and most particularly to colorectal cancer. Specifically, these biomarkers are expressed in monocytes of a subject, particularly circulating monocytes, as can be isolated from peripheral blood. The markers are particularly useful for early detection of cancer. |
| US10041125B2 |
Assay for predictive biomarkers
The present invention provides assays for detecting presence or quantity of multiple biomarkers in one biological sample. |
| US10041123B2 |
Recurrent gene fusions in prostate cancer
Recurrent gene fusions in prostate cancer of androgen regulated genes or housekeeping genes and ETS family member genes are described. Compositions and methods having utility in prostate cancer diagnosis, research, and therapy are also provided. |
| US10041119B2 |
Methods for the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
The present invention relates to methods for detecting, enriching, and analyzing rare cells that are present in the blood, e.g. fetal cells. The invention further features methods of analyzing rare cell(s) to determine the presence of an abnormality, disease or condition in a subject, e.g. a fetus by analyzing a cellular sample from the subject. |
| US10041116B2 |
Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides
The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing. |
| US10041115B2 |
3′-OH unblocked, fast photocleavable terminating nucleotides and methods for nucleic acid sequencing
The present invention relates generally to 3′-OH unblocked nucleotides and nucleosides labeled and unlabeled with 5-methoxy-substituted nitrobenzyl-based photocleavable terminating groups for use in methods and systems related to DNA and RNA sequencing and analysis. These compounds may be used as reversible terminators as they exhibit fast nucleotide incorporation kinetics, single-base termination, high nucleotide selectivity, and rapid terminating group cleavage that results in a naturally occurring nucleotide. |
| US10041100B2 |
Method of producing sugar solution
A method of producing sugar solution by repeating a sugar solution production process includes steps (1) to (3), wherein a wash solution obtained in step (4) of washing a separation membrane after step (3) is used for step (1) of subsequent sugar solution production processes: step (1): preparing slurry of pretreated cellulose-containing biomass; step (2): hydrolyzing the slurry of pretreated cellulose-containing biomass in step (1) using cellulase from filamentous fungi; and step (3): subjecting the hydrolyzate of step (2) to solid-liquid separation into a solution component and a hydrolysis residue, filtering the solution component through an ultrafiltration membrane and recovering the cellulase from filamentous fungi as a non-permeate, and recovering the sugar solution as a permeate. |
| US10041099B2 |
L-threonine and L-tryptophan producing bacteria strain and method of making same
The present invention relates to a microorganism able to produce L-threonine or L-tryptophan, and to a method for producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan by using same. More specifically, the present invention relates to: recombinant Escherichia coli which is more efficient in producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan by increasing the ability to produce ATP which is used as the most plentiful energy source in cells when producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan; and a method for producing L-threonine or L-tryptophan by using same. |
| US10041098B2 |
O-phosphoserine export protein and the method of producing O-phosphoserine using the same
The present invention relates to a novel isolated polypeptide having the ability to export O-phosphoserine (OPS) that is a precursor of L-cysteine, a vector comprising the polynucleotide, an OPS-producing microorganism having enhanced activity of the polypeptide, a method of producing OPS using the microorganism, and a method for preparing cysteine or its derivatives, which comprises reacting OPS, produced by the above method, with a sulfide in the presence of O-phosphoserine sulfhydrylase (OPSS) or a microorganism that expresses OPSS. |
| US10041095B2 |
Process for producing a microbial storage compound
The invention relates to a process for producing a microbial storage compound, in particular polyhydroxyalkanoate, using micro-organisms capable of accumulating such microbial storage compound, wherein such micro-organisms are selected and the microbial storage compound is accumulated by carrying out the so-called feast phase of the selection step and the accumulation of the microbial storage compound in selected micro-organisms in the same reactor and carrying out the so-called famine phase of the selection step in a separate, smaller, reactor. |
| US10041093B2 |
Semi-synthetic terephthalic acid via microorganisms that produce muconic acid
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a muconate pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a muconate pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce muconate. The muconate pathway including an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a beta-ketothiolase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA hydrolase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA transferase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA ligase, a 2-fumarylacetate reductase, a 2-fumarylacetate dehydrogenase, a trans-3-hydroxy-4-hexendioate dehydratase, a 2-fumarylacetate aminotransferase, a 2-fumarylacetate aminating oxidoreductase, a trans-3-amino-4-hexenoate deaminase, a beta-ketoadipate enol-lactone hydrolase, a muconolactone isomerase, a muconate cycloisomerase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA dehydrogenase, a 3-hydroxyadipyl-CoA dehydratase, a 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA transferase, a 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA hydrolase, a 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA ligase, a muconate reductase, a 2-maleylacetate reductase, a 2-maleylacetate dehydrogenase, a cis-3-hydroxy-4-hexendioate dehydratase, a 2-maleylacetate aminoatransferase, a 2-maleylacetate aminating oxidoreductase, a cis-3-amino-4-hexendioate deaminase, and a muconate cis/trans isomerase. Other muconate pathway enzymes also are provided. Additionally provided are methods of producing muconate. |
| US10041084B2 |
Nucleic acid encoding N-methylputrescine oxidase and uses thereof
The gene encoding N-methylputrescine oxidase (MPO) and constructs comprising such DNA are provided, including methods of regulating MPO expression independently or with other alkaloid biosynthesis genes to modulate alkaloid production in plants and host cells. MPO genes or fragments thereof are useful for reducing pyrrolidine or tropane alkaloid production in plants, for increasing pyrrolidine or tropane alkaloid production in plants, and for producing an MPO enzyme in host cells. |
| US10041083B2 |
Regulatory nucleic acid molecules for enhancing seed-specific and/or seed-preferential gene expression in plants
The present invention is in the field of plant molecular biology and provides methods for production of high expressing seed-specific and/or seed-preferential promoters and the production of plants with enhanced seed-specific and/or seed-preferential expression of nucleic acids wherein nucleic acid expression enhancing nucleic acids (NEENAs) are functionally linked to the promoters and/or introduced into plants. |
| US10041081B2 |
Regulatory nucleic acid molecules for enhancing seed-specific and/or seed-preferential gene expression in plants
The present invention is in the field of plant molecular biology and provides methods for production of high expressing seed-specific and/or seed-preferential promoters and the production of plants with enhanced seed-specific and/or seed-preferential expression of nucleic acids wherein nucleic acid expression enhancing nucleic acids (NEENAs) are functionally linked to the promoters and/or introduced into plants. |
| US10041076B2 |
Immune regulatory oligonucleotide (IRO) compounds to modulate toll-like receptor based immune response
The invention provides immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen. |
| US10041073B2 |
Reduced size self-delivering RNAi compounds
The present invention relates to RNAi constructs with minimal double-stranded regions, and their use in gene silencing. RNAi constructs associated with the invention include a double stranded region of 8-14 nucleotides and a variety of chemical modifications, and are highly effective in gene silencing. The RNAi constructs may be, for instance, miRNA constructs that are miRNA modulators. |
| US10041057B2 |
Near-infrared light-activated proteins
Methods and constructs are provided for controlling processes in live animals, plants or microbes via genetically engineered near-infrared light-activated or light-inactivated proteins including chimeras including the photosensory modules of bacteriohytochromes and output modules that possess enzymatic activity and/or ability to bind to DNA, RNA, protein, or small molecules. DNA encoding these proteins are introduced as genes into live animals, plants or microbes, where their activities can be turned on by near-infrared light, controlled by the intensity of light, and turned off by near-infrared light of a different wavelength than the activating light. These proteins can regulate diverse cellular processes with high spatial and temporal precision, in a nontoxic manner, often using external light sources. For example, near-infrared light-activated proteins possessing nucleotidyl cyclase, protein kinase, protease, DNA-binding and RNA-binding activities are useful to control signal transduction, cell apoptosis, proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and other cell processes. |
| US10041052B2 |
Phytase variants
The present invention relates to a phytase which has at least 74% identity to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and comprises at least one alteration as compared to this phytase. These phytase variants have amended, preferably improved, properties, such as thermostability, temperature profile, pH profile, specific activity, performance in animal feed, reduced protease sensibility, and/or an amended glycosylation pattern. The invention also relates to DNA encoding these phytases, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof, e.g., in animal feed and animal feed additives. |
| US10041046B2 |
Compositions and methods for epithelial stem cell expansion and culture
Described are cell culture solutions and systems for epithelial stem cell and organoid cultures, formation of epithelial constructs and uses of the same in transplantation. A single layer of epithelial cells that actively self-renews and is organized into crypts and villi clothes the intestine. It has been recently shown that the renewal of intestinal epithelium is driven by Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISC) that reside at the base of these crypts (Barker et al., 2007). Lgr5+ stem cells can be isolated and cultured in vitro to form organoids containing crypt-vcllus structures that recapitulates the native intestinal epithelium (Sato et al., 2009). |
| US10041045B2 |
Microfluidic three-dimensional osteocyte network reconstructed with microbeads as scaffold
A bed of microbeads is used as a foundation for reconstructing a three-dimensional osteocyte network by culturing osteocytes within the bed. The osteocytes are cultured such that they form a network among the microbeads that is capable of simulating the osteocyte network of natural bone. The osteocytes are cultured in a microfluidic device adapted for the purpose. |
| US10041039B2 |
Method for producing pluripotent stem cells derived from dental pulp
Disclosed is a method for producing pluripotent stem cell-enriched human dental pulp-derived cells. The method is characterized in that it includes (a) culturing a dental pulp suspension in a feeder cells-culture vessel containing feeder cells whose proliferative ability is suppressed, on a membrane having micropores that can block passage of the feeder cells and supported in the feeder cells-culture vessel in a manner to prevent the lower side face thereof from contacting with the feeder cells, thereby preventing direct contact with the feeder cells, and, (b) a step for recovering the cells proliferating on the membrane. |
| US10041033B2 |
Culture apparatus
A culture apparatus comprises an outer case, an inner case configured with two side plates, a bottom plate and a top plate, and arranged inside the outer case, a door configured to open and close an opening formed in a front face of the inner case, and a plurality of shelves. Each of the side plates include raised portions vertically arranged and formed by press working. The raised portions of the side plates constitute plural pairs of shelf rests. Each of the raised portions includes an upper face as a placement portion, on which one of the plurality of shelves is to be placed, and a lower face. A stopper portion which limits movement in a vertical direction of a shelf placed on an immediately lower pair of shelf rests is provided on the lower face and protrudes from the lower face by the press working. |
| US10041023B2 |
Composition
A composition comprises a source of oxygen and a polyurethane for use in a treatment operation in cleaning a fabric material. |
| US10041021B2 |
Hard surface cleaning compositions
Cleaning compositions that include a non-functionalized alkyl polyglycoside, a nonionic surfactant system, and water. In certain embodiments, the cleaning compositions are substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention are substantially free of butyl cellosolve. The cleaning composition is capable of removing both proteinaceous food soils and hydrocarbon-based oily soils. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils. |
| US10041008B2 |
Process and apparatus for hydroprocessing with two product fractionators
A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripping column and a cold stripping column. A light fractionation column fractionates naphtha from kerosene predominantly from a cold stripped stream. A heavy fractionation column fractionates diesel from unconverted oil predominantly present in a hot stripped stream. Only the hot hydroprocessing effluent is heated in a fired heater prior to entering the heavy fractionation column, resulting in substantial operating and capital savings. |
| US10041007B2 |
Demulsifier composition and method of using same
Disclosed and claimed is a microemulsion-based demulsifier composition and a method of demulsifying an emulsion comprising hydrocarbon and water. The demulsifier composition includes (i) an oil-like phase comprising at least one nonionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of less than about 9; (ii) a coupling agent capable of stabilizing the demulsifier composition; (iii) at least one water-soluble or dispersible nonionic surfactant that is different from the at least one nonionic surfactant in the oil-like phase; (iv) at least one additional surfactant selected from anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and combinations thereof; (v) at least one nonionic demulsifier; and (vi) water. |
| US10041001B2 |
Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal display device including the same, and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition including: a liquid crystal compound and a liquid crystal aligning agent containing at least one compound represented by Formula 1: wherein in the Formula 1, X—*, *-L1-*, *-L2-*, *-L3-*, *—C—*, *—R—*, Y—*, n1, n2, and m is the same as defined in the specification. |
| US10041000B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The subject is to show liquid crystal display device that has characteristics such as a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a low threshold voltage, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and a small flicker rate. The disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display device including an electrode group formed on one or both of a pair of substrates that are opposed to each other, and a plurality of active devices connected to the electrode group, and a liquid crystal alignment film formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of substrates, and a liquid crystal composition sandwiched in between the pair of substrates. |
| US10040998B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and application thereof
Disclosed is a liquid crystal composition and use thereof. The liquid crystal composition comprises components a, b and c; wherein component a is selected from one of the compounds represented by formula I; component b is a liquid crystal composition having a dielectric anisotropy of greater than 3; and component c is a liquid crystal composition having a dielectric anisotropy of −3 to 3. The liquid crystal composition has a high contrast ratio property, and has a low change rate at a low temperature, that is, the decrease of contrast ratio at a low temperature (such as −20° C.) is smaller as compared to a normal temperature. The composition has suitable properties with regard to practical applications, including a broader nematic phase range, an appropriate dielectric anisotropy, optical anisotropy and operating voltage, an excellent response time, a high electrical resistivity and voltage holding ratio, a low rotary viscosity, etc. |
| US10040997B2 |
Nematic liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display element including same
A nematic liquid crystal composition having negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε), and a liquid crystal device element including the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition has sufficiently low viscosity (η), sufficiently low rotational viscosity (γ1), a large elastic constant (K33), and a negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε) whose absolute value is large, without reducing the refractive index anisotropy (Δn) or the nematic-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (Tni). A VA-mode liquid crystal display element including the liquid crystal composition, the liquid crystal display element having no or minimal display defects and having excellent display quality and a fast response. The liquid crystal display element including the liquid crystal composition is useful for an active matrix-addressed liquid crystal display element and used for, for example, a VA- or PSVA-mode liquid crystal display element. |
| US10040993B1 |
Chemiluminescent materials and method of making same
Chemiluminescent materials are provided that include an encapsulated oxalate-containing composition that includes a core portion and a polymeric coating, a peroxide source, and a fluorescent dye. The core portion includes an oxalate; a polymerizable component composition that polymerizes upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation; a photosensitizer; and an ultraviolet screening agent. The polymeric coating layer surrounding the core portion comprises a polymer derived from the polymerizable component composition. A fluorescent dye may be intermixed in the oxalate-containing composition, intermixed with the peroxide source, present in the chemiluminescent material as a separate dye layer or particle, or present within another component of the chemiluminescent material. A method for making the chemiluminescent material is also provided. |
| US10040991B2 |
Zeta potential modifiers to decrease the residual oil saturation
Compositions comprise an amine component, an amine/phosphate component and may also include a solvent component. The compositions are adapted to coat solid materials, substrates and/or surfaces of producing reservoirs and formations and methods for making and using same, where the coating agents modify surface properties of the solid materials, substrates and/or surfaces of producing formations decreasing residual oil saturation. |
| US10040989B2 |
Calcium methylglycine diacetic acid salt particles and subterranean operations relating thereto
Particles that comprise calcium methylglycine diacetic acid salt (“Ca-MGDA salt”) may be useful for fluid diversion in subterranean operations. In some instances, the particles may be formed in the subterranean formation. For example, a method may involve introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, MGDA or salt thereof, and an acid in an amount of about 3% or greater by weight of the aqueous base fluid; acidizing a portion of the subterranean formation comprising calcium carbonate resulting in a concentration of calcium in the treatment fluid that exceeds about 50,000 ppm; and precipitating a plurality of particles that comprise a Ca-MGDA salt in the portion of the subterranean formation, thereby reducing fluid flow therethrough. In some instances, the particles that comprise Ca-MGDA salt may be included in a treatment fluid before introduction into the subterranean formation. |
| US10040987B2 |
Polymers for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery
The present invention refers to the use of anionic water-soluble polymers being partially or totally neutralized with an organic counter-ion for oil filed application, especially tertiary oil recovery steps. |
| US10040986B2 |
Methods of cementing and spent cracking catalyst-containing cement
A cement composition and method for well treatment employing the cement composition that is effective at achieving zonal isolation, controlling gas migration, preventing corrosive conditions and sustaining wellbore integrity during drilling or construction of boreholes in such subterranean formations. The cement composition includes spent cracking catalyst from oil cracking processes. |
| US10040969B2 |
Composite filler particles and process for the preparation thereof
A process for the preparation of composite filler particles, comprising: (a) coating a particulate filler having a median particle size (D50) of from 1 to 1200 nm; (b) agglomerating the coated particulate filler, for providing a granulation of the coated particulate filler wherein the granulation contains the coated particulate filler particles whereby the at least one coating layer may be crosslinked by crosslinking groups obtained by reacting the reactive groups and optionally a further crosslinking agent. |
| US10040965B2 |
Clear coating composition
Provided are a clear coating composition which is used for top coats, the composition containing a crosslinking agent and a functional group-containing (meth)acrylate polymer formed by polymerization of a monomer component that includes an aromatic ring-containing (meth)acrylate and a functional group-containing monomer. Also provided is a clear coat composition which is used for top coats, the composition containing a crosslinking agent and a functional group-containing (meth)acrylate polymer formed by polymerization of a monomer component that includes a functional group-containing monomer and a fluorine atom-containing monomer. This clear coat composition has low colorability, has a high refractive index without the use of a filler, provides excellent glossy even when a filler is used, and can be applied to a thick film. |
| US10040963B2 |
Electrically conductive pigment
The present invention relates to electrically conductive pigments, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof, in particular in antistatic or dissipative articles or surfaces, for example in paints, coatings, printing inks or floorcoverings. |
| US10040959B2 |
Pigment-based inkjet inks
The present disclosure is drawn to inkjet inks and related methods. The inkjet ink includes water, from 5 wt % to 50 wt % of an organic solvent system, from 2 wt % to 9 wt % pigment solids, from 0.1 wt % to 3 wt % polyurethane binder, and from 0.4 wt % to 1.5 wt % of an oleyl or stearyl type polyoxyethylene glycol ether surfactant. |
| US10040956B2 |
Short-chain fluorosurfactants with iodide additives for forming silver nanowire-based transparent conductive films
Disclosed herein are purified surfactant formulations including purified short-chain fluorosurfactant and iodide additive and a two-part coating kit having the same and a silver nanowire formulation. |
| US10040951B2 |
Protective coating for metal surfaces
A method for heating or cooling a carbon containing reducing gas having a carbon monoxide content of at least 0.5 vol %, wherein the gas is heated to a temperature of at least 400° C. or wherein the gas is cooled from a temperature exceeding 400° C., wherein the gas is passed along a surface of a heating or cooling unit having a heat conductive metal or metal alloy body and a protective layer, which protective layer provides said surface, and which protective layer is made from a coating composition including colloidal amorphous silicate and crystalline oxide particles. |
| US10040945B2 |
Active energy ray curable resin composition, resin molded article, and method for producing resin molded article
An active energy ray curable resin composition comprising: urethane poly(meth)acrylate (A) synthesized from a raw material including a polyisocyanate and a hydroxy group-containing (meth)acrylate; (meth)acrylate (B) having five or more functional groups; a photopolymerization initiator (C1) having an absorption coefficient per unit weight of 50000 ml/g·cm or more when measured in methanol at 254 nm; a photopolymerization initiator (C2) other than the (C1) having an absorption coefficient per unit weight of 50000 ml/g·cm or more when measured in methanol at 302 nm; a photopolymerization initiator (C3) other than the (C1) and the (C2) having an absorption coefficient per unit weight of 100 ml/g·cm or more when measured in methanol at 405 nm; and an ultraviolet absorbing agent (D). |
| US10040942B2 |
Process for producing quinacridone pigment composition
A process for the production of a quinacridone pigment composition is provided. For use in environmentally friendly inks, the pigment composition offers high chroma, high color strength, and high dispersion stability. Also provided is a water- or alcohol-based environmentally friendly ink that contains a quinacridone pigment composition obtained through this process. According to the inventors' research, adding a quinacridone derivative to a quinacridone solid solution in two different steps in a process, during and after treatment for the control of crystals, gives the resulting pigment composition the color characteristics of high color strength and high chroma, as well as high dispersion stability. The present invention is based on these findings. |
| US10040939B2 |
Polyimide film having a low dielectric constant and a low gloss, and method of fabricating the same
A polyimide film includes a polyimide, a carbon black present in a quantity between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt %, and a fluorine-containing polymer present in a quantity between about 15 wt % and about 40 wt %. The polyimide film can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film, and has a low dielectric constant and low gloss. |
| US10040937B2 |
Polycarbonate resin composition and optical molded product comprising the same
The present invention relates to a polycarbonate resin composition and an optical molded product comprising the same. The polycarbonate resin composition according to the present invention is excellent in transmittance and color uniformity which are required for a light guide plate, and also excellent in processability. Thus, it can be effectively used as a material of the light guide plate. |
| US10040927B2 |
Rubber composition for tires and pneumatic tire
A rubber composition for tires according to the present technology comprises: a natural rubber, a diene-based blended rubber containing a solution-polymerized SBR and an emulsion-polymerized SBR, an aromatic modified terpene resin, a silica, and a carbon black. The solution-polymerized SBR contains a specific solution-polymerized SBR having a block containing an isoprene unit at one terminal thereof and a modified terminal for silica at the other terminal thereof. The styrene unit content in the emulsion-polymerized SBR is from 35 to 50 mass %. The content of the natural rubber and the total content of the solution-polymerized SBR and the emulsion-polymerized SBR in the diene-based blended rubber are specified, and the contents of aromatic modified terpene resin, the silica, and the carbon black relative to the content of the diene-based blended rubber are specified. |
| US10040923B2 |
Room-temperature-curable organopolysiloxane composition, and moulded product comprising cured product of said room-temperature-curable organopolysiloxane composition
This room-temperature-curable organopolysiloxane composition includes: component (A); 0.1-30 parts by mass of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of component (A); and 0.001-20 parts by mass of component (D) per 100 parts by mass of component (A). Component (A) is an organopolysiloxane represented by general formula (1) (in general formula (1): R1 represents hydrogen, or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-20 monovalent hydrocarbon group; the plurality of R1s may be the same or different; and n represents an integer of at least 1). Component (B) is an organic silicon compound which is represented by general formula (2), and which is characterized by having two silyl-vinylene groups provided to the same silicon atom (in general formula (2): R1 represents hydrogen, or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-20 monovalent hydrocarbon group; the plurality of R1s may be the same or different; R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-20 alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C3-20 cycloalkyl group; and a represents an integer from 1 to 3). Component (D) is a curing catalyst. |
| US10040922B2 |
Oxygen scavengers, compositions comprising the scavengers, and articles made from the compositions
The present disclosure relates to oxygen scavenging molecules, compositions comprising the molecules, and articles made from the compositions. |
| US10040912B2 |
Method for granulating polyamide or polyamide composition
The present invention provides a method for granulating a polyamide or a polyamide composition, whereby it becomes possible to granulate even a polyamide that has such a melt viscosity that the polyamide cannot be pelletized into a strand-like shape easily. In the present invention, a polyamide, whose melt viscosity at glass transition temperature+160° C. and a shear rate of 100 s−1 is 3 Pa·s to 200 Pa·s and whose terminal amino group concentration is 5 μeq/g to 70 μeq/g, is melted by heating to a range of glass transition temperature+160° C. to glass transition temperature+180° C. of the polyamide, and then is solidified by dropping the molten polyamide in the form of granules onto a metallic belt, thereby producing granules. |
| US10040906B2 |
Cyanate ester/aryl ethynyl polyimide resins for composite materials
A polymerizable thermoset composition including a polymerizable organic cyanate ester resin and a polymerizable aryl ethynyl-terminated polyimide, a polymerized thermoset, a process for the production of the polymerized thermoset as well as the use of the polymerizable thermoset composition for the production of lightweight construction components, preferably carbon fiber composite materials (CFC), and a lightweight construction component, preferably carbon fiber composite material (CFC), containing the polymerized thermoset are described. |
| US10040904B2 |
Process for producing a thermoplastic polymer containing segments of a diamide
Process for the production of a thermoplastic polymer comprising segments of a diamide, the process comprising: 1) a first step of preparing a reaction mixture comprising a diamine H2N—Y—NH2 Form. (I), and a diester of a dicarboxylic acid Form. (II) 2) a second step of heating the reaction mixture to a temperature at least 5° C. above the crystallization temperature of the diester and a least 5° C. below the melting temperature of the formed amide (formula III) in the presence of an alkaline or earth alkaline alkoxy catalyst Form. (III) wherein X and Y are the same or different and are an aliphatic group comprising 2-12 carbon atoms or an aromatic group comprising 6-20 carbon atoms, R1 and R2 are the same or different and are an aliphatic group comprising 2-15 carbon atoms and wherein R equals R1 or R2 and are the same or different. 3) optionally a third step of quenching the catalyst of the reaction mixture obtained in the second step by adding an acid to the reaction mixture and 4) a fourth step of adding further components to the reaction mixture obtained in the second step, or if the third step has been applied to the reaction mixture obtained in the third step, and so producing the thermoplastic polymer comprising the segments of the diamide. |
| US10040901B2 |
Method for producing polyether carbonate polyols
The invention relates to a method for producing polyether carbonate polyols by binding alkylene oxides and carbon dioxide to one or more H-functional starter substance/s in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, characterized in that (y) one or more H-functional starter substance/s and DMC catalyst are continuously metered into the reactor during the binding process, and the free alkylene oxide concentration in the reaction mixture amounts to 1.5 to 5.0 wt %, and the obtained reaction mixture is continuously discharged from the reactor. |
| US10040900B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition
This invention relates to a radically curable resin composition comprising: a) An unsaturated polyester resin and/or a methacrylate functional resin, b) Reactive diluent, c) A copper salt, copper complex, iron salt and/or iron complex, and d) An enaminone. |
