US09023909B2

Process for producing a polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam obtainable therefrom A process for producing a polyurethane foam with bimodal cell size distribution, comprising the following steps: providing a mixture in a mixing head, where the mixture comprises: A) a component reactive towards isocyanates; B) a surfactant component; C) a blowing agent component selected from the group consisting of linear, branched or cyclic C1- to C6-alkanes, linear, branched or cyclic C1- to C6-fluoroalkanes, N2, O2, argon and/or CO2, where blowing agent component C) is present in the supercritical or near-critical state; D) a polyisocyanate component; discharging the mixture comprising components A), B), C), and D) from the mixing head where, during the discharge of the mixture, the pressure prevailing in the mixture is lowered to atmospheric pressure.
US09023894B2

The invention relates to a combination comprising the renin inhibitor of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09023887B2

The present invention relates to methods for treating pancreatitis and/or organ failure comprising administering, to a subject in need of such treatment, an effective amount of a lipase inhibitor. It is based, at least in part, on the discoveries that lipotoxicity contributes to inflammation, multisystem organ failure, necrotic pancreatic acinar cell death and in acute pancreatitis, and that inhibition of lipolysis was able to reduce indices associated with these conditions. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the present invention provides for methods and compositions for limiting lipotoxicity and thereby reducing the likelihood of poor outcomes associated with acute pancreatitis and other severe systemic conditions, especially in obese individuals.
US09023858B2

The present invention provides a compound useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of eicosanoid-associated diseases such as atherosclerosis, atherothrombosis, diabetes, obesity, asthma, fever, pain, cancer, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, atopic dermatitis and the like, and having superior pharmacological action, physicochemical properties and the like.The present invention relates to a compound represented by the following formula: wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof.
US09023853B2

The present invention provides a method for treating lupus in a subject, comprising the step of administering to the subject COMPOUND A.
US09023839B2

The invention provides compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful as protein kinase inhibitors, as well as methods for using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent a condition associated with abnormal or deregulated kinase activity. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent diseases or disorders that involve abnormal activation of c-kit or c-kit and PDGFR (PDGFRα, PDGFRβ) kinases.
US09023836B2

The present invention relates to the use of compounds of formula wherein the variables are as defined in the description, in the free form or in salt form, for controlling sea lice on fish.
US09023831B2

A method of inhibiting the adverse effects of complement pathway, activation products in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of Dextran Sulfate effective to inhibit formation of alternative complement pathway activation product.
US09023826B2

The present invention provides aqueous compositions comprising (a) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of adenosine and adenosine analogs, and (b) at least one hydrotrope in an amount effective to solubilize said at least one compound (a) in water, for cosmetic uses.
US09023825B2

The present invention provides materials and methods related to modulation of mismatch repair and genomic stability by miR-155.
US09023821B2

The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the regenerative and/or differentiation capacity of ciliated epithelial tissue in a vertebrate subject, in particular a mammal, preferably a human, and to the use of microRNA in treating illnesses associated with a dysfunction of multiciliated epithelial cells.
US09023817B2

A pharmaceutical composition containing albiflorin and use thereof in manufacturing medicaments for preventing and treating depression are provided by the present invention.
US09023812B2

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine stretch in the protein huntingtin (Htt). HD neurons are dysfunctional at multiple levels and have increased susceptibility to stress and apoptotic stimuli. As described therein there is provided compound(s), composition(s), methods and/or kits for the treatment and/or diagnosis of Huntington's disease.
US09023805B2

The present invention discloses and claims compositions, methods of treatment, and kits which cause an increase in the time of survival in cancer patients, wherein the cancer: (i) overexpresses thioredoxin or glutaredoxin and/or (ii) exhibits evidence of thioredoxin- or glutaredoxin-mediated resistance to one or more chemotherapeutic interventions. The present invention also discloses and claims methods and kits for the administration of said compositions to properly treat cancer patients. Additionally, the present invention discloses and claims methods and kits for quantitatively determining the level of expression of thioredoxin or glutaredoxin in the cancer cells of a cancer patient, methods of using those determined levels in the initial diagnosis and/or planning of subsequent treatment methodologies for said cancer patient, as well as ascertaining the potential growth “aggressiveness” of the particular cancer and treatment responsiveness of the particular type of cancer. Further, the present invention discloses and claims novel pharmaceutical compositions, methods, and kits used for the treatment of patients with medical conditions and disease where there is the overexpression of thioredoxin and/or glutaredoxin, and wherein this overexpression is associated with deleterious physiological effects in the patients.
US09023802B2

Methods and compositions for immunotherapeutic treatment of prostate cancer are disclosed. Patients are treated with compositions comprising HLA-binding peptides derived from prostate-associated antigenic molecules, either with or without immunological adjuvants.
US09023797B2

Described herein are methods for inactivating viruses using caprylate in solutions containing albumin.
US09023796B2

The present invention relates antidotes to anticoagulants targeting factor Xa. The antidotes are factor Xa protein derivatives that bind to the factor Xa inhibitors thereby substantially neutralizing them but do not assemble into the prothrombinase complex. The derivatives describe herein lack or have reduced intrinsic coagulant activity. Disclosed herein are methods of stopping or preventing bleeding in a patient that is currently undergoing anticoagulant therapy with a factor Xa inhibitor.
US09023794B2

The present invention relates to the use of a natriurectic peptide, such as urodilatin, for treating a patient suffering from heart failure, such as acute decompensated heart failure. Preferably, a composition comprising an effective amount of urodilatin is intravenously administered to the patient continuously through a time period of at least 24 hours and up to 120 hours, preferably at least 48 hours.
US09023789B2

The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analog of human amylin, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments.
US09023781B2

A process for preparing a particle defoamer. The particle defoamer of 55%-75% of a carrier, 15%-35% of a silicone emulsion, 3%-10% of a texturing agent and 2%-10% of a solvent, based on the total weight of the particle defoamer; the process for preparing the particle defoamer is: (1)first adding a carrier A1 into a mixer, and then adding thereto a silicone emulsion B1, and stirring uniformly; (2)adding a carrier component A2 to the mixture obtained in (1), and stirring uniformly; (3)adding a silicone emulsion B2 to the mixture obtained in (2), and, after uniformly stirring, adding the solvent thereto and stirring uniformly; and (4)pelleting and drying by baking the mixture obtained in(3), so as to produce the product.
US09023779B2

A dishwashing detergent composition is provided for consumer use for in cleaning of alkaline sensitive metals such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. The compositions include alternatives to sodium tripolyphosphate and/or other phosphorus containing raw materials, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. According to the invention, a phosphinosuccinic acid oligomer or mixture thereof is used as a corrosion inhibitor and can be included for aluminum protection in a number of different detergent compositions.
US09023777B1

An elongated segmented soap bar is segmented longitudinally into a plurality of soap bodies separate and discrete from one another. Adjacent soap bodies are movable with respect to one another between at least two different configurations including at least an arc configuration with the plurality of soap bodies disposed in an arc. At least one coupler couples the plurality of soap bodies together to allow the adjacent soap bodies to move with respect to one another between the at least two different configurations.
US09023767B2

Polypeptide substrates based on modifications or fragments of the various APP isoforms, assay methods based on the use of these substrates, and screening methods directed toward identifying inhibitors of γ-secretase activity. The assay methods and the screening methods are adapted for use in high throughput multi-well plate assay apparatuses. In many embodiments the substrate polypeptides are labeled for ease of detection, and/or may bind specific ligands that themselves are labeled. Generally the labels promote high specificity as well as high sensitivity of detection. These features render the assay and screening methods that employ the labeled substrates especially suited for use in high throughput assay formats. This disclosure further identifies small polypeptides based on a subsequence motif of Aβ that are shown herein to be potent inhibitors of the activity of γ-secretase.
US09023753B2

A process for the production of propylene, the process including: contacting ethylene and a hydrocarbon stream comprising 1-butene and 2-butene with a bifunctional isomerization-metathesis catalyst to concurrently isomerizes 1-butene to 2-butene and to form a metathesis product comprising propylene; wherein the bifunctional isomerization-metathesis catalyst comprises: a catalyst compound may include at least one element selected from tungsten, tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, nickel, palladium, osmium, iridium, rhodium, vanadium, ruthenium, and rhenium for providing metathesis activity on a support comprising at least one element from Group IA, IIA, IIB, and IIIA of the Periodic Table of the Elements; wherein an exposed surface area of the support provides both isomerization activity for the isomerization of 1-butene to 2-butene; and reactive sites for the adsorption of catalyst compound poisons. In other embodiments, the catalyst compound may include at least one element selected from aluminum, gallium, iridium, iron, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, osmium, palladium, phosphorus, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium.
US09023752B2

A method of preparing a catalyst using an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal in natural cellulose fibers as a co-catalyst and a dispersant. The catalyst is prepared using an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal as a co-catalyst and a dispersant, thus increasing the dispersibility of catalytic components and enhancing the interactions between the catalyst and the support to thereby retard agglomeration and increase the durability of the catalyst.
US09023749B2

The present invention provides a method for performing regeneration of a decolorization capacity of waste clay that has been used for purification of fats and oils, and production of a thermally recyclable compound as a biofuel from oily ingredients in the waste clay at the same time in a convenient manner. That is, a method for producing purified fats and oils of the invention includes: a method for producing regenerated clay including the steps of mixing waste clay that has been used for purification of fats and oils, lower alcohol, and an acidic catalyst; and performing extraction of oily ingredients from the waste clay, and an esterification reaction between the fats and oils and/or a free fatty acid in the oily ingredients and the lower alcohol at the same time so as to regenerate a decolorization capacity of the waste clay; regenerated clay that is produced by the method for producing the regenerated clay; and a process of decolorizing the fats and oils using the regenerated clay.
US09023748B2

A dielectric ceramic material comprises a primary component of barium titanate (BaTiO3) and at least one additive component. The additive component has a mole percentage from 1% to 50% and is selected from the group consisting of lithium tantalite (LiTaO3), barium cerate (BaCeO3), sodium metaniobate (NaNbO3) and the combinations thereof.
US09023740B2

A surface of a semiconductor wafer with a gate of a high dielectric constant film formed thereon is heated to a target temperature for a short time by irradiating the surface with a flash of light. This promotes the crystallization of the high dielectric constant film while suppressing the growth of an underlying silicon dioxide film. Subsequently, the temperature of the semiconductor wafer subjected to the flash heating is maintained at an annealing temperature by irradiating the semiconductor wafer with light from halogen lamps. An annealing process after the flash heating is performed in an atmosphere of a gas mixture of hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas. The annealing process is performed on the semiconductor wafer in the atmosphere of the hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixture, so that defects present near the interfaces of the high dielectric constant film are eliminated by hydrogen termination.
US09023721B2

Bulk III-nitride semiconductor materials are deposited in an HPVE process using a metal trichloride precursor on a metal nitride template layer of a growth substrate. Deposition of the bulk III-nitride semiconductor material may be performed without ex situ formation of the template layer using a MOCVD process. In some embodiments, a nucleation template layer is formed ex situ using a non-MOCVD process prior to depositing bulk III-nitride semiconductor material on the template layer using an HVPE process. In additional embodiments, a nucleation template layer is formed in situ using an MOCVD process prior to depositing bulk III-nitride semiconductor material on the template layer using an HVPE process. In further embodiments, a nucleation template layer is formed in situ using an HVPE process prior to depositing bulk III-nitride semiconductor material on the template layer using an HVPE process.
US09023720B2

After formation of a silicon Fin part on a silicon substrate, a thin film including an impurity atom which becomes a donor or an acceptor is formed so that a thickness of the thin film formed on the surface of an upper flat portion of the silicon Fin part becomes large relative to a thickness of the thin film formed to the surface of side wall portions of the silicon Fin part. A first diagonal ion implantation from a diagonal upper direction to the thin film is performed and subsequently a second diagonal ion implantation is performed from an opposite diagonal upper direction to the thin film. Recoiling of the impurity atom from the inside of the thin film to the inside of the side wall portions and to the inside of the upper flat portion is realized by performing the first and second diagonal ion implantations.
US09023717B2

To provide a semiconductor device having improved reliability. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes a step of cutting, in a dicing region arranged between two chip regions adjacent to each other, a wafer along an extending direction of the dicing region. The dicing region has therein a plurality of metal patterns in a plurality of columns. In the step of cutting the wafer, one or more of the columns of metal patterns formed in a plurality of columns are removed, and the metal patterns of the column(s) different from the above-mentioned one or more of the columns are not removed.
US09023715B2

Disclosed are methods of forming bulk FinFET semiconductor devices to reduce punch through leakage currents. One example includes forming a plurality of trenches in a semiconducting substrate to define a plurality of spaced-apart fins, forming a doped layer of insulating material in the trenches, wherein an exposed portion of each of the fins extends above an upper surface of the doped layer of insulating material while a covered portion of each of the fins is positioned below the upper surface of the doped layer of insulating material, and performing a process operation to heat at least the doped layer of insulating material to cause a dopant material in the doped layer to migrate from the doped layer of insulating material into the covered portions of the fins and thereby define a doped region in the covered portions of the fins that is positioned under the exposed portions of the fins.
US09023714B2

Some embodiments include methods of forming voids within semiconductor constructions. In some embodiments the voids may be utilized as microstructures for distributing coolant, for guiding electromagnetic radiation, or for separation and/or characterization of materials. Some embodiments include constructions having micro-structures therein which correspond to voids, conduits, insulative structures, semiconductor structures or conductive structures.
US09023709B2

When forming metallization layers of advanced semiconductor devices, one often has to fill apertures with a high aspect ratio with a metal, such as copper. The present disclosure provides a convenient method for forming apertures with a high aspect ratio in an insulating layer. This insulating layer may have been deposited on the surface of a semiconductor device. The proposed method relies on an ion implantation step performed on the insulating layer, followed by an etch, which is preferably a wet etch.
US09023699B2

The present disclosure provides a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell. The RRAM cell includes a transistor, a bottom electrode adjacent to a drain region of the transistor and coplanar with the gate, a resistive material layer on the bottom electrode, a top electrode on the resistive material layer, and a conductive material connecting the bottom electrode to the drain region.
US09023698B2

A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes channels for a pFET and an nFET. A SiGe layer is selectively grown in the source and drain regions of the pFET channel and a Si:C layer is selectively grown in source and drain regions of the nFET channel. The SiGe and Si:C layer match a lattice network of the underlying Si layer to create a stress component. In one implementation, this causes a compressive component in the pFET channel and a tensile component in the nFET channel.
US09023697B2

A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes growing an epitaxial doped layer over an exposed portion of a plurality of fins. The epitaxial doped layer combines the exposed portion of the fins to form a merged source and drain region. An implantation process occurs in the fins through the epitaxial doped layer to change the crystal lattice of the fins to form amorphized fins. A nitride layer is deposited over the semiconductor structure. The nitride layer covers the merged source and drain regions. A thermal treatment is performed in the semiconductor structure to re-crystallize the amorphized fins to form re-crystallized fins. The re-crystallized fins, the epitaxial doped layer and the nitride layer form a strained source and drain region which induces stress to a channel region.
US09023692B2

IGBT and diode are formed with optimal electrical characteristics on the same semiconductor substrate. IGBT region and FWD region are provided on the same semiconductor substrate. There are a plurality of trenches at predetermined intervals in the front surface of an n− type semiconductor substrate, and P-type channel regions at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the trench between neighboring trenches, thereby configuring a MOS gate. The p-type channel region and n− type drift region are alternately disposed in longitudinal direction of the trench in the IGBT region. The p-type channel region and a p− type spacer region are alternately disposed in the longitudinal direction of the trench in the FWD region. Pitch in longitudinal direction of the trench of p-type channel region in the IGBT region is shorter than pitch in longitudinal direction of the trench of p-type channel region in the FWD region.
US09023691B2

A microelectronic assembly or package can include first and second support elements and a microelectronic element between inwardly facing surfaces of the support elements. First connectors and second connectors such as solder balls, metal posts, stud bumps, or the like face inwardly from the respective support elements and are aligned with and electrically coupled with one another in columns. An encapsulation separates respective pairs of coupled first and second connectors from one another and may encapsulate the microelectronic element and fill spaces between the support elements. The first connectors, the second connectors or both may be partially encapsulated prior to electrically coupling respective pairs of first and second connectors in columns.
US09023690B2

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to leadframe area array packaging technology for fabricating an area array of I/O contacts. A manufactured package includes a polymer material substrate, an interconnect layer positioned on top of the polymer material substrate, a die coupled to the interconnect layer via wire bonds or conductive pillars, and a molding compound encapsulating the die, the interconnect layer and the wire bonds or conductive pillars. The polymer material is typically formed on a carrier before assembly and is not removed to act as the substrate of the manufactured package. The polymer material substrate has a plurality of through holes that exposes the interconnect layer at predetermined locations and enables solder ball mounting or solder printing directly to the interconnect layer. In some embodiments, the semiconductor package includes a relief channel in the polymer material substrate to improve the reliability performance of the manufactured package.
US09023673B1

A method to grow single phase group III-nitride articles including films, templates, free-standing substrates, and bulk crystals grown in semi-polar and non-polar orientations is disclosed. One or more steps in the growth process includes the use of additional free hydrogen chloride to eliminate undesirable phases, reduce surface roughness, and increase crystalline quality. The invention is particularly well-suited to the production of single crystal (11.2) GaN articles that have particular use in visible light emitting devices.
US09023671B2

Disclosed herein is a method of disposing phosphor layers, which can prevent damage to phosphors and also effectively dispose phosphor layers at desired locations of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) when the phosphor layers are detached and disposed at the top surfaces of the LEDs. According to an embodiment, phosphor layers fabricated by filling phosphor layer pattern holes within an area of the vertical frame with a phosphor solution are detached from the phosphor layer pattern holes by applying force downwardly or upwardly in a vertical manner.
US09023669B2

A processing method of a silicon substrate including forming a second opening in a bottom portion of a first opening using a patterning mask having a pattern opening by plasma reactive ion etching. The reactive ion etching is performed with a shield structure formed in or on the silicon substrate, the shield structure preventing inside of the first opening from being exposed to the plasma.
US09023668B2

A method for producing a substrate having an irregular concave and convex surface for scattering light includes: manufacturing a substrate having the irregular concave and convex surface; irradiating the concave and convex surface of the manufactured substrate with inspection light from a direction oblique to a normal direction and detecting returning light of the inspection light returned from the concave and convex surface by a light-receiving element provided in the normal direction of the concave and convex surface; and judging unevenness of luminance of the concave and convex surface by an image processing device based on light intensity of the returning light received. An organic EL element which includes a diffraction-grating substrate having an irregular concave and convex surface is produced with a high throughput.
US09023667B2

A method of chemical mechanical polishing a substrate includes polishing a metal layer on the substrate at a polishing station, monitoring thickness of the metal layer during polishing at the polishing station with an eddy current monitoring system, and controlling pressures applied by a carrier head to the substrate during polishing of the metal layer at the polishing station based on thickness measurements of the metal layer from the eddy current monitoring system to reduce differences between an expected thickness profile of the metal layer and a target profile, wherein the metal layer has a resistivity greater than 700 ohm Angstroms.
US09023664B2

An apparatus and a method for controlling critical dimension (CD) of a circuit is provided. An apparatus includes a controller for receiving CD measurements at respective locations in a circuit pattern in an etched film on a first substrate and a single wafer chamber for forming a second film of the film material on a second substrate. The single wafer chamber is responsive to a signal from the controller to locally adjust a thickness of the second film based on the measured CD's. A method provides for etching a circuit pattern of a film on a first substrate, measuring CD's of the circuit pattern, adjusting a single wafer chamber to form a second film on a second semiconductor substrate based on the measured CD. The second film thickness is locally adjusted based on the measured CD's.
US09023656B2

A mass label for labelling and detecting a biological molecule by mass spectroscopy, which label comprises the following structure: X-L-M wherein X is a mass marker moiety comprising the following group: formula (I), wherein the cyclic unit is aromatic or aliphatic and comprises from 0-3 double bonds independently between any two adjacent atoms; each Z is independently N, N(R1), C(R1), CO, CO(R1), C(R1)2, O or S; X is N, C or C(R1); each R1 is independently H, a substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic cyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; and y is an integer from 0-10, L is a cleavable linker comprising an amide bond and M is a mass normalization moiety.
US09023652B2

The present invention relates to detectors for detecting fluorine-containing compounds and/or cyanide containing compounds, including hydrogen fluoride (HF) or HCN gas, hydrofluoric acid in solution, selected chemical warfare agents, selected industrial chemicals which may be hydrolyzed to release HF or HCN gas, compounds containing a cyanide group, and compounds that can release HF or HCN. The detectors comprise i) an organometallic component containing at least one bis-substituted boryl group of the formula —B(RB)(RB′) wherein each RB and each RB′ is independently selected from H, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, OR6, N(R6)(R7), SR6, C3-20 aryl or heteroaryl, and C3-20 cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl groups, each of which may be optionally substituted, ii) a Lewis base component, and iii) a solid matrix component. The invention also relates to novel organometallic compounds containing at least one bis-substituted boryl group and their use in detectors for fluorine containing compounds and/or cyanide containing compounds.
US09023636B2

The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a propylene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce propylene.
US09023627B2

Systems, compounds and methods for the conversion of C1 carbon compounds to higher carbon compounds useful for the generation of commodity compounds.
US09023617B2

Disclosed are genetic expression cassettes, and vector comprising them useful for the delivery of nucleic acid segments encoding selected therapeutic constructs (including for example, peptides, polypeptides, ribozymes, and catalytic RN molecules), to selected cells and tissues of vertebrate animals. The disclosed genetic constructs are useful in the development of gene therapy vectors, including for example, viral vectors such as HSV, retroviral, lentiviral, AV, and rAAV vectors. The expression cassettes disclosed herein provide new tools in the field of gene therapy, and for the treatment of mammalian, and in particular, human diseases, disorders, and dysfunctions. The disclosed compositions may be utilized in a variety of investigative, diagnostic and therapeutic regimens, including the prevention and treatment of a variety of human diseases.
US09023613B2

The present invention discloses a sperm selecting system and the method thereof. The brief concept of the present invention is to generate a flow field by hydraulic pressure difference then utilize the property that the sperm swims against the flow field so as to difference the sperms by vitality thereof. One of the main features of the present invention is that the sperms be selected are initially set at the entrance of the flow field instead of the exit of the system. Furthermore, an activating design can be selectively added to the present invention so as to activate the sperm be affected by the process of freeze storing.
US09023606B2

The present invention relates to the field of Serum Bactericidal Activity (SBA) assays for Gram negative bacteria, in particular N. meningitidis. The SBA assay is the most important method for measuring functional activity of serum antibodies against meningococcus. In order to determine whether a subject or a population is seropositive against invasive meningococcus the SBA test should ideally be both sensitive and specific. The inventors have found the standard N. meningitidis serotype A and W SBAs can be significantly improved in this regard.
US09023605B2

Antibodies and molecules derived therefrom that bind to novel STEAP-1 protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein STEAP-1 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, STEAP-1 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The STEAP-1 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with STEAP-1 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US09023603B2

The invention provides compositions and methods useful to prepare segmented, negative strand RNA viruses, e.g., orthomyxoviruses such as influenza A viruses, entirely from cloned cDNAs and in the absence of helper virus.
US09023601B2

There is disclosed a process for in vitro synthesis and assembly of long, gene-length polynucleotides based upon assembly of multiple shorter oligonucleotides synthesized in situ on a microarray platform. Specifically, there is disclosed a process for in situ synthesis of oligonucleotide fragments on a solid phase microarray platform and subsequent, “on device” assembly of larger polynucleotides composed of a plurality of shorter oligonucleotide fragments.
US09023594B2

The present invention discloses generalizable methods of evolving nucleic acids and proteins utilizing continuous directed evolution. The invention discloses methods of passing a nucleic acid from cell to cell in a desired function-dependent manner. The linkage of the desired function and passage of the nucleic acid from cell to cell allows for continuous selection and mutation of the nucleic acid.
US09023591B2

A flexography substrate for making I-plates with liquid photopolymers has, in addition to the tie-coat applied to one side to hold the photopolymers in place on the substrate, a micro-porous coating applied to the other side, enabling a masking image to be applied to it using an inkjet printer. In this way, one single sheet of film performs the dual role of substrate and I-plate masking film. By eliminating a sheet of film, the invention provides cost, quality, and environmental benefits.
US09023588B2

There is provided a resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography for forming a resist underlayer film capable of being used as a hardmask. A resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography, includes as a silane compound, a hydrolyzable organosilane, a hydrolysis product thereof, or a hydrolysis-condensation product thereof, wherein the hydrolyzable organosilane is a hydrolyzable organosilane of Formula (1): R1aR2bSi(R3)4−(a+b)  Formula (1) wherein R1 is Formula (2): in which R4 is an organic group, and R5 is a C1-10 alkylene group, a hydroxyalkylene group, a sulfide bond, an ether bond, an ester bond, or a combination thereof, X1 is Formula (3), Formula (4), or Formula (5): R2 is an organic group, and R3 is a hydrolysable group.
US09023578B2

The present invention provides a method for evaluating lithographic characteristics of a lithographic composition containing a copolymer for lithography without actually preparing the composition. The method comprises the steps of: dissolving the copolymer for lithography in a solvent to prepare a test solution; separating a gel-like substance from the test solution; determining a rate of change of a composition ratio, wherein the rate of change of the composition ratio rate refers to a ratio of a difference obtained by subtracting a composition ratio of constitutional units in the copolymer for lithography from a composition ratio of constitutional units in a gel-like substance to the composition ratio of the constitutional units in the copolymer for lithography.
US09023571B2

A liquid developer of the present invention includes a toner particle and an insulating liquid, the toner particle including a resin and a pigment, the resin including a polyester resin, the pigment including a first pigment, a second pigment, and a third pigment, the first pigment being a carbon black, 10 to 25 mass % of the first pigment being included in the toner particle, the second pigment being nigrosine, 3 to 15 mass % of the second pigment being included in the toner particle, the third pigment being at least one organic pigment selected from a group consisting of a phthalocyanine blue pigment, a phthalocyanine green pigment, a carmine-based pigment, a naphthol-based pigment, a quinacridon-based pigment, an azo-based pigment, a benzimidazolone-based pigment, and an isoindoline-based pigment, 5 to 20 mass % of the third pigment being included in the toner particle.
US09023568B2

A resin binder for use in a toner, containing an amorphous polyester having a furan ring; and a toner for electrophotography, containing the resin binder. The resin binder for use in a toner of the present invention is suitably used in a toner usable in development of latent images formed in electrophotography, an electrostatic recording method, an electrostatic printing method, or the like.
US09023565B2

A developer includes a toner containing at least a binder resin, wherein the toner has a molecular weight distribution Mz/Mw of 2.0 or smaller and a phase angle of viscoelasticity of 65° or greater.
US09023561B1

The presently disclosed embodiments are directed generally to an electrostatographic imaging member having low surface energy and is wear resistant. The imaging members include a charge transport layer that comprises a silicone ester additive that provides these beneficial properties.
US09023555B2

A monolithic fuel cell device is provided by forming anode and cathode layers by dispensing paste of anode or cathode material around pluralities of spaced-apart removable physical structures to at least partially surround the structures with the anode or cathode material and then drying the paste. An electrolyte layer is provided in a multi-layer stack between the cathode layer and the anode layer thereby forming an active cell portion. The multi-layer stack is laminated, and then the physical structures are pulled out to reveal spaced-apart active passages formed through each of the anode layer and cathode layer. Finally, the laminated stack is sintered to form an active cell comprising the spaced apart active passages embedded in and supported by the sintered anode material and sintered cathode material.
US09023550B2

Disclosed are solid fuel cells, including solid oxide fuel cells and PEM fuel cells that include nanocrystalline cerium oxide materials as a component of the fuel cells. A solid oxide fuel cell can include nanocrystalline cerium oxide as a cathode component and microcrystalline cerium oxide as an electrolyte component, which can prevent mechanical failure and interdiffusion common in other fuel cells. A solid oxide fuel cell can also include nanocrystalline cerium oxide in the anode. A PEM fuel cell can include cerium oxide as a catalyst support in the cathode and optionally also in the anode.
US09023539B2

The instant disclosure relates to a retaining member of a metal-air cell unit. The retaining member comprises a plurality of side plates constructed to define an anode compartment; and an air-distributing structure formed in the anode compartment. The air-distributing structure has a height difference from the side plates, and the height difference defines an air-distributing path.
US09023537B2

A positive electrode includes: a positive electrode collector; and a positive electrode active material layer provided on the positive electrode collector and containing a positive electrode active material and an alkaline earth metal carbonate having a fixed form.
US09023531B2

Disclosed is a nonaqueous secondary battery (100) comprising a positive electrode (155) having a positive current collector (151) made of a metal, and a positive electrode active material (153) composed of a lithium-metal complex oxide. The surface of the positive electrode active material (153) is coated with a lithium salt (158) having an average thickness of 20-50 nm.
US09023525B2

Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery, which is low in capacity loss after overdischarge, having excellent capacity restorability after overdischarge and shows an effect of preventing a battery from swelling at a high temperature.
US09023518B2

A battery includes an anode containing a lithium material, a cathode containing sulfur and a porous conducting medium, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte contains an additive selected from the group consisting of an organic surfactant additive, an inorganic additive, and a mixture thereof. The organic surfactant additive may be a fluorosurfactant.
US09023513B2

A rechargeable battery having improved safety against puncture and collapse includes an electrode assembly, a case, a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, a cap plate, and a short circuit member. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode. The case contains the electrode assembly. The first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal are electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively. The short circuit member is between the electrode assembly and the case and short circuits the secondary battery when the secondary battery is punctured or collapsed.
US09023512B2

