US09157544B2
A valve section that functions as a solenoid valve device that includes a pressure adjusting section that adjusts fluid pressure supplied from a fluid pressure source; a pump section that sucks and discharges working fluid in a reservoir; and a single solenoid section that drives the pressure adjusting section and the pump section.
US09157539B2
A pressure-control valve device for a fluid, having at least one inlet area and first and second outlet areas that can be flow-connected to one another by two seat valves coupled to one another, in which a fluid flow from the inlet area to the first and second outlet areas can be adjusted by the first seat valve and a fluid flow between the first and second outlet areas can be adjusted by the second seat valve. The first seat valve is designed as a valve aperture with a valve opening and a valve control edge and with a ball-shaped closing element that co-operates with the valve control edge. The valve opening and the ball-shaped closing element are designed such that the ratio of the diameter of the valve opening to the diameter of the ball-shaped closing element is equal to at least 0.75.
US09157537B2
An aircraft check valve assembly where the fluid check valve is indexed in rotational position relative to a first duct flange and to a second opposed duct flange and to a clamping band where the check valve includes an annular check valve flange having at least one index tab extending therefrom. The index tab formed in the check valve annular flange engages a void area formed in an outer annular ridge formed in the first and second duct flanges. A clamping band holds the first duct flange to the check valve flange and to the second duct flange where the clamping band is rotationally indexed to the check valve by index fingers formed on the index tab which and extends to occupy a gap formed in a hinge point of the band clamp.
US09157523B2
A bicycle component actuation apparatus basically comprises a base member; a user operating member and a controller. The user operating member is movably mounted to the base member from a rest position to a first operated position. The controller detects operation of the user operating member to operate first and second electric components, one of which is not a shifting device. The controller operates one of the first and second electric components upon the controller detecting the user operating member being moved to the first operated position. The controller operates at least the other of the first and second electric components upon the controller detecting the user operating member remaining at the first operated position for a period of time longer than a first prescribed time.
US09157520B2
A motion guide apparatus includes a cylindrical member having a peripheral protrusion formed between two outer peripheral recesses, a housing engaged onto the cylindrical member and having a peripheral swelling formed between two peripheral depressions, a number of bearing members engaged between the cylindrical member and the housing, and two actuating ring members each having a number of orifices for engaging with the bearing members and each having an inner side portion directed toward the peripheral protrusion and the peripheral swelling, and each having an operating device extended into the gap that is formed between the peripheral protrusion and the peripheral swelling for wiping the lubricating oil.
US09157519B2
A worm reduction gear that reduces a rotation of a worm and transmits the reduced rotation to a worm wheel includes a casing that houses the worm and the worm wheel, wherein the casing includes: a wheel opposing surface that opposes an end surface of the worm wheel via an interval; and a grease holding recessed portion formed in a recessed shape in the wheel opposing surface, and the grease holding recessed portion is provided in a position opposing a worm meshing portion between the worm and the worm wheel.
US09157515B2
An axle assembly having an axle housing, an input pinion, a ring gear, a ring gear bearing, a differential assembly and a pair of axle shafts. The input pinion is mounted to the axle housing for rotation about a first axis. The ring gear is received in the axle housing and meshed with the input pinion. The ring gear bearing supports the ring gear on the axle housing for rotation about a second axis. The ring gear bearing has a bearing race, which is integrally formed with the ring gear, and a plurality of first bearing element that contact the first bearing race. The differential assembly has a differential case, which is coupled to the ring gear for rotation therewith, and a pair of output members. Each axle shaft being coupled for rotation with a corresponding one of the output members.
US09157514B2
An adjuster for pivotally adjusting two vehicle parts to each other, is provided, the adjuster including a spindle pivotally arranged on the one vehicle part about a first pivot axis, an adjusting gear unit which includes a gear unit housing and is in engagement with the spindle via a spindle nut, and a holder arranged at the other vehicle part, which pivotally supports the adjusting gear unit on the other vehicle part about a second pivot axis and for this purpose at least partly encloses the gear unit housing of the adjusting gear unit in circumferential direction about the second pivot axis. The holder may be formed by a plastic retaining clip to form a light-weight and inexpensive adjuster that has high strength in operation.
US09157510B2
A gearbox includes a transmission mechanism and a clutch system including plural clutches. The gearbox has a gear change mechanism that is interlocked with a change pedal shaft to which rotational force by operation of a shift pedal is transmitted and arbitrarily selects a transmission gear of the transmission mechanism to perform gear shift. An ECU can electronically control connection/disconnection of the clutch system according to a shift position of the gear change mechanism.
US09157507B2
A spare part set for a gearmotor series includes transmissions actuated by electric motors. The series has at least one dimension which may be characterized by at least one physical, mechanical and/or geometrical value, e.g., by nominal power, axis height or torque. Each electric motor includes at least one crankcase, a rotor provided with a rotor axis and a side-shield for a motor bearing arranged within a given size. The crankcase includes an interface with the side-shield for a motor bearing, which is selected such that at least two different embodiments thereof are connectable to the said crankcase.
US09157504B2
An anchoring device secures tendons formed of a filament body made of fiber reinforced plastic by inserting a male member into a female member to sandwich the tendons between them. Each of the female member and the male member is formed in a tapered shape inclined from one end toward the other end and the female member and the male member include a plurality of mount portions at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of an inclined tapered face between the female member and the male member, each of the plurality of tendons being placed on a different one of the mount portions. The length from the one end to the other end of each of the female member and the male member corresponding to a length direction of the tapered face in contact with the tendon is equal to or larger than 130 mm.
US09157499B2
A shock absorber that absorbs a vibration using a working fluid charged into a first chamber and a second chamber comprises a tube body, an inserted body, a tip end of which is inserted into the tube body from an end portion of the tube body, and a partition wall portion that is provided on the tip end of the inserted body to be capable of sliding within the tube body and partitions an interior of the tube body into the first chamber and the second chamber. The shock absorber comprises a connecting portion that is provided within a partition wall portion sliding region of the tube body and connects the first chamber and the second chamber when the partition wall portion passes thereby.
US09157483B2
A method of connecting a hub component and a connection between a shaft and a hub component, in particular a pinion connected to a shaft. The hub component and the shaft are formed of different materials, that is of ceramics and metal. A connecting element of metal is connected both to the hub component and to the shaft. The hub component and the shaft are connected to the connecting element by a material bond.
US09157482B2
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a shaft coupling is provided. The shaft coupling comprises a first shaft having a splined outer surface, a tubular second shaft having an end surface and a splined inner surface, the second shaft receiving the first shaft along a longitudinal axis of the second shaft, and at least one stake extending axially into the second shaft end surface. The at least one stake deforms at least a portion of the splined inner surface to facilitate an interference fit between the first and second shafts and configured to resist a predetermined axial separation load being applied to the first and second shafts.
US09157473B2
A thrust bearing comprising a damper body including a body part and protrusions axially protruding at predetermined areas on the body part with flat tops, and thrust top foils each having a contact portion that is in surface contact with the tops of the protrusions.
US09157472B2
A thrust foil air bearing has a bump foil arranged on a thrust plate. A top foil includes a flat surface extending along top bumps of the bump foil, an edge attached to the thrust plate, and a ramp connecting the edge and the flat surface. The ramp forms a curvature. The curvature has a center located in a lower part of the ramp and tangentially contacts the top of a first bump of the bump foil.
US09157463B2
A hanging structure includes a main body, two first hooks and a second hook. The main body has an outer surface, and the outer surface has a first end. The two first hooks are disposed on the first end. The second hook is disposed on the first end. The second hook is located between the two first hooks, and the length of the part of each of the two first hooks above the outer surface is longer than the length of the part of the second hook above the outer surface.
US09157462B2
Joint parts of joinable plates to be joined to each other are joined by a plurality of joining bolts. The joining bolts are arranged in a direction of a tensile load F. The joint parts of the plate members have four sections T1 to T4 that vary in elastic modulus. The elastic modulus (E1 to E4) of these sections T1 to T4 have a relationship of E1(T1)>E2(T2)>E3(T3)>E4(T4).
US09157461B2
A digital hydraulics valve includes a plurality of digitally switchable individual valves, which are connected in parallel with respect to a load, and at least one equalizing valve for generating intermediate values between the opening cross-section stages that can be implemented by the digitally switchable individual valves. The equalizing valve is a poppet valve, which provides a partial opening cross-section smaller than the nominal opening cross-section thereof by actuation using a time switching pattern. The time switching pattern is preferably based on the principle of a pulse width modulation. The equalizing valve is further preferably a valve selected from the plurality of individual valves of the digital hydraulics valve.
US09157456B2
The method consists, based on an operating parameter of the turbojet engine, in: displacing said control member (11) in a direction as far as a first position (P1) for which the receiving members (5) are rotated so as to take up the clearance of the kinematic link (12), then displacing said control member in the direction opposing the previous direction, as far as a second position (P2) when a variation of the selected operating parameter is observed, and in ascertaining the travel of the control member (11) between the two positions corresponding to the total clearance of the kinematic link (12), and comparing the ascertained value of said travel of the control member with a predetermined limit value and, if it is observed that the ascertained value of the travel of the control member is greater than said limit value, to carry out monitoring of the kinematic link (12).
US09157455B2
An airflow assembly, includes a plenum, a barrel, a fan support, a fan assembly, and a plurality of ribs. The plenum includes an opening structure defining a plenum opening. The barrel extends in a downstream direction from the opening structure, and defines a barrel space and a downstream edge. The fan support is at least partially positioned within the barrel space. The fan assembly is supported by the fan support and includes (i) a motor and (ii) a blade assembly configured to rotate about an axis. Each of the ribs extends between (i) the opening structure or the barrel and (ii) the fan support. The downstream direction is parallel to the axis. An upstream direction is opposite of the downstream direction and parallel to the axis. A plane intersects the axis and is perpendicular to the axis.
US09157453B2
A manufacturing method and assembly for providing ventilation to a selected structure is disclosed. The assembly may include various features such as flexible portions, rigid portions, and assembly portions. Further, various steps may be used to form the assembly to achieve selected results, such as single piece formation, inclusion of various positioning members, and packaging or shipping considerations.
US09157447B2
A thrust collar (161) includes a central disk (162), a forward wing (163), and an aft wing (164). The central disk (162) is a disk shaped hollow cylinder with a central axis (97). The forward wing (163) and the aft wing (164) are thin walled hollow cylinders extending axially from an inner portion of the central disk (162) about the central axis (97) in opposite directions. The forward wing (163) includes a forward mounting pilot (165) extending radially inward from the forward wing (163) distal to the central disk (162). The aft wing (164) includes an aft mounting pilot (167) extending radially inward from the aft wing (164) distal to the central disk (162).
US09157438B2
A scroll compressor is provided. The scroll compressor may include a fixed scroll having a fixed wrap with a thickness that varies along a compression path and a disk having a discharge and at least one bypass hole formed therein, and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting wrap with a thickness that varies along the compression path and that orbits with respect to the fixed scroll to define a compression space between the respective wraps. The compressor may also include a rotation shaft coupled to the orbiting scroll, and a driver that rotates the rotation shaft. A diameter of each bypass hole may be greater than one third of an effective diameter of the discharge hole.
US09157434B2
A method of operation analysis of operation of a plurality of sump pumps located at various, separate locations. A plurality of sensors are respectively associated therewith. Each sensor sensing at least one operation condition. A plurality of location communication devices are respectively associated therewith. A master communicating device is located away from the separate locations. The communicated information is received at the master communicating device. The received communicated information is stored in memory. At least one benchmark value is determined concerning an operating condition utilizing the received information for each of the plurality of sump pumps. The received information for each of the sump pumps is compared to the benchmark value. Each sump pumps based is classified based upon each respective comparison.
US09157432B2
This invention provides a compression apparatus capable of flexibly responding to a change in service condition. The compression apparatus comprises a compressor main body for housing rotatively driven rotors, an intake channel connected to an intake port of the compressor main body and equipped with a suction adjusting valve, a discharge channel connected to a discharge port of the compressor main body and equipped with a discharge pressure sensor, a revolution speed setting unit for causing a rotor to have a revolution speed that matches a set number of revolutions, a valve controlling unit for controlling the suction adjusting valve based on a discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor in such a manner that a pressure of the discharge channel is maintained at a set pressure, and a controller for defining the set number of revolutions and the set pressure based on a condition selected by a user.
