US09074051B2
A dianhydride monomer having a large side chain R is provided. The large side chain would interrupt the symmetry and regularity of diamine monomer. The diamine monomer has the general formula shown as formula (I) below: The functional group R includes α-substitution cycloalkene having at least a tertiary carbon atom, cycloalkene having at least a tertiary carbon atom, cycloalkane having at least a tertiary carbon atom, α-substitution phenyl, phenyl, α-substitution naphthalyl, naphthalyl, α-substitution phenanthrenyl, phenanthrenyl, α-substitution anthracenyl, anthracenyl, α-substitution adamantyl, adamantyl, α-substitution adamantyl and adamantyl.
US09074048B2
This disclosure relates to polyarylene sulfide that may exhibit and maintain excellent properties and a method for preparing the same, wherein the polyarylene sulfide is in the form of pellet of 2 to 10 mm size immediately after melt polymerization, and has residual solvent content of 300 ppm or less, based on the total weight of resin.The polyarylene sulfide may exhibit and maintain excellent properties, particularly it does not generate foam in the product or stain on the surface, has excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength, and the like, and thus, it may be usefully applied in the industrial field of preparing polyarylene sulfide and manufacturing a molded product using the same.
US09074041B2
A curable epoxy resin composite composition including a reinforcing material and an epoxy resin composition, and a process for preparing a composite from such composition; wherein a combination of at least one alkanolamine and at least one styrenated phenol are present in the epoxy resin composition in a sufficient amount to increase the rate of reaction of the at least one epoxy resin and the at least one alkanolamine curing agent while maintaining the thermal and mechanical properties of the composite upon curing of the epoxy resin composition.
US09074037B2
An iron-containing polymer is provided for use as a fuel additive for promoting trap regeneration. The polymer shows a beneficial balance of physical properties, and is prepared from iron salts by a polymerization process involving base addition, and subsequent co-ordination of branched-chain polycarboxylate ligands. The polymer can be stored in highly concentrate form, and shows particular suitability for on board dosing systems.
US09074030B2
Provided is a method for producing a water absorbent resin, which promotes the formation of interconnected voids (continuous gas bubbles) in a foamed polymer (foam-like water absorbent resin) by a more convenient method, and produces with high efficiency a water absorbent resin which exhibits a high water absorption rate even when stepped into a sheet form or a powder form in hygiene articles and the like. Disclosed is a a method for producing a polyacrylic acid-type water absorbent resin, comprising (A) a step of obtaining an aqueous solution of acrylic acid-type monomers containing gas bubbles dispersed therein; (B) a step of polymerizing the aqueous monomer solution and thereby obtaining a foamed polymer; and (C) a step of heating and drying the foamed polymer, wherein gas bubbles are incorporated such that the volumetric expansion factor defined by the following formula (1); [Formula 1] Volumetric expansion factor=(Volume of aqueous monomer solution after gas bubble dispersion)/(volume of aqueous mononer solution before gas bubble dispersion) Formula (1); exceeds 1.1 times, and the aqueous monomer solution having a monomer concentration defined by the following formula (2); [Formula 2] Monomer concentration [wt %]=(Weight of a monomer)/{(weight of a monomer)+(weight of solvent)}×100 Formula (2); of 40% by weight or greater is boiling polymerized at a temperature of 100° C. or higher.
US09074026B2
A method of making a polyisobutylene polymer in a recirculating loop reactor with one or more reaction tubes in contact with a heat transfer medium includes: (a) providing a feed mixture consisting essentially of polymerizable monomer and catalyst to a residual reactor stream at a feed rate to form a reaction mixture, the reaction mixture containing less than 5% by weight diluent components; (b) recirculating the reaction mixture in the one or more reaction tubes of the loop reactor at a recirculation rate greater than the feed rate utilizing a recirculating pump operating at a pressure differential, delta P, corresponding to a recirculating flow; (c) polymerizing the reaction mixture in the one or more tubes of the loop reactor to convert the feed mixture to polyisobutylene polymer while cooling the one or more tubes of the loop reactor with the heat transfer medium; and (e) withdrawing polyisobutylene polymer from the loop reactor.
US09074025B2
A polymerization process is provided, comprising polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium to form a dispersion of fluoropolymer particles in the aqueous medium, said polymerizing being carried out in the presence of (i) polymerization initiator, and (ii) hydrocarbon-containing surfactant stabilizing the dispersion of fluoropolymer particles, the hydrocarbon-containing surfactant being passivated to reduce its the telogenic behavior.
US09074016B2
Disclosed are methods for identifying individuals predisposed to essential hypertension and related conditions such as salt sensitivity by detecting the presence of polymorphic or mutant forms of the GRK4 gene, or its expression product. Also disclosed are methods for identifying polymorphic or mutant GRK4s in individuals known to be suffering from such conditions, as well as methods and compositions for conducting drug discovery and therapeutic intervention.
US09074012B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for inducing brown fat cell differentiation through modulation of Prdm 16 activity or expression. Also provided are methods for preventing or treating obesity or an obesity related disorder in a subject through stimulation of Prdm 16 expression or activity. Further provided are methods for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating Prdm 16 expression or activity.
US09074006B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for improving various economically important growth characteristics in plants. More specifically, the present invention concerns inter alia a method for modifying growth characteristics in plants by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a HUB1 (Histone Monoubiquitination 1) polypeptide or encoding another protein useful in the methods of the present invention. The modified growth characteristics comprise a modification of light regulated phenotypes, such as modified circadian clock and/or circadian clock responses, or modified plant architecture.
US09073995B2
Provided in the present invention are an aberrantly glycosylated integrin, AG-α3β1, and use thereof as a bladder cancer marker. Also provided in the present invention are a hybridoma cell generating an anti-AG-α3β1 monoclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody BCMab1 secreted by the same, and use of BCMab1 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of bladder cancer. Also provided in the present invention is use of inhibitors of GAL3ST2 and N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of bladder cancer.
US09073993B2
This invention, inter alia, relates to CD19 binding agents and methods of using such CD19 binding agents for treating disease.
US09073991B2
The present invention provides human engineered calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) antibodies or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In addition, the present invention provides the use of the human engineered calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) antibodies or antigen-binding fragment thereof for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain.
US09073987B2
Methods of treating disorders in which TNFα activity is detrimental via biweekly, subcutaneous administration of human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor α (hTNFα) are disclosed. The antibody may be administered with or without methotrexate. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNFα (e.g., Kd=10−8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNFα dissociation (e.g., Koff=10−3 sec−1 or less) and neutralize hTNFα activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Kits containing a pharmaceutical composition and instructions for dosing, and preloaded syringes containing pharmaceutical compositions are also encompassed by the invention.
US09073984B2
The present disclosure is directed to reagents and methods of using the reagents to detect epitopes of Trypanosoma cruzi.
US09073981B2
The invention relates to antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof and to cocktails of antibodies and antigen binding fragments that neutralize dengue virus infection without contributing to antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue virus infection. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antigen binding fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antigen binding fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of dengue virus infection.
US09073978B2
[Technical Problem]To provide a method for manufacturing that enables to obtain a targeted glycopeptide harboring a sialyl sugar chain in high yield without decomposing sialic acid at a non-reducing terminal of sugar chain when the glycopeptide is synthesized by a Boc solid phase synthesis method.[Solution to Problem]The present invention is characterized in that the Boc-sialylglycosylated amino acid derivative used in Boc solid phase synthesis method is one where the carboxyl group of the sialic acid at the sugar chain non-reducing terminal is protected with a phenacyl group.
US09073977B2
The present invention provides for novel peptoid oligomers that are capable of self-assembling into two-dimensional sheet structures. The peptoid oligomers can have alternately hydrophilic or polar side-chains and hydrophobic or apolar side-chains. The peptoid oligomers, and the two-dimensional sheet structures, can be applied to biological applications where the peptoid plays a role as a biological scaffold or building block. Also, the two-dimensional sheet structures of the present invention can be used as two-dimensional nanostructures in device applications.
US09073972B2
Provided is a method of separating cellular components, the method including: a) contacting a guest compound-bound reactive compound with cells; b) lysing the cells; c) adding a host compound-bound solid phase to a solution including the lysates of the cells to prepare a mixture; d) separating binding pairs of the guest compound bound to cellular components and the host compound bound to the solid phase from the mixture, and purifying the binding pairs; and e) separating the cellular components from the binding pairs, wherein the guest compound-bound reactive compound is obtained through a covalent bond between a reactive compound and a guest compound represented by Formula 2 below guest, the host compound-bound solid phase is obtained through a covalent bond between a solid phase and a host compound represented by Formula 1 below, and the reactive compound includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a biomolecule, N-hydroxysuccimide, an antigen, an antibody, an aptamer, folic acid, transferrin, and any mixtures thereof.
US09073967B2
The present invention is related to a high salt-resistance antibacterial peptide by increasing width of side chain of amino acids and/or increasing length of side chain of amino acids in the antibacterial peptide; and a method for increasing salt-resistance of antibacterial peptide by increasing width of side chain and/or increasing length of side chain in the antibacterial peptide.
US09073966B2
The present invention relates to a method for screening compounds having the ability to prevent, suppress or reduce malodor development on body surfaces. In particular, the method allows to efficiently screen for compound having the ability of preventing sweat malodor development caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The present invention is based on the finding of the direct precursor of naturally VSCs, which is present in human sweat and which will be metabolized by Staphylococci to VSCs.
US09073959B2
A process for the production of sucrose-6-ester is disclosed. The process includes, in order, the steps of: (a) providing a first reaction mixture including sucrose, a reaction vehicle, and an organotin-based acylation promoter; (b) removing water from the first reaction mixture to afford a second reaction mixture that is substantially free from water; and (c) adding a carboxylic acid anhydride to the second reaction mixture to afford a third reaction mixture, thereby producing a sucrose-6-ester; wherein: during step (b), the removing of water includes distillation of water with the reaction vehicle using an apparatus supplying a heat flux of from 500 to 25,000 BTU/hrft2 (1577 to 78865 W/m2) selected from the group consisting of wiped film evaporators, agitated thin film evaporators, falling film evaporators and rising film evaporators.
US09073956B1
Provided are novel dihydro-1H-phosphole 1-oxide derivatives and a preparation method thereof. More particularly, the dihydro-1H-phosphole 1-oxide derivatives include 1,3-dihydro-1H-2,1-oxaphosphole 1-oxide derivatives and 2,3-dihydro-1H-2,1-azaphosphole 1-oxide derivatives. Further, in the preparation method of a dihydro-1H-phosphole 1-oxide derivative according to the present invention, various phosphinine oxide derivatives may be prepared with high yield by a simple synthesis process by reacting a phosphinic derivative and a vinyl derivative with each other in the presence of a rhodium (Rh) catalyst, an oxidant, and a base.
US09073952B1
Si(OEt)2[CH2—Si(OEt)3]2 compounds are synthesized by reacting a Grignard reagent having the formula Si(OEt)3(CH2MgCl) with a quenching agent having the formula Si(OEt)2Cl2.
US09073949B2
The present invention relates to a hollow sphere with a mesoporous structure, and a method for manufacturing the same. The hollow sphere with a mesoporous structure comprises: a shell with plural mesopores penetrating the shell, wherein the shell comprises: a mesoporous silicon oxide material, and mesopores of the mesoporous silicon oxide material are arranged in Ia3d cubic symmetry. In addition, according to the method of the present invention, the aforementioned hollow sphere with the mesoporous structure can be easily obtained by use of mixed surfactants of a cationic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.
US09073946B2
Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.
US09073944B2
Compounds of the formula I in which A, L1, L2, X and Y have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of Syk, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
US09073929B2
This invention relates to tricyclic triazole analogs of the formula I or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein the variable are defined herein. The inventive compounds selectively inhibit aldosterone synthetase. This invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I or their salts as well as to methods for the treatment, amelioration or prevention of conditions that could be treated by inhibiting aldosterone synthetase.
US09073927B2
There is provided compounds of formula (I), wherein A1, A4, A4a, A5, B1, B1a, B2, B2a, B3, B3a, B4, B4a and R3 have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable esters, amides, solvates or salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of a protein or lipid kinase (e.g. a PI3-K and/or mTOR) is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of cancer or a proliferative disease.
US09073926B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and n are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US09073923B2
The present invention is directed to benzoimidazole compounds of the formula: and enantiomers, diastereomers, racemates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Compounds of the present invention are useful in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions modulated by prolyl hydroxylase activity.
US09073922B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula (IIIa), wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, have any of the values defined therefore in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds may be used as agents in the treatment of diseases, including cancer. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula (IIIa).
US09073915B2
Pyrimidone derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the compounds of formula (I) and their use in therapeutics.
US09073913B2
Imidazoquinolines of formula I that contain substituted amine or amide functionality at 1-position and that are effective as Toll like Receptor 7 activators are disclosed. These compounds are useful as anticancer agents.
US09073912B2
This invention recites substituted azetidine derivatives of Formula (1) stereoisomers thereof, veterinarily acceptable salts thereof, compositions thereof, and their use as a parasiticide in animals. The substituents A, B, R1a, R1b, R1c, R2, R3, R4, R6, and n are as described herein.
US09073909B2
The present invention provides compounds of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. The invention further provides a radio-labelled derivative thereof.
US09073902B2
Disclosed herein are substituted quinoxaline carboxylic acids of Formula (I): and compositions thereof, which may be useful as inhibitors of PAS Kinase (PASK) activity in a human or animal for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
US09073891B2
The present disclosure provides inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) having a structure according to the following formula: or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein ring A, Ca, Cb, Z, R5, W and Cy are defined herein. The disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds of the present disclosure and methods of making and using the compounds and compositions of the present disclosure, e.g., in the treatment and prevention of various disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
US09073890B2
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of using the compounds to treat a disorder, e.g., schizophrenia and cognitive deficit, in a subject are described herein. The compounds disclosed herein include quinoline and quinazoline-containing compounds that modulate striatal-enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) activity.
US09073888B2
The present invention relates to novel 2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxamide derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US09073872B2
The present invention relates to nitrogenous associative molecules comprising at least one unit rendering them capable of associating with one another or with a filler by noncovalent bonds, and comprising a function capable of reacting with a polymer containing unsaturations so as to form a covalent bond with said polymer.
US09073870B2
The present invention relates to compounds defined by formula I wherein the groups A, B, X, m, n and o are defined as in claim 1, possessing valuable pharmacological activity. Particularly the compounds are inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) 1 and thus are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by inhibition of this enzyme, such as metabolic diseases, in particular diabetes type 2, obesity and dyslipidemia.
US09073860B2
The present invention relates to an aromatic substituted pentadienoic acid amides and there use in combination of specific amounts of aromatic amides i.e. 4-alkyl-5-(substituted phenyl)-2 (E),4(E)-pentadienoic acid amides, its geometrical isomers or their dihydro or tetrahydro derivatives and an anti-infective drug useful in potentiating the bioefficacy of antiinfective drug. The combination of the present invention is useful in the treatment of certain infections and disease at lower concentration of anti-infectives necessary to inhibit the growth of microbial strains and may also find applications in reducing the resistance in microorganisms.
US09073859B2
The invention provides a crystalline hydrochloride salt of 4-[2-(2,4,6-trifluorophenoxymethyl)phenyl]piperidine. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline salt, processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline salt, and methods of using the crystalline salt to treat diseases.
US09073857B2
A method for preparing an aripiprazole type I microcrystal, including the following steps: dissolving aripiprazole in an acidifier, acquiring a medicament-having acid solution; adding an alkalizer while stirring, then adding water or aqueous ethanol 10 to 60 wt % while stirring, and separating by precipitation the aripiprazole type I microcrystal. Furthermore, a method for preparing a solid preparation having the aripiprazole type I microcrystal, an aripiprazole microcrystal having an average particle size of less than 20 μm, and a solid preparation having the microcrystal. The method for preparing the aripiprazole type I microcrystal allows reduced pollution and loss, great safety, easy and convenient, reduced use of organic solvents, obviated need for demanding process conditions (such as cooling condition) and apparatus, low cost, and facilitated applicability in industrialized manufacturing. This solid preparation provides great stability, solubility, and bioavailability, reduced individual differences, and reduced content of related substances.
US09073856B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula I or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, where the variables for R1, R2, and R3 are as described herein; methods of treating a condition such as hypertriglyceridemia; and processes for preparing the compounds.
US09073850B2
The invention provides a compound having two polymerizable groups, wherein one is bonded directly to the ring and the other is bonded to the ring through a spacer, as a compound in which the polymerizability is not decreased and the solubility is high in a liquid crystal composition. A compound represented by formula (1), wherein in formula (1), for example, A1 and A2 are 1,4-phenylene in which at least one hydrogen has been replaced by fluorine; Z1 is alkylene having 1 to 12 carbons; Z2 is alkylene having 1 to 12 carbons; X1 is hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or trifluoromethyl; P1 is a polymerizable group; and a is an integer from 0 to 3.
US09073844B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing a propiolic acid or a derivative thereof by reacting a terminal alkyne with carbon dioxide, which comprises performing the reaction in the presence of a base and a copper complex, especially a copper (I) complex having at least one ligand, at least one of the ligands of the copper complex being selected from monodentate ligands which have an aminic or iminic nitrogen atom capable of coordination with copper, and polydentate ligands having at least two atoms or atom groups which are capable of simultaneous coordination with copper and are selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus and carbene carbon.
US09073842B2
The invention relates to a continuous method for producing formic acid from CO2 and extracting the formic acid using compressed CO2.
US09073816B2
Recycle streams in an ethanol production process are hydrolyzed to reduce ethyl acetate concentration. In the process, acetic acid is hydrogenated to form a crude ethanol product, which undergoes a separation or purification process. Ethyl acetate is formed as a byproduct of the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The hydrolysis of recycle steams from the separation process can reduce the concentration of ethyl acetate, converting some or all of the ethyl acetate to acetic acid and ethanol.
US09073812B2
There is provided a novel organic compound represented by following general formula [I]and that has an excellent luminescent hue and that can produce high efficiency, high-intensity, and long-life light output, and an organic light-emitting device containing the novel organic compound, wherein X1 to X3 independently denote a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group.
US09073807B2
The present invention relates to supported Ni-catalysts optionally comprising Zn as a promoter, methods for the production of said catalysts and uses of said catalysts for the hydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feed.
US09073802B2
The present invention aims at solving the problems of conventional methods for producing an 18F-labeled compound, that is, the problem of purification of a compound in a liquid phase synthesis method and the problem of an insufficient yield due to the reduction of reactivity in a solid phase synthesis method. There is provided a method for producing an 18F-labeled compound including: allowing a high molecular compound containing a residue of a precursor compound to be labeled and a residue of a phase transfer catalyst in the molecule thereof to react with 18F−; and removing the 18F-labeled compound from the high molecular compound.
US09073801B2
The present invention relates generally to olefin metathesis. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for Z-selective ring-closing metathesis.
US09073795B2
A method for applying an agricultural fertilizer to a field through an irrigation system connected to a source of hard water, includes providing a fertilizer composition comprising a mixture of (i) a fertilizer component comprising an ammonium phosphate or an ammonium sulfate, and (ii) an acid comprising one or more of a phosphoric acid, a citric acid, a malic acid, a formic acid, and an oxalic acid; combining the fertilizer composition with hard water from the hard water source and providing the mixture to an irrigation system; and using the irrigation system to apply the mixture of fertilizer composition and hard water to the field.
US09073794B2
Methods of increasing grade values of plant nutrients and compositions produced from said methods. A plant nutrient is combined with a colloidal micelle, the later having a particle sized between approximately 1 to 500 nm. This mixture is subjected to colloidal milling until it reaches a temperature of at least approximately 65° F. or milling is carried out above atmospheric pressure. In one instance, water is added to the mixture prior to milling, the results of which are spray dried forming a powder having increased plant nutrient values. In a second embodiment, the milled mixture is added to water for application to an agricultural product.
US09073793B2
Slurry compositions for making an environmental barrier coating including from about 9 wt % to about 81 wt % water; from about 3 wt % to about 72 wt % primary material; and from about 0.1 wt % to about 18 wt % slurry sintering aid, and environmental barrier coatings including such compositions.
US09073792B2
Methods of firing ware in a furnace. At least one stack of ware is positioned in a ware space of a furnace. The stack of ware comprises a plurality of ware articles arranged such that at least laterally adjacent ware articles are spaced apart. The at least one stack of ware is heated in the ware space of the furnace. At least one gas is introduced into the ware space on a first side of the at least one stack of ware as the stack is heated. A flow condition of the at least one gas is adjusted to create a pressure differential within the furnace across at least a portion of the ware space such that at least some of the at least one gas flows through the at least one stack of ware.
US09073789B2
A manufacturing method of a sintered ceramic body mixes barium silicate with aluminum oxide, a glass material, and an additive oxide to prepare a material mixture, molds the material mixture and fires the molded object. The barium silicate is monoclinic and has an average particle diameter in a range of 0.3 μm to 1 μm and a specific surface area in a range of 5 m2/g to 20 m2/g. The aluminum oxide has an average particle diameter in a range of 0.4 μm to 10 μm, a specific surface area in a range of 0.8 m2/g to 8 m2/g. A volume ratio of the aluminum oxide to the barium silicate is in a range of 10% by volume to 25% by volume.
US09073787B2
The present invention provides a ceramic to ceramic joint and methods for making such a joint. Generally, the joint includes a first ceramic part and a second ceramic part, wherein the first and second ceramic parts each include a ceramic-carbide or a ceramic-nitride material. In some cases, an aluminum-initiated joint region joins the first and second ceramic parts. This joint region typically includes chemical species from the first and second ceramic parts that have diffused into the joint region. Additionally, the first and second ceramic parts each typically include a joint diffusion zone that is disposed adjacent to the joint region and which includes aluminum species from the joint region that have diffused into the joint diffusion zone. Other implementations are also described.
US09073785B2
The present invention relates to the production of ternesite clinkers containing 20 to 95% by weight C5S2$ and less than 15% by weight C4A3$, and to the use of ternesite as an additive to hydraulic and/or latent hydraulic and/or pozzolanic materials.
US09073772B2
A conduit structure for molten glass, in which molten glass is flown through a double-pipe structure, with little stress loading even for a long time operation. A supporting rib connecting an inner pipe and an outer pipe is employed in the double pipe structure having the inner pipe and outer pipe in the conduit structure for molten glass, wherein excessive stress concentration hardly occurs in an inner pipe-joint portion, an outer pipe-joint portion and the rib when the rib is applied with a stress load due to the weight of the inner pipe.
US09073771B2
A precious metal structure which has an internal gas permeable membrane is described herein for a glass manufacturing vessel configured to have molten glass flow therein. The internal gas permeable membrane can be supplied with an atmosphere of gas (or gases) to control the flux of hydrogen into our out of the molten glass or otherwise improve the production of the molten glass. In this manner, the undesirable detrimental reactions that can occur at the interface of the molten glass and precious metal interface which can cause defects in the molten glass such as bubbles or solid inclusions can be stopped or at least substantially reduced.
US09073764B2
A low concentration wastewater treatment system is provided that includes a high flux adsorbent material treatment system integrated with a low flux adsorbent material biological regeneration reactor. The high flux adsorbent material treatment system includes one or more unit operations for mixing low concentration wastewater with adsorbent material that is fresh, recycled, or a combination of both, and for decanting a liquid effluent having a reduced level of contaminants. The adsorbent material with adsorbed contaminants is regenerated in a low flux adsorbent material biological regeneration reactor in which a biological reaction occurs, such as biological oxidation, wherein organic contaminants in the wastewater are metabolized generally into carbon dioxide and water. Excess biomass is removed from the adsorbent material, and the thus-regenerated adsorbent material is recycled to the high flux adsorbent material treatment system.
US09073763B2
A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.
US09073750B2
The invention provides a manufacturing method of a MEMS device, which includes: providing an integrated circuit device including a substrate and an electrical structure on the substrate, the electrical structure includes at least one sensing region and at least one first connection section; providing a structure layer, and forming at least one second connection section on the structure layer; bonding the at least one first connection section and the at least one second connection section; etching the structure layer for forming at least one movable structure, the movable structure being located at a position corresponding to a position of the sensing region, and the movable structure being connected to the at least one first connection section via the at least one second connection section; and thereafter, providing a cap to cover the movable structure and the sensing region, wherein the movable structure is not directly connected to the cap.
US09073748B2
A microelectro mechanical system (MEMS) assembly includes a carrier and a MEMS device disposed over the carrier. A buffer layer is disposed over the MEMS device. The Young's modulus of the buffer layer is less than that of the MEMS device.
US09073743B2
A dispensing unit is operatively associated with a refrigeration appliance for selectively dispensing water and ice at a dispensing station. The dispensing unit includes an actuator that is movable to selected positions in order to support the dispensing of the water and ice. The dispensing unit can include a passageway through which ice is dispensed, and an ice door can be provided for selectively opening and closing the passageway to the dispensing of ice. In one aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed mechanically and in another aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed electromechanically. The dispensing unit also can provide for the position of a water-dispensing nozzle to be adjusted for the purpose of dispensing water to receptacles outside a recessed area at which the nozzle is located and to provide for the activation of illuminating devices to indicate operating conditions at the refrigeration appliance.
US09073742B2
The invention relates to a tap (8) for fluids, in particular carbonated liquids, such as beer or soft drink, comprising a tap body (14), a valve (9) removably accommodated in the tap body (14), and a handle (20) for opening and closing the tap (8). The valve (9) comprises a first part (22) coupled or to be coupled to the tap body (14) and a second part (27) connected to the first part (22) and operatively coupled or to be coupled to the handle (20), the first and second parts (22, 27) being rotatable and/or translatable relative to each other between at least an open position and a closed position. A protective cap (34) prevents the valve (9) from being closed. The cap (34) is removable only after installation of the valve (9) in the tap body (14).
US09073731B2
An inlet conduit assembly for a hose reel assembly includes a clip assembly that is structured to be accessible from the outer side of the frame assembly. The clip assembly is structured to be operated without the use of tools. The clip assembly, essentially, prevents the inlet conduit assembly from being moved axially once installed. In this configuration, a user may quickly and easily actuate the clip assembly to release or engage the inlet conduit assembly. Thus, a user may quickly and easily remove the inlet conduit assembly.
US09073727B2
Systems and methods for hanking a cable are disclosed. A hanked cable may be formed by winding the cable around two or more mandrels attached to support members of a winding fixture. At least one of the mandrels can be removeably attached to the winding fixture to facilitate clamping the cable between the mandrel and the support member. The distance between mandrels may be varied by including, in the winding fixture, an adjustable stage for adjusting the relative positions of the mandrels. Once the cable is wound into a hanked configuration, it may be wrapped with a semi-rigid wrapping member to help retain the hanked shape.
US09073725B2
An inkjet printer having a conveyer, a recording head, a carriage, a corrugation mechanism, and a controller is provided. The controller executes an operation including a conveying step to convey a sheet and a recording step to discharge ink through the recording head toward the sheet. The recording step includes a discharging step, in which the recording head is manipulated to discharge the ink toward the sheet in response to the carriage being placed in a discharging position when the sheet is in a nipped condition, in which the sheet is nipped by the conveyer roller unit; and a corrected discharging step, in which the recording head is manipulated to discharge the ink toward the sheet in response to the carriage being placed in a corrected discharging position, when the sheet is in a non-nipped condition, in which the sheet is not nipped by the conveyer roller unit.