In case a similar component-to-be-loaded is erroneously loaded on a main body side apparatus, contact of terminals are avoided. To this end, a video camera (main body side apparatus) 1 has a main body side terminal 30, and a battery pack (component-to-be-loaded) 100 has a battery side terminal (component-to-be-loaded side terminal) 120. In the vicinity of the battery side terminal of the component-to-be-loaded, a discriminating tab 111 is provided, and a blocking portion 19 is provided in the vicinity of the main body side terminal of the video camera (main body side apparatus) for determining whether or not its loading is permitted based on the combination of concave and convex engagement with respect to the above-mentioned discriminating tab, and when the loading is not permitted due to the interference between the blocking portion and the above-mentioned discriminating tab, an electric connection between the main body side terminal and the battery side terminal (component-to-be-loaded side terminal) is not to be established.
US09023509B2

A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween, and an electrolyte. A case accommodates the electrode assembly and an electrolyte. A finishing material is attached to an outer surface of the electrode assembly. In the secondary battery, the finishing material has an adhesive property on at least one surface.
US09023508B2

Disclosed is a bus bar assembly to electrically connect two or more cell module assemblies such that the assemblies are arranged in a lateral direction in a state in which the assemblies are in contact with each other or adjacent to each other to constitute a battery module assembly, the bus bar assembly including (a) a cover plate made of an electrically insulative material, the cover plate being mounted at upper ends of the assemblies, (b) two or more conductive connection parts electrically connected to external input and output terminals of the assemblies in a state in which the conductive connection parts are mounted on the cover plate, and (c) two or more bus bars mounted at the upper end of the cover plate in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the assemblies are arranged to electrically connect the conductive connection parts of the assemblies to each other.
US09023504B2

A secondary battery module and a battery spacer, the secondary battery module including a plurality of unit cells; and a battery spacer between the unit cells, the battery spacer including a base portion, the base portion including a portion contacting a large side surface of a unit cell, a wing portion projecting from the base portion toward an adjacent battery spacer and enclosing at least a portion of a small side surface of the unit cell, and a fastening portion on the wing portion, the fastening portion being for coupling the battery spacer to an adjacent battery spacer.
US09023501B2

According to one embodiment, there is provided a battery having a plurality of current collector tabs extended from a plurality of points of a current collector of at least one electrode of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The battery further has a lid and a lead. The lead has a current collector tab junctional part connected with the current collector tabs, a lid junctional part fixed to the lid, and a vibration absorber part linking the current collector tab junctional part to the lid junctional part.
US09023493B2

A MAX-phase material is provided for a cutting tool and other applications.
US09023492B2

The present invention provides an organic light emitting device including an organic layer of two or more organic layers including a first electrode, a second electrode and an emission layer disposed between the two electrodes, wherein the organic layer includes a first injection or transport layer including a material having a LUMO energy level of −4 eV or lower and a second hole injection or transport layer including a material having a HOMO energy level of −4 eV or lower and a material having a LUMO energy level of −4 eV or lower, which is in contact with the first hole injection or transport layer and a method for manufacturing the organic light emitting device.
US09023491B2

Provided are a light-emitting element in which a driving voltage increase can be suppressed and a light-emitting device which has reduced power consumption by including the light-emitting element. The element includes an EL layer between an anode and a cathode, and has a first, a second, and a third layer between the cathode and the EL layer. The first layer is between and in contact with the cathode and the second layer and includes a hole-transport substance. The second layer is between and in contact with the first the third layers and includes a phthalocyanine-based material. The third layer is between and in contact with the second and EL layers and includes an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, a rare-earth metal, an alkali metal compound, an alkaline-earth metal compound, or a rare-earth metal compound. The phthalocyanine-based material has a metal-oxygen bond.
US09023488B2

In order to provide a steel sheet for hot pressing from which a hot-pressed part excellent in perforation corrosion resistance is obtainable and a method of manufacturing a hot-pressed part using the steel sheet for hot pressing, provided is a steel sheet for hot pressing having, sequentially on a surface of a base steel sheet: a plating layer I containing 60% by mass or more of Ni and the remainder consisting of Zn and inevitable impurities, a coating mass thereof being 0.01 to 5 g/m2; and a plating layer II containing 10 to 25% by mass of Ni and the remainder consisting of Zn and inevitable impurities, a coating mass thereof being 10 to 90 g/m2.
US09023485B2

The invention relates to an electro-optical or electromechanical structural component, in particular, an LED, connector or stamped grid, or sliding element, made of a rolled metal substrate of a metal strip, or a sheet produced therefrom, made of Cu or a Cu alloy strip, Al or an Al alloy strip, Fe or a Fe alloy strip, Ti or a Ti alloy strip, Ni or a Ni alloy strip or a stainless steel strip, which has a specially structured surface. The structure of the surface allows joining using optical methods, even in the case of highly reflective surface coatings, and simultaneously improves the functional properties of the components used.
US09023482B2

Disclosed herein is an optical article including a multilayer optical film and a primer layer disposed on the multilayer optical film. The primer layer consists essentially of a sulfopolyester and a crosslinker. The multilayer optical film may be a reflective film, a polarizer film, a reflective polarizer film, a diffuse blend reflective polarizer film, a diffuser film, a brightness enhancing film, a turning film, a mirror film, or a combination thereof. A microstructured or unstructured optical layer may be disposed on the primer layer opposite the multilayer optical film. Also disclosed herein is a method of making the optical article. Also disclosed herein is a display device including the optical article.
US09023480B2

A glass substrate for chemical strengthening is formed by a float process. The glass substrate includes at least one layer of a film formed of an inorganic material that contains H atoms in a concentration of 1.0×1015 to 1.0×1019 atom/mm3. The at least one layer is formed on at least one surface of the glass substrate.
US09023479B2

Provided are a coating composition for low refractive layer including fluorine-containing compound of the following Chemical Formula 1, an anti-reflection film using the same, and a polarizer and an image display device including the same, wherein the fluorine-containing compound of the following Chemical Formula 1 has a low refractive index of 1.28 to 1.40, thereby making it possible to easily adjust a refractive index of the anti-reflection film and be usefully used as a coating material of the anti-reflection film having an excellent mechanical property such as durability, or the like.
US09023472B2

The aqueous ink white pigment of the present embodiment contains a metal compound (1) which satisfies the following specific conditions of (A), (B), and (C). (A) The metal compound (1) described above includes titanium dioxide, and a metal compound (2) where a refractive index at a wavelength of 550 nm is 1.60 or more and 2.45 or less, when the total of the titanium dioxide described above and the metal compound (2) described above is 100 wt %, the content of the titanium dioxide described above is 50 wt % or more and 99 wt % or less and the content of the metal compound (2) described above is 1 wt % or more and 50 wt % or less. (B) The peak value of the volume particle size distribution of the metal compound (1) which is measured with a dynamic light scattering method is in a range of 100 to 700 nm. (C) The pore volume of the metal compound (1) described above which is calculated with the BJH (Barrett-Joyner-Halenda) method is 0.1 ml/g or more and 0.65 ml/g or less.
US09023471B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide lignin-based nanostructures including nanotubes and nanowires, methods of making and using the nanostructures, probes and compositions including the nanostructures, and the like.
US09023466B2

A cutting tool insert for machining by chip removal comprising a body of a hard alloy of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics or cubic boron nitride based material onto which a hard and wear resistant coating is deposited by CVD, and the methods of making and using the same. The coating includes at least one α-Al2O3 layer with a thickness between 0.5 μm and 40 μm having a {01-15} and/or {10-15} texture exhibiting excellent wear and metal cutting performance.
US09023465B2

Provided is an electroconductive member that can demonstrate stable performance for a long period of time with an electric resistance value being hardly changed even by electrical conduction for a long period of time. An electroconductive member has a conductive mandrel, and a conductive layer provided on the outer periphery of the conductive mandrel. The conductive layer includes an organic polymeric compound as a binder, and a conductive particle dispersed in the organic polymeric compound, and the particle includes an organic-inorganic hybrid polymer having a specific structure.
US09023459B2

A laminate material having a decorative appearance has a plurality of layers that are bonded together with at least one of the layers having a first orientation. A portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material is deviated into a second orientation differing from the first orientation. The exterior surface of the material is substantially flat, thereby revealing multiple layers at the exterior surface. Each layer may comprise a sheet that is pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin. A form having a surface feature may be pressed into the exterior surface of the material while the layers are bonded together to deviate a portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material into the second orientation. The invention also includes a method of generating a laminate material having a decorative appearance.
US09023450B2

Fabrication of ballistic resistant fibrous composites having improved ballistic resistance properties. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites having high interlaminar lap shear strength between component fiber plies or fiber layers, which correlates to low composite backface signature. The high lap shear strength, low backface signature composites are useful for the production of hard armor articles, including helmet armor.
US09023442B2

The invention relates to a metallization for a housing, for example for surface wave components, for use in strong magnetic fields as well as a nonmagnetic hermetically sealed cavity housing.
US09023441B2

A new and novel impact energy attenuation material, impact energy attenuation module employing the material and a fit system for optimizing the performance thereof is provided. Non-linear energy attenuating material consisting of a plurality of loose particles is employed for impact energy dissipation. The loose particles are preferably spherical elastomeric balls. An impact energy attenuation module includes a container that holds the loose particles. The impact energy attenuation module can be provided in a wide range of sizes and shapes and the loose particles can be provided in different materials, sizes, density, compaction and hardness to suit with the application at hand. A matrix of impact energy attenuation module are provided about the surface of a shell to provide the required impact energy attenuation. The material, impact energy attenuation module and system of the present invention are well suited for protection of body parts and other cushioning and protection needs.
US09023439B2

A nematic liquid crystal composition according to the invention is used for a liquid crystal display element for an active matrix drive for TV applications or the like for which a quick switching and a wide viewing angle are required. The liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy having a large absolute value and also has a sufficiently low viscosity. Therefore, the liquid crystal composition has excellent characteristic properties, that is, a quick switching, good display quality and a suppressed display defect, and is therefore suitable as a practical liquid crystal composition. Further, a liquid crystal display element produced using the liquid crystal composition can be used favorably as a liquid crystal display element of a VA type or the like.
US09023438B2

Apparatus and methods for depositing materials on a plurality of site-isolated regions on a substrate are provided. The deposition uses PECVD or PEALD. The apparatus include an inner chamber with an aperture and barrier that can be used to isolate the regions during the deposition and prevent the remaining portions of the substrate from being exposed to the deposition process. The process parameters for the deposition process are varied among the site-isolate regions in a combinatorial manner.
US09023431B2

Described is a method for coating light alloy rims, coating materials for use in this method, and the coated light alloy rims obtained in this way. More specifically, described is a method for coating light alloy rims with at least three layers comprising a primer layer (A), a base coat layer (B), and a clear coat layer (C), each of which are a layer of different coating materials. The method comprises providing a substrate; applying the primer layer (A) directly to the substrate; applying the base coat (B) layer; applying the clear coat layer (C); and curing the layers of different coating materials by high-energy radiation.
US09023430B2

The present invention is directed to a method for forming a composite coating on a substrate. The method comprises: (A) applying a first, waterborne coating composition to a surface of the substrate, the composition comprising: (a) a polymeric component containing acid functional groups and an additional, different functional group; (b) a curing agent having functional groups reactive with the additional functional groups on the polymeric component; and (c) microgel particles different from the curing agent, prepared from a diamine and an acid functional polyisocyanate, wherein the polyisocyanate contains an average of 0.75 acid functional groups per molecule and the wherein the polyisocyanate has at least three isocyanate functional groups, to form a substantially uncured first coating thereon; and (B) applying a second coating composition to the uncured first coating, to form a substantially uncured secondary coating thereon. Also provided are coated substrates prepared using the above method.
US09023422B1

A method of deposition of magnetic nanocomposites. The method comprises providing an electron beam evaporation system having at least two independent hearths with independently controllable electron beams, each to melt and evaporate materials in the respective hearth, each hearth having a respective shutter for selectively controlling the deposition of the respective material in the respective hearth, placing a ferromagnetic material in a first hearth, placing an oxide in a second hearth which, when evaporated and deposited, will form an insulator, maintaining an oxygen environment in the electron beam evaporation system while evaporating the materials in the first hearth and second hearth, and depositing the magnetic nanocomposite on at least one wafer in the electron beam evaporation system. Various aspects of the method are disclosed.
US09023416B2

The instant invention is the storage of Type II collagen containing tissue in carbonated water. Such Type II collagen is useful for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis in mammals as well as the treatment of arthritis in mammals. Such Type II collagen is also useful for the prevention of arthritis in mammals. The instant invention is also a method for the preparation of a nutritional supplement that includes the steps of: (a) separating water-insoluble undenatured Type II collagen containing animal tissue from animal tissue not containing Type II collagen; (b) subdividing and sterilizing said tissue under conditions which do not change the original structure of the Type II collagen to produce a subdivided and sterilized product; (c) packaging the subdivided and sterilized product in carbonated water.
US09023412B2

The present invention is directed to a capsule (1) for use with a capsule holder (6) of a food preparation machine, wherein: —said machine comprises a needle (9) supported by a plate, for injection of a jet of fluid inside the capsule, said needle being adapted in shape and size to protrude inside the capsule when said capsule holder is inserted into the machine in order for operation, and said capsule comprises a body with side (2), bottom (4) and top walls (3), said capsule further comprising a top circumferential edge (8), the interface between the needle plate, the capsule holder, and the capsule edge being leaktight, said top wall being sealed onto said circumferential edges and comprises built-in showering means (10) comprising at least one opening, so as to accommodate the needle without piercing and transform the jet of fluid from said needle into at least one jet directed towards the inside of the capsule chamber.
US09023404B2

The present invention intends to provide a composition for hair and skin treatment containing a combination consisting of silk amino acid and protein complexes, seed oils, polysaccharides, polyol, monosaccharide, and botanicals. The composition for hair and skin treatment containing the combination consisting of silk amino acid and protein complexes, seed oils, polysaccharides, and botanicals has excellent improvement effects on the condition of the hair follicle and cuticle, imparts moisture to dry hair; thereby reducing the damaging effects of psoriasis, eczema, alopecia, and seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, it imparts retention of moisture to the skin resulting in an improved appearance and diminished appearance of lines on the skin. This invention relates to the manufacture of personal care products to be applied to the hair and skin. The compositions may be in the form of hair conditioners, hair growth treatments, shampoos, skin care, skin cleansing, or anti-wrinkle products, and ointments.
US09023403B2

The invention relates to the use of a plant extract of a plant belonging to the Lepechinia genus, in particular an extract of the plant species Lepechinia caulescens, as a cosmetic agent or as an active agent in cosmetic compositions.
US09023400B2

Modified-release multimicroparticulate pharmaceutical form capable of maintaining the modified release of the active principle in an alcoholic solution and of resisting attempts at misuse.
US09023394B2

Controlled release formulations and methods for preparing controlled release formulations for delivery of active drug substances are described herein. The formulations described herein may be employed to produce pharmaceutical compositions, such as controlled release dosage forms, adjusted to a specific administration scheme.
US09023389B1

Therapeutic compositions and methods for treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include dosage forms that deliver a therapeutic amount of active drug in a delayed and controlled release formulation. The dosage form can be administered at night and drug release is delayed for from 4 to 6 hours or longer, followed by an ascending release rate.
US09023386B2

The present invention provides microspheres comprising a plurality of nanocapsules accommodated in a gel forming polymer, the plurality of nanocapsules comprising an oil core carrying a non hydrophilic active agent and a shell of polymeric coating. The invention also provides a method for preparing the microspheres of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same as well as methods of use of the microspheres, specifically, in therapeutic, cosmetic and diagnostic applications.
US09023379B2

Novel implantable tissue fixation methods and compositions are disclosed. Methods and compositions of tissue, fixed using polymeric and/or variable length crosslinks, and di- or polymercapto compounds are described. Also described are the methods and compositions wherein the tissue is fixed using biodegradable crosslinkers. Methods and compositions for making radio-opaque tissue are also described. Methods and compositions to obtain a degradable implantable tissue-synthetic biodegradable polymer composite are also described. Compositions and methods of incorporating substantially water-insoluble bioactive compounds in the implantable tissue are also disclosed. The use of membrane-like implantable tissue to make an implantable drug delivery patch are also disclosed. Also described are the compositions and methods to obtain a coated implantable tissue. Medical applications implantable tissue such as heart valve bioprosthesis, vascular grafts, meniscus implant, drug delivery patch are also disclosed.
US09023377B2

Disclosed is an implantable material comprising a biocompatible matrix and cells which, when provided to a vascular access structure, can promote functionality generally. For example, implantable material of the present invention can enhance maturation of an arteriovenous native fistula as well as prolong the fistula in a mature, functional state suitable for dialysis. Additionally, the present invention can promote formation of a functional arteriovenous graft suitable for dialysis as well as promote formation of a functional peripheral bypass graft. Implantable material can be configured as a flexible planar form or a flowable composition with shape-retaining properties suitable for implantation at, adjacent or in the vicinity of an anastomoses or arteriovenous graft. According to the methods disclosed herein, the implantable material is provided to an exterior surface of a blood vessel. Certain embodiments of the flexible planar form define a slot. The materials and methods of the present invention comprise cells, preferably endothelial cells or cells having an endothelial-like phenotype.
US09023373B2

A dental remineralizing system, including a functionalized calcium-containing complex having an organic surfactant component mechanochemically attached to a distressed calcium phosphate component and blended with the comestible material.
US09023368B2

A delayed release coating comprising a mixture of a first material selected from starch; amylose; amylopectin; chitosan; chondroitin sulfate; cyclodextrin; dextran; pullulan; carrageenan; scleroglucan; chitin; curdulan and levan, and a second material which has a pH threshold at about pH 5 or above, is used to target release of a drug from a core to the intestine, particularly the colon.
US09023362B2

The present invention concerns antibodies that react immunologically with an epitope comprising VDKSRWQQG (SEQ ID NO: 1), including those that bind to cancer cells, and methods relating thereto. In particular, the antibodies that react immunologically with a particular epitope found in anti-tumor antigen antibodies are not only indicative of favorable therapy using the anti-tumor antigen antibodies, but are therapeutic in and of themselves.
US09023358B2

The present invention provides an antibody that binds to the p19 subunit of human IL-23 and is characterized as having high affinity, selective, and neutralizing properties. The antibody is useful in the treatment or prevention of an autoimmune or inflammatory condition selected from the group consisting of consisting of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, graft-versus-host disease, lupus and metabolic syndrome. The antibody is also useful in the treatment of cancer.
US09023351B2

The present invention provides recombinant antigen-binding regions and antibodies and functional fragments containing such antigen-binding regions that are specific for the membrane-anchored, 4O.kDa mesothelin polypeptide, which is overexpressed in several tumors, such as pancreatic and ovarian tumors, mesothelioma and lung cancer cells. These antibodies, accordingly, can be used to treat these and other disorders and conditions. Antibodies of the invention also can be used in the diagnostics field, as well as for further investigating the role of mesothelin in the progression of disorders associated with cancer. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoing antibodies, vectors containing the same, pharmaceutical compositions and kits with instructions for use.
US09023343B2

Provided is a preventive, progression inhibitor or remedy for a disease one of the causes of which is the activation of the P13K/AKT signaling pathway or vice versa. A phosphorylation-inhibiting and/or dephosphorylating agent, which has an effect of inhibiting the phosphorylation at least at one of the phosphorylation sites of PTEN protein selected from the group consisting of T382, T383 and S380 and/or an effect of dephosphorylating the same, is prepared. Alternatively, a phosphorylation-inhibiting or dephosphorylating agent for PTEN is screened by a method comprising a step for confirming an ability of a test substance to inhibit the phosphorylation at least at one of the phosphorylation sites of PTEN protein selected from the group consisting of T382, T383 and S380 or a dephosphorylation ability thereof. Then, a substance having an effect opposite to the inhibition of PTEN phosphorylation or dephosphorylation thereof, e.g., an antibody against the phosphorylation-inhibiting or dephosphorylating agent for PTEN obtained above, is also obtained.
US09023340B2

Methods and small molecule compounds for stem cell differentiation and treatment of animals with diseases are provided. One example of a class of compounds that may be used is represented by the compound of Formula I and II: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein A, X, Q, R1, R2, R3, R4 are as described herein.
US09023337B2

Methods for enhancing or stimulating hematopoiesis including the step of administering Interleukin-12 (IL-12) to yield hematopoietic recovery in a mammal in need. Preferred methods include the step of administering IL-12 as an adjuvant therapy to alleviate the hematopoietic toxicities associated with one or more treatment regimens used to combat a disease state. Other methods include administering IL-12 to ameliorate various hematopoietic deficiencies. Still other methods are directed to uses of IL-12 for in-vivo proliferation of hematopoietic repopulating cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells and hematopoietic stem cells. Other disclosed methods are directed to uses of IL-12 for bone marrow preservation or recovery.
US09023331B2

The present invention relates to a hair fixative composition comprising a canonically modified hydrolysed starch and especially canonically modified hydrolysed starches, hydrolysed to the extend of having a dextrose equivalent of 1 to 6.
US09023330B2

A hair treatment composition comprising components (A) to (D), wherein the mass ratio (A)/(B) between the content of the component (A) and the content of the component (B) is from 0.05 to 2.0, and the pH value of the hair treatment composition is from 2.5 to 5.0; (A): polyglycerin, in which with regard to the ratio among a total content (p) of triglycerin and tetraglycerin, a content (q) of diglycerin, and a total content (r) of pentaglycerin and higher order oligomers in the entire polyglycerin, q/p is less than 0.5 and r/p is less than 0.5; (B): alkyl glyceryl ester or alkyl glyceryl ether having an HLB of 2 to 7; (C): aromatic alcohol; and (D): cationic surfactant.
US09023321B2

The present invention provides methods for the preparation of gas-filled microbubbles, and methods of using for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In particular, the methods of the invention allow for the preparation of gas-filled microbubbles having narrow size distributions and defined ultrasonic properties.
US09023315B2

Chelators of the formulae (I), (II) and (III) and tricarbonyl complexes of radioisotopes of Tc and Re bound to them, for use in myocardial imaging.
US09023314B2

A surface coating for a medical device is provided that may prevent or slow the formation of medical biofilms on the surface of the device. Covalent attachment of certain analogues of N-acyl L-homoserine lactones onto a medical device may provide the advantage of slowing biofilm formation in a manner that is targeted to the surface of the medical device and not the patient. Such a device may allow healthcare providers to prevent bacterial buildups on the surfaces of the device, which may lead to biofilm formation.
US09023309B1

Processes are for the conversion of the sulfur compounds to elemental sulfur through different catalytic stages after the reaction furnace of the Claus unit with air or oxygen. The steps are: 1—Conventional Claus thermal or catalytic stage; 2—Oxygen Scavenger catalytic stage to capture excess oxygen from the reaction furnace and to perform Claus reaction; a Selective Reduction stage that converts SO2 to elemental sulfur; and 4—Selective Oxidation stage that converts H2S to elemental sulfur. The tail gas flows to the incineration and stack and to the incineration plus caustic scrubber for achieving zero emissions.
US09023307B2

The invention relates to single crystal diamond with high optical quality and methods of making the same. The diamond possesses an intensity ratio of the second-order Raman peak to the fluorescence background of around 5 or greater.
US09023306B2

The invention relates to a single crystal boron doped CVD diamond that has a toughness of at least about 22 MPa m1/2. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing single crystal boron doped CVD diamond. The growth rate of the diamond can be from about 20-100 μm/h.
US09023300B2

A reactor (1) for preparing phosgene by gas-phase reaction of carbon monoxide and chlorine in the presence of a solid-state catalyst, which is provided in a plurality of catalyst tubes (2) which are arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the reactor (1) and are welded at each of their two ends into a tube plate (3), with introduction of the starting materials at the upper end of the catalyst tubes (2) and discharge of the gaseous reaction mixture at the lower end of the catalyst tubes (2), in each case via a cap, and also with introduction and discharge facilities for a liquid heat transfer medium (7) in the space (4) between the catalyst tubes (2) within the shell, where the flow of the heat transfer medium (7) in the space (4) between the catalyst tubes (2) within the shell is meandering as a result of deflection plates (5), each alternative deflection plate (5) leaves two openings (6) having the shape of a segment of a circle free on opposite sides at the interior wall of the reactor and the immediately subsequent deflection plate leaves a central opening (11) which is bounded by two straight lines which are parallel to and equidistant from one another and a reactor diameter free and the reactor (1) has no tubes in the region of the openings (6) having the shape of a segment of a circle and in the region of the central openings (11), wherein the many catalyst tubes (2) aligned parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the reactor (1) are arranged in two bundles of identical catalyst tubes (2) which are separated from one another by a region which is free of catalyst tubes (2) and extends to both sides along a reactor diameter and the heat transfer coefficients at the interface between the catalyst tubes (2) and the heat transfer medium (7) are equalized over each reactor cross section by the flow paths of the heat transfer medium (7) in each reactor cross section, in each case measured from the first to last catalyst tube (2) in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium (7), being matched to one another by means of an altered arrangement of the catalyst tubes (2), is proposed.
US09023285B2

A process and apparatus for the dehydrogenation of paraffins is presented. The process utilizes a reactor that includes a slower flow of catalyst through the reactor, with a counter current flow of gas through the catalyst bed. The catalyst is regenerated and distributed over the top of the catalyst bed, and travels through the bed with the aid of reactor internals to limit backmixing of the catalyst.
US09023276B2

A valve apparatus and methods associated thereof are provided. The valve apparatus includes a valve housing structure. A first valve portion is connected to the valve housing structure, wherein the first valve portion has a sealing edge. A second valve portion is positioned at least partially within the valve housing structure. A constrictable membrane has a pressurizable interior compartment, wherein the constrictable membrane supported by the second valve portion and positioned proximate to the first valve portion, wherein at least a portion of the constrictable membrane is movable to engageable with the sealing edge of the first valve portion.
US09023265B1

Tools for forming a corrugated structure from a pliable blank include a plurality of forming blocks that laterally move relative to each other, a compaction mechanism configured to selectively conform the pliable blank to the forming blocks, and a block translating mechanism configured to reconfigure the tool from a pre-formed configuration to a post-formed configuration, in which the forming blocks are positioned closer together than when the tool is in the pre-formed configuration. Associated systems, methods, and apparatuses also are disclosed herein.
US09023260B2

A molded part and a method for producing the molded part. The molded part is rotationally symmetrical or at least partially annular in cross section and formed by a plasticized polymeric mass containing fibers being injected through an injection opening into a cavity of a molding tool. Once the polymeric mass has solidified, the molded part is removed from the tool. Injection into the cavity takes place through at least two injection openings in such a way that the fibers are aligned predominantly in the main stress directions of axial tension and torsion in the molded part.
US09023253B2

The present invention provides a conductive paste characterized by a crystal-based corrosion binder being combined with a glass frit and mixed with a metallic powder and an organic carrier. Methods for preparing each components of the conductive paste are disclosed including several embodiments of prepare Pb—Te—O-based crystal corrosion binder characterized by melting temperatures in a range of 440° C. to 760° C. and substantially free of any glass softening transition upon increasing temperature. Method for preparing the conductive paste includes mixture of the components and a grinding process to ensure all particle sizes in a range of 0.1 to 5.0 microns. Method of applying the conductive paste for the formation of a front electrode of a semiconductor device is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the crystal-based corrosion binder in transforming the conductive paste to a metallic electrode with good ohmic contact with semiconductor surface.
US09023247B2

The invention provides an antistatic treatment agent having an ability of preventing resist film thinning phenomenon in a chemically amplified resist, an antistatic film, a coated article and a pattern forming method using such antistatic treatment agent, in particular, the invention provides an antistatic treatment agent comprising an aqueous solvent-soluble electroconductive polymer, a diamine (divalent) or polyamine (polyvalent) aliphatic basic compound and an anionic surfactant, an antistatic film, a coated article and a pattern forming method using such antistatic treatment agent. As the aqueous solvent-soluble electroconductive polymer, a π-conjugated electroconductive polymer having a Brönsted acid group is a sulfonic acid group is preferred and it is preferable that the amount of the diamine (divalent) or polyamine (polyvalent) aliphatic basic compound be from 0.1 to 75 mol % based on the total number of moles of the basic compounds.
US09023246B2

The invention relates to powder comprising at least one element M, at least one element A and at least one element X, in the respective proportions (n+1±ε1), 1±ε2 and n±ε3, in which: A is chosen from Cd, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, As and S; M is a transition metal; X is chosen from B, C and N; n is an integer equal to 1, 2 or 3; and ε1, ε2 and ε3 independently represent a number ranging from 0 to 0.2, said powder having a mean particle size of less than 500 nm.
US09023234B2

An aqueous heat treatment liquid composition exhibiting a favorable rust resistance with a high cooling capability and a high uneven-cooling resistance is provided. The aqueous heat treatment liquid composition contains a hyperbranched polyglycerol. A mass average absolute molecular weight of the aqueous heat treatment liquid composition is preferably in a range of 5,000 to 500,000. When the aqueous heat treatment liquid composition is used for quenching of a metallic component, the aqueous heat treatment liquid composition can exhibit a favorable rust resistance with a high cooling capability and a high uneven-cooling resistance.
US09023231B2

Non ozone depleting and non flammable refrigerant compositions with GWPs less than 2,000 ITH which replace R404A, R507, HCFC22 and CFC502 in refrigeration systems.
US09023230B1

The present invention relates facile method to synthesize magnetic PNCs with highly dispersed and narrow size distributed NPs. The PNCs have highly thermal stability and unique electrical and dielectric properties.
US09023228B2

A pickling solution for the surface pre-treatment of plastic surfaces in preparation for metallization, the solution comprising a source of Mn(VII) ions; and an inorganic acid; wherein the pickling solution is substantially free of chromium (VI) ions, alkali ions, and alkaline-earth ions.
US09023223B2

In a method of generating a nanocrystal with a core-frame structure, a seed crystal, including a first substance, is exposed to a capping agent. The seed nanocrystal has a plurality of first portions that each has a first characteristic and a plurality of second portions that each has a second characteristic, different from the first characteristic. The capping agent has a tendency to adsorb to portions having the first characteristic and has a tendency not to adsorb to portions having the second characteristic. As a result, a selectively capped seed nanocrystal is generated. The selectively capped seed nanocrystal is exposed to a second substance that has a tendency to nucleate on the plurality of second portions and that does not have a tendency to nucleate on portions that have adsorbed the capping agent, thereby generating a frame structure from the plurality of second portions of the seed nanocrystal.
US09023222B2