US09157430B2
The invention concerns a wobble pump base module and a wobble pump system. The invention-based wobble pump base module (40) comprises a wobble pump drive system (43), a wobble device (41), a receptacle (42) for a pump module (1) and a pretensioning device (56), wherein the pretensioning device (56) flexibly pretensions the pump module (1) housed in the receptacle (42) against the wobble device (41).
US09157429B2
A pump includes a pump body defining a fluid chamber and inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, an inlet check valve connected to the inlet port, an outlet check valve connected to the outlet port, and a piston housing coupled to the pump body and defining a piston chamber. A piston assembly is disposed at least partially within the piston chamber and at least partially within the fluid chamber and includes a piston and a poppet connected to the piston in proximity to the pump body. In addition, the pump includes a gland disposed between a portion of the piston housing and the pump body. Further, the pump includes the poppet having a poppet head axially connected to a diaphragm coupled to a poppet flange. The poppet head is connected to the piston.
US09157419B2
A lightning protection system is provided for a wind turbine. The wind turbine has an electrically grounded structure part, a main shaft electrically and mechanically connected to the grounded structure part, a blade hub rotationally connected via a main bearing to the main shaft and blades connected to the blade hub. The lightning protection system includes a down-conductor attachable inside one of the blades and a high voltage conductor for guiding lightning current, wherein a first end of the high voltage conductor is in electrical communication with the down-conductor. The lightning protection system also includes a high voltage contact attachable inside the main shaft, wherein a second end of the high voltage conductor is in electrical communication with the high voltage contact. Lightning current is guided from the down-conductor via the high voltage conductor to the high voltage contact.
US09157416B2
The present invention provides a direct-drive electric machine such as a generator and a motor comprising a rotor or a mover and a stator. The direct-drive electric machine is configured with a plural-module combination structure in which the rotor or the mover and the stator are mutually combined such that a plurality of modules form one phase, respectively.
US09157406B2
A method for initializing a generator may include sending a field reference voltage to an exciter that may provide a direct current (DC) current and a DC voltage to a rotor of a generator based on a current set point that corresponds to the field reference voltage. The method may then include receiving a voltage feedback signal output by the generator, determining one or more locations of one or more poles of the generator based on the voltage feedback signal, and sending one or more firing signals to one or more switches of a starter after determining the locations of the poles, such that the switches couple the voltage to a stator of the generator.
US09157397B2
The present invention discloses an exhaust gas inlet structure of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) Cooler which includes a water shell, a gas inlet pipe, a bellow, an insulated pipe, an inlet chamber, a pre-cooling water chamber and a main board. The water shell is equipped with a water inlet pipe. Its main feature is the insulated pipe is placed within the bellow and connected with the gas inlet pipe at one end while the other end is suspended. The large-bore end of the inlet chamber is connected with the main board to form a gas inlet cavity while leaving a space to form a coolant channel between the joining part and the water shell. An external surface of a middle pipe body connects to the bellow to form a pre-cooling cavity connected to the coolant channel. The advantages of the present invention are as follow: newly-added pre-cooling water chamber reduces the wall temperature of the main board and the inlet chamber; newly-added supporting in the middle part of the insulated pipe improves the vibration-proof function of the insulated pipe; the special structure of the inlet chamber increases the ability of the axial displacement compensation. The above-mentioned improvement of the present invention significantly improves the reliability of the EGR cooler.
US09157396B2
A turbine includes a turbine housing having two gas passages of substantially the same flow area. A nozzle ring is disposed in the housing and around the turbine wheel. The nozzle ring includes first and second outer rings, and an inner ring disposed between the first and second outer rings. First and second pluralities of vanes are disposed between the rings. The second outer ring has a thicker cross section than the first outer ring such that a larger flow area is created between the first outer ring and the inner ring than a flow area created between the second outer ring and the inner ring.
US09157393B2
A fuel system for an engine is provided herein. According to one embodiment, the fuel system includes a fuel supply coupled to a low pressure fuel pump, the low pressure fuel pump coupled to a high pressure fuel pump to provide fuel to a fuel rail. Further, the fuel system includes a plurality of injectors coupled to the fuel rail to provide fuel to a plurality of engine cylinders. Further still, the fuel system includes a first fuel return line coupling the fuel rail to the fuel supply and a thermal recirculation valve, the thermal recirculation valve further coupled to a low pressure pump intake line; a second fuel return line coupling the high pressure fuel pump to the first fuel return line; and a third fuel return line coupling the plurality of injectors to a high pressure pump intake line.
US09157392B1
The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.
US09157390B2
A system for a vehicle includes a first exhaust gas flow rate (EGF) estimation module, a second EGF estimation module, and an EGF fault detection module. The first EGF estimation module estimates a first flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to an intake manifold based on a concentration of oxygen in the intake manifold. The second EGF estimation module estimates a second flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to the intake manifold based on an engine speed and an engine load. The EGF fault detection module selectively indicates a fault is present in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system based on the first flow rate and the second flow rate.
US09157378B2
A stress relaxing layer L22 composed of MgO is formed on the upper surface of a substrate layer L1 in order to alleviate stress acting on a piezoelectric layer L3, the stress relaxing layer L22 is removed while leaving behind a region D1 where the piezoelectric layer L3 is to be formed, and the single crystal piezoelectric layer L3 is formed on the upper surface of the stress relaxing layer L22. As a result, the stress relaxing layer L22 in a region D2 where the piezoelectric layer L3 is not to be formed is preliminarily removed, the region D1 where the piezoelectric layer L3 is to be formed is reduced in size, and stress acting on the piezoelectric layer L3 attributable to the difference in lattice constant between the stress relaxing layer L22 and the piezoelectric layer L3 and thermal expansion is alleviated, thereby enabling favorable single crystallization of the piezoelectric layer L3.
US09157373B2
Methods and devices for performing a low torque low speed test to determine whether a rotor of a turbomachinery is free to rotate are provided. A method includes automatically applying a torque to the rotor, the torque gradually increasing up to a predetermined torque value. The method further includes monitoring the speed of the rotor while the torque is gradually increased. The method also includes outputting an indication that the rotor is free to rotate after the speed of the rotor becomes positive, or outputting an indication that the rotor is locked when the speed of the rotor remains zero and the applied torque has reached the predetermined torque value.
US09157370B2
A burner assembly is provided. The burner assembly includes a support housing with a supply manifold, the supply manifold includes a fuel passage system, and fuel nozzles extending from the supply manifold and being supplied with fuel through the fuel passage system of the supply manifold. The supply manifold is sandwiched using at least two subparts.
US09157366B2
A disclosed gas turbine engine includes a first fan section including a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis, a compressor in fluid communication with the first fan section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor and a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor. The first turbine section includes a low pressure turbine that drives the first fan section. A second fan section is supported between the first fan section and the compressor and is driven by a second turbine section disposed between the second fan section and the compressor for driving the second fan section.
US09157355B2
A marine engine exhaust system includes a catalyst arranged to intercept a flow of exhaust flowing along the exhaust system, a water muffler downstream of the catalyst, and a water-activated exhaust valve disposed between the water muffler and an upstream catalyst and configured to impede flow of water upstream from the muffler to the catalyst.
US09157349B2
An internal combustion engine of the two-cycle type comprises a cylinder and a combustion chamber defined by a piston slidable within the cylinder and a cylinder head. A fuel injection mechanism for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber is provided. A crankshaft provides reciprocating motion to the piston. Lubricating mechanism provides lubrication to the crankshaft. A mechanism around the bottom of the piston prevents crankshaft lubrication from reaching the combustion chamber. A valve prevents escape of oil from air and smoke openings. Oil is not mixed with the fuel in the combustion chamber. Heating mechanism is provided for heating the fuel prior to the fuel being injected into the combustion chamber. A command control for controlling timely opening and closing of the smoke and air valves, the spark plugs and the injector is provided. Contrary to cycle engines which have no valve it has two electric valve.
US09157346B2
A variable valve lift apparatus may include a camshaft, a cam lobe including at least one low lift cam and at least one high lift cam, and formed or mounted on an exterior circumference of the camshaft, and a cam follower opening a valve with a low lift or a high lift or closing the valve by a rotation of the camshaft. The cam follower may include a valve lift body pivoting on one side and opening or closing the valve by the cam lobe when the camshaft rotates, a bearing shaft fixedly mounted in the valve lift body, and at least one rolling bearing rotatably mounted on the bearing shaft and being movable axially on the bearing shaft to make contact selectively with the low lift cam or the high lift cam.
US09157344B2
A valve opening-closing timing control device includes a solenoid valve having a solenoid mechanism provided with a spool having an oil path groove formed in an outer face thereof, and a sleeve for housing the spool to reciprocate and slide. A wall surface of the sleeve has a first port communicating with a first hydraulic oil supply section, a second port communicating with a second hydraulic oil supply section, and a third port communicating with the side of a hydraulic oil supply source. The spool is driven and set to a first position for supplying hydraulic oil from the hydraulic oil supply source to the first port, a second position for supplying the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic oil supply source to the second port, and a third position outside an area between the first and second positions to prevent supply of hydraulic oil from the first and second ports.
US09157340B2
A dual feed hydraulic lash adjuster includes a plunger assembly slidingly disposed in a lash adjuster body and having an end adapted to cooperate with a valve actuating mechanism, the plunger assembly forming a low-pressure first chamber and a high-pressure second chamber with the body, the plunger assembly having a first aperture fluidly communicating with the first chamber, a passageway fluidly communicating with the first chamber, and a second aperture fluidly communicating with the passageway, and a separate fluid pressure separator disposed in the plunger assembly between the first aperture and the second aperture to prevent passage of hydraulic fluid between the first chamber and the passageway, wherein a passage is provided through the fluid pressure separator to provide for evacuation of air from the lash adjuster.
US09157339B2
An internal combustion engine has a cylinder head mounted to an engine block that at least partially forms a plurality of cylinder combustion chambers. The cylinder head has multiple intake ports and multiple exhaust ports. Engine valves regulate the passage of gas into and out of the combustion chamber. Cam-operated engine valves are mechanically coupled to a rotating cam directly or through one or more of a variety of components that assist in transforming the rotational kinetic energy of the cam to linear motion of the engine valves. One of the exhaust valves and one of the intake valves are mechanically coupled to the cam. Electrohydraulic actuators actuate separate intake and exhaust valves of a particular cylinder. The electrohydraulic actuators are in fluid communication with a high pressure fluid source.
US09157336B2
A waste heat recovery structure includes a first exhaust gas flow path provided to each of steel making electric arc furnaces to discharge exhaust gas thereinto; a waste heat boiler disposed on the first exhaust gas flow path to recover waste heat as saturated steam from exhaust gas; a steam accumulator configured to store steam formed by confluence of saturated steam parts, each generated by the waste heat boiler; a steam super heater configured to turn steam into superheated steam by heating; a second exhaust gas flow path configured to lead exhaust gas from the waste heat boiler to the steam super heater to use it for superheating; a third exhaust gas flow path configured to discharge exhaust gas from the waste heat boiler not through the steam super heater; and a switching device configured to switch flow paths between the second and third exhaust gas flow paths.
US09157335B2
The present application provides a steam turbine side support system for use with a steam turbine having a rotor. The steam turbine side support system may include a shell for the steam turbine, a number of side support arms extending from the shell in a perpendicular configuration with respect to the rotor, and a foundation in communication with the side support arms.
US09157327B2
A fan blade is disclosed comprising a lightweight metallic airfoil portion and a high-strength sheath portion. The airfoil portion has a forward airfoil edge, a first airfoil surface, and a second airfoil surface. The sheath portion has a sheath head section, a first sheath flank, and a second sheath flank, both flanks extending chordwise from the forward sheath section. The sheath portion is bonded to the airfoil portion such that the sheath head section covers the forward airfoil edge, defining a blade leading edge. The first sheath flank covers a portion of the first airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade suction surface. The second sheath flank covers a portion of the second airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade pressure surface.