US09073723B1
A stacker device (1) for stacking flats (100) on edge, which device includes a stacking support (2) that extends along a certain stacking axis (D2) for storing flats (100) on edge and in a stack, which flats are inserted successively onto said stacking support (2), a stacking actuator (4) for guiding each flat (100) to be stacked along an insertion axis (D1) transverse to the stacking axis (D2), and for inserting it at the back of said stack of flats (100), said stacking support (2) being mounted to move relative to the stacking actuator (4) along the stacking axis (D2), and said stacker device (1) including impulse means (9) synchronized with the stacking actuator (4) so as to move the stacking support (2) in translation by applying an impulse along the stacking axis (D2) when a flat (100) is inserted at the back of said stack of flats (100). A storage device and a postal sorting machine including such a stacker device (1).
US09073714B2
An image forming apparatus includes a pick-up unit configured to pick up a printing medium stored in a printing medium storage unit and transport the picked printing medium to a printing medium transportation path provided inside a body, the pick-up unit having a pick-up roller to pick up the printing medium in the printing medium storage unit and a forward roller to guide the picked-up printing medium, to the printing medium transportation path, and the body including a guide portion slantingly extending from a lower side of the forward roller toward one side of the forward roller to guide the picked-up printing medium, and a plurality of locking protrusions protruding from the guide portion to prevent a plurality of printing media from being simultaneously entered to a gap between the forward roller and the guide portion.
US09073712B2
A recording apparatus includes a medium cassette provided with a medium accommodation tray that has a medium accommodation unit for accommodating a medium which is transported to a recording unit, and a paper discharge tray that is disposed on the upper side of the medium accommodation tray and that receives a medium on which recording has been performed at the recording unit. The paper discharge tray has a cutout formed from an end portion of the paper discharge tray which is on a feed-out side in a transport direction of the medium accommodation unit, and the cutout exposes the medium accommodation unit.
US09073711B2
An apparatus for dispensing material includes an outlet opening with a perforated cover. A rotatable applicator dispenses material through the perforated cover and may include brushes that sweep across and penetrate the openings of the perforated cover. The housing may also contain a feed roller for regulating the flow of the material and one or more commutators for fractionating the material.
US09073709B2
A palletizing device including a lower surface which restingly receives a pallet, and an upper platform which is provided with a variably-configurable first support, cyclically between a closed configuration in which the first support supports a layer of products and an open configuration in which the layer of products is released downwardly; an intermediate platform between the lower surface and the upper platform, which move between a raised position and a lowered position and vice versa, comprising a variably-configurable second support which, maintain the second support in a closed configuration, thus forming a stack, and which release the stack of products towards the underlying lower surface in an open configuration.
US09073704B2
A sorting conveyor employs suction to stabilize products on a conveyor belt. The sorting conveyor comprises a conveyor belt including a plurality of embedded rollers for moving conveyed objects relative to the conveyor belt. A vacuum chamber below the conveyor belt houses activators for the rollers and selectively creates a vacuum zone above the conveyor belt for pulling objects on the conveyor belt.
US09073702B2
The invention relates to a feeding device for transporting products, wherein the products are provided to the feeding device in groups. The feeding device comprises at least one first and one second conveyor belts which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of transport, wherein a first group of products can be transferred from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt. According to the invention, the conveyor belts can be accelerated such that a gap between the groups can be reduced to improve the production flow.
US09073690B1
An integrated spray-treating system within the bed of a dump truck to allow for complete internal coverage of such a bed as well as that of a movable cover present thereon is provided. Such a system includes at least rotatable spray nozzle device that permits spray coverage of the entirety of the bed as well as the cover. Additionally, the system comprises a pressure component incorporated with a standard hydraulic component of such a truck as well as a suitable controller configured for the driver to operate the system from within the chassis. The system may be provided as an add-on to an already-existing truck or included within a typical truck manufacturing process. The overall operation thus permits the driver/operator the capability of coating the bed surface to prevent undesirable asphalt or other material build-up, caking, and the like, therein.
US09073685B2
Liquid dispenser systems, pumps for use in liquid dispenser systems, and disposable/replaceable liquid container units for use in liquid dispenser systems are disclosed. A refill unit for refilling a liquid dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of liquid and a pump connected to the container. The pump comprises a fitment portion configured for attachment to a liquid container, and a pump portion which comprises an upper valve member and a lower valve member disposed along a common longitudinal axis, such that the fitment portion and the pump portion are formed as one integral piece.
US09073678B2
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cold cohesive packaging system using tear resistant tape includes a top sheet having an interior surface and at least one top cohesive region defined on the interior surface; a bottom sheet having a bottom interior surface and at least one bottom cohesive region defined on the bottom interior surface; at least one strip embedded in the top sheet or the bottom sheet, the at least one strip being resistant to tearing; and a cohesive, wherein the cohesive is applied in liquid form and adheres as a film to the at least one top cohesive region and the at least one bottom cohesive region, where the cohesive is capable of permanently bonding the top sheet to the bottom sheet when a pressure is applied, and wherein the cohesive comprises a latex-based cohesive with a viscosity of no more than 450 centipoise.
US09073677B2
The present invention is directed to a metal locking tie having a dual head that secures two different bundles using one tie. The dual head locking tie includes a top head, a bottom head, and a tie body. A first end of the tie body attaches to the bottom head and extends through a bottom strap passageway. The tie body wraps around a first bundle, extends through the top strap passageway of the dual head, wraps around a second bundle, and extends back through the bottom strap passageway of the dual head to secure two different bundles.
US09073675B2
The present invention relates to an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) structure changing color according to the temperature, a method for fabricating thereof; a stacked film for preventing forgery, a method for fabricating thereof; an RFID tag, an RFID system and a method for controlling thereof; an RFID cap, a method for manufacturing thereof, a method for manufacturing container with contents; an RFID can, a method for manufacturing thereof; a packaging material, a method for manufacturing thereof, and a method for packaging product using the same; and a certificate for chipless RFID and a method for authenticating the same.
US09073673B2
A closure (30) is provided for a container (32). In one particular embodiment, the closure (30) has a base (34) and a lid (36). The base (34) defines a recess (70) having a dispensing orifice (74). On either side of the recess (70), the base (34) has a rim portion (80) that defines a support surface (82). The front region of the base (34) has a sloping front surface (72). The lid (36) has a rear end connected with a connecting structure (40) to the closure base (34), and has a front end with a lid finger lift surface (86). When the lid (36) is closed, the front end of the lid (36) is located rearwardly of at least the lower end of the base sloping front surface (72), a major portion of the lid (36) is located between the base rim portions (80), and the lid (36) is located below the support surface (82) of each rim portion (80).
US09073670B2
This specification relates to a vegetable storage container for a refrigerator, and more particularly, a sealing structure of a vegetable storage container for a refrigerator capable of sealing an inside of an accommodation space of a vegetable box simply by using a lever after closing the accommodation space with a cover. This specification provides a refrigerator with a vegetable storage container, which includes a vegetable box having a front part and a main body both forming an accommodation space therein as a storage space for vegetables, the vegetable box being installed to be drawn out of the refrigerator, a vegetable box cover horizontally installed on the accommodation space to selectively cover an upper opening of the vegetable box, and a pressing unit to seal the accommodation space after the accommodation space of the vegetable box is closed by the vegetable box cover.
US09073650B2
A fluid manifold system includes a manifold having at least portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. A plurality of receiving containers are in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the manifold, each receiving container bounding a compartment. The receiving containers can be formed integral with the manifold by welding together a second portion of the opposing flexible sheets or can comprise separate containers that are coupled to the manifold.
US09073647B2
A launch system comprises a nose section comprising a nose coupling surface, a tail section comprising a tail coupling surface facing the nose coupling surface and a mast coupling the nose and tail sections. The mast is configured to expand and retract to displace the nose and tail sections within a range of distances from one another. In a retracted state, the nose and tail sections are either structurally coupled to one another at the nose and tail coupling surfaces or structurally coupled to at least one integrated module located between the nose and the tail sections.
US09073643B2
Monitoring of high-lift systems for aircraft. In one configuration, a method for monitoring a high-lift system includes monitoring a first current draw of a first drive station of the high-lift system, and monitoring a second current draw of a second drive station of the high-lift system. The method further includes comparing the first current draw and the second current draw to determine if a differential between the first current draw and the second current draw exceeds a threshold, and generating a failure signal if the differential between the first current draw and the second current draw exceeds the threshold.
US09073635B2
A system and a method for controlling a rotorcraft (1) in yaw (Y). The control system comprises a plurality of drive channels that operate an anti-torque rotor (4) of the rotorcraft (1). A first drive channel makes use of a rudder bar (13) including a set of pedals operated by the human pilot of the rotorcraft in order to control the anti-torque rotor (4). A second drive channel includes an autopilot. A third drive channel includes objective-type flight control means comprising a movable control member (12) that is operated by the human pilot and that continuously issues control signals (11) relating to a state of progression that the rotorcraft (1) is to achieve. Use of the second drive channel and of the third drive channel depends on inhibit means (19) for inhibiting operation thereof, which means are activatable by detector means (37) for detecting operation of the rudder bar (13).
US09073633B2
This invention relates to a computer network for calculating the true aircraft cornering friction coefficient of an aircraft runway or taxiway using the data collected by and available in the aircraft Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or other flight data management system, for example, the Quick Access Recorder (QAR). The invention may optionally distribute to personnel in the ground operations of an airport and airline operations, including but not limited to aircraft pilots, airline operation officers and airline managers as well as airport operators, managers and maintenance crews, the most accurate and most recent information concerning the true aircraft cornering friction coefficient to aid in making better and more accurate safety and economical decisions.
US09073621B2
An aircraft includes an insulation system for thermal and acoustic insulation. The insulation system includes a cabin, an outer skin, a sound insulating unit, and a heat insulating unit. The sound insulating unit is designed to acoustically insulate the aircraft. The heat insulating unit is designed to thermally insulate the aircraft. The sound insulating unit and the heat insulating unit are arranged between the cabin and the outer skin.
US09073619B2
A security door comprises a frame structure, having a lateral surface in which a plurality of doorways are constructed. A first doorway has a first width along an inner circumference of the frame structure, and lateral surface portions delimiting the first doorway in a first direction and a second direction, opposing the first direction, along the inner circumference of the frame structure have a second width. A lock element is received in the frame structure and comprises a first segment, movable along the frame structure inner circumference relative to the frame structure, and a second segment, movable independently of the first segment along the inner circumference relative to the frame structure. The first segment is dimensioned so that, in a position in which it closes the first doorway, it also closes a second doorway adjacent to the first doorway in the first direction along the frame structure inner circumference.
US09073608B1
A seating system for watercraft having a base supporting a seating surface and a backrest pivotably attached to the base. The backrest pivots above the seating surface to provide a plurality of selectable seating positions. The backrest is pivotably attached to the base an arm attached to the side of the backrest. The arm engages a guide member attached to the base, the guide member having one or more positional slots corresponding to the plurality of selectable seating positions. The backrest can be positioned upright, at an angle, or flat with respect to the seating surface to provide a plurality of seating configurations including simultaneous forward and aft seats, an aft-facing lounge seat, and a sunpad. The seating surface comprises hingeable seat cushions permitted access to storage compartments inside the base. The seating system can be installed adjacent to a bulkhead on a watercraft to provide an aft-facing lounge seat.
US09073607B2
The invention concerns a ship comprising at least one motor for driving the ship and at least one crane. To lift the motor at least one crane can be brought into engagement with the at least one motor through at least one closable opening. The invention further concerns a ship drive for driving a ship as well as a method of exchanging ship motors arranged within a ship for driving the ship together with peripheral devices. The invention further concerns the use of a wind power installation generator.
US09073606B2
A valve assembly for a bilge pump system having first and second bilge pumps each connected to a single hull outlet includes a valve body having a first inlet port for connection to the first bilge pump, a second inlet port for connection to the second bilge pump, and an outlet port for connection to the hull outlet. A first one-way valve operates at the first inlet port for allowing flow into the first inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the first inlet port from the second inlet port and/or the outlet port. A second one-way valve operates at the second inlet port for allowing flow into the second inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the second inlet port from the first inlet port and/or the outlet port. The valve assembly enables the second bilge pump to be connected to the single hull outlet and eliminates the need to cut an additional outlet opening in the hull.
US09073603B2
A multi-ratio transmission system with parallel vertical and coaxial planet gears is provided, including: multiple planet gear sub-systems, a coupling assembly, a setting element, a setting element controller, an annular gear, a cylindrical casing, a sprocket and a central axle. The planet gear sub-systems are disposed coaxially in series along a first axis. Each of the planet gear sub-system includes a sun gear and at least one planet gear. The coupling assembly transmits the rotation between every two adjacent planet gear sub-systems. The setting element optionally engages with the sun gear. The annular gear is engaged to the planet gear and is installed onto a one-way clutch. The cylindrical casing encloses the planet gear sub-systems. The sprocket is installed onto the one-way clutch for connecting an external transmission system. The central axle enables the hollowed tube of the setting element controller to rotate around the central axle.
US09073600B2
An independent shaft driven front wheel drive transmission (20) powers the front wheel of a velocipede by rotating a pair of coextensive handles (23 L R). Standard foot pedals power a rear shaft drive assembly (17) or a standard chain drive (FIG. 9). Forward rotation of the handles sets in motion the shaft driver assembly (10). The drive shaft (35) rotates and transfers energy to the multi-geared front hub assembly (14) that drives the front wheel forward. Triple tree brackets (73), position and support the front forks and steer tube. The steer tube (24) in combination with the triple tree brackets attaches the front wheel shaft drive system to the head tube of the velocipede. The modified front fork tube (53 R) houses the drive shaft (35) and bearings, (56 a b). The fork tube also has an attached modified drop out (77) that has clearance for rotatable bottom gear (51).
US09073599B2
A crank system of the present disclosure has a first crank assembly that is coupled to a first end of a first axle and coupled to a first pedal. The crank system further has a second crank assembly coupled to a second end of the first axle and a second pedal. Additionally, the crank system has a rotating wheel fixedly coupled to the first crank assembly and the second crank assembly such that as the first and second pedals are actuated by a user, the rotating wheel rotates thereby actuating a chain and inducing motion in a vehicle.
US09073591B2
The invention relates to a bicycle parking apparatus. The disclosed bicycle parking apparatus comprises: a rotational driving member providing driving power; a rotating storage unit consisting of multiple levels, rotated by the driving power from the rotational driving member, and partitioned so as to store bicycles in a radial configuration; an elevating unit, provided at a peripheral side of the rotating storage unit, for raising and lowering loaded bicycles; and a loading/unloading unit, provided at the elevating unit, for grasping and loading a bicycle from the outside onto the elevating unit or unloading a bicycle from the elevating unit to the outside.
US09073589B2
The present disclosure is directed to a pin joint component for a pin joint assembly that has improved wear surfaces, especially for those portions of the pin joint component surface that interface thrust rings, lips, and other adjacent wear components. The pin joint component comprises a first treated region that is formed by removing material from the wear surface of the pin joint component and replaced with clad material. Prior to this operation, a second treated region is formed by removing material from a section of the pin joint component distinct from the first treated region and performing a nitriding process thereon.
US09073586B1
A sill reinforcement assembly is provided for a sill area of a pick-up truck bed that is supported on and connected to a pair of frame rails. A unitary one-piece aluminum reinforcement is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed by a frame bolt fastener. The unitary reinforcement includes a continuous tubular receptacle for the frame bolt. One or more transverse walls of the reinforcement are connected by one or more bridging walls to the tubular receptacle. The transverse walls are connected by one-sided fasteners to a laterally extending wall of transverse beams. The frame bolt extends through the truck bed floor, the tubular receptacle, the transverse beam and is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed.
US09073572B2
There is provided in a preferred embodiment a retention bracket for coupling a steering column member to a vehicle cross-support member. The bracket includes a mounting shoe and a reinforcing rod. The mounting shoe has gusset plates integrally joined by a forward end plate, and a lowermost flange extending inwardly along a bottom edge portion of one gusset plate towards the other gusset plate to define a lowermost channel. The reinforcing rod includes an elongated reinforcement portion and a threaded bored portion, the reinforcing rod being positioned in the channel with an outer peripheral surface coupled to the flange and the other gusset plate. The threaded bore portion defines an internally threaded bore for complementary mated engagement with a threaded end of an attachment bolt in the securement of the steering column member to the retention bracket.
US09073567B2
Construction is achieved wherein the front-end section of an outer column 18a can be assembled in the rear-end section of a housing 11a that houses an electric power steering apparatus 10a from below. At least the front-end section of the outer column 18a is formed into a U shape that is open on the top end. A connection and fastening section 36 that can be inserted inside the front-end section of the outer column 18a through an opening on the top end of the front-end section is provided on the rear-end section of the housing 11a. After the connection and fastening section 36 has been inserted inside the front-end section of the outer column 18a through the opening at the top end of the front-end section, fastening nuts 40 are screwed onto the tip end sections of fastening bolts 39 that are inserted in the left-right direction through portions near the top ends of the connection and fasting section 36 and the front-end section of the outer column 18a, and by tightening the nuts 40, the connection and fastening section 36 and front-end section of the outer column 18a are connected and fastened together.
US09073556B2
The disclosure is directed to a fuel distribution system for a consist. The fuel distribution system may have a first locomotive, a second locomotive, and a tender car. The fuel distribution system may also have at least one pump located onboard the tender car, and at least one fluid conduit attached to the at least one pump. The at least one fluid conduit may be configured to deliver gaseous fuel from the tender car to the first and second locomotives.
US09073548B2
A vehicle-mounted radar apparatus for transmitting radar waves toward the outside of a vehicle mounting the apparatus thereon and receiving the radar waves reflected from an object to thereby acquire information about the object. In the apparatus, a target detection unit transmits and receives the radar waves to detect positions of targets. An object position determination unit determines a position of the object reflecting the radar waves on the basis of the positions of the targets. A representative target selection unit selects a representative target from the targets. A same-object target selection unit selects targets belonging to the same object as the representative target. A large-vehicle determination unit determines whether or not the object is a large vehicle on the basis of a number of targets selected by the same-object target selection unit and reflection wave received powers for the respective targets.
US09073544B2
A controller architecture for a vehicle including a multi-mode powertrain system includes an engine controller having a control routine for determining and executing engine torque commands responsive to a hybrid engine torque command, and a control routine for determining a propulsion axle torque command responsive to an output torque request. The controller architecture further includes transmission controller having a control routine for selecting and effecting operation of the passive transmission in a preferred gear responsive to the output torque request. The controller architecture further includes a hybrid controller having control routines for determining and executing torque commands for each of the non-combustion torque machines and for determining the hybrid engine torque command to achieve a desired axle torque in response to the propulsion axle torque command with the passive transmission operating in the preferred gear.
US09073543B2
The present invention provides a control device of a vehicle drive device having an engine that is a drive power source for running, a manual transmission receiving power of the engine via a clutch, an electric motor acting as a drive power source for running disposed on the downstream side of the clutch, a release cylinder releasing the clutch depending on a supply oil pressure, and a master cylinder supplying an oil pressure to the release cylinder in accordance with a depressing operation of a clutch pedal, a shut valve being disposed that is put into a closed state to interrupt a hydraulic path between the release cylinder and the master cylinder, and the shut valve being closed if the clutch is released by the depressing operation of the clutch pedal during driving of the engine.
US09073536B2
A hybrid vehicle for reducing a variation in accelerator position when an EV mode is switched to a HV mode is provided. A controller executes the following process during running in the EV mode. The controller sets an increase of the accelerator position from a first accelerator position to a switching accelerator position at which a switch to the HV mode is to be made as a first increase when an output of a motor has reached an output upper limit at the first accelerator position. The controller sets an increase of the accelerator position from a second accelerator position to the switching accelerator position as a second increase which is smaller than the first increase when the output of the motor has reached the output upper limit at the second accelerator position which is larger than the first accelerator position.
US09073535B2
A utility vehicle is provided that includes first and second pairs of wheels, a controller, and a potentiometer. The first pair of wheels is propelled by an internal combustion engine. The second pair of wheels is propelled by a battery-operated motor. The motor drives a transaxle that drives the second pair of wheels. The controller controls operation of the motor. The potentiometer is configured to be manually activated to propel the utility vehicle, and is coupled to the controller to send a signal to the controller to rotate the motor. The potentiometer is also configured to activate fuel flow into the internal combustion engine.
US09073532B2
A homeostatic flying hovercraft preferably utilizes at least two pairs of counter-rotating ducted fans to generate lift like a hovercraft and utilizes a homeostatic hover control system to create a flying craft that is easily controlled. The homeostatic hover control system provides true homeostasis of the craft with a true fly-by-wire flight control and control-by-wire system control.
US09073528B2
Disclosed is brake system technology such as a modulator block and an electronic control brake system for vehicles having the same which suppresses residual frictional force generated due to contact between pads and a disc by moving a part of fluid at the wheel brake side to a residual frictional force control unit so as to retract pads from the disc, so that the hydraulic volume is reduced.
US09073524B2
A braking assistance system for a vehicle towed by a towing vehicle. The braking assistance system includes at least one sensor configured to be coupled to the towed vehicle and to detect information about at the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle, and an electronic control unit having a processor. The electronic control unit is in electronic communication with the sensor to receive information about the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle. The processor is configured to determine an electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, determine a deceleration of the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle based on the information from the at least one sensor, identify a brake assist situation, and initiate a brake control operation to control braking of the towed vehicle during the brake assist situation.
US09073522B2
A parking lock control element has an actuator coupled to a parking lock pawl, and a retaining device which works with the actuator to secure the parking lock pawl in the disengaged position. The connecting device is characterized in that the retaining device has a blocking slide connected to the actuator, and a blocking actuator having a slider gap, the width of the slider gap being modified in an actuating manner, wherein the blocking slide can move into the slider gap—when the slider gap is open—releasing the actuator. The connecting device reduces structural complexity and related costs. At the same time, the control element is comparatively robust with respect to manufacturing tolerances, acceleration forces, vibrations, and temperature stress. With minimal auxiliary energy, high holding forces can be achieved to secure the parking lock pawl. An emergency unlocking actuation can also be integrated in a simple manner.
US09073520B2
The present invention relates to a connection device that is used for connecting a wiper blade (800) comprising an elastic wiper profile (6), an arc-shaped elastic metal vertebra (5) and a bracket (3) preferably directly fixed to the vertebra (5) at the longitudinal middle region, to a wiper arm (900) of which one end is connected to a motor in the vehicle, that comprises the bracket (3), an adapter (1) connected onto the said bracket (3) so as to rotate around the said rotational axis (901) and the free end (9) of the said wiper arm (900) that can be inserted and locked over the said adapter (1).
US09073518B2
A wiper for a vehicle includes an elongated wiper strip, a backing extending in the longitudinal direction of the wiper strip, and a blade holder for holding the wiper strip and the backing. The blade holder includes a pair of side surfaces that face in opposite directions. The wiper also includes a coupling member and a wiper arm. The coupling member has a pair of side walls, which face the corresponding side surfaces, and is attached to the blade holder. The wiper arm has a distal coupling portion attached to the coupling member. When the distal coupling portion is attached to the coupling member, side cover walls of the distal coupling portion are each engaged with the corresponding side wall of the coupling member.
US09073517B2
A support device for a mobile lifting machine, in particular a vehicle crane, comprises a carrier support coupled to the vehicle chassis, a piston rod coupled to the carrier support and movable relative to the carrier support, and a support disc coupled to the piston rod, wherein the support device is configured such that it allows a movement of the support disc relative to the carrier support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the piston rod.
US09073512B1
A gas generator contains a housing having a first end and a second end; a perforated first combustion chamber contained within the housing; a first gas generant contained within the first combustion chamber; a first gas generant cushion positioned between one of either the first end or the second end, and the first gas generant; and a booster chamber contained within the housing, the booster chamber extending through the first gas generant cushion to physically communicate with the second end of the housing. The gas generant cushion may have at least one concave cavity formed on one side of the cushion for providing an enhanced propellant cushion. A vehicle occupant protection system incorporating this gas generator is also contemplated in accordance with the present invention.
US09073505B2
A load sensor detects a load of an occupant on a seat of a vehicle and provides a load signal. A determination section determines a physical size of the occupant by classifying the load signal into a subject class among a plurality of classes ordered from small to large based on threshold loads and performs an inter-class transition of the subject class from a transition source class into a transition destination class based on change of the received load signal. When (i) both the transition source class and the transition destination class belong to an airbag-inflating class that enables inflating of an airbag, and, simultaneously, (ii) the transition destination class is smaller than the transition source class and immediately adjacent to the transition source class, the determination section makes the determined class remain in the transition source class.
US09073495B2
An attachment clamp for a utility vehicle cargo box with a cylindrical bar along a top surface of the sidewall. The attachment clamp includes an inner plate positioned inside the sidewall, and an outer plate hinged to the inner plate and positioned outside the sidewall. Each of the inner plate and outer plate including a bar gripping element to grip the bar along a top surface of the sidewall. A handle is connected to the plates and pivotable to move the inner and outer plates together to a clamped position around the bar or apart to an unclamped position. The handle may include a lobe that cams the plates together and enters a recess in the outer plate in the clamped position, and a spring urging the inner and outer plates apart toward the unclamped position.
US09073485B2
Technique for implementing a liquid crystal layer installed in a transmissive object installed in a vehicle. More specifically, a control system is configured to activate a liquid crystal layer that has been installed a vehicle. The control system then determines an ocular prescription strength of a driver, and sets a refractive index of one or more liquid crystal layers disposed within the liquid crystal layer to adjust a refractive index of the windshield to correlate with the determined ocular prescription strength.
US09073481B2
A system for operating alarm features of a trailer towed by a tractor in the event of unintended decoupling of the trailer from the tractor. The system may include a breakaway switch or its functional equivalent, a flasher, and a source of emergency power such as a battery. The output of the system may operate only lights though the flasher, or optionally, also at least one electric brake of the trailer. Where braking is provided, the supply of electrical power is uninterrupted as by the flasher. Importantly, an anti-feedback feature prevents unintended operation of the lights and brake due to back-feeding from the electrical system of the tractor under ordinary operating conditions.
US09073480B2
In a turning direction indicator, a count section which counts a number of rotations in a case where an indication operation section is operated to a position indicating one turning direction and the one turning direction is displayed and where the steering wheel is rotated one time or more in the one turning direction. The counted number of rotations is stored. A determination section determines whether the stored value is a predetermined value indicating that the number of rotations is 0 in a case where the steering wheel is operated in the one turning direction and thereafter operated in another turning direction and where the steering angle becomes a predetermined angle or less. A cancellation section does not cancel display of the turning direction if the stored value is determined as being not the predetermined value, and otherwise cancels the display of the turning direction.
US09073477B2
In a vehicle approach notification device for notifying approach of a vehicle by emitting a notification sound according to a synthetic sound signal composed of a plurality of frequency components from a speaker, a vehicle speed specifying portion specifies a speed of the vehicle, and a synthetic sound signal generating portion generates the synthetic sound signal. The synthetic sound signal generating portion generates the synthetic sound signal such that the frequency component that belongs to a second frequency range in which a variation in sound pressure outputted from the speaker is equal to or smaller than a predetermined magnitude is shifted according to a change in the speed of the vehicle, without shifting the frequency component that belongs to a first frequency range in which the variation in sound pressure outputted from the speaker is greater than the predetermined magnitude.
US09073473B2
A mobile work site having a deployed position and a stowed position for travel is disclosed. Importantly, a first ever vacuum system is configured with permanent piping to the trailer. A vacuum boom is further provided for added versatility. The invention has further been designed with optimal size in mind so that a bulky configuration is made unnecessary. Further the design provides a large amount of horizontal surface area for measuring and planner tables, feeder tables and cutting tables. Additionally, multiple electrical outlets are made available to eliminate any need for long cords. Also, dual, separate and redundant electrical circuits are provided to power the entire trailer. Racks are included herein for transporting lumber and trim materials.