According to one embodiment, a pattern forming method includes forming a first guide layer on a processed film, phase-separating a first self-assembly material with the use of the first guide layer to form a first self-assembly pattern including a first polymer portion and a second polymer portion, selectively removing the first polymer portion, forming a second guide layer with the use of the second polymer portion, and phase-separating a second self-assembly material with the use of the second guide layer to form a second self-assembly pattern including a third polymer portion and a fourth polymer portion.
US09023211B2

A VMD system and method uses an aspirator to generate a vacuum pressure for drawing permeate from a membrane module. The aspirator generates the vacuum pressure by receiving and passing a circulating liquid and combines the permeate with the circulating liquid such that the permeate condensates in the circulating liquid. Using an aspirator (e.g., instead of a vacuum pump) allows a more efficient and cost-effective operation of the VMD system and method, particularly in a desalination application. A VMD system and method using an aspirator may be used in desalination and other applications including, without limitation, environmental cleanup (e.g., removal of volatile organic chemicals from water) and food and medical applications.
US09023210B2

An osmotic power generation system and method for generating osmotic power includes a membrane chamber having a semi-permeable membrane therein defining a first portion and a second portion therein. The system also includes a first pump communicating a first fluid to the first portion and a second pump communicating a second fluid to the second portion. The second fluid has higher total dissolved solids than the first fluid. A second portion energy recovery device is in fluid communication with the second portion. A power generator is in communication with the second portion energy recovery device generating electrical power in response to the second portion energy recovery device and the pressure in the second portion.
US09023201B2

A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section. Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).
US09023194B2

A process for reforming a feed composed of one or more hydrocarbon cuts containing 9 to 22 carbon atoms which includes, at least one first step for reforming the feed in at least one reforming unit, during which a stream of hydrogen is produced and at least one first step for distillation of the effluent from the reforming unit in the presence of a reforming catalyst in order to obtain 4 cuts. The 4 cuts are, a liquefied petroleum gas cut (LPG) (A), a C5-C8 cut: naphtha (B), a C9-C15 cut: densified kerosene (C), and a C16-C22 cut: densified gas oil cut (D). The invention also concerns the device for carrying out this process.
US09023193B2

An improved delayed coking process utilizing a coking unit and a coking unit product fractionating column which includes the steps of: heating a mixture of a fresh whole crude oil feedstream and the bottoms from the coking unit product fractionator in a furnace to a coking temperature in the range of 480° C. to 530° C./896° F. to 986° F.; introducing the heated mixed whole crude oil and bottoms feedstream directly into the delayed coking unit; optionally passing the vaporized liquid and gaseous coking unit product stream into a flash unit; recovering a light product gas stream that includes H2S, NH3 and C1 to C4 hydrocarbons from the flash unit; transferring the bottoms from the flash unit to the coking unit product fractionating column; recovering as separate side streams from the fractionating column naphtha, light gas oil and heavy gas oil; recycling a portion of the heavy gas oil by introducing it into the fractionating column optionally with the bottoms from the flash unit; mixing the fractionating column bottoms with the whole crude oil feedstream to form the mixed feedstream; and introducing the mixed whole crude oil and fractionating column bottoms feedstream into the furnace.
US09023191B2

A lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine contains a component (A) of a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. of 5.5 mm2/s or less, a CCS viscosity at −35 degrees C. of 3000 mPA·s or less and a NOACK of 12 mass % or less, and a component (B) of a mineral oil having a viscosity index of 120 or more. The component (A) is contained at a content of 10 mass % or more of a total amount of the composition.
US09023185B2

An electrochemical treating device having low scale potential is disclosed. The device has a variety of configurations directed to the layering of the anionic exchange and cationic exchange. The treatment device can also comprise unevenly sized ion exchange resin beads and/or have at least one compartment that provides a dominating resistance that results in a uniform current distribution throughout the apparatus.
US09023179B2

The disclosure provides a dispersion for making décor paper having improved optical performance without negatively impacting mechanical strength comprising a TiO2 particle slurry comprising a treated TiO2 particle having a surface area of at least about 30 m2/g, and a cationic polymer; wherein the treatment comprises an oxide of silicon, aluminum, phosphorus or mixtures thereof; and the treatment is present in the amount of at least 15% based on the total weight of the treated titanium dioxide particle; paper pulp; and a cationic polymer; wherein the cationic polymer in the slurry and the cationic polymer in the dispersion are compatible; wherein for equal optical performance, the amount of treated TiO2 particle in the dispersion is reduced by about 10% when compared to a dispersion not comprising the treated TiO2 particle of (a). These dispersions are useful in making décor paper that may be used in paper laminates.
US09023177B2

A showerhead electrode is provided where backside inserts are positioned in backside recesses formed along the backside of the electrode. The backside inserts comprise a tool engaging portion. The tool engaging portion is formed such that the backside insert further comprises one or more lateral shielding portions between the tool engaging portion and the threaded outside diameter to prevent a tool engaged with the tool engaging portion of the backside insert from extending beyond the threaded outside diameter of the insert. Further, the tool engaging portion of the backside insert comprises a plurality of torque-receiving slots arranged about the axis of rotation of the backside insert. The torque-receiving slots are arranged to avoid on-axis rotation of the backside insert via opposing pairs of torque-receiving slots.
US09023167B2

A process for coating a substrate comprising the sequential steps of (a) providing a transfer sheet provided with a printed powder coating, (b) applying the transfer sheet onto the substrate with the powder coating in contact with the substrate, (c) removing the transfer sheet from the powder coating and (d) curing the powder coating on the substrate.
US09023166B2

A method of transferring graphene is provided. A method of transferring graphene in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include forming a graphene layer by composing graphene and a base layer, depositing a self-assembled monolayer on the graphene layer, and separating a combination layer comprising the self-assembled monolayer and the graphene layer from the base layer.
US09023163B2

A method for laminating essentially plate-shaped work pieces with a thermally activated adhesive layer, particularly photovoltaic modules. Work pieces are inserted into a vacuum chamber having a compression element dividing the vacuum chamber in a gas tight fashion that can be raised and lowered by pressure differences. The compression element presses against the work piece which in turn presses against a heating plate which forms a lower side of the vacuum chamber, with processing heat being transferred into the work piece to soften the adhesive. The work piece is first impinged by the compression element with a slight load from approx. 2% to 10% of the defined processing load, and is simultaneously kept below the adhesive activation temperature. Thereafter, the slight load is lifted off the work piece and the work piece is heated to the activation temperature and impinged via the compression element with the processing load.
US09023161B2

Provided is a finishing treatment method of seamless sportswear and outdoor clothing, including: welding two or more moisture-permeable waterproof fabrics with an ultrasonic welder in a state of overlapping end parts thereof each other; and finishing the end parts of the moisture-permeable waterproof fabrics with a seal sealing tape, whereby in the seamless sportswear and outdoor clothing which are finishing treated according to the embodiments of the present invention, since a sewing part such as over lock and the like is removed, a friction or compression phenomenon can be prevented from being generated from a part to which a pressure is applied, a sewing wrinkle generation phenomenon generated upon sewing and a coating face slip phenomenon of the moisture-permeable waterproof fabric due to a sewing needle can be solved, and excellent tensile strength and waterproof performance can be realized.
US09023160B2

A launcher assembly includes an outer housing that supports aprons and a nozzle. The nozzle and apron are removable from the base to aid in set up and preparation. Rollers are mounted to ends of the base to aid movement through a sewer pipe. One end of the launcher includes an opening slot for receiving an extended end of the liner. A bladder is banded to a nozzle for inverting the liner. The launcher is held in place by a separately inflatable bellows and pillow. Cameras are mounted to the launcher to provide at least one image on a remote display to aid alignment and installation.
US09023157B2

When, according to the invention, constructing a drive system for rotating a cleaning head in a tank and allowing the system to comprise a hysteresis coupling having two magnetic parts, one being present inside the liquid space (4) and the other outside the liquid space, respectively, a completely liquid-tight separation between the housing (2) and a gear (14) may be ensured. The magnetic part (8, 18) of the hysteresis coupling may be formed by electromagnets, and with a displaceable (13) position of one part relative to the other part (11, 19), the coupling may be adjusted with respect to the transferred torque and/or speed.
US09023148B2

Methods and a kit. A cement forming method includes nucleating an acidic metallophosphate reaction mixture with first particles, resulting in forming a settable metallophosphate cement from the acidic metallophosphate reaction mixture. The first particles include a first metal oxide. Each particle of the first particles independently have a particle size in a range from about 15 microns to about 450 microns. A method for applying cement includes seeding a solution with particles, resulting in forming a settable cement from the solution. The particles have a size in a range from about 15 microns to about 450 microns. The solution includes a first metal oxide reacting with phosphate. The settable cement is applied to a substrate. A cement application kit is also described.
US09023147B2

There is provided provide a method for efficiently producing a rutile type titanium sol having a particle diameter based on dynamic light scattering method of 5 nm to 100 nm that is excellent in dispersibility. The method for producing a rutile type titanium oxide sol comprising: process (a): mixing metastannic acid, a titanium alkoxide, a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, oxalic acid, and water so as to contain 0.02 moles to 0.8 moles of tin atoms, 0.1 moles to 3.5 moles of the quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and 0.1 moles to 8.0 moles of the oxalic acid with respect to 1 mole of titanium atoms of the titanium alkoxide to prepare a titanium-containing aqueous solution with a concentration in terms of TiO2 of 0.1% by mass to 15% by mass; and process (b): subjecting the titanium-containing aqueous solution obtained in process (a) to a hydrothermal treatment at a temperature from 100° C. to 170° C.
US09023146B2

Hydrophilic self-cleaning coating compositions and methods to make and use the compositions are disclosed. The compositions include a pigment material made up of an inorganic pigment attached or linked to at least one oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, the oxidizing agent is an organic molecule covalently or non-covalently attached to the inorganic pigment. In some embodiments, the oxidizing agent is linked to the inorganic pigment by a linker moiety.
US09023130B2

The present invention aims at improving a recovery rate of a positive-pole active substance and preventing a recovery loss of valuable metals when a positive-pole active substance is separated from a lithium ion battery. In the present invention, a material resulting from battery dismantling obtained by dismantling a lithium ion battery is stirred using a surfactant solution, whereby a positive-pole active substance is separated from a positive-electrode substrate. Also, it is preferable that an alkaline solution is added to a positive-electrode material of a material resulting from battery dismantling, thereby dissolving a positive-electrode substrate to which a positive-pole active substance adheres to obtain a slurry containing the positive-pole active substance, and a surfactant solution is added to the slurry to disperse the positive-pole active substance in the slurry, whereby the positive-pole active substance is separated from the alkaline solution.
US09023127B2

A method during the oxidation and sintering of pellets includes the introduction of a first medium into the compartment through an inlet connected to the compartment and the heating of the first medium in the inlet through the use of a combustion arrangement. The use of the combustion arrangement includes the ignition of the fuel, combustion of the fuel, and the transfer of the combustion heat to the first medium that is present at the combustion arrangement. A second medium is introduced to the inlet through an intake in the direct vicinity of the combustion arrangement, where the ignition of the fuel and the combustion of the fuel take place for the transfer of combustion heat also to the second medium. The heated first medium and the heated second medium are mixed before or during their introduction into the compartment.
US09023106B2

A medical implant includes a flexible container having two layers of flexible surrounding walls, each surrounding wall being provided with a plurality of through holes; a tubular fitting being connected to an open end of the flexible container for inserting or infusing a medical filling material into the flexible container through the tubular fitting; and a thrust part connected to the flexible surrounding walls of the flexible container and at a distal end of the flexible container. The thrust part has a receiving seat and a ring, the receiving seat having a central bore and an annular groove surrounding the central bore and opposite to the central bore, wherein a tubular surrounding wall is inserted into the ring and is folded so that the two layers of flexible surrounding walls are formed with the ring imbedded between the two layers of flexible surrounding walls, and the ring with the two layers of flexible surrounding walls are received in the annular groove and detained therein due to friction.
US09023099B2

A valve prosthesis and methods for implanting the prosthesis are provided. The prosthesis generally includes a self-expanding frame and two or more engagement arms. A valve prosthesis is sutured to the self-expanding frame. Each engagement arm corresponds to a native mitral valve leaflet. At least one engagement arm immobilizes the native leaflets, and holds the native leaflets close to the main frame. The prosthetic mitral valve frame also includes two or more anchor attachment points. Each anchor attachment point is attached to one or more anchors that help attach the valve prosthesis to the heart.
US09023073B2

A trocar mandrel comprises a head, a first mandrel having an elongated shaft, a proximal end of said first mandrel being mounted at said head. At least a second trocar mandrel having an elongated shaft is mounted at said head. Said mandrels are mounted at a distance one to another and project from a distal face of said head.
US09023072B2

An ultrasonic clamp coagulator system that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The system includes a one-piece torque wrench that is provided with cantilever arms aligned in an annular fashion about the centerline of the torque wrench. The cantilever arms include teeth in an inward perpendicular fashion in relation to cantilever arms. The clamp coagulator includes an outer tube retainer that includes spline gears projecting in a perpendicular fashion along the outer circumference of retainer. Torque is transmitted through the cantilever arms to the spline gears for attaching a handpiece to the clamp coagulator.
US09023071B2

An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a handpiece and an ultrasonically actuated blade distal to the handpiece. The instrument includes an activation member that is operable to selectively activate the blade and a controller that is operable to select the energy level at which the blade will be activated. The activation member may comprise capacitive switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. The controller may comprise the same. The controller may permit selection from three or more available ultrasonic energy levels. The activation member and/or controller may be manipulated from various longitudinal positions on the handpiece and/or various rotational positions about the handpiece, such that the handpiece may be gripped in a variety of ways.
US09023063B2

A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The system includes a safety cap which lies substantially flush against the anchor base to provide no space for movement of the anchors. The safety cap prevents the anchors from deploying prematurely.
US09023062B2

A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The delivery tool includes a handle having a generally longitudinal axis and a delivery head structured to engage the access port assembly, and an activation mechanism for enabling deployment of the attachment mechanism when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly. The delivery tool is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the handle is spaced apart from the generally central axis of the access port when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly.
US09023061B2

The present disclosure relates to a suture anchor inserter. The suture anchor inserter includes a handle having a proximal component, a central component coupled to the proximal component, and a distal component coupled to the proximal component and the central component, the central component capable of rotating relative to the proximal component; and a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the handle. A method of inserting a suture anchor into bone is also disclosed.
US09023059B2

A ventilation device includes a hollow body having a main portion, at least one distal member coupled to a distal end of the main portion and at least one proximal member coupled to a proximal end of the main portion. The at least one distal member is formed of a shape memory material. The hollow body includes a deployed state for maintaining an opening in an anatomical structure and an undeployed state. The shape memory material forms the at least one distal member into a deployed position. The shape memory material is reversibly deformed from the deployed state into the undeployed state such that at least the distal member changes in shape to an undeployed position, while the main portion of the hollow body remains unchanged.
US09023056B2

An apparatus for targeting and forming drill channels in the tibia in the area of a knee joint during reconstruction of an anterior cruciate ligament, having a handle, which includes a drill sleeve for configuring a first target point on the tibia and an arm extending beyond the distal end of the drill sleeve for determining a second target point on the tibial plateau. To provide an apparatus for targeting and forming drill channels in the tibia that is adaptable to the patient's individual anatomical idiosyncrasies, it is proposed that at least one portion of the arm should be configured as elastically reshapable.
US09023051B2

A system and associated instruments for locating, and accurately and controllably delivering, a device to an area sufficiently near a bone defect using anatomical landmarks is provided. The instruments allow the surgeon to navigate to the area around the bone defect quickly and easily, while also facilitating proper insertion of the device. In some embodiments, the defect is located on a femur. Guide instruments having a plurality of device portals are also provided for use as standalone instruments or as accessories to the system. In addition, a protective guide sleeve is provided for the insertion of small diameter devices.
US09023049B2

A medical puncturing serves for penetrating into a bone or a cartilage. It has a shaft and a tool carrier connected with its proximal end to a distal end of the shaft. The tool carrier has a puncturing tool being a punch or a multi-fracture chisel. The tool carrier is connected at its proximal end via a freely articulated joint to the distal end of said shaft. A stop limits a laterally pivoting movement of said tool carrier to a maximum angle of 45°.
US09023048B2

A tool kit for performing biologic vertebral reconstruction has a drilling tool including a drill bit for forming a cavity in a vertebra to be reconstructed, a biologically active jacket sized for insertion into the cavity, an artificial bone injector attachable to the biologically active jacket, and an artificial bone material injectable into the biologically active jacket by the artificial bone injector. The biologically active jacket is inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. The artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set.
US09023044B2

An electrosurgical instrument includes a first jaw member with a first electrode area and a second electrode area and a second jaw member, such that at least either the first jaw member or the second jaw member can be pivoted around a pivot axis in such a way that the jaw members can be approached to one another or distanced from one another, so that the first jaw member can be rotated in relation to the second jaw member around a rotation axis between a first predetermined working position and a second predetermined working position, so that in the first working position the first electrode area of the first jaw member is facing the second jaw member and so that in the second working position the second electrode area of the first jaw member is facing the second jaw member.
US09023040B2

A cutting device for tissue separation includes a cutting edge using electrical energy such as RF power that is coupled to, but thermally insulated from, a catheter in an elongated medical device. Thermal insulation between a ring-type cutting device and the catheter is provided by a gap, slots within the ring, and/or slanted slots within the ring. In one embodiment, tissue separation occurs by rotation of a ring-type electrically-powered cutting edge having internal cross-bar elements. In an alternate embodiment, tissue separation occurs by longitudinal movement of an offset electrically-powered cutting edge that is pressed against tissue by an inflatable balloon. In a further alternate embodiment, a cutting edge is coupled longitudinally to a catheter, is provided electrical energy by wired connection to the braided catheter, but is thermally isolated from the catheter.
US09023033B2

A magnetically-guided catheter includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion.
US09023025B2

A medical device includes a handle assembly including a distal end, a probe extending distally from the distal end of the handle assembly, and a microwave amplifier unit disposed within the handle assembly. The microwave amplifier unit is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal to be transmitted to the probe.
US09023020B2

A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually curve. A decompression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually straighten.
US09023019B2

A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, an optic fiber, and an optic fiber sleeve. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater that the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within an inner bore of the handle, the optic fiber sleeve, the actuation structure, and the housing tube. The optic fiber sleeve may enclose at least a portion of the optic fiber and the optic fiber sleeve may be disposed within the actuation structure and the housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to curve the housing tube and the optic fiber.
US09023016B2

A cataract surgical system includes a laser source to generate a first set of laser pulses; a guiding optic to guide the first set of laser pulses to a cataract target region in an eye; a laser controller to generate an electronic representation of a target scan pattern, and to control the guiding optic to scan the first set of laser pulses according to a portion of the target scan pattern to create a first photo-disrupted region in the cataract target region; and a Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic (SD-OCT) imaging system to generate an image of a portion of the first photo-disrupted region. The laser controller can generate an electronic representation of a modified scan pattern in relation to the image generated by the SD-OCT imaging system, and control the guiding optic to scan a second set of laser pulses according the modified scan pattern.
US09023014B2

A hand-held electromechanical surgical device is provided and configured to selectively connect with a surgical accessory. The surgical device includes a device housing defining a connecting portion for selectively receiving a coupling assembly of the surgical accessory. The connecting portion includes an annular wall defining a cylindrical recess dimensioned to receive the coupling assembly of the surgical accessory; a collar slidably supported about the annular wall, wherein the collar is slidable between a first position and a second position; and at least one socket member interposed between the annular wall and the collar, wherein each socket member is slidably supported in the annular wall. Each socket member includes a first fixed state wherein each socket member projects into the cylindrical recess of the annular wall; and a second movable state wherein each socket member is free to not project into the cylindrical recess of the annular wall.
US09023007B2

A wearing article configured to smooth out wrinkles that tend to be created in front and rear waist regions. A diaper includes front and rear waist members connected to an intermediary crotch. The front and rear waist members extend from waist ends toward the side of a crotch region and respectively include first regions overlapping front and rear end flaps of the absorbent structure and second regions adjacent the respective first regions. In the front and rear waist members, the first regions and the second regions are provided with first and second waist elastic members sandwiched between the respective top- and backsheets. The respective second regions are formed with inelastic zones overlapping the core and elastic regions lying on both sides of the inelastic regions in the transverse direction. The tightening force of the first regions are lower than the tightening force of the respective second regions.
US09023006B2

The present invention aims to provide a wearing article adapted to prevent unintentional displacement of a crotch region relative to front and rear waist regions by elastics attached to the crotch region. A diaper includes front and rear waist members, a crotch member by the intermediary of which the front and rear waist members are connected with each other. The rear waist member is formed with a waist fit section and an appendix section. Of the crotch member, front and rear ends including front and rear end flaps are bonded to the front and rear waist members, respectively, to form front and rear bonded regions. Both side flaps are provided on respective inner surfaces thereof with gasket elastics attached thereto. Each of the gasket elastic overlaps at one end with a part of the front waist elastic and overlaps at the other end with a part of the appendix section elastic. Furthermore, the one end overlaps with the front bonded region and the other end overlaps with the rear bonded regions.
US09022997B2

Provided is a microneedle unit comprising a case having a space accommodating a fluid and a fluid channel through which the fluid is discharged, a microneedle coupled to a lower portion of the case, a base cover disposed at the lower portion of the case, having a hole through which the microneedle passes, and being vertically movable, a guide pin coupled to the base cover and configured to open and close the fluid channel, and an elastic member configured to impart a restoring force such that the base cover is moved upward by an external pressure and then returns downward again. Therefore, the microneedle unit, which is provided to deliver a fluid into the skin with no pain and no scar, can control injection of the fluid using the guide pin, and repeatedly and conveniently control injection of the fluid using the elastic member.
US09022996B2

An insulin pump comprises a pump device, a control for the pump device, a memory, an operating element for operating the insulin pump and a method for controlling a user interface of the insulin pump are disclosed. The control is designed and programmed such that options for the user of the insulin pump are displayed by the user interface as a function of a user-specific preference profile stored in the memory and as a function of a current time and are provided for selection by using the operating element. The insulin pump can be designed in an auto-adaptive fashion, such that the control continuously updates the user-specific preference profile based on analyzing operating inputs of the user. Embodiments of the invention allow a large range of functions and simple operation, even in the case of miniaturized pumps.
US09022995B2

An elastomeric stopper that can be partially inserted in a rear opening of a glass carpule and that also serves, when fully inserted in the carpule, as a plunger for forcing fluid inside the carpule out through a front opening thereof. The stopper has a thin central portion at its front end that can be readily pierced by a pointed hollow rod of a syringe. When the hollow rod is removed, the elastomeric material of the thin central portion will “seal itself” around the puncture hole. The stopper also has a retractable lip at its rear end that allows the entirety of the stopper to be pushed down and into a fluid-containing glass carpule, thereby acting as a plunger and ejecting fluid from the front opening of the carpule.
US09022990B2

A needle safety shield 10 for use with a syringe 10 having a barrel 14, a needle and a plunger rod 16. The safety shield 10 has a first tube 22. A second tube 26 is arranged for sliding movement within the first tube 22. A pin 46 is connected to one of the first and second tubes 22, 26. An activation ring 32 has a stop 72. A drive spring 34 biases the activation ring 32 in a proximal direction to place the stop 72 in engagement with the pin 46 to retain the first and second tubes 22, 26 in a retracted configuration. The movement of the plunger rod 16 to engage the activation ring 32 compresses the drive spring 34, moving the activation ring 32 distally, and moving the stop 72 out of engagement with the pin 46, allowing the drive spring 34 to move the first and second tubes 22, 26 into an extended configuration.
US09022989B2

An injection device has a main drive module which can be screwed into the back of a syringe housing to prepare the injector ready for use. The drive module has a firing button and a drive plunger released for forward movement by pressing the firing button. The syringe housing slideably receives a syringe holder whose forward movement is initially prevented by internally directed barbs on a cylindrical latching sleeve. The latching sleeve is acted upon by a release ring on the drive module such that as the drive module is screwed onto the syringe housing, the release ring splays the cylindrical shell to release the syringe carrier for forward movement. The barbs also act as a latch to capture the syringe carrier in its rearward position when the drive module is unscrewed from the syringe housing, which returns the barbs to their initial position before the syringe holder returns to its initial position.
US09022985B2

An access assembly includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a cannula extending distally from the housing and in fluid communication with the longitudinal opening and a seal member mounted within the longitudinal opening of the housing. The seal member is configured to receive an instrument therethrough in substantial sealed relation therewith. The housing is adapted to move in at least a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis whereby the seal member maintains the substantial sealed relation relative to the instrument as the instrument in manipulated. The housing may be flexible and capable of deflection relative to the longitudinal axis. The housing may comprise an elastomeric material in whole or in part. The seal member may be integrally formed with the housing. The housing may include at least one flexible ring portion and possibly a plurality of ring portions.
US09022977B2

Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (⅓ mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible.
US09022974B2

A system and method for patient-adaptive hemodynamic management is described. One embodiment includes a system for hemodynamic management including transfusion, volume resuscitation with intravenous fluids, and medications, utilizing monitored hemodynamic parameters including the described dynamic predictors of fluid responsiveness, and including an intelligent algorithm capable of adaptation of the function of the device to specific patients.
US09022973B2

In one embodiment, an IDDC system utilizes an intelligent therapeutic agent delivery system comprised of one, but more likely an array of “cells” containing therapeutic agent(s) and/or diagnostic agents(s); an integrated bio-sensing system designed to sample and analyze biological materials using multiple sensors that include both hardware and software components. The software component involves biomedical signal processing to analyze complex liquid mixtures and a microcontrollers) acts as interface to the biosensors, to the therapeutic delivery elements, and to a communications system(s) for the purpose of controlling the amount of therapeutic agent to deliver and also to provide information in a useful form to interested parties on the progress of therapy and compliance thereto. The synergistic effect of combining the above describe elements is expected to dramatically improve patient compliance with prescribed therapy, quality and timeliness of care provided by physicians, and at the same time reduce the cost of providing effective healthcare to IDDC system users, thereby improving profitability for Managed Care organizations and pharmaceutical companies utilizing the system.
US09022967B2

An implant device is configured to be implanted in a fistula to fluidly connect the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A surgical tool has an implant the implant device mounted on a carrier. Various methods involve a fistula between the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A kit includes an entry device for use to form a fistula and an implant tool for use to implant an implant device following formation of a fistula.
US09022964B2

An orthopedic cast removal tool and method uses an unmodified, typically cordless, rotary impact driver and a embedded wire to cut through an orthopedic cast for removal. By merging it with a slotted spacer block specifically for this cast removal purpose, an ergonomic tool is provided which allays fears of orthopedic patients. When rotating and encountering high resistance of the plaster or fiberglass material of the cast, the cordless rotary impact driver does not bog down; since it seamlessly engages impact action, which offers an order of magnitude or more torque multiplication via short frequent pulses (several per second) to overcome this torque resistance. Thus a high amount of torque with very little reaction force is made available to cut through a cast while affording the technician good control. The cast is cut very rapidly with little dust creation and no jostling of the patient.
US09022954B2

Provided are methods and devices for measuring real-time pressures on the perineum of a user positioned on a surface. In an embodiment the surface is a bicycle seat and the real-time measurement is a pressure map of the pressure distribution during a bicycle ride. The methods relate to connecting a pressure sensor to the perineum region of the user, positioning the user on the surface, wherein the pressure sensor is positioned between the perineum and the surface, and obtaining output from the pressure sensor while the user is positioned on the surface, such as during a bicycle ride. The devices relate to a plurality of pressure sensors capable of being connected to the perineum region and a microcontroller containing a drive circuit and chip for analog-to-digital conversion and storage. One use of the methods and devices are to assess risk of erectile dysfunction for bicycle riders.
US09022944B2

An electronic sphygmomanometer includes a cuff, a tank that stores a prescribed amount of fluid, a pressure adjusting unit that adjusts pressurization of the cuff or the tank by supplying or discharging the fluid, a pressure detector that detects a pressure in the cuff or a pressure in the tank based on pressure information output from a pressure sensor, a blood pressure calculating unit that calculates a blood pressure value based on a change in the pressure in the cuff detected by the pressure detector, an abnormality detector, and a first channel through to the pressure adjusting unit and the pressure detector and that has one of the tank and the cuff selectively connected thereto. The abnormality detector detects whether the pressure sensor is abnormal in a state where the tank is connected to the first channel and the fluid is supplied to the tank.
US09022943B2

A method for detecting vascular sclerosis is revealed. Firstly set a cuff on a human hand. Then inflate the cuff and later deflate the cuff. Next measure a pressure of the cuff and generate a pressure sensing signal. Process the pressure sensing signal to generate a processed signal and convert the processed signal. Then calculate a systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure according to the converted processed signal and also obtain a vasodilation constant. Thus a hardening of blood vessels is detected according to the vasodilation constant.
US09022935B2

An ultrasound surgery system includes: a handpiece including an ultrasound transducer that generates ultrasound vibration and a treatment portion to which the ultrasound vibration is transmitted; a drive current output section provided in a power supply apparatus to which the handpiece is detachably connected, the drive current output section producing and outputting a drive current for driving the ultrasound transducer; a drive frequency output section that detects and outputs a drive frequency for driving the ultrasound transducer with a resonant frequency of the ultrasound transducer; a first information storage section that stores first information including a parameter unique to the handpiece; and a variable current setting section that variably sets the drive current produced by the drive current output section, based on the drive frequency detected by the drive frequency output section, in order to maintain an amplitude or a vibration velocity of the ultrasound vibration in the treatment portion at a predetermined value.
US09022925B2

A massage apparatus having a vibrator device engaged to a flexible hollow sleeve that defines a lubrication well for receiving and dispensing a lubricant is disclosed. The lubrication well includes a peripheral wall that defines a well portion configured to receive the lubricant and a protrusion that extends outwardly from the well portion for stimulating the clitoral area of a female individual while facilitating the dispensation of the lubricant from the well portion to that same area.
US09022916B2