| US10040898B2 |
Method for one-step synthesis of functional polyesters by organic catalysis
It relates to the field of synthetic macromolecular chemistry, and discloses a method for one-step synthesis of thiol-functionalized polyester polyols by organic catalysis. This method uses lactone monomer as reaction raw material, thiol-alcohol as initiator, and diphenyl phosphate as organic catalyst to catalyze and synthesize the thiol-functionalized polyester polyols. The present invention provides a method which is simple, inexpensive, easily controllable and environmentally friendly to prepare thiol-functionalized polyester polyols with the easily available and controllable catalyst. The method can selectively catalyze the ring opening polymerization of lactone to prepare thiol-functionalized polyester polyols using the organic catalyst. |
| US10040893B2 |
Polymeric photoinitiators and photoinitiator monomers
The present invention provides polymeric quaternary ammonium photoinitiators being co-polymers of photoinitiator monomers, as well as quaternary ammonium photoinitiator monomer being valuable intermediates in the preparation of such polymeric photoinitiators. Additionally, there is provided a polyacrylate obtained by radical polymerization of at least one acrylate monomer (Ac) in the presence of such polymeric photoinitiators. In the photoinitiator monomers and polymeric photoinitiators, a photoinitiator moiety and a quaternary ammonium are incorporated into the photoinitiator structure. |
| US10040891B2 |
Silicone composition, silicone emulsion composition, and fiber treatment agent
Provided is a silicone composition having high curability even under low-temperature treatment conditions, and exceptional storage stability, the silicone composition being capable of imparting excellent flexibility to fibers as a fiber treatment agent, and also having exceptional washing durability; specifically, a silicone composition containing (A) 70-98 parts by mass of organopolysiloxane having a group represented by formula (1) at the end of the molecule or in a side chain (in the formula, Rx is a C1-8 divalent hydrocarbon group, a is an integer of 0-4, Ry are each independently a hydrogen atom, C1-10 monovalent hydrocarbon group, or acyl group, and at least one group shown by Ry is hydrogen) and (B) 2-30 parts by mass of blocked polyisocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups per molecule, 50% or more of these isocyanate groups being blocked by a thermally dissociable blocking agent. |
| US10040887B2 |
Copolymer, organic light-emitting device material including the same, and organic light-emitting device including the organic light-emitting device material
A copolymer including a unit represented by Formula 1 and a unit represented by Formula 2: wherein, in Formulae 1 and 2, groups and variables are the same as described in the specification. |
| US10040882B2 |
Liquid-solid sampling system for a loop slurry reactor
Polymerization reactor systems providing integrated liquid-solid sampling systems are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems and for measuring a property of the liquid portion of liquid-solid mixture are described. |
| US10040875B2 |
Liquid compositions of fluorinated ion exchange polymers
A liquid composition comprising at least one aprotic organic solvent and at least one fluorinated ion exchange polymer which consists of recurring units derived from a chlorofluoroolefin of formula CF2═CCIY, wherein Y is F or CI, and from at least one fluorinated functional monomer selected among those of formula CF2═CF—O—(CF2CF(CF3)O)m—(CF2)nSO2X, wherein m is an integer equal to 0 or 1, n is an integer from 0 to 10 and X is chosen among halogens (CI, F, Br, I), —O−M+, wherein M+ is a cation selected among H+, NH4+, K+, Li+, Na+, or mixtures thereof is disclosed. The liquid composition is suitable for the preparation of ion exchange membranes, in particular composite membranes, for use in fuel cell applications. |
| US10040874B2 |
Multifunctional and multicoordinating amphiphilic polymer ligands for interfacing semiconducting, magnetic, and metallic nanocrystals with biological systems
The disclosure is directed to a set of multi-coordinating imidazole- and zwitterion-based ligands suited for surface-functionalizing quantum dots (QDs). The polymeric ligands are built using a one-step nucleophilic addition reaction between poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride) and distinct amine-containing functionalities. |
| US10040867B2 |
Cell penetrating anti-guanosine antibody based therapy for cancers with Ras mutations
It has been established that cancer cells with oncogenic mutants in the small GTPase K-Ras are susceptible to antibodies that bind intracellular guanosine, but delivery of antibodies into cells can be challenging. A subset of lupus autoantibodies is associated with anti-guanosine activity, and is capable of cellular penetration. These antibodies have potential as therapeutic agents targeted towards K-Ras associated malignancies. |
| US10040863B2 |
Anticancer agent
According to the present invention, an anticancer agent is provided that has as an active ingredient thereof a human antibody light chain that demonstrates cytotoxicity against cancer cells and particularly lung cancer cells. The anticancer agent of the present invention primarily comprises: a human antibody κ-type light chain in the form of a dimer in which the variable region is composed of a polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 9 or 13 or an amino acid sequence in which one or a plurality of amino acids have been added, deleted or substituted in these amino acid sequences; or, a human antibody κ-type light chain in the form of a monomer in which the variable region is composed of a polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19 or an amino acid sequence in which one or a plurality of amino acids have been added, deleted or substituted in the amino acid sequence. |
| US10040854B2 |
Antibodies against CD106 (VCAM-1)
The invention provides an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to human endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds to the extracellular domain of VCAM-1, and wherein the antibody or fragment thereof binds to VCAM-1 when expressed on endothelial cells, wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is a human or humanized antibody, or fragment thereof. |
| US10040853B2 |
Methods and compositions involving NKG2D inhibitors and cancer
Embodiments methods and compositions involving inhibitors of the immunoreceptor Natural Killer Group 2, Member D, (NKG2D) for inhibiting tumor progression and treating cancer. |
| US10040840B2 |
Bi-specific annexin A5/IGF-1 proteins and methods of use thereof to promote regeneration and survival of tissue
Bi-specific fusion proteins with therapeutic uses are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such fusion proteins, and methods for using such fusion proteins to repair or regenerate damaged or diseased tissue. |
| US10040838B2 |
CRHR2 peptide agonists and uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel peptides that are selective corticotrophin releasing hormone receptor type 2 (CRHR2) agonists and compositions thereof for the treatment, amelioration or inhibition of cardiovascular conditions, including but not limited to heart failure. The novel peptide agonist preferably comprise modifications that include pegylated peptides. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to methods for the treatment and prevention of a disease or disorder related to CRHR2 activity. |
| US10040830B2 |
Methods and compositions for protein delivery
The present invention provides methods and compositions for protein delivery. The invention features virus like particles, methods of making virus like particles and methods of using virus like particles to deliver proteins to a cell, to provide protein therapy and to treat diseases or disorders. The invention also features methods of targeting a protein to a cell, methods of protein therapy and methods of treating diseases or disorders using a TUS protein, a NLS or NES identified from full length TUS. |
| US10040829B2 |
Methods for producing peptides including HERV-W envelope motifs and for producing antibodies specific for the peptides
A peptide domain necessary for an interaction between an envelope of a virus belonging to an HERV-W interference group and an hASCT receptor comprises (i) an N-terminus motif having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID No. 1 to SEQ ID No. 29, (ii) a C-terminus motif having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID No. 30 to SEQ ID No. 40, and (iii) at least one motif between the N-terminus and the C-terminus, and having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID No. 41, SEQ ID No. 42 and SEQ ID No. 73. |
| US10040828B2 |
Human respiratory syncytial virus consensus antigens, nucleic acid constructs and vaccines made therefrom, and methods of using same
Nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences that encode an RSV immunogen are disclosed. Nucleic acid are disclosed that comprise the sequences that encodes consensus RSV F protein or immunogenic fragment thereof, sequences that encodes an RSV G(A) protein or immunogenic fragment thereof and sequences that encodes an RSV G(B) protein or immunogenic fragment thereof. Compositions comprising one, combinations of two or all three sequences are disclosed. The coding sequences optionally include operable linked coding sequence that encode a signal peptide. Nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising the chemokine CC20 and/or a consensus RSV M2-1 protein or immunogenic fragment thereof are also disclosed. Immunomodulatory methods and methods of inducing an immune response against RSV are disclosed. Method of preventing RSV infection and methods of treating individuals infected with RSV are disclosed. |
| US10040823B2 |
In vivo methods of monitoring biodistribution
Functional-lipid constructs of the structure F-S-L are disclosed, wherein F comprises a tyrosine or histidine residue, S is a spacer covalently linking F to L and L is a lipid. The functional residue may be iodinated and used to radiolabel a biological entity with 1251 and the iodinated constructs are used in a non-invasive method of monitoring the distribution of a biological entity in vivo. |
| US10040815B2 |
3-substituted 5-amino-6H-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,7-dione compounds for the treatment and prophylaxis of virus infection
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein, and their prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, and compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds. |
| US10040812B2 |
Hypervalent iodine CF2CF2X reagents and their use
A hypervalent iodine of formula (I) or formula (II) wherein R is a nucleophile and a method for their production is described. Such compounds can be used for fluoroethylation of compounds carrying a reactive group. A preferred compound carrying a reactive group is cystein in any environment such as peptide targets. |
| US10040797B2 |
Therapeutic compounds and synthesis
The invention provides compounds of Formula 1: or a stereoisomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or mixture thereof; and methods of making and using such compounds. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and the use of such compounds in methods of treating conditions, diseases, or disorders. |
| US10040788B2 |
1,3,4-thiadiazole compounds and their use in treating cancer
The specification relates to compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, where Q, R, R1 and R2 have any of the meanings defined herein. The specification also relates to the use of such compounds and salts thereof to treat or prevent GLS1 mediated disease, including cancer. The specification further relates to crystalline forms of compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and salts; kits comprising such compounds and salts; methods of manufacture of such compounds and salts; intermediates useful in the manufacture of such compounds and salts; and to methods of treating GLS1 kinase mediated disease, including cancer, using such compounds and salts. |
| US10040787B2 |
Prodrugs of NH-acidic compounds
The invention provides a method of sustained delivery of a lactam, imide, amide, sulfonamide, carbamate or urea containing parent drug by administering to a patient an effective amount of a prodrug compound of the invention wherein upon administration to the patient, release of the parent drug from the prodrug is sustained release. Prodrug compounds suitable for use in the methods of the invention are labile conjugates of parent drugs that are derivatized through carbonyl linked prodrug moieties. The prodrug compounds of the invention can be used to treat any condition for which the lactam, imide, amide, sulfonamide, carbamate or urea containing parent drug is useful as a treatment. |
| US10040780B2 |
Mcl-1 antagonists
Provided herein are Mcl-1 antagonist compositions and methods of treating g the compositions described herein. |
| US10040775B2 |
Synthesis of chirally enriched 2,4-disubstituted tetrahydropyran-4-ol and its derivatives
The present invention discloses a process for synthesis of chiral 2,4-disubstituted-tetrahydropyran-4-ol and its derivatives having a general formula (I) comprising of asymmetric reaction of an aliphatic aldehyde and a homoallylic alcohol in the presence of a chiral organocatalyst, and a fragrance and cosmetic composition containing chirally enriched molecules of the said general formula (I) prepared by the aforesaid process. |
| US10040773B2 |
Silver catalysts with improved size and distribution density of silver particles
A silver-based ethylene epoxidation catalyst is provided that exhibits improved performance, i.e., selectivity and activity decline. The catalyst that exhibits the improved performance includes greater than about 20% by weight of silver disposed on an alpha-alumina carrier, and a promoting amount of one or more promoters disposed on the alpha-alumina carrier. The silver is present on the alpha-alumina carrier as silver particles having a diameter of greater than about 150 nm and a distribution density of about 20 particles per 1 square micron or less. |
| US10040768B2 |
Carbamate compound and use thereof
A carbamate compound represented by formula (I),wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C3 alkyl group; R2, R3, R4 and R5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C3 alkyl group optionally having one or more halogen atoms, a C3-C4 cycloalkyl group optionally having one or more halogen atoms or a C1-C3 alkoxy group optionally having one or more halogen atoms; Z1 represents a halogen atom; Z2 represents a halogen atom or a C1-C3 alkyl group; and m represents any one of integers from 0 to 2; has an excellent effect of controlling plant diseases. |
| US10040767B2 |
Benzimidazole derivatives and uses thereof
Benzimidazole derivatives of Formula I, that modulate the activity of ACSS2 are disclosed for therapeutic use. The fused imidazole ring of the compounds disclosed has a diarylmethyl or diarylmethanol moiety attached at the 2-position and the as compounds have at least one other substituent at the 5 or 6 position of the benzimidazole. Also disclosed are methods of using the benzimidazole compounds for the treatment of diseases or disorders, such as cancer. |
| US10040765B2 |
Methods for the preparation of indacaterol and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof
The invention relates to new and improved processes for the preparation of Indacaterol and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as well as intermediates for the preparation of Indacaterol. The new process avoids the use of the epoxide compound known in the art and the impurities associated therewith and results in a higher yield. |
| US10040753B2 |
Method for preparing diisocyanates in the gas phase
Methods for the preparation of diisocyanates by the reaction of the corresponding primary diamines with phosgene in the gas phase are described, wherein the pressure in the diamine evaporation chamber during the transfer of the diamine into the gas phase is less than the pressure in the reaction chamber during the reaction to the diisocyanates, and wherein the pressure difference between the diamine evaporation chamber and the reaction chamber prior to the mixing of diamine and phosgene is overcome by a pressure-increasing element. |
| US10040752B2 |
Synthesis of levomethadone hydrochloride or dextromethadone hydrochloride and methods for use thereof
Highly efficient methods for synthesis of levomethadone hydrochloride or dextromethadone hydrochloride are provided starting from D-alanine, or L-alanine, respectively, with retention of configuration. Methods for treating a subject are provided comprising administering a composition comprising an effective amount of levomethadone hydrochloride having not more than 10 ppm dextromethadone. |
| US10040750B2 |
Process for the manufacture of 4-aminobenzoamidine dihydrochloride
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-aminobenzoamidine (4-AMBA) salts of general formula (I) preferably the salts thereof with hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, particularly preferred the dichloride salt. |
| US10040748B2 |
4-hydroxybutyric acid analogs
This invention relates to novel derivatives of 4-hydroxybutyric acid and prodrugs thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the foregoing. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating narcolepsy, fibromyalgia, other disorders or conditions that are beneficially treated by improving nocturnal sleep or by administering sodium oxybate. |
| US10040745B2 |
Process for the preparation of 1-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethanone and derivatives thereof
A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; which process comprises: a) reacting a compound of formula (II) wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; with a nitration agent to the compound of formula (III) wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; b) reacting the compound of formula (III) with trichloroisocyanuric acid in the presence of sulfuric acid or fuming sulfuric acid to the compound of formula (IV) wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; and c) reacting the compound of formula (III) with chlorine gas at a temperature from 180° C. to 250° C. to the compound of formula (I). |
| US10040742B2 |
Method of producing aliphatic aldehyde compound having terminal conjugated diene structure and intermediate therefor
Provided are a method for producing a terminal conjugated dienal compound without an oxidation reaction and a terminal hydroxyacetal compound useful as an intermediate in the method. More specifically, provided are a method for producing an (E)-dienal compound comprising the steps of: a metalation reaction of an alkynal acetal compound (1) to obtain an organic metal compound (2), an addition reaction of (2) to ethylene oxide to obtain a hydroxyalkynal acetal compound (3), a reduction reaction of (3) to obtain an (E)-hydroxyalkenal acetal compound (4), a functional group conversion reaction of (4) to obtain an (E)-alkenal acetal compound (5) having a leaving group X, an elimination reaction of (5) to obtain an (E)-dienal acetal compound (6), and a hydrolysis reaction of (6) to obtain the (E)-dienal compound (7); and others. |
| US10040737B2 |
Methanol production from methane and carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is reacted with methane in a free radical reaction to produce methanol and carbon monoxide. A system for producing carbon dioxide as a feed ingredient for the process through electric power generator is disclosed. |
| US10040736B2 |
Production of higher alcohols with minimum methanol content from the gasification of carbonaceous materials
Systems and methods for generating higher alcohols from synthesis gas produced from carbonaceous materials are described, which can include a reactor configured to produce an alcohol stream and CO2 from a syngas feed. The alcohol stream can be separated in one or more downstream separators to produce a net reactor product and a methanol stream that can recycled into the reactor. The net reactor product preferably comprises higher-order alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol. |
| US10040725B2 |
Lightweight foamed cement, cement board, and methods for making same
Disclosed is a foamed cementitious composition which limits or eliminates aggregate, especially porous lightweight aggregate and uses a lower than usual water to cementitious composition weight ratio. The stable cementitious foam mixtures may be employed to make cement boards and other cement products. The foamed cementitious composition was made with additions of PVOH foaming stabilizer and surfactant foaming agents to make foam water or by entrain air into cementitious slurry mixtures. The cementitious mixtures have a limited amount or preferably no perlite and no lightweight aggregate. The resulting foamed mixture had foam bubbles with size in the range of 50 to 200 μm. After setting the foamed cementitious composition the resulting set board has air cells with size in the range of 50 to 200 μm. |
| US10040722B2 |
Additive for hydraulically setting systems with improved processing
A comb polymer and use thereof for improving the processing of hydraulically setting compositions. The comb polymer has ester, amide and/or ether groups on side chains bound to a main chain and the main chain has at least one acrylic acid unit A or a salt thereof and at least one methacrylic acid unit M or a salt thereof. Processes for producing a hydraulically setting composition with longer processing time. |
| US10040721B2 |
Method of producing a composite material using a mixing system
A method produces a composite material using a mixing system. The composite material comprises at least one aggregate, e.g. rock and/or glass, and the reaction product of a two-component polymeric binder composition comprising a first component, e.g. an isocyanate component, and a second component, e.g. an isocyanate-reactive component. The mixing system includes a mixing apparatus. The method includes the step of providing the aggregate, the first component and the second component into the mixing apparatus. The method further includes the step of mixing the first and second components to produce the reaction product of the two-component polymeric binder composition, and the step of applying the reaction product of the two-component polymeric binder composition to the aggregate within the mixing apparatus to produce the composite material. The composite material can be used for forming a paved structure, such as a sidewalk or a roadway. |
| US10040703B2 |
Reverse osmosis push filter with floating key lock
A reverse osmosis filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with the raw water ingress, permeate egress, and reject water egress. The reverse osmosis filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations. |
| US10040699B2 |
Ultraviolet water disinfection system
A solution for treating a fluid, such as water, is provided. An ultraviolet transparency of a fluid can be determined before or as the fluid enters a disinfection chamber. In the disinfection chamber, the fluid can be irradiated by ultraviolet radiation to harm microorganisms that may be present in the fluid. One or more attributes of the disinfection chamber, fluid flow, and/or ultraviolet radiation can be adjusted based on the transparency to provide more efficient irradiation and/or higher disinfection rates. In addition, various attributes of the disinfection chamber, such as the position of the inlet(s) and outlet(s), the shape of the disinfection chamber, and other attributes of the disinfection chamber can be utilized to create a turbulent flow of the fluid within the disinfection chamber to promote mixing and improve uniform ultraviolet exposure. |
| US10040694B2 |
Precipitated calcium carbonate particles and use thereof
Use, as an opacifier, of precipitated calcium carbonate particles at least partially in the form of nano fibers or nanochain like agglomerates constituted by at least two interconnected primary particles. |
| US10040693B2 |
Particles for monolithic refractory
Particles for a monolithic refractory are made of a spinet porous sintered body which is represented by a chemical formula of MgAl2O4, wherein pores having a pore size of 0.01 μm or more and less than 0.8 μm occupy 10 vol % or more and 50 vol % or less with respect to a total volume of pores having a pore size of 10 μm or less in the particles, and the particles for a monolithic refractory have grain size distribution in which particles having a particle size of less than 45 μm occupy 60 vol % or less, particles having a particle size of 45 μm or more and less than 100 μm occupy 20 vol % or more and 60 vol % or less, and particles having a particle size of 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less occupy 10 vol % or more and 50 vol % or less. |
| US10040683B2 |
Multi-layered graphene sheet and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating multi-layered graphene includes disposing a first graphene layer on a carrier; disposing at least one second graphene layer on the first graphene layer to form a graphene sheet disposed on the carrier; and transferring the graphene sheet disposed on the carrier onto a substrate, wherein each of the graphene layers which constitute the graphene sheet has at least one damaged region, and the at least one damaged region of each of the graphene layers contacts at least one of non-damaged regions of a graphene layer or graphene layers, of the graphene layers, contacting the each of the graphene layers. |
| US10040662B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus in which a sheet bundle including a plurality of sheets discharged onto an intermediate processing tray is received in a receiving portion of a stapler and bound with use of a staple, and a sheet bundle including a plurality of sheets discharged onto the intermediate processing tray is received in a receiving portion of a staple-less binding unit having a gap in the thickness direction of the sheets smaller than that of the receiving portion of the stapler and bound without using a staple, wherein when the stapler performs the binding process, the staple-less binding unit is arranged in a position shifted in a width direction orthogonal to a sheet discharge direction from a region on the intermediate processing tray, through which the sheets discharged by a sheet discharging portion pass. |
| US10040646B2 |
T-bolt for dock lip
A dock leveler includes a frame. A deck plate is rotationally coupled to the frame at a deck hinge. A lip plate defines a lip plate lower surface and an edge. A lip hinge is coupled to the lip plate and a connection plate to provide relative pivotal movement of the lip plate and the deck plate. The connection plate is positioned below the deck plate. A support link extends from the lip plate to the connection plate. The support link is rotationally operable with respect to the lip plate and slidably operable with respect to the connection plate. |
| US10040631B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-destination item selection using motes
Method and apparatus for multi-destination pick using motes. In embodiments, each receptacle may be assigned to a destination and may have a mote that may include an indicator that may be activated by a control system to indicate to the agent that the receptacle is the destination receptacle for a picked item. The agent may then place the item in the indicated destination receptacle. A mote may include a communication interface for communicating with a control system and with other motes in an ad-hoc network. In one embodiment, the mote on the destination receptacle may be activated when the picked item is scanned by the agent. In some embodiments, each receptacle may also have a sensor that detects when an item is placed in the receptacle to deactivate the indicator and/or to verify that the item was placed in the correct receptacle. |
| US10040626B2 |
Hopper tee having drop opening with arcuate closure
A directional hopper tee has a fluted interior vertical pipe that merges into a horizontal pipe. The horizontal pipe has an inlet that may receive bulk material, and subject to pressurized air that conveys the bulk material through the hopper tee. Bulk material may be discharged from a hopper through the vertical pipe, for conveyance for discharge from the horizontal pipe of the tee. A closure gate or door is provided through the bottom of the tee, generally in alignment with the vertical pipe, to allow for discharge or dropping of the granular material directly downwardly through and from the tee. The arcuate door is hinged on one side, and is locked by a cam lock on the opposite side, when located into closure against the bottom of the tee, but can be forced opened, through its cam mechanism, to provide for opening of the arcuate door and allow a direct downward discharge of the granular bulk material, from any hopper, and through the drop opening of the tee, as required. |
| US10040623B2 |
Container for packaging and transporting a set of multiple glass panels or the like
A container to be used as an evelope to protect the perimeter of the block formed by multiple panels packaged into the container, for example flat glass panels or panels of other materials to be transported in the vertical position; the container comprises a framework formed by a set of modular troughs, including an upper trough, a lower trough and a pair of identical side troughs, which are essentially composed of longitudinal profiles with a U-shaped cross-section and a narrow width for receiving a multiple panels; these profiles are made of laminated paper or another suitable material, the profiles of the upper trough and lower trough comprising reinforcement zones for binding by means of strips, the reinforcement zones being formed by the juxtaposition of pairs of steel plates on the flat surface of the longitudinal profiles, while the longitudinal profiles of each side trough also receive a protection cover that has a U-shaped cross-section and is made of steel; the flat inside surface of the profiles of the modular troughs receives internal supports for accommodating and protecting the peripheral edges of the multiple panels packaged inside the framework. |
| US10040620B1 |
Shoe cover dispensing systems
Disclosed shoe cover dispensers function in conjunction with a cartridge of pre-stacked shoe covers utilizing an improved loading process, making the process easier and faster for the user. The cartridge can be inserted into the dispenser and then expanded by the dispenser to achieve a stack of expanded shoe covers ready to be automatically released over a shoe when the shoe is placed inside the dispenser. |
| US10040618B2 |
Inflated package, precursor and method
Inflated packages custom-designed to meet the needs of a variety of packaging needs, package precursors (i.e., packages in an un-inflated state), and methods for forming package precursors and converting package precursors into finished packages. Nozzle and needle inflated embodiments are included. |
| US10040617B2 |
Flexible package with tamper-evident anti-counterfeiting label and method of making the same
A flexible package having a tamper evident product authentication label secured thereto and methods of making the same are provided. The package includes at least one panel having a heat seal line. The label has an outer surface with authentication indicia appearing thereon and an inner surface adhesively secured to the package adjacent the heat seal line. The label includes peripheral portions that are frangible, with one of the frangible peripheral portions of the label being located within a portion of the area made up by the heat seal line. Accordingly, attempted removal of the label from the package will cause the label to tear, leaving at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the label secured to the package to thereby prevent reuse of the label. |
| US10040612B2 |
Separator system for organizing items
A separator system is disclosed for organizing items such as fabrics and wearing apparel as well as documents and the like. The separator system comprises a first planar member defined by a first peripheral portion for supporting a first item. A first hollow projection is formed in the first peripheral portion of the first planar member. The first hollow projection defines an first upper projection and a first lower recess. The first upper projection of the first hollow projection extends above the first item for interlocking with a second lower recess of an adjacent second planar member located above the first item. |
| US10040595B2 |
Packing box for packing tube lamps
A packing box for packing tube lamps is provided. The packing box includes a middle case. The middle case is for packing two or more tube lamps. The middle case includes a support section and two bent sections at two opposite sides of the support section. The two bent sections are bent towards the support section. The support section and the two bent sections are substantially aligned in a width direction of the tube lamps before the bent sections are bent. The support section and each of the two bent sections respectively form one or more receiving cavities each of which is for receiving one of the tube lamps and are for wrapping the two or more tube lamps after the bent sections are bent. The tube lamps are easily packed by the packing box, and the tube lamps in the packing box are not easily damaged. |