US09073458B2
A locking mechanism of a seat for a vehicle, the seat including a seat back and a seat base, the locking mechanism including a recliner that reclines the seat back and locks the seat back in a position, the recliner and a memory ring being located on the axis, and when the memory ring is held relative to the recliner the seat back returns to an original position when the seat back travels in a forward direction from the original position past an upright position and then moves in a rearward direction back to the original position.
US09073455B2
A slide rail device for a vehicle includes a lower rail; an upper rail supported on the lower rail to be slidably movable relative thereto; a lock mechanism between the upper and lower rails; a lock-operation lever inserted into the upper rail; a rotational supporter supporting the lock-operation lever to be rotatable between locked and unlocked positions; a handle; a biasing spring having an engaging portion which engages with the lock-engaging portion so that the engaging portion is immovable relative to the lock-engaging portion wherein the biasing spring supports the rear-end portion of the handle; and a spring support portion, provided on the upper rail, which is positioned immediately below the biasing spring and prevents the biasing spring from falling downward from an underside opening of the lock-operation lever when the rotational supporter supports the lock-operation lever.
US09073446B2
An electric vehicle charging system includes a housing, an electric vehicle supply circuit disposed within the housing and constructed and arranged to provide power to an electric vehicle from a power source, and a storage connector movably attached to the housing and configured to engage an electric vehicle charging connector. The storage connector may be configured to rotate between a first position to hold the charging connector to the housing and a second position for insertion/removal of the charging connector. The storage connector may be configured to engage a latch on the electric vehicle charging connector to hold the charging connector to the storage connector.
US09073445B2
A relay control system for an electric vehicle includes an electric power line, a relay, an operation member, a state sensor, a rotational speed detector, a shift position detector, and a relay disconnection permitting device. The state sensor is configured to sense that a signal circuit through which a signal related to a state of the operation member flows is changed into a disconnecting operation state. The rotational speed detector is configured to detect a rotational speed of the electric motor. The shift position detector is configured to detect a shift position of the electric vehicle. The relay disconnection permitting device permits disconnection of the relay based on the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detector and the shift position detected by the shift position detector if the state sensor senses that the signal circuit is changed into the disconnecting operation state.
US09073437B2
The calculation unit converts into a battery age each parameter calculated for a different factor of degradation of a battery. If at least one of the battery ages has reached an upper limit age, the determination unit determines that it is necessary to conduct a battery diagnosis. Once it has been determined that it is necessary to conduct the battery diagnosis, the display control unit causes a display device to display a diagnosis request message. After displaying the diagnosis request message has started if there is no result of the battery diagnosis received the electric power limiter unit limits electric power charged to and discharged from the battery. After the electric power charged to/discharged from the battery is limited if there is no result of the battery diagnosis received the start-up prohibition unit prohibits starting a system driving the vehicle.
US09073427B2
In a series mode, a clutch rotational speed difference ΔN is calculated, and when the clutch rotational speed difference ΔN is within a first predetermined range R1 it is determined whether a sticking determination timer t1 indicates a first predetermined time t1 or longer. When a closed sticking timer t indicates the first predetermined time t1 or longer, fuel cut is performed, and the clutch rotational speed difference ΔN is re-calculated. When the closed sticking timer t indicates a second predetermined time t2 or longer, and the clutch rotational speed difference ΔN is within a second predetermined range R2, it is determined that there is closed sticking of a clutch. When the closed sticking timer t indicates less than the time t2, and the clutch rotational speed difference ΔN is out of the second predetermined range R2, it is determined that there is no closed sticking of the clutch.
US09073426B2
A power supply system for an electric vehicle includes a battery, a power line, a connector, a separating operation device, a switch device, a switching operation member, and an interlock member. The switch device is configured to interrupt an electrical connection between the battery and the connector. The switching operation member is configured to be operated by an operator to open the switch device to interrupt the electrical connection. The interlock member is movable from a first position to a second position if the switching operation member has been operated by the operator to open the switch device to interrupt the electrical connection. The interlock member is configured to prohibit, at the first position, the operator from operating the separating operation device. The interlock member is configured to allow, at the second position, the operator to operate the separating operation device.
US09073410B2
Above a belt line, a motor vehicle body exhibits a windshield segment, a rear segment and a roof segment that is connected with the rear segment so that it can be displaced in a displacement direction, which in a first configuration bridges an intermediate space between the windshield segment and rear segment, and in a second configuration overlaps the rear segment. The roof segment can be swiveled out of the first configuration around a roof segment axis into an intermediate position, in which a rear edge of the roof segment extends under a front edge of the rear segment without any overlap in the displacement direction.
US09073407B2
The operating element (10) for an air vent includes a narrow passage (14) from a first side (16) to an opposite second side (18) for a blade (12). The passage (14) is limited at least on one side by a frame-shaped lateral portion (10) having a slit (24). At least a part (22) of the lateral portion (20) may be elastically deflected.
US09073406B2
An air conditioner controlling device for a vehicle may include a knob rotatably installed on the front of a case, a cylindrical cam rotatably installed inside the case, interlocked with a shaft of the knob, and having a slot formed in an outer surface thereof, and a lever having one end rotatably mounted to the case and the other end insertedly coupled to the slot of the cylindrical cam to thereby reciprocate the cylindrical cam at the time of rotation of the cylindrical cam, wherein the lever may be insertedly mounted in a portion of the slot formed along the outer surface of the cylindrical cam, and a mounting position and angle of the lever may be thus adjusted, such that a reciprocation direction of the lever may be freely adjusted.
US09073399B1
A wheelchair including a base assembly that has a first side and a second side. At least one caster and a drive wheel are mounted to each of the first and second sides. The wheelchair includes a seat assembly having a seat and a backrest and an actuator assembly having a plurality of actuators. Each actuator can expand and retract and includes a first end pivotably connected to the base assembly and a second end pivotably connected to the seat assembly. The actuator assembly allows for at least four degrees of movement of the seat assembly with respect to the base assembly. The wheelchair includes a computer that is connected to the actuators and that controls the movement of the actuators. The computer moves the actuators to vary the position of the seat assembly with respect to the base assembly.
US09073373B2
A drive signal includes a first drive signal and a second drive signal. The first drive signal includes a prior pulse section including a first contraction element and a discharging pulse section including a first expansion element pulling in a meniscus and the second contraction element discharging a droplet of liquid from the nozzle orifice. The second drive signal includes the discharging pulse section and a vibration control pulse section including a second expansion element controlling a residual vibration of the meniscus. A piezoelectric element is driven with the first drive signal when viscosity of the liquid is equal to or more than a first set value and is driven with the second drive signal when the viscosity is equal to or less than a second set value.
US09073363B1
An additional conveyance mechanism of a printer, a first printing section, and a second printing section, wherein the additional conveyance mechanism of the printer apparatus comprises: a second paper conveyance path configured to convey papers having only one printing surface in which side it is merged with the first paper conveyance path between the first printing section and the second printing section, and a separation mechanism configured to separate the thermal printing head carrying out no printing from the platen roller in the contacted thermal printing heads and platen rollers when the papers loaded in the printer apparatus and the additional conveyance mechanism of the printer apparatus are printed.
US09073350B2
The optical scanning device includes a photoreceptor, a light source unit, a plurality of correction value storage units and a light quantity correction unit. The scanning position in the photoreceptor is divided into a plurality of areas. The target correction amount of the light quantity is predetermined so as to change according to the scanning position. The correction value storage unit stores the light quantity correction value that is associated with each of the areas. The light quantity correction unit corrects the light quantity during scanning by using the light quantity correction value corresponding to the scanning position. The length of each of the areas is shorter in an area in which the variation in the target correction amount per unit length is greater. The light quantity correction value is determined based on the target correction amount according to the area corresponding to the light quantity correction value.
US09073349B2
The invention relates to a marking apparatus (100) for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers (10) and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam according to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the laser beams into a two-dimensional array of laser beams is provided, the set of deflection means (30) comprises at least one deflection means (33) per laser beam, in particular at least one mapping mirror (33) or one optical waveguide per laser beam.
US09073347B2
The disclosed technology includes a device and method of use for direct printing and ink or other marking, in conjunction with GPR techniques. In a most basic embodiment of the disclosed technology, a relevant date, time, filename, and other parameters are printed or otherwise physically exhibited on the measurement surface, so that RADAR files can be later attributed to a specific data collection site. In a more advanced embodiment of the disclosed technology, actual RADAR target information is printed, or otherwise physically exhibited, on the measurement surface, such as while measuring, or substantially while measuring, the surface and substrate beneath with GPR.
US09073339B2
Method and system for controlling multicolor ink-jet printing on intermittent rotary printing device
Disclosed is a control method for a digital ink-jet printing device to carry out multicolor ink-jet printing on an intermittent rotary printing device. The method includes: determining whether a current page is the first page; if yes, calculating a length of an image to be printed on the current page by subtracting a distance between an imaging component group and a reference from a length of a page, wherein the reference is the foremost printing imaging component group in a movement direction of a printed body, and acquiring image data of the current page, the length of which is the calculated length, after delaying the distance; if no, acquiring unprinted image data of a previous page, the length of which is the distance, and image data of the current page, the length of which is the calculated length.
US09073331B2
A fluid path structure is manufactured by way of an aligning step of aligning a first resin part with a second resin part by inserting a projection formed on the first resin part into a corresponding hole formed in the second resin part and a welding step of welding joint surfaces of the first resin part and the second resin part, thereby forming a fluid path. The aligning step is executed so as to narrow the gap between the projection and the hole to a minimum at a base side of the projection relative to a half of the height of the hole and the welding step is executed only at the base side of the projection relative to the half of the height of the hole so as to make the lateral surface of the projection only partially contact with the lateral surface of the hole.
US09073322B1
An electrostatic actuator array including a plurality of recesses within an actuator membrane and a method for forming same. In an embodiment, a width of each recess is wider than a width of each bonding feature of a plurality of bonding features, and each bonding feature extends into one of the recesses. In another embodiment, a width of each recess is narrower than a width of each bonding feature. In each embodiment, adhesive within the recesses bonds the membrane to the bonding feature. The recesses provide a flow path for the adhesive to reduce or prevent adhesive encroachment into an air chamber within which an actuator electrode is located.
US09073316B2
This invention provides an inkjet printing positioning device and control method thereof. The inkjet printing positioning device comprises: base; linear guide rail fixedly mounted on the base; inkjet unit, moving in matched manner with the linear guide rail; ball screw, driving the inkjet unit to move linearly when being rotated; servomotor, for driving the ball screw to rotate; zero position detecting device, mounted in a position on the moving travel route of the inkjet unit from the initial position to the printing area, and for sending zero position signal when detects that the inkjet unit is passing by; controller connecting the zero position detecting device and the servomotor, and for controlling the servomotor to drive the inkjet unit to move from the current position to the printing area and locate there, and controlling the servomotor to drive the inkjet unit to move predetermined displacement upon receipt of zero position signal.
US09073313B2
A liquid ejection apparatus including: a head having an ejection face having ejection openings opposed to an ejection space; a capping mechanism including: a facing portion capable of facing the ejection face; and a space definer configured to define the ejection space with the facing portion and the ejection face, the capping mechanism being switchable between a defining state and an open state; a humid-air supplier configured to perform a humidifying operation for supplying humid air into the ejection space; a sensor portion configured to sense temperature and/or humidity near the head; and a controller configured to, when the humidifying operation performed by the humid-air supplier is discontinued, adjust a next humidifying operation based on at least one of the temperature and the humidity sensed within a period extending from the discontinuation of the humidifying operation to the next humidifying operation.
US09073305B2
Provided is a recording method of discharging ink including resin and a solvent to a heated recording medium to record an image on the recording medium by an ink jet recording apparatus, in which an absorption amount of the ink per unit mass of the recording medium is equal to or less than 1.0, and a wetting index of the recording medium measured based on JIS K6768 is equal to or more than 46, and when the wetting index is set as x, and the absorption amount of the ink per unit mass of the recording medium is set as y, a relationship of y≧0.002x−0.027 is satisfied.
US09073285B2
A foam base with a connection structure includes the foam base and a connection member. The connection member includes an adhesive connection portion and a folding portion. The adhesive connection portion is adhered to the foam base so that the connection member is fixed on the foam base. The folding portion is used to connect another adjacent foam base. Before connection, the folding portion is folded and only has a portion extending out of the foam base for transportation and storage.
US09073280B2
Disclosed herein is a container featuring at least one hole, and process for making the same. The container is prepared from a sheet-like composite having (i) a polymer outer layer facing the surroundings; (ii) a carrier layer following the polymer outer layer in the direction of the container interior; (iii) a barrier layer following the carrier layer in the direction of the container interior; (iv) an adhesive layer following the barrier layer in the direction of the container interior; and (v) a polymer inner layer following the adhesive layer in the direction of the container interior. The sheet-like composite is prepared by laminating the individual layers, wherein at least the polymer inner layer or the adhesive layer are stretched during application.
US09073275B2
Molding bench for curving mirrors comprising a sheet (1) supported on a frame by means of a joint system that prevents the sheet (1) from shifting and moving and to the lower part of which are fixed a series of air pipes (14) having a general air header pipe (3) connected to a vacuum pump. The sheet (1) consists of a square lattice the intersections of which have perforations that match up with a series of suction points of the air pipes (14), intended to produce a vacuum in the bench and which have been previously calibrated, such that said bench can be used to manufacture mirrors having any curvature.
US09073273B2
A plurality of fiber layers is stacked to form a fiber insertion extending in a longitudinal direction of the shell part to be manufactured, whereby a core element having a tapered edge section is arranged along the fiber insertion. The fiber layers are stacked so that the tapered edge section of the core element is wedged into the fiber insertion. The core element is composed by a first and a second core part that are arranged along each other. The first core part forms at least part of the tapered edge section of the core element. The surface of the first core part has a higher permeability to liquid polymer than that of the surface of the second core part so that, during infusion, liquid polymer penetrates the surface of the first core part more readily than it penetrates the surface of the second core part.
US09073272B2
A process for the production of a fiber profile (32) that is designed to fill in a space with a nail-head-shaped or half-nail-head-shaped cross-section that originates from the assembly of preforms in a T shape, of which at least one includes a curvature radius at the junction zone of the preforms, includes: supplying powder-coated fibers (28) to a preforming station (30) where the powder is activated and the fibers (28) move into a passage whose shapes are adapted to those of the desired profile, and then making the preformed fibers move into a shaping station (34) where the fiber profile (32) is cooled and shaped by circulating in a cavity whose shapes are adapted to those of the desired profile.
US09073260B2
An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. In certain examples, the linear solidification device includes a laser diode that projects light onto a linear scanning device, such as a rotating polygonal mirror or a linear scanning micromirror, which then deflects the light onto a photohardenable resin. As a result, the linear solidification device scans a line of solidification energy in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the laser diode. In other examples, the linear solidification device is a laser device array or light emitting diode array that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the array.
US09073259B2
Embodiments described herein are directed to generating physical three-dimensional color-accurate objects based on a 3D computer-based color model using printed layers of media. Embodiments can slice a 3D computer-based color model into 3D cross-sectional components, which retain the color information of the model. The 3D cross-sectional segments can be converted into 2D page images and the color information can be included in a plan image corresponding to the cross-sectional segments. Embodiments can print the page images to form cross-sectional prints which can be layered and trimmed to shape the prints into a color accurate physical object that represents the model.
US09073258B2
A photostructurable ceramic is processed using photostructuring process steps for embedding devices within a photostructurable ceramic volume, the devices may include one or more of chemical, mechanical, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic devices, all made in part by creating device material within the ceramic or by disposing a device material through surface ports of the ceramic volume, with the devices being interconnected using internal connections and surface interfaces.
US09073247B2
A method and apparatus are provided for automatic and hands-free threading of an elastomeric mix into a calender set of rolls comprising one or more pairs of rolls that have a nip between them. A wedge is provided with a tip that is positioned downstream from the nip and at a predetermined distance from the nip. As the rolls of the nip are rotated, the tip of the edge removes all, or a desired portion of, the elastomeric mix from a first roll of the nip so as to transfer the elastomeric mix to a second roll of the nip. The tip of the wedge may be placed into contact with the first roll. The wedge may also have an arcuate surface, shaped e.g., like the outer surface of the first roll, and positioned a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the first roll.
US09073239B2
A vacuum vibration press manufactures engineered stone slabs that are equal or superior in appearance and physical properties to slabs manufactured using a conventional Breton press, while weighing less, costing less to manufacture, providing shorter press cycle times, requiring less resin, and consuming less energy. In addition to providing a vibration device above the slab, the press also includes a second vibration device below the slab, which replaces the massive inertial base of a Breton press. The vibration devices can have different frequencies, amplitudes, and/or vibration axes. The press can be completely enclosed within a vacuum chamber, and vibrationally isolated from surrounding structures. In embodiments, volume reduction blocks reduce the volume to be evacuated. Embodiments use screw jacks and springs or air bags to provide controlled pressing force and precisely uniform slab thickness. Slabs can be inserted and removed on a conveyor belt, or in separate trays on rollers.
US09073220B2
A horizontal multijoint type robot is so constructed that it comprises a first arm connected through a first joint shaft to a base, a second arm connected through a second joint shaft to the first arm, and a working shaft provided rotatably and movably up and down on the distal end of the second arm, and that the arm length L1 of the first arm and the arm length L2 of the second arm are equal to each other so that the second arm is able to overlap the first arm.
US09073213B2
A failure of a robot can be determined while a production line is operating by determining when a motor output torque moving average value, which is an average value of N (N is a positive integer) pieces of motor output torque values, exceeds a first failure determination reference value, and an external force torque estimated moving average value, which is an average value of N pieces of external force torque estimated values, exceeds a second failure determination reference value.
US09073202B2
A burglarproof tool fitting holder device is formed with a side latch to tightly fasten a tool fitting for the effects of hanging show and protection against burglars. The device includes a tool fitting holder body and a burglarproof fixture unit. When the tool fitting holder body combines with the tool fitting in one, the fixing pedestal combines with the fixing cover plate of fixture unit in one via the two sides of the tool fitting to fasten the tool fitting. Further, ribs added in the inner fringes of the fixing cover plate and fixing pedestal is exactly wedged into the groove on the side of tool fitting to secure the tool fitting between the fixing cover plate and the fixing pedestal for effective protection against burglars.
US09073199B2
A pivot head wrench includes a handle, a head, a pivot pin, a linear motion mechanism and a lock mechanism. The pivot pin connects the handle and the head. The linear motion mechanism is disposed at the handle and includes a moving path, wherein the head is disposed in the moving path. The lock mechanism includes a groove and at least one protrusion, wherein one of the groove and the protrusion is disposed at the head while the other is disposed at the linear motion mechanism for engaging with each other, and the protrusion and the groove both are disposed in the moving path.
US09073191B2
A pipe separator for separating pipes at a pipe joint includes an elongate shaft and an engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to be mounted adjacent to a pipe joint. A force is applied to the pipe separator to separate the pipes at the joint without damaging the pipes.
US09073189B2
An adapter structure for handheld electrical tools is disclosed, which includes an outer socket and an inner socket. The outer socket is provided with a shank at its bottom and provided therein with first teeth. The inner socket has an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The middle section is provided at its bottom with second teeth. The inner socket is fitted into the outer socket and limited by a crimp formed at a top edge of the outer socket, so that the inner socket will not be detached from the outer socket. When a selective tool, fitted at the upper section, is pressed to move downwardly, the first teeth can engage with the second teeth, so that the outer socket can drive the inner socket with the selective tool to rotate bolts or nuts under torque limitation for fastening operations.
US09073188B2
A crimping machine system including a set of crimping jaws placed in a circular array and defining a central axis; a flange structure configured to move in parallel with said central axis; a first power transmitting member equipped with inclined guide surfaces, placed between the jaws and the flange structure, and forcing the jaws to move radially towards the central axis; a circular structure configured to rotate around said central axis; and a second power transmitting member equipped with helical guide surfaces and placed between the circular structure and the flange structure, wherein while the circular structure rotates around the central axis, said power transmitting member is configured to force the flange structure to move in parallel with the central axis.
US09073187B2
A tensioning device for tie down applications in a utility market that includes a drive end and a cable output end to attach to a medium, item, or truck or trailer. The tensioning device creates more tension in the medium than is generally able to be applied by hand with ratchet straps or chains, which provides a more secure tie down of items in a utility application. The tensioning device includes a drive system that can be driven with standard power tools or hand tools to retract a cable. The tensioning device may be designed with or without a clutch feature. The clutch feature allows for a desired cable tension to be reached for each installation and provides feedback to the operator when the correct tension is reached. The tensioning device includes an external bracket or hook for easily attaching to an item, medium, or truck or trailer.
US09073186B2
An electric power tool includes a motor, a current detection unit, an operating portion, a current threshold setting unit and a control unit. The current threshold setting unit sets a current threshold so as to change in accordance with changes in a motor current which flows when the motor is started as usual until a predetermined period of time elapses since the control unit has started driving of the motor. When the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the current threshold setting unit fixes the current threshold to a constant value which corresponds to a set torque.
US09073181B2
The utility model provides a combined positioning device for a side beam of a stainless steel car roof, comprising an inner cavity positioning block (2), an external support body (3), an external positioning block (4), a push rod (5), and clamps (6), a top side of the inner cavity positioning block (2) fits in with a top inner portion of the side beam (7) of the car roof, the external support body (3) is adjustably connected to a surface of the inner cavity positioning block (2), the external positioning block (4) is adjustably connected to a surface of the external support body (3), an elongated nut of the push rod (5) is integrated with the inner cavity positioning block (2), and the clamps (6) are used to clamp two edges of the side beam (7) of the car roof. With the present utility model, the side beam of the car roof can be supported by fitting the inner cavity positioning block in with the top inner portion of the side beam of the car roof, and sizes such as width and height can be adjusted through adjustments of the external support body connected to the inner cavity positioning block, the external positioning block and the clamps.
US09073180B2
A quick release structure for a woodworking clamp, which has a clamp body slidingly connected to the transverse rod, and the securing chuck having a securing rod disposed through a securing hole of the transverse rod. One side of the securing chuck is formed with an accommodating portion, both sides of the accommodating portion are connected to a quick release element, a positioning shaft respectively is disposed on the quick release element, the positioning shaft is placed through the shaft aperture; an outer surface of the quick release element is provided with a pressing portion. When the quick release element is connected into the accommodating portion, by compressing the elastic element, the securing rod is driven to release from the securing hole. When the pressing portion is not pressed, the elastic element bounces back to retract the quick release element to secure the securing chuck onto the transverse rod.
US09073178B1
In an embodiment, an abrasive element is disclosed. The abrasive element includes an abrasive body having a plurality of superabrasive grains, and at least one interstitial material interstitially disposed within the plurality of superabrasive grains. The at least one interstitial material exhibits a negative coefficient of thermal expansion over a selected temperature range.
US09073169B2
A method of controlling polishing includes polishing a first substrate having an overlying layer on an underlying layer or layer structure. During polishing, the substrate is monitored with an in-situ monitoring system to generate a sequence of measurements. The measurements are sorted into groups, each group associated with a different zone of a plurality of zones on the substrate. For each zone, a time at which the overlying layer is cleared is determined based on the measurements from the associated group. At least one second adjusted polishing pressure for at least zone is calculated based on a pressure applied in the at least one zone during polishing the substrate, the time for the at least one zone, and the time for another zone. A second substrate is polished using the at least one adjusted polishing pressure.
US09073162B2
A cutting device for a mill plate including a cutting tool supported for movement in a Y-direction and cutting in a Z-direction, and a conveyor for conveying a mill plate in the X-direction. A measuring device is movable in the X-direction along one side of a mill plate supported on the conveyor to map the X-axis and Y-axis positions of the mill plate one side. Positioning guides adjacent one side of the conveyor are adjusted in the Y-direction to follow the mapped Y-axis position of the mill plate one side at the X-axis position of the mill plate one side aligned with the positioning guides as the mill plate is conveyed in the X-direction. A clamp on the side opposite the mill plate one side is adapted to push the mill plate opposite side in the Y-direction to maintain the mill plate one side in engagement with the positioning guides.
US09073144B2
A method for joining a first bar end-on to a second bar by means of electron beam welding at a welding point is provided. The method includes the following steps, aligning the two bars with each other along a longitudinal axis, applying a sleeve, which surrounds the welding point in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, welding at the welding point by means of electron beam welding, wherein an electron beam welding apparatus is made to pass along an advancing direction, along in relation to a surface of the sleeve and along the welding point, and removing the sleeve.
US09073141B2
The invention relates to an electrode for plasma torches for plasma cutting and to a use of the electrode for said plasma torch. The electrode in accordance with the invention for plasma cutting torches is formed from an electrode holder and from an emission insert which are connected to one another in a force-fitted and/or shape-matched manner. The emission insert has at least one section along its longitudinal axis which is arranged between two other sections or next to a section which has a reduced outer diameter in a rotationally symmetrical design of the emission insert or has a reduced cross-sectional surface in a non-rotationally symmetrical emission insert with respect to the other section(s).
US09073133B1
Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.
US09073132B2
Disclosed is a PCD milling cutter for lens processing. The PCD milling cutter includes a shaft having one axial end portion rotatably coupled with a driving unit of a milling unit for lens processing, a rotary head coupled with the axial end portion of the shaft and having a plurality of installation protrusions which protrude outward along a circumference thereof about a rotation center and have outer circumferential surfaces rounded in an axial direction of the shaft, and a plurality of PCD tips coupled with installation surfaces of the installation protrusions positioned in a rotation direction, provided at outer end portions thereof with rounded cutting blades sharply processed in the axial direction of the shaft, and provided in inner end portions thereof, which are opposite to the cutting blades, with cutting grooves formed in a concave shape to increase a welding force.
US09073128B2
The invention relates to a drilling tool (1) comprising a support shank (2) and an interchangeable cutting insert (3) which is fitted to the support shank (2) and which has an asymmetrical main lip (15) divided into a guide lip (10) having a supporting land (12) and a guide land (23) trailing the supporting land (12), and into a clearance lip (13) having a trailing clearance portion (14), wherein a guide land (28) and a supporting land (29) are formed on the lateral surface of the support shank (2) and continuously extend the guide land (23) and the supporting land (12), respectively, on the cutting insert (3) and additionally guide the drilling tool (1) on the inner wall of a drill hole during a drilling operation.
US09073124B2
A setting mechanism for a settable tool holder adapter includes a differential screw having two thread portions of differing pitch but identical direction of hand and a pressure piece having a pressure piece thread. One of the thread portions of the differential screw is screwed into the thread of the pressure piece.
US09073123B2
Housing vent techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a molding process is used to form a housing of a computing device that includes a plurality of ribs disposed within an internal surface of the housing. A cutting operation is performed to an outer surface of the housing that is opposite to the internal surface to remove material of the housing between the plurality of ribs to form one or more vents that are configured to permit air to pass between an interior and exterior of the housing.
US09073118B2
The mold handler includes a mold closer mechanism that supports the cope and drag halves and effects movement in a closing direction whereby cope and drag halves are moved into mating alignment with one another. The cope and drag halves are with respective alignment structures that mediate the mating alignment of cope and drag halves as they are moved into mating alignment with one another. An air bearing mechanism that supports at least one of said cope and drag halves permits low friction lateral movement in a plane perpendicular to the closing direction to thereby adjust the relative positional relationship of cope and drag by interaction of the alignment structures.