US09157325B2
A gas turbine engine includes a buffer cooling system having a first heat exchanger, a first passageway, a second passageway and a third passageway. The first heat exchanger exchanges heat with a bleed airflow to provide a conditioned airflow. The first passageway communicates a first portion of the conditioned airflow to a high pressure compressor of the gas turbine engine, the second passageway communicates a second portion of the conditioned airflow to a high pressure turbine of the gas turbine engine, and the third passageway communicates a third portion of the conditioned airflow to a low pressure turbine of the gas turbine engine.
US09157322B2
A pressure driven apparatus comprising a housing, at least one flexible membrane located within the housing dividing the interior of the housing into at least two chambers. At least one input or exhaust cam assembly operates in conjunction with the at least one flexible membrane to provide an expansion zone within the housing. Fluid enters the housing producing movement of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is connected to a drive member such that the movement of the fluid within the expansion zone results in the membrane imparting a force to the drive member. The flexible membrane includes seals used to maintain a dynamic and movable seal with respect to the housing. A lightweight journal-less crankshaft and non-friction variable speed transmission with inherent clutch and free spin are also disclosed.
US09157317B2
According to aspects of the present disclosure, a magnetic ranging system is described herein. The magnetic ranging system may comprise a downhole apparatus tool (350) that is sized to couple to a drill string (375). The downhole apparatus (350) may be included, for example, near-bit within the bottom assembly (BHA). A transmitter (302) and a receiver (304) may be coupled to the downhole apparatus (350). The system may also comprise a power management system (308) coupled to the downhole apparatus (350). In certain embodiments, the power management system (308) may selectively provide power to the transmitter (302) from a first power source (316) or a second power source (318) based, at least in part, on an estimated distance to a target well.
US09157313B2
A drilling system comprises a drillstring including a dill bit, a bottomhole assembly coupled to the drill bit, and a plurality of interconnected tubular members coupled to the bottomhole assembly. A first tubular member includes a communication link having a first annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a first end, a second annular inductive coupler element disposed in an annular recess in a second end, and a cable coupling the first annular inductive coupler element to the second annular inductive coupler element. In addition, the drilling system comprises a first signal level determination unit disposed in the drillstring and configured to determine a level of a first signal communicated from the second inductive coupler element. Further, the drilling system comprises an axial load determination unit configured to determine an axial load at the first signal level determination unit based on the level of the first signal.
US09157311B2
Determining constituent components of a fluid sample. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: creating electromagnetic energy with a wavelength in the infrared region; directing the electromagnetic energy into a fluid sample; modulating the electromagnetic energy at a modulation frequency; directing the electromagnetic energy that passes through the fluid sample to a first resonant chamber, the first resonant chamber has an acoustic resonant frequency substantially equal to the modulation frequency; absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy by a detector fluid within the first resonant chamber; detecting acoustic energy within the first resonant chamber; and determining a first constituent component of the fluid sample based on the acoustic energy within the first resonant chamber.
US09157310B2
A method for surveying a formation includes conveying a survey instrument into the wellbore; measuring one or more parameters of interest relating to a wellbore tubular in the wellbore; and operating the survey instrument after the measured parameter of interest indicates that the wellbore tubular is being tripped out of the wellbore.
US09157307B2
A downhole tool for separating fluids into a liquid and a gas component are provided herein. The downhole tool includes an inlet for receiving a multiphase fluid, the multiphase fluid comprising a gas component and a liquid component. The tool also includes a hydrocyclone portion where the flow of the multiphase fluid is vortical and the liquid component migrates to an inner surface of the hydrocyclone portion and the gas component is forced to a central area of the hydrocyclone portion and exits the downhole tool via a gas outlet. The tool further includes a liquid outlet permitting the liquid component to exit the downhole tool.
US09157299B2
Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a subsurface safety valve that can be disposed in a wellbore that is through a fluid-producing formation. The subsurface safety valve can include a closure mechanism, a sleeve, and a control line. The closure mechanism can be positioned in a passageway defined by a tubing string. The closure mechanism can be configured to prevent a flow of fluid to a portion of the passageway that is closer to a surface of the wellbore than the closure mechanism. The sleeve can be positioned in the passageway adjacent to the closure mechanism. The control line can communicate pressure to a piston from a pressure source within an inner diameter of the tubing string, causing the piston to apply a force to the sleeve. The sleeve can open the closure mechanism in response to the force being applied to the sleeve.
US09157295B2
A flow restrictor for controlling the flow of cement or other fluid in oil wells comprises a plurality of restrictor elements, each defining first and second apertures, which are assembled in a stacked configuration and slidingly inserted into the well casing or other tubing so that the first apertures define a direct flowpath, preferably including a non-return valve, and the second apertures define a second, indirect flowpath between the elements and the inner surface of the tubing. The elements include seals for fluidly sealing each element in the bore of the tubing which are preferably slidably retractable and resiliently radially outwardly biased so as to adapt conformably to different tubing types having different internal diameters. The restrictor may slide along the tubing in use.
US09157291B2
The present invention relates to a device and to a method for blocking the outflow of a pressurized fluid from an underwater well, in particular, for blocking the outflow of crude oil and/or of natural gas, for carrying out an operation of closure of the well. In particular, the invention relates to a device and to a method for quickly stopping the flow and closing the well in case of incident and/or in case of fault of emergency shut-off devices of the underwater well, such as “blowout preventer” (“BOP”) systems, in order to reduce harm to the environment and economic losses due to fluid outflow from the well.
US09157290B2
An arrangement for resolving a hydrate plug (1) in a pipeline (2), such as tubing, drill pipe, casing etc., is described, said arrangement comprising a heating device (4) run on wire line. The heating device (4) is elongated and spear shaped and is mounted on a stroking device (3), the stroking device (3) being adapted to provide a pushing force of sufficient strength to force the heating device into the hydrate plug (1). The heating device then has a large surface towards the hydrate plug. When heat is applied to the heating device, the hydrate plug will melt. A hydrate inhibitor may be added to the liquid near the hydrate plug.
US09157283B2
Downhole tools are provided with a topographical pattern, and anti-balling material is provided over the topographical pattern. The topographical pattern may be defined by at least one of a plurality of recesses extending into a surface of a body of the tool and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface. Downhole tools include an insert disposed within a recess in a body, and the insert comprises an anti-balling material having a composition selected to reduce accumulation of formation cuttings on the tools when the tools are used to form or service a wellbore. Downhole tools include anti-balling material disposed over a porous mass provided over the surfaces of the tools. Methods of forming downhole tools include providing anti-balling material over features on and/or in a surface of a body of a tool. Methods of repairing downhole tools include removing an insert therefrom and disposing a replacement insert therein.
US09157279B2
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a drilling-information-management system. The drilling-information management system includes a probe assembly disposed on a drill rod, a first computer interoperably coupled to the probe assembly via a conductor disposed in a drill rod, and a second computer in communication with the first computer. The second computer includes a barcode scanner. The drilling-information management system includes a database in communication with the second computer. Drilling-project data is transferred from the database to the second computer and calibration data is transferred from the second computer to the first computer. The first computer executes a drilling plan according to the drilling-project data.
US09157274B2
A window covering comprises an upper rail, a window shade located below the upper rail, a lower rail located below the window shade, a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly located at two sides of the lower rail and spaced from each other, and a cord winding assembly located in the lower rail to connect to the first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly. A first cord and a second cord run through two opposite sides of the window shade to fasten to the cord winding assembly. The lower rail can be moved upwards or downwards by a user to retract or expand the window shade through the first and second cord. Besides, the distal ends of the first and second cords can be hidden in the cord winding assembly in the lower rail, thus can prevent the cords from entangling children to avoid accidents.
US09157262B2
A door hinge includes: a fixed board fixed to a door frame; a cover housing fitted to the upper end of the fixed board; an operation frame fixed to a door; an operation cam member rotatably disposed inside the cover housing and axially coupled to the operation frame fixed to the door by a shaft, so that the operation cam member rotates around the shaft according to the rotating operation of the operation frame; a link coupled eccentrically to one side of the operation cam member by a second pin and linearly moving according to the rotating operation of the operation cam member; a slider coupled to the link by a first pin and moving horizontally in forward and backward directions according to the linear movements of the link in the state disposed inside the cover housing; and a spring fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the slider to elastically support the closing operation of the door.
US09157261B2
A latch assembly is disclosed that has a latch, a locking lever having locked and unlocked positions, and a detent lever having engaged and disengaged positions. The locking lever is configured to secure the latch in the closed position when the locking lever is in the locked position and the detent lever is configured to provide a detent function when the detent lever is in the engaged position. In certain aspects, the latch assembly includes a single motor and cam assembly having three configurations, wherein the locking lever and detent lever are respectively in the unlocked and disengaged positions while in the first configuration, in the unlocked and engaged positions while in the second configuration, and in the locked and engaged positions while in the third configuration.
US09157256B2
A lock system, lock and key is provided. The lock includes additional cutouts on the face plate (123), requiring the insertion of a corresponding unblocking member on the keyblade (144). The unblocking portion engages an engagement portion (162) to allow release of a corresponding sidebar (126), thereby allowing rotation of the lock. The engagement portion (162) additionally must project to the correct length to allow the engagement portion (162) to travel the correct distance to release the sidebar (126).
US09157254B1
An attractive window lock for conventional double hung windows is provided with a housing containing a handle and a cam. The housing defines a pair of grooves which are complementary shaped to the ends of a mounting plate. The mounting plate is affixed with fasteners to the window sash and the housing is then slideably joined to the mounting plate, concealing the mounting plate and fasteners and providing an attractive appearance for the owner. A keeper is affixed to the opposing sash and by rotating the handle on the housing the rotatable cam extends and engages the keeper to secure the sashes in place.
US09157248B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying zones where protections should be installed to prevent people and materials from falling off edges of the building. The system analyzes a building model and building objects completed before a given time, identifies edges of interest for the building objects, determines whether these edges, or their portions, are dangerous, and provides this information to a user.
US09157244B1
A plurality of devices used alone or in combination for releasing moisture from a building are provided. The devices are especially suitable for use in new or existing masonry and frame buildings with low-slope roofs, on parapet walls and mansard roofs, and on masonry walls and foundation walls. The devices give buildings adequate wall and roof system ventilation and moisture vapor release portals so as to better prevent mold and other water related damage. The devices may be used individually or in combination wherein the devices are placed on or against a parapet wall, masonry wall or foundation wall of a building. Further, the devices may be used in connection with a joist or truss system of a building to prevent moisture damage to the joists or truss system and to prevent compromises and other structural integrity problems to a building which often occur with moisture.
US09157228B2
A corrugated-typed fastener configured to couple a first substrate to a second substrate includes a bridge and a plurality of ribs, the ribs having a plurality of flutes. The flutes, and possibly the ribs, may be angled inwardly to form an apex disposed within the width of the fastener and pointing towards a center of the fastener. The ribs may extend outward from the bridge towards opposing ends of the fastener, and the ends may be at a different height than the bridge when viewing the fastener from the side. Alternatively, the ends may be at the same height as the bridge and also may be generally centered on the height of the fastener.
US09157220B2
A drain assembly including a drain pipe with a threaded portion and a nut is provided. The drain pipe includes a first end, an elbow portion, and a second end. The first end includes an annular flange and the threaded portion. To interconnect the drain assembly to a bathtub, the second end of the drain pipe is inserted through a drain port of the tub until the annular flange abuts a bottom wall of the tub. The nut is then threaded onto the threaded portion of the drain pipe to secure the drain pipe to the bathtub. The second end of the drain pipe is then interconnected to drain plumbing.
US09157219B2
An undermount sink system for mounting beneath a countertop having an upper counter surface. The undermount sink system includes a sink basin and a discharge conduit coupled to the sink basin, which is positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet thereof. The discharge conduit and basin are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface. The flow of fluid through the discharge conduit may be activated via a motion sensor or switch coupled directly to the basin or a spacer ring positioned between the basin and the countertop. Controls for adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of fluid through the discharge conduit may also be coupled to the basin or a spacer ring positioned between the basin and the countertop, or alternatively, to a surface of the countertop. Methods of making and using undermount sink systems are also provided.