A cannula assembly, further comprising a cannula body for directing blood from the heart of a patient, having distal and proximal ends and a lumen therebetween. A tip coupled to the distal end of the body, the tip having an opening. A pump for drawing blood into the cannula assembly and dispensing the blood from the cannula assembly and into the patient circulatory system. The lumen of the cannula body further comprises a first inner diameter at the proximal end and a second inner diameter at the distal end, the first inner diameter being larger than the second inner diameter. A tapered portion defined as a decrease in inner diameter from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter between the proximal and distal ends, the tapered portion configured to prevent cavitation of the blood within the cannula.
US09022914B2

A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.
US09022908B2

An exercise device includes a first elastic material portion having a first face and a second face disposed opposite the first face, a second elastic material portion having a third face and a fourth face disposed opposite the third face, and a plurality of joining regions, wherein the second face of the first elastic material portion attaches to the third face of the second elastic material portion at each joining region. Each joining region is capable of simultaneous multidimensional stretching when subjected to or released from an applied load. An assembly of integrally connected exercise devices includes a first exercise device integrally connected to a second exercise device, wherein a joining region is capable of separation into two smaller joining regions when the first exercise device and the second exercise device are separated.
US09022905B2

Exercise devices that can be worn on the hand or foot utilizing resistance from the air to perform the exercises. The exercise device comprises a fitting member and a resistance member connected to the fitting member. The fitting member is configured to be worn on a limb, such as the hand or foot so that the user does not have to hold anything during the exercise. Additional weights can be added to the exercise device, but the overall apparatus remains small and relatively lightweight so that it may be easily carried in luggage and used on the go.
US09022898B2

A system for determining disablement of driving of a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The system for determining disablement of driving of a hybrid vehicle may include: power electronic components having a battery at which DC electricity is stored, an inverter converting the DC electricity of the battery into AC electricity, and a motor receiving the AC electricity from the inverter and generating driving torque; an engine burning a fuel so as to generate driving torque and being selectively connected to the motor; an engine clutch selectively connecting the engine to the motor; a transmission connected to the motor to receive the driving torque of the motor or the driving torque of the engine; and a control portion controlling operations of the power electronic components, the engine, and the engine clutch, wherein the control portion turns off a system ready indication in a case that driving of the vehicle is disabled.
US09022896B2

A plane centric gear unit has a circumferentially floating ring gear 1. Both ends of the ring gear 1 are respectively fixed with cloth boards 3 equipped with hollow shaft sleeves 4; the reaction forces of the ring gear 1 and external gear 2 are equal and in opposite directions, and act on inner ring bearings 7 of the hollow shaft sleeves 4 on the same straight line; the outer ring bearings 8 of the hollow shaft sleeves 4 are unloaded, therefore the sum of the bearing reaction forces is reduced, the total transmission efficiency and power reaches above 97% and tens of thousands KW grade, the noises are lower, the gear surface contact pressure is about 1/10 of the external mesh pair, the gear surface contact life is increased by 1000 times than the external mesh pair, and the total weight is reduced by 2˜3 times.
US09022889B2

A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.
US09022878B2

There is provided a method and system for matching golf clubs to a specific user. The method includes providing both a height and a weight of the specific user; determining physical parameters of the specific user from both the height and the weight; providing data for each golf club; obtaining optimal club mass for a Driver; obtaining optimal values of both a moment of inertia about a grip center and a mass for each golf club; and modifying each golf club to enable each golf club to attain the optimal values. The system involves utilizing the aforementioned information gathered for the method. It is advantageous that each of the golf clubs matched to the specific user are effectively employed with an application of identical swings from the specific user.
US09022876B2

Putter heads include a ball striking head body member and a rear body member. In some putter heads, the ball striking head body member includes a rearwardly extending body support having an opening defined therein, and the rear body member extends through this opening. In other putter heads, the rear body member includes a forwardly projecting platform that includes an alignment aid thereon. In still other putter heads, the ball striking head body member includes rearward extending arms at the heel and toe sides that extend rearward at an angle to a location outside the heel and toe edges, respectively, of the ball striking face. Additionally, the rear body member of other putter heads have a first end engaged at a heel side of the ball striking head body member and a free second end that is not engaged with any portion of the putter head.
US09022870B2

A distributed gaming platform is provided wherein mobile devices (e.g., a smartphone) with motion sensors are used as input controllers of a game. A cloud-based gaming rules engine manages multiple players and the content for display in the game. The game output is displayed on any web-enabled display which is physically distinct from the mobile device. Multiple players may simultaneously play the same game, or different games, in multiple geographic locations.
US09022868B2

A method of providing an interactive virtual environment is provided. The method includes using a computer system to receive registration information, establish an account for a user and associating a virtual character with the account. In response to an interaction between the virtual character and a non-player character in the virtual environment, task information is served over the communication network for presenting the user controlling the virtual character with a request from the non-player character to perform a task. An invitation is received over the communication network inviting at least one additional virtual character to participate in performing the task. In response to receiving an acceptance of the task on behalf of the additional virtual character, task content is served over the communication network to allow both the virtual character and the additional virtual character to take actions to perform the task included in the request.
US09022860B2

A system and a method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount are described. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method shown here. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment, or based on other parameters and factors. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount. Other different variations and combinations of the games and winnings are also explained in details.
US09022857B2

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes, for example, a method for receiving from a first device a request to initiate a video game with a second device, determining a location of the first device, detecting a difference between first computing resources of the first device and second computing resources of the second device, instructing the first device, the second device, or both to adjust a resource configuration to mitigate an aspect of the difference between the first computing resources and the second computing resources, and coordinating an exchange of first control information provided by the first device and second control information provided by the second device to enable a multiplayer session of the video game between the first device and the second device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09022852B1

A method of operating a slot machine, and a slot machine in which the method may be used. One or more symbols on a reel are replaced with symbols prescribed by a selected schema. The schema may be selected randomly, or according to a weighted probability, or according to a count of recent plays. All symbols of one type may be replaced with one other type of symbol, or with a variety of different symbols as prescribed by the schema. A symbol stack may be replaced with another symbol stack. Symbols may be replaced on one, several, or all of the reels that make up the display.
US09022851B2

Systems and methods enable one or more players to play games of chance. A system includes a memory device configured to store instructions that are executable by a processor to provide a game of chance in which a plurality of house indicia is selected from a pool of house indicia. The system also includes a processor. When the processor executes the instructions, the processor is programmed to present to a player a plurality of games or game varieties of the games, and enable the player to select one of the plurality of games or game varieties. The processor is further programmed to present a first outcome or a second outcome to the player based on which game or game variety is selected and based on whether a bonus indicia is randomly selected. The bonus indicia is included within the selected house indicia.
US09022824B2

An improved variable pitch oarlock of a rowing shell, including a gate for securing an oar, which is adapted to swivel about a vertical pin of a rigger of the rowing shell. The improvement residing in the inclusion of horizontal pivot means adapted to vary the horizontal angular displacement of the gate as it swivels about the vertical pin. In operation, the pitch of the oar blade can be correspondingly varied and accurately determined during all phases of the rowing stroke. The horizontal pin also provides the mounting for force sensors; ensuring horizontal and/or vertical forces can be measured. Also claimed is a method of coaching or training rowing crew(s), utilizing the variable pitch oarlock as herein described, wherein force, angle and depth measurements are taken and analyzed.
US09022821B2

In a structure of a crimping connection part of an aluminum electric wire and a metal terminal, the aluminum electric wire includes a core wire and an insulating sheath covering the core wire, an exposed core wire in which the core wire is exposed from the insulating sheath at an end portion of the aluminum electric wire is crimped by a core wire crimping part of the metal terminal to form the crimping connection part, and the exposed core wire and the metal terminal of the crimping connection part are covered by a vapor deposited film comprised of an electrically conductive powder.
US09022816B2

A connector terminal includes a pair of terminal contacts sandwiching a male connector therebetween to make electric contact with the male connector, and a terminal body supporting the pair of terminal contacts. The terminal contacts are formed by bending a metal plate having been punched into a designed shape. The terminal contacts each include a contact surface formed by bending a contact part not facing the other contact part and extending towards a central axis of the terminal body.
US09022813B2

The invention relates to a contact housing (1) for at least two electrical contact means, in particular for an electrical plug connector or mating connector for the automotive sector, with two contact-housing modules (10, 20), with a first electrical contact means being able to be set up in a first contact-housing module (10) and a second electrical contact means in a second contact-housing module (20), the contact-housing modules (10, 20) being provided to be able to be moved towards one another and being able to be fixed to one another, in particular being able to be mutually latched with each other. Further, the invention relates to an electrical plug connector or an electrical mating connector, in particular an electrical female connector, and to an assembled electrical line, the electrical plug connector or the electrical mating connector, or the assembled electrical line having a contact housing (1) according to the invention.
US09022810B2

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, and a number of conductive contacts. The conductive contacts include a first contact and a second contact. The first contact includes a first retaining portion, a first contacting portion extending from the first retaining portion, and a first termination portion extending from the first retaining portion. The second contact includes two second retaining portions, two second contacting portions extending from respective second retaining portions, and a second termination portion extending from the second retaining portions. The structure of the first contacting portion of the first contact is identical to that of one of the two second contacting portions of the second contact, and the structure of the first retaining potion of the first contact is identical to that of one of the two second retaining portions of the second contact.
US09022805B2

A cable management apparatus includes a half housing and a plurality of partitions. The half housing has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other. The partitions are disposed in the half housing to divide the interior of the half housing into a plurality of compartments, and each compartment extends to the two faces of the half housing. A plurality of signal cables are respectively disposed into the compartments, so that the signal cables are able to be disposed in the electronic slots through the half housing and that the signal cables are electronically connected to the corresponding pins respectively.
US09022792B2

The invention relates to a shield contact spring having a contact spring for the purpose of contacting a shield of a cable being connected, and having a fixing spring for the purpose of fixing the shield contact spring in a position in which the contact spring abuts the shield of the cable being connected, wherein the contact spring has a first end and a second end, and wherein the fixing spring has a first end and a second end, wherein the contact spring and the fixing spring are connected to each other by their first ends via a U-shaped connection region, wherein the shield contact spring has a support spring for the purpose of pressing out the contact spring from the insertion region of the cable being connected, upon the insertion of the shield contact spring into a housing.
US09022789B2

Models, kits and methods useful in the demonstration of sialendoscopy devices and techniques are described. An exemplary demonstration apparatus comprises a support structure, an insert structure contacting the support structure, and a duct structure contacting the insert structure. The insert structure has a top surface defining a first opening and a bottom surface defining a second opening, and defines a channel with a first end in communication with the first opening and a second end in communication with the second opening. The duct structure comprises an elongate tubular member and has a first end in fluid communication with the first opening of the insert member, a second end, and defines a lumen extending from the first end to the second end. A portion of the duct structure is releasably disposed within the channel defined by the insert structure.
US09022788B2

Configurations for simulation of motions or movement in a health training mannequin for teaching purposes are disclosed. A cardiac defibrillation response simulation apparatus is configured to be housed separately from but interfaced with a health training mannequin to induce motion symptomatic response to electrical shock in the mannequin. In one embodiment a system comprises a motion inducer comprising a housing, an interface structure, and an actuator, wherein the interface structure is coupled to the actuator, movable relative to the housing, and configured to interface with a portion of a health training mannequin to induce motion in at least one portion of the health training mannequin. In another embodiment a method comprises interfacing a portion of a health training mannequin with an interface structure, the interface structure being coupled to an actuator and movable relative to a housing coupled to the actuator, the housing not being housed within a portion of the health training mannequin. Various hardware configurations are presented.
US09022776B2

Disclosed is a mold hanger for supporting a bottle mold in a blow molding station, the mold hanger comprising a piston and piston sleeve fully contained within the mold hanger configured to push a moveable insert into the mold. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting an original rotatable blow molding module having multiple existing blow molding stations, each existing mold hanger defining an existing outer envelope. The disclosed method may include providing an improved mold hanger substantially contained within the respective existing outer envelope and including low-profile drive mechanisms configured opposably to drive moveable inserts into the mold. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip, the method including providing within a mold hanger a drive mechanism to drive a moveable insert into the mold. A bottle made by such methods is also disclosed.
US09022775B2

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a moulded body having microstructures from moulding material. The method for producing a moulded body having microstructures on a carrier out of moulding material is effected by inputting a moulding material into a container (10) comprising a mould cavity (14), wherein at least one micro-structured mould (12) is provided in the mould cavity. Furthermore, the centrifugation of a container (10) is carried out until the moulding material has completely entered into the structure of the mould (12). Thereafter, the curing of the moulding material is carried out to form a moulded body having microstructures, which is then removed from the mould (12) and the container (10). A container (10) is provided into which the mould (12) has been inserted, and the container (10) is connectable to a centrifuge wherein the container (10) comprises a mould cavity for receiving the moulding material wherein the mould cavity (14) comprises at least one micro-structured mould (12).
US09022772B2

An apparatus and method for accelerating food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.
US09022768B2

A multi stage auger system having a hopper with a first diameter opening tapering to a second smaller diameter opening, coupled to an auger tube at the second smaller diameter opening. An auger entry spiral with generally helical shape and a sweep arm coupled thereto, the spiral and the sweep arm skimming inside the product hopper to entrain the semi-solid materials from the hopper wall and, through the shape of the spiral, moving materials through the hopper from the first opening towards the second smaller opening. During this entrainment and movement by the spiral and sweep arm a space is left between the spiral and the sweep arm to remove air and voids from the semi-solid material through the movement. The auger has a first coarse pitch providing further removal of air/void spaces and a second finer pitch providing further movement under higher pressures near an exit of the auger.
US09022766B2

A mold temperature control device comprising a first medium supply portion for circularly supplying first medium to a medium flow path of a mold, a second medium supply portion for circularly supplying the medium flow path with second medium having temperature different from that of the first medium, and a third medium supply portion for circularly supplying third medium corresponding to the first medium to the medium flow path. The mold temperature control device further comprises a switching connection portion for switching between a medium supply path and a medium return path of each medium supply portion to connect the medium flow path, and a control portion which switches second medium supply mode circularly supplying the second medium to the medium supply path to third medium supply mode circularly supplying the third medium to the medium flow path, and to first medium supply mode supplying the first medium to the medium flow path by controlling the switching connection portion.
US09022762B2

An apparatus is provided for mounting to a support for modifying an ankle-foot orthosis. The apparatus comprises a tooling device having a plurality of holes spaced over an outer surface of the tooling device. The tooling device includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis, and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. The second portion of the tooling device defines an opening for receiving the support. A peg is configured to be inserted into one of more holes of the tooling device. The peg comprises a body portion and a post depending from the body portion and configured to be received in the holes in the outer surface of the tooling device. In one embodiment, the body portion of the peg has a convex outer surface.
US09022756B2

A scroll compressor is provided with a buffer portion (113b) having an increased diameter at an intermediate part of a discharge port (113). A refrigerant discharged from compression chambers (p) is introduced into the buffer portion (113b), and temporarily stays thereat. Then, the refrigerant is discharged to a discharge plenum (150), thereby reducing a pulsating pressure. Accordingly, noise occurring when the refrigerant discharged from the compression chambers (p) collides with the discharge plenum (150) is reduced, thereby greatly reducing noise of the scroll compressor.
US09022740B2

By means of a simple structure, lightning resistance is improved without increasing the level of fluid noise due to a lightning discharge member provided on a surface of a wind turbine blade. A wind turbine rotor blade lightning discharger, in which a diverter strip serving as a lightning discharge member protrudes from a surface of a wind turbine blade that extends in a radial direction from a rotor head supported in a freely rotatable manner, includes a noise suppressing structure that suppresses the generation of a Karman vortex, which causes noise, on the downstream side of the diverter strip with respect to an airflow that flows at the surface of the wind turbine blade during rotation of the wind turbine rotor blade.
US09022737B2

An airfoil has a wall, a cooling channel, a trench, and a plurality of cooling holes. The wall has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, a suction side, an outer diameter end, and an inner diameter end to define an interior. The cooling channel extends radially through the interior of the wall between the pressure side and the suction side and along the leading edge. The trench extends radially along an exterior of the wall at the leading edge and is recessed axially into the leading edge to form a back wall. The back wall is contoured to include at least one undulation. The plurality of cooling holes extends through the back wall of the trench to connect the interior of the wall at the cooling channel to the exterior.
US09022735B2

A turbomachine component is provided and includes a turbine blade, which is rotatable about a rotor of a turbine for power generation operations and a platform with which the turbine blade is to be assembled. The turbine blade is formed to define a main circuit having an appendage. The platform is formed to define a platform circuit, and a substantially radially extendible pathway configured to be coupled to the appendage and to the platform circuit.
US09022734B2

A case structure includes a first housing and a fan frame fixing module. The fan frame fixing module includes a fan frame, a positioning part and an auxiliary part. The positioning part is disposed on the first housing. The auxiliary part is disposed on the first housing. The fan frame urges against the first housing and the positioning part, and the auxiliary part urges against the fan frame so that the fan frame is fixed on the first housing.
US09022731B2

The present document describes a centrifugal ceiling fan. The fan comprises a casing, a motor and a centrifugal propeller. The casing comprises an upper surface comprising an air inlet and a lower surface comprising an air outlet. In an embodiment, the lower surface has a round bowl-like shape including a plurality of openings defining the air outlet. The propeller comprises a shaft and a plurality of blades provided around the shaft. The blades may be curved to push the air in all directions between a first direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation shaft and a second direction substantially parallel to the rotation shaft in order to evenly ventilate the room. The fan may include a heating element for heating the air as it exits from the fan.
US09022722B2

A frame assembly of a ring-type fan with a pressure-releasing function includes a fan wheel, a pressuring-releasing portion, and a frame body. The fan wheel is received in an accommodating space of the frame body. The fan wheel has a hub and a plurality of blades. The pressure-releasing portion is formed on free ends of the blades and has a stopping wall and a flange extending from one end of the stopping wall. A pressure-releasing channel is formed between the stopping wall and an inner wall of the frame body. With the pressure-releasing portion being formed on the free ends of the blades, the present invention is capable of delaying the deceleration, improving the fan performance, and reducing its noise.
US09022721B2

A vertical axis wind turbine formed from a concentric arrangement of fixed stator blades to provide fluid flow acceleration into an arrangement of rotatable blades secured to a generator for invoking electrical power generation. The stator blades are maintained in a fixed position by use of an upper and lower stator plate. The rotor blades include an upper and lower plate, the upper plate coupled to the upper stator plate, and the lower rotor plate coupled to the generator. The amount of stator and rotor blades may be scaled in number and size depending upon the type of generator to be driven and associated mechanical energy to be obtained. The stator blades are designed for air deflection in a direction for optimal rotor blade rotation by accelerating air flow into a pre-swirl before the flow contacts the rotor blades. Each stator blade is oriented at a sufficient stagger angle so that an angle of the relative velocity does not exceed the stall angle of said rotor blade.
US09022713B2

An improved rearward-hinged and forward-hinged, rotatable and tiltable receiving table for a agricultural bale transport vehicle that selectively tilts and rotates a layer of bales resting thereupon 90 degrees relative to a preceding bale layer on the transport vehicle to criss-cross tie a load of bales (a plurality of layers of bales) together in a load stack offloaded from the transport vehicle to the field for later pickup and movement or deposit in a bale storage area. Preferably, the bale transport vehicle is a mid-size or big bale stack wagon having a Mil-Stak® bale loader previously installed or concurrently being installed. The invention enables the lifting, tilting, rotating, and depositing of one mid-size or big bale or a plurality of mid-size or big bales from a rearward-hinged and forward-hinged bale receiving table of the bale transport vehicle onto a rear-hinged stack load table for consolation into a load with other layers of bales for transport from the field. The invention allows selective 90 degree rotation of a layer of bales relative to a preceding layer of bales of the bale stack on the rear-hinged stack load table.
US09022711B2

A vibration-isolating screw is disclosed. The vibration-isolating screw includes a screw head and a screw tail portion. The screw head includes a first screw body, a first magnetic element, a second screw body, a second magnetic element, a third screw body and a third magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are mounted on the first screw body and the second screw body, respectively. The third screw body is mounted between the first screw body and the second screw body. The third magnetic element comprises a first end and a second end and is mounted on the third screw body. The first end and the first magnetic element are adjacent and mutual repulsion. The second end and the second magnetic element are adjacent and mutual repulsion. The screw tail portion is connected with the second screw body.
US09022704B1

A case mouth chamfer tool utilizes an easily adjustable cutter holder member. The adjustable cutter holder member slides in a dovetail, is adjusted by advancing and retreating a screw, and is held in place by a set screw. The case mouth chamfer tool may be fixed to a micrometer dial threadedly engaging a barrel. A case adapter bearing is fixed to the barrel. The case mouth chamfer tool is adjusted to cut an inside chamfer and the micrometer dial is rotated to adjust the position of the case mouth chamfer tool with respect to the case adapter bearing to precisely adjust the amount of material cut from the case. The case adapter bearing is easily changed to chamfer different cases.
US09022697B2

The present invention relates to a method for installing a pipe (313) when drilling a first hole with the aid of a rock drilling apparatus (100), wherein a tool (309) which can be connected to a drilling machine (306) via one or more drill rods (308) is used in said drilling, which method comprises—drilling a first part of said first hole,—installing a pipe (313) in at least a part or said first drilled part of said first hole, wherein the method further comprises:—installing said pipe (313) in said first hole while drilling of said first part of said first hole is in progress.—pulling said drill rod (308) out of said first hole before finishing drilling of said first hole to the desired, compared with said first part, deeper depth. The invention also relates to a system and to a rock drilling apparatus.
US09022687B2

A system and method for creating sand bars or gravel bars in fresh water includes the use of a hopper to mix pressurized water and gavel to create slurry. The slurry is discharged by a worker in the water so as to make a gravel bar or other structure to help restore wild life. A new hopper 100 may comprise a top box section 120, the top box section having an upper end attached to a grate system 110, a pair of lateral spill shields 115 and a rear spill shield 117; and the top box section may have a lower end attached to a funnel assembly 130; the funnel assembly may comprise a top section 132 and a constrained lower section 135, the constrained lower section may comprise a plurality of inside angled lower edges 137 all terminating within a section of an angled hopper pipe 140.
US09022668B2

Each of a plug and a receptacle is provided with an optical contact and a shutter mechanism. The shutter mechanisms are linkaged with each other when connecting the plug and the receptacle to each other. At least one of the plug and the receptacle includes a movable member moved with being pushed by the other of the plug and the receptacle, an urging member constantly urging the movable member toward the other of the plug and the receptacle, and a cam mechanism causes the shutter mechanism to follow movement of the movable member. The shutter mechanism includes a shutter plate having an opening and movable between a first position where the opening does not face the optical contact and a second position where the opening faces the optical contact, and a projection adapted to be fitted into the opening when the shutter plate is in the first position.
US09022663B2

An oil-lubricated anti-friction bearing is provided for a horizontal arrangement of a rotational axis with a shaft seal that separates a bearing inner chamber, which accommodates rolling bodies, from a bearing outer side, and has a clamping arrangement which acts on the shaft seal from a bearing outer side in order to fix the shaft seal axially. The clamping arrangement has an outlet for oil.
US09022660B2

A rolling bearing used in a power transmission device for transmitting power such as turning force, characterized in that a magnet for holding in a lubrication portion of the rolling bearing a lubricating magnetic fluid for lubricating the lubrication portion is provided on at least one side of an outer race of the rolling bearing, and an annular yoke made of a magnetic material loosely fitted to a rotating shaft is provided on the opposite side of said magnet relative to said outer race, and a cross-sectional profile of the yoke has an I-shape.
US09022659B2

An arrangement to control the clearance of a sliding bearing is disclosed. A sliding bearing arrangement, of a direct driven wind turbine, comprises a bearing. The bearing comprises a first bearing shell and a second bearing shell, whereby the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell are arranged rotatable in respect to each other. A certain predetermined clearance is present between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell, while the bearing is in rotation. A first circuit comprises a first fluid, while the first circuit is in thermal contact with the first bearing shell. A second circuit comprises a second fluid, while the second circuit is in thermal contact with the second bearing shell. The first circuit and the second circuit are coupled in a way that a difference in the temperature between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell is compensated via the first and the second fluid, thus the clearance is kept within a predetermined range.
US09022648B2

A composite photonic crystal comprising an inverse opal structure defining an ordered array of voids with a filler composition received within the voids. A property of the filler composition changes in response to a stimulus, such as a temperature change, thereby changing the band gap of radiation that is reflected by the composite photonic crystal.
US09022646B2

A sensor module for acquiring the temperature in the interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The sensor module has a temperature sensor for acquiring the interior temperature, and a radiation sensor for acquiring an insolation. Information provided by the radiation sensor is used to correct the interior temperature acquired by the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor and the radiation sensor are arranged in a common first housing and make electrical contact with conductor tracks of a carrier board via first contact elements. A device for determining the temperature in the interior of a vehicle with the aid of such a sensor module is also disclosed.
US09022644B1

The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a temperature sensing apparatus comprising a micromachined thermistor configured to output voltage and/or current signals which are/is correlated to an ambient temperature. The micromachined thermistor includes a micromachined thermistor structure suspended over and released from the substrate, wherein the micromachined thermistor structure includes a temperature dependent characteristic (e.g., resistance to an electrical current), and electrical contacts connected to the micromachined thermistor structure, wherein the electrical contacts are adapted to conduct the voltage and/or current signals. The apparatus, in one aspect, includes measurement circuitry, to generate data which is representative of the ambient temperature using the electrical resistance of the micromachined thermistor structure.
US09022643B2

Disclosed is an analog electronic timepiece including a first pointer which rotates freely with respect to a dial, a driving control unit which controls rotation of the first pointer, and an operation unit which receives an input operation performed by a user. In the analog electronic timepiece, the driving control unit includes an intermittent fast forwarding unit which performs a fast forwarding operation with temporary stops, where the rotation of the first pointer is stopped for a predetermined time period every time the first pointer is rotated by being fast forward for a predetermined number of steps according to a predetermined starting operation performed on the operation unit, the predetermined number of steps being 2 or more steps.
US09022642B2

A dissolution generator includes: an upright housing; a screen assembly extending across an interior of the housing, and configured to support a column of powder thereabove; a spray nozzle disposed below the screen assembly and directed towards the screen assembly; and a pressure mechanism disposed above the screen assembly, and configured to apply a substantially constant downward pressure.
US09022637B2

A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.
US09022627B2

A retainer (23) includes two retainer portions (20, 21) surrounding lens (2). Lens (2) has a bearing surface (14) and an abutment surface (12), preferably two of each. In an intermediate stage of assembly, retainer portions when placed in confronting relation to each other around the lens are undersized in a lateral direction relative a principal dimension of lens (2). A projection (22) from a retainer portion (20, 21) bears against lens bearing surface (14), and an abutment-receiving structure (24), such as an aperture, bears against lens abutment (12). When the retainer portions (20, 21) are squeezed together and permanently connected, such as by weldment (40), projection (22) is urged more firmly against lens bearing surface (14) and lens abutment surface (12) is urged against lens aperture (24). Retainer portions (20, 21) are symmetric, and formed of sheet steel.
US09022624B2

The present invention provides: semiconductor-type light sources; a fixed reflector having reflection surfaces; movable reflectors having reflection surfaces; a solenoid; and a driving force transmission mechanism. The driving force transmission mechanism is made of: a rack that is elastically deformable; and pinions. A height H1 of a respective one of gear portions at each end part of the rack is greater in comparison with a height H2 of a respective one of gear portions at an intermediate part of the rack. As a result, the present invention is capable of maintaining a load between the rack and a respective one of the pinions at its required minimum level, and is capable of maintaining positional precision in stop location of the movable reflectors at high precision.
US09022623B2

A vehicular lamp is provided with a vibrator and a shock-absorbing member. The vibrator is attached to a lamp body. The lamp body vibrates in response to the vibration of the vibrator and an alarm sound is generated. The shock-absorbing member is provided to an attachment part and the transfer of the vibration from the vibrator through the attachment part is suppressed by the shock-absorbing member.
US09022620B2

The present invention provides a tactical light configured such that it can be propelled toward a predetermined location. The tactical light includes a housing that defines an interior space. An effects assembly is configured to be positioned within the interior space defined by the housing. The effects assembly is rotatably connected to the housing by a rotary connector. The effects assembly is configured such that it has a center of gravity that is offset from an axis defined by the rotary connectors. In this regard, a light source positioned on the effects assembly is configured to illuminate a predetermined area relative to the effects assembly and its center of gravity and independent of the position of the surface of the housing relative to effects assembly.
US09022614B2

The present invention discloses an inflatable lamp assembly a bladder and a light emitting apparatus that assembled together. The bladder includes a first bag portion, a second bag portion connected with an opening of the first bag portion, an air nozzle disposed on the firs bag portion, and a flange disposed at the opening of the second bag portion. The first bag portion and the second bag portion are co-formed an inflatable cell which is capable of being inflated and deflated by the air nozzle. The light emitting apparatus is received in a recess defined between the second bag portion and flange. As such, the light emitting apparatus can be firmly clamped in the recess when the inflatable cell is filled with air.
US09022613B2

Provided are a semiconductor light emitting module and a method of manufacturing the same, which allow achieving high luminance light emission as well as lightweight and compact features. In a semiconductor light emitting module (101), a projecting portion (202) serving as a reflecting member is formed on a metal thin plate (102) to surround a semiconductor light emitting element (104). The semiconductor light emitting element (104) is connected to a printed board (103) by using a wire (201), for example. The projecting portion (202) is formed by pressing and bending the metal thin plate (102) from a back surface, for example, to surround the element and to be higher than the semiconductor light emitting element (104).
US09022612B2