| US10040594B2 |
Blank for a box, assembly of a blank and a tape for a box and a box formed from such blank and/or such assembly
A blank for folding a box is proposed that allows folding a box of which the only seams substantially parallel to a bottom and a top plane of the box are a seam for attaching a first side panel to a first top side panel, a seam for attaching a second side panel to a second top side panel, and a seam for attaching a top end panel to a second end panel so that the seams are formed on an external surface of the box and are situated at a same distance from the bottom panel. A corresponding blank has a rectangular bottom panel (41), a first rectangular side panel (42) joined to a first side of said bottom panel (41), a second rectangular side panel (43) joined to a second side of said bottom panel (41) opposite the first side thereof, a first rectangular end panel (44) joined to a first end of said bottom panel (41), a second rectangular end panel (45) joined to a second end of said bottom panel (41) opposite the first end of said bottom panel (41) and having a free end side opposite said second end of said bottom panel (41), a first rectangular corner panel (46) joined to a first side of said first end panel (44), a second rectangular corner panel (48) joined to a second side of said first end panel (44) opposite the first side thereof, a third rectangular corner panel (47) joined to a first side of said second end panel (45), a fourth rectangular corner panel (49) joined to a second side of said second end panel (45) opposite the first side thereof, a rectangular top panel (50) joined to said first end panel (44) such that it is arranged at the side of said first end panel (44) opposite to the side where said bottom panel (41) is joined to said first end panel (44), a first rectangular top side panel (51) joined to a first side of said top panel (50), a second rectangular top side panel (52) joined to a second side of said top panel (50) opposite the first side thereof, and a rectangular top end panel (53) joined to said top panel (50) such that it is arranged at the side of said top panel (50) opposite to the side where said first end panel (44) is joined to said top panel (50), wherein said top side panels (51, 52) each have a width (H2+t) that substantially corresponds to the half of the length (H+2t; H+t) of each of the first and the second end panels (44; 45) and wherein said top end panel (53) has a length (H2+t) that substantially corresponds to the half of the length (H+2t; H+t) of each of the first and the second end panels (44; 45). |
| US10040590B2 |
Container handling machine and method
The invention relates to a container handling machine (1) having at least one operative unit (18) comprising first support means (21) to support a base (12) of a filled and closed container (3), second support means (24) cooperating with an end (17) of the container (3) opposite the base (12), a plunger (31) selectively moved along its axis (E) to perform a deformation operation on the base (12) of the container (3) from a first swollen configuration to a second inwardly-retracted configuration, and actuator means (35) selectively activated to move the plunger (31) along its axis (E) between a first position, detached from the base (12) of the container (3), and a second position, in which the plunger (31) defines the second configuration of the base (12); the machine (1) further comprises a control unit (41) configured to selectively activate the actuator means (35) for moving the plunger (31) along its axis (E); the second support means (24) are maintained at a constant distance from the first support means (21) during the deformation operation; the control unit (41) comprises measuring means (42) for measuring the maximum deforming force (F) exerted by the plunger (31) on the base (12) of the container (3) during the deformation operation in order to determine whether the container (3) is correctly filled. |
| US10040589B2 |
Vacuum sealer with a solid state proximity detector
Systems (200) and methods (800) for causing certain operations to be performed by a Vacuum Packaging Appliance (“VPA”). The methods comprising: detecting when container material is at least partially disposed within a transparent vacuum chamber of the VPA using a proximity sensor mechanism; communicating a signal from the proximity sensor mechanism to an electronic circuit of the VPA in response to the detection of the container material within the vacuum chamber; and triggering a performance of a first operation by the VPA in response to the reception of the signal by the electronic circuit. The first operation is selected from the group comprising mechanical clamping operations to clamp the container material in position, vacuum operations to extract fluid from within a container defined by the container material, and heat sealing operations to create a heat seal along an open end of the container. |
| US10040582B2 |
Filling devices for isobaric filling machines for filling bottles with alimentary liquids
Filling devices for isobaric filling machines for filling bottles with alimentary liquids such as beer or wine are provided. Such devices provide a high degree of precision with respect to the filling level of the bottle, are constructionally and functionally simple and are easy to wash and sterilize. Isobaric filling machines which include one or more such devices are also provided. |
| US10040580B2 |
Rotatable assembly
The invention relates to a gear assembly (10) for use in a space craft for control of a moveable component thereof. The assembly comprises a load gear (11) in engagement with a drive gear (12) and an auxiliary gear (13). The drive gear (12) is coupled to a drive motor (14) so as to drive the load gear (11) in a first rotational direction. The auxiliary gear (13) is coupled to a retardation device (15) that is configured to passively resist the load gear (11) from rotating in the first rotational direction. |
| US10040578B2 |
Battery arm sensor assembly
The present disclosure is directed toward a system for autonomously landing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) within an unmanned aerial vehicle ground station (UAVGS) and removing a battery assembly from within the UAV while landed. In particular, systems described herein enable a battery arm to engage a battery assembly and remove the battery assembly from within the UAV. Additionally, the battery arm can include one or more sensors that detect a pattern of sensor contacts arranged on an end of the battery assembly. In particular, the sensors on the battery arm can detect and identify the battery assembly based on the particular pattern of sensor contacts on the end of the battery assembly. |
| US10040570B2 |
Sensing orifice for an aircraft
A sensing orifice for an aircraft, an aircraft with such a sensing orifice and a method for assembling a sensing orifice for an aircraft are provided. The aircraft may be an airplane, a helicopter, a UAV, a drone or similar. The static sensing orifice includes a passage through an outer skin of the aircraft and a moisture protection body. The passage is designed to connect with a pressure line in the interior of the aircraft. The moisture protection body is gas-permeable and water-impermeable, and the moisture protection body is disposed such that the passage is gas-permeably and water-impermeably sealed. The method for assembling the static sensing orifice for the aircraft, includes the following steps: providing the passage through the outer skin of the aircraft for connecting to the pressure line in the interior of the aircraft, providing a gas-permeable and water-impermeable moisture protection body, and gas-permeable and water-impermeable sealing of the passage by the moisture protection body. |
| US10040563B1 |
Dual panel actuator system for jet engines
An aircraft engine variable area fan nozzle structure disposed abaft a thrust reverser, including a sleeve translatable over a cascade array, comprises two semi cylindrical segments that can be axially translated and radially tilted to enlarge the fan duct exhaust area in order to optimize exhaust pressure and associated noise in high thrust circumstances such as on take-off, and to constrict that area under lower thrust conditions such as cruise. A pair of angularly adjacent segments can be moved by an actuator anchored to the fixed engine framework and independently of the thrust reverser translating sleeve. The tilting movement is imposed by the pivoting links of each segment to carriages that ride in a non-linear trackway secured to a thrust reverser translating sleeve. The actuator can be of a dual concentric type which can independently drive the trust reverser and nozzle segments. |
| US10040549B2 |
Single use logistic glider
A disposable airdropped glider. The glider body is constructed from precut panels cut from (MDO) or (HDO) plywood and assembled with pocket-screw joinery or piano hinges. A skid board forms a landing surface and a cargo deck roll-off surface. The glider has pivoting wings and struts. The glider has a triple-tail, a flat nose and honeycomb paperboard panels between the nose and the cargo. Wings are pivoted from a position overlying the fuselage to a flying position by gas springs in wing spars which are compressed by a chain attached to the fuselage through a rotating bracket such that the gas springs are compressed when the wings are folded. The airfoils are plastic extrusions with openings that hold the wing spars and co-formed jury spars which attach the upper and lower surface of the wing. A parachute uses a part of the tail structure to form a deployment drogue. |
| US10040535B2 |
Composite accoustical panels especially useful for interior panel assemblies of aircraft passenger cabins
Composite acoustic panels are provided which may usefully be employed for aircraft interior panel assemblies. The composite acoustic panels may include a core member defining opposed surfaces, and a pair of exterior face sheets each attached to a respective one of the opposed surfaces of the core member. At least one of the face sheets may be microperforated. The core member comprises an adjacent plurality of tubular channels extending through a thickness dimension of the core member between the opposed surfaces thereof, while predetermined adjacent ones of the tubular channels are filled with a material to define a series of filled tubular channels which are adjacent to a region of open tubular channels. Certain ones of the open tubular channels may be partially filled with an acoustic dampening material. Discontinuous viscoelastic layers may be positioned so as to overlay central regions of the adjacent plurality of the open tubular channels which are bounded by an array of the filled tubular channels. |
| US10040533B2 |
Ballast water treatment apparatus and method for ship using forward osmosis process
A ballast water treatment apparatus for a ship includes a water collection part for collecting sea water, a forward osmosis process unit for producing ballast water and treatment water obtained by desalinating the sea water collected through the water collection part, and a ballast water tank for storing the ballast water produced by the forward osmosis process unit. Since the sea water is treated using a forward osmosis process, fresh water required within the ship can be supplied and the treated sea water can be used as ballast water. In addition, since waste heat and carbon dioxide generated in the ship are used to treat the sea water, the ballast water can be treated and produced in a low-cost and high efficient manner. |
| US10040532B2 |
Boat and boat maneuvering system
A boat includes a boat body, a propulsion unit, a steering wheel that turns about a first turning axis and has a circular or substantially circular shape or an arcuate or substantially arcuate shape about the first turning axis, and an operator unit on the steering wheel including a first operator which is located in a first direction with respect to the first turning axis and a second operator which is located in a second direction with respect to the first turning axis, and that performs a throttle operation and a shift operation on the propulsion unit. |
| US10040517B2 |
Locking gimbal
This invention relates to a locking gimbal (10). More specifically, the invention relates to a locking gimbal (10) for automatically locking a gimballed object against motion arising from an external force (FE) applied thereto; and automatically releasing the gimballed object on removal of the external force (FE). The locking gimbal (10) includes a first object (12) pivotable about a first pivot axis (PF), a second object (14) movable along an arc cantered substantially at a second axis, a locking member (16) and a locking formation (18). The first object (12) defines a first reference axis (ARF) passing through the first pivot axis (PF) and a center of gravity (CGF) of the first object (12), whereas the second object (14) defines a second reference axis (ARS) passing through the second axis and a center of gravity (CGS) of the second object (14). The first and second objects (12, 14) are movable relative to one other between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes (ARF, ARS) are substantially aligned, and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second reference axes (ARF, ARS) are angularly displaced relative to one other. The locking formation (18), actuated by displacement between the first and second objects (12,14) is radially movable relative to the first pivot axis (PF) between engaged and disengaged position, wherein: (i) in the first aligned condition, the locking formation (18) is in a disengaged position and spaced from the locking member (16), permitting rotation of the first object (12) about the first pivot axis (PF); and (ii) in the second displaced condition, the locking formation (18) is in an engaged position and in contact with the locking member (16) thereby preventing rotation of the first object (12) about the first pivot axis (PF). |
| US10040512B2 |
Actuation device of the control cable of a front derailleur of a bicycle
A front derailleur actuation device having a cable-winding bush in a casing rotatable about axis (X) in a first angular direction (A) between a first angular position and a last two angular positions to actuate a member mounted rotatable about axis (X) and a stationary member mounted in the casing. Either the rotating member or the stationary member is provided with at least one pointer slidably engaged on a fastening track equipped with a plurality of stop areas provided on the other member. The stationary member or the rotating member provided with the fastening track further comprises at least one further stop area not arranged along the fastening track, said further stop area being engageable by the pointer and being arranged between two successive stop areas of said fastening track, the cable-winding bush passing between two angular positions following the passage of the pointer between two stop areas. |
| US10040495B2 |
Laser brazing of annular metal seal member on track link
A method of manufacturing an undercarriage track joint assembly includes forming at least a first portion of a seal assembly by laser brazing an annular, metal sealing washer to a first track link of the undercarriage track joint assembly. The method may also include performing the laser brazing to form at least one of an annular fillet of braze material between the first track link and at least a portion of an inner diameter surface of the washer and an annular fillet of braze material between the first track link and at least a portion of an outer diameter surface of the washer. The method may still further include inserting a second portion of the seal assembly into a counterbore formed in an axial face of a second track link of the track joint assembly such that an axial sealing face of the washer opposite from the first track link slidably engages with the second portion of the seal assembly on the second track link of the track joint assembly to form a sealing surface between the first and second track links. |
| US10040486B1 |
Trailer bolster fender bracket
An improved removable and installable fender for the bolsters of a trailer group relies on the use of a bracket on the bolster, the bracket having two retaining arms. A single fastening means is provided on the bolster to receive a bolt securing a medial portion of the end of the fender to the bolster, allowing the distal sides of the fender to be retained between the two retaining arms of the bracket and the body of the bolster. |
| US10040484B1 |
Vehicle roof panel attachment assembly
A vehicle roof panel attachment assembly includes a substructure, a fastening device, a roof panel, and a side panel. The fastening device is engaged to the substructure and projects through an opening in the substructure. The roof panel includes a top portion spaced above the substructure, a flange, and a bend feature disposed between the top portion and the flange. The flange projects, at least in-part, downward from the bend feature and is engaged to the fastening device. The side panel includes an outer segment and an inner segment projecting, at least in-part, downward from the outer segment. A seam is carried by and between the bend feature and the inner segment. |
| US10040483B2 |
Vehicle rear structure
A vehicle rear structure includes a side sill joined to a rear frame via an outrigger, a sub-frame mounted on the rear frame from below, and a fuel tank mounted on the sub-frame. The sub-frame is provided with a load transmitting member that opposes the outrigger. An impact load applied to the sub-frame is transmitted to the outrigger via the load transmitting member. The transmitted impact load is distributed to the two components, the rear frame (specifically, front frame section) and the side sill via the outrigger. |
| US10040481B2 |
Vehicle trailer angle detection system using ultrasonic sensors
A trailer angle detection system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle and viewing rearward of the vehicle. A plurality of ultrasonic sensors is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle and sense rearward of the vehicle. A control has at least one processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. Responsive to processing of image data captured by the camera, the control detects a trailer rearward of the vehicle and in the field of view of the camera. The at least one processor is operable to process sensor data captured by the ultrasonic sensors to determine a distance to portions of the trailer rearward of the vehicle. Responsive to processing of captured image data and processing of captured sensor data, the trailer angle detection system is operable to determine an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle. |
| US10040479B2 |
Estimated steering angle calculation device for vehicle
There is provided an estimated steering angle calculation device for a vehicle capable of suppressing deterioration in accuracy of an estimated steering angle even if vehicle wheels slips or is locked due to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. Although, when being accelerated during turning, tire gripping force of front wheels serving as a driving wheel increases and a difference between wheel speeds of the front wheels decreases so that an estimated steering angle θes relative to an actual steering angle θact tends to decrease, the deterioration in accuracy of the estimated steering angle θes due to this tendency can be suppressed by increasing a second contribution rate relative to the estimated steering angle θes on the rear wheel side and decreasing a first contribution rate on the front wheel side in accordance with an accelerator opening degree. |
| US10040473B2 |
Steering column device
A steering column device includes: an outer column having a tubular shape; an inner column movably inserted in the outer column; a restricting member provided through a tubular wall at a lower section of the outer column in such a way as to be capable of coming in and out of the tubular wall in the thickness direction thereof; and a load absorbing wire including first ends engageable with the restricting member and a second end supported on the inner column side, and configured to be deformed by movement of the second end toward the vehicle front side together with the inner column upon application of a load of a preset value or greater to the inner column toward the vehicle front side, to thereby absorb the load. |
| US10040472B2 |
Steering column for a motor vehicle
A steering column for a motor vehicle may comprise a steering column jacket with a jacket surface having a retaining segment. The retaining segment may at least partially surround a bearing for rotatably mounting a steering spindle about an axis of rotation. The retaining segment may have at least one tab that secures the bearing in the steering column jacket in a direction of the axis of rotation. The tab may be connected to the retaining segment of the steering column jacket along a bending edge. The bending edge may form a projection angle of at maximum 45° with a projected axis of rotation. The free end of the tab is bent around the bending edge towards the axis of rotation. |
| US10040469B2 |
Shopping cart bagging station and method of forming the same
Described is a shopping cart bagging station. The shopping cart bagging station is a bagging station that couples to a shopping cart. The shopping cart bagging station described is used by customers to bag their purchases as they shop, or by employees bagging items for a customer. The shopping cart bagging station is designed to be heavy-duty so that it can be used in pick-up areas and other areas that require a bagging station that can withstand temperatures and handle heavy loads. The shopping cart bagging station includes a support structure and three shopping cart coupling hooks. The shopping cart coupling hooks couple the bagging station to a shopping cart, and they hold and dispense the shopping bags. The support structure and the three shopping cart coupling hooks are formed of metal rod that can withstand extremes in temperature and hold heavy loads. |
| US10040468B2 |
Shopping cart basket
Described is a shopping cart basket for affixing to a shopping cart. The shopping cart basket can be used to carry tools, accessories, or other items that an individual wants to carry with, but keep separate from, items in the shopping cart. The shopping cart basket includes a basket body with a pair of hooks on arms that hook the shopping cart basket to the shopping cart. The shopping cart basket can be hung from many different locations on a shopping cart, including the front or back, the sides, the inside, or the outside. The shopping cart basket can be hung from any type of shopping cart, including basket types of shopping carts or flatbed carts. The shopping cart basket includes elements that hold and secure tools commonly used by employees performing tasks with a shopping cart. |
| US10040462B2 |
Automated coupler positioning device
A coupler for a railway car including a coupler anchor, a coupler mechanism pivotable relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane, and a coupler positioning device for pivoting the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor. The coupler positioning device includes a controller adapted for receiving signal information from a bogie relating to an angular position of the bogie relative to a body of the railway car, and at least one pneumatic cylinder for pivoting the coupler mechanism. The controller controls the operation of the at least one pneumatic cylinder in response to the signal information received from the bogie. |
| US10040461B2 |
Monorail vehicle with shaped interior shell
A monorail vehicle includes a chassis supporting a vehicle body, that includes a passenger floor and at least one side wall, and an electrical motor supported by the chassis. A drive wheel is coupled to a rotor of the electric motor with a rotation axis of the drive wheel substantially coaxial with an axis of the rotor. Portions of the drive wheel and the electric motor are positioned on both sides of an imaginary plane extension of the passenger floor. The drive wheel and the electric motor are covered by a shell that is integral to one side of the vehicle body and which defines a space between the other side of the vehicle body. |
| US10040459B1 |
Driver fuel score
A system for determining a driver fuel score an input interface and a processor. The input interface is to receive a fuel efficiency measure for a vehicle or a vehicle type for a plurality of drivers. The processor is to determine a relative fuel performance score based at least in part on the relative fuel performance and determine a driver performance score based at least in part on the relative fuel performance. |
| US10040458B2 |
Device for measuring the state of intoxication of a test subject
A device has a measuring device, in particular an alcohol-measuring device (3), for measuring the state of intoxication of a test subject and for generating a corresponding measured value. A camera (5) is provided for recording an image with the face of the test subject. A control unit (4) is configured to store the measured value together with the image in a memory unit (10). An analyzer (12) is configured such that the analyzer can identify a face and/or a defined, fixed pattern in the image. A follow-up action is triggered by the analyzer (12) when a face and/or pattern could not be identified. |
| US10040457B2 |
Driving force control system for vehicle
A driving force control system of a vehicle installed with an automatic transmission that transmits torque generated by an engine to drive wheels while changing the speed is provided for controlling driving force based on the vehicle speed and the accelerator operation amount. In the driving force control, an acceleration characteristic that defines the relationship between re-acceleration-time acceleration as a control index used when the vehicle travels while being re-accelerated after deceleration traveling, and the vehicle speed, is stored, and the re-acceleration-time acceleration corresponding to the current vehicle speed is obtained, based on traveling data of the vehicle obtained before the deceleration traveling, and the acceleration characteristic. Then, the speed ratio of the automatic transmission which can realize the obtained re-acceleration-time acceleration is set, before the re-acceleration traveling is started. |
| US10040451B2 |
Vehicle warning device for emitting a warning signal
The invention relates to a device (8) to be arranged on a motor vehicle (2). Said device (8) comprises a speedometer (4) for ascertaining a relative speed between an object and a device (8), at least one warning mechanism (6) for emitting a warning signal in the direction of the object, find an electric controller which is designed to emit a warning signal via the at least one warning mechanism (6) when the ascertained relative speed exceeds a predefined threshold value. |
| US10040449B2 |
Method for avoiding a rear-end collision between a first vehicle and a second vehicle and control unit
A method for avoiding a rear-end collision between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, in which a distance value is initially read in, which represents a distance, which is detected by a distance sensor of the first vehicle, between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. In particular, the first vehicle is located ahead of the second vehicle in a travel direction of the second vehicle. Using the distance value, a control signal is thereupon generated for controlling the first vehicle to avoid the rear-end collision. |
| US10040447B2 |
Control strategy for an electric machine in a vehicle
A vehicle is provided including an electric machine and at least one controller. The controller, or controllers, are configured to, in response to a reset of the at least one controller while a speed of the vehicle is greater than a threshold value, provide a current command to the electric machine in accordance with calibration values calculated prior to the reset such that inoperability of the electric machine due to the reset is less than one second. |
| US10040445B2 |
Drivetrain for a motor vehicle, and method for operating a drivetrain of said type
The present invention relates to a drivetrain having a first clutch, which has an input side and an output side which is selectively connectable in terms of rotational drive to the input side, and having a transmission, which has a transmission shaft which is connected or connectable in terms of rotational drive to the output side and which is selectively connectable in terms of rotational drive to a gearwheel by means of a second clutch, wherein a rotor of an electric machine is arranged on the output side, and the electric machine, in motor operation, can be controlled or regulated so as to cause the rotational speeds of the transmission shaft and of the gearwheel to be approximated to or aligned with one another before the closure of the second clutch. The present invention also relates to a method for performing gearshifts in a transmission within a drivetrain of the type according to the invention. |
| US10040443B2 |
Apparatus and method for active vibration control of hybrid electric vehicle
The present disclosure relates to active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle. One form provides a method that may include setting up a period of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and performing FFT of an engine speed or a motor speed corresponding to the period of the FFT from a reference angle signal; setting up a reference spectrum; extracting vibration components to be removed based on information of the reference spectrum; selecting and adding a removal object frequency from the vibration of each frequency and performing inverse FFT; determining a basic amplitude ratio according to the engine speed and the engine load; determining an adjustable rate which decreases an anti-phase torque as a change amount of the engine speed is decreased; and performing active vibration control of each frequency based on the information of the basic amplitude ratio, the adjustable rate, and the engine torque. |
| US10040439B2 |
Method to coordinate propulsion torque actuators through torque limits
A powertrain system employing multiple propulsion torque actuators is described. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes interpreting a driver request, including determining a driver torque request and a regenerative braking request based upon driver inputs to an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. A desired request is determined based upon the driver torque request and the regenerative braking request. Torque limits for the powertrain system are coordinated based upon the desired request, the driver torque request, and a previous driver torque request to determine upper and lower output torque limits, and the upper and lower output torque limits are combined with system constraints to generate a final torque request. The final torque request is employed to determine torque commands for the propulsion torque actuators, and the propulsion torque actuators are controlled based upon the torque commands for the propulsion torque actuators. |
| US10040433B1 |
Wheel cleaning device
The application discloses an improved wheel cleaning device, comprising a lifting system, a brush system, a clamping rotating system, a turnover system and an ejection system. When the device is used, a cylinder II drives a left sliding plate to synchronously clamp a wheel, and a servo motor II drives the wheel to rotate; a servo motor I drives a horizontal brush to rotate, cylinders I drive the rotating horizontal brush and vertical brush to ascend, and when the horizontal brush contacts a wheel flange, base powder which is redundant during spraying therein can be removed; an electric servo cylinder drives the vertical brush to move right, and when the vertical brush contacts a center hole of the wheel, base powder which is redundant during spraying sprayed therein can be removed; after the base powder is removed, a servo motor III drives the clamped wheel to turn over 180 degrees. |
| US10040431B2 |
Wiper blade assembly for the windows of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a wiper blade assembly for the windows of a motor vehicle, comprising a longitudinal support (10) intended to receive a pressure application vertebra (20) and a wiper blade (30) and a wiper accessory (40) carrying a device (42a, 42b) for distributing and projecting a washer liquid wherein the accessory is intended to be assembled with the longitudinal support (10).According to the invention, the longitudinal support (10) comprises means for fixing said accessory (40) on said support. |
| US10040430B2 |
Enhanced vehicle wiper blade system
A vehicle cleaning system in which washer fluid is dispensed onto a vehicle windshield or headlight wiper blade via an integral channel and nozzles arrayed in a way so as to insure efficient dispensation of cleaning solution onto the vehicle windshield or headlight. The vehicle cleaning system comprises a fluid reservoir, an element to heat the fluid based on outside ambient temperature, a valve which regulates the fluid flow creating a hammering action during fluid application, and a surface wiper with an integral fluid dispensing apparatus. |