US09157217B2
A retention system is provided for use in connecting a replaceable tool to a work implement. The retention system may have a sleeve configured to be received within corresponding bores in the work implement and the replaceable tool. The sleeve may have a radially oriented hole passing through an outer surface thereof. The retention system may also have a pin disposed within the sleeve. The pin may have a cam lobe located at an end adjacent the radially oriented hole of the sleeve and radially offset from a central axis. The retention system may additionally have a key disposed within the radially oriented hole of the sleeve and configured to ride on the cam lobe. The key may be movable during rotation of the pin from a retracted position to an activated position at which the key extends beyond the outer surface of the sleeve.
US09157210B2
A drain cover assembly includes a face plate having at least one hole to allow water to flow from a drainage pipe located in a retaining wall. The face plate includes a first pair of flanges and a second pair of flanges, both of which extend substantially perpendicular to the face plate. The first pair of flanges has a receiving means for receiving a fastener adapted to secure the drain cover assembly to the retaining wall. The second pair of flanges has a plurality of deformable tabs adapted to create an interference fit with the retaining wall. The drain cover assembly may also include a decorative face plate.
US09157193B2
A method is described for the installation of slab tracks in tunnels, in particular tracks on a slab of concrete, with the optimized design and execution characteristics, and substantially increased performance compared to the normal known methods. The method includes a succession of phases executed in order, with the help of an auxiliary track, Consisting of the design of the construction section, the construction of the railway yards, assembly of the auxiliary track from the evacuation platform, execution of the foundation base, assembly of the track in slabs, transitions from slab track—ballast track, and placement of long bars and welding.
US09157191B2
An apparatus and method for plasma finishing of fibrous materials including paper and knitted, woven and non-woven fibrous substrates such that desired characteristics are imparted are described. The method includes depositing a monomer comprising at least one fluorocarbon monomer with chemical additives, as required, at atmospheric pressure onto the paper or knitted, woven or non-woven substrate; exposing the monomer on a single surface of the fibrous material to an inert gas, atmospheric-pressure plasma, thereby causing polymerization of the monomer species; and repeating this sequence using multiple sequential deposition and plasma discharge steps to create a layered surface having durability against abrasion for both water-based laundry methods and dry-cleaning methods, and normal wear, without affecting the feel, drape, appearance or breathability of the substrate material. The present method uses a high-power, continuously operating plasma that is 104 times more powerful than the prior art plasma sources utilized in the textile industry, and produces a durable finish with between 0.5 and 2 s of plasma exposure. This is sufficiently rapid to meet commercial fabric processing throughput, and repeated cleaning of the electrodes is not required.
US09157187B2
The invention therefore provides a method of improving print performance in a paper product including applying a coating composition having (i) a pigment and (ii) a starch dispersion of discrete crosslinked native starch particles in an aqueous liquid, wherein the particle size of the starch particles in the starch dispersion ranges from about 40 nm to about 400 μm, to the paper product, wherein the print performance of the paper product is improved. In one embodiment, the coating composition includes a solids content of from 5 to about 75% weight and includes (i) about 100 parts by weight of pigment, and (ii) about 1 to about 300 parts by weight of starch, all based on dry weight.
US09157186B2
An exemplary embodiment provides a device of moving a low ignition propensity cigarette paper which includes an air moving body portion having a curved surface, an inlet injecting air, and a plurality of outlets disposed at the curved surface to discharge the air, in which the low ignition propensity cigarette paper having a coating portion is floated and turned by the air discharged from the plurality of outlets.
US09157184B2
A method of determining a rotative position of an industrial roll includes: (a) providing a rotating industrial roll having a longitudinal axis, the industrial roll having mounted on one end thereof an accelerometer, the industrial roll further including a plurality of sensors; (b) determining a pre-trigger angular position of the roll based on a first gravity vector provided by the accelerometer; then (c) determining a trigger angular position of the roll based on a second gravity vector provided by the accelerometer, the magnitude of the second gravity vector differing from the magnitude of the first gravity vector by more than the magnitude of a typical noise signal; and (d) gathering data from the sensors after the roll has passed the trigger angular position; and (e) matching the data gathered in step (d) with a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors based on the determination of the trigger angular position.
US09157178B2
A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus configures to supply steam and/or heated air to an accommodating space accommodating laundry therein is disclosed. The method includes a water supplying step (S100) supplying water to a steam generating device configured to supply steam, a preheating step (S120), a steam supplying/applying a predetermined motion to the laundry step (S140) heating the water to supply steam to the accommodating space and applying a motion to the laundry for a predetermined time period simultaneously, a cooling step (S160) cooling the accommodating space, and a drying step setting a target relative humidity according to a selected course and supplying heated air to the accommodating space (S180).
US09157165B2
A method of production of a chemically treated steel sheet using cathode electrolysis to form a chemically treated coating which stably resupplies Zr ions in a treatment solution and uses an insoluble anode to continuously and stably treat a steel strip by cathode electrolysis in a treatment solution containing Zr ions and fluorine ions, characterized by using two or more types of zirconium compounds selected from predetermined Zr compounds to resupply zirconium ions in a plating solution consumed by the cathode electrolysis during the cathode electrolysis and maintaining a content of ions in the plating solution at zirconium ions: 0.05 to 30 g/liter, fluorine ions: 0.5 to 10 times the content of the zirconium ions, and ions derived from said two or more types of zirconium compounds other than zirconium ions and fluorine ions: not more than 10 times the content of the zirconium ions in performing the cathode electrolysis.
US09157156B2
The present invention describes a process for the synthesis of a iodinating agent, being said iodinating agent iodine chloride (ICI.) In particular, the present invention relates to a process for the electrochemical preparation of ICI, as a useful iodinating agent in the preparation of iodinated organic compounds for use as contrast agents or their precursors in the synthesis of the same.
US09157153B2
In one embodiment, a method includes depositing a chalcogenide precursor layer onto a substrate, introducing a cover into proximity with the precursor layer, and annealing the precursor layer in proximity with of the cover, where the annealing is performed in a constrained volume, and where the presence of the cover reduces decomposition of volatile species from the precursor layer during annealing.
US09157152B2
A system for depositing a thin film on a substrate using a vapor deposition process is described. The deposition system includes a process chamber having a vacuum pumping system configured to evacuate the process chamber, a substrate holder coupled to the process chamber and configured to support the substrate, a gas distribution system coupled to the process chamber and configured to introduce a film forming composition to a process space in the vicinity of a surface of the substrate, a non-ionizing heat source separate from the substrate holder that is configured to receive a flow of the film forming composition and to cause thermal fragmentation of one or more constituents of the film forming composition when heated, and one or more power sources coupled to the heating element array and configured to provide an electrical signal to the at least one heating element zone. The deposition system further includes a remote source coupled to the process chamber and configured to supply a reactive composition to the process chamber to chemically interact with the substrate, wherein the remote source comprises a remote plasma generator, a remote radical generator, a remote ozone generator, or a water vapor generator, or a combination of two or more thereof.
US09157150B2
Provided herein is a method of processing an electronic device including operating a processing chamber at a first temperature while a workpiece is being processed and removing the workpiece and a carrier holding the workpiece from the processing chamber while decreasing the temperature within the processing chamber to a second temperature significantly lower than the first temperature. The method also includes increasing the temperature within the processing chamber to a third temperature significantly greater than the second temperature and significantly less than the first temperature while the processing chamber has no workpiece or carrier within.
US09157146B2
A film deposition method of a silicon carbide thin film having a high transmissivity and high film strength applicable for optical use purposes is provided. The film can be formed safely and efficiently in a short time and on a low heat resistance substrate. The method can include depositing a silicon carbide thin film on a moving substrate by using a film formation apparatus configured such that a reaction process region and film formation process regions are arranged spatially separated from one another in a vacuum container. Silicon targets can be sputtered in one region and carbon targets can be sputtered in another region. Thereby, an interlayer thin film containing silicon and carbon is formed on the substrate. Next, in another region, the interlayer thin film can be exposed to plasma generated in an atmosphere of a mixed gas including inert gas and hydrogen.
US09157145B2
A substrate processing system particularly suitable for fabricating solar cells. The system has a front end module transporting cassettes, each cassette holding a preset number of substrates therein; a loading module coupled to the front end module and having mechanism for loading substrates from the cassettes onto carriers; and a plurality of processing chambers coupled to each other in series, each having tracks for transporting the carriers directly from one chamber to the next; wherein selected chambers of the plurality of processing chambers comprise at least one combination source having a sputtering module and an evaporation module arranged linearly in the direction of travel of the carriers.
US09157141B2
A technique includes providing a tool to be deployed in a well to perform a downhole function. The downhole function requires a minimum structural integrity for an element of the tool. The technique includes forming at least part of the element from a ferrous alloy and charging the alloy with hydrogen cause the element to be more prone to cracking than before the hydrogen charging.
US09157138B2
A multi-phase steel sheet having microstructure having in combination ferrite, martensite of between 3% and 65% by volume, and at least one microstructure selected from the group consisting of, bainite and retained austenite, and having fine complex precipitates selected from the group of TiC, NbC, TiN, NbN, (Ti.Nb)C, (Ti.Nb)N, and (Ti.Nb)(C.N) particles having at least 50% smaller than 20 nm in size, and physical properties having tensile strength greater than about 780 megapascals and at least one of the properties of elongation greater than about 10%, yield ratio greater than about 70%, and hole expansion ratio greater than about 50%.
US09157136B2
A multi-element alloy material consists of Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo and Ni. From an outer surface to a center of the multi-element alloy material exhibits a hardness gradient from high to low. A method of manufacturing a multi-element alloy material with hardness gradient includes melting and casting metals with a metal combination of Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo and Ni to form an alloy body, subjecting the alloy body to a homogenization treatment, and subjecting the homogenized alloy body to a high temperature treatment to perform precipitation hardening at surface of the alloy body by heating, thereby forming a multi-element alloy material having hardness gradient.
US09157130B2
The present invention provides for a composition comprising a solution comprising (a) an ionic liquid (IL) or ionic liquid-aqueous (ILA) phase and (b) an organic phase, wherein the solution comprises a sugar and a boronic acid. The present invention also provides for a method of removing a sugar from a solution, comprising: (a) providing a solution comprising (i) an IL or ILA phase and (ii) an organic phase, wherein the solution comprises an IL, a sugar and a boronic acid; (b) contacting the sugar with the boronic acid to form a sugar-boronic acid complex, (c) separating the organic phase and the aqueous phase, wherein the organic phase contains the sugar-boronic acid complex, and optionally (d) separating the sugar from the organic phase.
US09157128B2
A kit for detecting HIV-2 strains in a test sample is disclosed. In addition a method is described for the real-time detection of HIV-2 strains in a test sample using the kit. According to method of detection, the results of the detection can be rapidly identified with a reduced number of copies of a sample in real-time.
US09157124B2
Systems and methods for diagnosing or characterizing a predisposition to colon cancer are provided. Cell nuclei may be evaluated for the presence or quantity of gamma-H2AX foci. Nucleic acids may be evaluated for the presence, type, or quantity of genomic instability or surrogates of dsDNA breaks such as ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), Rad3-related protein (ATR), and Tumor suppressor p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) in gamma-H2AX foci. Nucleic acids comprising a germline nucleic acid sequence of the ERCC6, WRN, TERT, and FAAP100 genes may be sequenced or probed to determine if the nucleic acid sequence includes one or more alterations that cause genomic instability, dsDNA breaks, or gamma-H2AX foci or otherwise predispose a subject to develop colon cancer.