A light emitting diode (“LED”) module with improved thermal characteristics is provided. The module includes an LED, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, a lower insulator, an upper insulator, a lower contact, upper contacts, and a heat sink. Preferably, the heat sink comprises an outer housing and a contact ring. The LED and the heat sink are attached to the first circuit board via solder. In addition to serving as a substrate for the LED, the first circuit board (which contains a plurality of thermally conductive layers connected by vias) facilitates the transfer of heat away from the LED to the heat sink. The module also has improved mechanical and electrical properties, including redundant electrical connections, stable mechanical connections, and a shock-absorbing lower contact. The lower insulator can also be configured to prevent misalignment of the power source with the lower contact when the module is used in a flashlight or other lighting device.
US09022611B2

A display device includes a display member that displays an image, and a window member arranged on an upper surface of the display member. The window member includes a base member and a color layer, and the color layer is arranged on a lower surface of the base member and partially overlaps the display member. A part of the window member overlaps the display member, and the part of the window member receives a portion of the image from the display member as a received image and transmits the portion of the image therethrough as a transmitted image.
US09022603B1

A light module includes circuit board with a top and bottom side. Multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned along the top side of the circuit board. A bottom side of a gas permeable layer of material having top and bottom sides is adhered to at least a portion of the top side of the circuit board. A pair of elongated double-sided adhesive strips are coupled to the top side of the gas-permeable material near opposing ends of the circuit board. An optical lenses is positioned over each of the LEDs. A cover panel is then positioned over the circuit board, the first layer of material, the adhesive strips and at least a portion of each optic and adhered to top side of each of the elongated adhesive strips. Each lens includes an optical cavity and a recessed area adjacent the optical cavity for receiving a reflector therein.
US09022602B2

Modular multichannel light sources connector systems and methods are provided. A lighting assembly includes substrates, each with a respective plurality of ports and conductive path configurations. Each path configuration includes a plurality of conductive paths between the respective plurality of ports. At least two conductive path configurations are the same. A connector couples one of a plurality of first ports on a first substrate to one of a plurality of second ports on a second substrate. A multichannel power supply's outputs are each coupled to an associated conductive path on the first substrate. A first light source is coupled to two conductive paths on the first substrate, and to a first output. A second light source is coupled to two conductive paths on the second substrate, corresponding to the conductive paths on the first substrate, and to a second output, different from the first output.
US09022600B2

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination device having a pleasant appearance and capable of uniform illumination is provided. The LED illumination device (101) includes a support portion (200) having a first support surface (210) and a second support surface (220), wherein the first support surface (210) faces downward, and the second support surface (220) faces downward, is located at a position higher than the first support surface (210), and surrounds the first support surface (210); a plurality of LED chips (400), including a plurality of first LED chips (411) supported on the first support surface (210) and a plurality of second LED chips (420) supported on the second support surface (220); and a mask (700), located at a lower position with respect to the support portion (200), penetrated by light from the LED chips (400), and including a tilted portion (710) inclining downward toward the center.
US09022599B2

A lighting component having an optic is provided. The optic includes a body formed from a plurality of partial elliptical bodies. Each partial elliptical body is substantially elliptical about a source focal point and a common focal point. Each source focal point for the partial elliptical bodies is disparately located and each common focal point for the plurality of partial elliptical bodies is collocated. The body of the optic has a common outlet proximate the common focal point and a plurality of source inlets where each source inlet of the plurality of source inlets is proximate the source focal point for a corresponding one of the plurality of partial elliptical tubes.
US09022595B1

An illuminated Halloween candy container that includes an open top, a rim, a handle, and a base, with a first container and a second container, the second container isomorphic with, but enlarged in respect to, the first container, the second container disposed surrounding and spaced apart from the first container, the second container joined to the first container by means of a rim plate disposed perimetrically around the rim, wherein a plurality of first, second, and third Light Emitting Diodes are included to respectively illuminate an ornamental pattern, floodlight for increased visibility, and illuminate a space between the first container and the second container, whereby the illuminated Halloween candy container is seen to glow, and a digital media player selectably plays recorded sounds, as desired.
US09022594B2

A lid for a beverage container or travel mug is provided that has one or more visual indicators to identify the location of the pour spout opening of the container or mug in low light conditions.
US09022583B2

A single-substrate mirror element defined by a transflective metal layer—non-metal layer—metal layer coating disposed on the first surface of the substrate and enabled to meet the requirements of operation in an exterior rearview assembly and to provide for stealthy appearance of a light source of the assembly disposed behind the mirror element. The appearance of the mirror element, defined in parameters of the CIELAB color system, is substantially color-neutral, while tuning of reflectance and transmittance characteristics can be achieved substantially independently from one another. Reflectance value and measure of color content of light specularly reflected by the mirror at non-zero angles remains substantially stable within wide range of angles.
US09022580B2

This invention realizes an illumination optical system with a small etendue that has a longer lifetime and a high degree of brightness. The invention includes: a laser light source that generates excitation light; a phosphor that generates a fluorescent light by means of the excitation light; a light tunnel that projects the excitation light that is incident at one end towards the phosphor from another end, and projects a fluorescent light generated with the phosphor from the one end; and a dichroic mirror that is provided between the laser light source and the light tunnel, and that allows the fluorescent light or the excitation light to pass through, and reflects the remaining excitation or fluorescent light.
US09022565B2

A method and an apparatus serve for checking the centering of spectacles worn by a spectacle wearer. The method comprises the steps of: a) measuring spectacle lenses mounted in a frame of the spectacles, wherein a position of permanent markings on the spectacle lenses is acquired relative to a coordinate system defined by the frame by means of an image recognition system; b) determining positions of nominal centering points, prescribed in a file, of the spectacle lenses in dependence on data of the spectacle lenses containing the position of the permanent markings; c) measuring physiological data of a spectacle wearer wearing the spectacles and determining positions of actual centering points of the spectacle lenses from the physiological data by means of a video centering instrument; d) determining the difference between the positions of the nominal centering points and the actual centering points; and e) comparing the difference to a prescribed difference threshold.
US09022550B2

An ink jet printer includes a liquid ejection head that forms an image on a roll paper which is transported from upstream to downstream of a transportation path, and a cutter unit that cuts the roll paper on which the image is formed by the liquid ejection head straight in the direction transverse to the transportation direction of the roll paper, wherein the cutter unit is configured to be capable of changing the cutting direction of the roll paper.
US09022544B2

An ink jet recording method according to an aspect of this invention includes discharging an ink composition containing a metallic pigment to a recording medium using a recording head, and then recording a metallic image in a recording region of the recording medium, in which particles of the metallic pigment have a plate shape and have a coating layer on the surface, the average particle diameter in the ink composition is 0.5 μm or more and 2 μm or less, the total film thickness including the coating layer is 10 nm or more and 50 nm or less, and the average number of the laminated metallic pigment particles in the metallic image is 3 or more and 30 or less.
US09022542B2

The present invention relates to [1] an ink-jet printing method including the steps of applying an ink (A) having a static surface tension of from 23 to 70 mN/m and containing a poly(N-acylalkylene imine)-modified silicone and a cationic polymer onto a recording medium, and then applying by ink-jet printing, a water-based ink (B) onto the recording medium; [2] a recording paper for ink-jet printing which is obtainable by applying an ink (A) having a static surface tension of from 23 to 70 mN/m and containing a poly(N-acylalkylene imine)-modified silicone and a cationic polymer onto a recording medium; and [3] a water-based ink set including an ink (A) having a static surface tension of from 23 to 70 mN/m and containing a poly(N-acylalkylene imine)-modified silicone and a cationic polymer, and a water-based ink (B) containing an anionic colorant.
US09022533B2

A flow channel substrate includes pressure chambers, and the pressure chambers communicate with nozzle openings. Piezoelectric elements located on either side of the flow channel substrate include a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode. The piezoelectric layer contains lead, titanium, and zirconium. The second electrode includes a first layer on the piezoelectric layer side and a second layer on the side of the first layer opposite the piezoelectric layer. The second electrode also includes projections. The projections are aggregates of the lead originating in the piezoelectric layer, and the projections stick out of the surface of the second electrode opposite the piezoelectric layer.
US09022530B2

A piezoelectric element comprises a piezoelectric film which comprises perovskite type crystals at least including Pb, Ti, and Zr, and an electrode which is provided to the piezoelectric film. A diffraction peak position (2θ) of X-rays derived from a (100) plane of the piezoelectric film is from 21.89 to 21.97, and a half-peak width (2θ) of a (200) plane is from 0.30 to 0.50.
US09022520B2

In general, in an aspect, an apparatus includes a body having a hollow ink refill chamber, a plate on a side of the body, the plate having a series of posts separating a series of hollow channels adjacent to the hollow ink refill chamber in the body.
US09022519B2

A printing device includes a camera position control mechanism configured and arranged to control a position of the camera to switch between a first state in which the alignment mark is photographed from a side of the first face, and a second state in which the alignment mark is photographed from a side of the second face.
US09022514B2

A printing apparatus including a print head that performs a printing pass that ejects a photocurable liquid onto a printing medium while being displaced in a main scanning direction each time the print head is displaced in a sub-scanning direction by a displacing amount of a sub-scanning operation, a first irradiation unit that follows the print head displaced in the main scanning direction while radiating light onto an area that is larger than the displacing amount of a sub-scanning operation, and a second irradiation unit that irradiates the light towards an area where irradiation of the light has been completed by the first irradiation unit. Furthermore, an integrated quantity of light of the first irradiation unit is reduced and an integrated quantity of light of the second irradiation unit is increased, in accordance with the increase in the set number of printing passes to be carried out.
US09022512B2

A method for adjusting the processing position of at least one processing device not clamping a product web to be processed within the context of longitudinal register control in a processing machine includes arranging the at least one processing device in a web section which is delimited by two clamping points. The method further includes applying an actuating variable for adjusting the processing position to the at least one processing device within the context of feedforward control, and calculating the actuating variable for adjusting the processing position on the basis of a register deviation expected from a control action of a tensile force control device for controlling the tensile force in the web section.
US09022509B2

An image recording apparatus forms an image on a recording medium including a liquid accommodation layer by landing a liquid to the liquid accommodation layer of the recording medium. The image recording apparatus includes a first unit that performs pre-processing of landing the liquid containing a material with absorbability lower than that of the liquid accommodation layer to an edge of an image formation region at which the image is scheduled to be formed; and a second unit that forms the image at the image formation region of the recording medium after the first unit performs the pre-processing.
US09022507B2

A transport device that includes a PF motor (that drives a PF roller which transports roll paper) and an intermediate motor (that drives an intermediate roller disposed on the upstream side of the PF roller), sets a slack removal force when transporting the roll paper so that the force applied to the paper in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the roll paper is larger as paper width of the roll paper is narrower, sets a slack removal torque as a torque to be outputted from the intermediate motor in accordance with the set slack removal force, and controls the driving of the intermediate motor to output the set slack removal torque. This makes it possible to cause the tension of the roll paper to be uniform regardless of the paper width so as to transport the roll paper precisely.
US09022506B2

In a print control device which prints a monochrome image by discharge of a black ink from a nozzle for discharging an ink, a chromatic color ink in addition to the black ink is discharged in a region where an amount of use of the black ink indicated by monochrome image data representing the monochrome image, is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. In the region, chromatic color inks of different colors are discharged to positions which do not overlap with each other.
US09022505B2

Provided is a printing method using a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a head that has a nozzle array, in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a black pigment ink is arranged, and a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a color ink is arranged. The printing method includes: a step of acquiring image data of an image to be printed on a medium; a step of ejecting the black pigment ink onto the medium on the basis of the image data; and a step of ejecting the color ink onto the medium on the basis of the image data. A supply capability of the pigment ink supply section is higher than a supply capability of the color ink supply section.
US09022503B2

A printing apparatus includes a head and a control section. The head ejects an imaging liquid for forming an image and an auxiliary liquid for assisting the formation of the image by the imaging liquid with respect to a printing medium. The control section controls the head so that the imaging liquid and the auxiliary liquid are ejected with respect to the printing medium. Further, if there is a first region in which the imaging liquid and the auxiliary liquid are ejected, and a second region which is peeled after the image is formed in the first region in a region of the printing medium, the control section controls the head so that ejection of the auxiliary liquid is not executed with respect to the second region.
US09022502B2

An embodiment of this invention is directed to ink droplet landing correction by a carriage scanning velocity. According to the embodiment, upon updating a correction value only in a case where a velocity difference is equal to or more than a predetermined value, possibility that ideal correction is not executed in an acceleration/deceleration region, and unnecessary correction occurs in a constant velocity moving region is reduced. More specifically, two velocity thresholds are set so as to sandwich a predetermined velocity of a servo profile. When the carriage scanning velocity falls in the range between the velocity thresholds, updating the correction value of the landing correction function is suppressed.
US09022483B2

Self adjusting and/or locking buckle tongue assemblies for use with occupant restraint systems in vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a buckle tongue assembly includes a plate having a tongue portion configured to cooperatively engage a corresponding buckle assembly. The buckle tongue assembly of this embodiment can further include first and second web gripping portions carried by the plate. The second web gripping portion is configured to move relative to the first web gripping portion between a first position in which the web gripping portions are spaced apart to permit movement of a web therebetween, and a second position in which the web gripping portions are engaged or interlocked to clamp the web therebetween.
US09022467B2

A head restraint for a vehicle seat is provided, wherein at least one first part facing the head of the seat occupant can be moved linearly in the direction of the head of a seat occupant, wherein during the relocating motion, a relative motion between the first part and a second part of the head restraint arranged on a third part occurs, and a contact surface of the first part lies against a contact surface of the second part, and a contact surface is provided with a form-fit element, in particular a toothing arrangement. A method is provided for adjusting a head restraint.
US09022466B2

An armrest assembly may include a base member, an armrest member, a mechanism and a biasing member. The armrest member may be linearly movable relative to the base member between a first position and a second position. The mechanism may be associated with the armrest member and may be movable between an engaged configuration restricting linear movement of the armrest member relative to the base member and a disengaged configuration allowing linear movement of the armrest member relative to the base member. The biasing member may bias the armrest member in a linear direction from the second position toward the first position.
US09022463B2

A rear-seat armrest locking apparatus includes a release lever installed in an armrest to generate a pulling force, a link guide connected with the release lever through a release cable to provide a pulling force, and installed inside the armrest to move up and down, a link connected with the link guide to turn an up-and-down linear movement to a lateral movement, a locking pin connected with the link to laterally move by means of the pulling force transferred from the link, and being released from a locking hole of a side fixing plate, and a spring installed on the locking pin to return the locking pin to an original position of the locking pin and insert the locking pin into the locking hole. The rear-seat armrest locking apparatus prevents the armrest from being unfolded forward in a forward collision, thereby preventing an accident.
US09022458B2

A side panel for an automotive body includes a unitary panel having a side sill, a roof rail, and a pillar integrally joined to each other. The pillar extends from the side sill to the roof rail, and each of the side sill, the roof rail, and the pillar are made of fiber-reinforced plastic. At least one of the side sill, the roof rail, and the pillar has a recess concave transversely outwardly relative to the automotive body. The recess has an opening that opens transversely inwardly relative to the automotive body. The recess is defined by two side walls bent from flanges and extending transversely outwardly relative to the automotive body, and a bottom wall joined to the side walls. The side walls have portions joined to the flanges, the portions of the side walls being thicker than the bottom wall.
US09022453B2

A covering device for a luggage compartment of a vehicle substantially comprises a trunk covering comprising an inner roller blind which covers the luggage compartment. In order to install the trunk covering in, and remove the latter from, the vehicle, said trunk covering is brought by one end vertically and horizontally into a plug-in device on the vehicle, wherein the remote, other longitudinal end of the trunk covering is latched in a lock by means of a rotational movement.
US09022451B2

A tibia pad has: a right foot placement portion having a right side horizontal portion positioned beneath and rearward of an accelerator pedal on which a passenger's heel who is stepping-on the accelerator pedal is placed, and a right side inclined portion integrally formed with a vehicle front side of the right side horizontal portion and positioned beneath the accelerator pedal; and a rib formed at least at a bottom surface of the right side horizontal portion at the right foot placement portion by a region between a pair of groove portions that are formed so as to extend along a vehicle longitudinal direction and so as to be lined-up in a vehicle transverse direction, and that is provided at a position that is offset toward a vehicle transverse direction one side with respect to a central line that passes-through a vehicle transverse direction central portion of the accelerator pedal.
US09022441B2

A clamping mechanism includes an adjusting assembly, a driving assembly and a plurality of clamping assemblies. Each clamping assembly includes a base body slidably sleeved on the driving assembly. The adjusting assembly includes a first adjusting member, and a second adjusting member parallel to the first adjusting member. The first adjusting member is fixed to a base body located on a first end of the plurality of clamping assemblies. Opposite ends of the second adjusting member are fixed to the driving assembly and a base body located on a second end of the plurality of clamping assemblies. Each of the first and second adjusting members respectively define a plurality of first and second steps. The first steps and the second steps slidable resist sidewalls of the base body. An upward direction of the plurality of first steps is reverse to that of the plurality of the second steps.
US09022435B2

A trunk switch assembly integrated with an emblem, includes a body; an emblem knob that is coupled with an outer side of the body so as to have an emblem provided on an outer surface thereof and provided with a switch operating rib. The trunk switch assembly further includes a micro switch that is provided in a switch case; a pad that is provided between the emblem knob and the body and provided with a link portion having one part transferring a vertical motion of the emblem knob at the same stroke; and a return spring that is provided on the body to apply the pressing and restoration operating force of the emblem knob. The switch operating rib operates the micro switch according to the pressing motion of the emblem knob.
US09022432B2

An electrical conduit coupling comprising a casing and first and second locks is provided. The casing includes opposed first and second openings, and first, second and third crimps. The first, second and third crimps are formed in the casing to provide a smaller diameter in the casing at each crimp. The first lock includes a flange and a plurality of fingers extending from the flange. Each finger includes a first surface and second surface opposite the first surface. A rise portion is located on the first surface of each finger and a tab surface extends from the second surface of each finger. Each finger includes a tip surface extending opposite the first surface and from the second surface.
US09022431B2

A pipe fitting including a housing, a connecting cylinder at least partially disposed in the housing, the connecting cylinder being sealingly mounted in the housing, the cylinder having a portion of reduced diameter with a groove defining a sloping shoulder, a pipe fastening element rotatably mounted about the reduced diameter portion of the connecting cylinder and about the groove for selectively engaging the pipe during a quick connect action, and elements for selectively engaging the interior wall of the pipe for permitting removal of the pipe from the fitting when manipulating the pipe fastening element, and a method for forming the fitting.
US09022422B2

A driver airbag cushion includes a front panel and a rear panel that are joined together along a joined perimeter to form an airbag cushion. The airbag cushion is shrunken in diameter along the joined perimeter by a means of a short rope, a group of pleats, or a group of short tethers to form a spool shaped airbag cushion when fully inflated with a recess along the perimeter outside the airbag cushion. The airbag volume is reduced by 20 to 30% while keeping or improving the effectiveness of the occupant protection. The inflator output is significantly reduced so that a low output single stage inflator can be used.
US09022413B2

A foldable walker apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart inner frame members of two parts each hinged together, with a pair of link members diagonally extending therebetween. Each link has a bend extending upwardly and outwardly. The walker has support members that are arc-shaped with a seat extending between their apexes. A collapsible basket is provided with two end members each having a rigid peripheral portion connecting the frame members and a basket member of flexible fabric extending therebetween. A self-adjusting brake rod is provided with a gripping member spring-biased to remain free of the brake rod until the gripping member is operatively actuated to engage and thereby actuate the brake rod. A brake housing fully extends around a brake pad mechanism, including a means for connecting and adjusting the corresponding brake pad, to at least the outer periphery of one of the wheels for fully protecting the brake pad mechanism.
US09022406B2

A vehicle for infants includes a footboard, a front and rear chassis support fixed to it, wherein each chassis support supports at least one wheel, a steering bar which is connected to the front chassis support, and gripping at the upper portion of the steering bar. The vehicle furthermore includes a seat which is preferably fixed to the steering bar. The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle for infants with two front wheels and at least one, preferably two, rear wheels, wherein the vehicle includes a seat which is preferably fixed to a steering bar of the vehicle, and wherein the vehicle includes gripping at the steering bar which, however, does not function as handle bar, and wherein at least the front chassis support of the vehicle includes a steering mechanism which permits to steer the vehicle by ways of shifting of weight.
US09022398B1

A skateboard element that includes an elongate deck extending from a nose portion to a narrowed portion, and from the narrowed portion to a central portion, and from the central portion to a tail portion. The nose portion is a radiused nose portion that forms a convex curve and the narrowed portion is formed of two opposed recessed areas.
US09022387B2

A print-medium storing unit, a print-medium storing apparatus including the same, and an image forming apparatus including the same which are provided in a power transmission mechanism, print-medium storing apparatus which is installed on a discharge path of a print-medium in an image forming apparatus, includes a plurality of storing units which is arranged with multi-layers, and a controller which controls to drive a feeding unit of another storing unit arranged between the storing unit through which the print-medium is to be discharged and the image forming apparatus, by a driving source of the storing unit through which the print-medium is to be discharged.
US09022382B2

A sheet feed device includes a feed unit and a sheet loading cassette. The feed unit includes a separation conveyance portion that is composed of a feed member and a separation member, a separation holder that supports the separation member and is swingable, and a pressing member that presses the separation holder. The sheet loading cassette includes a grip portion, a pressure release member that, in conjunction with an operation of drawing out the sheet loading cassette, comes into contact with the pressing member, an operation lever that is provided at the grip portion. In a state where the sheet loading cassette is inserted in the apparatus main body, the operation lever is gripped together with the grip portion, and thus the pressure release member slides to come into contact with the pressing member, so that the pressing member is released from the separation holder.
US09022376B2

A reconfigurable clamping system is disclosed. An example clamping system for securing a workpiece comprises a retention assembly and an inflatable bladder. The retention assembly comprises a plurality of links, each pair of adjacent links having a pivotal connection to enable the retention assembly to be configured to the general shape of a workpiece, and each pair of adjacent links having a locking mechanism to selectively lock an angular relationship between the pair. The inflatable bladder is coupled between the retention assembly and the workpiece and is to apply a clamping force to the workpiece.
US09022358B2

A direct drive drawworks (100) has a permanent magnet motor (40) with a first set of windings (250) and a second set of windings (252), a shaft (41) extending from the permanent magnet motor (40) such that the permanent magnet motor directly rotates the shaft (41), a drum (43) connected to the shaft (41) away from the permanent magnet motor (40) such that the rotation of the shaft (41) causes a corresponding rotation of the drum (43), and a switch cooperative with the first set of windings and the second set of windings so as to cause the sets of windings to be selectively connected in parallel or in series.
US09022356B2

An extension has a main extension body with a first extension end and a second extension end, an extension passage is defined there between. An annular extension recess is formed about the extension passage at the first extension end. An annular extension flange is formed about the extension passage at the second extension end. A saddle has a main saddle body with a first saddle end and a second saddle end with a saddle passage defined there between. An annular saddle flange is formed about the saddle passage at the second saddle end. A fastener has an elongate shaft with a first shaft end and a second shaft end. A head is at the first shaft end. A fastening engagement is about the second shaft end. The shaft is configured to be disposed within the saddle passage and the extension passage.
US09022350B2

An assembly structure of an electronic control unit and a coil assembly of a solenoid valve for an electronic brake system connected to the electronic control unit having a printed circuit board and applying power to the solenoid valve. The coil assembly is penetrated to allow an upper portion of the solenoid valve to be fitted thereinto, and includes a cylindrical bobbin provided with a coil and a coil case. The electronic control unit is provided with a housing having an insertion groove and joined to the hydraulic control unit, the printed circuit board being disposed spaced apart from the coil assembly, and the housing is provided with an elastic member having one end contacting the printed circuit board and the other end contacting the coil case. The elastic member is configured with a coil spring to produce different elastic forces.
US09022330B2

An overhead slatwall mounting bracket that has an anchoring surface and a biasing surface. The anchoring surface attaches the mounting bracket to a generally horizontal installation surface. The biasing surface may either define or provide one or more elongate slots. The mounting bracket is capable of securely supporting slatwall accessories that include one or more cantilever tabs. Each cantilever tab of the slatwall accessory may be inserted into one of the one or more elongate slots and thereby mount the slatwall accessory to the mounting bracket. The invention provides a means to suspend, mount or temporarily affix the tabbed slatwall accessory from an overhead or horizontal surface by insertion and subsequent rotation of the one or more cantilever tabs extending from the slatwall accessory into the one or more elongate slots.
US09022326B2

A support for pipes uses a telescoping strut slidably holding an elongated insert with a threaded post extending outward from the insert, through a slot in the C-shaped cross-section of the struts. A bracket fits over the post and abuts supports opposing edges of the strut. A nut on the post clamps the parts immovably together. The bracket has a depending portion extending below the strut with an opening through which a pipe passes. Two threaded couplers with opposing ramped surfaces encircle the pipe and deform when tightened to clamp the pipe while also clamping opposing sides of the depending portion.
US09022324B1

A system and method of coordination of aerial vehicles through a central server are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a central server and an Internet protocol network. A first aerial vehicle is communicatively coupled with the central server through the Internet protocol network and a second aerial vehicle is communicatively coupled with the first aerial vehicle when a command is transferred through the central server using the Internet protocol network. A first computing device of a first user of the first aerial vehicle operatively controls the first aerial vehicle and a second computing device of a second user of the second aerial vehicle operatively controls the second aerial vehicle. At least one of the first computing device of the first user and the second computing device of the second user communicate the command to the first aerial vehicle through the central server.
US09022320B2

An aircraft passenger suite including a seat configured for movement between an upright position and a horizontal bed position, an ottoman positioned apart from the passenger seat, and at least one armrest assembly configured for vertical movement, wherein the seat, ottoman and at least one armrest reside in horizontal alignment to form a bed in the horizontal bed position.
US09022319B2

Environmental control system bleed air is cooled by a heat exchanger. A fan pulls ambient air from a ram inlet duct across the at least heat exchanger and to an outlet. An air cycle machine drives the fan. The bleed air passes downstream of the at least heat exchanger to a compressor, and then drives a first stage turbine. The first stage turbine has an outlet communicating with a condenser, and then a second stage turbine. An icing control system taps hot air downstream of the compressor. An add heat valve is selectively moveable between a first position blocking flow from the tap passage. A second position where it passes air from the tap passage to the condenser inlet, and to a point downstream of the condenser and to the second stage turbine. In a third position, the valve only communicates air from the tap passage into the condenser.
US09022297B2

A trigger signal generating device outputs a trigger signal activating an IC tag. The trigger signal generating device includes first and second trigger coils placed at a predetermined separation distance and each having predetermined magnetic field intensity distribution. Each of the first and second trigger coils includes attenuating means for attenuating intensity of a magnetic field generated by the first and second trigger coils to a predetermined level that allows the ID tag to detect trigger IDs of the first and second trigger coils on a side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided, and that does not allow the ID tag to detect the trigger ID of the first trigger coil on an opposite side to the side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided.
US09022283B2

A device enabling a user to actuate a portable terminal using a set of tags having a unique identifier, the device including the set of tags having a unique identifier and the portable terminal for the user, the terminal being capable of sequentially reading unique identifiers among the set of tags. The device further includes a device for identifying the terminal and for actuating the identified terminal depending on a sequence of the unique identifiers read by the terminal.
US09022276B2

Methods for manufacturing a dual use display tray/container pre-assembly and a dual use display tray/container having a plurality of auto-erectable cells. A method includes providing a primary blank having a plurality of panels and a supplementary blank having a plurality of panels. A method also includes providing only a single blank having a plurality of panels. A dual-use display tray/container includes a plurality of auto-erected cells. A dual use display tray/container also includes a plurality of removable panels and window access material to provide access to the plurality of auto-erected cells.
US09022274B2

A surgical stapling device is provided having a shell assembly including an outer housing portion having areas of varying wall thicknesses. Individual staple pockets in a row of staple pockets are positioned in areas of thinner wall thicknesses. Areas of increased wall thicknesses form longitudinally extending strengthening ribs along an inner surface of the outer housing portion. The longitudinally extending strengthening ribs may be solid, indented in the wall of the outer housing portion and or bisected by a slot extending through the outer housing portion.
US09022261B2

A watch comprising a watch case with opposite arranged connecting parts in form of two parallel branches for the mounting of a watch strap or cord between said branches, where said watch further comprises at least one generally T-shaped strap or cord connector comprising a spring loaded sliding bar suited for engaging in holes provided in a surface of each branch facing each other, said T-shaped strap or cord connector further comprises a cord receiving opening being arranged opposite to the spring loaded sliding bar and being an opening adapted to receive a cord having generally round or polygonal cross section, said cord at a first end and a second end being provided with interacting locking parts.
US09022259B2

A garment folding apparatus includes a planar center panel having a length and a width, the width being less than the length. The center panel is configured to fold in a lengthwise direction. The apparatus further includes a planar left side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel. The apparatus further includes a planar right side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel on a side opposite to the left side panel. The left side panel and the right side panel each comprise raised handle portions on an outer edge thereof. When the left side panel and the right side panel are folded onto the center panel, the handle portions fit into corresponding notches formed in side edges of the second portion of the center panel and corresponding notches formed in inner side edges of the left side panel and the right side panel.
US09022258B2

A container (10, 30, 50) is provided for single- or multi-component molding materials. The container has a container body (12, 32, 52) having a constant outer contour in a longitudinal extent of the container (10, 30, 50), a piston (17, 37) movable in the longitudinal direction, and a cover (11, 31) having an outlet opening (13, 33, 53). A volume for a molding material is defined between the piston (17, 37) and the cover (11, 31), the volume being variable in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the container (10, 30, 50). The container distinguishes itself in that the container body (12, 32, 52) is rotatable relative to the outlet opening (13, 33, 53), and the piston (17, 37) thereby pushes out the content of the container (10, 30, 50).
US09022239B2

A portable beverage container (e.g., an insulated, double-walled bottle) is disclosed. The container includes a lid pivotably connected to it by a hinge. The lid is arranged to be automatically pivoted open by the spring assembly when a catch on the lid is released so that the lid opens in a controlled, non-jarring manner. The spring assembly comprises an elastomeric member and a contact surface (e.g., a recess in a cap of the bottle). The elastomeric member is arranged to cooperate with the contact surface whereupon the elastomeric member operates bi-modally to effect the automatic opening of the lid.
US09022235B2