| US10040425B2 |
System for detecting windshield wiper noise and related methods
A system for detecting noise generated by a windshield wiper on a vehicle including a cabin is provided. The system includes a detector for detecting noise generated by the windshield wiper. A processor is provided for generating a signal based on the noise detected by the detector. A controller may also receive the signal and regulate the operation of the windshield wiper, including by adaptive control based on a vehicle operator's desired setting of a speed of the wiper in an intermittent mode of operation. The signal may also be used to notify a service provider of the need for servicing the windshield wiper. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US10040402B1 |
Bike lifting cargo rack for vehicles
A vehicle rooftop bicycle carrier and lifting apparatus for vehicles has a roof rack with a pneumatic lifting spring urged pivoted boom assembly interconnected by multiple pivot linkage thereto. A bike clamp is adjustably positioned on the extended boom assembly for selectively securing a bike to be lifted and secured on the roof rack for transport in vertical upright orientation. |
| US10040392B2 |
Vehicle puddle lamp assembly generating moving image and method
A vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided that includes a plurality of light projectors located on a vehicle and configured to illuminate different lighted image patterns on a ground surface adjacent to the vehicle. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a controller for sequentially activating the plurality of light projectors to generate an animated lighted image on the ground surface. The animated image moves in a location based on a door position. |
| US10040386B2 |
Vacuum truck tank securement system and method
Systems and methods for securing a tank to a chassis. In an embodiment, a vehicle includes a chassis and a tank having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is coupled with the chassis for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The vehicle also includes a structural pad coupled to the tank and at least one rib extending from the structural pad. The at least one rib has at least one aperture defined therethrough. At least one fluid cylinder is coupled with the chassis. The at least one fluid cylinder is coupled with a pin aligned with the aperture. Actuation of the at least one fluid cylinder causes the pin to move between a first position wherein the pin is not received within the aperture and a second position wherein the pin is received within the aperture. |
| US10040382B2 |
Adjustable headrest for motor vehicle seat
An adjustable headrest for motor vehicle seat. The headrest includes a support structure fixed to a backrest and a body having a front shell and a rear shell. The front shell has a front face intended for contact with the head of a user of the seat, the front face being movable relative to the support structure along a front-rear direction denoted X, over a total travel distance. The total travel distance is formed by a first travel portion provided by a mounting enabling translational movement of the body relative to the support structure while maintaining the position of the front shell relative to the rear shell substantially constant. The total travel distance is also formed by a second travel portion provided by a mounting enabling translational movement of the front shell alone relative to the rear shell. |
| US10040367B2 |
State of charge indication
A system for providing a scale (11) of electrical charge of a vehicle battery and a hybrid vehicle comprising such a system comprises a scale (11) of state of charge of the vehicle battery. The scale (11) comprises minimum (14) and maximum (15) parameters and a controller to select the minimum (14) and maximum (15) parameters if the scale (11) in dependence on a battery usage parameter dependent on at least one of a mode of operation of the vehicle, a state of charge of the battery and a state of health of the battery. A display (10) for indicating an amount consists of the scale (11) and an indicator (12) movable with respect to the scale (11). Different scales (11) are provided for different purposes, and are changeable without altering the instant position of the indicator (12). The display (10) may indicate the state of charge of a battery of the hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine and motor/generator, different scales (11) having maxima (15) corresponding to different nominal or optimum states of charge. |
| US10040364B2 |
Charging apparatus
A charging apparatus includes a plurality of charging ports; a charging portion configured to output charge current to the charging ports; an input portion configured to receive selection of a user among a plurality of charge patterns prepared in advance including a charge-history-dependent charge pattern to determine the charge current based on charge history information regarding a charge history of the electrically-powered vehicle; a selection result storing portion configured to store a result of the selection; a history information storing portion configured to store the charge history information of the electrically-powered vehicles connected to any of the charging ports; and a controller configured to refer to the selection result storing portion, control the charging portion in accordance with a selected charge pattern, the controller configured to determine priorities of the electrically-powered vehicles based on the charge history information when the charge-history-dependent charge pattern is selected and two or more electrically-powered vehicles are connected to the charging ports. |
| US10040363B2 |
Battery-assisted electric vehicle charging system and method
The disclosed systems and methods are directed to a battery assisted charging station. A battery system comprising plurality of batteries and a battery management system software controlling the operations of the battery system, function together with a vehicle charging system that charges electric vehicles using one or both of stored power provided by a battery system, and power provided by a utility power grid. The battery system uses the power grid to charge the batteries therein. |
| US10040361B2 |
Methods and apparatus for indicating charging status of a vehicle
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having an electric drive system including an electric traction motor (11) and an energy storage device (13). The vehicle (1) also has an adjustable-height suspension (7) to allow the height (h) of the vehicle (1) to be adjusted. A monitor (21) is provided for monitoring charging of the energy storage device (13) from an external electrical supply. A control unit (27) is provided for adjusting the height of the suspension (7) in dependence on the monitor (21). Aspects of the present invention also relate to a charging indicator system (3); and a method of indicating the charging status of a vehicle energy storage device (13). |
| US10040357B2 |
Method for operating an electrified motor vehicle
A method for operating a motor vehicle having a vehicle electrical system, which includes at least one electrical or electronic component, which experiences a load during an operation of the motor vehicle, an accumulated load of the at least one component being ascertained, at least one type of damage contributing to the load being ascertained, a service life of the at least one component to be expected as a result of the ascertained accumulated load being ascertained, and at least one variable damaging the at least one component during operation, which is selected as a function of the at least one type of damage, being changed in a load-reducing direction if the service life to be expected of the at least one component deviates from a setpoint service life. |
| US10040353B2 |
Information display system
An information display system displaying different information on each of a plurality of display units includes: a sight line specifying portion that specifies a line of sight of a driver; a cognition display unit specifying portion that specifies, as a cognition display unit, one of the display units being in a direction of the line of sight; a non-cognition display unit specifying portion that specifies, as a non-cognition display unit, a different one of the display units; a priority order assignment portion that assigns a priority order to the non-cognition display unit or displayed information; and a guide process execution portion that executes a guide process in which the line of sight is guided to the non-cognition display unit or the display unit. |
| US10040340B2 |
Drive system for a movable roof part of a roof module of a motor vehicle
A drive system including a guide rail arrangement fixed to a roof module, a drive slide, a front-side lifting arrangement, a rear-side extension mechanism, and a profiled support part. The lifting arrangement and the extension mechanism interact with the profiled support part such that the profiled support part is guided in a force-controlled manner between a closed, ventilating and open positions of the roof part. The coupling device end region remote from the extension mechanism has a coupling slide which is guided in the guide rail arrangement and which comprises a blocking element that can be moved in the vertical direction. A stationary latch recess is provided in the guide rail arrangement, and the drive slide has a receiving area. Depending on the position of the drive slide, the blocking element is moved into the latch recess or into the receiving area in a force-controlled manner by mechanical control contours. |
| US10040339B2 |
Vehicle side portion structure
A vehicle side portion structure including: a rocker that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction at a vehicle transverse direction outer side of a vehicle body lower portion; a sliding door that slides in the vehicle longitudinal direction, includes a door inner panel, which is connected to the rocker by a door hinge slidable in the vehicle longitudinal direction and which has a mounted-to portion that is lined up in a vehicle transverse direction with the rocker, and includes a door outer panel that is disposed further toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side than the door inner panel; and a load transmitting member that is mounted to the mounted-to portion and transmits a collision load, which is input to the door outer panel from a vehicle side, to a region of the rocker that is different from a region to which the door hinge is connected. |
| US10040331B2 |
Ride height leveling with selectable configurations system and method
Disclosed is a configurable dynamic valve. In various embodiments the valve operates to control a pneumatic leveling system for vehicles and provide the capability for an operator to select an elevated or lowered ride height, to block air flow in and out of the leveling air bags, or to dump air from the air bags controlling the ride height. In various embodiments, the valve utilizes rotary disks which contain actuate apertures, wherein the disks form seals between ports which connect various inlet and outlet chambers such that the pneumatically selected operative disk apertures and ports provide air flow in or out of leveling air bags dynamically at a selected ride height during varying load and road conditions. In various embodiments, the modular design of the valve components allows for an easily configurable valve which may be customized to a particular application with a minimum of effort and manufacturing cost. |
| US10040326B1 |
Vehicle hitch adapter comprising a pitch lock system
Vehicle hitch adapter comprising a height adjustment post comprising a plurality of pairs of opposed spaced apart height adjustment apertures; a mounting box surmounting the post; a pitch lock system comprising a pitch box having spaced apart pitch plates defining a chamber therebetween for an inferior end of the post to pass therethrough with a pair of opposed spaced apart height adjustment apertures contained within the chamber and the pitch plates comprising a set of spaced apart vertically extending angled end obround shaped slots having a lower surface end defining an at rest position and an upper surface end angled to form a shoulder surface defining a potential energy state; and a pin extending through the obround shaped slots and the apertures contained within the chamber wherein the pin is supported on the shoulder surface in the potential energy state during loading and on the lower surface end during transport. |
| US10040324B2 |
Tire-monitoring system and method therefor
The invention relates to a tire-monitoring system for monitoring a tire air pressure and/or at least one other tire-specific quantity in tires of a vehicle; —comprising a plurality of tire sensors for positioning in the tires of the vehicle; —each tire sensor having at least one sensing device for sensing a tire-specific quantity and a control device that has at least one transmitter for transmitting signals in dependence on the sensed quantity and/or a quantity previously programmed in the control device; —and comprising a router for installing in the vehicle, which router comprises a receiver for receiving the signals of the plurality of tires sensors, a memory for storing the quantities of the tire sensors transmitted by means of the signals, and an interface for the wired or wireless retrieval of the stored quantities; —the router having an electrical power connection, by means of which the router can be connected to a vehicle electrical system for the supply of power to the router. The tire-monitoring system according to the invention is characterized in that the router has an energy store, which provides an electrical power supply when the vehicle electrical system is switched off and which can be charged by means of the electrical power connection. |
| US10040322B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A run flat tire is provided having a line L1 connecting point P1 having height H1 of 17 mm; and point P2 at which a thickness from point P1 is minimum thickness Ts. Point C represents a point which is distant from point P2 on line L1 by a distance that is 0.4 times Ts. A point B represents a point of intersection of: line L2 that extends in the axial direction through radially outer end of core 36; and line L3 that extends in the radial direction through an axially outer end of core side portion 46a of turned-up portion 46. A line L4 passes through point C and point B. The thickness Ts is greater than or equal to 10 mm, and not greater than 17 mm. The turned-up portion 46 extends through a region surrounded by an axially outer surface of main portion 44, and lines L2-L4. |
| US10040319B2 |
Motorcycle tire
A motorcycle tire is provided with a tread pattern made up of circumferentially alternately arranged first and second pattern units. The first pattern unit is substantially mirror symmetrical with the second pattern unit. Each pattern unit comprises a main oblique groove and first and second auxiliary oblique grooves, each of which is a bent groove having a bent position and composed of a steeply-inclined part and a mildly-inclined part, in the main oblique groove, the steeply-inclined part extends from a start position on one side of the tire equator to the bent position on the other side of the tire equator, while inclining to one tire circumferential direction; and the mildly-inclined part extends from the bent position to the adjacent tread edge, while inclining to the above-mentioned one tire circumferential direction. |
| US10040306B2 |
Printable film
A printable film that contains a polymeric film substrate with a front side and a backside. The printable film contains also a light diffusion layer and an image receiving layer. The light diffusion layer is applied on the backside of the polymeric film substrate and contains inorganic particles, dispersing agents and polymeric binders. The image receiving layer is applied over the light diffusion layer on the backside of the polymeric film substrate. Also disclosed herein is the method for obtaining the printable film. |
| US10040303B2 |
Printer
A printer includes a printer body including a holder configured to house rolled recording paper, a cover configured to open and close the holder, a coupling mechanism that couples the cover to the printer body, and a detachment preventing mechanism configured to prevent the cover from being detached from the printer body. The coupling mechanism includes shafts formed on one of side plates of the cover and inner walls of the printer body, and shaft holes formed in another one of the side plates and the inner walls and configured to receive the shafts; and the detachment preventing mechanism includes a stopper that is disposed such that ends of the stopper contact inner surfaces of the side plates and configured to support the side plates and prevent the side plates from falling when a load is applied to the cover. |
| US10040302B2 |
Printer and transport apparatus for transporting print medium while applying stable tension to the prnt medium
A pinion gear is coaxially attached to vicinity of an end of an inner bar. The pinion gear is engaged with a rack gear and rotates in response to upward and downward movements of the tension bar. When the pinion rotates, the inner bar correspondingly rotates. The inner bar and an outer bar, which is a tension applying bar, are connected to each other so as to freely rotate. When the pinion rotates, the inner bar correspondingly rotates, while the outer bar remains unrotated. |
| US10040299B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing methods
A printing apparatus comprises a print zone and a media handling system for advancing media through a media path and through the print zone, wherein the media handling system comprises a first media driving arrangement positioned downstream of the print zone in the direction of advance of the media, and a second media driving arrangement positioned downstream of the first arrangement, the second media driving arrangement being operable to cause the tension of the media in a deformation zone between the two driving arrangements to be lower than the tension of the media in the print zone. |
| US10040294B2 |
Liquid consuming apparatus and assembly method for the same
A technique that enables electrical connectivity of a liquid container to a conductive member to be enhanced is provided. A liquid consuming apparatus includes a liquid container in which liquid is contained, a conductive member, at least a part of which is arranged within the liquid container, a circuit board that applies a voltage to the conductive member, a wire that electrically connects the conductive member and the circuit board to each other, and a board holding member that holds the circuit board. The board holding member is provided with a through hole through which the wire is passed, and the wire extends from the through hole and is connected to the circuit board. |
| US10040287B2 |
Head unit
Disclosed is a head unit including: a plurality of ejecting units that eject liquids; a driving IC that drives the plurality of ejecting units; a first substrate; a second substrate; a first electrode; and a second electrode, the first electrode electrically connects the first wiring and the third wiring with each other, the second electrode electrically connects the second wiring and the third wiring with each other, the driving IC is overlapped with the first substrate in plan view of the first substrate, and the signal from the second substrate is transmitted from the second substrate in order of the first terminal, the first wiring, the first electrode, the third wiring, the second electrode, and the second wiring. |
| US10040285B2 |
Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection device, and aging treatment method and initial setup method for a liquid ejection device
A liquid ejection head, including: a flow path forming member including a resin layer having an ejection orifice and a flow path formed therein; a substrate including a heat-generating resistance element for ejecting liquid and a protective layer having a portion for covering the heat-generating resistance element, a surface of the portion being exposed to the flow path; and an intermediate layer formed between the resin layer and the protective layer, the intermediate layer including a silicon carbonitride material. |
| US10040282B2 |
Printer that sets ejection timing between nozzle groups
A controller performs an ejection-timing setting process of setting, for each of first and second nozzle groups, ejection timing in scan printing in which a liquid ejection head ejects a liquid droplet while a head moving device moves the head in a scanning direction. The process includes: in response to receiving a first signal, setting ejection timing such that a time difference between ejection timing of the first nozzle group and ejection timing of the second nozzle group is first time, the first signal instructing printing such that a conveyance amount of a medium between successive two-time scan printing is a first conveyance amount; and in response to receiving a second signal, setting ejection timing such that the time difference is second time shorter than the first time, the second signal instructing printing such that the conveyance amount is a second conveyance amount smaller than the first conveyance amount. |
| US10040281B2 |
Wide array printhead module
A wide array printhead module includes a plurality of printhead die. Each of the printhead die includes a number of sensors to measure properties of a number of elements associated with the printhead die. The wide array printhead module further includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to command and control each of the printhead die. The ASIC is located off any of the printhead die. |
| US10040279B2 |
Ink jet head and ink jet printer
An ink jet head includes first side walls including two piezoelectric elements, second side walls, a first electrode, a second electrode, an ink chamber containing conductive ink, and a control unit. The second side walls alternate with the first side walls to provide side surfaces for driving pressure chambers and dummy pressure chambers. On one of the first side walls, the first electrode is on the side wall surface of a driving pressure chamber and a second electrode is on the side wall surface of a dummy pressure chamber. The control unit applies a voltage having a first waveform to the first electrode, and a voltage having a second waveform, a portion of which is inverted with respect to the first waveform, to the second electrode to cause ink to be ejected, and cause the second electrode to electrically float such that ink is not ejected. |
| US10040267B2 |
Composite material having three-dimensional texture and method for making the same
The present invention relates to a composite material having a three-dimensional texture and a method for making the same. The composite material includes a base material and a surface layer. The surface layer is disposed on a surface of the base material, and has a substantially uniform thickness. The surface layer includes at least one first portion and at least one second portion. The first portion is attached to the surface of the base material. The second portion is spaced apart from the surface of the base material to form at least one hole. |
| US10040266B2 |
Glue application device and glue application method for cardboard sheets and cardboard sheet manufacturing device
A device includes a tank for storing a glue solution; a roll having a surface for transferring the glue solution onto an area of a corrugating medium of a single-faced corrugated fiberboard sheet in the width direction; scraping members for regulating adhesion of the glue solution outside the area on the surface of the roll; a movement mechanism for moving the scraping members in the width direction; and a control device for setting, on the basis of the cutting width dimension with which the double-faced cardboard sheet is to be cut after passing the roll, the area to be a region in which margins in the width direction have been added outside positions of the side edges of the cutting width dimension, and for controlling the movement mechanism to dispose the scraping members at positions corresponding to the positions of the side edges of the glue application region. |
| US10040255B2 |
Rotor blade manufacturing arrangement
A manufacturing arrangement for the manufacture of a rotor blade, including a pair of tracks arranged along the longitudinal sides of a blade mold, a first gantry assembly realized to span the track pair and to carry a first tool arrangement including at least a fiber distributor for distributing a fiber material into the blade mold, a second gantry assembly realized to span the track pair and to carry a second tool arrangement including at least a handling tool for handling a cover sheet for the fiber distributor, which cover sheet is realized to apply pressure to the distributed fiber material, and a control arrangement realized to effect a coordinated movement of the gantry assemblies along the track pair and to coordinate the operation of the second tool arrangement with the operation of the first tool arrangement, is provided. |
| US10040253B2 |
Three-dimensional printing control apparatus and method
A three-dimensional printing control apparatus comprises a control command generator configured to: generate a control command for outputting a three-dimensional object having a first shape, and generate, in response to a request for changing a shape of the three-dimensional object from the first shape to a second shape is received while performing a output work for the three-dimensional object, an additional control command for outputting a changed three-dimensional object having the second shape; and a control command transmitter configured to, in response to determining that it is possible to output the changed three-dimensional object through the output work, substitute the additional control command for the control command with respect to a non-printed portion of the three-dimensional object. |
| US10040249B2 |
Method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of generative construction
The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional object (50) by means of generative construction in a direct constructional sequence from at least one solidifiable material. At least one material component is discharged in a programmable way via a control device in the direct constructional sequence and, as a result of the discharge, produces structurally different regions of the object (50) that are joined together, wherein geometric relationships obtained during the discharge already correspond to the object (50). The fact that configuration criteria for the structurally different regions of the object (50) are predefined to the control device by using a selection, and that the discharge unit is controlled by the control device during the discharge of the at least one material component for the structurally different regions of the object by using the selected configuration criteria in order to configure a three-dimensional structure desired for the respective region of the object, means that a method is provided by means of which the discharge of the material can be carried out in accordance with individual requirements on the object. |
| US10040238B2 |
Glazing comprising a seal portion with a closed insert and method for producing the glazing
A glazing includes a glazed element, at least one profiled seal portion and at least one insert which is located at least partially inside the profiled seal portion, the insert having along a main portion which is in the profiled seal portion, in cross-section, a section which is closed on itself in the form of a loop and which forms a hollow member, wherein the main portion includes at least at one end a stopper which closes the end. |
| US10040237B2 |
Apparatus and method for fabricating and filling containers
An injection head for the fabrication of a container from a preform. An injection head interfaces with a mouth of the preform to establish fluid communication between a liquid supply and the mouth. The injection head includes an injection valve disposed within an outer shell of the injection head and configured to selectively permit fluid communication through the injection head upon displacement between an opened and a closed position. The injection head also includes an injection head cavity disposed between the injection valve and the outer shell and connected to the liquid supply. A liquid supply control mechanism and a control mechanism of the injection valve's opening allow fluid communication through the injection head. The control mechanism of the injection valve's opening is activated by the liquid under pressure in the injection head cavity when liquid supply is opened. |
| US10040235B2 |
Extrusion device for three-dimensional drawing
An extrusion device includes a filament-engaging mechanism that urges a filament, received by the device, through a heater and a nozzle. A moveable control member can be manipulated by a user during operation of the device to alter a rate of extrusion. The extrusion device can have a continuous flow mode of operation. The extrusion device can be configured to operate with low electrical power consumption. |
| US10040232B2 |
Locking device and mold using same
A locking includes a locking member, a guiding rod, and a space member. The guiding rod is fixedly connected to the locking member. The mold includes a first mold plate, a second mold plate, a stripper plate, and a top plate. The first mold plate, the second mold plate, the stripper plate, and the top plate are connected in sequence. A receiving hole is defined in the first mold board. A through hole is defined in the second mold board corresponding to the receiving hole. The guiding member movably passes through the through hole. The through hole includes a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion. The space member is sleeved on the locking member. A diameter of the space member is greater than that of the receiving hole and the second retaining portion. The disclosure also supplies a mold. |
| US10040229B2 |
Method for producing a piston
A method is disclosed for producing a piston (8) having a circumferential seal in the form of a circular cup seal (16). In a functional, installed state, the cup seal (16) has a profile consisting of a leg held in the piston (8) and aligned radially with respect to the piston longitudinal axis (19) in a radial region (17) and of a leg which is bent by approximately 90° into an axial region (18) and is aligned approximately parallel to the piston longitudinal axis (19). The cup seal (16) is mounted in a mold as a flat or arched preform (21, 21a) with a radial region (17a, 17b) which forms the approximately radial leg, aligned with the piston longitudinal axis (19). A circumferential region (18a, 18b) projecting radially beyond the mold cavity is shaped into the axial region (18) after removing the piston from the mold to obtain the functional contour of the installed state of the cup seal (16). |
| US10040219B2 |
Mold and mold manufacturing method
According to one embodiment, a mold includes a base, a first concave pattern, a second concave pattern, and a third concave pattern. The base includes a first surface and a pedestal projecting from the first surface. The pedestal includes a first region and a second region disposed outside the first region. The first concave pattern is formed in the first region. The second concave pattern is formed in the second region. The third concave pattern extends from the first region to the second region. |
| US10040213B2 |
Method and arrangement for portion cutting of food items, and use of a cutting device in the arrangement
An apparatus for portion cutting food items includes a first cutting device which comprises a cutting unit for the cutting of food items into strips. The apparatus includes one or more additional cutting devices, each comprising a cutting unit for cutting the strips into pieces of predetermined weight and dimensions. Measuring means are arranged in the first cutting device for scanning at least one of a shape, a structure and a dimension of the food item. The apparatus further comprises processor means with a control program for the planning of a portion-cutting profile on the basis of the scanning. |
| US10040212B2 |
Apparatus and method for cutting pipes of thermoplastic material
An apparatus (1) for cutting a pipe (2) made of thermoplastic material including: a cutting unit (T) which includes a tool equipped with a disk (3) rotatable about an axis (XI) and which are used to allow a rotary motion of the axis (XI) of the disk (3) about an axis (X2) of the pipe (2) and disk (3) sinking into the pipe (2) in a radial direction; a lubricant dispensing unit (L) for the disk (3), used to operate on at least one portion (P1,P2) of a face (F1,F2) of the disk (3), for releasing a predetermined quantity of lubricant on it so as to reduce the friction between the disk (3) and the pipe (2) during cutting. |
| US10040207B1 |
Adjustable passive gravity compensation apparatus