US09157123B2
We examined IQGAP1 copy gain and its relationship with clinicopathologic outcomes of thyroid cancer and investigated its role in cell invasion and molecules involved in the process. We found IQGAP1 copy number (CN) gain ?3 in 1 of 30 (3%) of benign thyroid tumor, 24 of 74 (32%) follicular variant papillary thyroid cancer (FVPTC), 44 of 107 (41%) follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), 8 of 16 (50%) tall cell papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and 27 of 41 (66%) anaplastic thyroid cancer, in increasing order of invasiveness of these tumors. A similar tumor distribution trend of CN ?4 was also seen. IQGAP1 copy gain was positively correlated with IQGAP1 protein expression. It was significantly associated with extrathyroidal and vascular invasion of FVPTC and FTC and, remarkably, a 50%-60% rate of multifocality and recurrence of BRAF mutation-positive PTC (P=0.01 and 0.02, respectively). The siRNA knock-down of IQGAP1 dramatically inhibited thyroid cancer cell invasion and colony formation. Co-immunoprecipitation assay showed direct interaction of IQGAP1 with E-cadherin, a known invasion-suppressing molecule, which was upregulated when IQGAP1 was knocked down. IQGAP1, through genetic copy gain, plays an important role in the invasiveness of thyroid cancer and represents a useful prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this and other cancers.
US09157115B2
The present invention relates to aptazyme sensor devices comprising, in addition to the aptamer, ribozyme and communication components, a competitive inhibitory component with a metal nanoparticle or a competitive inhibitory and signalling component with a metal nanoparticle and a label, such that the enzymatic activity of the ribozyme is inhibited as long as the inhibitory or the inhibitory and signalling component is bound to the substrate binding site of the ribozyme. The aptazyme sensor devices of the invention have increased shelf-life and are suitable for the parallel detection of different ligands by using an array of aptazyme sensor devices utilizing inhibitory and inhibitory and signalling components with different metal nanoparticles. The present invention furthermore relates to the post-synthetic chemical modification of the aptamer component for avoiding unspecific binding.
US09157114B2
The invention concerns an in vitro method of determining a genotype relating to hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK) in a dog. According to the invention the presence or the absence of a genetic variation in the SUV39H2 gene sequence is indicative of said disorder. The invention also concerns polypeptide based methods for determining said disorder. Further, nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies usable in said method are disclosed.
US09157109B2
Novel solid-phase biosensors that utilize ink jet printing of biocompatible sol-gel based inks to create sensor strips are reported herein. Biomolecules and other reagents useful in bioassays to detect, for example, pathogenic microorganisms or toxic substances, are immobilized on a substrate, which can be paper based, by layering these substances between two layers of biomolecule compatible sol gel. The sol gel precursor solutions and solutions of the assay reagents are printed from separate nozzles in a layered approach which avoids clogging of the nozzles by the pre-mature gelling of the sol gel precursor solution. In certain embodiments of the application, a capture agent is used to concentrate a compound to be detected in specific areas on the substrate to facilitate detection.
US09157105B2
The sialic acid-like sugar legionaminic acid is found as a virulence-associated surface glyco-conjugate in Legionella pneumophila and Campylobacter coli. In this work, we have purified and biochemically characterized eleven candidate biosynthetic enzymes from C. jejuni, thereby fully reconstituting the biosynthesis of legionaminic acid and its CMP-activated form, starting from fructose-6-P. This pathway involves unique GDP-linked intermediates and provides a facile means for the efficient large-scale synthesis of an important sialic acid mimic and novel precursors.
US09157096B2
The invention provides compositions and methods useful to prepare segmented, negative strand RNA viruses, e.g., orthomyxoviruses such as influenza A viruses, entirely from cloned cDNAs and in the absence of helper virus.
US09157095B2
Products are provided that improve overall plant vigor and yield by combining agriculturally effective amounts of at least one spore-forming bacterium and at least one optional insect control agent to a genetically modified plant, plant part, or seed. This product is particularly effective in the presence of plant parasitic nematode and fungal species. Use of the product leads to an overall reduction in crop losses caused by either plant parasitic nematodes or fungi and this reduction is much greater than using genetically modified seed with just an insect control agent. According to some embodiments, the use of the product results in about a 2%-10% increase in soybean bushel yield, 3%-6.5% increase in cotton yield, and 3%-8% in corn bushel yield. Methods for utilizing and manufacturing the combination are also provided.
US09157092B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various economically important yield-related traits in plants. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for enhancing yield-related traits in plants by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a CLC-like (Chloride Channel-like) polypeptide, or an OsBURP-like (BURP-domain containing protein) polypeptide, or an AP2/ERF polypeptide or a protein fusion comprising a TPS (trehalose-6-phosphate synthase) and a TPP (trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase) polypeptide or modulating one or more nucleic acid encoding a TPS and a TPP enzyme, whether comprised in the same or in separate molecules. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acids and constructs comprising them, useful in performing the methods of the invention.
US09157088B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for modulating GDP-L-Galactose Guanyltransferase (also known as GDP-L-Galactose phosphorylase) activity; and/or GDP-D-Mannose epimerase activity; and/or ascorbate content in plants. The invention provides plants and plant cells with increased GDP-L-Galactose Guanyltransferase activity; and/or GDP-D-Mannose epimerase activity. The invention provides plants and plant cells with increased ascorbate content as a result of: over-expression of GDP-L-Galactose Guanyltransferase; over-expression of GDP-D-Mannose epimerase; or in particular over-expression of a combination of GDP-L-Galactose Guanyltransferase and GDP-D-Mannose epimerase.
US09157086B2
A vector that allows for easy accomplishment of a variety of cloning, and use of the vector for measurement of the transcription-inducing activity of a promoter or production of a desired gene product in Corynebacterium.
US09157085B2
An expression vector for expressing a target polypeptide in a prokaryotic cell is provided. The vector comprises a promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the target polypeptide operably linked to a eukaryotic secretion leader sequence, the eukaryotic secretion leader sequence encoding a signal peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of: a) MLKRSSWLATLGLLTVASVSTIVYA; b) MKKATFITCLLAVLLVSNPIWNA; c) MKVSAAALAVILIATALCAPASA; d) MKVSTAFLCLLLTVSAFSAQVLA; and e) MKCLLLALGLALACAAQA. Processes for expressing polypeptides and prokaryotic microorganisms comprising such vectors are also provided.
US09157078B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a protein having high cellular adhesiveness that is useful as a cell adhesion support. The present invention provides a cell-adhesive protein comprising methionine, wherein at least a portion of the methionine residues is oxidized.
US09157072B2
Disclosed herein is an Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) based hybrid baculovirus and its uses thereof. The AcMNPV based hybrid baculovirus is capable of infecting different hosts, and comprises Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) genes of lef9, vlf1, p6.9, and vp80; Maruca vitrata multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (MaviMNPV) genes of lef2, orf1629, and pe38; and AcMNPV/BmNPV/MaviMNPV-hybrid genes of pk1, lef8, DNA pol, GP41, helicase, orf94, VP1054, orf65, lef4, lef5, and orf99. The AcMNPV based hybrid baculovirus is therefore useful as a bio-tool or bio-insecticide for its capability of delivering genes for production or expression of toxic proteins in at least three different insect hosts.
US09157070B2
A method and a combination for the cultivation of eukaryotic cells are provided, as well as a method for preparation of eukaryotic cells. The methods comprise providing a sample of eukaryotic cells to be cultured, applying said sample to a cell scaffold material; and maintaining said cell scaffold material having cells applied thereto under conditions suitable for cell culture. The combination comprises eukaryotic cells and a cell scaffold material. The cell scaffold material comprises a polymer of a spider silk protein.
US09157061B2
We used ACCUTASE®, a commercially available cell detachment solution, for single cell propagation of pluripotent hESCs. Unlike trypsin dissociation, ACCUTASE® treatment does not significantly affect the plating efficiency of hESC dissociation into single cells. Cultures dissociated with ACCUTASE® to single cells at each passage maintain a higher proportion of pluripotent cells as compared to collagenase-passaged hESCs. ACCUTASE®-treated hESCs can be grown to a high density as monolayers, and yet retain their pluripotency.
US09157059B2
In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.
US09157040B2
A method for synthesizing cyclic hydrocarbons with linear hydrocarbon side chains from a renewable source, or biomass by naturally occurring or bioengineered fungal strains, or hydrodistillation of plants.
US09157028B2
The present application relates to a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal cell, a liquid crystal film, and methods of preparing the same. As an exemplary liquid crystal composition, according to the present application can provide a liquid crystal layer aligned without a special alignment layer. According to the liquid crystal composition, all of the liquid crystal cell, in which the liquid crystal layer is maintained in a non-polymerized state, and the liquid crystal film prepared by polymerizing the liquid crystal layer can be provided.
US09157022B2
Water soluble uncrosslinked polysaccharides may be fluid loss control agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids used for stimulation (e.g. fracturing) or well completion in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The VES fluid may further include proppant or gravel, if it is intended for use as a fracturing fluid or a gravel packing fluid, although such uses do not require that the fluid contain proppant or gravel. The water soluble uncrosslinked polysaccharide fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to guar gum and derivatives thereof; cellulose and derivatives thereof; propylene glycol alginate; salts (e.g. sodium, potassium, and calcium salts) of iota, kappa, and lambda carrageenan; agar-agar; xanthan gum; and the like; and/or mixtures thereof. The fluid loss control agent may be added to the aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid prior to VES addition, and/or at the same time and/or after the VES is added.
US09157021B2
The invention relates to an improved enhanced recovery method using polymers, wherein these polymers are preserved from mechanical degradation by adding an additive comprising sacrificial compounds. The sacrificial compounds are preferentially degraded instead of the active polymers, thus allowing optimized recovery of the oil in the petroleum reservoir. The sacrificial compounds can be polymers of same nature as the active polymers, but of higher molecular weight, or polymers of different nature having more fragile bonds. The sacrificial compound(s) is/are selected according to a lesser resistance to mechanical degradation, in comparison with the active polymers of the solution allowing enhanced recovery.
US09157000B2
The present invention provides an ink composition for use in active energy beam-curable inkjet printing, wherein the ink composition has low viscosity yet exhibits superior curability and superior adhesion to many different substrates, and also exhibits excellent storage stability. An active energy beam-curable inkjet ink composition containing at least polymerizable monomers (A) and a stabilizer (B), and containing essentially no water, the inkjet ink composition containing, as the polymerizable monomers (A), at least a polymerizable monomer (A-1) containing a vinyl ether group and an acryloyl group, and a polymerizable monomer (A-2) containing 2 or more acryloyl groups.
US09156999B2
The present disclosure is drawn toward compositions, systems, and methods for printing of three-dimensional objects. In one embodiment, a liquid inkjettable material for 3-dimensional printing can comprise from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of a pigment, from 10 wt % to 90 wt % of a UV-curable polymer, and from 0.1 wt % to 70 wt % of a polymeric filler. Additionally, the liquid inkjettable material can be jettable from piezo electric inkjet printer nozzles and has acceptable decap performance measured by jetting a normal 50 picoliter ink drop within 10 electric firing pulses after the piezo electric inkjet printer nozzles have been fired and have been subsequently rested for 24 hours.
US09156995B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing sols of metal oxides, with an aqueous component, which are stable over time and which notably allow the making of thin films having both remarkable optical and abrasion resistance properties.This method comprises: (i) replacing with water all or part of the alcohol or of the alcohols present in an alcoholic sol of a metal oxide, with a neutral or basic pH, and optionally (ii) adjusting the pH of the thereby obtained aqueous or partly aqueous sol to a value of at least 8.The invention also relates to a method for making films from these sols and, in particular, thin films with optical properties and resistant to abrasion.Applications: making optical components for power lasers, making optical fibers, cathodic tubes, etc.
US09156992B2
The present disclosure envisages a process for pelletizing carbon black by mixing carbon black powder and water in a proportion in the range of 0.1:2 to 2:1 with a binding agent and a dispersing agent. The dispersing agent is an amine-based surfactant and is added in a proportion in the range of 0.005-0.1% of the total mixture. The mixture is pelletized in a pelletizer and subsequently the raw pellets are dried for 20-60 minutes at a temperature between 150-250° C., to obtain the carbon black pellets. The process of the present disclosure provides uniform distribution of water on the surface of the pellets giving a uniform pellet quality, reduced water consumption, energy savings and an increased production rate.
US09156991B2
A process for producing a resin-coated pigment capable of providing an ink and a paint being superior in dispersion stability of a pigment and having rapid drying property, high gloss and density without containing those such as an organic solvent and a salt that cause the lowering of performance of pigment dispersion, characterized in that a pigment is dispersed in an aqueous solution in which an anionic group-containing resin is dissolved in the presence of a basic compound and then, the anionic group-containing resin is precipitated on the surface of the pigment by removing the basic compound in the aqueous solution, using an ion exchange means.