US09073113B2
This method for clinching a can cover has a small diameter center panel formed from a center panel, ring-shaped reinforcing groove, chuck wall, and curled part in which the ratio of the center panel diameter and can cover diameter is 0.65-0.75. The chuck wall is provided with a first inclined part and a second inclined part that are inclined toward the outside. When a flange tip part of a can body and the curled part of the can cover are superimposed in a virtual horizontal plane, a lower end part of the second inclined part or a second curved part that connects the first inclined part and second inclined part is positioned in a position in a range of an angle of 0°-35° to a virtual horizontal plane passing through the center of the curve of a rounded part of the flange.
US09073104B2
Generally, the present disclosure is related to systems and methods for separating hydrocarbons and/or other liquids from drill cuttings material. One illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is directed to a system that includes, among other things, a thermal reactor that is adapted to remove liquid from drill cuttings material by heating the drill cuttings material to at least a first temperature that is sufficiently high enough to vaporize the liquid. The illustrative system also includes a feeder system that is adapted to controllably feed a flow of the drill cuttings material to the thermal reactor, and a control system that is adapted to control the flow of the drill cuttings material from the feeder system so as to maintain a temperature in the thermal reactor at or above the first temperature.
US09073101B2
Embodiments of an apparatus can be used for unplugging a component of a hydrocarbon transportation or storage unit. Embodiments can include a main body, which can have a central passage through a length of the main body; a secondary passage transverse to the central passage; and a connector end operable to connect the body to the component. Embodiments of the apparatus can also include a valve in fluid communication with the secondary passage, a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the valve, a system connector in fluid communication with the valve, operable to connect the apparatus to a dosed system, and a poker rod operable to move within the central passage of the main body.
US09073089B2
A modular screening panel in which the apertures in the screening surface extend through the surface and the shape of the aperture parallel the plane of the panel surface varies with the depth of the aperture so that as the surface wears the visible shape of the aperture changes. The apertures can be any convenient shape at the surface but at the depth which means the worn panel needs replacing the shape is distinctly different to the shape of the apertures in a new or partly worn panel.
US09073087B2
The invention employs a particle separation mechanism utilizing a generally circular passage using an air flow for the separation of particles. Ideally, within the passage is a conduit employing a hollow winding. Particles are introduced through an input end and drawn through the winding portion forcing, through centrifugal force, the particles to press against the exterior surface of the winding. Openings in the winding allow the particles to be flung from the winding into the circular passage either directly or via feed tubes.
US09073083B2
Aqueous compositions useful as pretreatments prior to painting and to reduce the formation of rust in the uncoated condition consist essentially of water, an organo-functional silane, a compound of a Group IV-B element, and optionally a polyvinyl alcohol, stabilizing agents, wetting agents, thickeners, and biocides, and have an alkaline pH>7. A process for treating a metal surface includes contacting the surface with such an aqueous composition. The compositions and processes were found to have further benefits in comparison to the zinc phosphate metal pretreatment thought to be the standard in the industry. Preferably, the pH of the compositions is alkaline, which has been found to improve the efficacy of a silane as a surface treatment to improve uniformity of paint adhesion. By operating in the alkaline pH range, it was found that flash rusting and/or blush rust were significantly reduced.
US09073082B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing matt and scratch-resistant coatings that takes place under exposure to actinic radiation on coating systems containing activated double bonds under radical polymerization.
US09073080B2
A discharge device for liquids, which includes a pump chamber that is limited by two valves, which in each case include a valve body section and a valve seat. Channels are arranged concentrically and a fixing region of a valve body of one or of both valves is attached to an intermediate wall between the channels.
US09073078B2
A member joint, in which a great rotating force is inevitably transmitted to a union nut connecting two members at the time of relatively rotating both the members, is structured such as to reliably carry out corotation prevention of the union nut, without complicating fixation of the nut and releasing of the fixation and without causing enlargement in size and deterioration of durability of a connecting portion. In a member joint (10) connecting a first member (1) and a second member (2) by pinching a flange (6) provided in the second member (2) with respect to the first member (1) by a union nut (3), an outer periphery of the first member (1) is provided with a projection (7) having a leading surface (7a) and a trailing surface (7b), a lock ring (4) is rotatably attached to an open leading end portion of the union nut (3), an inner periphery of the lock ring (4) is provided with a lock pawl (9) which can pass over the projection (7) by being elastically deformed, the union nut (3) is provided with a pinching piece (8) which is engaged with the lock pawl (9), and a leading end side of the lock pawl (9) is pinched between the pinching piece (8) and the trailing surface (7b) when the union nut (3) screwed into a screwing end point rotates by itself in a loosening direction, whereby loosening of the union nut (3) is prevented.
US09073065B2
A cyclone device for separating a sticky material from a gas stream, comprising a tin body; an introducing tube, connected to the tin body and arranged on a facet of the tin body; a central exhaust pipe, arranged within the tin body on a top position thereof, a conical tin connected to a bottom of the tin body at one end and having a particle discharging exit at the other end; a supporting wheel set, arranged within the tin body and adjacent to an end of the conical tin; and a scraping mechanism arranged movably on the supporting wheel set.
US09073063B2
A liquid treatment system using gas flotation to separate suspended matter from liquid influent, including a flotation tank into which the liquid influent is fed through an inlet, an outlet conduit through which treated effluent is fed from the flotation tank, a separation conduit for feeding liquid to a bubble release point, means for pressurising the liquid in the separation conduit and dissolving gas in the pressurised liquid, wherein an energy recovery device is used for reducing pressure of the liquid before the bubble release point such that gas bubbles are released into the flotation tank for floating said suspended matter to a surface of the liquid in the tank, and wherein the energy recovery device supplies energy obtained through said pressure reduction of the liquid.
US09073061B2
Composite filter media which are highly resistant to thermal degradation and retain filter efficiency and extended lifetime in high temperature environments are disclosed. Methods of making the filter media are also disclosed. A composite filter media for removal of particles from a gas stream includes a layer of a porous polymeric membrane, the layer having an upstream side and a downstream side relative to the direction of the gas stream; and at least one layer of an electrostatic microfiber web containing an antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight; the at least one layer of microfiber web disposed on the upstream side of the porous polymeric membrane layer.
US09073049B2
Provided is a process for isolating a catalyst from a solution having a copolymer and a catalyst dissolved therein, after performing copolymerization with the catalyst. More specifically the invention provides selection and application of an adsorbent to be used for the isolation.
US09073048B2
An exhaust gas-purifying catalyst whose activity is less prone to be decreased even in the case where used in a high-temperature atmosphere containing oxygen at a high concentration can be realized. The catalytic layer of the catalyst includes an oxide particle, a simple oxide of alkaline-earth element or rare-earth element, and alumina and/or aluminum hydroxide. The oxide particle contains an oxide of rare-earth element and/or zirconium, a composite oxide and a precious metal. The composite oxide contains an alkaline-earth element and at least one of the rare-earth element and zirconium. The composite oxide and a part of the precious metal form a solid solution.
US09073046B2
In an oxychlorination process of the type where ethylene is converted to 1,2-dichloroethane in the presence of a supported copper catalyst, the improvement comprising: the use of a supported catalyst prepared by (i) impregnating, within a first step, an alumina support with a first aqueous solution including copper, an alkaline earth metal, and an alkali metal to thereby form a first catalyst component; and (ii) impregnating, within a subsequent step, the first catalyst component with a second aqueous solution including copper and alkaline earth metal, where the second aqueous solution is substantially devoid of alkali metal, to thereby form the supported catalyst.
US09073044B2
An object is to maintain an effect of enhancing activity of noble metal particles by transition metal without increasing production cost and an environmental load.An exhaust gas purifying catalyst 1 is composed of: noble metal particles 2; first compounds 3 which contact the noble metal particles 2 and suppress movement of the noble metal particles 2; and second compounds 4 which contain the noble metal particles 2 and the first compounds 3, suppress the movement of the noble metal particles 2, and suppress coagulation of the first compounds 3 following mutual contact of the first compounds 3, wherein the first compounds 3 support the noble metal particles 2, and simplexes or aggregates of the first compounds 3 supporting the noble metal particles 2 are included in section partitioned by the second compounds 4.
US09073040B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding heated gas phase and flowing the gas cocurrent through the polymerization chamber, wherein the temperature of the gas leaving the polymerization chamber is 130° C. or less, the gas velocity inside the polymerization chamber is at least 0.5 m/s, and the droplets are generated by using a droplet plate having a multitude of bores.
US09073035B2
The carrier of the present invention includes at least 85 wt percent alpha alumina, at least 0.06 wt percent SiO2 and no more than 0.04 wt percent Na2O. The carrier has a water absorption no greater than 0.35 g/g and a ratio of water absorption (g/g) to surface area (m2/g) no greater than 0.50 g/m2. Another aspect of the invention is a catalyst for the epoxidation of olefins which comprises the above described carrier and silver dispersed thereon, where the carrier has a monomodal, bimodal or multimodal pore distribution and where the quantity of silver is between 5 and 50 wt %, relative to the weight of the catalyst. A reactor system for the epoxidation of olefins is also disclosed.
US09073033B2
Disclosed herein are compositions, methods and systems for the processing of chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of polymers.
US09073032B2
A system may facilitate recovery and solidification of a fluid waste during its transfer into a transportable bulk container. The system comprises: (i) a metered supply of a solidifying agent; (ii) a metered supply of a bulking material, (iii) apparatus for commingling the metered supplies of solidifying agent and bulking material, and (iv) a tee apparatus having a first port for engaging and receiving the fluid waste, a second port for engaging and receiving a commingled supply of a mixing agent and a bulking material, and a third port for discharging the fluid waste and commingled mixing agent and bulking material.
US09073030B2
Embodiments of apparatuses and risers for reacting a feedstock in the presence of a catalyst and methods for installing a baffle in such risers are provided. In one example, a riser comprises a sidewall that defines a cylindrical housing surrounding an interior. A plurality of baffle assemblies is releasably coupled to the sidewall and each comprises a baffle section. The baffle sections together define a segmented baffle ring extending inwardly in the interior.
US09073028B2
Fluid supply systems for storage and dispensing of chemical reagents and compositions, e.g., high purity liquid reagents and chemical mechanical polishing compositions used to manufacture microelectronic device products, having capability for detection of an empty or near-empty condition when the contained liquid is at or approaching depletion during dispensing operation. Fluid delivery systems employing empty detect arrangements are described, including pressure transducer monitoring of dispensed material intermediate the supply package and a servo-hydraulic dispense pump, or monitoring of dispenser chamber replenishment times in a dispenser being replenished on a cyclic schedule to flow material from the dispenser to a downstream tool utilizing the dispensed material.
US09073026B2
An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, comprising a support, such as a turntable or a linear table, a plurality of containers for holding a fluid and mounted on the support, pumps and valves connected to respective containers, at least a common actuator for sequentially operating the pumps and a common actuator for sequentially operating the valves to dispense fluid and a drive mechanism for moving the support, and thus the containers, pumps, and valves on the one hand and the actuator on the other relative to each other. The common actuators for sequentially operating the pumps and valves and optionally the drive mechanism for relative motion of the support are integrated in a module, which module is releasably mounted in the apparatus.
US09073023B2
A mixing process, a spraying and dispersing device, and a mixing device for implementing the process. In the process, components are introduced into a container equipped with introduction elements and mixing elements and the contents are mixed. A mixing facilitator is provided, a spraying and dispersing device that can be connected to the container at one of its introduction element is provided, able to be in an active functional state in which it makes it possible to spray and to disperse a liquid in the container, and then, in a first phase, the base of the contents and then the components to be mixed are introduced into the container, without filling the latter, and in a second phase, the mixing facilitator is introduced into the container via an introduction element, and it is sprayed and dispersed to the components to be mixed by the spraying and dispersing device that is put into the active functional state.
US09073013B2
A separation membrane including: an alloy including a Group 5 element, Fe, and Al, wherein the alloy includes a body-centered cubic lattice structure.
US09073011B2
A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) catalytic converter for at least the conversion of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, removal of a fraction of particulate matter, and decrease of sulfur trioxide emissions within exhaust gases from an engine and consequently of sulfuric acid, is disclosed. The DOC may include any suitable configuration including at least a substrate and a washcoat, where the substrate has a plurality of channels, suitable porosity, offers a three-dimensional support for the washcoat, and is made of any suitable material. The washcoat may be deposited on the substrate by any suitable method, and may include a mixture of at least one or more carrier material oxides and one or more catalysts. Suitable materials for the carrier material oxides may include titanium dioxide, tin dioxide, and zirconium dioxide, among others, excluding aluminum oxide (Al2O3), which may serve for a decrease of sulfur trioxide emissions and consequently of sulfuric acid mist. Suitable catalysts within the washcoat may include platinum, palladium, rhodium, and iridium, among others.
US09073004B2
There is provided a moving bed type CO2 separation apparatus that is capable of achieving steady recovery of CO2, and that is energy-efficient. An adsorbent hopper that supplies a CO2 adsorbent of a moving bed to an adsorption tower that adsorbs CO2 from a treatment-target gas is provided. Below the adsorption tower, a moving bed-type regeneration tower for regenerating the CO2 adsorbent having adsorbed CO and a moving bed-type drying tower that dries the regenerated CO2 adsorbent are provided. Desorption-purpose steam generated from the drying tower is supplied to the regeneration tower. By allowing the desorption-purpose steam to be condensed on the CO2 adsorbent, CO2 is desorbed from the CO2 adsorbent. Thus, CO2 adsorbent forming a moving bed is used in a circulating manner through the CO2 separation apparatus, and the energy used for drying the condensed water contained in the CO2 adsorbent is used for desorbing CO2.
US09073003B2
A system for collecting carbon dioxide from a process gas including an adsorbent material for adsorbing carbon dioxide molecules from the process gas, a dielectric heater proximate the adsorbent material, and a vessel having an internal volume enclosing the adsorbent material and, optionally, the dielectric heater.
US09073000B2
A reactor for adsorbing CO2 from a fluid stream includes a reactor housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The reactor also includes an inlet ceramic honeycomb structure and an outlet ceramic honeycomb structure positioned inside the reactor housing. The inlet and outlet ceramic honeycomb structures have a plurality of partition walls extending in an axial direction thereby forming a plurality of flow channels and comprises a material that forms bonds with CO2 to adsorb the CO2. The inlet ceramic honeycomb structure is capable of adsorbing an inlet quantity of CO2 and the outlet ceramic honeycomb structure is capable of adsorbing an outlet quantity of CO2. The inlet quantity of CO2 is greater than the outlet quantity of CO2.
US09072997B2
Described herein is a substrate including a central longitudinal axis, a first support web, and a second support web. A sinuous web may be positioned between the first support web and the second support web. The sinuous web may include transverse web portions and bridging web portions, where the bridging web portions alternatively connect ends of adjacent transverse web portions. The sinuous web may be connected to the first support web by support legs extending between bridging web portions and a surface of the first support web. The sinuous web may be connected to the second support web by support legs extending between bridging web portions and a surface of the second support web. A support leg length to distance between transverse web portions ratio may be from about 1.0 to about 4.0.
US09072995B2
A biofilter (1) having filter media (7) in a stowage space (5) having sidewalls and a bottom, inlet opening (15) for the unpurified gases/air and the stowage space (5) is made of flexible gas-tight material filled at least partly with the filter media (7). A biofilter system having two or more biofilters (1) is also described.
US09072991B2
The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a filter medium for operating environments needing static electricity dissipation to help reduce ignition sources comprising: a substrate of non-woven felt including a polymeric fiber; a conductive scrim having a grid of conductive filaments adjacent to said substrate layer; and, a top layer of non-woven felt including a polymeric fiber and copolymer fiber blend having a melt temperature greater than 100° C. wherein said substrate layer, said conductive scrim and said top layer are manufactured into said filter medium by mechanical web formation.
US09072988B2
The present invention is to a prefilter for affinity chromatography columns. The prefilter, positioned upstream of the column inlet, reduces the presence of non-specific binding (NSB) species that enter the system, thereby extending the yield, capacity and lifetime of the column. Suitable agents include but are not limited to hydrophobic entities; lipophilic entities; activated carbon; charged cation or anion entities; ligands; particles such as fumed silica, glass, controlled pore glass or derivitized version of each; silica or silicates; and combinations thereof. The material(s) can be incorporated into a variety of media such as fibers, beads, membranes and the like and then incorporated into a variety of device designs including lenticular pads, depth filters, bead containing columns, spiral wound devices, TFF devices and the like.
US09072975B2
The present invention relates to an electronic dart gaming apparatus using an Internet communication network and to a method for same, and more particularly, to an electronic dart gaming apparatus using an Internet communication network and to a method for same which notify of various contests and provide ways of directly participating in the contests using a plurality of electronic dart gaming apparatus uses connected through an Internet communication network without additional notification means such as a homepage or the like.
US09072974B2
Various exemplary embodiments are provided to make gameplay changes to a video game based upon a social networking poll or question. These embodiments use the social networking poll to control and organize gaming client feedback and provide gameplay changes based on the gaming client feedback. The various exemplary embodiments also allow a gaming client to receive updates to his or her gaming client device that reflect the gaming client feedback.
US09072972B2
Methods and systems for remotely provisioning applications from the cloud in secure environments with robust license control failover options using a hierarchical server topology. Cloud-based servers provide applications and licenses to an organization's local servers, which in turn serve applications and licenses to end user devices. By synchronizing information including license and application provision information among the local and cloud-based servers, an organization's local servers can continue to serve applications and licenses when one or more of the organization's local servers fail.
US09072969B2
A three-dimensional puzzle game apparatus includes an LCD on which a three-dimensional puzzle is displayed. The three-dimensional puzzle includes a plurality of blocks arranged in each of three-dimensional directions in a virtual three-dimensional space. Furthermore, a hint numeral indicating the number of blocks to be left in a block row is displayed as information being a hint for searching a block to be left from the block row, for example. When a deleting instruction is performed on a block by utilizing a touch panel, for example, it is then determined that whether or not the block is a block to be left. When it is determined that the block is not a block to be left, the block is erased. When it is determined that all the remaining blocks are blocks to be left, it is determined that the three-dimensional puzzle is solved.
US09072966B2
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a power-puzzler computer generated crossword puzzle which employs a unique and original combination of technology-based features to offer puzzlers of all skill levels a richer and more enjoyable crossword puzzle gaming experience. A master puzzle database (MPDB) consisting of lengthy solutions and corresponding hints associated with metadata is created and utilized to offer numerous improvements over previous crossword puzzle games. The improvement features include offering multiple hints to a lengthy solution which are particularly helpful to beginning puzzlers. Furthermore, unique keyboards are offered in many different embodiments to help a puzzler to type a letter which comprises a solution in a less screen space constrained environment. Puzzlers can also navigate the puzzle grid by selecting and shifting the cells to move or expand the selected cells and clues.
US09072961B2
Pinball machines with controllable lighting components. In some embodiments, a method may include electronically determining a physical property of a ball, the ball configured to move within a playfield of a pinball machine during a pinball game, and modifying a characteristic of a light emitted by a pinball target in response to an evaluation of the physical property. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may be configured to identify a state or mode of a game, and to control a light emitted by a pinball target located within the playfield in response to the state or mode, thus providing a visual indication of the state or mode. In yet other embodiments, a pinball target may include a substrate configured to receive impact from a ball during a game and a light element embedded within the substrate, the light element configurable to emit a light having a controllable property.
US09072957B1
An apparatus configured to be held between a user's forearms during a golf swing. The apparatus can be a spherical, inflated ball. The apparatus may be further secured using a lanyard or similar article worn around the golfer's neck. In practice, by maintaining the inflated ball positioned between the forearms during the golf swing, the golfer is maintaining his or her arms in the proper position. If the inflated ball falls or fails to remain held in place between the forearms, the golf swing is poor (i.e., the arms have separated too much). Other spherical members can be used as well.
US09072955B2
A variable-resistance kickboard apparatus includes a buoyant kickboard body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening extending through the kickboard body between the upper and lower surfaces. The apparatus also includes a blade extending through the opening and slidably engaged in the opening. The blade can be raised and lowered in the opening to adjust the proportion of the blade that extends below the lower surface.
US09072951B1
A golf club head comprising a face, crown, sole, pivoting weight receptacle with a bore, and a weight cartridge sized to removably fit within the bore is disclosed herein. In particular, least one of the crown and the sole comprises a first weight port sized to releasably receive the pivoting weight receptacle, which extends into an interior cavity of the golf club head when the pivoting weight receptacle is fully engaged with the first weight port such that at least part of the pivoting weight receptacle is suspended within the interior cavity and does not make contact with any portion of the golf club head.
US09072950B2
Fairway wood-type golf clubs as described herein may include: (a) a club head with a volume of at least 300 cc; (b) a shaft member attached to the club head, wherein the golf club has a length between 37 and 43 inches; and (c) a grip or handle member attached to the shaft member. The club head may further include: (1) a ball striking face, wherein the ball striking face has a loft angle between 12 and 32 degrees; and (2) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, with a sole portion that includes a ground-engaging surface.
US09072949B2
Golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) according to at least some example aspects of this invention include a striking face and a rear portion opposite the striking face, the rear portion defining an opening to an interior cavity. A rear body member configured to be inserted into the opening is engaged with the rear portion of the club head. The rear body member may include multiple rear body parts that may be removable and/or interchangeable to permit flexibility in controlling the weight distribution of the golf club head.
US09072947B2
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Golf clubs are provided that have spherical releasable connections between the golf club head and the golf club shaft along with head/shaft position adjusting features to allow interchange of shafts and heads and to allow modification of the head/shaft positioning properties. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a shaft retainer, and a hosel insert located within an interior chamber of the club head. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft adapter may be rotated within the hosel insert to create different angles from the shaft so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
US09072943B2
Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a thermosetting polymer matrix and discrete particles of thermoplastic polymer dispersed within the matrix.
US09072937B2
A training apparatus for training the upper part of the body of a human user. The training apparatus includes a support member with a length axis and an essentially plane support surface intended to carry the user during use of the training apparatus. The support surface is arranged to be turned away from the surface during use of the training apparatus, and two handles for application of forces from the user's hands. The training apparatus includes a first leg member the first end of which is rotatably attached to the support member, and a second leg member the one end of which is rotatably attached to the support member. When applying a force on the handles so that the arms are rotated around the third axis of rotation, the leg members are rotated so that the distance between the support member and the surface increases.
US09072934B2
An exercise device comprises a pair of outer handles and an inner, central disk, rotatable relative to the handles. The disk includes at least a pair of orifices formed therein or therethrough. At least one tether or cord extends between the handles and through the orifices in the central disk. Manipulation of the handles by a user results in cyclic spinning of the disk.
US09072932B2
An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
US09072930B2
A treadmill may comprise a deck, a treadbelt covering at least a portion of the deck, and a drive motor configured for driving the treadbelt. The treadmill may further comprise a sensor, a console, and a computer. The sensor may be configured to detect an amount of power utilized by the drive motor, and the console may be configured to convey information to a user. The computer may comprise a memory and a processor, and be configured for electric communication with the sensor and the consol. The computer may be programmed to analyze data received from the sensor, to provide a communication to a user through the consol that provides information about the user's running form based on the analyzed data received from the sensor, and to provide a communication to the user through the consol that provides information on how the user may change their current running form to improve running efficiency.
US09072919B2
The invention provides synergistic aqueous compositions comprising at least one flavonoid, and ferulic acid, and optionally one or more additional antioxidants, for cosmetic use.
US09072918B2
Disclosed is a composition that comprises an effective proportion of a first metal oxide powder having a primary particle size and a secondary particle size selected for the first metal oxide powder to attenuate UVA and an effective proportion of a second metal oxide powder having a secondary particle size selected for the second metal oxide powder to attenuate UVB. The mean secondary particle size of the first metal oxide powder is greater than the mean secondary particle size of the second metal oxide powder. In one embodiment, the first and the second metal oxide powders are both zinc oxide.
US09072915B2
Composition containing, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least 2.5% by weight of one or more volatile linear alkanes relative to the total weight of the composition, and one or more cationic surfactants, where the volatile linear alkane(s)/cationic surfactant(s) weight ratio is less than or equal to 1.5. Use of this composition for the treatment of keratin materials, preferably the hair.
US09072912B2
A system for treatment of gait disorders includes an external device in the form of a pulse generator (4) with an integrated rechargeable battery and a device adapted to be implanted in the human body. The system features an external to the body placed antenna (3) for the inductive link between the external device and the implanted device. This antenna further incorporates an additional secondary coil (24), for inductively charging the battery in the pulse generator. The fixture on the antenna for mounting the antenna on the skin of the person is reused for being received in a charger fixture (20) on the charger, containing the primary coil (22) for the transfer of charging power.
US09072911B2
Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.
US09072910B2
Methods of forming feedthroughs for hermetically sealed housings using powder injection molding, including positioning a plurality of separate electrically conductive elements in a mold, injecting non-electrically conductive powder injection molding (PIM) feedstock into the mold to form a plurality of insulative bodies around the conductive elements, sintering the insulative bodies to form the plurality of feedthroughs physically connected to one another via the conductive elements; and severing the conductive elements between neighboring insulative bodies.
US09072892B2
Switching power supplies made in accordance with the disclosed technology drive flash lamps of dermatologic treatment devices to emit a sequence of relatively small light pulses that are aligned with particular locations within the waveform of the AC line source. Such power supplies not only enable sufficient light energy in aggregate to therapeutically heat target chromophores in a skin region without causing undesired damage to surrounding tissue, but also provide the added benefit that the corresponding electrical energy need not be substantially drawn from any charged capacitor. The disclosed power supply further compensates for performance degradation of the flash lamps during their usable life, by modifying its operation based on predetermined values that are indicative of flash lamp aging/efficiency characteristics. The flash lamps and their associated stored values are preferably incorporated into a replaceable cartridge that facilitates user maintenance of the dermatologic treatment device.
US09072888B2
The present invention is an improved method of electrically stimulating percepts in a patient with a visual prosthesis, to induce a more controlled perception of light. In particular, the present invention is an improved electrode array to maximize retinal response. The array of the present invention is an array with a center section with no electrode, surrounded by a ring of small high density electrodes. Electrodes beyond to ring are gradually larger and more widely spaced.
US09072883B2
The present invention relates to an iontophoresis patch integrated with a battery, more specifically to an iontophoresis patch integrated with a battery which adopts the principle of iontophoresis as a means for infiltrating a substance of interest such as a medication or a cosmetic substance into skin. The iontophoresis patch of the invention comprises: a variable-shape substrate; a first electroconductive layer coming into contact with the substrate; a first electrode layer coming into contact with a part of the first electroconductive layer; a second electroconductive layer which comes into contact with the substrate and which is disposed on the same as the first electroconductive layer; a collector coming into contact with the second electroconductive layer; an electroconductive adhesive coming into contact with the second electroconductive layer and with the collector; a second electrode layer coming into contact with the collector and having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode layer; an ion-conductive polymer electrolyte disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; and an adhesive for sealing the ion-conductive polymer electrolyte.
US09072882B2
An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.
US09072881B2
An implantable infusion port comprising a non planar septum, a fluid reservoir of a substantially spherical shape, inlet means to access the reservoir, and optimized outlet means from the reservoir. The present invention provides for a reservoir that precludes angular junctions between portions of the reservoir which can lead to eddies, countercurrents, and stagnation, thereby creating a more laminar and efficient flow pattern within the reservoir.
US09072878B2
A tattoo needle apparatus that may be used in connection with replicating hair follicles on a scalp of a client is disclosed along with a method of constructing the needle. The needle may include a shank and a needle head secured to the shank. The needle head may include a bundle of three pins (needles), with a point (tip or apex) of each pin being bent, deformed, deflected or otherwise curved inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the bundle of pins. The method for constructing the needling may include securing the pins in a bundle, curving the points, and mounting the bundle to a needle shank.