The present invention is a novel passive adjustable gravity compensation apparatus which utilizes an internal-pressure-variable cylinder. With the coordination of cam, rod, or the combination of the fore mentioned, the internal-pressure-variable cylinder obtains the characteristics of a linear elastic device which has variable elastic coefficient. Through appropriately adjusting the internal pressure of the internal-pressure-variable cylinder, the cylinder would perform as a linear elastic device with proper elastic coefficient to fully or partially compensate the gravitational effect of the manipulator system and the load it holds. Thus, the proposed invention can fully or partially compensate the gravitational effect of the manipulator system at different loading conditions without changing its geometric configuration. |
| US10040204B2 |
Plate-shaped workpiece transfer apparatus and processing apparatus
Apparatus transfers a plate-shaped workpiece to/from a holding surface of a chuck table. The apparatus includes a holding unit and a moving mechanism. The holding unit includes at least two holding members for holding the outer edge of the workpiece, a support plate for supporting the holding members so as to allow movement of the holding members toward or away from the outer edge of the workpiece, and a moving unit for moving the holding members. Each holding member includes a rod portion vertically movably extending downward through the support plate, an engaging portion formed on the outer circumference of the rod portion at the lower end thereof for engaging the outer edge of the workpiece, and a nozzle portion for discharging a fluid from the lower surface of the rod portion toward the holding surface to thereby float the workpiece from the holding surface. |
| US10040199B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining work to be picked
Provided is a processing apparatus for determining a work to be picked by a robot from a plurality of works, using an image, captured by an image capture device, of an area on which the plurality of works are placed. The apparatus selects a pickable candidate work based on the image, and determines a picking target work positioned in a partial area assigned with a highest priority among the partial areas where candidate works are respectively positioned. The apparatus selects a next pickable candidate work whose position and orientation have changed within allowable ranges before and after picking, and determines a next picking target work positioned in the partial area assigned with the highest priority among the partial areas where the next pickable candidate works are respectively positioned. |
| US10040198B2 |
Method of processing location information and method of processing measurement information including the same
A method of processing measurement information in which a determined parameter value is determined at each of a plurality of measurement times including determining a predicted parameter value at each of the measurement times, determining an error range at each of the measurement times based on the predicted parameter value, obtaining a measured parameter value at each of the measurement times, and determining the determined parameter value based on the predicted parameter value, the measured parameter value, and the error range. |
| US10040191B2 |
Device for traversing an object
A device for allowing work to be carried out on or about an object includes at least one gripping arrangement. The at least one gripping arrangement is configured to grip and traverse the object so as to reach a desired location on the object and to anchor the device thereto for allowing the work to be carried out. |
| US10040180B2 |
Driving-in device
A device for driving fastening elements into an underlying surface has a mount for a fastening element, having a through-passage for a driving-in element, by which a fastening element in the mount is driven into the underlying surface in a driving-in direction, having a strip lead-through, which defines a strip plane and a transporting direction and is intended for a fastening-element bearing strip core, having a supporting element for supporting the strip and/or a fastening element, and having a supporting spring, wherein the supporting element can be deflected transversely to the driving-in direction, counter to a force of the supporting spring, when a fastening element is moved in the driving-in direction by the driving-in element in order for the fastening element to be separated from the strip. |
| US10040163B2 |
Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus includes a jig unit including a substrate supporting part having a placing surface on which a substrate having a first curvature is placed. The placing surface has a second curvature corresponding to the first curvature and a polishing unit includes at least one polishing part to be rotated to polish a process surface of the substrate. The process surface of the curved substrate may be uniformly polished and foreign substances generated during the polishing process are prevented from entering into the substrate. |
| US10040161B2 |
Gemstone positioning fixture
A gemstone positioning fixture, including a base and a cover plate applied over the base. The cover plate has apertures, one for each gem to be worked on. At least one biasing member is positioned beneath the plate. The biasing member applies an upward force to the gems to contact the cover plate. The plate is formed of materials that conduct electricity, so as to conduct any charged particles away from the gem work surface. |
| US10040152B2 |
Mechanical lock for a work support
A work support includes a mounting plate and a mechanical lock coupled to the mounting plate. The mechanical lock includes a base coupled to the mounting plate and a support pin. The support pin is movably coupled to the base. As such, the support pin can move relative to the base. The work support further includes a locking collar at least partly disposed inside the base. The locking collar surrounds the support pin and includes a first collar portion disposed around the support pin. The first collar portion has an outer tapered surface facing away from the support pin. The locking collar further includes a second collar portion disposed around the support pin. The second collar portion has an inner tapered surface facing toward the support pin and can move relative to the first collar between an unlocked position and a locked position. |
| US10040149B2 |
Assembly, kit and method for securing a covering to an air intake face
An assembly for installing a covering over an air intake opening in engagement with a surrounding perimeter extending face. A plurality of elongated supports attached to the perimeter extending face at locations around the intake opening, each of the supports exhibiting a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured a slot. A plurality of fasteners install through an accessible end location of each support such that a base of each fastener is retained within and traversable along an interior channel defined in said support, a projecting portion of each fastener extending from said base and through said slot. A rigid mesh exhibits a generally rectangular outline which generally matches the arrangement of the elongated supports, an aperture pattern defined in the mesh permitting the projecting portions of the fasteners to extend through the mesh to retain the mesh over the forwardly projecting support surfaces. The covering has a flexible material with perimeter defined apertures for receiving the projecting fastener portions to affix the material against an exterior surface of the mesh in engagement with the perimeter extending supports and to extend over the intake opening. |
| US10040148B1 |
Stone setting machine
A stone setting machine that includes a base structure having a centrally disposed holding aperture, and a holder for a pre-cast setting basket meant to receive a stone. The pre-cast setting basket includes a plurality of prongs meant to be bent to retain the stone. The holder is disposed within the holding aperture. A plurality of slide members are supported over the base structure and meant to bend the prongs. The base structure includes a stationary plate member. A rotatable disc is provided for support by the stationary plate member has a plurality of disc control slots corresponding in number to the number of slide members. A plurality of control pins are received in respective disc control slots and coupled to respective slide members. An actuation mechanism is for controlling the rotatable disc which, in turn, controls the slide members to bend a corresponding respective prong. |
| US10040145B2 |
Spot welding method of high-strength steel sheets excellent in joint strength
When two high-strength steel sheets (1A, 1B) whose sheet thickness ratio={the sum of sheet thicknesses of the steel sheets}/{the sheet thickness of the thinner steel sheet (when they have the same thickness, the sheet thickness per one sheet)} is within a range of not less than 2 nor more than 5 and which both have tensile strength of not less than 780 MPa nor more than 1850 MPa are stacked to be subjected to resistance spot welding, a first welding step being pre-welding with a pressurizing force P1 kN and a welding current I1 kA and a second welding step being main welding with a pressurizing force P2 kN and a welding current I2 kA are performed, the pressurizing forces P1, P2 are set to a fixed pressurizing force P=P1=P2 all through the first welding step and the second welding step and are set within a range expressed by {0.5≤P≤3.0t(1/3)}, where t mm is an average sheet thickness of the steel sheets (1A, 1B), the welding current I1 is set within a range of not less than 30% nor more than 90% of the welding current I2, and the second welding step is started within 0.1 s after the first welding step is finished. |
| US10040141B2 |
Laser controlled internal welding machine for a pipeline
The present invention is directed to a system for welding together segments of a pipeline. The system includes an external alignment mechanism for externally supporting and manipulating the orientation of pipe segments in order to align relative segments. The system also includes an internal welding mechanism for applying a weld to an interior face joint of the two abutted pipe segments. The internal welding mechanism including a torch for applying a weld, a laser for tracking the weld profile and guiding an articulating head of the torch, and a camera for visually inspecting the weld after the weld is applied. |
| US10040139B2 |
Wire electric discharge machine performing turning tool machining, turning tool machining method with wire electric discharge machine, and program creation apparatus for wire electric discharge machine that performs turning tool machining
A measurement program for sequentially measuring measurement points, which are to be measured with a touch sensor, is created on the basis of a machining program, which is read in, for machining a turning tool. Then, the rake face height is measured on each of the measurement points and the measurement data is stored. Subsequently, a calculation method of a correction amount is selected so as to calculate the correction amount, and whether or not the calculated correction amount is smaller than a regulation value is determined. The machining program is modified on the basis of the correction amount when the correction amount is not smaller than the regulation value, while the machining program is modified on the basis of the correction amount in accordance with the selected method when the correction amount is smaller than the regulation value. |
| US10040138B2 |
Cutting insert for machining
A cutting insert for machining has a substantially cylindrical main body with an axis, a lateral flank and opposing rake faces. Cutting edges are formed at the intersection of the flank and rake faces. The cutting edges have, in the direction of the axis, in each case at least two convexly curved sections which are connected together by concavely curved or substantially straight sections. |
| US10040137B2 |
Compound fillet radii cutter
A compound fillet radii cutter may have a shaft having a cylindrical member, frustoconical cutting surface, a small radius cutting surface having an arc length of a first circle, and a large radius cutting surface having an arc length of a second circle. The frustoconical cutting surface may be disposed between the cylindrical member and the small radius cutting surface. The small radius cutting surface may be disposed between the frustoconical cutting surface and the large radius cutting surface, and a juncture of the large radius cutting surface and the small radius cutting surface may form a tangential union. In this manner, a single cutter may cut radii of various sizes or cut compound radii. |
| US10040130B2 |
Steering spindle repair kit and associated apparatus and methods
A spindle repair kit including a pair of alignment mandrels positionable in a respective spindle bore of a steering spindle. An alignment rod is operative to retain the mandrels in their respective spindle bores. The kit can also include a first clamp member and a second clamp member, each being positionable between the spindle bores. The kit includes a drill fixture including a drill mounting surface and a bearing fixture including a bearing aperture sized to receive the alignment rod. Fasteners clamp the drill fixture and first clamp member to the first spindle bore and clamp the bearing holder and second clamp member to the second spindle bore. The kit includes an arbor connectable to a drill and a reamer, wherein the arbor is sized to position the reamer in the first spindle bore. |
| US10040112B2 |
Method for forming press-formed parts with reduced springback
A springback-reduced part formed by performing a springback reduction on a press-formed part that is formed by a press forming of a blank sheet made of a metal sheet. The springback-reduced part is formed by setting each element of an analytic model of the press-formed part to a stressed state that causes a springback, performing an optimization analysis for shape to detect a portion of the press-formed part that highly contributes to the rigidity thereof, applying a rigidity improving means on a specific portion of the press-formed part on the basis of the detected portion, and performing the press forming. |
| US10040109B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing metal sheets from strand-shaped profiles
A method for producing metal sheets from strand-shaped profiles having a low thickness made of magnesium or magnesium alloys, wherein an open or a closed extruded profile is produced in a preceding method step, wherein the extruded profile exiting the extrusion die of an extrusion press is shaped to form a planar metal sheet by the contactless action of electromagnetic forces. |
| US10040105B2 |
In-situ subsurface decontamination of sodic soil, clay and ground water
A method of decontaminating soil and ground water containing organic contaminants and metal compounds. It comprises the steps of first treating such soils and ground water with an effective amount an aqueous solution containing a peroxide and a water soluble chelating agent for a time sufficient to have the water soluble chelating agent chelate at least one of the metals of the metal compounds present in the soil and ground water. Next, the chelated metals are brought into contact with the peroxide to catalytically convert the peroxide to an oxidizing agent and hydroxyl ion. The hydroxyl ion converts the halogenated organic compound into environmentally safe, non-toxic compounds. Gases that are produced from this reaction, and from the oxidation of organic compounds, are used to diffuse solution into the soil to chelate calcium and magnesium, thereby causing the sodium to be dislodged from the soil and reduce sodicity in the soil. |
| US10040096B2 |
Abrasion resistant material tandem welding
A system of coating a component or part of a vehicle, device, or an apparatus with an abrasive resistant material (ARM) in order to increase the component or part's life cycle. A welding system can be used to deposit ARM between a lead electrode and a trail electrode and also deposit ARM behind the trail electrode. The welding system can also be used to deposit ARM that includes a lead electrode depositing the steel material and a trailing electrode that delivers an alloying material. |
| US10040094B2 |
Coating interface
In one example, article comprising a substrate defining an outer surface; a plurality of joint conduits formed in the outer surface of the substrate, wherein each conduit of the plurality of joint conduits exhibits an undercut configuration; and a coating formed on the outer surface of the substrate, wherein the coating substantially fills the plurality of joint conduits formed in the surface of the substrate. |
| US10040093B2 |
Paint edging system and apparatus
A paint edging tool that deliver paint with sharp, clear edges at wall junctions. The paint edging tool includes a base wherein the base may include a handle, at least one wheel, a painting pad, a built-in-deflector, and at least one pad ejector. The handle may be configured to allow rotation between multiple positions. The handle may further include an adapter wherein the adapter is configured to be mounted on the handle, thereby allowing a pivoting motion in relation to the wall. The base may include at least one lobe, wherein the lobe is configured to be located on each side of the base, and is further configured to connect with the at least one wheel. The painting pad may be configured to be notched around the at least one deflector and the at least one wheel in order to allow painting inside a corner area of a wall. |
| US10040090B2 |
Microfluidic delivery system for releasing fluid compositions
A microfluidic fluid delivery device and method. The device includes a reservoir and a transport member. The device includes a microfluidic delivery member including a microfluidic die configured to release a fluid composition from the device. The microfluidic delivery member includes an adapter configured to receive an end portion of the transport member, wherein a capillary passage is formed between the adapter and the transport member. The capillary passage has a largest effective pore size that is smaller than the average effective pore size of the transport member. |
| US10040075B2 |
Method and apparatus for flotation in a fluidized bed
Separation of hydrophobic particles from a mixture of particles in a fluid is performed by providing a fluidized bed as a relatively non-turbulent contacting mechanism in a flotation cell incorporating a settling chamber located immediately above the fluidized bed. Hydrophobic particles attach to bubbles in the fluidized bed and rise to the interface with the settling chamber where non-hydrophobic particles flow over the lip of an internal launder and are removed as tailings at. The hydrophobic particles attached to bubbles float upwardly in the relatively placid settling chamber where unwanted gangue can fall back to interface. The bubbles form a froth layer at the upper surface of the settling chamber, and flow over the launder lip carrying the hydrophobic particles. An operation of the apparatus is kept stable by recirculating fluid from the settling chamber via pip and pump to mix with new feed entering at duct. |
| US10040074B2 |
Microflotation system having an expansion valve assembly and method for operating a microflotation system
A microflotation system comprises a flotation tank with a dispersion water feed line in which an expansion valve arrangement is disposed. An adjusting apparatus is configured to adjust a flow rate of the expansion valve arrangement and an electronic control is connected to the adjusting apparatus. A measuring apparatus is disposed downstream from the expansion valve arrangement for detecting a size distribution of gas bubbles and the electronic control is configured to set the flow rate depending on a size distribution detected with the measuring apparatus. |
| US10040073B2 |
Extraction separation using magnetic beads
A method for purifying a substance in a solution in a simple streamlined process using a magnetic porous particle. For easy small scale purification of a substance, the magnetic porous particle is coated with either a hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquid and transferred into a second liquid containing the substance under conditions which allow said substance to partition into the first liquid within said magnetic porous particle. Finally the magnetic porous particle is removed from said second liquid, wherein the first and second liquid are substantially immiscible and the partition coefficient P of the substance between the first and second liquid is greater than 1. |
| US10040064B1 |
Centrifuge tube assembly
A centrifuge tube assembly which allows for a single centrifuge cycle and which permits the aspiration of fluids from multiple levels with the centrifuge tube assembly. The centrifuge tube assembly includes a vertically disposed outer containment tube having a closed lower end and an open upper end with the open upper end being closed by a cap. An elongated inner tube extends downwardly through the cap and into the interior of the outer containment tube. A generally cone-shaped disk assembly is slidably mounted on the inner tube to create a chamber above the disk assembly. An O-ring is mounted on the lower end of the disk assembly which is in yieldable engagement with the inner tube. A flapper valve is positioned in the upper end of the disk assembly. The flapper valve has a plurality of slits formed therein. |
| US10040062B2 |
Device and method for transferring a target between locations
A device and method are proved for transferring a target from a first location to a second location. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form a target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes transfer surface for receiving the target bound solid phase substrate thereon for transfer. The transfer surface movable between a first position wherein the transfer surface is aligned with the first location and spaced therefrom by a distance and a second position wherein the transfer surface is aligned with the second location. An alignment structure aligns the transfer surface with respect to the second location, with the transfer surface in the second position. A force is movable between an attraction position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are drawn toward the transfer surface and a discharge position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are free of the force. |
| US10040060B2 |
Hollow needle for a sample pipettor
The invention relates to a hollow needle (1) for a sample pipettor in an automated analysis instrument, which sample pipettor is suitable for withdrawing sample liquid from a sealed sample vessel by virtue of the cover or the cap of the sample vessel being pierced by the hollow needle (1). The hollow needle (1) has a substantially straight cylindrical basic shape with a tip (8) for piercing a cover and enables a removal of sample liquid, comparatively less susceptible to errors, from a sample vessel in an automated analysis instrument. In the region of the tip (8) of the hollow needle (1), a number of faces (22, 26, 28, 30) have been introduced in such a way that the radial force components resulting at the respective faces (22, 26, 28, 30) during an axial movement into an elastic material cancel one another. |
| US10040054B2 |
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
A process for the preparation of an F-T catalyst in which the presence of alkaline earth metals is minimized in the support itself and in the processing conditions, in order to provide a catalyst with an alkaline earth metal content of less than 2000 ppm. |
| US10040042B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for dispensing drinks
A container comprising a female coupling configured to receive and establish a friction seal with a male coupling of an external device for inserting or extracting a liquid to or from the container after the friction seal is established between the female and male couplings. |
| US10040038B2 |
Device for mixing at least two constituents
The apparatus (1) is designed to mix at least two ingredients coming from at least two distinct reservoirs (2, 3). It has at least two distinct orifices (6, 7) suitable for being connected to the reservoirs (2, 3), a motor-driven pump (15), a fluid-connection selector (9) including at least one network of through channels (12) suitable for putting at least one of the orifices into communication with the pump (15), the fluid-connection selector (9) being arranged to be movable between a plurality of positions in order to make it possible, selectively and by means of the pump (15), to transfer at least one ingredient from one orifice to the other orifice or towards the pump (15) and to blend the resulting mixture. |
| US10040032B2 |
Complex nanofiltration membrane and the preparation thereof
A complex nanofiltration membrane comprising a substrate and a separating layer, wherein the separating layer is an oxidant-treated, crosslinked network structure formed from a hydroxyl-containing polymer, a thiol-containing silane coupling agent and a crosslinking agent, is disclosed. Also disclosed are a process for preparing the complex nanofiltration membrane and use of the complex nanofiltration membrane in water treatment. |
| US10040010B1 |
Oil filter content retention device
An oil filter retention device comprises a cup and a lid. The cup has an enlarged upper outer rim having an interior threaded portion. The interior wall of the cup also has a plurality of grip enhancing nubs. The lid is fashioned as a curvilinear upper portion and a frustoconical lower portion. A threaded portion circumscribes an exterior side wall the lid at a position between the upper portion and lower portion. The bottom of the lid is open ended. The lid is configured to removably secure to the cup. |
| US10040007B2 |
Filtration system for filtration of solids from a liquid
Filtration systems and methods for removing a filter residue from a filter employed in filtering a liquid (for example, grey water). The filtration system may include a vessel having an inlet through which a liquid can be introduced during use and an outlet through which filtered clean liquid can exit. A filter configured to filter the liquid is disposed within the vessel between the inlet and the outlet. The filtration system may further include at least one transducer disposed on or adjacent to the filter. The at least one transducer may be configured to generate one or more pressure waves effective to dislodge at least some residue materials collected on an upstream side of the filter. |
| US10040004B2 |
Method for mixing industrial waste water within a gravity settling tank
A method for static mixing in a waste water settling tank to increase the percentage of recovery of entrained solids from the waste water comprising a settling tank having a hopper bottom defining a sludge hopper, a deflector dome centrally disposed within the space contained in the hopper bottom, and an inlet pipe for introduction of waste water containing second entrained solids into the settling tank and having a discharge outlet in proximity to the underside of the deflector dome. Influent waste water is directed vertically upward into the center of the deflector dome which distributes the influent radially into contact, preferably turbulent, with previously introduced waste water containing first entrained solids to cause coalescence of the first and second entrained solids to form larger particles having increased settling velocity. |
| US10039998B2 |
Anti-thermosensitization rectification tower and the rectification process thereof for separating thermosensitive natural substances
An anti-thermosensitization rectification tower comprising a rectification tower, a T-shaped condenser, a baffle plate, a tower bottom, a falling-film reboiler and a recirculation system, wherein the T-shaped condenser is secured exactly on the top of the rectification tower without any pipeline in between, and the circular baffle plate is installed in the T-shaped condenser; an annular sump located between the rectification tower and the T-shaped condenser for collecting the liquid condensed in the T-shaped condenser and channeling it out of the rectification tower into a liquid-collecting tank, and a centrifugal pump utilized to connect together the tower bottom and the falling-film reboiler to form a high-speed circulation system, wherein the tower bottom is an elongated conduit and the falling-film reboiler is in the form of a stout shell-and-tube heat exchanger is provided. |
| US10039996B2 |
Methods and systems for heating and manipulating fluids
Systems and methods are provided for heating and manipulating a fluid comprising a closed loop heating assembly thermally coupled to a fluid manipulation assembly. |
| US10039985B2 |
Method for controlling computer, recording medium and computer
Provided is a method for controlling a computer and the like that cause players to effectively use possessed game contents in a game, and increase the attractiveness of the game. The computer includes a storage unit that stores one or more game contents possessed by a player and a game content group, the one or more game contents each having a parameter value, the game content group being composed by using at least one of the one or more game contents, and makes a game proceed based on an instruction from a player. The method includes the steps of modifying the parameter value of a common game content in the game content group possessed by the player and being the same type as the one or more game contents other than the game content group, and processing an event by using the game content group whose parameter value is modified. |
| US10039980B2 |
Video game processing apparatus and video game processing program product
A video game processing apparatus is provided for controlling progress of a video game while displaying a player character on a display screen of a display device provided with a touch panel. The video game processing apparatus is provided with a virtual controller information memory for storing virtual controller information on a virtual controller. The display device is caused to display the virtual controller on the display screen on the basis of the virtual controller information. In a case where an operational input to the virtual controller displayed on the display screen is received, the video game processing apparatus updates a shape of the virtual controller on the basis of the virtual controller information, and controls an action of the player character on the basis of the received operational input. The operational input may include a slide operation and a tap operation, for example. |
| US10039979B2 |
Capturing asynchronous commentary to pre-recorded gameplay
A system and method for saving at least a portion of a game with the comments that were made by one or more spectators to the user's live gaming session. The saved portion of the gaming session can be played back at a later time. One or more play back viewer's comments can be associated to the recorded gaming session. The associated play back viewer's comments can be associated corresponding in time with a timing reference within the game. The play back viewer's comments can include the play back viewer's identification. All of the comments to the user's game play can be filtered and shared according to a friend list or other sharing protocol. |
| US10039978B2 |
Add-on management systems
A computing system is configured to execute a computer program on a server and to provide a video stream of the program output to a geographically remote client over a communication network. An add-on manager is provided to facilitate the use of add-ons to extend the functionality of the computer program. The add-on manager is responsive to commands received from the client and is configured to associate individual add-ons and add-on data with specific user accounts. The add-ons can be located on the server or some other location remote from the client. |
| US10039975B2 |
Techniques for representing imaginary participants in an immersive play environment
An immersive play environment providing techniques for generating an imaginary enemy within the environment is disclosed. A tracker device is provided in the play environment for determining a location of a user. A controller device is provided to generate an invisible interactive object (an “imaginary enemy”), to engage the user during gameplay. The controller device generates tracking information indicating a location of the imaginary enemy. The controller device determines the location of the enemy relative to the location of the user and transmits that information to the tracker device. The tracker device can communicate the location of the imaginary enemy to the user for engagement. |
| US10039958B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball includes plural dimples formed on a surface thereof and plural depressed or protruded portions spaced apart from each other and arranged along an outer periphery of at least one of the plural dimples. The plural depressed or protruded portions each has, as a part of a contour thereof, a shape substantially similar to a part of a contour of the dimple surrounded with the plural depressed or protruded portions. The plural depressed or protruded portions each has a length of more than 1/10 and less than ½ of an outer peripheral length of the dimple surrounded with the plural depressed or protruded portions. |
| US10039955B2 |
Exercise device and method of using same