US09156986B2
Provided are compounds comprising two DNA supramolecular binding molecules covalently joined by a linker group. Also provided are multisignal labeling reagents comprising (i) an oligomer of nucleotides or nucleotide analogs; (ii) a DNA supramolecular binding molecule noncovalently bound to the oligomer; and (iii) a first reactive group or a first partner of a first binding pair covalently bound to the oligomer. Additionally provided are methods of producing multisignal labeling reagents.
US09156984B2
A method for preparing a plurality of coated binder units wherein each of the coated binder units comprises a core of a binder coated with a layer of coating material, which method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a coated binder which comprises a core of a binder coated with a layer of coating material; and (b) dividing the coated binder into the plurality of the coated binder units by means of a system which comprises a first and a second loop that engage over part of their lengths and rotate in opposite directions, the first loop comprising a first repeating sequence of interlinked molds and the second loop comprising a second repeating sequence of interlinked molds, whereby the coated binder units are formed by welding edges of the coating and cutting the extrudate into pieces in a region where the first and the second loops engage. The invention further relates to said system.
US09156972B2
A polypropylene containing resin composition suitable for use in forming films by the air quenched melt-blown film process for use as a sealing layer in a laminate for retort pouches, The resin composition includes from 80 to 98 percent by weight of a coupled impact propylene copolymer and from 2 to 20 percent by weight of a propylene-ethylene copolymer having from 2 to 10 percent by weight units derived from ethylene, wherein the composition has a melt flow rate of from 0.1 to 2.5 grams/10 minutes.
US09156970B2
Disclosed herein are polymerization processes for the production of olefin polymers. These polymerization processes can employ a catalyst system containing two or three metallocene components, resulting in ethylene-based copolymers that can have a medium density and improved stress crack resistance.
US09156962B2
A material composition with specific segment wavelength matching refractive index includes (a) resin or a composite thereof to serve as a bonding agent and (b) a medium material of metal oxides or complex metal oxides of specific particle size to serve as an additive for specific segment wavelength matching refractive index. The composition is formed by combining the bonding agent and additive. The composition material uses the wavelength of light emitting from a light-emitting diode (LED) die or excited from a fluorescent agent as the range of a segment to add nanometer particles of D=λ/4n optic thickness as basis for formation of an effective medium layer and thus providing a matching refractive index for wavelength of the specific segment bandwidth. Corresponding to different refractive indexes nx of LED die materials, proper amounts of nanometer particles are selectively added to have the refractive index match the LED die.
US09156961B2
Provided are a vulcanizate of a chloroprene rubber composition containing carbon black that generates a smaller amount of heat when used and a method for producing the same by a simpler and more convenient method. First, an unvulcanized rubber composition at least containing a chloroprene polymer and carbon black is vulcanization-molded, to give a semivulcanized molded article having a cure characteristic value, as determined by the method specified in JIS K6300-2: 2001, in the range of t10 to t80. Then, the semivulcanized molded article obtained by semivulcanized film-forming step is additionally vulcanized in the state as it is deformed entirely and the deformation is removed, to give vulcanizate in a desired shape.
US09156959B2
There is provided a polyester elastomer which is excellent in compression set characteristics and has a micro cell structure.The polyester elastomer foam is formed by allowing a polyester elastomer composition containing a polyester elastomer having a melting point of 180 to 240° C. and an epoxy-modified polymer to expand. The epoxy-modified polymer is an epoxy-modified polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 and an epoxy equivalent of 100 to 3000 g/eq.
US09156939B2
The present invention relates to a polymer which comprises at least one structural unit which contains at least one aldehyde group, and to a process for the preparation of a crosslinkable or crosslinked polymer including a polymer which contains aldehyde groups. The present invention thus also relates to a crosslinkable polymer and a crosslinked polymer which is prepared by the process according to the invention, and to the use of this crosslinked polymer in electronic devices, in particular in organic electroluminescent devices, so-called OLEDs (OLED=organic light emitting device).
US09156932B2
A method of making a graft copolymer, comprising the steps of obtaining a first polymer comprising at least one carbon-carbon double bond, the first polymer derived from at least one first monomer, the at least one first monomer comprising a conjugated diene monomer; obtaining a second polymer, the second polymer capable of exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and comprising a terminal functional group capable of reacting with the carbon-carbon double bond; and reacting the second polymer with the first polymer to form a graft copolymer, the graft copolymer comprising a backbone derived from the first polymer and sidechains derived from the second polymer.
US09156929B2
The invention relates to a metallocene complex according to the following formula (1) wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, hydrocarbyl group comprising 1 to 30 carbon atoms; M is titanium, zirconium, or hafnium and X1 and X2 are the same and are halogen or a hydrocarbyl group comprising 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
US09156927B2
A catalyst component for olefin polymerization comprising magnesium, titanium, halogen and electron donor, wherein the electron donor is selected from at least one of the diol diester compounds, when the diol diester comprised contains a certain amount of isomer with Fischer projection formula as shown in Formula (II), the activity and stereospecificity of the catalyst are greatly improved, especially in the production of polymers with high melt index, the isotactic index of the obtained polymers is improved substantially.
US09156921B2
The present invention is directed to method of forming a polymer comprising exposing a mixture comprising an organic pre-polymer, an organic photoredox catalyst, and an organic initiator to a source of visible or near-infrared light under conditions and for a time sufficient to polymerize the organic pre-polymer, and polymers and articles derived therefrom.
US09156920B2
A process for preparing an aqueous emulsifier-stabilized vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer dispersion with weight average particle size in a range from 100 nm to 300 nm includes emulsion polymerization of a reaction mixture including:a) vinyl acetate and ethylene,b) 0.05 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of monomers and comonomers, of at least one functional comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with at least one phosphate group or phosphonic acid group or their salts and ethylenically unsaturated sulphonic acids or their salts, c) 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of monomers and comonomers, of at least one anionic emulsifier and optionally one or more nonionic emulsifiers, and d) optionally at most 0.5%, based on the total weight of monomers and comonomers, of a protective colloid. The process reactor uses an external heat exchange circuit.
US09156912B2
The object of the invention is to provide an immunological reconstitution promoter or a prophylactic agent for infections for use in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy for tumors. The promoter or prophylactic agent enables the amelioration of delayed immune reconstitution or the prevention of infection following transplantation, while maintaining the GVT effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Specifically, in a transplant patient in whom immune reconstitution is delayed, such reconstitution can be promoted by administering, at an early stage following transplantation, a substance capable of depleting CD4+ cells. Early completion of infection management in the patient and improvement in the survival rate are anticipated as a result. In addition, the risk of complications associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is reduced, enabling more widespread use of this therapy.
US09156907B2
Diagnostic assays for the diagnosis of amyloidosis, in particular, Alzheimer's disease, and related aspects. In particular, monoclonal antibodies and an antibody assay are provided.
US09156902B2
Provided herein are peptides and variant peptides that exhibit enhanced activity at the GLP-1 receptor, as compared to native glucagon.
US09156897B2
The present invention provides fusion proteins comprising a mucin-domain polypeptide covalently linked to an active protein that has improved properties (e.g. pharmacokinetic and/or physicochemical properties) compared to the same active protein not linked to mucin-domain polypeptide, as well as methods for making and using the fusion proteins of the invention.
US09156888B2
The present invention provides murine monoclonal antibody molecules that bind to Merkel cell carcinoma virus (MCV) polypeptides.
US09156884B2
Provided herein are compounds that inhibit a binding interaction between a β integrin and a G protein subunit, as well as compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the same, and related kits. In some embodiments, the compound is an antibody or antibody analog, and, in other embodiments, the compound is a peptide or peptide analog. Also provided are methods of using the compounds, including methods of treating or preventing a medical condition, such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, or inflammation.
US09156877B2
The invention relates to 17-hydroxy-17-pentafluoroethylestra-4,9(10)-diene 11-benzylidene derivatives of the formula I, in which Y and X are each as defined in the claims and the description, to a process for preparation thereof and to the use thereof as medicaments.
US09156871B2
The present invention provides novel and advantageous materials and methods for preventing and treating viral infection.
US09156869B2
A ruthenium complex for a dye-sensitized solar cell includes a chemical formula represented by Formula (I): RuL1L2L3 (I) where L1 represents a monodentate ligand; L2 represents a tridentate ligand of and L3 represents a bidentate ligand of where R1 to R27 have meaning as defined in the specification.
US09156868B2
The invention relates to aryl- and/or heteroaryl-substituted main group element halides and/or pseudohalides, the use of main group element halides and/or pseudohalides as dopant for the doping of an organic semiconducting matrix material, as charge injection layer, as hole blocker layer, as electrode material, as transport material itself, as memory material in electronic or optoelectronic structural elements.
US09156863B2
The present invention describes branched and functionalized siloxanes and methods for making such compounds. The compounds have a variety of uses. One preferred application is as novel planarizing material for lithography, in which case functionalized branched siloxane, such as an epoxy-modified branched siloxane is particularly useful.
US09156855B2
The present invention relates generally to methods and compounds for regulating the release of nitric oxide in the vicinity of biofilm-forming microorganisms to regulate programmed cell death in the microorganisms and thereby promote dispersal of microorganism from biofilms and/or inhibit biofilm formation or development. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of compounds to provide spatial and temporal control over nitric oxide release.
US09156848B2
The present invention is directed to novel substituted dihydropyrrolopyrazoles of structural Formula I which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-N enzyme and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly Type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme is involved.
US09156843B2
Organic electroluminescent device comprising an organic layer containing an indolocarbazole compound
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device (organic EL device) that is improved in luminous efficiency, sufficiently secures driving stability, and has a simple configuration. This organic EL device is constituted of an anode, organic layers comprising a phosphorescent light-emitting layer, and a cathode piled one upon another on a substrate and at least one organic layer selected from a light-emitting layer, an electron-transporting layer, and a hole-blocking layer contains an indolocarbazole compound represented by general formula (1). In the case where the indolocarbazole compound is incorporated in the light-emitting layer containing a phosphorescent dopant and a host material, it is incorporated as the host material. Some of such indolocarbazole compounds are represented by the following formula (2): wherein each of A1 and A2 is an aromatic hydrocarbon group; each of B1 and B2 is an aromatic heterocyclic group; each of R1 to R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group, or an aromatic heterocyclic group; m is an integer of 1 to 3; and n is an integer of 0 to 3.
US09156840B2
Provided are D2 or D3 antagonist compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or isomers thereof, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. The invention further comprises methods for making the compounds of the invention and methods for the treatment of conditions mediated by the dopamine D2 or D3 receptor from the compounds of the invention.
US09156836B2
The present invention relates to substituted tricyclic triazole compounds and compositions comprising substituted tricyclic triazole compounds. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the activity of Hsp90 in a subject in need thereof and methods for preventing or treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a compound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound.
US09156834B2
The present invention concerns derivatives of heteroarylsulfonamides, notably as blockers of Kv potassium channels, and more particularly of channels Kv1.5, Kv4.3 or Kv11.1, their application in clinical therapy and their preparation methods. These compounds correspond to the following general formula (I): where R1 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl core X such as: hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl, or linear or branched C1-C4 alkoxy, A represents oxygen or sulphur, B represents nitrogen when n=1 or 2 and D represents —C(═O)—, or B represents CH when n=0 and D represents —CH2O— or when n=1 and D represents —O—, R2 represents a hydrogen, a methyl, a fluorine or chlorine atom or a methoxy, HetAr represents a pyridyl or quinolyl group, possibly substituted by a group such as a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl, a linear or branched C1-C4 alkoxy, a halogen, or a trifluoromethyl, and to their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
US09156832B2
The invention is directed to 5,6-dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-one compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds that are useful in treating infections by hepatitis C virus.
US09156824B2
The present invention provides isoindolinone compounds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that inhibit CDC7 and, therefore may be useful in treating cancer.