US09072877B2
Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for delivering solid form medications such as pellets to various locations in the body. One embodiment provides an apparatus for in vivo delivery of medication pellets comprising a housing including a port, a pellet-containing belt disposed in the housing, and a mechanism for transferring the pellets from the belt to a delivery site (DS) outside the housing. Each pellet contains a dose of drug to treat a medical condition. An elongate member is coupled to the housing and includes a lumen for pellet delivery, a proximal end coupled to the port and a distal end positioned at the DS. The pellet can be delivered to the DS at regular intervals or responsive to a detected biological event. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for delivering medication to treat a medical condition over an extended period without requiring a patient to take external medication.
US09072871B2
Methods and apparatus for securing a medical or surgical line with respect to a patient are described. In particular, a fastener is described comprising an elongate braided tubular sleeve (110) for receiving the line therethrough, the sleeve having a first end for fixing adjacent to the patient, in use, and a second end for arranging, in use, proximal to medical equipment coupled to the line. The fastener also includes a first substantially rigid collar (112) coupled to the sleeve at the first end of the sleeve and a second substantially rigid collar (114) coupled to the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve. An enlarged flange (116) is provided, secured to the first collar (112) at the first end of the sleeve and an adhesive plaster (118) for securing the fastener with respect to a patient is provided, the adhesive plaster being secured to the enlarged flange (116).
US09072870B2
Therapy delivery to a patient may be controlled based on a determined sleep stage of the patient. In examples, the sleep stage may be determined based on a frequency characteristic of a biosignal indicative of brain activity of the patient. A frequency characteristic may include, for example, a power level within one or more frequency bands of the biosignal, a ratio of the power level in two or more frequency bands, or a pattern in the power level of one or more frequency bands over time. A therapy program may be selected or modified based on the sleep stage determination. Therapy may be delivered during the sleep stage according to the selected or modified therapy program. In some examples, therapy delivery may be controlled after making separate determinations of a sleep stage based on the biosignal and another physiological parameter, and confirming that the sleep stage determinations are consistent.
US09072866B2
A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.
US09072859B2
An inhalation mask, an artificial nose unit, an anesthetic gas concentration detector, an extension tube, an anesthesia attachment, and an elastic bag are in communicative connection in sequence. The elastic bag has a mixing chamber formed therein and has an anesthetic inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet port each formed at the boundary to the exterior. The anesthesia attachment includes a hollow structure and an evaporation injector syringe. The outlet port of the elastic bag is in communicative connection with the hollow structure through its opening, and the evaporation injector syringe tightly mates with the interior of another opening. The anesthetic introduced into the mixing chamber is vaporized and then mixed with air introduced from the air inlet into mixed gas. The mixed gas is supplied from the outlet port to the inhalation mask by compressing the elastic bag or other procedures.
US09072856B2
Ventilation apparatus includes a hat having an axis of symmetry and composed of a top and sides extending down to a rim extending all around the hat. An elongated flexible panel encircles the rim. Securements secure the panel to the rim at spaced-apart locations therearound to provide a plurality of relatively long channels extending between the rim and the panel. Each channel extends parallel to the axis and is sized to slidably receive a tube. In use, a patient wears the hat and inlet and outlet tubes are retained in selected hat channels so as to stabilize a patient interface cannula connected to the tubes so that the cannula's nasal prongs remain properly positioned in the patient's nares.
US09072853B2
A forehead pad for use in a respiratory mask with a forehead support, which includes a base portion to contact a user's forehead, a support post connected to the base portion, and a head adapted to connect the support post to a forehead support. A pair of forehead pads may be joined with a connector.
US09072849B2
A method and system for modifying ventilator operation based on determining the orientation of a patient associated with the ventilator is disclosed. A patient orientation monitoring device, which may be attached to the patient, generates patient orientation data to facilitate in modifying the ventilator operation. Modifying the ventilator operation includes instructing the ventilator to increase the amount of fresh gas to the patient.
US09072841B2
A medicated module for an injection system to co-deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a primary delivery device containing a primary medicament accepts a medicated module containing a single dose of a secondary medicament and where both medicaments are delivered through a hollow needle. The medicated module does not require the user to manually engage a reservoir containing the secondary medicament. Instead, a biasing member automatically activates the reservoir when the needle guard is retracted. The needle guard prevents accidental needle sticks before and after an injection, and locks after dose delivery.
US09072840B2
A cutting element for a retracting needle syringe having a plunger with a cuttable distal end and a spring biased needle held by a cuttable support and a cutting element capable of cutting the cuttable distal end and the cuttable support includes a body portion having a proximal end, a distal end side wall therebetween and a passageway therethrough. The distal end of the body portion includes a cutting edge and a raised distally projecting tapered cutting tooth having distally converging edges. At least one tooth edge includes a sharp side wall for cutting the distal end of the plunger and the needle support.
US09072835B2
A device for collecting dialysate samples has an inlet for receiving a flow of dialysate, a plurality of outlets for providing a flow of saturated dialysate, and means for sequential selection of one of the outlets. The sequential selection means are actuated only by the flow of dialysate received from the inlet. A system for peritoneal dialysis includes the device for collecting dialysate samples.
US09072828B2
Presently disclosed is a hydraulic pump device and its use thereof, especially in a fluid delivery system. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system is an inexpensive, single-use device for slow dosing medicament applications. The fluid delivery system may employ a spring-compressed bellows crank or other combination of simple mechanisms operating according to the well-known peristaltic principle to force a volume of ultrapure bio-inert hydraulic fluid through an aperture, thereby expanding one chamber of a two chamber hydraulic cylinder. The second, fluid storage chamber, containing the medicament, is emptied through a conventional orifice in response to the expansion of the pump chamber. The medicament may then flow through any suitable infusion set into a patient removeably attached thereto.
US09072827B2
A method and device are disclosed for preventing a needle stick hazard in the event of a collapse of a protective needle flap of a portable drug pump. The device may include a needle guide, a secure space and/or a shield. A point of a needle is optionally deflected into a secure space upon collapse of the protective flap. The space may optionally be shielded. Optionally, the support linking the needle to the pump may pivot and/or translate. Optionally, there may be an exposing position wherein the needle protrudes through an opening in the flap. Optionally, the opening may be non-circular.
US09072826B2
A non-stick medical tubing is provided. The non-stick tubing comprises a plastic resin mixture including a first plastic resin component and a second plastic resin component, the second plastic resin comprising a medical grade amide compound, the plastic resin mixture extruded by an extruding apparatus as a mono-layered tube such that the medical grade amide compound is present on an inner surface of the medical tube after extrusion to promote release of contacting surfaces of the inner surface of the medical tubing after contact.
US09072823B2
A medical device including a portion similar to a Veress needle, useful for relief of tension pneumothorax. The device includes a hollow tubular stylet disposed movably within a hollow needle or cutting cannula, and an optionally releasable locking mechanism for keeping the stylet in place protruding distally beyond the sharpened distal end of the cutting cannula to prevent puncture of internal organs after the chest wall has been intentionally punctured. The stylet can also be moved outward from within the cannula to push a plug of tissue from the bore of the cannula. A valve or a connector for a tube may be provided at a proximal end of the stylet.
US09072819B2
The present invention relates in one aspect to the use of a matrix gel comprising chondrocytes or progenitor cells thereof in a density below that of natural cartilage as a cartilage repair implant wherein said cells exhibit increases production of extracellular matrix material.
US09072815B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer collagen scaffold. The method generally comprises the steps of: preparing a first suspension of collagen and freezing or lyophilising the suspension to provide a first layer; optionally preparing a further suspension of collagen and adding the further suspension onto the layer formed in the previous step to form a further layer, and freezing or lyophilising the layers, wherein when the layer formed in the previous step is formed by lyophilisation the lyophilised layer is re-hydrated prior to addition of the next layer; optionally, repeating the aforementioned step to form one or more further layers; and preparing a final suspension of collagen and pouring the final suspension onto the uppermost layer to form a final layer, and freeze-drying the layers to form the multi-layer collagen composite scaffold.
US09072811B2
A method for preparing a porous tantalum medical implant material, which includes (a) mixing a polyethylene glycol aqueous solution and tantalum powder to form a tantalum slurry, (b) casting the tantalum slurry into an organic foam body through vibrant pressurization, and (c) performing steps of drying, degreasing, vacuum sintering and thermal treatment to obtain the porous tantalum. The solution is a 2-8 wt % polyethylene glycol aqueous solution, the frequency of vibration is 20-80 times/min, the thermal treatment is performed under 10−4-10−3 Pa of vacuity and the temperature is first increased to 800-900° C. at a rate of 10-20° C./min and kept at 800-900° C. for 240-480 minutes, then is decreased to 400° C. at a rate of 2-5° C./min and kept at 400° C. for 120-300 minutes, and is cooled down to room temperature naturally in the furnace.
US09072808B2
The present invention relates to bone cements and, more particularly, to acrylic-based orthopedic bone cements, their use in spinal applications, and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides multi-solution bone cements which include cross-linked PMMA beads, a linear polymer, and a monomer with various polymer to monomer ratios, and polymer bead to linear polymer ratios. The bone cement can include a polymer to monomer (P:M) ratio of between about 1:1 and 1.4:1, and can also include a polymer bead to linear polymer ratio of between about 1:1 and 2:1. Another embodiment of the present invention provides the use of a radiopacifier in the bone cement composition, such as ZrO2, in increasing concentrations.
US09072804B2
A sterilization, sanitization and/or decontamination device (1) comprising a main body (10) and a detachable control panel, preferably in the form of a lectern (12), the main body having a discharge outlet (16) and containing a humidifier unit, an ozone discharge unit and a controller for controlling the humidifier and ozone discharge units, the detachable control panel including a user interface (40) for wireless remote control of the controller.
US09072802B2
Systems and methods for disinfecting medical instruments are provided. In one embodiment, a system can include a hood to provide a clean zone, a chamber to dispose within the clean zone, and an ultrasonicator. More specifically, the chamber can include a volume and can be configured to retain a fluid and receive medical instruments. The chamber can also include a portal through which fluids enter or leave the chamber. The ultrasonicator can be used to sonicate the volume when the fluid is present. A related method of disinfecting medical instruments can be accomplished using the systems of the present disclosure.
US09072793B2
This invention provides novel antimicrobial peptides and formulations thereof. The peptides and/or formulations are effective to kill or to inhibit the growth and/or proliferation of various bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
US09072791B2
A crosslinking reaction and a reaction for reducing molecular weight that take place in a hyaluronic acid-methotrexate conjugate upon irradiation with light are suppressed to improve the photostability of the conjugate. Specifically, a substance having a quenching effect and/or a radical scaveng effect is added to a pharmaceutical composition containing the hyaluronic acid-methotrexate conjugate.
US09072787B2
Stable vitamin oil-in-water emulsions and methods of making those emulsions are described herein. The emulsions may be used to make beverage products that include fat-soluble vitamins. The emulsions may also be used in beverage products that are colored and which maintain color stability for an extended period of time.
US09072782B2
Disclosed are a gadolinium complex formed by coordination of gadolinium to the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid dianhydride (DTPA) moiety of a pullulan-DTPA conjugate formed by an ester bond between pullulan and DTPA, a preparation method thereof, an MRI contrast composition comprising the complex, and a method of providing information for diagnosis of disease using the complex as an MRI contrast agent. The pullulan-DTPA-Gd complex has a long in vivo half-life, low toxicity, and high MRI signal intensity resulting in clear MRI images, compared to prior gadolinium complexes, indicating that it is advantageously used as an MRI contrast agent. In addition, it is possible to obtain MRI images allowing one to differentiate between diseased liver tissue and normal liver tissue, indicating that it is used as an MRI contrast agent for the liver.
US09072781B2
Provided herein, generally, are pharmaceutical formulations, e.g., injectable pharmaceutical formulations with improved stability, comprising morphine sulfate or a hydrate thereof, and methods of producing and using the same. Also provided herein are kits comprising the formulations, e.g., injectable morphine formulations.
US09072779B2
There is provided a method for supporting soft tissue in a mammal. The method may in aspects treat acutely or chronically injured soft tissue in an animal or human, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of HA and botulinum toxin in combination around the injured soft tissue. The method is useful for the treatment of sprain and strain in an animal such as a human.
US09072774B2
The application relates to a nanovesicle comprising a bilayer of at least 15 mol % porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate, wherein the conjugate comprises a porphyrin, porphyrin derivative or porphyrin analog covalently attached to the phospholipid side chain. The nanovesicle can be used for photothermal therapy, photoacoustic imaging, and fluorescence imaging. The application also discloses a method of preparing the said nanovesicle.
US09072766B2
The present invention, in various embodiments, relates to methods of inhibiting NNMT production or activity in a cell, and methods of treating or preventing obesity or a related metabolic condition in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering a nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) antagonist. The invention further provides methods of identifying NNMT antagonists useful for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.
US09072763B2
The present disclosure provides improved compositions comprising rifabutin, clarithromycin, and clofazimine for use in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. In one instance, the compositions may comprise a formulation of rifabutin, clarithromycin, and clofazimine in a single dosage form, such as a capsule, tablet, etc., with one or more specific excipients.
US09072750B2
The invention relates to a composition for use in treating corneal and conjunctival lesions, wherein the composition comprises a prostaglandin F2alpha or analogue, in a therapeutic amount, said composition being in a form suitable for topical application on the ocular surface and is free of deleterious preservative; the invention also relates to a method for treating surface ocular conditions in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering a composition of the invention.
US09072742B2
The present invention describes an association between genetic polymorphisms in the BAI3 gene and a predisposition to prolongation of the QT interval, and provides related methods for the prediction of such a predisposition, the administration of QT interval-prolonging compounds to individuals having such a predisposition, and determining whether a compound is capable of inducing QT prolongation.
US09072737B2
The invention relates to tPA mutant devoid of protease activity and uses thereof in compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of pathologic conditions involving neurological injury or an ischemic disease or condition. More specifically, the invention relates to a Ser481 to Ala mutant of tPA and to compositions and combinations thereof for the treatment of stroke, acute brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders. The invention further provides methods and kits for the treatment of said disorders.
US09072736B2
Use of a therapeutic molecule, for the treatment of specific pain conditions, wherein the therapeutic molecule is a single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment can cleave a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that can bind to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site can undergo endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the Targeting Moiety; and a translation domain that can translocate the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent.
US09072732B2
Niacin prevents and/or reverses the development of experimental hepatic steatosis, deposition of triglycerides in liver and serum of individuals, deposition of total cholesterol in liver and serum in individuals, and inhibit liver lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in individuals at risk of developing fatty liver disease or NAFLD. In cultured human hepatocytes, niacin inhibits alcohol-induced fat accumulation.
US09072728B2
This invention relates to methods and materials involved in the treatment of diseases with severe distal colitis component, and more specifically non-fungal and/or non-microbial induced mucositis of the distal intestinal tract. Kits and pharmaceutical compositions for medical treatments also are provided.
US09072723B2
The invention relates to a method for healing blood vessels by stimulating the formation of a confluent endothelial autologous cell layer in vivo on an implantable metallic stent having a lumen and a luminal surface, and an exterior surface. More specifically, the method includes implanting the stent with a coating in a patient in need of thereof; wherein the coating includes one or more layers of a matrix covalently adherent on said luminal and exterior surface of said stent containing one or more pharmaceutical substances on said exterior surface and a therapeutically effective amount of a single type of antibody, antibody fragments or combinations thereof being compatible to binding selectively to a specific cell surface antigen of circulating autologous endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood. In addition, genetically engineered endothelial progenitor cells can be captured on said luminal surface of stent in vivo, to proliferate to form rapidly a confluent endothelium in situ.
US09072722B2
The present invention relates to a recombinant factor VIII that includes one or more mutations that result in enhanced stability of both factor VIII and factor VIIIa. Methods of making and using the recombinant factor VIII, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same are also disclosed. The present invention further relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes the recombinant factor VIII, as well as DNA expression systems and host cells containing the isolated nucleic acid molecule.
US09072715B2
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US09072712B2
An anti-microbial preservative for use in ophthalmic and dermatologic products. The preservative includes from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Additionally, the preservative does not generate chlorine dioxide within the pH range of 5.0-8.8. Also included are an antimicrobial ophthalmic and dermatologic compositions for direct application onto an eye or skin of a living being including from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Also included are methods for treating dryness of the eyes and skin disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, psoriasis, etc.) and for disinfecting and cleansing contact lenses while in place upon an eye by applying the composition to the eye or to the contact lens.
US09072709B2
The use of autogenous bone graft is the current gold standard in the 1.5 million bone-grafting surgeries performed annually in the United States. Although this practice has resulted in high rates of fusion success, it is associated with increased operative time and blood loss, along with a significant degree of donor-site morbidity. Additionally, in certain settings such as revision cases, multilevel constructs, or in patients with medical comorbidities, autogenous bone graft may exist in limited quantity and quality. This significant need for a suitable alternative to autogenous bone graft has stimulated great interest in the exploration of bone graft substitutes and extenders.
US09072693B2
A bolus dose supplement, foodstuff, beverage and beverage concentrate with calcium and vitamin D for the treatment and prevention of PMS, panic attacks, and postpartum depression. The combination of adequate calcium and vitamin D is provided as a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. The bolus dose is comprised of 2 main ingredients calcium and vitamin D at 1000-1500 mg of elemental calcium in the form of carbonate or citrate or gluconate or citrate maleate and 400-20,000 I.U. of parent vitamin D.
US09072688B2
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US09072680B2
Pharmaceutical compositions of methylphenidate complexed with ion-exchange resin particles to form drug-resin particles are provided. The compositions have a first plurality of drug-resin particles that are uncoated and a second plurality of drug-resin particles that are coated with a delayed release coating. Preferably, the second plurality of drug-resin particles are coated with a triggered-release coating triggered by a pH change and a diffusion barrier coating.
US09072675B2
A method of making crystalline benzoyl peroxide particles having a particle size no greater than 25 microns and formed by wet milling in the absence of solvents and wherein the crystalline benzoyl peroxide is not irritating to the skin. A method of making a therapeutic or cosmetic composition comprising a water-based gel containing the crystalline benzoyl peroxide.
US09072672B2
Compositions for altering the color of teeth, including tooth-coating compositions comprising a colorant and an acrylate polymer. Colorants among those useful herein include whiteness-imparting particulate materials, such as hydroxyapatite.
US09072671B2
Processes for improving the taste of oral care raw materials using solvent extraction, said process comprising the steps of: providing a solid oral care raw material composition in need of treatment wherein said oral care raw material composition comprises an orally acceptable raw material and one or more undesirable non-polar materials; contacting said oral care raw material composition with an extraction solvent to form an extraction mixture comprising a solid phase and a solvent phase; and separating the solid phase from the extraction mixture; wherein the extraction solvent is selected from solvents having individual Hansen solubility parameters of a dispersion force component (δD) ranging from about 15 to about 17 (MPa)0.5, a polar component (δP) ranging from 0 to about 9 (MPa)0.5 and a hydrogen bonding component (δH) ranging from 0 to about 11 (MPa)0.5.
US09072666B2
A method for producing an organopolysiloxane emulsion composition, which enables the organopolysiloxane to be formed with a high viscosity in a short period of time, and suppresses the amount of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) to not more than 3,000 ppm. Specifically, a method for producing an organopolysiloxane emulsion which includes emulsifying a mixture containing an organopolysiloxane represented by formula: HO(R12SiO)nH and having a D4 content of not more than 1,000 ppm, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, and water, and subjecting the obtained emulsion composition to emulsion polymerization, thus preparing the emulsion composition.
US09072665B2
A composition that includes nanoparticles with binding affinity for platelets, and methods for using this composition to treat vascular disease are disclosed.
US09072663B2
A gastroretentive drug formulation for the sustained release of an active agent in the gastrointestinal tract comprises an internal layer or compartment comprising an active agent and one or more pharmaceutical excipients, of which at least one is a polymer and two membranes forming together an envelope around the inner membrane, each membrane comprising at least one polymeric combination of an enteric polymer which is not soluble in gastric juice, and an hydrophilic swelling polymer, and at least one plasticizer.
US09072657B2
In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
US09072648B2
A body massage apparatus is provided with a housing. A massage unit is provided in the housing. A pair of laterally spaced apart air bladders is provided on the housing with the massage unit oriented between the air bladders.
US09072644B2
A magnetically permeable neonate transport capsule (MPNTC) for transporting a premature neonate from a host infant incubator having a steady environmental condition to an MRD. The MPNTC has at least one first normally open configuration when the capsule is disposed within the incubator and a second closed configuration for removal, transportation, insertion, measurement and vice versa within an MRD device. The MPNTC includes an environmental control system thereby adapted to maintain continuous attachment of the neonate with life support connection lines. The MPNTC is further adapted to maintain environmental conditions substantially similar to the host infant incubator environmental condition when the MPNTC is transported from the incubator to the MRD device.
US09072643B2
A device, system and method for assisting an elderly, disabled, or infirmed person to rise from a lying or substantially lying position, at or near floor level, to at least a sitting position with minimal or no assistance from another person. The device may be, at its lowest or substantially most compressed position, low enough to be accessible to a person lying at or near floor level who may have very limited mobility due to age, a disability, or an infirmity. The device, system and method may additionally provide a secondary mode, and/or an optional aspect of the device, for moving the person once in the seated position to a standing position using the device.
US09072640B2
A simply structured suspension structure for an electric wheelchair includes a frame, two drive units, two front guide units, two front shock absorbers, two anti-roll units, and two rear shock absorbers. The two front guide units are located at both sides of the frame and each include a front guide wheel, a front suspension arm and a torsion spring. The two front and rear shock absorbers are connected to the frame. The two anti-roll units are located at both sides of the frame. When the front guide arms drive the front guide wheels to pivot, the torsion springs can produce a reaction force to prevent the frame from rolling over, improving safety. When the suspension structure runs across an uneven bumpy road, the front and rear shock absorbers can ease the shock imposed on the frame, enhancing sitting comfort.
US09072634B2
A disposable absorbent core comprises first and second absorbent layers each comprising an absorbent particulate polymer material such that the absorbent particulate polymer material is substantially continuously distributed across an absorbent particulate polymer material area. A disposable absorbent article and method for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.
US09072632B2
An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region. The absorbent article has a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The waist portion has a belt portion that has a front belt portion having elastomeric material and a back belt portion having elastomeric material. The front belt portion has a first elastic section and a second elastic section, each section having force zones. The back belt portion has a third elastic section and a fourth elastic section, each section having force zones. The force zones in the portions alternate between a high force zone and a low force zone in at least one belt portion.
US09072629B2
An apparatus for compressing a material includes a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of levers each having a tool carrier and defining a lever longitudinal axis, and a plurality of jaws each attached to a lever at a tool carrier to form a lever/jaw combination, wherein each jaw has a compression surface having an area. The apparatus also includes a compressing mechanism configured to move each lever in a non-linear motion such that the area of a compression surface exposed to the material decreases with the inward movement of that compression surface, wherein each lever/jaw combination includes a biasing mechanism configured such that adjacent jaws contact each other. The plane of each compression surface can be predominantly tangential to the apparatus central longitudinal axis. Each biasing mechanism can be configured to bias its jaw along the lever longitudinal axis toward an adjacent jaw.
US09072626B2
Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube.
US09072610B2
A method and apparatus assisting safe one-handed insertion of an implant. An implant implantation device has a frame which includes a trigger mechanism, an outer sleeve mechanically coupled to the frame, an inner shaft having a grabber for mechanically engaging an implant, the inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer sleeve, and a retaining element disposed over the inner shaft for directing the grabber toward a closed position. An implant clip has a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, a first implant holder pivotally coupled to the first member, the coupling causing the implant clip to have a closed position and an open position, and a second implant holder, the second implant holder pivotally coupled to the second member, a surface of the first implant holder and a surface of the second implant holder remaining substantially parallel to each other while the first member and the second member pivot between the closed position and the open position.
US09072602B2
A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding tubular stent component and a prosthetic valve disposed within and secured to the stent component. The tubular stent component has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions. In a compressed delivery configuration, the tubular stent component has a generally circular cross-section along its length. In an expanded deployed configuration, the proximal and distal portions have a generally circular cross-section while the intermediate portion of the stent component has a generally triangular cross-section with three vertexes that are configured to project into three commissural points of a native valve when the valve prosthesis is implanted in situ. The generally triangular transverse cross-section of the valve prosthesis is formed by pulling or extending selected or particular struts of the stent component radially outwards and then applying heat to heat-set the stent component in the deployed configuration.
US09072601B2
An intraocular lens insertion device having a novel configuration, capable of more accurately arranging front and back surfaces of an intraocular lens in a proper direction. The intraocular lens insertion device is adapted in such a manner that the intraocular lens is set on a stage in a state placed flat with a pair of haptics extended facing front and back sides in a movement direction by a plunger. Also, an interfering acting part is provided to an insertion tube part, and the interfering acting part interferes with the haptic, which is extended facing the front side in the movement direction of the intraocular lens moved by the plunger, to apply on the haptic an external force toward the back side in the movement direction. Thus, the interfering acting part curves and deforms the haptic to a side approaching an optical portion.
US09072595B2
The present invention relates to a neck relief device (1) comprising a flexible connecting device (3), which extends along the spine between an upper fixing point (3′) above the cervical vertebrae (3A) of the spine and a lower fixing point (3D) below the cervical vertebrae (3A) of the spine, and a piece of headgear (20, 21) intended therefore.
US09072592B2
The present invention relates to a silk nanofiber nerve conduit characterized in that fibroin nanofibers having a diameter of 200 to 400 nm, originated from silk fiber, are stacked layer upon layer to form a porous conduit-shape; and a method for producing thereof, more specifically, to a method for producing a silk nanofiber nerve conduit comprising: (Step 1) preparing a fibrous spinning solution; (Step 2) producing a silk nanofiber of conduit-shape by electrospinning the fibrous spinning solution prepared in step 1 into the cylindrical collecting part coated with polyethyleneoxide; and (Step 3) separating a silk nanofiber of conduit-shape produced in step 2 from the collecting part. The silk nanofiber nerve conduit of the present invention has excellent biocompatibility; allows the body fluid to be exchanged inter in and out of conduit through pores of the conduit, as well; has a proper elasticity, tensile strength, and tear strength. Due to these properties, the silk nanofiber nerve conduit of the present invention helps the regeneration of the nerve injury to recover a motor skill and a sensory function, and thus shows an excellent effect of nerve regeneration. Therefore, the silk nanofiber nerve conduit of the present invention can be used in treating a nerve injury instead of an existing synthetic polymeric nerve conduit.
US09072591B2
Eye-shield condensation prevention system for use in a ski goggle, dive mask, medical or testing face shield or the like, that prevents undesirable hot spots on the eye-shield and maintains constant heat, with the ability to compensate for variations in resistance encountered from one eye-shield region to another, and/or one eye-shield to another, comprising a power source, a pulse-width modulator, a microcomputer, a heating element, and a sensing circuit. The microcomputer uses the sensing circuit to sense voltage and determine a value of resistance of the heating element. The microcomputer then uses this value to adjust the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulator, and may employ a two-dimensional table in assisting calculation. Multiple pulse-width modulators may be employed that correspond to a plurality of eye-shield regions and a corresponding plurality of heating elements.
US09072580B2
A Combination Eye Cup and Drop Dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a nozzle within an eye cup so that the user's hand will be steadied by resting the eye cup over the eye. The eye cup is integrated with a cap that regulates the opening and closing of the dispenser bottle so that turning the eye cup will open or close the dispenser nozzle. The bottle neck has external threads configured to engage internal threads on the eye cup/cap.