A device for training purposes or recreational activities using structures having a range of properties. The training device may include a board made of wood (or other material such as metal, rubber, plastic, or a combination thereof) and one or more suspension assemblies coupled to the bottom surface of the board. The assembly is adapted to be coupled to a longitudinal or a lateral slot on the board. The slots allow a user to longitudinally and laterally move the assembly without uncoupling it from the board, thereby allowing the user to easily position and re-position the assembly on the board to change the performance of the training device. Each of the assemblies may include an inflatable base having a polygon or circular shape. The base is for providing a cushioning effect when the board impacts the ground after a user performs an aerial maneuver. |
| US10039946B2 |
Concealed residential sprinkler
A combined trigger and concealing device for an automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a first plate attached to a second plate by a heat fusible material. Each plate is formed with an aperture which receives an actuator depending from the bottom of the sprinkler. The trigger device depends a preselected distance from the bottom of the sprinkler body and includes a cover which has an outer dimension which conceals the internal components of the sprinkler from view. The cover includes openings and is dimensioned and positioned to permit heat energy to be received by the inner and outer surface of the trigger device. Conduction of heat energy from both the inner and outer surface of the trigger device permits the heat fusible material to be expeditiously raised to the preselected separation temperature. This construction minimizes response time of the sprinkler while maintaining a highly aesthetic appearance. |
| US10039943B2 |
Aircraft fire suppression
An aircraft comprises a fuselage having a compartment, and a fire suppression system for delivering fire suppressant to the compartment. The system includes at least one suppressant concentration sensor located in the compartment, a valve for regulating flow of the fire suppressant to the compartment, and a controller, responsive to the sensor, for controlling the valve to maintain fire suppressant concentration within the compartment at a target concentration. |
| US10039941B2 |
Cowl neck barrier gown with attachments
This invention offers a fully protective cowl neck garment with various fasteners designed to attach additional protective gear, such as gloves and shoe coverings. Additionally, a temperature sensor shield is located on the hat and protective mask. This allows the clients or patients the ability to see and to monitor the temperature of their caregivers. The caregiver's temperature is visible on the hat, as well as the face mask. This makes the caregivers accountable to their clients or patients, as well as their colleagues and coworkers. This invention eliminates the worry of contact with infectious diseases or dangerous liquids, by utilizing elastic manual ties and hook-and-loop fasteners to ensure the garment is secured fully on a user's body. Overall, this invention ensures medical professionals, firemen, emergency medical personnel, government workers, and so forth, are protected fully from contagious and infectious diseases, liquids, and so forth. |
| US10039936B2 |
Method and apparatus pertaining to multi-stage radiation-treatment plan optimization
A control circuit employs at least two optimization stages while developing a radiation-treatment plan. During a first optimization stage the control circuit uses a first radiation-treatment plan optimization process that employs user-selected constraints to provide general plan results. During this first optimization stage the control circuit then provides one or more opportunities for a user to modify those user-selected constraints to thereby influence the general plan results. Eventually, this first optimization stage identifies a set of resultant user-selected constraints. During the second optimization stage the control circuit then uses a second radiation-treatment plan optimization process that employs the aforementioned resultant user-selected constraints to provide an optimized radiation-treatment plan. |
| US10039934B2 |
Multi-wavelength interleaved optical stimulation
A method for driving an optical device for optical stimulation. In step (1) upon loading a first image pattern associated with light of a first wavelength into an SLM, the SLM is illuminated with light of the first wavelength for a first time period while the light of the second wavelength is off. In step (2) upon loading a second image pattern associated with light of a second wavelength into the SLM, the SLM is illuminated with light of the second wavelength for a second time period while the light of the first wavelength is off. The steps (1) and (2) are iteratively repeated, in that order, until a predetermined stimulation duration is attained. The first time period and the second time period are both shorter than a response time of a specimen (e.g., neuron(s)) that is being optically stimulated. |
| US10039930B2 |
Method and apparatus for multimodal electrical modulation of pain
Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses separate varying electromagnetic fields, with a variety of temporal and amplitude characteristics, which are applied to a particular neural structure to modulate glial and neuronal interactions as a mechanism for relieving chronic pain. In another embodiment, a single composite modulation/stimulation signal which has rhythmically varying characteristics is used to achieve the same results as separate varying electromagnetic fields. Also, disclosed is an apparatus and method for modulating the expression of genes involved in diverse pathways including inflammatory/immune system mediators, ion channels and neurotransmitters, in both the Spinal Cord (SC) and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) where such expression modulation is caused by spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation using the disclosed apparatus and techniques. In one embodiment of multimodal modulation therapy, the prime signal may be monophasic, or biphasic, in which the polarity of the first phase of the biphasic prime signal may be either cathodic or anodic while the tonic signal may be either monophasic, or biphasic, with the polarity of the first phase of the biphasic tonic signal being either cathodic or anodic. |
| US10039924B2 |
Wireless midfield systems and methods
Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described. |
| US10039921B2 |
Retina prosthesis
The invention provides a retinal prosthetic method and device that mimics the responses of the retina to a broad range of stimuli, including natural stimuli. Ganglion cell firing patterns are generated in response to a stimulus using a set of encoders, interfaces, and transducers, where each transducer targets a single cell or a small number of cells. The conversion occurs on the same time scale as that carried out by the normal retina. In addition, aspects of the invention may be used with robotic or other mechanical devices, where processing of visual information is required. The encoders may be adjusted over time with aging or the progression of a disease. |
| US10039920B1 |
Systems and methods for intravascular catheter positioning and/or nerve stimulation
A method for positioning an intravascular catheter may include inserting the intravascular catheter into a venous system of a patient, wherein the catheter includes a plurality of electrodes, and multiple electrodes of the plurality of electrodes are configured to emit electrical signals; positioning a distal portion of the catheter in a first position; using one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes to acquire an ECG signal; based on the acquired ECG signal, adjusting the distal portion of the catheter to a second position different from the first position; identifying at least one first electrode of the plurality of electrodes to stimulate a first nerve; identifying at least one second electrode of the plurality of electrodes to stimulate a second nerve; and stimulating at least one of the first and second nerves to cause a contraction of a respiratory muscle. |
| US10039918B2 |
Implantable lead having a lumen with a wear-resistant liner
An implantable lead includes a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The lead body includes an insulative member having a lumen extending longitudinally between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The lead body also includes a generally tubular helical liner disposed coaxially with the lumen within the insulative member. A pitch of the helical liner varies along the length of the lead. The implantable lead also includes an electrode disposed along the lead body in the distal end portion thereof, and a conductor disposed within the lumen and electrically coupled to the electrode. A terminal connector is coupled to the proximal end portion of the lead body and to the conductor. |
| US10039917B2 |
Adjustable nerve electrode
Example adjustable electrodes are described. One example adjustable electrode includes two or more contacts configured to selectively deliver high frequency alternating current (HFAC) to a nerve in an amount sufficient to produce an HFAC nerve conduction block in the nerve. The example adjustable electrode may also include a logic configured to selectively control which of the two or more contacts deliver HFAC to the nerve to control whether the nerve electrode is in a first (e.g., onset response mitigating) configuration or in a second (e.g., HFAC nerve conduction block maintenance) configuration. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications, and nerve stimulation applications. The electrode may be adjusted by changing attributes including, but not limited to, the number, length, orientation, distance between, surface area, and distance from a nerve of contacts to be used to deliver the HFAC. |
| US10039914B2 |
Connector for transferring fluid
A connector for transferring fluid, the connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be fluidly coupled together at an internal chamber with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the second port. The connector can have ribs extending along the internal chamber to provide a fluid path around the valve element and between the first port and the internal chamber. The valve element can separate the internal chamber into an air chamber and a liquid chamber, and the third port can be continuously coupled to the liquid chamber regardless of a position of the valve element. |
| US10039905B1 |
Systems for deploying an expandable cardiac shunt
Disclosed are cardiac shunts and method of delivery, and in particular, to a shunt to reduce elevated left atrial pressure (LAP). The methods include forming a puncture hole between the left atrium and the coronary sinus, widening the puncture hole, and placing an expandable shunt within the widened puncture hole. A first catheter having a side-extending needle may be used to form a puncture into the left atrium. A second catheter extends along a guidewire and an expandable shunt with distal and proximal flanges is expelled therefrom into the puncture. The shunt defines a blood flow passage therethrough that permits shunting of blood from the left atrium to the coronary sinus when the LAP is elevated. The shunt is desirable formed of a super-elastic material and manipulated with control rods. The shunt defines a tilted flow tube that facilitates collapse into the catheter. |
| US10039901B2 |
Method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension through percutaneous ultrasound renal denervation
Apparatus and methods for deactivating renal nerves extending along a renal artery of a mammalian subject to treat hypertension and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (30) is inserted into the renal artery (10) as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (18) bearing the transducer into the renal artery. The ultrasonic transducer emits unfocused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout a relatively large impact volume (11) as, for example, at least about 0.5 cm3 encompassing the renal artery to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual renal nerves. |
| US10039899B2 |
Multiple lumen catheters
A catheter includes an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a tip having a proximal portion coupled to a distal portion of the elongate body along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The elongate body and tip together define a first lumen and a second lumen. The elongate body further defines a third lumen extending distally to a body opening defined by the elongate body and in fluid communication with the third lumen. A cross-sectional area, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, of at least one of the first and second lumens increases from a point proximal to the body opening to a point distal to the body opening. |
| US10039898B2 |
Catheter sheath introducer with directional retention damper
A catheter sheath introducer comprises a hub and a tubular sheath having an inner lining with one or more dampers to improve retention of medical devices received or passed through the sheath without significantly increasing the force required to advance the medical device through the sheath. The dampers are made of a friction inducing material, for example, rubber-based materials, and configured as fingers, bumps or flaps that are unidirectional by means of an asymmetrical shape relative to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. |
| US10039897B2 |
Retention apparatus
In various examples, an apparatus includes a tray including a channel configured to hold a therapy delivery element at least partially within the channel. A retention clip is sized and shaped to fit within a portion of the channel. The retention clip is configured to releasably retain the therapy delivery element within the retention clip. |
| US10039896B2 |
Deployment mechanism for body vessel insertion devices
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a microcatheter comprising a deployment element disposed about around at least a portion of an exterior of a distal end of the microcatheter, the deployment element configured for repeatedly expanding and collapsing, the distal end arranged to allow forward or reverse axial displacement while the deployment element maintains a position, the deployment element arranged for positioning the microcatheter distal end approximately in the middle of a vessel. A method of traversing tortuous vessels using the microcatheter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, is also described. |
| US10039894B2 |
Headgear assembly for breathing interface
An interface and headgear assembly includes a headgear assembly. The headgear assembly has a first strap configured to connect to the interface. A crown strap can be adjusted along a length of the first strap. In some configurations, the crown strap has a first portion and a second portion that are adjustably connected. The crown strap can be removably connected to the first strap using bridge regions of the first portion and the second portion. |
| US10039892B2 |
Pediatric induction of anesthesia
Disclosed is a mask-free system and method for inducing anesthesia in a pediatric patient. In a preferred embodiment, calming and then anesthetic gases are administered through a mouthpiece with a distraction device, such as an inflatable bag or balloon or an audible siren whistle. This system avoids the anxieties and trauma of the pediatric patient and their parents that have been associated with mask-based induction methods. |
| US10039879B2 |
Infusion system with dual-chambered reservoir
Described herein are medical fluid infusion systems for pumping a fluid to a patient, such as in a hospital environment. In one aspect, disclosed is an infusion system including a drive assembly having a drive fluid reservoir and a drive mechanism configured to apply a force to drive fluid from the drive fluid reservoir through a length of tubing. The infusion system includes a hydraulic assembly having a first fluid chamber having an inlet port configured to be in fluid communication with the length of tubing and a second fluid chamber having an outlet port configured to be in fluid communication with a patient extension set and a flexible movable divider sealing the first fluid chamber from the second fluid chamber. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US10039873B2 |
Catheter-based heart support system and method of implanting thereof
A circulatory support device for an in-vivo heard includes a pump-holder that is placed in an outflow tract of the heart. The pump-holder includes an anchor that is placed in the subcommissural triangles underneath the aortic valve or the pulmonary valve of the heart in a blood flow direction. The device also includes a pump that is placed in the pump-holder. The pump may be placed in the pump holder after the pump-holder is placed in the subcommissural triangles. Once in place, the circulatory support device does not extend through the aortic valve or the pulmonary valve. |
| US10039869B2 |
Portable suction device
A portable suction device comprising: a gas inlet for receiving pressurized gas from an enclosed source; a gas flow path that extends from the gas inlet to an exhaust; a suction generator that has a suction inlet, the gas flow path extending through the suction generator, such that gas flow through the flow path generates a low pressure at the suction inlet; a collection container with a collection inlet and an outlet that is coupled to the suction inlet; a suction tube that has proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being connected to the collection inlet of the collection container; a valve for controlling gas flow through the flow path, the valve having a stem that is configured to pierce the source with movement of the valve from a closed position. |
| US10039864B2 |
Oligofluorinated cross-linked polymers and uses thereof
The invention features oligofluorinated cross-linked polymers and their use in the manufacture of articles and coating surfaces. |
| US10039858B2 |
Biodegradable poly(ester amide) elastomers and uses therefor
Provided herein are biodegradable poly(ester amide) elastomers, methods of making the elastomers, and methods of using the elastomers, for example for tissue engineering. The elastomers can be used for preparation of tissue prostheses, such as a heart valve leaflet, a heart valve, cartilage, myocardium, blood vessels, smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, or other tissues. Also provided herein are semiquantitative FTIR methods for determining structure of a poly(ester amide) elastomer. |
| US10039855B2 |
Elastic fiber containing an anti-tack additive
Embodiments of the disclosure include elastomeric stretch fibers containing an anti-tack agent, methods of preparing the fiber, methods of using this fiber, articles including this fiber, and the like. |
| US10039833B2 |
Drug delivery system to increase bioavailability
Drug delivery systems and compositions, comprising a glidant, that increase the bioavailability of biopharmaceutic class II, III, or IV active agents, and methods of making the same, are provided. |
| US10039831B2 |
Polymer hydrogels for in vivo applications and methods for using and preparing same
Compositions and methods are described for a polymer hydrogel created by a cycloaddition reaction between an azide and an alkyne that proceeds rapidly without catalyst to produce the polymer hydrogel in less than ninety seconds. The polymer hydrogel can be used in in vivo applications for the localized delivery of therapeutic agent in aqueous solutions. An example of therapeutic delivery of a protein in a mouse model is demonstrated. |
| US10039829B2 |
Nanoparticles of indirubin, derivatives thereof and methods of making and using same
The disclosure provides nanoparticles of indirubin and methods of making and using these particles for the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and inflammatory diseases. The effective average particle size of the nanoparticles is less than 2000 nm. |
| US10039825B2 |
Combination therapy with CD4 lymphocyte depletion and MTOR inhibitors
The invention provides methods for treating a malignant neoplastic cell proliferative disorder or disease, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor and an effective amount of a CD4 lymphocyte depleting agent. Such methods find utility in the treatment of certain subsets of malignant neoplastic cell proliferative disorders or diseases, e.g. renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor and an effective amount of a CD4 lymphocyte depleting agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US10039822B2 |
Method for providing polymeric synthetic nanocarriers for generating antigen-specific tolerance immune responses
Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions that provide controlled release of immunosuppressants as well as related methods. The synthetic nanocarrier compositions may also include antigen in some embodiments. |
| US10039819B2 |
Attenuated Mannheimia haemolytica strains
The present invention provides attenuated M haemolitica strains that elicit an immune response in animal against M haemolitica, compositions comprising said strains, methods of vaccination against M haemolitica, and kits for use with such methods and compositions. The invention further provides multi-valent vaccines, which provide protective immunity when administered in an effective amount to animals susceptible to “shipping fever” or bovine respiratory disease. |
| US10039810B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for fabrication of solid masses comprising anti-interleukin antibodies
Embodiments of the invention provide shaped masses comprising one or more drugs such as proteins or polypeptides and methods for forming such shaped masses. One embodiment provides a shaped mass comprising a drug such as a protein or polypeptide having a biological activity in the body of a mammal. The shaped mass is formed by compression of a precursor material comprising the drug wherein an amount of biologically active drug in the mass is a preserved above a minimum level. Drugs which may be incorporated into the shaped mass may include one or more glucose regulating proteins such as insulin, incretins; and immunoglobulins such as TNF-inhibiting antibodies or interleukin neutralizing antibodies. Embodiments of the shaped mass may be incorporated into a tissue penetrating member which is inserted into the intestinal wall allowing for the oral delivery of proteins and peptides which would otherwise be degraded in the intestinal tract. |
| US10039801B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions of water soluble peptides with poor solubility in isotonic conditions and methods for their use
The present invention provides compositions comprising water soluble peptides with poor solubility in isotonic solutions which exhibit enhanced bioavailability with reduced adverse effects including injection site reactions. Methods are also disclosed for using such compositions for the treatment of diseases including, but not limited to, cancer, type 2 diabetes, acromegaly, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, exocrine tumors, and hormone-related tumors. Methods to reduce adverse injection site reactions and improve bioavailability are also disclosed. |
| US10039796B2 |
Mutant herpes simplex virus-2 for cancer therapy
The present invention is directed to the composition and use of a modified Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) as a medicament in the treatment of cancer. The modified HSV-2 has fusogenic activity, and comprises a modified/mutated ICP10 polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having ribonucleotide reductase activity and lacking protein kinase activity. |
| US10039795B2 |
Codon optimized recombinant phage and methods of using same
Composition and methods for the detection of one or more target microbe(s) are provided. Compositions of the disclosure include at least one recombinant phage capable of infecting a target microbe, said phage comprising at least a capsid protein sequence, a ribosome binding site, and a codon-optimized marker. Compositions of the disclosure may further include an aqueous solution that enhances the ability to detect marker expression upon phage infection of the target microbe. In some embodiments the target microbe include is Listeria. |
| US10039791B2 |
Pigmentable epidermis equivalent prepared from matrix cells and methods for the production thereof
Epidermis equivalents capable of pigmentation include cells derived from the differentiation of matrix cells; reconstructed skins comprised thereof, optionally containing hair follicles, are useful for evaluating the effect of topical cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological products and may also be used for the preparation of grafts suited to be transplanted on mammals, more particularly on human patients such as victims of third-degree burns. |
| US10039789B2 |
Compositions and methods for cell transplantation
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cell transplantation. In particular, the present invention provides a composition comprising procoagulant cells and at least one antithrombin activator, preferably unfractionated heparin, as well as at least one thrombin inhibitor, preferably bivalirudin. |
| US10039782B2 |
Onychomycosis treatment apparatus and method
A system and method includes delivery of a redox gas solution to treat onychomycosis, wherein the redox gas solution comprises a reactive species dissolved in a perfluorocarbon liquid, and wherein the reactive species may include, alone or in combination, one or more of reactive oxygen, reactive nitrogen, reactive chlorine, or reactive bromine species, and the perfluorocarbon liquid may include perfluorodecalin. |
| US10039778B2 |
Substituted-6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3-diol compounds as targeting agents of ASGPR
Compounds of Formula (A) are described herein and the uses thereof for the treatment of diseases, conditions and/or disorders mediated by pharmaceutical compositions and the uses thereof as asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) targeting agents. |
| US10039774B2 |
Neridronic acid for treating complex regional pain syndrome
Osteoclast inhibitors, such as neridronic acid, in an acid or a salt form can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome. |
| US10039772B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating alcohol use disorders
Disclosed are methods and compositions for treating alcohol dependence by administration to a patient of an inhibitor of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD) to modulate glucocorticoid effects. One such compound is the 11β-HSD inhibitor carbenoxolone (18β-glycyrrhetinic acid 3β-O-hemisuccinate), which has been extensively employed in the clinic for the treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcer. Carbenoxolone is active on both 11β-HSD1 and 2 isoforms. Here, carbenoxolone is surprisingly shown to reduce both baseline and excessive drinking in rats and mice. The carbenoxolone diastereomer 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid 3β-O-hemisuccinate (αCBX), which the applicants discovered to be selective for 11β-HSD2, was also effective in reducing alcohol drinking in mice. Thus, 11β-HSD inhibitors are a new class of candidate alcohol abuse medications and existing 11β-HSD inhibitor drugs may be re-purposed for alcohol abuse treatment. |
| US10039770B2 |
Prostaglandin F2Alpha and analogues thereof for treating atrophic cutaneous scarring
A method of treating atrophic cutaneous scarring in humans is claimed. The method involves the topical application of a therapeutic amount of prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF 2α) or a PGF 2α analog directly to the area of atrophic scarring. |
| US10039766B2 |
Crystalline forms of (s)-4-amino-n-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-1-(7h-pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidin-4-y1) piperidine-4-carboxamide
The present invention discloses certain new solid state forms of (S)-4-amino-N-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl)-1-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide, processes for preparing such forms, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and the use of such forms in therapy. |
| US10039761B2 |
Co-crystals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same
The present invention relates to compositions and co-crystals each comprising a compound of formula I having the structure: wherein each of R1 and R2 is H or 2H and a co-crystal former selected from adipic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, or benzoic acid. Also within the scope of this invention are methods of making and using the same. |
| US10039758B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting bacterial and viral pathogens
Compositions and methods including Amodiaquine (AQ) or N-Desethy Amodiaquine (DEAQ) are provided for treating, inhibiting, or preventing cathepsin B dependent pathogens and toxins in a host cell or infected subject. Compositions and methods also include AQ or DEAQ in combination with an antibiotic for more effective clearance of the pathogen and/or toxins. |
| US10039757B2 |
C-Met modulator pharmaceutical compositions
Pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms comprising Compound I are disclosed. |
| US10039754B2 |
Anti-viral compounds
Compounds effective in inhibiting replication of Hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) are described. This invention also relates to processes of making such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HCV infection. |
| US10039747B2 |
Tetrahydrocyclopentapyrrole derivatives and a method for preparing the same
The present invention provides tetrahydrocyclopentapyrrole derivatives that can be used for preventing or treating peptic ulcer, gastritis or reflux esophagitis, a method for preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. |
| US10039746B2 |
1-aryl-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes: preparation and use to treat neuropsychiatric disorders
The invention provides novel, multiply-substituted 1-aryl-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes, and related processes and intermediates for preparing these compounds, as well as compositions and methods employing these compounds for the treatment and/or prevention of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including depression and anxiety. |
| US10039740B2 |
Therapeutic combinations of sesquiterpenes and flavonoids
Provided is a pharmaceutical formulation and a method associated therewith for treating inflammation. The pharmaceutical formulation includes therapeutically effective amounts of sesquiterpenes such as β-caryophyllene and two flavonoids. The two flavonoids include baicalin and catechin. |
| US10039733B2 |
Compositions, method, and kits for treating pulmonary conditions
Compositions, methods, and kits useful for treating pulmonary conditions are provided herein. Such compositions can contain synergizing amounts of a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, such as a methylxanthine, in combination with leucine and/or a leucine metabolite, and resveratrol. |
| US10039731B2 |
Treatment of cancer with specific RXR agonists
A method of treating cancer is disclosed comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a RXR agonist at a level below the RAR activating threshold and at or above the RXR effective dose. |
| US10039729B2 |
Use of kukoamine A and kukoamine B
The use of Kukoamine A and Kukoamine B in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of sepsis and autoimmune disease is disclosed. Bacterial endotoxin/lipopolysaccaride (LPS) and unmethylated DNA (CpG DNA) of bacteria, the major pathogen-associated molecular patterns in sepsis and autoimmune disease, are specifically targeted, while the disclosed use directionally isolates lead compounds from traditional Chinese medicine. These measures can overcome the major defects of uncertainty of pharmacological material basis and drug targets of extracts and constituents of traditional Chinese medicine. The disclosed use can help in developing a safe, effective and quality controllable drug for prevention and treatment of sepsis and autoimmune disease so as to help solve the present lack of effective drugs in clinical treatment. |
| US10039727B2 |
Adamantane or pinene derivatives for use in the treatment of chlamydiales infections
The present invention relates to a method for treating a Chlamydiales infection comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) to a subject in need thereof: W-L1-NH-L2-Ar (I) Wherein W, L1, L2 and Ar are as defined in claim 1. |
| US10039714B2 |
Imino compounds for amphoteric liposomes and uses thereof
The invention concerns lipid assemblies, liposomes having an outer surface comprising a mixture of anionic and cationic moieties; wherein at least a portion of the cationic moieties are imino moieties that are essentially charged under physiological conditions, and their use for serum resistant transfection of cells. |
| US10039712B2 |
Racecadotril lipid compositions
The present invention is drawn to a pharmaceutical composition comprising racecadotril, at least one surfactant and a lipid. The pharmaceutical composition is useful in treating diarrhea. |
| US10039703B2 |
Composition comprising resveratrol and melatonin for reducing hair loss and/or increasing hair regrowth