US09156819B2
The present invention is directed to 2-pyridyloxy-4-nitrile compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors. The present invention is also directed to uses of the 2-pyridyl-oxy-4-nitrile compounds described herein in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US09156818B2
The present invention discloses compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit RNA-containing virus, particularly the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention. The present invention relates to novel antiviral compounds represented herein above, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral (particularly HCV) infection in a subject in need of such therapy with compounds of Formula (I).
US09156813B1
This disclosure relates to the field of preparation of 3-(3-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine and intermediates therefrom. These intermediates are useful in the preparation of certain pesticides.
US09156805B2
Disclosed is a process to produce a dry purified carboxylic acid product comprising furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The process comprises oxidizing a feed stream comprising at least one oxidizable compound to generate a crude carboxylic acid slurry comprising FDCA, removing impurities from a crude carboxylic acid slurry via oxidative purification in a low temperature post-oxidation zone to form a low impurity slurry stream. The low impurity slurry stream is further treated in a high temperature post oxidation zone to produce a secondary oxidation slurry stream which is routed to a crystallization zone to from a crystallized slurry stream.
US09156804B2
The disclosed subject matter provides N-substituted hydroxylamine derivative compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, the disclosed subject matter provides methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions for treating heart failure.
US09156801B2
The present invention belongs to the field of natural medicine and pharmaceutical chemistry, and specifically relates to novel 2-substituted oleanolic acid derivatives of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a process for the preparation of these compounds, compositions containing such compounds and their use in preparing antineoplastic medicaments.
US09156792B2
Retinoic acid metabolism blocking agents (RAMBAs). The RAMBAs may be used for treatment of cancer, including breast and prostate cancers. Methods for preparing novel retinamide RAMBAs. The methods include reacting RAMBAs with terminal polar carboxylic acid group with a variety of amines in the presence of suitable coupling reagents. The retinamide RAMBAs are potent inhibitors of the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells and may be useful for the treatment of these diseases in humans.
US09156787B2
This invention relates generally to stimulating neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, e.g., post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis) and protection from neuron cell death.
US09156781B2
Provided herein are substituted biaryl sulfonamide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of their preparation, and methods of their use. The compounds provided herein are useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of various disorders, including cancer and proliferative disorders. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein modulate initiation of protein translation. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein are used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, immuno therapy and/or one or more additional anticancer drugs for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of cancer and proliferative disorders.
US09156772B2
Chelating monomers and fluoride-releasing compositions are disclosed that may be incorporated into dental composite restorative materials, dental bonding agents or other dental materials, to produce materials with high fluoride release rates, and high fluoride recharge capability. Such dental restorative materials may help reduce the level of dental caries in patients, particularly the level of caries occurring on the margins of the restorative materials.
US09156760B2
Provided herein are methods for recovering butanol from a fermentation medium. The methods comprise providing a fermentation medium comprising butanol, water, and a recombinant microorganism comprising a butanol biosynthetic pathway, wherein the recombinant microorganism produces butanol; contacting the fermentation medium with a water immiscible organic extractant composition comprising a dry solvent to form a butanol-containing organic phase and an aqueous phase; and recovering the butanol from the butanol-containing organic phase.
US09156752B2
The present invention discloses high purity E-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd(E)) and methods to produce the same. More specifically, the present invention discloses the methods of making 1233zd(E) essentially free of toxic impurities (e.g. 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233xf), chlorotetrafluoro-propene (1224), and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne). The present invention further provides methods for making high purity 1233zd(E) with concentration of 1233xf and 1224 at or below 200 parts per million (ppm) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne impurities at or below 20 ppm. Formation of 1233xf impurity can be avoided if pure 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane is used as a starting material. It was also found that formation of 1233xf is avoided if a liquid phase manufacturing process is used.
US09156741B2
The present invention provides a method of preparing a carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composite material, wherein carbon nanotubes are formed in the composite material, and then metal silicon is melted and infiltrated into the composite material, so the amount of unreacted metal is reduced and the strength of the composite material is improved, and provides a carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide composite material prepared by the method.
US09156740B2
A ceramic boron-containing dopant paste is disclosed. The ceramic boron-containing dopant paste further comprising a set of solvents, a set of ceramic particles dispersed in the set of solvents, a set of boron compound particles dispersed in the set of solvents, a set of binder molecules dissolved in the set of solvents. Wherein, the ceramic boron-containing dopant paste has a shear thinning power law index n between about 0.01 and about 1.
US09156739B2
A multilayer ceramic composition showing good characteristics, even when electric intensity on dielectric layers is high and a stacked number of a multilayer ceramic capacitor is increased, and an electronic device thereof. Said composition comprises: a perovskite compound ABO3, and with respect to 100 moles of said compound, 0.6 or more to 1.4 or less moles of Ra2O3 in which Ra is at least one of Dy, Gd and Tb, 0.2 or more to 0.7 or less moles of Rb2O3 in which Rb is at least one of Ho and Y, and 0.2 or more to 0.7 or less moles of Rc2O3 in which Rc is at least one of Yb and Lu, in terms of each oxide, 0.6 or more to 1.6 or less moles of Mg oxide in terms of Mg, and 0.6 or more to less than 1.2 moles of Si included compound in terms of Si.
US09156733B2
A preparation method of rare earth ions doped alkaline earth metal silicate luminescent glass is provided. The steps involve: step 1, mixing the source compounds of cerium, terbium and alkaline earth metals and putting the mixture into solvent to get a mixed solution; step 2, impregnating the nanometer pores glass with the mixed solution obtained in step 1; step 3: calcining the impregnated nanometer pores glass obtained in step 2 in a reducing atmosphere, cooling to room temperature, then obtaining the cerium and terbium co-doped alkaline earth metal silicate luminescent glass. Besides, the rare earth ions doped alkaline earth metal silicate luminescent glass prepared with aforesaid method is also provided. In the prepared luminescent glass, cerium ions can transmit absorbed energy to terbium ions under the excitation of UV light due to the co-doping of cerium ions. As a result, the said luminescent glass has higher luminous intensity than the glass only doped with terbium.
US09156730B2
To provide an inorganic fiber that suppresses adverse effects on a human body and living environments, exhibits high biosolubility, and also exhibits excellent heat resistance as a constituent material for a filter material, a sealing material, or the like. The inorganic fiber comprises 30 mass % or more and less than 81 mass % of Al2O3, more than 19 mass % and 65 mass % or less of MgO and 0 mass % to 40 mass % of SiO2, wherein the total content of Al2O3, MgO and SiO2 relative to the entire fiber is 98 mass % or more.
US09156729B2
A glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 30.0 to 40.0% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 23.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 15.0% by weight, K2O in an amount from 0.0 to 5.0% by weight, La2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 30.0% by weight, Li2O in an amount from 0.0 to 3.0% by weight, Na2O in an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, Nb2O5 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight, WO3 in an amount from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, Y2O3 in an amount from 15.0 to 35.0% by weight, and RO (one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) in an amount from 0.0 to 7.5% by weight is provided. Glass fibers formed from the composition have a refractive index between 1.55 and 1.69.
US09156727B2
A transparent, dyed cooktop is provided that has improved color display capability. The cooktop is made of a glass ceramic having high quartz mixed crystals as the predominant crystal phase, wherein the glass ceramic comprises none of the chemical refining agents arsenic oxide and/or antimony oxide, except for inevitable trace amounts. The glass ceramic has transmission values of greater than 0.1% in the range of visible light over the entire wavelength range greater than 450 nm, light transmission in the visible range of 0.8 to 5%, and transmission in the infrared at 1600 nm of 45-85%. The glass ceramic also includes a display apparatus that has a display device which is designed to display different operating conditions with different colors and/or symbols.
US09156717B2
An arrangement for addition of chlorine dioxide to flowing water in a pipeline is provided. The reactants are reacted in a reaction chamber located in the flow of water and the chlorine dioxide is passed from the reaction chamber directly into the flowing water.
US09156700B2
A process for producing a unitary graphene material, comprising: (a) preparing a graphene oxide (GO) gel having GO molecules dissolved in a fluid medium wherein the GO molecules contain higher than 20% by weight of oxygen; (b) dispensing and depositing a layer of GO gel onto a surface of a substrate to form a layer of deposited GO gel thereon, wherein the dispensing and depositing procedure includes shear-induced thinning; (c) removing the fluid medium from the deposited GO gel to form a GO layer having an inter-plane spacing d002 of 0.4 nm to 1.2 nm as determined by X-ray diffraction; and (d) heat treating the GO layer to form the unitary graphene material at a heat treatment temperature higher than 100° C. to an extent that d002 is decreased to a value of 0.3354 nm to 0.4 nm and the oxygen content is decreased to less than 5% by weight.
US09156699B2
A technique for forming graphene which solves problems involved in formation of graphene by a thermal CVD method and a resin carbonization method that a high temperature is used and the treatment time is long and can form graphene at a lower temperature in a shorter time is provided. The above problems are solved by performing hydrogen plasma treatment on a copper foil substrate having an organic substance applied thereon by use of a surface wave microwave plasma treatment device and forming graphene on the copper foil substrate by the hydrogen plasma treatment.
US09156698B2
The present invention relates to a method of preparing purified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) comprising mixing starting CNTs with an organic solvent in the presence of sonication; substantially removing the organic solvent to obtain a CNT composition; and heating the CNT composition at 200° C. or higher to obtain the purified carbon nanotubes. The present invention further relates to the purified CNTs and cohesive CNT assemblies prepared from the method described herein, and articles (e.g. capacitor, energy storage device or capacitive deionization device) comprising the purified CNTs.
US09156696B2
The preparation of novel fullerynes which are fullerenes (e.g. C60, C70, C80, etc.) that contain one or more alkyne functionalities and may contain additional functional groups such as hydroxyls, halogens, esters, haloesters, phenyl, oligo(ethylene glycol)s, perfluorinated alkyl chains, and the like. Two desired preparation routes are disclosed. The first one is the Fischer esterification in desired solvents using a special designed reactor in contrast to the heretofore initial Steglich reaction that results in side reactions and low yields. The second one uses acetylide Grignard reagents that have reduced nucleophilicity and higher stability in contrast to the use of heretofore initial lithium organyls or other Grignard reagents that would add to C60 with possible multi-additions in an uncontrollable manner.
US09156681B2
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a lower electrode pattern on a substrate, forming a first interlayer insulating layer on the lower electrode pattern, forming an upper electrode pattern on the first interlayer insulating layer, forming a second interlayer insulating layer on the upper electrode pattern, forming an etch blocking layer on a side of the upper electrode pattern, wherein the etch blocking layer passes through the first interlayer insulating layer, forming a cavity which exposes the side of the etch blocking layer by etching the second interlayer insulating layer, and forming a contact ball in the cavity.
US09156679B1
A bonding technology is disclosed that can form an anodic, conductive bond between two optically transparent substrates. The anodic bond may be accompanied by a Second bond, for example a metal alloy, solder, eutectic and polymer bond. The two bonds may be used for the same or a different purpose, and may be selected for the following attributes: hermeticity, electrical conductivity, low RF loss, high adhesive strength, leak resistance, thermal conductivity. The attributes for each bonding technology may be the same, or they may be different.
US09156666B2
A carriage frame includes first and second side members supporting a floating fork pin, where the floating fork pin is movably mounted in respective fork pin slots in the first and second side members and is adapted to receive load carrying forks. The first and second side members each includes a locking aperture positioned spaced from the fork pin slots. A pair of lock plates are secured to ends of the floating fork pin, respectively, where each of the lock plates includes a lock pin slot and a lock pin hole positioned in substantial alignment with the locking apertures in the first and second side members. A pair of fork pin locks extend through the locking apertures of the first and second side members and are selectively extended through one of the lock pin slot and the lock pin hole. With the fork pin locks extending through the lock pin slots, the floating fork pin is movable in the fork pin slot, and with the fork pin locks extending through the lock pin holes, the floating fork pin is prevented from moving in the fork pin slot.