US09072575B1
A dental implant angle measurement device for measuring angular difference includes a reference member that can be engaged with a reference dental component. An elongate member is attached perpendicular to the reference member and a measuring member is movably positioned along the elongate member. The measuring member can be aligned with a target dental component and further includes a base member and an angular indicator. The angular indicator can have gradations and indicia to indicate an angular difference between an axis passing through the reference dental component and an axis passing through the target dental component that the measuring member is aligned with. The target dental component is positioned in the mouth of the patient or in a cast. A stopping member is also positioned with the elongate member to restrict movement of the measuring member in relation to the elongate member.
US09072573B2
A dental syringe may include a replaceable valve cartridge containing one or more valves. The valves may include air and water valves using a seating surface and an opposing seating surface with a relative angle formed between the two surfaces. The relative angle allows for regulation of the flow of fluid traveling through the valves. The replaceable valve cartridge may also include a system to remove a residual liquid from a tip of a dental syringe. Additionally, the replaceable valve cartridge may include a seal that prevents bleed-over of fluids within a dental syringe through use of first and second rings of elastic portions of the seal with a low pressure zone defined in between. Further, the dental syringe may include a tip retention insert which may be replaceable and may use either a pair of plates or a plurality of ball bearings to retain the dental syringe tips.
US09072572B2
A light device includes a body and a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing. The tip includes a light engine that is operable for emitting light positioned at a distal end of the tip. A power supply circuit is positioned in the housing and coupled to the light engine. The power supply circuit is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. A non-imaging element is coupled with the light engine at the distal end.
US09072570B2
An application tip (100) for a viscous or pasty composition having a body (101) including a proximal end (102) that can be fastened onto a device for dispensing the composition and a distal end (103) that is provided with an outlet orifice (104), an internal duct (110) extending between the proximal and distal ends of the body. The internal duct (110) comprises at least one portion (112) of flat shape opening out at the outlet orifice (104) and includes adjacent grooves (113) in at least one of its sides.
US09072569B2
The invention relates to a medical turbine handpiece, in particular a dental turbine handpiece, having a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the front end region of the handpiece and to which a tool can be connected, as well as a turbine wheel arranged so as to be non-rotatable on the drive shaft and is arranged in a turbine chamber realized in the end region, into which turbine chamber a supply line for a flowing pressure medium for driving the turbine wheel opens out at an inlet opening and from which turbine chamber a removal line extends at an outlet opening, wherein at least one cross connecting channel for the pressure medium is realized in the wall of the turbine chamber, the cross connecting channel connecting the axially remote edge region of the turbine chamber to a region of the turbine chamber that is axially close to the drive shaft.
US09072566B2
A tooth replacement system is provided that includes an implant (10, 20, 30), for osseointegration in a jaw bone, and an abutment (40, 50, 60), wherein an abutment stem (41) including a close-fit cylinder (42) can be fitted in a corresponding cylindrical close-fit seat (14) of a receiving opening (11) in the implant. The present invention makes available a tooth replacement system including an implant and an abutment, which ensures an optimized introduction of force from the abutment into the implant and permits complete freedom in terms of the choice of material. The implant and also the abutment can be made from titanium or ceramic, and both structural parts can be used in all possible material combinations. This permits the insertion or adhesive bonding of ceramic abutments into implants made from titanium oxide or other metallic materials.
US09072562B2
Provided is a bone joining device suitable for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece. Also provided is a method of joining a first bone piece with a second bone piece in a living mammal. The method comprises inserting the above bone joining device between the first bone piece and the second bone piece.
US09072561B2
An assembly for the fixation of a spinal facet joint, including an outer shank, an inner shank and a tip, such that rotation of the inner shank with respect to the outer shank causes the tip to move into the outer shank. Movement of the tip causes deformation of the distal end of the outer shank such that the distal end of the outer shank is larger in diameter than the hole through which it was inserted, said deformation causing increased compression and reduced chance of device loosening.
US09072560B2
A storage system for packaging and storing medical devices with associated data carriers, or tags that can be used for tracking inventory levels and uses of an implant. The storage system includes at least one medical device, and at least one data carrier secured to the at least one medical device, the data carrier including an enlarged substantially planar surface. The storage system further includes a storage device having one or more cavities adapted to receive the medical device and data carrier, each cavity including a cut-out positioned at least partially beneath the enlarged substantially planar surface that allows at least a portion of the enlarged substantially planar surface to pass at least partially there-through.
US09072558B2
A distal volar fixation plate includes a body portion and a head portion angled upwards relative to the body portion. The head portion includes a lower surface, a central portion, a radial side and an ulnar side. The head portion defines a buttress portion extends greater distally on the ulnar side than on the radial side to support the volar lip of the lunate fossa.
US09072554B2
An orthopedic implant, illustratively a spinal staple, including pre-attached fasteners.
US09072550B2
A spinal fixation system includes a first plate, a post fixedly attached to the first plate and extending transverse therefrom. A second plate receives the distal end of the post. A locking mechanism is configured to restrict at least one of axial translation and/or orbital rotation of the second plate with respect to the post. The locking mechanism can include a locking nut having two non-concentric cylinders which enable an interference fit between the nut and the post, thus restricting axial translation of the second plate.
US09072549B2
A spinal clip for creating a potential space within the spinal canal and thus stabilizing the spine without the need for additional spinal components is embodied in different forms. The spinal clips are configured to provide a clamping or holding force against and/or to the spinous processes, transverse processes and/or the lamina of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, the spinous process clips utilize pivoting to effect clamping or holding. In another form, the spinous process clips utilize rotation to effect clamping or holding. Such rotation may be between clamping or holding members or via a screw system. In yet another form, the spinous process clips utilize ratcheting to effect clamping or holding. In a still further form, the spinous process clips utilize expansion to effect clamping or holding. Depending on the form of clamping or holding, the spinous process clips can provide infinite adjustment of the clamping or holding force within an adjustment range, or provide discrete steps or levels of the clamping or holding force.
US09072537B2
Devices including, but not limited to, a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member.
US09072535B2
A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.
US09072532B2
The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.
US09072528B2
A perforation instrument and method of using same, including a shaft capable of being inserted into a joint of a patient, having a longitudinal axis, and carrying at least one piercing member, each piercing member having a tip suitable to pierce sub-chondral bone. The instrument is capable of being altered between an exposed condition wherein the tip of the at least one piercing member is exposed and a safety condition wherein the tip of the at least one piercing member is not capable of piercing tissue.
US09072523B2
An apparatus maintains the sterility of a medical device while providing for the insertion of an insertable component into the medical device. The apparatus includes a medical device having a housing sized to contain the insertable component, an active feature, a cap, and a hinge member. A container encases the medical device within a device recess, a cap recess, and a container cover. The insertable component may be inserted into the housing while limiting potential contact with the exterior of the medical device. An alternative assembly comprises an insertion assembly having a handle and the insertable component detachably attached thereto. The medical device comprises a housing, an active feature, and a flexible member. An insertion tube is insertable within the flexible member to limit contact when the insertable component is inserted into the housing. Yet another configuration includes a resiliently hinged door assembly releasable by a release button.
US09072515B2
A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed. A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed. Also disclosed is a surgical instrument system, comprising a handle, comprising a rotary motion input configured to generate a rotary motion and a selector assembly configured to selectively transmit the rotary motion generated by the rotary motion input to the firing system and the articulation system.
US09072514B2
A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.
US09072512B2
A sheath for use with a scalpel cutting device including a sheath body configured to cover a scalpel blade at a distal end of a scalpel cutting device. The sheath advantageously includes a slot formed therein that extends from a first end at an edge of the sheath body to a second end adjacent the scalpel blade so that the slot intersects the blade and the blade is exposed only within the second end of the slot. The slot is configured such that an angle between a guiding side wall of the slot and the scalpel blade at the point of intersection is greater than 105° and less than 180°. In another embodiment, the ratio of the length of the shortest side wall to slot width is at least 2.
US09072506B1
A biopsy device includes a sample receiving notch formed in an elongate member. The sample receiving notch defines a side port adjacent the outer surface. The sample receiving notch extends inwardly from the side port toward a longitudinal axis and terminates at a sample floor in an interior of the elongate member. The sample receiving notch has a proximal end wall separated from a distal end wall along the longitudinal axis. The floor extends between the proximal end wall and the distal end wall. A tissue anchor has a cantilever portion and a head portion at a free end of the cantilever portion. The cantilever portion extends from a distal portion of the elongate member adjacent to the sample receiving notch toward the proximal end wall of the sample receiving notch. The head portion has a sharp tip that extends from the cantilever portion toward the sample floor.
US09072496B2
Systems and methods for processing image data are provided. A computer implemented method for processing image data, comprises gathering 4-D image data from a subject, extracting time series data, and spatial and degree data of each voxel of the subject, deriving at least one feature from the time series data, deriving at least one feature from the spatial and degree data, combining the at least one feature from the time series data, and the at least one feature from the spatial and degree data to generate combined data, and inputting the combined data to a classifier, wherein the classifier outputs a classification based on the combined data.
US09072493B1
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method having a highly-reliable elastic evaluation unit for tissues. The invention includes a signal processing unit that processes received data obtained after ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received to/from an inspection target through a probe. An ROI detection unit of the processing unit obtains a distance index indicating a region proper for an elastic evaluation based on brightness distribution of the received data obtained by transmitting and receiving first ultrasonic waves to/from the probe, and sets an ROI based on the distance index. Then, second ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the ROI to generate shear waves. An elastic evaluation unit calculates a shear wave velocity based on received data obtained by transmitting and receiving third ultrasonic waves in the ROI, and outputs the shear wave velocity and an elastic evaluation value of the ROI as a reliability index.
US09072492B2
An embodiment analyzes a body part of a patient, which patient is perfused with a contrast agent that is capable of circulating within the patient and of being substantially immobilized on a biological target. An embodiment of a corresponding system provides an echo signal that is indicative of a response over time to an interrogation signal of the body part, fits the echo signal with a time model function that models an evolution over time of the contrast agent in the body part, the time model function including a combination of a circulation function that models the circulation of the contrast agent and a decay function that models a decay of the echo signal from the immobilized contrast agent, and estimates at least one kinetics indicator of the contrast agent from the time model function.
US09072479B2
A handheld device includes a capacitance sensing variable control that detects the presence of and movement of a user's finger on an external surface of the device. The handheld device also includes a variable output power supply and an electronic device that is powered by the variable output power supply. Upon detection of the movement on the external surface of the device, the output of the variable output power supply is adjusted. The adjusted output changes the operation of the electronic device.
US09072475B2
A needle comprises an elongated first shaft element with a C-shaped cross section and an elongated second shaft element with a C-shaped cross section. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are adapted to be detachably connected to each other. This is achieved by an overlap of respective end sections of the first and second shaft elements. Within the channel formed by the shaft elements, an optical probe may be accommodated from which the shaft elements may be removed by separating the two shaft elements from each other.
US09072465B2
A blink detection algorithm and associated circuitry for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein. The blink detection algorithm is implemented in the system controller which is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The blink detection algorithm implements the steps of sampling, at a predetermined rate, light incident on an eye of an individual and at least temporarily saving collected samples, determining when an eyelid is open or closed in order to divine the number, time period and pulse width of the blinks from the collected samples, calculating a number of blinks and the duration of the blinks in a given time period, and comparing the number of blinks, the durations of the blinks in the given time period, and the time between blinks in the given time period to a stored set of samples to determine patterns in blinking.
US09072460B2
The present invention relates to an optical coherence tomography device and an optical coherence tomography method using same for capturing the cornea and the retina of the eye by using light sources in respectively different wavelength ranges. According to the present invention, included are two light sources, a first interferometer and a second interferometer for generating respectively different interference patterns by the light outputted from each of the light sources, and interference pattern detection means for detecting an interference pattern occurring in each interferometer.
US09072456B2
A multi-light apparatus (10) for primary use in dental or medicinal operatory workspaces and for interconnection with a modular operating chair (12), so as to form the headrest thereof, preferably includes first and second radiation sources (36,72) and a selection mechanism (70) for selecting a desired radiation source, a rigidly flexible light pipe (16) that may be alternatively coupled to each light source (36,72) and is configured to transmit selected radiation to a patient (14), a reflective surface (78) configured to direct the selected radiation to the pipe (16), a power supply (50), a cooling fan (56), and at least one potentiometer (66,68) for varying the voltage delivered to the sources (36,72) and fan (56).
US09072449B2
A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.
US09072446B2
A laryngoscope device for use in the performance of direct laryngoscopy, the device including a laryngoscope blade portion connectable to a laryngoscope handle through a connector, the laryngoscope blade comprising an ultraviolet light, a white light and an imaging or viewing device at the same distance relative to the distal end of the laryngoscope blade.
US09072441B2
An imaging system comprises a plurality of imaging detectors for acquiring imaging data. The plurality of imaging detectors is configurable to be arranged proximate to an anatomy of interest within a patient. Each of the plurality of imaging detectors has a field of view (FOV) and at least a portion of the plurality of imaging detectors image the anatomy of interest within the respective FOV. A processor receives the imaging data and processes the imaging data to form a multi-dimensional dataset having at least three dimensions.
US09072435B2
Adaptive attachments used in combination with a blood pressure cuff enable various blood pressure measurements to be taken in a hospital or other setting having various single and/or dual lumen manual or electronic blood pressure measuring equipment with a single, patient-worn cuff.
US09072434B2
One exemplary embodiment is a method for determining an ophthalmic prescription. An examination room is lighted to simulate daytime viewing and a conventional eye chart is used as a visual stimulus. A first corrective spherical lens power is determined by varying spherical lens power and identifying when perceived vision is best. The examination room is kept dark to simulate nighttime viewing conditions. The visual stimulus utilized is a white point source on a dark background, or a self illuminated symbol on a dark background. A second corrective spherical lens powered is determined by varying spherical lens power and identifying when perceived vision is best. An ophthalmic prescription such as one or more lenses, one or more surgical corrections or a combinations thereof is provided including a first corrective component including the first preferred spherical lens power, and a second corrective component including the second preferred spherical lens power.
US09072430B2
An apparatus for determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in an excised specimen includes a radio-opaque marker including an energy beacon that can be embedded in the specimen, an energy beacon controller, at least three detectors, a signal processing component, and a display device. An associated method is disclosed. A method for evaluating a radiographically labeled excised specimen involves determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in the excised specimen, anatomically sectioning the excised specimen, macro-optically segmenting the sectioned specimen into an adipose tissue component, a fibrous tissue component, and an epithelial tissue component, and microscopically examining at least one of the tissue components. An associated apparatus is disclosed.
US09072425B1
A combination of an on-site drug testing protocol and effective secure evidentiary procedure to ensure veracity and chain of possession for prosecution purposes is provided. Additionally, the procedural method includes a combined secure adhesive attachment to a drug test that serves as both an information collector and preservation device. The overall method thus includes steps of having a test subject apply oral fluids to a test device, covering and sealing the device, and taking real-time information and photographs into a time-stamp system and supplying such information and photographs instantly to a secure database. The oral fluids are thus preserved by the information-providing seal under a proper cover component to ensure DNA material is permitted for authenticity purposes as well. The overall protocol thus accords an all-encompassing evidentiary chain model at a highly trustworthy level if needed in a courtroom setting.
US09072421B2
There is provided a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a tub for receiving dishes, a steam generation unit provided at an outside of the tub and generating steam that will be supplied to the tub, a steam passage along which the steam generated from the steam generation unit is supplied to the tub, and a chamber for storing water used for generating the steam.
US09072419B1
A mop with a disposable cloth retaining assembly where the cloth is retained by cloth retaining members attached to the bottom of attaching plates on a main body, with a right and left cloth releasing plate between the main body and the cleaning cloth, the cloth releasing plates retained in a closed position against the main body by ratchet teeth engaged in notches of a respective notched collar to overcome a force of downward force compression springs. When a retaining force is removed, the downward spring force of force compression springs causes the cloth releasing plate to move away from the main body, the downward movement of the cloth releasing plate being limited. The cleaning cloth is separated from the cloth retaining members so that the dirty cleaning cloth falls away.
US09072416B2
A vacuum cleaner having a base, an agitator, a motor, an agitator cleaner, first and second support assemblies, and an actuator. The agitator cleaner is movable to be spaced from the agitator or to engage the agitator to remove debris while the motor rotates the agitator. The support assemblies collectively support the base on a surface to be cleaned, and the first support assembly is movable between a raised position in which the agitator is proximal to the surface and a lowered position in which the agitator is spaced from the surface. The actuator is movable between an idle position and an operative position. The actuator has a first controller to move the agitator cleaner into the first position when the actuator is in the idle position, and a second controller to move the first support assembly to the lowered position when the actuator is in the operative position.
US09072415B2
A housing has a suction inlet thereon and a suction source associated with the housing, in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The housing further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms that extend laterally outwardly from the central portion, wherein each extension comprises a mount, which receives a rotatable agitator thereon. A drive assembly is configured to counter-rotate each agitator with respect to the other agitator, and wherein the suction inlet is positioned on the housing rearward of, and between, each of the axes of rotation of each agitator. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris outside the periphery of the housing along a converging debris path, towards the suction inlet.
US09072414B2
A dispensing package preferably for containing and dispensing a roll of pre-moistened wipes. The dispensing package includes a standup pouch that defines an open interior for containing the roll of wipes. The standup pouch defines an open top end that receives a dispensing fitment. The dispensing fitment includes a reclosable lid that can be opened and closed to provide access to the open interior of the standup pouch. The dispensing fitment includes an attachment flange used to attach the dispensing fitment to the standup pouch. The attachment flange can be attached to the flexible pouch either through a heat seal or a mechanical attachment. The mechanical attachment can be created through use of a locking ring that entraps the flexible packaging material of the standup pouch between the attachment flange and the locking ring.
US09072410B2
An embodiment includes a spatula with a handle and a blade. The blade includes a first blade end, an interior rigid section, a flexible straight edge, and two flexible opposing edges. At the first blade end, the blade is attached to the handle. The interior rigid section extends from the first blade end and has a substantially rectangular transverse profile. The flexible straight edge is located along the second blade end positioned opposite the first blade end. The two flexible opposing edges are substantially perpendicular to the first blade end and the second blade end and are curved in opposing directions. The interior rigid section encompasses a portion of the blade between the first blade end and the flexible straight edge and between the two flexible opposing edges. The flexible straight edge and the two flexible opposing edges deform under less stress than the interior rigid section.
US09072408B2
The invention relates to a fitting part (01) for manually handling a useful object, in particular a cooking or roasting vessel, having a carrying part (02) which can be fixedly connected to the wall of the object or of the vessel or is a constituent part of the wall, having a handle part (07) which can be pushed onto the carrying part (02) in a joining direction and can be detachably attached thereto, having a latching device, in which the latching element can be moved from an unlocked position and into a locked position by means of a spring force, wherein the latching element in the locked position bears with a latching surface against an abutment in order to prevent the handle part (07) from being removed from the carrying part (02), wherein an operating element for unlocking the latching device is provided, the operating element and the abutment being arranged on the handle part (07) and the latching element being arranged on the carrying part (02).
US09072402B2
The present invention proposes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients, the capsule being designed for insertion in a beverage production device, the capsule comprising a cup-like body portion, a flange-like rim portion, a delivery wall and a sealing member having—in a radial cross sectional view—at least one protrusion and/or recession.
US09072400B2
A composition that upon firing, forms a low-temperature clean enamel layer is disclosed. The composition can be applied to a metal substrate to provide a low-temperature cleaning, durable coating for cooking surfaces. Also disclosed are methods of forming enamel layers and corresponding coated substrates. Various ground coats and related methods are also described. Furthermore, various multilayer coatings and structures are disclosed that include an enamel layer and a ground coat layer.
US09072399B2
In some embodiments, a cooking utensil comprises a pot with a lid that divides a cooking chamber in the pot from a condensing chamber above the lid. To prevent boil-over, one or more openings in the lid and/or openings radially between the lid and the pot convey bidirectional flow between the cooking and condensing chambers. Boiling liquid/vapor foam from the cooking chamber flows upward through the opening to the condensing chamber. Upon subsequently flowing across an upper surface of the lid, the liquid/foam condenses and then returns through the opening to the cooking chamber. In some examples, the cookware includes both a mechanical seal and a liquid seal between the lid and the pot. In some embodiments, a single opening in the lid maximizes the lid's condensing surface while still allowing sufficient flow between the cooking and condensing chambers. Such a single opening also makes the cookware easy to clean.
US09072397B2
Disclosed is a compression sock aid device having a left and right double paneled structure hingedly connected to one another, wherein a spring member provides outward bias to facilitate opening of the device and the spreading of sock material placed thereover. Rope handles with gripping portions and associated hook notch closure means are provided, along with friction pads and thumb grips to facilitate the application of compression stockings and tight fitting hosiery onto the leg of the wearer. The hosiery is placed over the device while the spring member and hinged connection enable the opening of the hosiery placed thereon. The device is secured using the rope handle that includes a fastening ball, wherein the rope handle is placed into an opposing hook notch to resist the outward bias of the spring member. The inner panels support the hosiery away from the user's skin while the inner panels slide thereagainst.
US09072396B1
A runner or mat for use in a screening area includes a carpet, an anti-microbial agent coating the carpet, a film having an anti-microbial agent, and an adhesive adhering the film to the anti-microbial treated carpet. The runner or mat can have indicia, such as an outline of a pair of feet, soles of shoes or advertising, provided thereon. The runner or mat protects people from foot infections when walking barefoot or with socks through the screening area.
US09072388B1
A bedding foundation having a nestably stackable spring assembly, including a border wire. The foundation's spring assembly may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. Each spring assembly includes support wires having alternating peaks and valleys along with stabilizer wires having alternating peaks and valleys. The valleys of the stabilizer wires are secured to the valleys of the support wires. The peaks of the stabilizer wires are secured to longitudinal wires extending parallel the sides of the border wire.
US09072385B2
A portable packable reusable storage device for attachment to a support structure comprising: an article holding portion; a suspension portion connected with the article holding portion for removably attaching the storage device to the support structure; wherein the device is configured to include a deployed state that includes a deployed state volume for containing articles and the device collapses and packs into a packed state and includes a packed state volume that is about 50 percent or less (e.g. about 40 percent or less, about 30 percent or less, preferably about 20 percent or less, or more preferably about 10 percent or less) of the deployed state volume (e.g., volume as discussed herein is the amount of a fluid that the container can hold rather than the amount of space the container itself displaces); and wherein the suspension portion includes ends that form connection so that the storage device attaches to the support structure.
US09072381B2
A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US09072376B2
This disclosure relates to a teaching station that includes a lectern section and a desktop. A method for adjusting a lectern portion of a teacher's station is provided. The method may include releasing a lock wherein the lock, when engaged, fixes the position of the lectern portion with respect to the teacher's station. In response to releasing the lock, the method may further include adjusting a height of the lectern portion relative to a desktop portion of the teacher's station, while maintaining an angle of the of a table-top of the lectern portion in a fixed orientation with respect to the desktop. The method may further include applying the lock to fix the height of the portion of the table-top.
US09072375B1
A corded wall assembly is adapted for installation at an article storage space defined by at least two opposing spaced-apart structural elements. The corded wall assembly includes first and second elongated rigid frame members, and a plurality of elastic cords attached at respective opposite ends to the frame members. Mounting elements attach the first and second frame members to respective spaced-apart structural elements of the article storage space.
US09072370B2
A computer-implemented method includes a step of presenting an indication of a health profile of a person based on information obtained from an oral care implement. Also, a method includes displaying an indication of a history of the health profile of a a person based on second information previously received from the oral care implement.
US09072367B2
A camp hammock in which the fabric of the hammock bed is cut in such a way that once the hammock is suspended between to points it allows areas of the diagonal axis of the hammock, where the occupants head and lower legs will be positioned, to hang lower than the opposing diagonal axis which crosses under the occupants lower torso. Once the fabric gives under the torso, the legs are now inline. This hammock can also be enclosed with a top enclosure to trap body heat and a bed liner that will hold an insulating pad with side pockets to hold clothing that will act to retain heat while camping in cold temperatures. This hammock may also have a gear loft attached to the ridgeline seam for storing gear. A rain fly with an adjustable peak and end walls with rain sleeves protects the hammock in wet weather.
US09072360B2
Cosmetic and/or personal care compacts having a multi-tiered design. The tiers are able to rotate relative to each other between defined configurations of the compact. When in any one of its defined configurations, the compact has the same overall shape, for example, a prism. The rotation feature also allows the visual impact of the compact to be varied while maintaining the overall shape of the compact, and is a novelty for a user.
US09072359B2
A wig drying apparatus and method are provided, the apparatus being adapted to support a wig and which may be used to direct air currents upward such that a wig may be dried quickly and easily without damaging the wig or unduly altering the wig's outer appearance, comprises, a stand adapted to hold a wig, the stand comprising a main body member comprising a base and a neck member, and upper members comprising a central member and side members. The neck member comprises a base tube comprising a base opening. The base opening is adapted to accept a hose/outlet portion of a dryer. In the preferred embodiment, the device's shape is generally that of a human head and neck. In one embodiment, the central member and base tube are removable and may be used to dry a wig not supported by the remaining portions of the stand.
US09072356B2
A hair clip for styling hair comprising a pair of clipping elements with two to three clipping fingers having toothed ridges and/or an overlay of rubbery material, with or without holes in the center of the clipping fingers, to facilitate gripping and holding hair strands and segments of hair on the head while blow drying wet or semi-wet hair to create volume and height to the resulting hair style without the use of mousse or gels. The hair clip is configured with an elastic connecting arrangement comprised of the thumb and forefinger grips of the clipping elements held together by a torsion spring or other compatible spring at the base of the hair clip.
US09072354B1
A method for grooming hair or fur, which includes the step of bundling the hair or the fur with a band including a self fusing silicone tape. The self fusing silicone tape adheres only to itself and not to any other objects so as to allow the self fusing silicone tape to wrap around the hair or the fur and be maintained therearound by merely adhering to itself, thereby eliminating a need for any foreign adherents and damage to the hair or the fur caused thereby.
US09072346B2
A buckle for use with a safety harness includes a plurality of slots each for receiving an end of a harness belt section, each slot having associated therewith a retainer which is moveable into and out of engagement with an abutment surface defined by the end of a belt section, first bias elements normally to urge the retainers to move to a position at which they each engage with an abutment surface of the end of a belt section following insertion into a slot, at least one of the retainers having associated therewith a lever which is pivotable against the action of the first bias elements to move the retainer to a release position at which it is free from engagement with the abutment surface, and an actuation member operable to act on the or each lever whereby the or each lever moves a retainer to the release position.
US09072335B1
An article of footwear including a full monofilament upper is described. The full monofilament upper incorporates a knitted component including a monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element is formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures.
US09072333B2
An article of footwear that provides friction between the playing surface and the player's foot is disclosed. In some embodiments, the article footwear includes a sole may have a plurality of wedge-shaped studs in the forefoot region that extend beyond the perimeter of the sole. The article can also include a plurality of elongated studs on a bottom surface region of the sole. The wedge-shaped studs help provide leverage for removing the elongated studs from the ground during cutting.
US09072329B2
A fastening system is provided that detachably connects two hose-shaped or strip-shaped decorative or functional elements to a helmet. The decorative or functional elements are arranged symmetrically to the centerline of the helmet on the helmet shell so as to extend from the front to the temple area of the wearer to neck area of the wearer. Connecting elements of the fastening are detachably connected to the helmet shell or the helmet. The connecting elements are hooks that are connected fixedly to the decorative or functional element and are hooked in the helmet shell.
US09072328B2
A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.
US09072319B2
Aspects of the invention generally provide methods and structures for paper structures used by an end user to create a cigar or cigarette with gummed, coiled inserts. In one aspect, a rolling paper structure is provided including a first paper section having a first height, a second paper section coupled to the first paper section and the second paper section having a second height longer than the first height, and an optional adhesive disposed on the second paper section. The rolling paper structure may be folded between the first paper section and the second paper section having a portion extending beyond the first paper section. A gummed, coiled insert for rolling paper structures is also provided.