The invention relates to a composition comprising 0.01% to 15% resveratrol and 0.01% to 15% of melatonin. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 5% resveratrol and 0.1% melatonin. The invention also relates to the use of the said composition to reduce hair loss and/or increase regrowth of hair in a human subject. |
| US10039694B2 |
Disposable vial holder and method to prevent needle stick injuries
A vial holder is provided to protect a user's hand from needle sticks. The holder includes a handle and a shield attached to a distal end of the handle. An opening is formed in the distal end of the handle to receive a vial. The vial is placed through the opening and into a passageway of the handle with the upper end of the vial exposed. A user grasps the handle which holds the vial in a stabilized manner. A needle may then safely approach the vial in which inadvertent slippage or movement of the needle results in contact with the needle against the shield and not contact with the user's hand. |
| US10039693B1 |
Acupressure apparatus
An acupressure apparatus including a manually adjustable head strap, with a flexible material, extending around the circumference of a user's head, and which can be manually adjusted using any of the following: a hook segment; a loop segment; a button; a buttonhole; a snap; and a snap receptacle. The acupressure apparatus includes a rigid protrusion with a rigid material formed into an essentially domed shape. The protrusion can be affixed to a point of the head strap such that the dome faces the user's glabella. When the user manually adjusts the length of the head strap, the rigid protrusion applies pressure on the user's glabella. |
| US10039688B1 |
Walker glide
A walker glide is provided. The walker glide has a base configured to support the walker and glide along a floor or other surface that the walker is being used on. A shaft extends from the base and comprises the attaching structure to connect the glide to a leg of the walker. The shaft includes two fingers which extend into the leg of the walker and are flexible towards each other. A protrusion extends from outer faces of each finger. The protrusion is configured to mate with an aperture in each side of the leg, thereby removably securing the glide in place. |
| US10039686B2 |
Therapy device
This invention provides neck traction devices wherein a resilient folded biasing body provides a traction force between a shoulder contacting side of the fold and paired head contacting regions. In use, a neck traction is developed when the folded device is applied to a patient with the respective shoulder and head regions contacting the patient's shoulder and head. |
| US10039679B2 |
Operating unit for a medical apparatus
This disclosure provides operating units for a medical apparatus having a driven movable element comprising a fixing device for being fixed to the movable element, an actuating element, a signal processing device, at least one actuation sensor for detecting an actuation of the actuating element in at least one predetermined actuation axis (B1−−B1+, B2−−B2+), wherein the actuation sensor is adapted to supply an actuation signal depending on a direction of actuation (B1−, B1+, B2−, B2+) in the actuation axis (B1−−B1+, B2−−B2+) to the signal processing device and at least one direction sensor for outputting a direction signal. The signal processing device is adapted to align an actuation coordinate system according to the direction signal such that the direction of movement is equal to the direction of actuation (B1−−B1+, B2−−B2+), and to supply a control signal according to the actuation signal in the aligned actuation coordinate system to a control device of the medical apparatus. |
| US10039675B1 |
Retaining device for retaining small-sized detective sensor
A retaining device for retaining a small-sized detective sensor includes a flexible rubber body. The flexible rubber body includes a first retaining portion, a first connecting portion, a main body portion, a second connecting portion, and a second retaining portion which are connected in sequence. An inner side of the first retaining portion and an inner side of the second retaining portion are provided with primary Velcro retaining straps. An inner side of the main body portion is formed with a recess for installing the small-sized detective sensor. |
| US10039664B2 |
Overmolding for an orthopedic walking boot
A method of manufacturing an orthopedic walking boot, comprising providing a base configured to support a user's foot and receive a support assembly configured to support the user's lower leg; and overmolding an outer sole to the base. |
| US10039660B2 |
Space-filling device
A medical device includes a vessel member, a port that couples a compartment interior of the vessel member to a region exterior of the vessel member, and a tubular member that defines a lumen. A distal end of the tubular member is attached to an internal surface of the vessel member within the compartment so that a portion of the internal surface of the vessel member provides a seal at a distal end of the lumen. The tubular member passes through the port, and the proximal end of the tubular member is configured to remain exterior of the compartment. A delivery of a sufficient amount of a filling material into the lumen of the tubular member causes a length of the tubular member to pass through the port and into the vessel compartment. |
| US10039656B2 |
Coupled scaffold segments
A scaffold is formed by several segments joined or connected to each other by only at least one coupling. The coupling decouples the segments in the axial direction over a finite distance of axial displacement. The scaffold when implanted in a peripheral vessel reduces loading on rings of a segment due to the decoupling of the segments in the axial direction over the finite distance. |
| US10039650B2 |
Expandable fusion cage system
An expandable fusion cage system includes an expandable fusion cage having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hinge portion coupling the lower portion and the upper portion at their distal ends. Positioned between the upper and lower portions is an expansion element that when moved in the proximal direction causes the cage to expand at its proximal end. The system can also include inserter instruments, expandable distraction instruments, and bone funnels. |
| US10039649B2 |
Composite spinal facet implant with textured surfaces
Implementations described and claimed herein provide a distal leading portion of a composite spinal implant for implantation in a spinal facet joint. In one implementation, the distal leading portion includes a distal leading end, a proximal trailing end, a first face, and a second face. The distal leading end has a distal surface generally opposite a proximal surface of the proximal trailing end. The first face has a first surface that is generally parallel with a second surface of the second face. The first and second faces extend between the distal leading end and the proximal trailing end, such that the first and second surfaces slope upwardly from the distal lead end to the proximal trailing end along a length of extending proximally. The first and second surfaces having one or more textured features adapted to provide friction with the spinal facet joint. |
| US10039646B2 |
Laminoplasty implant, method and instrumentation
In one embodiment, the present invention is a laminal implant including: a first body including a first flange adapted to engage a first lamina end, a tab and a receiving channel; and a second body including a second flange adapted to engage a second lamina end, and a plurality of teeth adapted to engage the tab, at least a portion of the second body adapted to be positioned within the receiving channel, the first and second bodies adapted to slideably engage one another. |
| US10039643B2 |
Multiple anchoring-point tension system
A method is provided that includes implanting (a) a first venous tissue anchor in a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava, or a coronary sinus, (b) exactly two atrial tissue anchors, which consist of second and third atrial tissue anchors, at respective different atrial sites, each of which sites is selected from: an annulus of a tricuspid valve, and a wall of a right atrium of a heart above the annulus, and (c) a pulley system, which includes (i) a pulley, which is connected to the second atrial tissue anchor, and (ii) a tether, which (A) is connected to the first venous tissue anchor and the third atrial tissue anchor, (B) is moveable through the pulley, and (C) has a length, measured between the first venous and the third atrial tissue anchors, of at least 30 mm. A size of a tricuspid orifice is reduced by tensioning the tether. |
| US10039642B2 |
System for loading a collapsible heart valve
An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device. |
| US10039640B2 |
Prosthetic valve and method of making a prosthetic valve
The invention relates to a prosthetic valve comprising a leaflet assembly having at least one leaflet (3) attached to a supporting element (2), which leaflet has a free margin that can move between a first position wherein the free margin is flexed away from a closure surface (700) to allow body fluid to flow through the valve, and a second position wherein the free margin abuts the closure surface to close the valve, and wherein the leaflet, without pulsatile load on the valve, can form a coaptation height H of more than 0.1 mm along the length of the free margin. Such prosthetic valve provides good performance during prolonged time, and can be made using various materials for the leaflets. The invention also relates to a leaflet assembly for use in a prosthetic valve, and to methods of making the prosthetic valve, including making the leaflet assembly. |
| US10039629B2 |
Implants, tools, and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions
Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant. |
| US10039621B2 |
Autografting osteotome
A fluted osteotome is rotated in one direction to enlarge an osteotomy by burnishing, and by cutting/drilling when turned in an opposite direction. A conic-ally tapered body has an apical end with lips. The lips are set to grind bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cut bone when toned in the cutting/drilling direction. Helical flutes and interposed lands are disposed about the body. The flutes each have a working edge that burnishes bone when rotated in the burnishing direction and cuts bone when turned in the cutting/drilling direction. The lips and lands generate an opposing axial reaction force that improves surgical control. The osteotome auto-grafts bone by reapplying ground particles in a compacted manner along the entire depth of the osteotomy, particularly at the bottom. |
| US10039616B2 |
Orthodontic bracket
An orthodontic bracket consisting of two-components that are engaged and locked together to form the bracket assembly where the tooth component of the orthodontic bracket is semi-permanently glued to the tooth surface and the wire component of the orthodontic bracket is securely attached to the wire. When the wire component and the tooth component of the bracket assembly are engaged, the orthodontic wire that passes through the wire component of the bracket is deflected as a result; the alignment of the teeth occurs due to the elastic recoil of the orthodontic wire. The wire component of the bracket is completely detachable and re-attachable to the tooth component of the bracket. |
| US10039615B2 |
Method for planning a root treatment of a patient
A method for planning a root canal treatment of a tooth which includes a cavity of a patient. The method includes measuring a surface of the cavity with an optical three-dimensional method to generate three-dimensional measurement data of the cavity. A 3D-model of a guide template is planned based on the generated three-dimensional measurement data. The 3-D model is designed in its dimensions as a counterpart to the cavity. Three-dimensional volume data of the tooth is displayed. A position and an orientation of a root canal of the tooth is determined based on the three-dimensional volume data of the tooth. A guide opening for a tool is planned to expose the root canal. The guide opening is arranged within the guide template so that the guide opening points at an entry point of the root canal and in an entry direction of the root canal. |
| US10039613B2 |
Method for localizing an imaging device with a surgical navigation system
The position of an imaging device can be determined at least in part with a movement portion of the imaging device. The imaging device can be moved relative to the patient to obtain image data of the patient at different perspectives or angles. The image data obtained of the patient can be displayed with a display device at various perspectives and a tracked position of the instrument can be displayed at the appropriate perspective or a selected perspective relative to the image data with the display device based upon a known position of the imaging device. |
| US10039607B2 |
Disposable and radiolucent reference array for optical tracking
A reference foil comprises an unsymmetric marker foil device which advantageously includes spatially separated pieces of a marker material foil in unsymmetric arrangement and/or at least one unsymmetric integral piece of the marker material foil. The reference foil and a carrier device for the same may be used for example in image-guided surgery. |
| US10039602B2 |
Electrosurgical energy channel splitters and systems for delivering electrosurgical energy
An electrosurgical energy channel splitter apparatus includes a channel input a plurality of channel outputs, and a controller. The channel input is configured to receive electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical energy source. Each channel output is configured to couple to a respective electrosurgical device. The controller is coupled to the channel input and the plurality of channel outputs. The controller is configured to selectively direct the electrosurgical energy from the channel input to one of the plurality of channel outputs. |
| US10039600B2 |
Apparatus and method for skin treatment using pulsed light
An apparatus and method is provided for skin treatment. An apparatus includes an applicator assembly that includes an applicator tip which is configured to apply a normal cyclical mechanical force to a skin surface area of a user and to deliver a skin formulation to a skin surface area of a user. The apparatus further includes an electromagnetic energy assembly that includes at least one electromagnetic energy source adjacent to or within the applicator assembly and is configured to deliver pulses of electromagnetic energy stimulus of a character and for a duration sufficient to penetrate one or more dermal layers within the skin surface area of a use. |
| US10039592B2 |
Deployment mechanisms for surgical instruments
A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, and a deployment mechanism. The energizable member is movable relative to the housing between a storage position and a deployed position. The deployment mechanism includes a first actuator member movable relative to the housing from a first un-actuated position to a first actuated position to move the energizable member from the storage position to the deployed position and a second actuator member movable relative to the housing from a second un-actuated position to a second actuated position to move the energizable member from the deployed position to the storage position. Movement of the first actuator member from the first un-actuated position to the first actuated position effects movement of the second actuator member from the second actuated position to the second un-actuated position and vice versa. |
| US10039589B2 |
Enforcement device for limited usage product
A surgical device employs a longevity circuit for preventing operation after a specified time based on safe use expectations. The surgical device delivers a therapy signal via a handpiece having electrodes in proximity to the surgical site. The therapy signal is a high frequency electrical signal delivered from a generator coupled to the handpiece, and activated by a control signal. A therapy circuit established by coupling the handpiece and generator delivers the therapy signal, and is monitored for activation based on a time since a first activation, a number of activations, or an aggregate time of activated intervals. A usage limit defines the activation lifespan, and is employed for monitoring either the therapy circuit or the control circuit, to determine a usage history. Following expiration of a safe usage limit, a longevity circuit in the handpiece disables the handpiece for successive uses, and is independent of a connection to a particular generator. |
| US10039586B2 |
Ablation probe with deployable sensors
The present disclosure relates to a thermal ablation probe device that integrates deployable sensors with a freezing probe or heating probe for use in ablating tissues. The ablation probe includes a longitudinal body including a thermal ablation energy source which may be, e.g., a cryosource or a heat source. The longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end terminating at a probe tip; and at least one deployable assembly disposed within the longitudinal body. The deployable assembly includes a flexible and substantially rigid deployment member, and at least one sensor affixed to a distal end of the deployment member. The ablation probe further includes a control mechanism for controlling deployment and retraction of the deployable assembly. |
| US10039585B2 |
Methods, materials and apparatus for treating bone and other tissue
A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone. |
| US10039582B2 |
Self centering feature for an intramedullary nail
An intramedullary nail includes a body sized and shaped for insertion into a medullary canal of a bone and extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and a channel extending through the body along the longitudinal axis in combination with a locking hole extending laterally through the body along a central axis and in communication with the channel, the locking hole defined by a first opening extending through a first portion of a wall of the nail and a second opening extending through a second portion of the wall substantially opposing the first portion, the first opening being elongated in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the nail and the second opening including a coupling element configured to lock a portion of a bone fixation element therein. |
| US10039578B2 |
Methods and devices for minimally invasive spinal fixation element placement
Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors. |
| US10039576B2 |
Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine
Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space. |
| US10039567B2 |
Power operated dermatome with shielded rotary knife blade
A combination (2290) of an annular rotary knife blade (2300) and blade housing assembly (2400) for a power operated dermatome (2000). The rotary knife blade includes an inner wall (2310) defining an interior region (2301) and including a lower tissue-directing surface (2370) adjacent a cutting edge (2360) and a radially recessed upper portion (2380). The blade housing assembly includes a blade housing (2410) having a first end (2412) and an axially spaced apart second end (2414) and an inner wall (2416) and a radially spaced apart outer wall (2418). The blade housing includes a blade housing cover (2450) extending from the inner wall into the blade interior region. The blade housing cover includes a shield (2470) extending along the recessed upper portion of the rotary knife blade inner wall and having an inner surface (2472) adjacent and continuing the lower tissue-directing surface of the rotary knife blade inner wall. |
| US10039565B2 |
Fine membrane forceps with integral scraping feature
Membrane forceps for performing an ILM or ERM peel procedure include a handle, a tube extending from the handle, and forceps jaws extending from the tube. The forceps jaws may be configured to grasp an ILM or ERM, and may include an outer surface having a roughened surface. The roughened surface may be structurally configured to aid in gaining an edge of the ILM or ERM. |
| US10039564B2 |
Surgical devices having power-assisted jaw closure and methods for compressing and sensing tissue
Surgical devices are provided having power-assisted or fully powered 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. A motor and one or more compression springs can be operatively coupled, and activation of the motor can compress the spring(s) to reduce the amount of user supplied force to compress tissue between the jaws. In some embodiments, the devices can be configured to regulate an amount of compression applied by the jaws prior to, during, and/or after cutting of the tissue to promote hemostasis. For example, the devices can include sensors, processors, and/or other components that analyze data indicative of tissue type and tissue load. Based on this feedback, the device can automatically adjust the amount of compression or energy applied to the tissue to seal the tissue. |
| US10039563B2 |
Suturer
A suturer may include a base mechanism. The base mechanism may include a first arm having a first driving member. The base mechanism may include a second arm having a second driving member. The suturer may be configured to selectively pass a needle from an enclosed position within the first arm to an enclosed position within the second arm. |
| US10039558B2 |
Arthroplasty jig and method of performing arthroplasty
A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of bone surface locations using the CT image data. A mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the bone surface coordinates at the selected bone splice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a cutting jig and an implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated processing. At this point, the patient is cut open (once), the cutting jig and a cutting instrument are used to remove a selected portion of the bone and to provide an exposed planar surface, the implant device is optionally secured to and aligned with the remainder of the bone, and the patient's incision is promptly repaired. |
| US10039557B2 |
Orthopedic surgical guide
A system for establishing an intramedullary path includes a body sized and configured to be received within a resected bone space. The body defines a first aperture that extends through the body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical tool therethrough. A first bone engaging structure extends from the body in a first direction and includes a first surface that is complementary to a surface topography of a first bone. When the first surface of the bone engaging structure engages the surface topography of the first bone to which the first surface is complementary, an axis defined by the first aperture is substantially collinear with a mechanical axis of the first bone. |
| US10039545B2 |
Double fire stapling
A tool assembly for a surgical stapling instrument includes anvil and cartridge assemblies movable between open and closed positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body defining a tissue contact surface and rows of staples. The cartridge body defines a first firing channel associated with a first row of staples and a second firing channel associated with a second row of staples. A firing cam is positioned within the first firing channel and translates therethrough during a first axial translation to fire the first row of staples. The first firing cam is biased to move into the second firing channel upon retraction after the first axial translation such that the first firing cam translates through the second firing channel upon a second axial translation to fire the second row of staples. |
| US10039544B2 |
Fasteners and fastener delivery devices for affixing sheet-like materials to bone or tissue
A fastener for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone. The fastener includes a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a bridge extending therebetween. Each of the first and second arms include a trunk portion defining at least a portion thereof, the trunk portion having a cavity therein and an aperture through a wall thereof. A claw is disposed in the cavity which is moveable from a first delivery position to a second deployed position. A pull member engages each claw to move the claw from the delivery position to the deployed position. |
| US10039541B2 |
Retractor
The present invention is a retractor for displacing an organ within the body cavity or the inner wall of a hollow organ, the retractor being provided with: a housing tube; an expansion body which can be housed into and extend from the housing tube; and a grip connected to the proximal ends of the housing tube and the expansion body. The expansion body is provided with: a displacing part configured from a movable wire and multiple fixed wires disposed in the periphery of the moveable wire; and an introduction tube which is disposed along the displacing part and through which the movable wire penetrates. Moreover, when the expansion body is expanded, the displacement part is designed so that, from among the expansion angles formed by two adjacent fixed wires, one expansion angle (θ2) becomes larger than the other expansion angle (θ1). |
| US10039539B2 |
Retracting tissue
A surgical retractor for retracting body tissue in a therapeutic procedure includes two lateral arms each having a block with an aperture extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the arm. The distal end of each arm pivotably supports a retractor blade. A transverse extension, forming a retractor core, extends through the aperture and slideably supports a lateral arm at each end. A central arm also pivotably supports a retractor blade, and has an extension on a proximal end that is insertable into an aperture within the core. The lateral and central arms are translatable in connection with the core. The retractor blades can be pivoted by rotating a tool engagement. A rack and pinion, controlled by a pawl, is used to translate the side and central arms. |
| US10039534B2 |
Apparatus for vessel access closure
Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis. |
| US10039523B2 |
High intensity focused ultrasound probes and methods of manufacturing and operating the same
An ultrasound probe includes a therapeutic ultrasound transducer, a slot disposed in the therapeutic ultrasound transducer, and a first diagnostic ultrasound transducer disposed in the slot and configured to move along the slot. |
| US10039519B2 |
Radiotherapy beam alignment with fiducial phantom imaging
A method of aligning the radiation beam in a radiotherapy system comprising a source for producing a beam of radiation and an imaging device for imaging from the beam, both mounted to be rotatable about an axis, a fiducial phantom between the source and imaging device, the method comprising: rotating the beam and imaging device in a trajectory about the axis while obtaining images of the fiducial phantom from a plurality of different angles, at least one image including a feature of the imaging apparatus, adjusting the trajectory of the source relative to that feature to position the isocenter substantially in the center of the volume, determining from each image of the fiducial phantom the position of the source at the rotational position the image was obtained, and calculating the center of rotation of the positions of the source to define the isocenter of the system. |
| US10039505B2 |
Anatomical imaging system having fixed gantry and rotating disc, with adjustable angle of tilt and increased structural integrity, and with improved power transmission and position sensing
An anatomical imaging system of the sort having a fixed gantry and a rotating disc, with an adjustable angle of tilt and increased structural integrity, and with improved power transmission and position sensing. |
| US10039502B2 |
Electrophysiological signal processing and utilization
A method of mapping electrophysiological information, including receiving imaging information for a tissue region; receiving a monophasic action potential signal from the tissue region; assigning a value corresponding to a depolarization segment of the monophasic action potential signal; receiving location information associated with the monophasic action potential signal; and generating an image based on the imaging information, the assigned value, and the location information. |
| US10039501B2 |
Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) apparatus and method using consecutive medical images
A Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) apparatus may include: an image receiver configured to receive consecutive medical images; an image analyzer configured to divide the received consecutive medical images into sequence groups by a predetermined number, separate images in a sequence group, among the sequence groups, into a first image group and a second image group, and perform parallel analysis on the first image group and the second image group; and a display configured to output on a screen a result of the analyzing of the first image group and the second image group. |
| US10039492B2 |
Conditional storage
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method involves obtaining, by a body-mountable device, sensor data, where the body-mountable device includes a data storage. The method further involves making a determination that each condition in a condition set has been satisfied. In addition, the method involves responsive to making the determination that each condition in the condition set has been satisfied, storing the obtained sensor data in the data storage. |
| US10039486B1 |
Means and methods for facilitating trauma integration
An apparatus and method for diagnosing and/or treating autonomic dysregulation is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a user is presented stressful audio-visual content at a known time. The resulting amount of deviation of the user's autonomic nervous system from stasis is automatically quantified periodically subsequent to the presentation of the stressful audio-visual content by monitoring a parameter of the user's heartbeat over time, thus automatically measuring both the amount of disturbance in the user's autonomic nervous system, and the re-settling time of the user's autonomic nervous system for given stressful audio-visual content. The apparatus may then guide the user through one or more awareness exercises, and subsequently re-measure the user's response to stressful audio-visual content. |
| US10039472B2 |
Preterm labor monitor
A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor. |
| US10039468B2 |
Noninvasive electrocardiographic method for estimating mammalian cardiac chamber size and mechanical function
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and method of a noninvasive electrocardiographic (ECG) technique for characterizing cardiac chamber size and cardiac mechanical function. A mathematical analysis of three-dimensional (3D) high resolution ECG data may be used to estimate chamber size and cardiac mechanical function. For example, high-resolution mammalian ECG signals are analyzed across multiple leads, as 3D orthogonal (X,Y,Z) or 10-channel data for 30 to 1400 seconds to derive estimates of cardiac chamber size and cardiac mechanical function. Multiple mathematical approaches may be used to analyze the dynamical and geometrical properties of the ECG data. |
| US10039467B2 |
Electrophysiology catheter design
The present invention relates to a method, device, and system for improved mapping and/or ablation of a tissue. The device may generally include an elongate body and a distal assembly affixed to the elongate body that includes a treatment electrode having a conductive mapping region and a selectively conductive ablation region that is conductive of high-frequency current and substantially non-conductive of low-frequency current. Alternatively, the device may generally include a treatment electrode having a conductive mapping or ablation region and a region that is coated with an electrically insulated but thermally conductive layer. |
| US10039462B2 |
Low power biological sensing system
It is recognized that, because of its unique properties, graphene can serve as an interface with biological cells that communicate by an electrical impulse, or action potential. Responding to a sensed signal can be accomplished by coupling a graphene sensor to a low power digital electronic switch that is activatable by the sensed low power electrical signals. It is further recognized that low power devices such as tunneling diodes and TFETs are suitable for use in such biological applications in conjunction with graphene sensors. While tunneling diodes can be used in diagnostic applications, TFETs, which are three-terminal devices, further permit controlling the voltage on one cell according to signals received by other cells. Thus, by the use of a biological sensor system that includes graphene nanowire sensors coupled to a TFET, charge can be redistributed among different biological cells, potentially with therapeutic effects. |
| US10039452B2 |
Optical sensor, optical testing device, and optical characteristic detection method
An optical sensor includes an irradiation system including at least one light irradiator to irradiate light onto an object under test; and a detection system detecting the light that is irradiated from the irradiation system and is propagated in the object under test. Further, the light irradiator irradiates non-parallel plural light beams on a same position of the object under test. |