A footwear hanger includes a suspension portion for suspending a pair of shoes having toe separators in as side-by-side relation in an upright position, and a pair of support portions connected to, and in mirror symmetrical relationship with, the suspension portion. Each support portion has a plurality of uprights together operative for jointly supporting one of the shoes. The uprights of each support portion are spaced apart from one another and include bound spaces in which the toe separators of the respective shoe are received for holding the shoe upright in the upright position.
US09022232B2

A wafer stocker is provided in present invention including a main body having an opening communicating with an inner accommodation space, a plurality of storage cells for wafer pod disposed in the main body, and an embedded storage shelf mounting in the accommodation space of the main body via the opening, the embedded storage shelf is provided with a plurality of storage cells for wafer pods which may combine with the storage cells in the main body to serve jointly as the storage cells of the entire wafer stocker, wherein the embedded storage shelf may be removed from the accommodation space to be replaced with an embedded wafer sorter.
US09022213B2

A kit for the packaging and shipping of components of an explanted medical device. The kit includes sealable containers to individually package the components of the explanted medical device. The kit also includes dressing presoaked in a preservation fluid, the dressing being provided in at least one sealed container prior to the removal of the explanted medical device to maintain the dressing a presoaked, sterile condition. The amount of preservation fluid applied to the dressing is controlled, thereby eliminating the need for a reservoir of fluid to be provided.
US09022212B2

A package system and method are provided for storing and shipping of elongated endoluminal devices. In one aspect, the system includes a packaging tray having a first area to maintain the position of a first portion of the elongated endoluminal device and a second portion retaining an opposing portion of the elongate device. The second portion configured to hold the coupling element of the assembly and being radially spaced outward from the first portion.
US09022207B2

A bridge for a conveyor system includes a bridge frame including a top support surface segment having a top support surface. The bridge frame further has first and second side walls extending downwardly away from the top support surface segment. Each side wall has a portion thereof with a radius of curvature substantially matching a corresponding conveyor roller. A portion of the first side wall extends toward and joins the second side wall, the second side wall further having a tail portion and a living hinge extending away from the tail portion.
US09022204B2

A manufacturing system includes a first conveyer apparatus, a second conveyer apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus. The first conveyer apparatus has a first conveyer unit and a first elevator unit. The first elevator unit is adapted to drive the first conveyer unit to move upward or downward between first and second positions. The second conveyer apparatus has a second conveyer unit and a second elevator unit. The second elevator unit is adapted to drive the second conveyer unit to move upward or downward between third and fourth positions. The manufacturing apparatus disposed between the first and second conveyer apparatuses has a manufacturing unit, a third conveyer unit and a fourth conveyer unit. A conveying path of the third conveyer unit passes through the manufacturing unit. The first and third positions are aligned to the third conveyer unit. The second and fourth positions are aligned to the third conveyer unit.
US09022199B2

A machining module includes a molding system, a painting system and a transporting system. The transporting system is positioned between the molding system and the painting system. The transporting system automatically transports a plurality of blank members produced by the molding system to the painting system. The transporting system defines a detecting station for detecting the blank members and an assembly station for assembling the detected blank members to the painting system.
US09022192B2

A coupling arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes at least one clutch arranged on a rotating shaft in order to couple the rotating shaft selectively with a drive element of the drive train, and at least one activation device to activate the clutch. The activation device is adapted to bring an engagement segment selectively into engagement with a threaded segment rotating with the shaft in order to cause a relative movement of the engagement segment and the threaded segment along the axis of the rotating shaft and thus activate the clutch in the axial direction.
US09022178B2

An elevator system (20) includes a propulsion power assembly (38) with a power rating below that required to move a fully loaded elevator car (22) using a contract or design motion profile. One example propulsion power assembly (38) uses more than one motion profile based upon existing load conditions. One example uses a first motion profile including a first power parameter limit for load conditions at or below a selected load threshold that is less than a maximum load capacity of the car (22). The propulsion power assembly (38) uses a second motion profile with a lower power parameter limit for other load conditions. In one example, electrical current is the power parameter selected as a decision parameter dictating which profile to select based on an existing load. Another example propulsion power assembly (38) selects at least one of a speed limit or an electrical current limit based on an existing load and maintains a speed to stay within the selected limit.
US09022171B2

A directable sound-absorbing panel comprising a sound-absorbing panel, a fixing member which can be fixed to said sound-absorbing panel, an arm and an articulated joint between said fixing member and said arm, is described. An assembly of directable sound-absorbing panels is also described, said assembly comprising a plurality of sound-absorbing panels, a corresponding plurality of fixing members, a corresponding plurality of arms, a corresponding plurality of articulated joints between each arm and each fixing member, and a fixing bar to which at least a part of said plurality of arms is fixed.
US09022161B2

A vehicle bonnet structure for pedestrian protection. The vehicle bonnet has outer panel between front end and wind shield of vehicle. An inner panel disposed and secured along the entire region of a reverse surface of the outer panel. A plurality of semi-spherical configurations having plurality of cuts on the periphery are provided on the inner panel of the bonnet. A bead is provided on the top of each of the semispherical structures. The semi-spherical structure with bead accommodated between the inner panel and outer panel.
US09022155B2

A ski and front track assembly has a track assembly including: an endless track, and at least two wheels disposed inside the track. At least one of the at least two wheels is disposed forwardly of at least one other of the at least two wheels. The ski and front track assembly also has a front ski element connected to the track assembly and extending forwardly therefrom. The front ski element is pivotable about a steering axis together with the track assembly. A snowmobile having the ski and front track assembly is also disclosed. A track assembly having a braking system and a snowmobile having the track assembly are also disclosed.
US09022152B2

In an automobile body structure, since a floor panel disposed beneath left and right side sills and a battery support frame includes a center tunnel protruding upwardly and extending in the vehicle body fore-and-aft direction, and a main body portion of the battery support frame and the floor panel are connected via a linking bracket, it is possible to reinforce the battery support frame with the floor panel and prevent the battery support frame from warping into an arc shape and being bent by the collision load of a side collision and, moreover, since even if the battery support frame is formed into a straight line shape, interference with the center tunnel can be avoided, it is possible to reliably make the battery support frame buckle when the collision load of a side collision is inputted thereinto, thus enhancing the ability to absorb the energy of a collision.
US09022146B2

In one aspect, an apparatus for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation is disclosed, which apparatus, according to one embodiment, may include a drill string configured to be conveyed into a wellbore, wherein an annulus is formed between the drill string and a wellbore wall, a first flow device configured to circulate a first fluid from an annulus to a bore of the drill string, and a second flow device positioned downhole of the first flow device, the second flow device configured to circulate a second fluid from the bore of the drill string to the annulus.
US09022136B2

An apparatus and method for fencing in which a mobile apparatus has a plurality of posts held with wires passing through respective aligned holes and means to take a post at a time to an into the ground driver with the wire or wires still extending through apertures in the post.
US09022129B2

A method and system are described for identifying a geologic object through cross sections of a geologic data volume. The method includes obtaining a geologic data volume having a set of cross sections. Then, two or more cross sections are selected and a transformation vector is estimated between the cross sections. Based on the transformation vector, a geologic object is identified within the geologic data volume.
US09022116B2

A shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the cutter explosive material packed intimately around an axially elongated void space that is continued through a heavy wall boss portion of the upper thrust disc. The boss wall is continued to within a critical initiation distance of a half-cuter junction plane. An explosive detonator is positioned along the void space axis proximate of the outer plane of the upper thrust disc. Geometric configurations of the charge thrust disc and end-plate concentrate the detonation energy at the critical initiation zone.
US09022101B2

Arrangement for circulating liquid in a liquid cooler (11) intended particularly for power electronics appliances, inside which cooler at least two longitudinal main ducts (22, 23) are arranged and transverse ducts (21) arranged between them and connecting them, and in which cooler at least one of the longitudinal ducts is an input duct (22), into which liquid from coming from outside is led via an input joint (12) and one is an output duct (23), from where the liquid is led out via the output joint (13), inside which output duct a tubular additional part (41) having an open end at least on the side of the output joint is installed, and which additional part is arranged detached from the output duct such that a gap remains between the outer surface of the additional part and the inner surface of the output duct for enabling a liquid flow in the output duct outside the additional part, and in which arrangement a first aperture or first apertures (P, N, P2) are arranged in the part of the additional part on the output joint side and/or in the output joint and/or between them for enabling a first path of passage for a part of the nominal total flow to the output joint, and a second aperture or second apertures (T, P1) are arranged in the part of the additional part that is farther from the output joint or between the additional part and the output duct for enabling a second path of passage for the remaining part of the total flow into the additional part and via it onwards to the output joint.
US09022087B2

A rubber composition for tire treads is obtained by blending, per 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber, 5 to 150 parts by mass of silica and 0.5 to 20 parts by mass of a silicone oligomer represented by the following siloxane average formula (1): (X)a(Y)b(R1)c(R2)dSiO(4-a-b-c-d)/2 (wherein X is a mercapto group-containing organic group; Y is a hydrolyzable group, R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, R2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, 0
US09022084B2

A tire having a tread includes an outer tread layer and an inner tread layer. The inner tread layer includes one of a first elastomeric compound and a second elastomeric compound. The outer tread layer includes the other of the first and second elastomeric compounds. The second elastomeric compound has a lower rolling resistance and greater resistance to treadwear than the first elastomeric compound. The inner tread layer increases in thickness across at least a widthwise portion of the outer tread layer with a maximum thickness of one of the inner tread layer and the outer tread layer occurring near at least one of a first shoulder and a second shoulder of the tread. As the tread wears, the inner tread layer defines a greater proportion of a running surface of the tread.
US09022082B1

A cover for covering a spout of a fuel dispenser when the fuel dispenser is not in use includes a sheath having an elongated cavity which is shaped and dimensioned to longitudinally receive the spout of the fuel dispenser. The sheath is fabricated from a fuel absorbent material. After the fuel dispenser is used, the sheath is installed over the spout of the fuel container, absorbs any residual fuel, and prevents contaminants from collecting on the spout. In an embodiment, the sheath has a hole which receives the hanger of a fuel nozzle and holds the sheath in place on the spout.
US09022076B2

A self-actuated linearly retractable and extendible hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these) between a source location and an output location can be implemented as an extendible hose comprising a biasing element, a sealing layer, and a reinforced cover layer. The sealing layer forms a sealed conduit for transporting the fluids, and the reinforced cover layer on the outside provides radial and longitudinal strength for the sealing layer. The hose can be operated by increasing internal pressure within the hose relative to ambient pressure. When the hose is pressurized by a fluid source, the internal pressure of the hose overcomes the retracting force of the biasing element and the hose extends. When the fluid source is turned off or disconnected from the hose, internal pressure is reduced and the biasing element exerts a tension force on the hose causing the hose to retract.
US09022075B2

An apparatus including a fairing having a tail portion and an end portion capable of suppressing a vortex-induced vibration of a tubular. The apparatus further including a stabilizing member attached to the end portion of the fairing, the stabilizing member dimensioned to increase a thickness of the end portion of the fairing and a flange member attached to the stabilizing member, the flange member dimensioned to increase a chord dimension of the fairing so as to improve a stability of the fairing.
US09022064B2

A heater assembly can be used with a gas appliance. The gas appliance can be a dual fuel appliance for use with one of a first fuel type or a second fuel type different than the first. The heater assembly can include a fuel regulator valve including a main pressure regulator to regulate the fuel pressure, at least one auxiliary pressure regulator, a first fuel source connection for connecting the first fuel type to the heater assembly, and a second fuel source connection for connecting the second fuel type to the heater assembly. The one or more auxiliary pressure regulators introduce a backline pressure to the main pressure regulator, thereby adjusting the fuel pressure to fall within a predetermined range.
US09022062B2

A valve device (1) comprising; a body portion (2) having a plurality of openings, a valve seat (6) located within said body portion (2), an end stop (4,8), corresponding to an opening of said body portion (2), said end stop (4,8) comprising a port portion (38,39) through which fluid may flow, and a nozzle (33,35), in fluid communication with said port portion (38,39), said nozzle (33,35) configured for sealing against said valve seat (6) and thereby preventing flow through the valve device (1), the valve device (1) being openable by relative motion of said nozzle (33,35) with respect to said valve seat (6), and adjustment means configured to allow independent adjustment of the location of said nozzle (33,35) with respect to said valve seat (6).
US09022046B2

One of reverse passing parts provided in a substrate passing part comprises a first holding mechanism and a second holding mechanism. The first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism are arranged in vertically symmetry with respect to a rotary central axis and rotate 180 degrees about the rotary central axis, to replace each other in position. A transport robot on the loading side passes a substrate to a third holding mechanism or a fourth holding mechanism at a first vertical position. The substrate reversed in the reverse passing part is passed to a transport robot on the unloading side from the third holding mechanism or the fourth holding mechanism at a second vertical position. Before a reverse process on the preceding substrate is finished, the transport robot on the loading side can start the transfer of the following substrate.
US09022045B2

Disclosed is a liquid treatment apparatus including a nozzle positioned below the substrate retained by a substrate retaining unit. The nozzle is capable of ejecting two fluids of a mixture of a liquid and a gas. The nozzle includes a plurality of liquid-ejecting passages for ejecting a liquid and a plurality of gas-ejecting passages for ejecting a gas, and also includes a plurality of liquid-ejecting ports each corresponding to one of the liquid-ejecting passages. The liquid-ejecting ports are arrayed on a horizontal line extending inwardly from a position below a peripheral portion of the substrate. The liquid-ejecting ports are configured to eject the liquid towards the lower surface of the substrate in an ejecting direction, and the ejecting direction is inclined at an inclination angle in a rotating direction of the substrate rotated by rotational driving unit with respect to a plane including the lower surface of the substrate.
US09022039B2

A simulated smoking device (1) comprising a simulated cigarette having a substantially cylindrical cigarette-like shape and a refill device (2, 50) having a substantially cuboid housing with a cigarette pack-like shape containing refill gas (32, 59) for the simulated cigarette and having means for selectively retaining the simulated cigarette. The simulated cigarette may be retained wholly within the housing. It may be retained at a location different from the refill location. A dose counter may be provided to give a visual indication of the doses in the refill device.
US09022036B2

A patient ventilating (23) and aspirating system (8) is disclosed that has a suction tube (9) and connector (6) for connecting to a catheter mount that has a scaled passageway (15). The catheter mount passageway (15) is sealed with an elastomeric seal (16) including a perforation or slit (17). A connector (12) with a piercing member is associated with the suction tube (9). When the connector is attached to the catheter mount the piercing member (20) pierces the seal (16) such that the suction tube (9) can pass through the connector (6) and catheter mount.
US09022023B2

A nebulizer is provided that includes an internal medication chamber and a pressurized gas diverter. The internal medication chamber is configured for holding a medication. The pressurized gas diverter includes a diverter orifice.
US09022015B2

A magazine for an air gun is provided with first and second shells; an internal passage; a rotatable shaft including a lengthwise groove on a surface, and a transverse slot on the surface communicating with the groove; a pulley rotatably put on the shaft and having both ends rotatably secured to the first and second shells respectively; a ratchet mechanism mounted on the pulley; a pin inserted into the pulley to dispose in one end of the groove; a line having one end wound on the pulley, the line extending through the passage to have an other end engaged with a projectile support in the passage; a spring put on the line and biased between the pulley and the projectile support; and a spring biased knob disposed on an outer surface of the first shell and secured to the shaft.
US09022012B2

A projectile for launching through the air comprises a body and one or more projecting members integral therewith extending outwardly a distance from the body, which can be hollow or solid. The projectile is formed from an elastomeric material capable of being stretched to energize the projectile for launching. The projecting members are positioned a distance apart from one another and include openings disposed therethrough at distal ends for engaging sections of a launching device. The launching device includes a handle with the sections extending outwardly therefrom to accommodate placement of the projectile openings thereagainst for retaining the projectile before and during launch. The projectile is launched from the device by pulling the body away from the launching device to energize the projectile, and then releasing the energized projectile, causing it to be propelled from the launching device into the air and towards a desired target.
US09022008B2

A vehicle includes a fuel tank, a canister for temporarily storing vaporized fuel from the fuel tank, a charge pipe that connects the fuel tank and the canister and that introduces vaporized fuel from the fuel tank to the canister, a purge pipe that connects the canister with an intake system of an internal combustion engine, and a vent pipe that connects the canister with ambient air outside of the canister. An opening of the vent pipe is arranged to open upwardly with respect to the vehicle body in a recessed portion that is formed in a hollow shape and opens downwardly in the vehicle body. A space is formed to partially open in an interval to a recessed portion sidewall of the recessed portion, and a locking member is also provided to cover the opening of the recessed portion from below.
US09021999B2

In a valve timing control apparatus employing two lock pins located in a vane rotor and two lock holes located in a sprocket so as to permit movement of the lock pins into and out of engagement with the respective holes, a guide mechanism is provided for guiding movement of the vane rotor relative to the sprocket toward a prescribed lock position. The guide mechanism includes a guide pin and a guide hole configured to permit movement of the guide pin into and out of engagement with the guide hole. Hydraulic pressure, used for retreating-movement of the lock pins out of engagement, is supplied through a first branch passage branching from an unlock passage configured to communicate with a pump discharge passage. Hydraulic pressure, used for retreating-movement of the guide pin out of engagement, is supplied through a second branch passage branching from the same unlock passage.
US09021998B2

A phase control apparatus in a variable cam timing (VCT) system of an engine is described herein. The phase control apparatus includes a locking pin coupled to a vane, the locking pin extending into a locking pin recess in a cover plate in a locked configuration, the locking pin and locking pin recess having a backlash and a housing at least partially enclosing the vane and spaced away from the vane forming a gap in the locked configuration.
US09021992B1

A windowed muzzle has left and right side sections, a lower section, an upper section and a rear section. A left window is in the left side section and a similarly configured right window is in the right side section. A left flap is configured and sized to cover the left window and a similarly configured right flap is configured and sided to cover the right window. A securement assembly selectively retains each flap in a raised orientation above the window or in a lowered orientation covering the window. A brushing assembly has a flexible strap coupled to the lower section. The brushing assembly includes a toothbrush removably coupled to the flexible strap.
US09021986B2

A system and method for monitoring and mitigating leakage currents is disclosed. The data acquisition system records data from multiple monitoring locations over extended periods of time to identify stray voltage and/or leakage currents present at the monitoring location. The data is processed to identify trends in the stray voltage and/or leakage currents and to suggest methods for mitigating the same.
US09021980B1

A dosage indicator assembly is presented which may be removably attached or fixedly attached to a pill bottle or other medication container, for instance, for disposition onto a top surface of a pill bottle cap, as a replacement cap for a pill bottle, or integral with a cap of a pill bottle. In particular, the dosage indicator assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention is cooperatively structured to track and/or indicate to a user the consumption of prescription pills or other medication in order to prevent inadvertent overdose, for instance, as a result of a lapse in memory as to whether a pill or medication has recently been consumed.
US09021976B2

The rescue device for the passengers and crew of a ship includes: a container that contains survival equipment; a system that is intended for stowing said container relative to the deck of the ship and contains at least one strap and a system for multimodally attaching and releasing said container; an airbag-type inflatable balloon set up between a structure, secured to the deck, and said container, said structure defining a passage for the passengers when needed; and a means for releasing the airbag set up on the wheelhouse of said ship. The frame-shaped structure is formed of: two side posts; a lower cradle, on which said container rests; an upper crosspiece; and a plate set up inside the ship and acting as a counterbearing for the airbag when said container is ejected.
US09021975B1

A seating system for marine vessels and watercraft including a chair having a backrest and a seat bottom and a lounge extension element wherein a first end of the extension element is hingeably attached to and extends from the seat bottom and wherein a second end of the extension element is configured to be hingeably attached to a first rigid structure such as a bulkhead on a watercraft. The seating system is convertible between a forward-facing seat configuration and an aft-facing lounger configuration. In the aft-facing lounger configuration, the extension element and the seat bottom are substantially parallel to one another. In the forward-facing seat configuration, the extension element is substantially upright and at an acute angle with respect to said seat bottom.
US09021972B1

An under deck mid cabin entry system for a mono hull boat including an entry console and exposed top and front surfaces. Front and top openings extend to the top edge of the front surface and collectively define a generally L shaped entryway. The entry console is disposed to the side of a center console and provides access to steps extending beneath the main deck. A top step is within the entry console proximate to the front surface and the steps curve towards a central beam of the boat and descend into the mid cabin such that a bottom step proximate to a floor of the mid cabin directs a user into a central area of the mid cabin and terminates to avoid obstructing movement in the central area.
US09021963B1

A portable document transport and desk device includes a first generally rectangular member having a second generally rectangular member pivotally secured along a bottom end, and an extension member that is pivotally connected along a top end. A pocket is located along the inside facing surface of the first member, and a clip is located along an outside facing surface of the second member. The device transitioning between a briefcase when the first and second members are in the closed position, and a portable desk which can be hung from a steering wheel when the device is in an open position.
US09021961B1

A cartridge launched in an M203/M320 gun launcher device, which cartridge has fins of 1-5 inches in length to insure flight stability without spinning the cartridge. The non spin makes the cartridge capable of having a guidance navigation and control, canard actuating system added between the body and nose. The guidance navigation and control, canard actuating system features now make the cartridge suitable for successfully attacking stationary and moving targets not heretofore possible.
US09021960B1

An isolated, coaxial, high pressure feed-through fitting provides two electrical paths through a barrier. The fitting includes an outer dielectric disposed in an opening in the barrier. A conductive housing with a central through bore is disposed in the outer dielectric. An inner dielectric is disposed in the through bore in the conductive housing. A central conductor is disposed in the inner dielectric. One electrical path includes the central conductor and another electrical path includes the conductive housing. Flanged portions on the conductive housing and the central conductor bear on flanged portions of the outer dielectric and the inner dielectric, respectively, to create a high pressure seal.
US09021957B1

A gun-launched, non-lethal, anti-personnel projectile includes a variable thrust, solid propellant rocket motor. The rocket motor has a variable thrust profile that maintains a substantially constant kinetic energy of the projectile below a lethal threshold from a range of about 5 meters to about 400 meters.
US09021956B1

A mechanical firing adapter for an igniter, such as an M81, to enable remotely firing the igniter using a robot, such as a MTRS. MTRS are used in the disposal/disruption of IEDs. Igniters are generally used with a shock tube, a type of fuse that is used with explosive charges, like shape charges. The adapter has a base plate with a first area to secure the igniter, a second area to withdraw the igniter's pull-rod by the attached pull-ring, and a compound assembly that interfaces with a robot. The pull-ring is attached to a sled that moves rearward when a clinching force is applied to opposing paddles, which causes the connected angled articulating struts to spread open. The paddles are moved closer by a remote controlled robotic jaw, and this closing movement causes the sled to move rearward, pulling out the pull-rod, which sets off the explosive.
US09021948B2

Methods and structures are disclosed to minimize the presence of vapor clouding in the path between an energy (e.g., radiation) source and the dampening fluid layer in a variable data lithography system. Also disclosed are conditions for optimizing vaporization of regions of the dampening fluid layer for a given laser source power. Conditions are also disclosed for minimizing re-condensation of vaporized dampening fluid onto the patterned dampening fluid layer. Accordingly, a reduction in the power required for, and an increase in the reproducibility of, patterning of a dampening fluid layer over a reimageable surface in a variable data lithography system are disclosed.
US09021946B2

Provided is a press machine for driving a slide by a motor, including a control device for controlling driving of the motor, in which the press machine has a press capacity which can be variably controlled by using field control for the motor.
US09021943B2

The present invention provides a device and method for simulating cooking stuffing in a bird, such as a turkey. Stuffing prepared with the device and method of the invention has both the appearance and taste of cooked-in-the-bird stuffing. In addition, the device and method of the invention allows the user to prepare simulated cooked-in-the-bird stuffing at any time, in any quantity and in less time compared to the several hours usually needed to cook stuffing in a bird. The invention, therefore, provides all the benefits of cooked-in-the-bird stuffing without the safety concerns of bacterial contamination when cooked in a bird.
US09021931B1

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the delaboration of ammunition, in particular shells having a housing with a tubular housing portion made of steel and open at one end, a cone made of ductile metal and fitted into the tubular housing portion, the cone having a base with a tubular rim, and an explosive charge contained between the housing and the cone. The method comprises a) inserting an extraction tool through the open end into the tubular housing portion for extracting the cone, b) axially compressing the tubular rim of the cone between the extraction tool and the explosive charge, c) deforming a portion of the tubular rim into a form fit with the extraction tool, d) withdrawing the extraction tool from the housing portion, and e) at least partially withdrawing the cone from the housing portion together with the extraction tool.
US09021928B2

A lathe accessory for a band saw including a foundation assembly adapted to attach to a table for the band saw. A translating layer assembly engages the foundation assembly and is permitted to move thereon. A carriage assembly is disposed on the translating layer, the carriage assembly further comprising a frame subassembly and a bulkhead subassembly, the frame subassembly further comprising an endwall adapted to support a left end of a workplace, and a front frame rail and back frame rail both connected to a frame leg to thereby slidably connect the frame subassembly to the translating layer. The bulkhead subassembly forms the other side of the carriage to secure the other end of the workpiece. Internal components within the bulkhead motorize the bulkhead, such that the workpiece can be turned and manipulated in two dimensions as the bandsaw blade cuts the rotating workpiece.
US09021922B2

An insulating ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a ratchet assembly, a main insulator and a knob. The wrench body is covered with the main insulator. The main insulator has a first insulating ring and a second insulating ring. The first insulating ring has a main annular wall and a sub annular wall. The knob has a main annular groove and a sub annular groove. Under this arrangement, the knob is assembled with the main insulator by the main annular groove and the sub annular groove sleeving onto the main annular wall and the sub annular wall respectively so as to form an overlapping structure between the ratchet assembly and the knob. When a user rotates the knob or holds the wrench body near the ratchet assembly, the main insulator avoids an electric shock in a saltatory conduction manner from a charged object via the ratchet assembly.
US09021919B2

A strain wave gear apparatus includes a rigid internal gear, a flexible external gear, and a wave generator. The wave generator includes an input shaft fixing member including eccentric cams, bearings respectively fixed to outer sides of the eccentric cams, and housings respectively fitted to outer peripheral surfaces of the bearings. The eccentric cams are arranged side by side in a direction of an inclined axis inclined with respect to an input rotation axis at an inclination angle (θ) in a manner that respective center axes of the eccentric cams are parallel to the inclined axis and decentered in directions opposite to each other from the inclined axis. The housings are each formed into a tapered shape so that an outer peripheral surface of each of the housings is held in surface contact with an inner peripheral surface of the flexible external gear.
US09021914B1

Controls for a zero turn mower comprise a foot control pedal assembly mechanically coupled to a transmission control lever. The transmission control lever is mechanically coupled to a control rod. The control rod is mechanically coupled to a control lever assembly. The control lever assembly is mechanically coupled to an enhanced lever.
US09021911B2

In one embodiment of the present invention, electronic shift lever including a PRND button and a scroll wheel configured to operate an H-Matic function, which are formed within one region of an upper surface of the shift lever, respectively, in which the shift lever is formed to be attached to and detached from a fixing device which is formed within one region inside a vehicle.
US09021910B2

A ball-screw assembly isolator is provided, and includes a housing; a ball-screw, a bearing assembly, a retaining member, a first compressible member and a second compressible member. The bearing assembly is located between the housing and the ball-screw. The bearing assembly includes an outer race. The retaining member is secured by the housing. The first compressible member is positioned between the housing and the outer race. The second compressible member is positioned between the outer race and the retaining member. The retaining member is configured to be preloaded to exert an axial force upon the first compressible member and the second compressible member.
US09021903B2

A linear actuator has a housing, a piston slideable within the housing along a slide axis, a first shaft rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the slide axis, a second shaft rotatable about a second axis parallel to the slide axis, in which the second shaft and the piston are engaged to convert rotational motion of the second shaft into linear motion of the piston, and in which the first shaft and the second shaft are engaged by a ball-worm gear.
US09021901B2

A hemispherical shoe 4 is equipped with a sliding surface 4A which slides with a swash plate 3, and a hemispherical convex 4B. Hardening is performed by radiating a laser so that minute circles 6 may be drawn on the sliding surface 4A. Then, lapping is given to the sliding surface 4A and, finally, buffing is given thereto. Thereby, the annular swelling portions 7′ and concavities 8′ are formed in positions of the circles 6 and, further, lubricating oil passages 10′ which include net-like concavities are formed in the sliding surface 4A. A hardening part is formed of the above-mentioned annular swelling portions 7′. The above-mentioned annular swelling portions 7′ are formed so that a ratio of an area of a total of all the above-described annular swelling portions 7′ occupying an area of the sliding surface 4A which is a hardening object domain may become 0.3 to 0.8. It is possible to provide a shoe 4 which is good in seizure resistance in comparison with the past.
US09021898B2

A microelectromechanical sensor is configured to measure a force, a pressure, or the like. The sensor includes a substrate and a measuring element. The measuring element includes at least two electrically conductive regions, and at least one of the electrically conductive regions is at least partly connected to the substrate. The sensor also includes at least one changing region, and the changing region lies at least partly between the electrically conductive regions. The changing region is configured in a substantially electrically insulating manner in an unloaded state and in a substantially electrically conductive manner in a loaded state.
US09021892B2

A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.
US09021891B2

A vortex flow meter having a measurement tube through which a medium can flow, an obstacle provided in the measurement tube for generating vortices in the medium, and a deflection body located in the region of action of the obstacle and which is deflectable by pressure variations associated with the vortices in the medium. The vortex flow meter without cabled connection between the medium-filled space in the measurement tube and the medium-free space outside the measurement tube is produced by at least one magnetic field generating device being arranged outside of the measurement tube for generating a magnetic field near the deflection body, by the deflection body having a different magnetic permeability from the medium and influencing the magnetic field, and by at least one magnetic field registering device for registering the magnetic field in the region of the deflection body being arranged outside the measurement tube.
US09021885B2