US09072311B2
Carotenoids are provided as dietary supplements to animal feed. These supplements improve the bioavailability of carotenoids by providing them in combination with phospholipids. The invention provides animal feeds for aquatic and terrestrial animals, and methods for making the feeds.
US09072310B2
The disclosure relates to a probiotic delivery system that can be consumed as a snack-food or added to a food product. In particular, the disclosure describes a crisp and tasty treat that comprises viable probiotic microorganisms preserved in a vacuum dried matrix of sugars, proteins, and polysaccharides. The probiotic remain viable within the treat for a longer time without the need for additional moisture barrier coating. The probiotic also remain viable in the animal gastrointestinal tract.
US09072306B2
The invention relates to the pre- or post harvest fungicidal and/or bactericidal treatment of plant products, using at least phosphonic acid that is at least partially salified and eugenol or clove oil, at ambient temperature, as well as to the compositions suitable for said method.
US09072301B2
The present invention relates to fungicidal pyrimidine compounds I, to their use and to methods for combating phytopathogenic fungi. The present invention also relates to seeds treated with at least one such compound. Furthermore the invention relates to processes for preparing compounds of formula I.
US09072296B2
Microbial growth inhibiting solutions and methods of employing the microbial growth inhibiting solutions in flushing and coating medical devices are disclosed. In alternative embodiments, the microbial growth inhibiting solutions include combinations of a chelating agent with a C4-C9 carboxylate antimicrobial agent, for example, such as n-octanoic acid. Methods of using these microbial growth inhibiting solutions for coating a medical device and for inhibiting catheter infection are also disclosed.
US09072281B2
Device for destroying parasites on fish, such as salmon lice on salmon in fish farms, comprising a camera (4) communicating with a controlling unit (51) which in turn communicates with a light source (5) adapted to fire pulses of point shaped light which is harmful for the parasite in question. The controlling unit (51) controls a system for optical recognition within a defined coordinate system and is arranged to detect points and to update in real time coordinates that exhibits contrast differences typical for parasites on a fish surface and to trigger a light pulse from the light source (5) when the coordinates for at detected point coincides with the coordinates for the aiming point of the light source.
US09072277B2
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.
US09072275B2
The Panoramic Pet View is a new approach to allowing pets to look through a wall or a fence. It provides a 180 degree view for the pet, and the pet can turn its head inside of the Panoramic Pet View. The design of this device allows the pet to hear sound as well as seeing in all directions including up and down.
US09072273B2
A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.
US09072270B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the watermelon line designated TCS-EJ09137. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of watermelon line TCS-EJ09137, and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing a plant of watermelon line TCS-EJ09137 with itself or with another watermelon plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of watermelon line TCS-EJ09137, including the fruits and gametes of such plants.
US09072265B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH375520. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH375520, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH375520 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH375520.
US09072259B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH066104. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH066104, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH066104 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH066104.
US09072251B2
A soybean cultivar designated S120097 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S120097, to the plants of soybean cultivar S120097, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S120097, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S120097. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120097. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120097, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S120097 with another soybean cultivar.
US09072246B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV723321. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV723321, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV723321 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV723321 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV723321.
US09072245B2
In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV822805 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV822805 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV822805, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV822805 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV822805 with another canola variety.
US09072244B2
In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV569538 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV569538 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV569538, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV569538 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV569538 with another canola variety.
US09072241B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV454023. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV454023, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV454023 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV454023 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV454023.
US09072233B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH296980. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH296980, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH296980 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH296980.
US09072232B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV150221. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV150221, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV150221 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV150221 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV150221.
US09072231B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV251849. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV251849, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV251849 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV251849 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV251849.
US09072228B1
The present invention provides a method of treating mulch by applying an adhesive composition to bulk mulch and then bagging the treated mulch before the adhesive cures. The bagged mulch is later transported to a desired location and arranged into a mulch bed, and the adhesive cures by exposure to air and sunlight, thereby holding the mulch in place and preventing undesirable movement.
US09072226B2
A bale turning apparatus for attachment to a baler to generally align the cylindrical of the bales in each row as the bales are released from the baler. Using the disclosed invention, the bales are essentially turned ninety degrees from the orientation of bales from the position that they are typically released from a round baler. By accomplishing this general alignment of the cylindrical axis of each bale in each row, when baling corn stover or other row crops, the bale loading operation can later be done more efficiently by driving down the rows in the same direction as the combine and baler have traveled.
US09072220B2
A power conveying system for use with a header of an agricultural harvester, the header having a first structural member and a second structural member being pivotally coupled to the first structural member about an axis. The power conveying system including a driving pulley, a driven pulley, an idler pulley, a flexible link and a cantilevered member. The driving pulley is coupled to the first structural member, and the driven pulley is coupled to the second structural member. The flexible link conveys power from the driving pulley to the driven pulley, and is in contact with the idler pulley. The cantilevered member is connected to the second structural member, and extends beyond the axis, where the cantilevered member is movably coupled to the idler pulley.
US09072219B2
A robotic mower navigation system includes a plurality of sensors on a robotic mower that detect strength and polarity of a magnetic field from an electric current through a boundary wire. An electronic control unit receives data concerning the magnetic field from the plurality of sensors as the robotic mower follows the boundary wire, tracks the data provided by the sensors, compares the data with a reference pattern that defines at least one specified feature of the boundary wire, and provides commands to the robotic mower based on the comparison. The electronic control unit may command the robotic mower to follow a second boundary wire to a remotely located charging station instead of the first boundary wire based on detected features of the boundary wire such as sharp corners or crossings.
US09072216B2
A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box having output ports and row units configured to receive an agricultural product and airflow from the output ports. A conduit system extends between the output ports of the inductor box and the row units. The conduit system is configured to direct the agricultural product and the airflow from each output port to a respective row unit. The conduit system includes a first conduit assembly extending between a first output port and a first row unit. The conduit system also includes a second conduit assembly extending between a second output port and a second row unit. A first average diameter of the first conduit assembly is smaller than a second average diameter of the second conduit assembly by at least approximately one percent.
US09078372B2
A power converting device includes a first substrate, a driving module, and a converting module. The first substrate is inserted into a main plate. The first substrate has a first axial direction and a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction, the second axial direction is perpendicular to the main plate. The driving module is located at one side of the first substrate and electrically connected to the first substrate. The converting module is located at the other side of the first substrate and electrically connected to the driving module. A length of the converting module is substantially equal to a length of the first substrate in the first axial direction, and a width of the converting module is smaller than the length of the first substrate in the first axial direction.
US09078370B2
Provided is a substrate with a built-in electronic component that can minimize an occurrence of a deformation such as warping or distortion of the substrate with a built-in electronic component, which is caused by a difference in rigidity between a region of low rigidity and a region of high rigidity that are formed in a core layer thereof. In the substrate with a built-in electronic component, electronic components 12 are respectively housed in a plurality of housing portions 11a1 that are formed in a core layer 11a, and in the core layer 11a, a plurality of openings 11a2 filled with an insulator 11k are formed.
US09078360B2
An imprinted micro-structure includes a substrate having a first layer in relation thereto. First, second, and third micro-channels are imprinted in the first layer and have first, second, and third micro-wires respectively located therein. A second layer is adjacent to and in contact with the first layer. Imprinted first and second connecting micro-channels including first and second connecting micro-wires are in contact with the first and second micro-wires respectively and are isolated from the third micro-wire. A third layer is adjacent to and in contact with the second layer and has an imprinted bridge micro-channel with a bridge micro-wire contacting the first and second connecting micro-wires and separate from the third micro-wire so that the first and second micro-wires are electrically connected and electrically isolated from the third micro-wire.
US09078358B2
A substrate (1) includes conductive portions (7) formed by press working and a resin portion (11) integrally injection-molded with the conductive portions (7). The conductive portions (7) are formed from, for example, a copper alloy. The resin portion 11 is formed from, for example, PPS. A surface-mount component (3), which is an electronic surface-mount component, is mounted on the substrate (1). The surface-mount component (3) has electrodes (5) at its opposite sides, and the electrodes (5) and the respective conductive portions (7) are electrically connected by means of a solder (9). The substrate (1) has a hole (13), which functions as a stress relaxation mechanism, formed in the resin portion (11) (a portion extending therethrough) between connection portions (15) under the surface-mount component (3). The substrate (1) also has resin-exposed portions (13), which function as a stress relaxation mechanism, formed on opposite sides of the surface-mount component (3).
US09078355B2
A semiconductor device has a control terminal attached to a patterned insulating substrate; a first projection formed on the control terminal; a second projection formed on the control terminal; a concave formed between the first projection and the second projection; a resin case disposed to cover the patterned insulating substrate, and having an opening for passing the control terminal therethrough; a first concave portion; a beam portion disposed at the opening of the resin case; a second concave portion formed in the beam portion; a resin block inserted into the opening of the resin case and sandwiching the control terminal together with the sidewall of the opening of the resin case to fix the control terminal to the resin case; a convex step portion; a third projection formed on a side surface of the resin block; and a fourth projection thinned on a bottom surface of the resin block.
US09078352B2
A electronic circuit with low inductance connections is disclosed. The electronic circuit includes a ground plane and a flex circuit. The flex circuit having a first surface generally facing the ground plane and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The flex circuit also having a flexible bridge defined thereof. The electronic circuit further includes a first electronic device communicatively coupled to the second surface of the flex circuit, a second electronic device communicatively coupled to the second surface of the flex circuit, and at least one conductive trace defined on the second surface of the flex circuit and extending along the flexible bridge. One end of the at least one conductive trace is configured for receiving an outbound current from the first electronic device and another end of the at least one conductive trace is communicatively coupled to the second electronic device through a vertical interconnect access.
US09078337B2
A plasma-generating device includes an anode plate and a cathode plate spaced apart from the anode plate. The cathode plate includes a substrate and a hybrid diamond layer formed on the substrate. The hybrid diamond layer includes ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains, an amorphous carbon disposed among and bonded to the ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains, micro-crystalline diamond grains disposed among the ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains, and a graphite phase disposed among the ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains. Each of the micro-crystalline diamond grains is surrounded by the graphite phase.
US09078325B2
A method and apparatus for generating a pulse width modulated voltage that has a duty cycle that is inversely proportional to a sensed battery voltage and using the generated pulse width modulated voltage to control a light emitting diode to maintain the intensity of light emitted as the battery voltage fluctuates.
US09078317B1
An LED driver uses a positive-to-floating boost converter topology to generate a negative voltage −Vee relative to ground. The converter receives an input voltage. Vin from a power supply. One end of an output inductor is coupled to ground, and the other end of the inductor is coupled between a highside switch and a low side switch. The bottom terminal of the lowside switch generates −Vee. The anode end of an LED string is coupled to Vin and the cathode end is coupled to −Vee. The converter detects the LED current and regulates the switching duty cycle so that the LED current is equal to a target current. This is more efficient than coupling the anode end of an LED string to ground and the cathode end to −Vee. A conventional buck controller IC may be used.
US09078311B2
Various embodiments relate to a lighting module. The lighting module includes at least one light source, regulating means for regulating the brightness of the light emitted by the at least one light source, and a control unit configured for receiving a brightness control signal, and driving the regulation means as a function of the brightness control signal, wherein the control unit is configured for: verifying whether the brightness control signal contains a digital communication signal, and if the brightness control signal includes a digital communication signal, detecting the data transmitted via the digital communication signal and driving the regulating means as a function of the transmitted data, or if the brightness control signal does not includes a digital communication signal, driving the regulating means as a function of the brightness control signal.
US09078301B2
Output stage circuit is added to the gate driving circuit of the LCD. The output stage circuit moderates the falling slope of the gate driving signal so as to reduce the feed-through phenomenon. The output stage circuit includes a discharge circuit which discharges the voltage of the gate driving signal with programmable speeds. The discharge circuit has a plurality of discharge units which are turned on sequentially and designed with different driving abilities. At beginning of falling of the gate driving signal, the discharge circuit discharges the gate driving signal with lower driving ability so that the gate driving signal falls with a lower speed. As time passes, the falling speed of the gate driving signal increases by the increasing of the driving ability of the discharge circuit. The entire falling period of the gate driving signal is prolonged by the output stage circuit and the feed-through phenomenon is eased.
US09078299B2
In the context of a predictive daylight harvesting system data values are input regarding a plurality of variable building design parameters. The effects on a building's environmental characteristics are calculated based on the data values regarding a plurality of building design parameters. At least one of the data values is changed regarding variable building design parameters. The effects on a building's environmental characteristics are recalculated based on the data values regarding a plurality of building design parameters building heat balance.
US09078288B2
A localized collaboration of wireless communication enabled devices can be provided for sharing of information that is independent of external communications. A local hub can communicate with a remote hub and end users using one or more wireless communication points, and provide for uploading and downloading of collaborative information from the local hub by an end user device. The local hub wirelessly broadcasts a message that has contact information that allows a remote hub to wirelessly retrieve collaborative information from the local hub. The local hub can synchronize collaborative information with a remote hub, if present, by retrieving a remote version of collaborative information using the remote hub's broadcast contact information; comparing the remote version with a locally stored version, if present; updating the local version with differences between the remote version if the remote version is a desired; and creating a local version if one is not present.
US09078287B2
A cell site includes a tower, a multi-service terminal mounted to the tower and a base transceiver station in communication with the multi-service terminal. The multi-service terminal includes a housing and a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing. Each of the adapters includes an outer port accessible from outside the housing and an inner port accessible from inside the housing.
US09078286B1
A mesh base transceiver station capable of being configured to provide an optimized backhaul network for a mesh data network deployment. For each mesh base transceiver station in the network, a primary backhaul data path is configured with a wired base transceiver station associated with the network, wherein the primary backhaul data path is a single-hop data path. Upon configuration, the mesh base transceiver station is communicatively coupled with the wired base transceiver station via the primary backhaul data path.
US09078283B2
A mobile convergence terminal is disclosed. In one aspect, the terminal includes a subscriber line interface configured to communicate with a plain old telephone service (POTS) phone and generate a first POTS call based on an input to the POTS phone. The terminal also includes a processor configured to selectively initiate a first type of wireless call or a second type of wireless call based at least in part on the input to the POTS phone and the first POTS call, wherein the first and second types of wireless call are different from each other.
US09078275B2
Methods for preventing coexistence interference between a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio and a collocated LTE radio are provided. In a first solution, the BLE radio adds padding bytes to BLE packets such that the total packet length falls in a specific range to prevent coexistence interference. In a second solution, the BLE radio limits the total BLE packet length to a predefined length to prevent coexistence interference. In a third solution, the data rate for transmitting the BLE packets is higher than a predefined rate to prevent coexistence interference. In a fourth solution, the BLE radio dynamically adjusts the time inter-frame-spacing (T_IFS) value to prevent coexistence interference with the collocated LTE radio.
US09078271B2
Techniques to train a personal area network component may include obtaining a packet error rate from a personal area network component. It may be determined that the packet error rate is greater than a packet error rate threshold after a time period. A reservation may be requested from a wide area network component based a first transmit pattern from the personal area network component. A second or adjusted transmit pattern from the wide area network component may be received. Personal area network signals may be transmitted based on the second transmit pattern. The time period may be adjusted based on a personal area network packet error rate of the second transmit pattern. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09078270B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate providing opportunistic relay node communication based on scheduling of other communications in a wireless network. In particular, a relay node can maintain a backhaul link with an access point and an access link with a mobile device to facilitate communicating information therebetween. Time slots during which the backhaul link is active can be determined and avoided during scheduling access link communications with the mobile device. Furthermore, resource assignments from the access point to the mobile device can be monitored and decoded such that time slots associated therewith can also be determined and avoided. Thus, the relay node can communicate with mobile devices in time slots where the backhaul link is inactive and/or the mobile devices are not occupied communicating directly with the access point.
US09078258B2
A control point device that reduces delay in a power-saving wireless network includes a normal data generating unit that generates 1st-type data, a preferential data generating unit that generates 2nd-type data different from the 1st-type data, a determining unit that determines an active period length, a beacon generating unit that generates a broadcasting signal including information corresponding to the determined length of the active period, and a transmitting unit that transmits the broadcasting signal to the terminal on a frame basis. The determining unit shortens the length of the active period when the preferential data generating unit generates the 2nd-type data, and a preferential data period is set in an ex-active period obtained by the shortening of the active period, the preferential data period being a period during which the 2nd-type data is transmitted. The transmitting unit transmits the 2nd-type data to the terminal during the preferential data period.
US09078256B2
A method for controlling data communication among two or more of access points within a locomotive consist is disclosed. The method may include selecting, from among the two or more access points, a first access point to output a synchronization signal. The method may also include outputting the synchronization signal from the first access point to the remaining one or more access points, wherein the synchronization signal may be used to synchronize data communication among the two or more access points.
US09078255B2
The present application describes embodiments of methods and apparatuses for controlling communications within a first cell that is overlapped by a second cell. One embodiment of the method includes receiving a signal at the second cell indicating a number of devices selected to communicate with the first cell and identifying a set of subframes during which communications are permitted to take place within the first cell based on the number of devices selected to communicate with the first cell. This embodiment of the method also includes delivering an indication of the set of subframes to the first cell.
US09078252B2
A method and apparatus for transmitting uplink control information in an FDD wireless communication system, in which a plurality of cells are arranged, are provided. The method includes: receiving one or more PDCCH signals and one or more PDSCH signals corresponding to the PDCCH signals in downlink subframe N; generating ACK/NACK information on the basis of the result of the acknowledgement of receipt of at least the one or more PDSCH signals; and transmitting the ACK/NACK information through a PUCCH. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, at least one of the PDCCH signals includes information indicating a DAI value, and if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, at least one of the PDCCH signals includes information indicating a value of a PUCCH resource for the ACK/NACK information. The information indicating the DAI value and the information indicating the value of the PUCCH resource are provided in the same field.
US09078242B2
A method of performing a power save multi-poll (PSMP) procedure of a very high throughput (VHT) wireless local access network (WLAN) system using a bonding channel consisting of a plurality of subchannels is provided. Wherein the PSMP procedure comprises a PSMP frame transmission phase, a downlink phase, and an uplink phase, and wherein the PSMP frame comprises transmission time information indicating a time allocated to each station (STA) in each of the downlink phase and the uplink phase and transmission channel information corresponding to the transmission time information.
US09078234B2
A mobile station is operated within at least one radio network having a plurality of base stations. Only some of the plurality of base stations support a Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP, service. The mobile station is registered with a first base station of the plurality of base stations. The mobile station may be registered with a second base station. The mobile station determines that one of the first base station and the second base station has functionality to support VoIP and the other does not. A Routing Area Update Request message or Tracking Area Update Request message is sent from the mobile station to the second base station in response to determining support for VoIP.
US09078222B2
A transmit power control scheme for use in point-to-multipoint communication uses a random access channel for power control signals transmitted by the receiving stations (200).
US09078221B2
In a method for adapting uplink signaling during multicasting, the user devices of a multicast group receive a multicast message from a network control unit via a radio channel (PMcCH) in a downlink connection. The radio channel is adapted with respect to its power by transmitting information in an uplink connection via a corresponding radio channel (UL-DPCCH). The radio channel (UL-DPCCH) is power-controlled via at least one associated common radio channel (DL-PMcCH) that is associated with one or more of the user devices by transmitting corresponding information in the downlink direction from the network control unit to the user devices. The information is then processed by the receiving user devices to adapt the power of the respective associated radio channels (UL-DPCCH) in the uplink direction.
US09078217B2
A radio base station including a user equipment configured to execute radio communication with a base station device in a mobile communication system. The user equipment includes a control signal reception unit configured to receive a control signal providing instructions to transmit an uplink signal and an uplink signal transmission unit configured to transmit the uplink signal to the base station device on a basis of the control signal, the uplink signal transmission unit is configured to set a maximum value of transmission power of the uplink signal to be smaller than rated power defined by the mobile communication system on a basis of at least one of a parameter notified by the control signal and a number of transmission antennas or transmitters used for transmission of an uplink signal.
US09078210B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for wireless communication including transmitting a beacon comprising group traffic information indicating whether group traffic is buffered for transmission and multicast/broadcast (MB) information indicating a type of the buffered group traffic with a first node. The beacon may be received by a second node, allowing the type of the buffered group traffic to be determined from the MB information. Types of buffered group traffic include multicast data, broadcast data and both multicast and broadcast data. As desired, the second node may enter a power save mode of operation upon determining that the type of buffered group data is not currently of interest.
US09078198B2
Network devices are steered to preferred access points using a probability function. A probe request for connection is received from a network device. The probe request can be from a network device attempting to use a wireless network (e.g., a IEEE 802.11-type network or other suitable type of network). A probability function that defines a likelihood of granting the network device a connection is used to determine whether to accept or deny the response. The probe response is then sent to the network device.
US09078196B2
A method and an apparatus for scanning existing networks in TV White Space are disclosed. For scanning existing networks at a station to operate as an unlicensed device in a regulatory domain where a licensed device and the unlicensed device are permitted to operate, the method comprises: receiving a white space map (WSM) comprising information for available channels to be used for the unlicensed device to operate a wireless local area network (WLAN) operation and maximum transmission powers allowed for each of the available channels from an enabling station, wherein the enabling station is a station determining the available channels at its location using its own geographic location identification and a regulatory database access capability; and scanning the existing networks on the available channels identified within the received WSM.
US09078195B2
A communication device facilitates a multiple radio access technology (multi-RAT) mesh network and includes a processor that executes a media independent mesh function (MIMF), the MIMF configured to exchange media independent mesh information between peer mesh entities. At least two physical network links of the communication device support different radio access technologies (RATs). The MIMF is further configured to determine a RAT-agnostic link quality estimate for a signal routing, to selectively activate or deactivate each RAT-based physical network link to conserve power and control bandwidth; and to determine a multi-RAT mesh capability of a peer device.
US09078194B2
The present invention relates to a method by which a terminal transmits/receives data to/from a first base station (BS) supporting a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second BS supporting a second RAT in a wireless access system supporting multi-RAT, the method comprising the steps of: executing an initial network entry to the first BS; a step for executing a multi-RAT capability negotiation with the first BS to exchange information needed to access the second BS; executing a scanning on at least one second BS included in the coverage of the first BS, on the basis of the information received from the first BS through the multi-RAT capability negotiation process; executing an access to a second BS of the at least one second BS; and simultaneously transmitting/receiving data with the first BS and the second BS accessed through the access process.
US09078181B2
A method and apparatus of transmitting a measurement report message in a wireless communication system is provided. A mobile station searches for at least one closed subcarrier group (CSG) cell included in a whitelist of the mobile station, and transmits to a GSM/EDGE radio access network (GERAN) cell the measurement report message including a toggling discriminator, which indicates an optimal CSG cell that satisfies a reporting criterion among the at least one found CSG cell, and a physical cell identify (PCI) and frequency of the optimal CSG cell.
US09078180B2
A measurement reporting method to avoid strong interference includes measuring all cells on a neighbor frequency indicated by a network on a neighbor list. A first and second set of cells are identified. The identified first set of cells are from the neighbor list and have a first signal strength a first predefined amount above a serving cell signal strength. The second set of cells are not on the neighbor list and have a second signal strength above a first threshold signal value. The first signal strength of the first set of cells and the second signal strength of the second set of cells are compared to determine whether to send a measurement report for the first set of cells.
US09078178B2
A method of identifying femto base station handover targets for user equipment in a wireless telecommunications network, a femto gateway operable to execute that method and a computer program product. The method comprises the steps of: receiving an indication of user equipment entry into a geographical area served by a femto base station; storing user equipment entry information, generated from said received indication of user equipment entry; receiving an indicator from user equipment identifying a detected femto base station as a handover target; and correlating said indicator against said user equipment entry information to identify those femto base stations having entered user equipment as handover targets.
US09078175B2
Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a target Mobility Management Entity (MME) or a target Serving General Packet Radio Service Support Node (SGSN) network node, and method, for handling a mobility procedure or session procedure within the same operator. The roaming agreement handling may comprise comparing a Quality of Service (QoS) parameter associated with a source system, a maximum QoS associated with a target system and a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) or Policy and Changing Rules Function (PCRF) capability. The mobility procedure or session procedure handling may further comprise providing instructions for the roaming procedure based on the comparison.Example embodiments may further comprise a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) network node, and method, for adjusting Quality of Service (QoS) during a mobility procedure or session procedure. The adjustment may be based on a received target maximum QoS.
US09078168B2
A mobile station operating in EGPRS mode needs to the early establishment of an uplink TBF although has not data to send, at the only precautionary purpose of preventing an intolerable latency negatively affecting the subsequent delay-sensitive transmissions. To this aim, the mobile sends a Packet Channel Request message in one phase access mode including a new establishment cause called “Early TBF establishment.” The network establishes an uplink TBF indicating the requester and assigns a radio resource on one PDCH channel or more. Then the network schedules the transmission from the mobile station also when it does not have data to transmit other than dummy packets. This is performed through the USF flags in the usual manner. As soon as actual data become available for transmission, the mobile send them instead of dummy packets. In an alternative embodiment the mobile sends the Packet Channel Request message in two phase access mode. As soon as the Packet Uplink Assignment message is received by the mobile station, it sends a Packet resource Request message including an extended Uplink TBF information. The network behaves as in the previous case.
US09078167B2
This specification is directed to systems and methods including a communications device for relaying data packets to at least one receiving node, having a host processor for receiving data packets and a target interface for transmitting the packets over a communications medium, wherein the target interface is configured to extract address and traffic class information from a packet and return the packet to the host processor when it is determined a node is unavailable and wherein the host processor is configured buffer the packet in a queue corresponding to the address information and the traffic class information.
US09078166B2
A method and arrangement for employing media layer adaptation in a wireless communication of media in data packets from a sending node to a receiving node, by determining a fitting frame aggregation scheme in an effective and accurate manner. An arrival time AT and generation time GT are monitored for packets when received at the packet receiving node. A difference ATdiff in the arrival time of consecutive packets and a difference GTdiff in the generation time of the packets, are calculated. Then, an inter-arrival measure IA is calculated as the deviation between the arrival time difference ATdiff and generation time difference GTdiff. When the inter-arrival jitter exceeds a preset threshold (Th), a frame aggregation scheme is determined based on the calculated inter-arrival jitter IA and applied in the packet communication.
US09078165B2
System and method for confirming radio frequency (RF) signal connections with multiple devices under test (DUTs) tested concurrently using replicas of a RF test signal. Cabled signal connections between the signal source and the DUTs are monitored by sensing levels of outgoing and related reflection RF signals. These signal levels are compared against similar signal levels when the outgoing RF signals are provided to reference impedances. Alternatively, the cabled signal connections have lengths of known signal wavelengths and the RF test signal frequency is swept such that minimum and maximum time delays between the outgoing and reflection RF signals go through minimum and maximum signal cycles with a difference of at least one full cycle. The reflection RF signal magnitude and phase are monitored, from which peak and valley signal level differences and phase changes are identified to determine return loss and phase changes indicative of DUT connection.
US09078150B2
A method for communication based on mobility evaluation in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: receiving evaluation basis information from a network, the evaluation basis information basis information comprising an offset value for mobility evaluation and a domain condition; determining whether the domain condition is satisfied; performing the mobility evaluation for at least one neighbor cell based on the offset value, if the domain condition is satisfied; and selecting a cell among the at least one neighbor cell as a mobility target cell, if a result of the mobility evaluation satisfies a predetermined criterion.