| US10039450B2 |
Ophthalmologic apparatus
An ophthalmologic apparatus of an embodiment includes a focusing indicator projector, a fundus imaging unit, a driver, and a focusing controller. The focusing indicator projector is configured to irradiate light fluxes for projecting a pair of focusing indicators onto a fundus of an eye. The fundus imaging unit is configured to capture an image of the fundus. The driver is configured to move an optical system including the focusing indicator projector, the fundus imaging unit, and a focusing lens. The focusing controller is configured to move the focusing lens based on projection images of the focusing indicators captured by the fundus imaging unit, wherein the projection images are captured along with movement of the optical system by the driver. |
| US10039440B2 |
Systems and methods for cleaning a minimally invasive instrument
An anatomical probe system comprises an elongated flexible body and an operational component extending within a channel of the flexible body. The system also comprises a support member at a distal end of the elongated flexible body. The support member includes a fluid director adapted to direct a fluid from the channel toward the operational component. The fluid may be automatically directed towards the operational component in response to detecting a material obstruction of an image. |
| US10039435B1 |
Laryngoscope having one-on-one Wi-Fi connecting system
The present invention relates to a laryngoscope having one-on-one Wi-Fi connecting system including a signal transmitter, a camera module, and a signal receiver, which is characterized to apply Wi-Fi direct transmission to transmit the image from the laryngoscope one-on-one to a display with security and stability effect that can prevent from any interference. Moreover, the invention also provides a bendable inspecting tube connected with the camera module, which can be bent to a desired shape easily for inspecting different sides of the patient that facilitates the diagnosis for doctors. It obtains the design effect of the invention. |
| US10039420B2 |
Sink colander and storage assembly
A collapsible colander having a back wall, a front wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. The back wall is positioned adjacent to a sink wall and is configured to attach to the sink wall. The front wall opposes the back wall and is moveable between a first position that is parallel to the back wall and a second position. The bottom wall has a number of apertures formed therethrough and has at least a first position that is substantially perpendicular to the back wall. The pair of side walls each have a first edge connected to the front wall and a second edge connected to the back wall. Additionally, the pair of side walls each have two or more hinges operable to move the front wall between at least the first position and the second position. |
| US10039419B2 |
Container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device
A container and system for holding a cutting tool of a food processing device is disclosed. The container includes a shell defining a chamber sized to receive one of at least a first cutting tool and a second cutting tool. The shell has a slot that receives a stem of the first cutting tool when the first cutting tool is positioned in the chamber and another slot that receives a stem of the second cutting tool when the second cutting tool is positioned in the chamber. The shell also has a plurality of openings that are sized to permit fluid to pass into the chamber. |
| US10039412B2 |
Brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule
A brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule includes a first brewing chamber element and a second brewing chamber element, wherein the first and/or the second brewing chamber element are/is movable in an axial direction between a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements are spaced apart from each other, and an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements form a substantially closed brewing chamber and wherein the first brewing chamber element has at least one first perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means being arranged along the Earth's gravitational field below a horizontal plane extending substantially at a right angle to the gravitational field and centrally through the brewing chamber. |
| US10039407B2 |
Coffee dispenser
The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a mixing chamber that combines one or more liquid concentrates and heated water, and dispenses a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a forth control to select the forth level of the serving of coffee dispensed. The liquid concentrate may be a coffee extract. |
| US10039405B2 |
Method for obtaining a cooking vessel having a colored hard anodized outer face
Provided is a method for obtaining a cooking vessel having the following steps: producing a bowl having an outer face made of aluminum and an inner face, carrying out hard anodization of at least the outer face of the bowl. According to the method, at least one coloring step is carried out on the anodized outer face after hard anodization, said coloring step employing at least one water-soluble inorganic pigment. Also provided is a culinary article or an electric cooking appliance comprising a cooking vessel obtained by the above method. |
| US10039403B2 |
Box pleat curtain
A curtain or drapery panel that is formed having hanging grommets and box pleats along the header band that provides support to allow the box pleats to retain their shape without deforming. The drapery is a fabric panel having a header strip along the top thereof. The header strip has a plurality of spaced apart grommets. Between alternating grommets the fabric is pinched together to form a forward facing bow or loop. The bow or loop is then flattened and the top and bottom edges of the loop along the header strip are sewn down to the header strip to flatten the loop into a rectangular flat gathered pleat. Further, the edges of the pleat along the header strip may also be sewn to give it a more defined crisp edge. This draws two adjacent grommets close together on the two opposing sides of the newly formed pleat. |
| US10039402B1 |
Artificial tree display device
A C-shaped separating device equipped with vertical tree trunk couplers which serve to separate normally adjacent trunk sections of an artificial tree. A display panel and a foliaged branch mounting assembly mounted to the separating unit creates an aesthetically appealing artificial tree display. |
| US10039399B2 |
Fluidic utensils
Eating utensils, namely forks which have the function of liquid dispensing fluid, via fluidic passages inside of the utensils which attach to a container of a liquid affixed at a point within a cage part of the handle of the utensil. The attachment coupled with the action of the user of the utensil actuates the flow of the liquid from the container to a point on or near the eating surface of the utensil. |
| US10039393B1 |
Calendar frame assembly
A calendar frame assembly includes a frame that may positioned on a support surface thereby facilitating the frame to surround a calendar. A plurality of pockets is provided and each of the pockets is coupled to the frame. Additionally, each of the pockets may insertably receive a photo. Each of the pockets is comprised of a translucent material such that the photo in each of the pockets is visible. A plurality of strips is provided and each of the strips is selectively written on. Each of the strips is removably positioned in the frame and each of the strips is visible through said frame. |
| US10039386B2 |
Bed frame assembly
A bed frame assembly includes a first planar member, a first end bracket, and a connecting member. The first planar member is configured to support a bed. The first end bracket is coupled to a side of the first planar member. The connecting member is detachably coupled to the first end bracket and is configured to secure the first end bracket to the first planar member. |
| US10039385B2 |
Electric bed
An electric bed includes a frame, an actuator, a base body and a plate member. The frame includes a fixed rack and a movable rack movably disposed at the fixed rack. The actuator is disposed between the fixed rack and the movable rack in a way that the movable rack is movable relative to the fixed rack. The base body is disposed at a top side of the frame. The plate member is movable into and out of the base body. As a result, the plate member can be used as a table or a supporting frame for replacing things thereon, and the plate member can move back when user do not want to use the plate member. |
| US10039378B2 |
Adjustable table
An adjustable table includes a table board, an inclining structure, a supporting structure, and a foot structure. The table board is provided with a pivoting portion on one end thereof. The inclining structure is provided with a mounting portion on one end thereof, and the mounting portion is pivotally combined with the pivoting portion of the table board, such that the table board and the inclining structure pivotally sway to open and close. The supporting structure is combined between the table board and the inclining structure for supporting and fixing the table board and the inclining structure. The foot structure is pivotally combined with the inclining structure, such that the inclining structure sways toward the foot structure. |
| US10039375B2 |
Mount for attaching electronic devices to a guitar stand
A mount that is used to attach electronic devices to a guitar stand is made of a back panel, a clamping mechanism, a support beam and a multi-position fastener. The clamping mechanism is a user-actuated clamp that uses a fixed jaw and a movable jaw to hold electronic devices against the back panel. The back panel, which is a rigid plate, is connected to the fixed jaw to further support the clamped electronic device. Additionally, the fixed jaw of the clamping mechanism is mounted onto one end of the rigid support beam. This enables the mount for electronic devices is capable of being attached to various other pieces of musical equipment or stage equipment. Additionally, the multi-position fastener is affixed to a second end of the support beam, opposite to the fixed jaw. |
| US10039369B2 |
Paint transfer system
A paint transfer system for both automatically and manually transferring paint from a paint container directly to a paint brush including a paint container member, a pump mechanism, and a paint brush apparatus coupled together in fluid communication wherein the paint brush apparatus includes a paint brush having a bladder member or housing member positioned and located within the paint brush adjacent to or within its bristle members as well as an optional valve control member for controlling and distributing the flow of paint to the bristle members. In some embodiments, a remote controller is positioned between the paint brush apparatus and the paint container member for allowing a user to selectively activate the flow of paint from the paint container to the paint brush apparatus. A variety of different pumping mechanisms are utilized for transferring paint from the paint container member to the paint brush apparatus. |
| US10039367B2 |
Back-mounted power tool systems and methods of use
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a back-mounted power tool system. The power tool system includes a battery package that can be used on other power tool systems, a backpack apparatus, a power tool, and a connecting member. The backpack apparatus includes a backpack harness to mount the backpack apparatus onto a user's body and a first connector to removably couple the battery package to the backpack apparatus. The power tool includes a motor driven by a power supply from the battery package. The connecting member transfers a weight of the power tool and/or a force received from the power tool to the backpack apparatus by rotatably coupling the power tool to the backpack apparatus. The connecting member further enables the power tool to rotate about a first rotation axis or a second rotation axis, the first rotation axis being perpendicular to the second rotation axis. |
| US10039362B2 |
Luggage with weight sensors
A self-weighing luggage device comprises a housing with a towing handle at one end and four wheel units mounted at the other end. Four weight determining sensors are incorporated into the wheel units, respectively. Each weight determining sensor is wired to a central circuit board, which is mounted on the inner surface of other end at position. The central circuit board is connected to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) mounted in a recess in the handle end of the housing, which recess is adapted to receive the handle in a stowed position, such that the LCD is protected by the handle. In use, the self-weighing luggage device is stood on the ground on the four wheel units and the weight readings from each weight determining sensor are combined to give the total weight of the self-weighing luggage device, which total weight is displayed on the LCD. |
| US10039353B2 |
Umbrella system
An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force. |
| US10039336B2 |
Helmet lighting system
A helmet including a lighting system integrated into said helmet, the lighting system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; and operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means. The application also discloses lighting system contained in a shell that that can be attached to an existing helmet. This application also discloses a lighting system contained in a flexible material that can be fitted onto an existing helmet. |
| US10039331B2 |
Clothing for downhill skiing
Clothing for practicing downhill skiing which covers the lower part of the torso and the lower limbs and which includes various zones made using textile fabrics with different elasticities, characterized in that it includes two bands of the first type, presenting lower elasticity than the rest of the clothing, extending from the inner part of the thigh and passing above the anterior part of the thigh, approximately at the level of the iliac crests, and up to the area in the proximity of the lower lumbar vertebrae, both bands are symmetrical in relation to the median plane of the clothing, and two bands of a second type, which are even less flexible, which extend downwards from the top of the anterior zone of the thigh, passing over the antero-external part of the thigh. |
| US10039328B2 |
Adjustable collar shaping device for shirt
A moldable collar stay device for a shirt turnover collar comprising a collar stay body and dual collar stay inserts. The shape and the length of the present device may be adjusted by fasteners which facilitate changes to the angle of the collar stay inserts and the length of the collar stay body. The device also may be shaped to accentuate the shape of a user's face. Each collar stay insert may be placed inside collar stay pockets at opposite corners of the shirt collar while the stay body lies along the exterior bounds shirt collar. The shirt wearer may adjust the device around the periphery of the collar to the desired position. Once positioned, the device will remain concealed with the collar and collar stay pockets while maintaining the ability to alter the collar shape, the collar stay length and the angle of the collar stay inserts. |
| US10039322B2 |
Electronic smoking article
An electronic smoking article includes an outer housing extending in the longitudinal direction, a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize at least a portion of the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one light emitting diode, a charging button assembly including a conductive post operable to form a first external, electrical contact at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article, and a second external, electrical contact including a portion of an outer surface of the outer housing at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article. The first and second external, electrical contacts charge the power supply. |
| US10039319B2 |
In-line percolator style filter attachment device
An attachment device for water percolation filtering of a substance such as a vaporized tobacco or marijuana is provided. The attachment device includes an intake chamber, a mouthpiece and a water pipe percolator section. The intake chamber has an opening configured to receive one of a plurality of secondary device mouthpieces or atomizers in sealing engagement, the secondary device mouthpieces or atomizers each belonging to one of a variety of different corresponding design of devices such as vaporizers. The percolator section is in fluid communication with the intake chamber and the mouthpiece and interposed between the two. The percolator is a dome percolator with a cylindrical housing. The intake chamber and the mouthpiece are oriented as in-line extensions of the cylindrical housing. |
| US10039308B2 |
High capacity dual die assembly
An improved, high-capacity die assembly (10) for a food or feed extruder (12) is provided and is particularly useful for the production of high quality aquatic feeds. The die assembly (10) includes a mount (20), which is secured to the discharge end of an extruder barrel (14), with a plurality of tubular die components (22, 24) coupled with the mount (20). Each component (22, 24) includes wall structure (38) defining an outwardly diverging tubular chamber (40) with a die plate assembly (50) coupled to the outer end of the wall structure (38). A flow diverter element (54) is located within each chamber (40) and has a large diameter end adjacent the assembly (50) and a smaller diameter end closer to the chamber inlet. The assembly (50) has a plurality of openings (52) outboard of the element (54). |
| US10039298B2 |
Machine, container, system and method for preparing ice cream or chilled desserts on demand
The invention relates to machine for preparing frozen confectionery comprising receiving means (1) forming a seat for accommodating an essentially cup-shaped container (8), said receiving means comprising an heat exchange element (1a) having a heat exchange contact surface arranged to be in contact with an heat exchange portion (12) of the container (8) when the container is placed in the machine; wherein said heat exchange element(1a) has an inverted conical or curved shape or a plurality of inverted conical sections, or a combination of curved and inverted conical sections. The confectionery produced can be a frozen product such as soft ice or a chilled dessert such as mousse or whipped yogurt. |
| US10039297B2 |
Apparatus for preparing and dispensing food products
An apparatus for preparing and dispensing food products includes at least one containment tank (2) predisposed to contain the product to be prepared and mounted on a base body (10) which is closed at the front by a panel (12) of transparent or opaque material, backlit through LED lighting structure (13). |
| US10039292B2 |
Method of cut up line product distribution
A poultry part harvesting, sorting, and packaging apparatus and system utilizes an arrangement of hoppers to batch poultry parts removed by cut-up machines and deposits the batches onto a transportation conveyor. Each batch is contained within a separate zone on the conveyor, and the system tracks the location of batches and open spaces on the conveyor to deliver the batches to user defined locations. |
| US10039288B2 |
Pathogenic infections
The invention relates to plant pathogenic infections, and to the treatment of oomycete pathogenic infections. The invention extends to novel antimicrobial compositions comprising inhibitors of oomycete pathogens, and their use in methods of treating or preventing infections with such pathogens, for example downy mildew of grapevine. |
| US10039285B2 |
Ceragenin particulate materials and methods for making same
Particulate ceragenin materials may be manufactured by (i) providing a ceragenin feed material comprised of ceragenin molecules, each having a sterol backbone and a plurality cationic groups attached thereto; (ii) fracturing the ceragenin feed material in a milling apparatus to produce a ceragenin particulate material having a particle size distribution with a median particle size in a range from 5 nm to 20 μm; and (iii) during fracturing, maintaining the ceragenin feed with a moisture content of less than or equal to 10% by weight. |
| US10039281B2 |
Pesticidal tape for controlling crawling pests
In a tape for controlling crawling pests, on the first side (S1) is a carrier layer having a multitude of vertically extending structures, and on the opposite side (S2) is a means for attaching the tape to a surface. At least the first side (S1) is impregnated with a composition of A) 0.1 to 45% by weight (based on the total of A plus B) of one or more insecticides and B) 99.9 to 55% by weight (based on the total of A plus B) of an (meth)acrylate binder of one or more homo- or copolymer having units derived from one or more acrylates and/or methacrylates. |
| US10039278B2 |
Device for vitrification preservation of cells or tissues
The present invention aims to provide a device for vitrification cryopreservation enabling easy and reliable vitrification cryopreservation of a cell or tissue. The device for vitrification cryopreservation of a cell or tissue of the present invention includes a support and a vitrification solution absorber including at least an adhesive layer and a vitrification solution absorbing layer in the given order on the support. The device includes a portion with no adhesive layer disposed between the support and a portion of the vitrification solution absorbing layer configured to hold a cell or tissue. |
| US10039277B2 |
Tissue preservation system
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for tissue, such as an allograft, storage and preservation for extended periods of time at room temperature in a sterile tissue culture chamber. The invention further provides a process for maintaining the sterility of tissue using the apparatus as described. |
| US10039275B2 |
Wearable support for a fishing pole
A wearable support for a fishing rod (100) which includes:—a lower portion (11) shaped to rest to the thighs of a user and provided with a seat (12) configured to support the handle of the fishing rod (100);—an upper portion (13) fixed to the lower portion (11) and shaped to lean against the lower abdomen of a user and attachable to the waist of the latter;—coupling means (14), fixed to the upper portion (13) and adapted to be attached to the fishing rod (100) and particularly to the reel (102) of the same, to support it as the latter has the handle that engages the seat (12) of the lower portion (11). |
| US10039264B2 |
Grooming box
A grooming box is provided in order to easily install member(s) and a work space for pet grooming anywhere, efficiently collect groomed hair, and prevent the groomed hair from scattering outside the grooming box. The grooming box is a compact, easily assemblable and portable box so that members necessary for grooming is accommodated compactly in the box in vertical directions, and a work space where a groomer works is foldably formed. Further, the grooming box includes an air circulating type cleaning device, an air curtain device, and an ion generating device. |
| US10039261B2 |
Device for removing manure from a floor, in particular a closed floor
The present invention relates to an unmanned self-propelled and self-steering device for removing manure present on a floor, including a manure slide and a drive for moving the device over the floor, wherein the manure slide is substantially U-shaped or V-shaped with two legs in order to define autonomously a manure-accommodating-space which opens in a forward direction and is closed in a rearward direction, and wherein the legs have a length in the order of magnitude of the width of the manure slide. |
| US10039259B2 |
Implement for automatically milking a dairy animal
An implement for automatically milking a dairy animal, such as a cow, comprises a milking parlour, a sensor for observing a teat, and a milking robot for automatically attaching a teat cup to the teat. The milking robot comprises a robot control that is connected to the sensor. The sensor comprises a radiation source for emitting light, a receiver for receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from the dairy animal, a lens, and sensor control unit. The sensor comprises a matrix with a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of receivers. The sensor control unit is designed to determine for each of the receivers a phase difference between the emitted and the reflected electromagnetic radiation in order to calculate the distance from the sensor to a plurality of points on the part to be observed of the dairy animal. |
| US10039253B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH754140
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH754140. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH754140, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH754140 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH754140. |
| US10039251B1 |
Soybean variety 5PKLM31
A novel soybean variety, designated 5PKLM31 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PKLM31, cells from soybean variety 5PKLM31, plants of soybean 5PKLM31, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PKLM31. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PKLM31 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PKLM31, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PKLM31, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PKLM31. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PKLM31 are further provided. |
| US10039246B2 |
Machine harvestable tomatillo
The present invention provides tomatillo ideotypes and tomatillo plants with machine harvestable traits combined with desirable agronomic traits. The present invention also provides methods of making such plants and methods of using such plants to produce additional machine harvestable tomatillo plants. |
| US10039244B2 |
Systems and methods for cultivating and distributing aquatic organisms
System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium. |
| US10039242B1 |
Automated irrigation gate system and method for regulating water in an irrigation channel and conserving water in an agricultural region
An automated irrigation gate system and method for regulating water levels in irrigation channels automates control of water through an irrigation channel based upon water levels, water flow rate, and ambient environmental conditions in the irrigation channel and an adjacent agricultural region. The system comprises at least one irrigation regulation device operationally attached to the irrigation channel. The irrigation regulation device regulates fluid flow through a channel opening in the irrigation channel through use of a gate. A fluid sensor monitors the level of fluid in the channel and an adjacent agricultural region. The fluid sensor also monitors the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the channel to the region. An environmental sensor monitors environmental conditions ambient to the region. A control portion comprises a processor that calculates the data to selectively displace the gate between an open position and a closed position relative to channel opening. |
| US10039241B2 |
Programmable irrigation controller having user interface
An irrigation controller, includes a housing, a microcontroller within the housing and configured to store and execute an irrigation schedule, a valve driver coupled to the microcontroller and configured to output a zone activation signal to an actuatable zone valve in response to signaling from the microcontroller, and a user interface. The user interface includes a plurality of user input devices coupled to the microcontroller and configured to provide signaling to the microcontroller based upon a user's engagement therewith, the plurality of user input devices configured to allow the user to create an irrigation schedule; and a user display coupled to the microcontroller and configured to display irrigation parameters associated with the irrigation schedule. The microcontroller is configured to cause the user display to display at least one of a next irrigation start day, a next irrigation start time, and a next zone to irrigate associated with the irrigation schedule. |
| US10039236B2 |
Grain cleaning system having improved air flow and additional fall step to improve grain cleaning performance
An agricultural harvester including a chassis, a threshing and separating system for separating grain from MOG, and a grain cleaning system for further separating grain from residual MOG. The grain cleaning system has a main grain pan, an intermediate grain pan located beneath and rearward of the main grain pan, and at least one sieve located beneath and rearward of the intermediate grain pan. The main grain pan, the intermediate grain pan, and the at least one sieve are so arranged that the mixture of grain and residual MOG undergoes a first fall step from the main grain pan to the intermediate grain pan and a second fall step from the intermediate grain pan to the at least one sieve. |
| US10039229B2 |
Walk power mower having forward and reverse traction drive
A walk power mower has a traction drive system that includes a front transmission powering a pair of front wheels and a rear transmission powering a pair of rear wheels. A first one of the transmissions provides forward motion of the mower when it is active and a second one of the transmissions provides rearward motion of the mower when it is active. A slidable handle grip on the handle having a cross bar long enough to be gripped by both hands of the user activates the first one of the transmission when it is slid downwardly on a handle out of a neutral position thereof. The slidable handle grip activates the second one of the transmissions when it is slid upwardly on the handle out of the neutral position. |
| US10039224B2 |
Draft control device for tractor and tractor including same
A draft control device of tractor includes a top link fixing bracket fixed at the rear side of the tractor, a top link swing bracket hinge-coupled to the top link fixing bracket through a connection pin, and carrying out rotational motion with respect to the axial center of the connection pin according to the change of the compressive force of a top link in response to the change of work machine traction resistance, a leaf spring provided between the top link fixing bracket and the top link swing bracket to supply restoring force for the rotational motion of the top link swing bracket with respect to the top link fixing bracket, and a sensitivity adjustment unit provided between the top link swing bracket and the leaf spring, and changing an acting point, where the top link swing bracket pushes the leaf spring, to adjust work machine traction load sensitivity. |
| US10039222B1 |
Tow-behind grading tool and operation thereof
One embodiment is a tow-behind grading tool structured for attachment to a work machine. The tool includes a frame, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the frame, a comb coupled with the frame and extending from a first end of the frame, a tow coupling member coupled with the frame and located proximate a second end of the frame, the second end of the frame being opposite the first end of the frame, a drag bar assembly including a plurality of arms rotatably coupled with the frame and drag bar rotatably coupled with the plurality of arms, and at least one spring coupled with the frame and the drag bar assembly such that the spring resists upward rotation of the drag bar and provides force urging the drag bar to rotate downward after upward rotation of the drag bar. |
| US10045468B2 |
Electronic device with shield structure
A shield structure including a metallic plate that is disposed between the first electronic component and the second electronic component; a first side wall that encloses at least a portion of the first electronic component, and includes a first portion that is formed by a portion that extends from the peripheral edge of the metallic plate and is formed by being bent in the first direction; and a second side wall that encloses at least a portion the second electronic component, and includes a second portion that is formed by a portion that extends from the peripheral edge of the metallic plate and is formed by being bent in the second direction. |
| US10045463B2 |
Fabricating cooled electronic system with liquid-cooled cold plate and thermal spreader
Methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The method includes providing a liquid-cooled cold plate and a thermal spreader associated with the cold plate. The cold plate includes multiple coolant-carrying channel sections extending within the cold plate, and a thermal conduction surface with a larger surface area than a surface area of the component to be cooled. The thermal spreader includes one or more heat pipes including multiple heat pipe sections. One or more heat pipe sections are partially aligned to a first region of the cold plate, that is, where aligned to the surface to be cooled, and partially aligned to a second region of the cold plate, which is outside the first region. The one or more heat pipes facilitate distribution of heat from the electronic component to coolant-carrying channel sections of the cold plate located in the second region of the cold plate. |