A pressure sensor chip includes a sensor diaphragm that outputs a signal in accordance with a pressure differential, and first and second holding members that face, on peripheral edge portions thereof, one face and another face of a sensor diaphragm, and are in contact therewith. In the peripheral edge portion of the first holding member, in a region that faces the one face of the sensor diaphragm, a region on an outer peripheral side is a region that is bonded to the one face of the sensor diaphragm, and a region on an inner peripheral side is a region that is not bonded to the one face of the sensor diaphragm.
US09021864B2

A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A change in magnitude of ionic current through the second nanopore of twin-nanopore probe is detected when molecules pass through the second nanopore.
US09021860B2

A self-contained mobile apparatus which replicates the evaluation of scents, fragrances, aromas and odors in controlled and home environments. The apparatus simulates various stages of the consumer experience and has adjustable settings for dosing, air flow, and room size. The scented compound sample is placed within a cabinet having an enclosed sample chamber which is connected to an upward facing sample tube. An air fan is mounted within the sample chamber which circulates and controls sample air flow upward to a testing station wherein the sample air flow is tested for the identification and the concentration of the scent contained therein. A return air chamber and filter are mounted below the testing station. The filtered return air is controlled downward by a return air blower to provide an exhaust out through the bottom of the apparatus.
US09021856B2

A device is provided for checking a flow pressure measurement probe as well as a probe comprising the device. The probe includes an internal volume and at least one orifice for communication with the outside of the volume. The device includes: an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver that are intended to be connected to the internal volume so that the transmitter transmits an acoustic signal that propagates in the internal volume and so that the receiver picks up an observed acoustic signal; and, means for comparing the observed signal with a reference signal. The device may be a stand-alone device or may be integrated into the probe.
US09021850B2

Chamfer cutting devices are described. The chamfer cutting devices include a mounting bracket, an electromagnet rigidly attached to the mounting bracket, a hold/release arm magnetically coupled to the electromagnet, a chamfer former rigidly attached to the hold/release arm, wherein the chamfer cutter comprises two bending beams, each terminating in a chamfer point, and a blade rigidly connected to the mounting bracket and positioned between the chamfer points. Dispensers incorporating such chamfer cutting devices and methods of chamfer cutting are also described.
US09021846B2

A hydroforming method for metal produces hardware having a throat in only one side and having approximately right-angled corners without causing thinning and breakage. The method includes using a working fluid to exert a liquid pressure on a metal embryo and cooperating with a push rod of a hydroforming mold to supply material from the lower edge, forcing the side sheet metals to bulge. Furthermore, by using the hydroforming mold to provide a downwardly pressing active force on the metal embryo, under feeding of the downwardly pressing active force cooperating with continuous liquid pressure, the metal embryo deforms and bulges such that each corner of the metal embryo and the wall corners of the die cavity of the hydroforming mold have approximately the same angles. Hardware, every angle of which approximates a right angle, can be obtained after removing the hydroforming mold. This method can also be used to obtain a metal box.
US09021845B2

A method for forming a piece of a sheet metal is performed by positioning a consumable body, made of metal, proximate to the piece of the sheet metal. The consumable body is rapidly vaporized, and the gas pressure generated thereby is directed into the piece of the sheet metal. This results in acceleration of the piece of sheet metal, and it is collided into a stationary body at a velocity, generally in excess of 200 m/s. Depending upon the type of stationary body, the piece of sheet metal is deformed into a predetermined shape or is welded onto the stationary body. The vaporization is accomplished by passing a high current of electricity into the consumable body. The effect of the vaporized metal may be augmented by additional components in the consumable body.
US09021841B2

A vessel locking system which provides a locking cap which secures in locked engagement with a vessel releasable by mated engagement of a cap key with the locking cap.
US09021831B2

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the top feed to an absorbing means inside the processing assembly. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and directed into one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly to heat it while cooling the gas stream and the first stream. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the absorbing means and directed into a heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the absorbing means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the desired components are recovered in the stripped distillation liquid stream.
US09021828B2

A refrigeration appliance includes a refrigerated cabinet with a cooled storage compartment, a door movable between a closed position closing the cooled storage compartment and an opened position allowing access to an interior of the cooled storage compartment, the door having an outer panel and a thermoformed liner attached to an inside of the outer panel, and an ice box frame attached to the thermoformed liner, the ice box frame being formed of injection molded plastic more rigid than the thermoformed liner and defining an ice compartment therein. At least one of an ice maker, an ice storage bin, and a motor for driving an ice storage bin auger is located in the ice compartment and attached to the door via the ice box frame. A related refrigeration appliance is also disclosed.
US09021821B2

A ventilation device is provided for use in conjunction with systems and methods provided for cooling data centers. A Make-Up Air Dehumidification/Humidification Unit for the introduction of ventilation air and control of humidity within the enclosed space is provided to support other system components. An objective of the systems and methods according to this disclosure is to provide the necessary rejection of heat while providing a capability to limitedly add ventilation air and control of the absolute moisture content of the air within a data center.
US09021812B2

A combustor dome and heat-shield assembly comprises a heat-shield having a first opening therethrough. A swirler extends through the first opening and captures the heat-shield. A dome having a second opening therethrough and has an upstream side and a downstream side. The swirler extends through the second opening from the downstream side to the upstream side to capture the heat-shield on the downstream side, and a retaining clip engages the swirler to secure the swirler and the heat-shield on the dome.
US09021804B2

An exhaust system, comprising a LP-EGR system that couples an exhaust system to an intake system and an exhaust pipe within the exhaust system with a turn greater 90 degrees and less than 270 degrees between front and rear tires and upstream of a LP-EGR exhaust inlet; and a muffler positioned in the exhaust system downstream of the LP-EGR exhaust inlet and forward of the front tires. By shortening the LP-EGR path, back pressure to sustain EGR flow can be maintained without the use of a back pressure valve.
US09021798B2

A method and a pressurized medium system, including: at least one actuator to generate sum forces effective on a load; a working chamber operating by displacement and located in the actuator; a charging circuit of a higher pressure, which is a source of hydraulic power; a charging circuit of a lower pressure, which is a source of hydraulic power; a control circuit, that couples the charging circuit of higher pressure and the charging circuit of lower pressure, in turn, to the working chamber; wherein the working chamber is capable of generating force components that correspond to the pressure of the charging circuit to be coupled to the working chamber, and each force component produces at least one of the sum forces either alone or in combination with the force components produced by the other working chambers of the actuator.
US09021797B2

Hydraulically driven arrangement for the linear movement of a mass body consisting of two double acting cylinders coupled in parallel, whereby one operating cylinder is a control cylinder for controlling the movement of the mass body, which is split into an acceleration phase, a movement phase and a brake phase. The other operating cylinder is connected as a drive cylinder to the hydraulic power pack as an energy storage, in a manner that the power pack during the acceleration phase of the mass body generates the drive energy for the drive cylinder, and the drive cylinder in the brake phase of the mass body, which serves as a pump for charging the hydraulic power pack. The control cylinder and drive cylinder each have a piston with a one-sided piston rod coupled to the mass body. The control cylinder and the drive cylinder are controlled by hydraulically separated, independent control circuits.
US09021792B2

A selective catalytic reduction catalyst capable of reducing the NOx in exhaust gas to N2 is arranged in an exhaust pipe of an engine. Fluid feed has a fluid injecting nozzle facing the exhaust pipe on the exhaust gas upstream side from the selective catalytic reduction catalyst. The fluid feed is configured such that a urea fluid that functions as a reducing agent is fed with the selective catalytic reduction catalyst from the fluid injecting nozzle to the exhaust pipe. Ozone feed includes an ozone injecting nozzle that faces the exhaust pipe on the exhaust gas upstream side from the selective catalytic reduction catalyst, and on the exhaust gas upstream side or the exhaust gas downstream side from the fluid injecting nozzle. The ozone feed is configured such that ozone is fed from the ozone injecting nozzle to the exhaust pipe.
US09021790B2

A device and method relating to the storage and delivery of ammonia for use in an after-treatment device for NOx reduction in an exhaust stream, is disclosed. The device includes a cartridge having an ammonia adsorbing and desorbing material contained therein, and a recharging device for use in recharging the material with ammonia after the ammonia is released to a pre-determined level. The method includes providing a sealable cartridge having an interior, providing a predetermined amount of an ammonia-containing material within the interior of the container, positioning a recharging device within the interior of the sealable cartridge, releasing ammonia gas from the ammonia-containing material into an after-treatment device for use in the exhaust system of a vehicle for the reduction of NOx, introducing liquid ammonia into the recharging device, and recharging the ammonia-containing material for re-use in the exhaust system.
US09021784B1

The thermodynamic louvered jet engine is a jet engine having a central air inlet surrounded by an annular air inlet. Both inlets are adapted to receive relatively cool, low-pressure air and to convey the air to a combustion chamber to mix and combust with injected jet fuel. The annular inlet is provided with a louvered outlet for directing the air to the combustion chamber. A portion of the hot combustion gases produced in the combustion chamber is circulated from the combustion chamber to mix with the inlet air supplied via the annular air inlet. Also, the central air inlet is provided with structure that directs a portion of the air from the central air inlet to mix with the circulated combusted gases. This arrangement permits the engine to develop a high-pressure build-up of exhaust gases, producing superior thrust while the aircraft is setting and while the aircraft is in flight.
US09021782B1

A laser ignition/ablation propulsion system that captures the advantages of both liquid and solid propulsion. A reel system is used to move a propellant tape containing a plurality of propellant material targets through an ignition chamber. When a propellant target is in the ignition chamber, a laser beam from a laser positioned above the ignition chamber strikes the propellant target, igniting the propellant material and resulting in a thrust impulse. The propellant tape is advanced, carrying another propellant target into the ignition chamber. The propellant tape and ignition chamber are designed to ensure that each ignition event is isolated from the remaining propellant targets. Thrust and specific impulse may by precisely controlled by varying the synchronized propellant tape/laser speed. The laser ignition/ablation propulsion system may be scaled for use in small and large applications.
US09021774B2

A packaging and filling apparatus for keeping pressure of filled liquid food in a tube at positive pressure, facilitating preformation by a forming flap, and preventing an external ambient substance from entering the tube even if the liquid food pressure lowers to negative pressure by a fluctuation of the liquid food pressure is described. The apparatus has a pressure flange provided below a liquid level in a tubular packaging material and along an outer periphery of a filling pipe. The pressure flange prevents the liquid food in the tube from freely flowing up from the lower part to keep the pressure of the liquid food positive in the tube below the pressure flange thereby facilitating the preformation by the forming flap. The apparatus closes a gap occurring on a seam serving as a vertical sealed part or a portion where the gap might occur.
US09021761B2

A building unit including upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces defining a generally trapezoidal shape in plan view. The unit includes a first pair of the side surfaces, located on opposite sides of the unit and extending non-linearly and generally obliquely with respect to each other in plan view, where each side surface of the first pair has a midpoint bisecting it into two portions. The portions on each side of the midpoint are a 180° rotational image of the other portion about the midpoint. One side surface of the first pair is longer than the other, and the longer side surface includes a midsection of the same length and configuration as the other, shorter side surface. Each of the shorter and longer side surfaces interlocks with either the shorter or longer side surface of another like building unit.
US09021760B2

A roofing system comprising laminated roofing shingles having a reduced-width headlap portion and a buttlap portion, wherein the roofing system comprises a plurality of courses, and wherein a trailing edge of a subsequently installed shingle in a course overlaps the leading edge of an adjacent previously installed shingle in the same course. The reduced-width headlap portion of the roofing shingles has a width that is less than the width of the buttlap portion. The roofing shingle comprises a first and a second shingle sheet and the lateral edges of the first shingle sheet are aligned with the lateral edges of the second sheet.
US09021754B2

The invention relates to a foam sealing strip (2, 2′, 2″) which is suitable for sealing, for example, a window frame (5) and which is impregnated for delayed elastic recovery, wherein the foam sealing strip (2, 2′, 2″) has, with reference to a cross section, two opposite narrow sides (3, 4) which, in the fitted state, each face the inner side or the outer side of the window frame (5), and wide sides suitable for bearing against the side of the window or soffit (6), wherein, furthermore, in the fully recovered state, at least one edge region of the cross section, which edge region is designed as a vertical region (15), is at a greater height from a base surface (F) provided on the wide side than an adjoining low-lying region in the width direction, wherein the vertical region and the low-lying region run in alignment with a longitudinal direction of the foam sealing strip (2, 2′, 2″) and, in the fully recovered state, a surface profile which is curved in cross section is provided on the surface opposite the base surface (F). For an advantageous configuration, the base surface (F) can be a flat surface and/or a tiered increase thereof can be provided by an impregnated foam sealing strip (2) and/or two edge regions designed as vertical regions can be provided.
US09021752B2

A solar panel is described. The solar panel has at least a support layer and, arranged one on top of the other, a first intermediate layer, at least one solar cell, a second intermediate layer, and a front pane. The solar panel also has a first edge reinforcing layer and a second edge reinforcing layer, at least one terminal housing, and at least two collecting conductors which connect the solar cell to the terminal housing in an electrically conductive manner. The support layer has a portion that projects over the periphery of the front pane. The first edge reinforcing layer is arranged above the peripheral projection and has a cutout. The second edge reinforcement layer is arranged above the first edge reinforcement layer and has an opening. The collecting conductor is located in a cut-out section and in an opening.
US09021747B2

Corrugated fine mesh material is configured to be located overlying a gutter. The fine mesh material has an upper edge opposite a lower edge with the upper edge configured to fit beneath shingles on a roof adjacent the gutter. The lower edge is configured to be held to a lip at a forward edge of the gutter. The corrugations add strength to the material and collect water at troughs thereof where the collected water more readily forms droplets that fall down into the gutter. A lower strip is preferably provided to hold the lower edge of the mesh to a lip of the gutter. An upper strip is optionally provided which includes a tab which can fit beneath shingles to the roof. A barrier such as a bead of caulk can optionally be coupled to an underside of the corrugated mesh to further encourage water droplets to fall.
US09021745B2

An exit device includes a rail having opposite first and second ends and a rear portion with a first opening adjacent the first rail end for attachment to the door surface, the first rail end further having a front portion that inhibits access to the first rail opening in a direction normal to the rail rear portion. The method for installing it includes securing a mount having a cantilevered portion extending therefrom to the door at the surface first end such that the mount cantilevered portion provides a space between the cantilevered portion and the door and placing the rail against the door surface such that the mount extends through the first rail opening, sliding the rail to engage the rail rear portion adjacent the first rail opening between the mount cantilevered portion and the door and securing the second rail end to the door surface.
US09021740B2

A movable barrier system wherein the trolley system comprises at least two guiding rail portions. At least one of the guiding rail portions is supported by a support member secured to the headroom area of the building support structure. The trolley traverses the at least two guiding rail portions by a hinged coupling device.
US09021735B2

A black powder pellet loader for a revolver. Tip ends of a number of fingers are movable from a closed position to an open position by sliding a thumb bracket toward a main bottom right end tube. One end of a penetrating tube may penetrate through the second end of a sliding raised rib tube, through a reducer adapter and a finger retaining nut until the end of the penetrating tube strikes a downward bend of each of the fingers. The downward bend of the fingers may continue to slide over the penetrating tube, which may force the tip ends of the fingers diverge from the closed position to the open position. Black powder pellets may be inserted between the fingers when in the open position, and upon release of the thumb bracket may be retained in the fingers when in the closed position.
US09021733B1

An anti-walk pin assembly for securing a fire control group having a trigger, disconnector and hammer within a firearm. A lower receiver defines a fire control group receptacle for housing fire control group components. The lower receiver has trigger pin receiving openings each defining a trigger pin support surface. A trigger pin is received in the trigger pin receiving openings. The trigger and disconnector are pivotally mounted on the trigger pin. A threaded fastener engages with a threaded portion of the trigger pin support surface to restrict lateral movement of the trigger pin within the trigger pin receiving openings. Further optionally included are hammer pin receiving openings each defining a hammer pin support surface. A hammer pin is received in the hammer pin receiving openings. A threaded hammer fastener engages with a threaded portion of the hammer pin support surface to restrict lateral movement of the hammer pin.
US09021728B1

A firearm recoil return assembly includes an assembly housing adapted for attachment to the firearm; an accessory attachment rail carried by the assembly housing and adapted for attachment to the firearm support, the assembly housing positional in and between a firearm pre-recoil position and a firearm recoil position on the accessory attachment rail; and a housing return mechanism carried by the assembly housing and engaging the accessory attachment rail, the housing return mechanism normally biasing the assembly housing in the firearm pre-recoil position.
US09021719B2

Footwear with a powerful arch spring made with spring boards that can be utilized by the heel and ball of the foot areas during impact for efficient energy storage and return during walking, running and other forms of self-propelled locomotion. The spring boards can extend into the toe area of the footwear to create a toe spring with efficient energy storage and return. Embodiments of the present invention combine the spring boards which are excellent for storing and returning energy with a shock absorbing material which can also function as a secondary spring in order to achieve high efficiency energy returns while maintaining comfort and stability with the footwear.
US09021715B2

An electronic caliper generates power for measurement operations. The caliper comprises a scale member, a slider, a signal processing portion configured to measure a displacement between the scale member and slider, a power generating arrangement attached to the slider comprising a gear assembly configured to rotate in response to a force provided through a power generating handle to the gear assembly by a user moving the power generating handle relative to the gear assembly, and a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion. The power generating arrangement generates power as the user moves the power generating handle, and the power generating arrangement contributes a motion resistance force component of at most 20N as the user moves the power generating handle with a maximum manual acceleration.
US09021713B1

A measuring tool for determining angles at two points of interest, including an elongate arm and two protractors, one protractor rotatably mounted at each end of the arm. Each protractor includes a flat for positioning the protractor against one of the two points of interest. The angle at each point of interest is the angular measurement between the arm and the two flats, respectively. The arm may include two attachment sections, one each of the two attachment sections rotatably connected to one each of the two protractors, respectively, and an L-shaped guide having three connection points for selectively receiving and retaining the two attachment sections in various configurations as desired.
US09021711B2

An apparatus for securing and drawing upon a piece of paper, includes a board having a drawing surface sized to receive the paper. The drawing surface is bounded along its perimeter by a border region. An array of border pieces is fastened securely to the border region, each border piece being aligned relative to the others to establish a precisely sized drawing surface area to accommodate the paper. Each border piece has a length shorter than that of the corresponding edge of the drawing surface.
US09021710B2

A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure that includes a plurality of differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that, if any one of the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a novel connector mechanism that enables the level to be removably interconnected with the structure to be leveled. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to the bottom surface of the level and a bulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body.
US09021709B2

A method of indicating an interference magnetic field at an electronic device includes: displaying a first arrow indicating a direction of magnetic north on a display of the electronic device, the direction of the first arrow corrected to remove interference caused by an interference magnetic field; and displaying a second arrow indicating a direction of a source of the interference magnetic field on a display of the electronic device.
US09021706B2

A method of manufacturing large diameter tapered roller bearing cages includes beginning with a metal strip, coil or plate of cage blank material and feeding it into a rolling mill. The rolling mill includes a pair of unparallel forming rolls disposed to define a wedge-shaped gap therebetween. As the cage blank material is fed through the wedge-shaped gap, one lateral side of the cage blank material is plastically deformed to reduce its thickness and to elongate its length, while slight or no deformation is introduced into the other lateral side, thus forming the cage blank into an arc shape. A third roll disposed at the exit side of the forming rolls bends the rolled cage blank into a circular conical ring. Adjacent butt ends of the formed conical ring cage blank are aligned and joined together during the assembly process to form the large diameter tapered roller bearing cage.
US09021704B2

A method for assembling parts. A sealant is placed between a plurality of parts in a stack up to form a workpiece. The workpiece is clamped using a permanent magnet unit and an electromagnetic clamping device in an activated state such that a number of forces caused by a magnetic field clamps the workpiece between the electromagnetic clamping device and the permanent magnet unit. A number of holes are drilled in the workpiece. A number of fasteners are installed in the number of holes.
US09021684B2

A process of fabricating a slip ring component, a slip ring component, and a slip ring assembly are disclosed. The process includes forming a first shot, forming a second shot, and immersion bathing the first shot and the second shot. The immersion bathing applies an electrically conductive plating to exposed surfaces of the second shot.
US09021678B2

The present invention provides a technique which can disassemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, easily and efficiently. The disassembling method comprises, in the mandrel adhesively attached with a composite material structure on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a rotation step of rotating the pair of support rings along with the mandrel to position a segment which is a detached target to an uppermost portion; and a segment detaching step of detaching the segment which is the detached target positioned at the uppermost portion, from the pair of support rings; wherein in the segment detaching step, the segment which is the detached target is moved in a vertically downward direction to a position inside of the mandrel, between the pair of support rings, and is carried out from between the pair of support rings.
US09021671B2

A slot gripper for removing twistlocks from container fittings or for inserting twistlocks into container fittings, comprising a twistlock receptacle, arranged in a receptacle plate and a tool that locks and unlocks twistlocks arranged in the twistlock receptacle by rotating, is characterized by two clamping jaws extending in the receptacle parallel to the receptacle plate and arranged opposite each other. A first pin extends from the receptacle plate at a right angle at the edge of the receptacle, a second pin is arranged on side of the first pin opposite the receptacle and extends from the receptacle plate at a right angle, and a rope guiding element extends from the receptacle plate at a right angle at the edge of the receptacle. The first pin, the second pin, and the rope guiding element are each supported against the force of a spring and can be lowered in the receptacle plate.
US09021669B2

Provided is a method for manufacturing a surface acoustic wave apparatus that can reduce degradation of electric characteristics and also reduce the number of manufacturing processes. The method for manufacturing a surface acoustic wave apparatus includes the steps of: forming an IDT electrode on an upper surface of a piezoelectric substrate, forming a frame member surrounding a formation area in which the IDT electrode is formed on the piezoelectric substrate, and mounting a film-shaped lid member on the upper surface of the frame member so as to be joined to the frame member so that a protective cover, used for covering the formation area and for providing a tightly-closed space between it and the formation area, is formed.
US09021665B2

An elastic zip tie is integrally molded from foam rubber, and includes a long strip of strap, a head located at a front end of the strap, and a plurality of flexible grips axially spaced on an upper and a lower surface of the strap. At least one holding space is defined by between any two adjacent axially-spaced flexible grips. The head has a thickness defined between two lateral sides thereof and is substantially larger than a longitudinal length of the holding space, i.e., a distance between two adjacent flexible grips. When a tail end of the strap is extended through the head for the latter to rest on the strap in a selected holding space, the flexible grips located immediately before and behind the holding space are elastically pressed against the two opposite lateral sides of the head to thereby firmly hold the latter in the holding space.
US09021657B2

A portable electronic device includes first and second device units and at least one hinge assembly configured to pivotably connect the second device unit to the first device unit. The hinge assembly includes a first fixing unit configured to be fixed to the first device unit, a second fixing unit configured to be fixed to the second device unit, a plurality of shaft members configured to be arranged in parallel with one another and to include first and second outer shaft members respectively mounted on the first and second fixing units and a plurality of inner shaft members arranged between the first and second outer shaft members, and a gear unit mounted on the shaft members to connect the plurality of shaft members with one another through a gear mesh.
US09021652B2

The invention is based on a connecting element (36) for the articulated connection of a wiper blade (14) to a wiper arm (12) of a window wiper (10), wherein the connecting element (36) has a hub (50), which is open towards a vehicle window (16), for a bearing pin (26) fastened to the wiper blade (14), and at least one elastically flexible spring tongue (46) in order to keep the bearing pin (26) in the open hub (50), and the connecting element (36) furthermore has at least one bearing surface (60) in order to support it on a hook-shaped end (28) of the wiper arm (12). It is proposed that the hub (50) is open over half of its circumference, and the spring tongue (46), which blocks the opening of the hub (50) by means of a latching cam (48), yields elastically in the direction of the bearing surface (60), wherein the distance between the bearing surface (60) for the hook-shaped end (28) and the spring tongue (46) is dimensioned in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the hook-shaped end (28) blocks the spring tongue (46) in the direction of the bearing surface (60).
US09021651B2

The invention relates to a wiper device, comprising a wiper arm (10a; 10b) and an inner circle guide unit (14a; 14b) having an inner circle guide element (16a; 16b) for guiding a wiper blade (12a; 12b). According to the invention, the inner circle guide unit (14a; 14b) has at least one nozzle element (18a; 18b) for spraying washing water onto a motor vehicle windshield (20a).
US09021647B2

A multilayered premoistened cleaning wipe having: a liquid permeable first layer joined to a liquid permeable second layer and a core disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A cleaning composition is releasably absorbed in the core. The cleaning composition has between about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of surfactant.
US09021644B2

A plurality of movable temporary hangers 7 are placed on a stay cable 4B hung in tension above a target stay cable 4C, and then the target stay cable 4C is held on a lower portion of the temporary hangers 7. Then, the target stay cable 4C held with the temporary hanger 7 is detached from a bridge deck 3 and a main tower 2. Then, the target stay cable 4C and the temporary hangers 7 holding the target stay cable 4C are moved toward the bridge deck 3 and removed.
US09021643B2

A curb ramp can be positioned next to a curb or a raised walkway to allow a cart to be wheeled up or down the curb ramp to or from the curb. The curb ramp allows people and equipment to move safely up or down a curb or walkway. The curb ramp can have a length at least as long as the wheel base of a cart used on the curb ramp to prevent tail drag of the cart. The curb ramp can include side rails to prevent sideways fall off therefrom. The curb ramp includes a curb-stop piece that is disposed against the curb during use and a plurality of cross braces to support and carry the load. A strong, effective and safe curb ramp can accommodate all wheeled devices that people can push or pull thereover, while being light enough to be easily transported and moved as needed.
US09021641B2

A welder multi-tool is provided including a sleeve having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a bridge portion interconnecting the first leg portion and the second leg portion. The sleeve extends along a central axis passing through the bridge portion and defines a space between the leg portions. A single axle is attached to the sleeve and spans, along an axis, the space defined between the leg portions. The axis of the axle does not intersect the central axis of the sleeve. The welder multi-tool further includes a plurality of tools rotatably attached to the axle. Each tool axis does not intersect the axis of the axle. The plurality of tools includes a fillet gauge tool and a thickness gauge tool. A further example of the welder multi-tool includes a fillet gauge tool, a thickness gauge tool, a soap stone, and a welding nozzle cleaner.
US09021634B2

A stretcher including an upper frame for mounting a lifter thereon, a front leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a rear leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a fixed caster attached to one end of the front leg, a swivel caster attached to one end of the rear leg, and an auxiliary swivel caster attached to the front leg, wherein the upper frame is vertically adjustable by folding the front and rear legs relative to the upper frame, and wherein the auxiliary swivel caster is positioned relative to the fixed caster such that the auxiliary swivel caster is in contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded away from the rear leg, and the auxiliary swivel caster is out of contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded toward the rear leg.
US09021632B2

The present invention provides a patient positioning device, which enables the latest advances in Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. The geometry, which incorporates at least one window or lateral cut-out, is designed to allow clear treatment access to the patient during non-coplanar treatment regimes through the use of windows or lateral cut-outs. A laterally positionable diaphragm compression device allows the full use of the geometry. The development of a stand-alone device and a couch top insert device allows for a maximum number of protocol methods while minimizing the skin surface radiation dose to the patient.
US09021626B2

A safety shower system having a trailer; a tank mounted to the trailer, the tank having an tank outlet, a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the pump inlet in fluid communication with the tank outlet; a valve having at least one valve inlet, a valve switch, and a valve outlet, the valve outlet fluidly connected to the pump; at least one pressure vessel having a vessel outlet, the vessel outlet fluidly connected to the at least one valve inlet; at least one conduit connected to the pump outlet; and a shower head connected to the at least one conduit.
US09021625B1

A pool cover for above ground swimming pools includes a cover with an elevated central area, a plurality of rods to support the cover, and a plurality of clip assemblies to couple the rods to the swimming pool. The cover is a waterproof textile having a plurality of sleeve members allowing for insertion of the support rods to secure and support the cover. Each clip assembly includes hook which removably attaches to an upper perimeter edge of the pool and a pocket to receive an end of the support rod. When assembled, the support rods form a dome-like structure circularly arranged about the edge of the pool.
US09021617B2

A protection device, system and/or method including a protection body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the lower edge of a wearer's headgear. In some implementations, the protection body portion may be triangular and the connecting of the device to headgear may include a removable connective component is located at the apex of a second edge and a third edge of the protection body portion at the farthest point from the headgear.
US09021616B2

Protective gear is provided, such as, for example, protective headgear that includes a rigid helmet structure, an engagement system configured to engage a user's head, and a plurality of tethering devices coupled between the engagement system and the rigid helmet structure to suspend the rigid helmet structure from the user's head when the protective headgear is worn. The protective headgear further includes at least one damper coupled to one or more of the plurality of tethering devices to resist motion of the rigid helmet structure relative to the engagement system when the rigid structure is impacted during an impact event.
US09021615B2

Provided is activewear with hidden pockets. More particularly, athletic garments such as pants comprising one or more waistband pocket, preferably concealable, are included. In embodiments, athletic garments with an interior concealed pocket in the fold-over portion of a fold down waistband are provided. The waistband pocket enables the wearer to store items such as car keys, hotel room keys and/or smart phones relatively inconspicuously and securely in the waistband of the garment. A purpose of the concealment includes minimizing attention from the items stored within the pocket and allowing the wearer to participate in a variety of athletic sports or events while carrying personal items in a secure manner. Preferred embodiments include athletic pants comprising (i) a fold down waistband, (ii) an annular storage pocket capable of retaining items without any additional material added to the pant, and (iii) one or more slits for the opening for the pocket.
US09027156B2

A transmission apparatus capable of transmitting a first content stored in a first storage area to a receiving apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine whether the receiving apparatus has authority to access a second storage area storing a second content associated with the first content, a storage unit configured to store the second content in a third storage area different from the second storage area in a case where the receiving apparatus does not have authority to access the second storage area, and a transmission unit configured to transmit to the receiving apparatus access information for accessing the third storage area storing the second content by the storage unit.
US09027152B2