US09078147B2
Apparatus and methods are disclosed to improve a user equipment's capability of performing time and frequency tracking by utilizing two carriers when the channel interference on one of the carriers is greater than a certain threshold. In one aspect of the disclosure, a user equipment (UE) determines that channel interference of a first carrier is greater than an interference threshold. The UE performs frequency tracking and time tracking in accordance with information received from a second carrier, and performs interference cancellation in accordance with the frequency tracking and time tracking. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.
US09078146B2
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for improving detection and processing of secondary synchronization signals (SSS).
US09078145B2
In an overlay, network-based, wireless location system, LMUs typically co-located with BTSs are used to collect radio signaling both in the forward and reverse channels for use in TDOA and/or AOA positioning methods. Information broadcast from the radio network and by global satellite navigation system constellations can be received by the LMU and used to reduce the difficulty of initial system configuration and reconfiguration due to radio network changes.
US09078140B2
A system for broadcasting and receiving a beacon signal includes a beacon transmitter (310, 400) and a beacon receiver (320, 500). The beacon transmitter includes a beacon signal generator (410) to generate a beacon signal, and a directional antenna system (420) to selectively transmit the beacon signal in a corresponding one of M different directions during each one of M beacon slots (342) during a beacon period (340) in each of a plurality of superframes (330). The beacon receiver includes a beacon signal detector (510) to receive and detect the beacon signal, and a directional antenna system (520) having an antenna pattern including a main lobe and being adapted to selectively steer the main lobe in a selected one of N different directions during each of a plurality of receiver frames each having a time period substantially equal to a time period of one of the superframes.
US09078132B2
A radio communication system comprises a macro-cell base station (MeNB) and a pico-cell base station (PeNB). The macro-cell base station (MeNB) transmits, to the pico-cell base station (PeNB), a throughput representative value (MT) determined from the throughput of each of a plurality of radio terminals connected to the macro-cell base station (MeNB). The pico-cell base station (PeNB) receives the throughput representative value (MT) from the macro-cell base station (MeNB) and changes a bias value on the basis of the received throughput representative value (MT) and a throughput representative value (PT) determined from the throughput of each of a plurality of radio terminals connected to the pico-cell base station (PeNB), thereby adjusting the coverage of the pico-cell base station (PeNB).
US09078124B2
According to one aspect of this disclosure, a communication network device is provided comprising a first determiner configured to determine a plurality of wireless communication devices requiring a communication connection to a base station; a second determiner configured to determine, for each wireless communication device of the plurality of wireless communication devices, a time to establish the communication connection requested by each wireless communication device and a transmitter configured to transmit, to each wireless communication device of the plurality of wireless communication devices, an indication of the time to establish the communication connection requested by each wireless communication device.
US09078122B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of performing automated administrative operations on a mobile device. One example method may include determining via a hosted server that an action needs to be performed by a mobile device under management. The method may further include generating a message via the hosted server, the message includes the action, and transmitting the message to the mobile device under management, and receiving a result message from the mobile device under management responsive to the transmitted message, the result message indicating that the action has been satisfied.
US09078121B2
A process for the automatic creation of ad-hoc networks between mobile devices in emergency and evacuation events. During an emergency or an evacuation event a command centre (20) issues a special emergency warning to mobile network operators, in response to which the operators broadcast over the mobile network (10) a trigger message to the mobile devices (11-14) that they service. Receipt of the trigger message causes the mobile devices (11-14) in a given geographical area to search for their neighbours and to form groups each having a leader, subsequent communication between the group and the mobile network (10) being conducted via the leader, communications within the group being conducted for example by using Bluetooth or WiFi. In this way, both resources in the mobile network and battery power of the mobile devices are conserved.
US09078115B2
Systems, methods and computer program products for processing a call as between a mobile device and a linked base telephone system are described. A phone docking station allows the mobile device to be linked to the base telephone system. Features of either the mobile device or the base telephone system may be used to support a call. For example, through the phone docking station, one or more features and functions of the mobile device may be enabled on or supported by the base telephone system.
US09078112B2
A communication device and method for facilitating call back from a communication device with multiple subscriber identities comprising at least a first subscriber identity and a second subscriber identity. The method comprises receiving a telephone call on a first subscription associated with the first subscriber identity from another communication device. The method also comprises determining an order of prioritization among the subscriber identities according to at least one parameter for establishing the telephone call with the other communication device on the subscription associated with the respective subscriber identities. In further addition, the method comprises facilitating call back to the other communication device using the second subscriber identity when it is determined that the second subscriber identity is more prioritized than the first subscriber identity.
US09078107B2
An extracting unit detects movement from a first area to a second area, the first area and the second area defined as areas having different priorities. When the extracting unit detects the movement, this changes a communication process defined in the first area to the communication process defined in the second area. A notifying unit notifies that the area changed when the movement is detected. Herein, the priority of the first area and the priority of the second area are defined according to importance of a signal, which should be broadcasted from a processing unit.
US09078094B2
A computer-implemented method provides, to a first user, location-based information concerning a second user, and a system and computer-readable storage medium include computer-readable instructions for performing the same. The method includes determining that the second user is within a certain geographic area and communicating to the first user, by way of a wireless communication device of the first user, an identity of the second user.
US09078091B2
An approach is provided for generating and sharing compositions based on media elements acquired from different locations. A media generation platform determines an association of one or more media elements with one or more locations. The media generation platform next determines one or more interactions with at least one connecting user interface element to associate the one or more media composition elements with one or more media composition applications. The media generation platform then causes a generation of at least one media composition that includes, at least in part, the one or more media composition elements based, at least in part, on the one or more interactions.
US09078087B2
Provided is a method for forming a Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) group using Wi-Fi Direct. The method includes acquiring device information of other P2P device corresponding to a connection target by P2P devices that will form a Wi-Fi P2P group; checking a type of the other P2P devices based on the acquired device information; adjusting an intent value of a P2P device depending on the checked type of the other P2P devices; and forming a Wi-Fi P2P group based on the adjusted intent values of the P2P devices.
US09078085B2
A system and method for local operations in a communications system are provided. A method for device operations includes identifying, at a communications controller of a communications system, identification information in a packet received from a machine-to-machine device, and determining if the packet is to be processed locally according to the identification information. The method further includes routing the packet to a local destination if the packet is to be processed locally, and routing the packet to a remote destination if the packet is not to be processed locally.
US09078083B2
Capability information, relating to hardware and/or software capabilities of different types of mobile devices, may be used to tailor services provided to the mobile device based on the particular type of mobile device. In one implementation, a device, such as an application server that provide services to mobile devices, may: receive a request from a mobile device, for services; obtaining information indicating a type of the mobile device; obtain, based on the type of mobile device, information indicating capabilities of the mobile device; and provide the services to the mobile device, in which the provided services are tailored for the mobile device based on the capabilities of mobile device.
US09078080B1
Configurations providing a rolling sequence model for a user interface over SMS for an interactive system are described. An SMS server can implement the rolling sequence model in which a number from a sequence of numbers (e.g., a block of numbers) is assigned to a user session. A subsequent number from the sequence of numbers is assigned for each session turn-around. Upon receipt of an SMS message from a user to initiate a session, the SMS server assigns a first number from the sequence of numbers to a user session. The SMS server then assigns the next phone number to the user session after receiving a subsequent SMS message from the user. In the event that the last number from the sequence of numbers is assigned, the SMS can cycle through the sequence of numbers by assigning the first number to the user session.
US09078077B2
An approach to forming output signals both permits flexible and temporally and/or frequency local processing of input signals while limiting or mitigating artifacts in such output signals. Generally, the approach involves first synthesizing prototype signals for the output signals, or equivalently characterizing such prototypes, for example, according to their statistical characteristics, and then forming the output signals as estimates of the prototype signals, for example, as weighted combinations of the input signals.
US09078063B2
A microphone assembly includes a cover, a base coupled to the cover, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device disposed on the base. An opening is formed in the base and the MEMS device is disposed over the opening. The base includes a barrier that extends across the opening and is porous to sound. The remaining portions of the base do not extend across the opening.
US09078054B2
An optical module includes: an optical device driven by a driving voltage; an arithmetic processing chip including an arithmetic processing circuit that operates according to predetermined firmware and generates an electrical control signal indicating a magnitude of the driving voltage; a voltage generating unit provided outside the arithmetic processing chip, and including an input terminal that receives the control signal from the arithmetic processing chip and an output terminal that provides the driving voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the control signal to the optical device; and a voltage holding unit that holds an output voltage from the output terminal of the voltage generating unit at a constant voltage regardless of an operation state of the arithmetic processing circuit, when the firmware is updated.
US09078042B2
A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving uncompressed audio content or uncompressed video content from an external decoding unit, extracting identifiers of frames from the received content periodically, submitting requests containing the identifiers and receiving a trigger for the content when a new segment is detected or when an event activation needs to be communicated to the receiver, wherein the trigger indicates the current time of the contents and references a particular interactive event in an application parameter table or signals that the event is to be executed now or at a specified future time, wherein the application parameter table includes information about at least one of applications.
US09078040B2
Apparatus and methods for providing media options over a network. In one embodiment, the media options are presented in conjunction with a promotion or advertisement for particular content. The precise ones of a plurality of disclosed options that will be presented may be determined based at least in part on a campaign established by a content management entity and a current availability of the content. For example, certain media options may only be made available for content that is currently available, while other options may be only available for content available at a future date/time, or during a particular time window. Rules for determining which options are to be provided in conjunction with which content and/or advertisements are established and by a content management entity, such as an entity of a multiple systems operator (MSO).
US09078032B2
A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.
US09078028B2
A method and device for providing synchronized data output is provided. The method includes generating two data streams sending data to be presented in synchronization. Both streams are generated by the same processor-based device. The first data stream follows a first protocol and the second data stream follows a second (different) protocol. The processor of the processor-based device adjusts a data rate of the second data stream to cause a reduction in any timing offset between the streams.
US09078026B2
The present invention provides techniques relating to rich media advertising. Techniques are provided in which an advertiser-provided image-based component of an advertisement creative is matched with an advertiser-provided audio component of the advertisement creative. A rich media advertisement may be served that includes the image-based component and a synchronously presented audio component. Utilization of the rich media advertisement may be provided as an option to an advertiser to advertising utilizing a video advertisement, such as an option that may be used to target lower bandwidth users.
US09078020B2
In one embodiment, a method distributes files for assets to a plurality of content delivery networks (CDNs). The method determines a set of asset characteristics related to an asset of video content and analyzes the set of asset characteristics to determine a delivery classification for the asset. Different asset characteristics result in different delivery classifications. The method then automatically determines a set of content delivery networks to distribute files for the asset based on the delivery classification where assets with different delivery classifications have files delivered differently to sets of content delivery networks.
US09078016B2
A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates ordered in a hierarchy for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. The templates include those for higher-order displays which have one or more links to lower-order displays of specific content. The VOD Application Server, in response to viewer request, displays a high-order templatized display, and in response to viewer selection of a link, displays the lower-order display of specific content. The hierarchical templatized displays enable viewers to navigate to an end subject of interest while having a unique visual experience of moving through a series of displays to the end subject of interest. For example, the higher-order display may be a product ad and the lower-order display may be an ad for a local retailer of the product. Similarly, a viewer can navigate from national product to local product ad, or classified ad category to specific classified ad, or bulletin board topic category to specific posting. In another embodiment, the VOD content delivery system is used to deliver consumer-generated classified ads on TV. A web-based Content Management System receives consumer-generated content uploaded online in industry-standard file formats with metadata for title and topical area, and automatically converts it into video data format compatible with the VOD content delivery system indexed by title and topical area. A User Interface for the system delivers listings data to the viewer's TV indexed by title and topical area, and displays a requested classified ad in response to viewer selection.
US09078005B2
The present invention is directed to an image information encoding apparatus, used in receiving compressed image information through network media when processing of such compressed image information is performed on storage media. A picture sorting buffer delivers information of picture type of frame Picture_type to a picture type discrimination unit. The picture type discrimination unit transmits command to a motion prediction/compensation unit on the basis of that information. The motion prediction/compensation unit generates predictive picture by using filter coefficients having the number of taps lesser than that of P picture with respect to B picture for which operation quantity and the number of memory accesses are required to more degree as compared to P picture on the basis of that command.
US09078004B2
The disclosed subject matter, in one embodiment, provides techniques to signal inter-layer texture and motion prediction from different direct dependent reference layers. In certain exemplary arrangements, techniques are provided which include one or more syntax elements in a high level syntax structure, e.g., the slice segment header, indicating such different direct dependent reference layer(s).
US09078001B2
A bitplane decoding system where the bitplane operations are broken up into an optimized plurality of sub-tasks. A pipeline structure is established for the execution of said sub-tasks on a plurality of processors or dedicated hardware logic blocks in a manner that allows efficient execution of the sub-tasks in parallel across two processors, resulting in a significant increase in performance.
US09077998B2
A video encoder divides a picture into a plurality of picture partitions, such as tiles or wavefront parallel processing (WPP) waves. The picture partitions are associated with non-overlapping subsets of the treeblocks of the picture. The video encoder generates a coded slice network abstraction layer (NAL) unit that includes encoded representations of the treeblocks associated with a slice of the picture. The coded treeblocks are grouped within the coded slice NAL unit into segments associated with different ones of the picture partitions. The video encoder pads one or more of the segments such that each of the segments begins on a byte boundary.
US09077990B2
Systems and methods are provided for determining characteristics of video data. A frame of video data is obtained, where the frame is represented by pixel data. A value is assigned to an element of a detection array based on pixel data in a portion of the video frame corresponding to the element. A frequency transform of values of the detection array is determined, and a characteristic of the video data is extracted based on the output of the frequency transform.
US09077985B2
In a video display device and system, a timing control section performs timing control for right- and left-eye video signals and to each have a blanking period whose length (Duty) is longer than that of a first-time blanking period Tb1 at least once in second-time and later blanking periods, e.g., performs timing control for a second-time blanking period Tb2 to be longer in Duty than the first-time blanking period Tb1. With such timing control, for stereoscopic display video viewing using open-state shutter glasses in the second-time blanking period Tb2 with a sequential write mode, there are advantages that the shutter glasses can remain longer in the open state while the response characteristics of the liquid crystal material being enhanced. As such, with the resulting video display device and system, the occurrence of crosstalk can be favorably prevented at the same time as reducing any reduction in display brightness.
US09077983B2
A decoder, a projecting system, and a method for processing an image thereof are provided. The decoder is adapted to the projecting system having a projecting module and a shutter glass. The decoder includes a decoding circuit and an indicating unit. The projecting module outputs a frame turning control signal to the shutter glass. The decoding circuit receives and decodes a three-dimensional (3D) video signal to produce a first image data and a second image data to the projecting module. The indicating unit is coupled to the decoding circuit and correspondingly produces an indicating signal when the decoding circuit outputs one of the first image data and the second image data.
US09077969B2
Systems and methods of determining motion vectors, such as for video encoding, are disclosed. In one example, motion vectors are determined for a current frame, using sampled pixel information from a reference frame. Sampled pixel information is obtained using a sampling pattern. The sampling pattern, in one example, includes subsampling pixels at different rates for horizontal and vertical directions. The subsampling rate can differ, based on an amount of motion represented by a matching block (e.g., the farther a match is found away from an origin of the block, the more subsampling can be done). In another example, a full pixel resolution is maintained proximal an original location of the block; as distance increases in one or more directions, subsampling can begin and/or increase. Sampled pixels can be stored. Interpolation of the sampled pixels can be performed and the sampled and resulting interpolated pixels can be used for comparison.
US09077965B2
An image compression method has at least the following steps: receiving source pixel data of a plurality of blocks of a frame; when a lossless compression mode is enabled for the frame, bypassing a source quantization operation and applying a lossless compression kernel to source pixel data of each of the blocks; and when a lossy compression mode is enabled for the frame, applying the source quantization operation to the source pixel data of each of the blocks to generate input pixel data of each of the blocks, and applying the lossless compression kernel to the input pixel data of each of the blocks. For example, the source quantization operation employs an adaptive quantization parameter for each of the blocks such that a size of compressed data of the frame generated under the lossy compression mode does not exceed a bit budget.
US09077963B2
Systems and methods for performing multimedia conversion are disclosed. In a multimedia conversion system for converting two-dimensional (2D) multimedia data to stereoscopic multimedia data, an absolute difference between pixel pairs is determined for each scan line in a frame of the 2D multimedia data. The absolute difference values are accumulated, and a depth map is derived based on the accumulated difference values. The depth map is applied to the frame in the 2D multimedia data.
US09077958B2
The prevention of vehicle accidents is targeted. A road texture model is created based on a vehicle camera image. An initial vehicle location estimate is determined, and map imagery is obtained based on this location estimate. A refined vehicle location is determined using visual egomotion. In particular, 3D features of the vehicle image and the retrieved map imagery are identified and aligned. A map image is selected based on this alignment, and the location associated with the map image is modified by a displacement between the selected map image and the vehicle image to produce a refined vehicle location. A road boundary model is created based on the road texture model and the refined vehicle location, and a road departure model is created based on the road boundary model and vehicle odometry information. The operator of the vehicle is warned of a road departure based on the road departure model.
US09077950B2
A system, method and content filtering module is provided for analyzing image data received from an imaging sensor, such as a CCD camera, determining whether or not image data meets appropriate criteria, and potentially blocking unacceptable image data, before the data is stored in a device memory or on some other storage medium, or passed to other applications. This system encourages safer and more responsible use of electronic imaging devices without compromising the general utility of said devices. In particular, it may help to protect young people from making and distributing nude, or sexually suggestive pictures, or pictures containing content that is deemed inappropriate, when using a PDA, camera phone, or computer equipped with a camera.
US09077949B2
A content search device includes a feature quantity computing unit that computes a feature quantity of at least any one of an image feature, an acoustic feature and a semantic feature included in each piece of content data, and that stores feature quantity data. The device also includes an unknown feature quantity computing unit that computes an unknown feature quantity of each feature type not associated with a content identifier in the feature quantity data by use of the feature quantity of the feature type associated with the content identifier, and that stores the unknown feature quantity as a feature estimated value in the feature quantity data. The device further includes a distance computing unit that computes a distance indicating a similarity between each two pieces of content data based on the feature quantities and the feature estimated values stored in the feature quantity data. The device still further includes a display unit that determines a display position of a thumbnail corresponding to each piece of content data based on the distances computed by the distance computing unit, and that displays the thumbnail on a display device.
US09077947B2
Embodiments related to the presentation of linear content and non-linear content in an integrated user experience are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method of identifying linear content and non-linear content for presentation via a video recording device. The method includes detecting a trigger to perform a search for content items, and providing, responsive to the trigger, a search request to one or more metadata sources, each metadata source containing locations of one or more of linear content items and non-linear content items available at one or more content sources. The method further includes receiving from each metadata source a search response including metadata associated with available content at one or more of the content sources, and outputting a list of content items identifying one or more linear content items and one or more non-linear content items from one or more metadata sources.
US09077946B2
A streaming content management apparatus and method for recording and replaying video and audio data using a real time video indexing function are provided. A streaming content management apparatus of a multimedia broadcast receiver includes a recording unit for recording an incoming content stream in units of segment together with indexes and a player for replaying the content stream recorded by the recording unit in response to an index that is input to request playback from a segment corresponding to the input index. The streaming content management apparatus divides the streaming content incoming through a broadcast channel in units of segment and stores segments of the streaming content with storage index and chapter information such that it is possible to quickly retrieve a playback position using the storage index or chapter information.
US09077945B2
An image processing device includes a color temperature estimating unit configured to estimate a color temperature of a light source in imaging, a white balance adjusting unit configured to perform first white balance adjustment in which white balance of an image signal is adjusted on the basis of the estimated color temperature when the estimated color temperature is within a predetermined color temperature range, and perform second white balance adjustment in which the white balance of the image signal is adjusted on the basis of the estimated color temperature even when the estimated color temperature is not within the predetermined color temperature range, and a color region extracting unit configured to extract a color region of a specific color by using the image signal to which the second white balance adjustment is applied.
US09077944B2
A first WB correction coefficient for modifying a tint of an image captured in an auxiliary light non-emission condition to a tint of a peripheral light of the auxiliary light non-emission condition is set by a first WB correction coefficient setting unit, and a second WB correction coefficient for modifying the tint of an image captured in an auxiliary light emission condition to the tint of the auxiliary light non-emission condition is set by a second WB correction coefficient setting unit. The tint of the image captured in the auxiliary light emission condition is then modified to the tint of the auxiliary light non-emission condition by an image processing unit on the basis of the first WB correction coefficient and the second WB correction coefficient.
US09077940B2
A display apparatus includes: a display unit which includes a display connector and displays an image; and a main body which includes a power supply unit for supplying power to the display unit, an image processing unit for outputting image signals, and a main body connector which is directly or indirectly connected to the display connector in order to supply the power and the image signals output from the power supply unit and the image processing unit, respectively, to the display unit.
US09077938B2
An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a primary transfer part, a droplet ejecting unit and a controller. On the photosensitive drum, an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device forms a toner image by causing a developing agent to adhere to the electrostatic latent image. The primary transfer part transfers the toner image onto an intermediate transfer belt. The droplet ejecting unit ejects droplets onto the toner image on the photosensitive drum after forming the toner image on the photosensitive drum and before transferring the toner image to the transfer member. The controller controls an ejection area of the droplet ejecting unit in accordance with image information of the toner image.
US09077932B2
A multimedia system includes a multimedia content providing device, a multimedia information providing device, and a multimedia information display device. The multimedia content providing device and the multimedia information providing device respectively provide the multimedia content and the related multimedia information. The multimedia information display device comprises a display device, a wireless communication device, and a signal processing device. The wireless communication device receives the multimedia content and the related multimedia information. The signal processing device configures the display device to display the multimedia content and the related multimedia information synchronously. Moreover, the signal processing device may also configure a multimedia content display device to display the multimedia content and configure the display device of the multimedia information display device to synchronously display the related multimedia information.
US09077931B2
A memory device memorizes, in association, possessor identification information, which is recorded at recording mediums carried by authorized users of an image forming device, and inputter identification information corresponding to the possessor identification information. An information retention device memorizes image information and inputter identification information transmitted from an image formation instruction device. A reading device reads possessor identification information from a recording medium. If it is determined that this possessor identification information has been memorized at the memory device, an image formation section reads image information that is associated with inputter identification information that is associated with the possessor identification information, and implements image formation. If not, an output section outputs the possessor identification information. When the possessor identification information is inputted through an input section, a registration section registers the possessor identification information and inputter identification information by memorizing them in association at the memory device.
US09077927B2
An image inspection system for inspecting an image output on a recording medium includes an image forming unit to form a threshold setting image on the recording medium; an image scanner to scan the threshold setting image to generate a scanned image; an inspection reference image generator to generate an inspection reference image using data of the an output-target image; an image inspection unit to determine a defect in the scanned image based on a difference between the inspection reference image and the scanned image; and a threshold determiner to determine a threshold to be compared with the difference between the inspection reference image and the scanned image. The image inspection unit computes the difference between the scanned image and the inspection reference image. The threshold determiner determines a threshold to be compared with the difference between the scanned image and the inspection reference image.
US09077922B2
A solid state image pickup device is provided that includes a pixel array unit having a plurality of pixels and a signal processing circuit that has a capacitor operatively configured to process a respective signal output from each of the plurality of pixels. The capacitor is operatively configured as a stacked capacitor or a trench capacitor.
US09077917B2
A system and method of generating a high dynamic range image. A single reset of an image sensor may be executed followed by two or more reads of the sensor to retrieve data. These reads of the image sensor may be done prior to a subsequent reset of the sensor. These reads may also be accomplished at predetermined times relative to one another. Data read out during these scans may be deinterleaved by an image signal processor and combined into a high dynamic range image.
US09077916B2
A method is described of capturing an image. The method comprising the steps of: exposing an image sensor to radiation from a first part of the electromagnetic spectrum using a first aperture and to radiation from a second part of the spectrum using a second aperture having a different size than the first aperture; and, forming an image on the basis of first image data generated by the radiation from the first part of the spectrum and second image data generated by radiation from the second part of the spectrum.
US09077914B2
This invention can generate printed matter on which a multi-valued discrimination image of three values or more cannot be visually confirmed under ordinary light but can be visually confirmed via an infrared camera under infrared light. To this end, a holding unit holds items of color information C1, C2, and C3 each indicating usage amounts of printing materials of three types, used by a printing apparatus, which have a color difference under visible light not more than a pre-set threshold, and which have different infrared light ray absorption rates. When a latent image generating unit generates infrared light ray latent image data of three tones, a discrimination image data generating unit decides one color information item Ci (1≦i≦3) held by the holding unit, and outputs the decided Ci to an output unit which outputs the received pixel values to the printing apparatus.
US09077911B2
Certain cameras and systems described herein produce enhanced dynamic range still or video images. The images can also have controlled or reduced motion artifacts. Moreover, the cameras and systems in some cases allow the dynamic range and/or motion artifacts to be tuned to achieve a desired cinematic effect.
US09077906B1
A method for adjusting a contrast value of a video capturing end to a optimum contrast value is provided. Firstly, a first video image and a first contrast value of the first video image are gathered by a software part. A reference image is generated according to the first video image. The first video image is compared with the reference image to generate a first image evaluation value and an operation is performed to determine whether the first image evaluation value is greater than a first threshold. When the first image evaluation value is smaller than the first threshold, a second contrast value is generated according to the first contrast value and a dynamical contrast adjusting value. The second contrast value is sent to a firmware part by the software part to adjust a contrast value of the video capturing end according to the second contrast value.
US09077905B2
An image capturing apparatus and a control method capable of obtaining an image with a wide dynamic range, without using a special image sensor. An amount of dynamic range enhancement for lessening an amount of blown-out highlights of an image is determined based on the amount of blown-out highlights. An image with enhanced dynamic range is then obtained, by performing image capture at a sensitivity that has been lessened based on the amount of dynamic range enhancement, and correcting a drop in brightness of the captured image due to the lessened sensitivity.
US09077901B2
A dual-mode light field camera or plenoptic camera is enabled to perform both 3D light field imaging and conventional high-resolution 2D imaging, depending on the selected mode. In particular, an active system is provided that enables the microlenses to be optically or effectively turned on or turned off, allowing the camera to selectively operate as a 2D imaging camera or a 3D light field camera.
US09077891B1
A computing device can capture a plurality of images using a camera of the device, each image being captured with a different focus setting of the camera. In some embodiments, the capturing the plurality of images can be performed during an autofocus process of the camera. The device can determine depth information, such as a position of relative depth, for each of the plurality of images based on the state of the camera when each image was captured. Depth information for any object(s) in focus in a respective one of the plurality of images can be determined to correspond to the depth information for the respective image.
US09077888B2
An approach for enabling the autofocus feature of a camera to be directed towards priority targets within a frame is described. A camera retrieves a stored object image. An autofocus platform then compares an object viewed by the camera within a scene with the stored object image. The autofocus platform then determines a focus point within the scene based on the comparison. The image is captured by the camera using the determined focus point.
US09077873B2
Image defects in digital images are easily detectable by the human eye but may be difficult to detect in a computer-implemented fashion. In an embodiment of a digital-image-acquisition device, defects are removed on the CFA domain before color interpolation takes place. In order to allow cancellation of couplets of defective pixels, a two pass embodiment is presented. Such embodiment presents methods and systems that can remove both couplets and singlets without damaging the image. The system includes a ring corrector that detects a defect in the ring of pixels that surround a central pixel, a singlet corrector that detects and corrects the central pixel and removes a couplet if the ring corrector is activated, whereas if the ring corrector is switched off, the singlet corrector only removes singlets, and a peak-and-valley detector that avoids overcorrection by avoiding correcting signal peaks or valleys in case of spikes or drops in signal.