Disclosed are a device for right managing web data, a recording medium for performing a method for right managing web data on a computer, and a device and a method for providing right management information. In the device for right managing web data, a message processing unit adds agent information, which shows support for right management, to the header of a web data request message that is sent to a web server from a web browser, and sends same to the web server, parses and outputs the right information included in the header of a web data reply message that is sent to the web browser from the web server, and sends web data that is included in the web data reply message to the web browser. Also, a right managing unit controls the output of web data, which is included in the web data reply message, through a web browser based on the parsed right information which is input from the message processing unit.
US09027151B2

A sandbox tool can cooperate with components of a secure operating system (OS) to create an isolated execution environment for accessing content without exposing other processes and resources of the computing system to the untrusted content. The sandbox tool can utilize task control groups (cgroups) of the secure OS with the isolated execution environment. A cgroup defines the hardware resources that can be accessed and utilized by the isolated execution environment. The cgroups can define accessible hardware resources by particular hardware resources, amount of hardware resources, and/or components of the hardware resources. Once a cgroup is applied to the isolated execution environment, any processes running in the isolated execution environment will be confined to the hardware resources defined by the applied cgroup. If a process running in the isolated execution environment attempts to utilize hardware resources outside the definition of the cgroup, the secure OS can block the usage.
US09027149B2

According to one embodiment, a secret sharing system of an embodiment includes a secret sharing apparatus, a plurality of first storage server apparatuses, and at least one second storage server apparatus. Upon reception of a delete request transmitted from the secret sharing apparatus, each first storage server apparatus reads out, based on name information in the received delete request, storage position information associated with the name information from storage position information storing unit. Each first storage server apparatus deletes all of share information and copy information indicated by name information in the received delete request based on the readout storage position information.
US09027142B1

A computer-implemented method involves identifying an initial element for serving by a web server system to a client device and recoding the element by creating a plurality of different elements that each represent a portion of the initial element. The different elements are then served in place of the initial element. A response is received form the client device and has portions that correspond to the different elements, and a combined response is created by combining the received portions in a manner that corresponds to a manner in which the initial element was recoded to create the plurality of different elements.
US09027141B2

A security application manages security and reliability of networked applications executing collection of interacting computing elements within a distributed computing architecture. The security application monitors various classes of resources utilized by the collection of nodes within the distributed computing architecture and determine whether utilization of a class of resources is approaching a pre-determined maximum limit. The security application performs a vulnerability scan of a networked application to determine whether the networked application is prone to a risk of intentional or inadvertent breach by an external application. The security application scans a distributed computing architecture for the existence of access control lists (ACLs), and stores ACL configurations and configuration changes in a database. The security application scans a distributed computing architecture for the existence of security certificates, places newly discovered security certificates in a database, and deletes outdated security certificates. Advantageously, security and reliability are improved in a distributed computing architecture.
US09027136B2

According to one embodiment, a web application layer attack detector (AD) is coupled between an HTTP client and a web application server. Responsive to receipt of a set of packets from the HTTP client carrying a web application layer message that violates a condition of a security rule, the AD transmits an alert package to an automatic attribute value generation and rule feedback module (AVGRFM). The AVGRFM uses the alert package, and optionally other alert packages from the same AD or other ADs, to automatically generate a new set of attribute values for each of a set of attribute identifiers for use, by the AD or other ADs, in a different security rule than the violated security rule. The new set of attribute values may be used in an attack specific rule to detect a previously unknown web application layer attack.
US09027132B2

A system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, execution of a portion of internal code of an interface is identified. Further, in response to the execution of the portion of internal code, at least one aspect of an invocation of the interface is monitored and/or analyzed.
US09027125B2

Instrumented networks and platforms having target subjects (devices, transactions, services, users, organizations) are disclosed. A security orchestration service generates runtime operational integrity profiles representing and identifying a level of threat or contextual trustworthiness, at near real time, of subjects and applications on the instrumented target platform. Methods and systems are disclosed for network flow and device/platform remediation in response to reconnaissance-based intelligence correlation based on network monitoring, to accomplish network flow remediation and device/platform remediation. In an embodiment, a system receives system warnings and endpoint threat intelligence. The system correlates risk based on inputs from sensory inputs that monitor network activity, system configuration, resource utilization, and device integrity. The system then performs a calculus of risk on a global security context including endpoint assessment reports and sends system warnings based upon the endpoint threat intelligence. The system includes a remediation engine for receiving real time directives to control the device.
US09027120B1

A network security system having a hierarchical configuration is provided. In one embodiment the present invention includes a plurality of subsystems, where each subsystem includes a plurality of distributed software agents configured to collect base security events from monitor devices, and a local manager module coupled to the plurality of distributed software agents to generate correlated events by correlating the base security events. Each subsystem can also include a filter coupled to the manager module to select which base security events are to be processed further. The selected base security events are passed to a global manager module coupled to the plurality of subsystems that generates global correlated events by correlating the base security events selected for further processing by each filter of each subsystem.
US09027118B2

An image processing apparatus performs specific processing on images read out of a document having pages as follows. Each of the pages is a member assigned to at least any one of groups. The apparatus determines a second security level of each group based on a first security level of each page of the corresponding group; before the specific processing on the N-th group, determines whether or not password entry is necessary based on the second security level of the N-th group and any of the second security levels of the first group through the (N−1)-th group; and performs the specific processing on the N-th group if it is determined that password entry is unnecessary for the N-th group, or, alternatively, if it is determined that password entry is necessary for the N-th group and if a password is appropriately entered.
US09027117B2

A multiple-access-level lock screen system allows different levels of functionality to be accessed on a computing device. For example, when a device is in a locked state, a user can select (e.g., by making one or more gestures on a touchscreen) a full-access lock screen pane and provide input that causes the device to be fully unlocked, or a user can select a partial-access lock screen pane and provide input that causes only certain resources (e.g., particular applications, attached devices, documents, etc.) to be accessible. Lock screen panes also can be selected (e.g., automatically) in response to events. For example, when a device is in a locked state, a messaging access lock screen pane can be selected automatically in response to an incoming message, and a user can provide input at the messaging access lock screen pane that causes only a messaging application to be accessible.
US09027111B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a relay node authentication method, apparatus, and system. The method provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes: sending, by a relay node, an authentication request message to a peer node, where the authentication request message includes a certificate of the relay node, so that the peer node authenticates the relay node according to the certificate of the relay node, where the peer node is a network side node or a security gateway in a security domain where the network side node is located; and receiving, by the relay node, an authentication response message sent by the peer node, where the authentication response message includes a certificate of the peer node, and authenticating the peer node according to the certificate of the peer node.
US09027098B2

A method for use in a system with multiple processor-based devices, the method including: running a first application on a first processor-based device; maintaining a second application in a standby mode on the first processor-based device; and providing a service to each of the first and second applications on the first processor-based device by a service-providing application on the first processor-based device, wherein providing the service includes maintaining a record regarding service statuses of the first application and the second application in which the record stores a respective entry for each of the first and second applications to reflect an active service status for the first application and a standby service status of the second application.
US09027093B2

A method, system and computer program for business process automation facilitates transforming a user's identity/credentials as part of the enablement of transaction fulfillment, e.g., within a SOA environment. In one embodiment, identity and attribute information is added to one or more business process models that each represents a sub-transaction within an overall transaction fulfillment business process flow. As the business model is mapped to an execution environment, the identity and attribute information in the model is used to configure appropriate tooling to define the identity/attribute transformation required to complete the particular portion of the transaction represented by the model. In a representative implementation, the business process models conform to BPEL4WS, and one or more of these models are extended with identity mapping information such that, during transaction fulfillment, local identity mapping transformations provide the identity/credential propagation required to support the business process.
US09027091B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving an access request from a user device, the access request including an identity claim for a user; evaluating a risk of access based on matching an attribute of the user device with attributes stored in a user information database; authenticating the access request based on the identity claim and the risk evaluation to determine an authentication confidence level; generating a token based on the confidence level and the attribute matched; producing an authorization response based on inputs from the token, a risk based access control, a role based access control, and an attribute based access control, in which the authorization response determines whether to allow access to a system, deny access to the system, or request additional input from the user device.
US09027080B2

A method begins with a processing module selecting one of a plurality of dispersed storage (DS) processing modules for facilitating access to a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module sending a DSN memory access request to the one of the plurality of DS processing modules. The method continues with the processing module selecting another one of the plurality of DS processing modules when no response is received within a given time frame or when the response to the access request does not include an access indication. The method continues with the processing module sending the DSN memory access request to the another one of the plurality of DS processing modules.
US09027077B1

Deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates is disclosed. In some embodiments, deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates for configuring a plurality of security devices includes receiving at a first security device a hierarchy of templates from a central management server, in which the hierarchy of templates includes configuration information for a group of security devices, and in which the first security device is included in the group of security devices; and reconciling on the first security device's configuration information included in the hierarchy of templates and device specific configuration based on local configuration information, in which the first security device performs an object level reconciliation to maintain device configuration consistency.
US09027068B2

A system instructs that a first carrier signal that is modulated with a first digital media stream be sent to a first receiver, where the first digital media stream uses a first bandwidth. The system receives a second request from a second receiver to send a second digital media stream, where second digital media stream uses a second bandwidth that is greater than the first bandwidth, and determines that transmitting the second digital media stream will require use of the first bandwidth. The system instructs that a second carrier signal be modulated with the first digital media stream and sent to the first television receiver, and sends to the first television receiver an identifier of the second carrier signal as carrying the first digital media stream. The system also instructs that the first carrier signal be modulated with the second digital media stream and sent to the second television receiver, and sends to the second television receiver an identifier of the first carrier signal as carrying the second digital media stream.
US09027067B2

System and method for providing a probabilistic order of tiles relative to a current section of a video that a user is viewing. A cache implementation uses this ordering to decide what tiles to evict from the cache, i.e. which tiles will probably not be accessed within a particular timeframe, but not when to evict (this is up to the cache implementation). A cache implementation can also use the prioritized list of the present embodiment to pre-fetch tiles.
US09027062B2

Methods and apparatus for the delivery of digital content in a network. In one embodiment, the digital content comprises internet content received from an Internet host server in a first container format, and converted to a second container format at a headend entity of a cable television or satellite network. The headend entity transmits the re-containerized content to one or more consumer devices, and acts as a gateway device between the consumer devices and various internet content sources. Delivery of internet content from the gateway device can be via broadcast, nPVR, DVR and/or VOD delivery mechanisms. The internet content gateway device is adapted to request, receive and process the internet content. Requests for internet content may be made from either a CPE or the gateway device itself according to one or more rules. The content may also be selectively transcoded before re-encapsulation based on the consumer device capabilities.
US09027058B2

A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user.
US09027054B2

Provided is a method and system for displaying video streams, including receiving video data from a plurality of video stream by a frame controller in communication with a television display including a first picture and a second picture, and also receiving a television program summary list. The television program summary list includes television program data corresponding to the received video streams, and displaying the television program summary list in the second picture, and allowing the selection of a program from the television program summary list by a consumer, and displaying the selected video stream in the first picture.
US09027053B2

An entertainment system receives entertainment programming interposed with commercials. The entertainment system selectively renders the commercial in accordance with characteristics associated with a user of the entertainment programming. In one embodiment, the entertainment system selectively renders a selected one among multiple received versions of a commercial. In another embodiment, the entertainment system selectively renders a selected one among multiple received commercials.
US09027045B2

The likelihood of consumption of a linear content stream may be determined. Information that includes data indicative of user interaction with a client device may be received. The information may correspond to a period during which the client device received linear content. The likelihood of consumption may be determined for that period based on the received information.
US09027041B2

A turn table of a spindle motor is provided, wherein an outer diameter of a vertical portion at the disk insertion unit facing an inner periphery of a small-diameter disk is smaller by 0.01% to 0.15% than the inner periphery of the small-diameter disk to enable a chucking of the small-diameter disk having an inner diameter of an inner periphery smaller than 15 mm.
US09027040B2

Provided is an optical disc drive that may discharge static electricity externally. The optical disc drive may include a step motor that is configured to move an optical pickup back and forth and a cover disposed below the optical pickup. In one aspect, the cover includes an electrostatic discharge mechanism for moving static electricity generated on the step motor through the cover.
US09027031B2

In one embodiment, a method allows an application running in a first process to communicate with a second process. A file system filter driver receives a command from the application for a file. The file system filter driver is configured to process file system commands. The file system filter driver determines that the command is for an inter-process communication with a service running in the second process based on the command being for the file. Then, the file system filter driver sends the command to the service running in the second process where the command is processed by the service. A response from the service is received based on the command being processed by the service and the file system filter driver sends the response to the application.
US09027030B2

A commit query is sent from a coordinator of a two-phase commit distributed transaction to each participant of the distributed transaction, wherein each participant can respond with one of a commit message, an abort message, or a read-only message. A read-only message is received from all but one participant of the distributed transaction. A one-phase commit distributed transaction is initiated for the one participant that did not respond with a read-only message.
US09027022B2

In general, this disclosure is directed to a software virtual machine that provides high-performance transactional data acceleration optimized for multi-core computing platforms. The virtual machine utilizes an underlying parallelization engine that seeks to maximize the efficiencies of multi-core computing platforms to provide a highly scalable, high performance (lowest latency), virtual machine. In some embodiments, the virtual machine may be viewed as an in-memory virtual machine with an ability in its operational state to self organize and self seek, in real time, available memory work boundaries to automatically optimize maximum available throughput for data processing acceleration and content delivery of massive amounts of data.
US09027016B1

A system and method of deploying applications to networked computing environments is disclosed. Application packages and installation instructions are received by a deployment manager. The installation instructions include test instructions. Application packages are distributed in response to requests by developers and installation instructions executed on a target computing environment. Failure of an installation test provides an indication of issues with the application in the target environment. Records of failures received are stored for use by application developers.
US09027013B2

A control program updating device includes: a divider that divides each control program into one or more split control programs, based on a program capacity that each of a high-volume paper feeding unit and a multiple post-processing unit can update in one updating operation; and a transmit controller that allows a communication interface to transmit a set of split control programs for each unit produced by the divider to the respective units in a predetermined order and, during updating of a split control program for one unit, transmit a split control program to the other unit in the following order.
US09027009B2

The technologies provided herein relate to protecting the integrity of original code that has been optimized. For example, a processor may perform a fetch operation to obtain specified code from a memory. During execution, the code may be optimized and stored in a portion of the memory. The processor may obtain the optimized code from the portion of the memory. An entry of a first table may be modified to indicate a relationship between the particular code and the optimized code. One or more entries of a second table may be modified to specify the one or more physical memory locations. Each of the one or more entries of the second table may correspond to the entry of the first table. The processor may execute the optimized code when each of the one or more entries of the second table are valid.
US09027001B2

A system for verifying that a comparison model having folded expressions matches a reference model includes at least one memory device that stores a reference model and a comparison model, wherein the comparison model was previously generated based on the reference model. The reference model adheres to a first set of syntax and semantics, wherein the reference model includes a plurality of first expressions, each of the first expressions including a first operator and a first operand. The comparison model adheres to a second set of syntax and semantics, wherein the comparison model includes a second expression, the second expression including a second operator and a second operand. The system further includes a processing unit configured to match the second expression with the plurality of first expressions.
US09026996B2

In a configurable managed system having an associated configuration management database (CMDB), a Change Manager makes changes affecting configuration items (CIs), wherein different types of changes require different levels of confidence in the integrity of data in the CMDB. In response to a proposed change, weights assigned to system CIs affected by the change are used to compute a confidence level regarding accuracy of CMDB data pertinent to the change. The weight for a given CI is derived from the most recent synchronization thereof, and the numbers of reads, writes, and relationships the given CI has with other CIs. The confidence level is then used by the Change Manager in deciding whether or not to make the change. The proposed change is then allowed if the confidence level is no less than a pre-specified minimum value.
US09026992B2

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to folded views for a development environment. In aspects, a software development environment may display a code segment that includes references to other code segments or other data. A developer may select a reference and indicate that a folded view is to be shown for the data corresponding to the reference. In response, the software development environment may obtain the data corresponding to the folded view and display the data inline with the code segment.
US09026991B2

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for a customizable financial application. This invention allows a user to customize an application, such as an application for a mobile smart phone, to display information or perform actions using data stored by a financial institution, including data about the customer and more general financial data.
US09026988B2

To which method on each method call order pattern included in a series of application codes executed in response to a request a method included in an application code executed in response to a request corresponds is detected; a code is generated based on identification information corresponding to the detected method on the call order pattern; and the generated code is inserted to the application code.
US09026985B2

A method, system and apparatus for processing a model-to-model transformation. The method can include dynamically accepting a transformation to apply to a source model in order to produce a target model. More specifically, the method can include traversing a hierarchy for the source model and applying rules in the transformation to objects in the hierarchy to produce the target model. For instance, the traversing step can include sequentially processing a list of transform elements in the transformation. In one aspect of the invention, the processing step can include loading content extractors among the transform elements. Subsequently, other transform elements can be identified through the loaded content extractors in order to traverse the hierarchy.
US09026980B1

In one aspect, a technique for performing signal activity extraction in an integrated circuit an integrated circuit is described. The integrated circuit includes multiple nodes. The technique includes compiling a design of the integrated circuit, estimating signal activities at the nodes, determining a node of interest from the nodes, and connecting a signal activity circuit to the node of interest. The determination of the node of interest and the connection of the signal activity circuit to the node of interest first compared to the remaining nodes of the integrated circuit improves efficiency in determining nodes of the integrated circuit at which signals can be analyzed first. Such signal activity extraction may involve power analysis and power optimization.
US09026958B1

Computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for double patterning technology (DPT) odd loops visualization within an integrated circuit design layout are disclosed. The method, system and computer program product comprise mapping all violations of the integrated circuit design layout to a graph. The method, system and computer programming product also includes partitioning the graph into a plurality of sub-graphs. Each of the plurality of sub-graphs includes multiple edges and multiple nodes. The method, system and computer product further include detecting all possible odd loops in each of the plurality of sub-graphs; and visualizing all of the odd loops in at least one of the plurality of sub-graphs.
US09026948B2

Multi-faceted relationship hubs can support browsing an extensible set of relationship types from within a single tool window. A user can switch between relationship types within a single tool window without disrupting user flow by having to change context in a plurality of tool windows. Multiple instances of relationship hubs can be created. Browsing navigation history can be stored, allowing a user to maintain and reacquire relationship contexts. A user can preview the content of one or more files without opening the file.
US09026945B2

A method of grouping multiple waveforms for a single channel of acquired data on a display area uses a graphic icon with the display area. The graphic icon has a first portion with a symbol indicating the single channel and with an indicator defining a baseline for the display area. The graphic icon also has a second portion with symbols indicating which of the multiple waveforms currently are being displayed. The symbol for the single channel and the symbol for a selected one of the multiple waveforms currently being displayed are highlighted. The highlighting may be via color, where the highlight color corresponds to the color of the waveforms currently being displayed.
US09026942B2

A computer-implemented system (and method and computer readable storage medium) are disclosed for processing interactions with song lyrics. The system is configured to provide for display on a screen of a computing device the song lyrics. The system detects a selection of a segment of the song lyrics and provides for display a menu of options for interacting with the selected segment of the song lyrics. The system receives a selection of an option from the menu of options and updates, in a user interaction database, a data field corresponding to the selected segment with the selected option from the menu of options. The system executes the selected option from the menu of options.
US09026931B2

Technologies are described herein for implementing a cross-browser drag-and-drop library. The drag-and-drop library creates a draggable object corresponding to a drag source element and a droppable object corresponding to a drop target element defined in a webpage. The draggable object and droppable object are each assigned a link key value. A user-defined data structure populated with data regarding the drag source element may also be assigned to the draggable object. A browser event indicating a drag-and-drop operation between the drag source and the drop target is intercepted, and the drag-and-drop library determines whether the link key value assigned to the corresponding draggable and droppable objects are the same. If the link key values are the same, the drag-and-drop library generates an event associated with the droppable object to facilitate an application-related operation associated with the drag-and-drop operation using the data in the user-defined data structure.
US09026930B2

Systems and methods are provides for adjusting focus during a desktop reveal. A window has focus before the desktop is revealed. After the window is returned and the desktop hidden, the focus is again placed on the window. Further, a configurable area associated with the screen that displays the window is maintained during the desktop reveal and the return of the window.
US09026924B2

Methods, systems, and devices are provided for moving electronic windows between multiple electronic displays. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of displays can each be configured to display a portion of a desktop. A duplicate can be created of a window displayed on a first one of the displays. In response to an instruction to move the window from the first one of the displays to a second one of the displays, the duplicate can be programmatically moved on the second one of the displays in unison with movement of the window on the first one of the displays.
US09026921B2

Described herein is a technology for collaboration. In accordance with some implementations, the workspace tool is adapted to cooperate with an electronic communication system. Electronic communications related to the workspace tool are stored in a repository and are associated with respective workspaces. The workspace tool allows participants of a workspace to access all information related to the workspace.
US09026906B2

A method and system to generate a user interface for an application, the user interface including a plurality of screen items, and each screen item being rendered based on associated screen item data. An output preview is generated and includes at least one preview item representative of a corresponding one of the plurality of screen items. Each preview item in the output preview is linked to the screen item data associated with the corresponding screen item, and is rendered in the output preview based on the linked screen item data.
US09026896B2

A composite webpage contains several webpages coupled together appearing as a separate image. Demarcation lines are used to isolate the boundaries of the edges of each individual webpage. The demarcation lines form block-like geometry. Each block contains one webpage. As the user moves the portable unit, the background composite webpage slides across the screen of the portable device. To the user, the background composite webpage appears stationary as if the screen of the portable unit is transparent. These features are advantageous to social websites, ease of portable device use, in the visitation of websites and email servers. This has several benefits since now relative distances and angular displacements within the plane between objects that are outside of the range of the screen of the handheld unit can be immediately be located and placed into view on the screen of a portable unit.
US09026895B2

A flash memory controller includes a read/write unit, a state machine, a processing unit, and an auxiliary unit. The read/write unit is connected to a flash memory and performs a writing command or a reading command. The state machine is configured to determine a state of the flash memory controller. The processing unit is connected to the read/write unit and the state machine and configured to control the read/write unit. The auxiliary unit is connected to a first data line and a second data line and the processing unit and configured to receive and store a string output from the processing unit. The auxiliary unit outputs the string through the first and second data lines when the flash memory controller completes a writing data transmission.
US09026893B1

A data storage device is disclosed comprising non-volatile solid-state array comprising M storage elements for storing data protected by Reed-Solomon (R-S) code, each storage element comprising multiple blocks, each block comprising multiple pages for storing data. The data storage device further comprises a controller in communication with the storage array and defining a superblock comprising logical grouping of M blocks, each located in different storage element, and multiple superpages in each superblock, each superpage comprising M pages, each located in a different storage element. The controller generates, for each superpage, at least one R-S code parity page for protecting data pages in the superpage, where number of data pages and the at least one parity page is equal to M−1. The controller assigns one page in each superpage as an inactive page not used in the R-S code, where at least two inactive pages are in different storage elements.
US09026891B2

A method and system for performing a shortened acquire cycle for at least one fragment of at least one data sector having coherently written fragments, the coherently written fragments being written during a single rotation of a storage medium. The method includes performing a full acquire cycle for a first fragment of a particular data sector of the at least one data sector. The method further includes reusing at least a portion of the acquisition information of the first fragment to perform a shortened acquire cycle for at least one subsequent coherently written fragment. The method also includes reusing at least a portion of the acquisition information of the first fragment to perform a shortened acquire cycle for at least one subsequent coherently written fragment. Additionally, the method includes performing the shortened acquire cycle for the at least one subsequent coherently written fragment.
US09026880B2

A check node processing unit updates an extrinsic value ratio based on a prior value ratio for each row of a parity check matrix with respect to input data. An identifying unit identifies, based on an element of the parity check matrix that can be identified by a row and column associated with the updated extrinsic value ratio, a next-target element in the same column and in a different row. The identifying unit identifies an element to be updated in the next step by the check node processing unit, from among multiple elements included in the same column. A variable node processing unit updates, based on the extrinsic value ratio, a prior value ratio associated with the identified next-target element after the check node processing unit completes the updating of each row. The check node processing unit and the variable node processing unit alternately and iteratively execute their operations.
US09026875B2

A method for providing ordered capture clocks to detect or locate faults within N clock domains and faults crossing any two clock domains in an integrated circuit or circuit assembly in scan-test or self-test mode, where N>1, each clock domain having one capture clock and a plurality of scan cells, each capture clock comprising a plurality of capture clock pulses; said method comprising: (a) generating and shifting-in N test stimuli to all said scan cells within said N clock domains in said integrated circuit or circuit assembly during a shift-in operation; (b) applying an ordered sequence of capture clocks to all said scan cells within said N clock domains, the ordered sequence of capture clocks comprising at least a plurality of capture clock pulses from two or more selected capture clocks placed in a sequential order such that all clock domains are never triggered simultaneously during a capture operation; and (c) analyzing output responses of all said scan cells to locate any faults therein.
US09026872B2

An integrated circuit (IC) structure can include a first die and a second die. The second die can include a first base unit and a second base unit. Each of the first base unit and the second base unit is self-contained and no signals pass between the first base unit and the second base unit within the second die. The IC structure can include an interposer. The interposer includes a first plurality of inter-die wires coupling the first die to the first base unit, a second plurality of inter-die wires coupling the first die to the second base unit, and a third plurality of inter-die wires coupling the first base unit to the second base unit.
US09026870B2

A memory module includes a first rank, a second rank and a test control unit. The first rank includes a plurality of semiconductor memory devices configured to operate in response to a first chip selection signal. The second rank includes a plurality of semiconductor memory devices configured to operate in response to a second chip selection signal. The test control unit is configured to simultaneously enable the first and second chip selection signals to test the first and second ranks in a test mode.
US09026869B1

Methods and systems for detecting error in data storage entities based at least in part on importance of data stored in the data storage entities. In an embodiment, multiple verification passes may be performed on a data storage entity comprising one or more data blocks. Each data block may be associated with a probability indicating the likelihood that the data block is to be selected for verification. During each verification pass, a subset of the data blocks may be selected based at least in part on the probabilities associated with the data blocks. The probabilities may be adjusted, for example, at the end of a verification pass, based on importance factors such as usage and verification information associated with the data blocks. The probabilities may be updated to facilitate timely detection of important data blocks. Additionally, error mitigation and/or correction routines may be performed in light of detected errors.
US09026852B2

Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for processing main cause errors and sympathetic errors in devices in a system. Error data for the devices in the system are analyzed to determine a main cause error for one of the devices that cause at least one sympathetic error in the system. A main cause event object for the determined main cause error and at least one sympathetic event object for the determined at least one sympathetic error resulting from the main cause error are generated. A determination is made from the at least one sympathetic event object of at least one sympathetic event action to perform. The determined at least one sympathetic event action is performed to recover from the at least one sympathetic error represented by the at least one sympathetic event object providing the at least one sympathetic event action.
US09026848B2

Techniques for achieving high-availability using a single processor (CPU). In a system comprising a multi-core processor, at least two partitions may be configured with each partition being allocated one or more cores of the multiple cores. The partitions may be configured such that one partition operates in active mode while another partition operates in standby mode. In this manner, a single processor is able to provide active-standby functionality, thereby enhancing the availability of the system comprising the processor.
US09026839B2

A message queue (MQ) failover handler receives a message and a configuration file from a client application. The configuration file provides an indication of which of a number of queue managers (QMs) is the first choice for receipt and delivery of the message to a server application. The configuration file also provides an indication of which of the QMs is the second choice for receipt and delivery of the message to the server application, should the first choice of the QMs be unavailable.
US09026811B2

A portable power bank device with a projecting function comprises a battery unit, a control unit, and a micro projector unit. The battery unit is electrically coupled to a charge unit and restores power from an external power source. The control unit is electrically coupled to the charge unit and a connection interface unit, respectively. The control unit comprises a charge module, a voltage conversion module, and a video codec. A battery power source of the battery unit is outputted through the voltage conversion module. The micro projector unit is electrically coupled to the control unit and projects and displays video signals of the video codec.
US09026809B2

A system for combining power to a load in a Powered Device (PD) using Power Over Ethernet (PoE) receives power from a first channel and power from a second channel, via four pairs of wires. A MOSFET bridge for each channel is initially disabled. A bridge controller IC simultaneously senses all the voltages and controls the bridge MOSFETs. The bridge controller IC also contains a first PoE handshaking circuit. A second PoE handshaking circuit is external to the bridge controller IC and operates independently. The body diodes in the MOSFET bridge initially couple the first channel to the second PoE handshaking circuit while isolating the second channel. The second handshaking circuit then couples the first channel to the load. The first handshaking circuit then carries out a PoE handshaking routine for the second channel. Ultimately, the bridge controller controls the bridge MOSFETs to couple both channels to the load.
US09026804B2

Methods, devices, apparatus, computer-readable media and processors are provided that protect the distribution of media content. Media content is encrypted and the associated cryptographic mechanisms are stored and accessible either remotely at a networked database or internally within a data storage device memory. Access to the cryptographic mechanisms is granted by associating the cryptographic mechanisms with a data storage device identification and, optionally, a computing device identification.
US09026802B2

Verification of software to be run in a secure environment is performed by comparing a critical portion of the executable boot program code in an EPROM with code stored in a logic circuit. The comparison may be performed before the code to be verified is run or while it is running in the event that the validation fails certain critical functions of the platform are inhibited to prevent fraudulent operation of the platform. The system is particularly applicable to gaming machines to avoid cheating.
US09026783B2

Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for low latency server-side redirection of User Datagram Protocol (UDP)-based transport protocols traversing a client-side Network Address Translation (NAT) are provided. At a first server, a request for directing a data resource to a client may be received. The request may be received from the client or a back-end server trying to push the data resource to the client. The first server may lack the data resource or the resources to provide the data resource to the client. A second server may be determined for responding to the request. The request may be redirected to the second server. The first server may provide for the second server to connect to the client and directly respond to the request. The second server may have not been previously connected to the client.
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