US09156655B2
A mining elevator traction cable connecting apparatus and a measuring method therefor, for use in a mining elevator serving a deep-mine. The apparatus includes an industrial personal computer (IPC), a signal collector connected to the IPC, multiple symmetrically arranged cable rings for use in connecting to one end of a traction cable, and a traction cable tension adjusting apparatus connected to the multiple of cable rings. Arranged within the traction cable tension adjusting apparatus are a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of draw wire displacement sensors for use in monitoring the relative displacement between each hydraulic cylinder plunger and a corresponding hydraulic cylinder body. The draw wire displacement sensors and an oil pressure sensor connected to a hydraulic pipeline are connected to the IPC via the signal collector, forming a traction cable tension and degree of adjustment measuring system.
US09156653B2
The present invention relates to a method of controlling access to floor within a building via elevator. The method includes receiving a passenger input indicating a desired destination floor a passenger seeks to travel to in an elevator, accessing a stored database containing data about which floors passengers are allowed to access via elevator when coming from the floor of the passenger input, determining if access is allowed based upon the desired destination floor and the data, and controlling operation of the elevator to deliver the passenger to the desired destination floor if access is allowed.
US09156644B2
A printing apparatus according to one aspect of this invention automatically discharges, of sheets remaining on a conveyance path when a sheet being conveyed jams, dischargeable sheets to one of a plurality of sheet retraction units. At this time, the printing apparatus detects the stacked state of sheets discharged to the sheet retraction unit. When the printing apparatus detects that the sheet retraction unit has become a predetermined state, it changes the discharge destination of sheets to be conveyed to the sheet retraction unit, thereby controlling not to further discharge a sheet to that sheet retraction unit. According to this control, when retracting sheets remaining on the conveyance path upon occurrence of a jam in the printing apparatus, occurrence of a new jam can be prevented.
US09156634B2
A system and method are disclosed, which can detect and process a position of at least one storage space device moving a bulk material. A first storage space device can have a gantry having two gantry legs, each of the two gantry legs supported on a linearly displaceable foot element. The system can include at least one first non-contact distance sensor, which is fitted on one of the two foot elements to measure a first relative distance between the one foot element and a first fixed reference point. A second non-contact distance sensor is fitted to the other of the two foot elements in order to measure a second relative distance between the other foot element and a second fixed reference point, and an evaluation unit is configured to determine rotation of the first storage space device about a central vertical axis and control the movement of the foot elements.
US09156631B2
A system includes a multi-stage solids feeder. The multi-stage solids feeder includes a first solids feeder having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second solids feeder having a second inlet and a second outlet, and a conduit disposed between the first outlet and the second inlet. The second solids feeder is disposed adjacent to the first solids feeder, and the conduit routes a solids flow from the first solids feeder to the second solids feeder.
US09156630B2
A sample rack handling unit comprising an onload section for loading sample racks holding a sample container is presented. The onload section comprises an onload edge and a receiving area with an onload rail longitudinally on the receiving area parallel to the onload edge. The onload rail engages a recess on the rack bottom such that the rack longitudinally slides on the receiving area along the onload rail when the rack is engaged. The onload rail has a base portion and a protrusion extending from the base portion. The protrusion faces the onload edge and the base portion comprises an inclined onload rail side opposite the onload edge such that the recess engages the onload rail when the rack is loaded on the receiving area from the onload edge transversely to the onload rail and the recess disengages the onload rail by sliding the rack towards the onload edge.
US09156629B2
A sorting conveyor including a diverting conveyor and a bidirectional assist roller to help sort articles over the side of the diverting conveyor. The diverting conveyor includes, in one version, a conveyor belt with diverting rollers selectively actuated to push articles toward a side of the diverting conveyor. The bidirectional assist roller rotates on an axis parallel to the main conveying direction. As articles to be diverted reach the side of the diverting conveyor, the bidirectional roller rotates in a direction to assist articles over the side of the diverting conveyor and the bidirectional roller and onto an exit conveyor. When the diverting rollers are not actuated, the bidirectional roller rotates in the opposite direction to prevent articles from exiting the side of the diverting conveyor. In some instances, the bidirectional roller can be raised above the level of the diverting rollers to further block articles not selected for sorting from exiting over the side and onto the exit conveyor.
US09156620B2
A surface platform for a conveyor belt includes a platform member having an upper surface and a rail member at one side of the upper surface. One end of the rail member has an undercut portion defining an extension, and the other end of the rail member defines a slot, the slot and extension being complimentarily sized. The slot has a bottom edge located above the upper surface of the platform member.
US09156612B2
Method for handling material in a pneumatic materials handling system, in which material, such as waste material, is input from an input aperture of an input point, such as from an input aperture of a refuse chute or of some other input point, and is handled with a shaping device, arranged in connection with the input point or in the proximity of it, to be more compact and is transferred onwards. The shaping device is a rotary shaper, which includes rotatable handling device, which includes an aperture, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, and which rotary shaper includes at least one stationary handling device, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into the rotary shaper and/or through it at least partly by means of gravity and/or suction and/or a pressure difference.
US09156599B2
Method of producing an enforced composite surface delimited element such as a wall, ceiling or roof includes: connecting profile elements, preferably of metal and having a length within the interval 200-250 cm, a width within the interval 15-35 cm, and a depth within the interval 18-40 cm, side by side constituting cell modules having passing through cell elements; adding a substance or a material to the modules to bring completing properties to the construction element; and providing the cell modules with an inner and/or outer completely covering layer at the same time adding strength to the surface delimited element. The surface delimited element includes a series of cell modules constituting of profile elements forming intermediate cells, wherein each cell module has a width of at least 30 cm, a depth of at least 18 cm and the cell modules are internally.
US09156598B2
Packaging structure for containers (3, 3′) for pharmaceutical use, comprising a tray (1) having an open side for introducing and extracting a support plane (2) of the containers (3, 3′), and a closing element (5) of the open side of the tray (1), said support plane (2) having a spatial prefixed distribution of seats (6) in which said containers (3, 3′) can be precisely positioned without mutual contact, whereby the structure comprises diversification means of the engaging configuration between said support plane (2) and said tray (1) in order to maintain unchanged the points inside the tray (1) in which an end (3a, 3a1) of the containers (3, 3′) is placed, with the variation of the height of the containers (3, 3′) associated from time to time to the support plane (2).
US09156597B2
Two embodiments of a molded plastic container/closure combination are described. Each can be structured to provide a child resistant opening feature and, optionally, a tamper-evident feature. In both embodiments, the closure has radially extending bayonets arranged around an outer skirt, which bayonets can be rotated into a position underlying semi-annular ribs in a beam molded integrally with the sidewall of the container. Rotation of the closure in the unlocking direction is opposed by a structure which requires depression of a release tab downwardly. In one embodiment, depression of the release tab requires that a frangible element first be fractured and removed from the container sidewall. In the second embodiment, depressing the release tab is made possible by a living hinge formed on one side of the release tab.
US09156596B2
A fluid dispenser head (T) for associating with a fluid dispenser member (P), such as a pump, the head (T) forming a dispenser duct (12) that communicates upstream with an outlet (S) of the dispenser member (P), and downstream with a dispenser orifice (31), the head (T) further including a shutter (2) for selectively closing the dispenser duct (12), the shutter (2) being movable in the duct (12) along a movement axis between a closed position and a dispensing position, the head (T) further including a thrust element (42) so as to thrust the shutter (2) towards its closed position, said dispenser head being characterized in that the thrust element (42) is movable substantially perpendicularly and tangentially to the movement axis of the shutter (2).
US09156594B2
The invention relates to closure, in particular for a nutrient medium container, wherein a lower part can be covered by an upper part, wherein the lower part and the upper part can be locked against each other by means of at least one locking receptacle and at least one locking part by rotating the lower part and the upper part about a longitudinal axis, and wherein the locking receptacle has a receptacle groove that is covered by a shoulder and that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, in which receptacle groove the locking part engages, wherein the shoulder has at least one ramp surface extending at an angle from the longitudinal axis on the outer face of the shoulder facing away from the receptacle groove.
US09156591B2
A particularly simple construction is intended for a packaging container for bulk material, in particular a sack or bag made of a plastic film with at least one container wall which encloses the bulk material, which comprises a multilayer venting region extending in the longitudinal direction of the container and consisting of at least one inner layer and one outer layer, wherein the venting region has at least one inner and outer opening, wherein the inner openings are designed as apertures in a strip-shaped surface region of the inner layer of the venting region, wherein the surface region extends over at least a portion of the direction of extent of the venting region, and wherein the at least one outer opening is formed in a joining seam laterally limiting the venting region, wherein a shielding element inside the venting region is associated with the outer opening in the joining seam for the deliberate diversion of at least a partial flow of the air flow passing through the venting region. This is achieved as a result of the venting region having just one chamber in which the shielding element separates the inner and outer openings from each other and the shielding element has a length that is between 10% and 50% of the overall length of the venting region.
US09156589B2
The invention relates to single chamber containers with internal indentions upon which flexible seals are placed to form separate compartments. Between these compartments is a contractible section upon which a cutting ring is welded. By applying pressure downward from the top, the contractible area retracts and the cutting ring reaches and pierces the seal. After a quick agitation, the consumer simply opens the discharge end and is ready to enjoy an instantly made beverage.
US09156584B2
A sealing disc for closing mouths of containers has a foil for inductively introducing heat into the sealing disc. The sealing disc has an edge region. A sealing layer is provided on the side of the foil that is to face the interior of the container, for sealing tight the edge region of the sealing disc on the mouth of the container. One or more layers are located on the side of the foil that is remote from the sealing layer. Further, a hand grip is formed as part of the sealing disc and serves to open the mouth of the container that is closed by the sealing disc. On the side that is remote from the sealing layer, the layer or layers are provided with weakening lines for forming an outline of the hand grip. The weakening lines lead into the edge region of the sealing disc.
US09156574B2
An apparatus for filling an upright container having a base and an open top with a number of similar articles from an elevated source includes an inlet and an auger assembly. The inlet is adapted to be proximate the elevated source of the similar articles such that the articles enter the apparatus therethrough. The auger includes a substantially helical ramp disposed about a shaft. The auger is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft and is translatable along the longitudinal axis. An end of the auger is disposed proximate the container and includes a discharge through which the articles are discharged into the container.
US09156568B1
An elastically deployable three-dimensional panel structure for a solar array that can be collapsed to a flattened state and subsequently rolled, bended, or folded to achieve a compact stowage volume. The panel structure has top facing planar surface region on which one or more photovoltaic modules are attached, and other non-planar regions, located at the structure edges, that increase the deployed stiffness and strength of the structure. The deployable structure may include one or more panel structure modules mechanically interconnected in series and one or more photovoltaic modules electrically interconnected and mechanically adhered to the panel structure surface or tensioned within an openings within in the panel structure. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the one or more panel structures from their stowed state. Deployment control is provided to ensure a known and repeatable deployment path through interlocking strips attached to one or more panel structures.
US09156566B2
The invention relates to a securing plate (1) for removably securing a one-piece propulsion unit (17) to a wing of an aircraft, characterised in that it includes first connection means (4, 5, 8, 13, 14) for securing the plate to the wing, second connection means (24) for securing the one-piece propulsion unit to the plate and third connection means (7) for securing a pair of longitudinal handling members (22) to the plate. The invention also relates to a specific longitudinal member and to an installation including a one-piece propulsion unit secured in the plate.
US09156562B2
A propulsion and motion-transmission assembly (1), in particular for a rotary-wing aircraft, the assembly (1) comprising: a first motor-reducer assembly (2); and a second motor-reducer assembly (4), wherein the first and second motor-reducer assemblies (2, 4) are arranged for driving in rotation at least one rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft; and wherein each of said first and second motor-reducer assemblies (2, 4) comprises:—a mechanical differential (6, 24) including a first input shaft (8; 26), a second input shaft (10; 28) and an output shaft (12, 30); and—a first electric motor (14; 32) and a second electric motor (16; 34) connected, respectively, to said first and second input shafts (8, 10; 26, 28), the output shaft of each motor-reducer assembly being arranged for connection in rotation to a rotor of a rotary-wing aircraft.
US09156560B2
Control systems and methods for an aircraft propulsion system are disclosed in which the propulsion control system is integrated to intelligently control aircraft propulsion and minimize transient effects from the power demands of other aircraft subsystems.
US09156559B2
An aircraft wing has a plurality of wing segments mounted on a wing spar by joints that allow relative movement between the spar and the wing segments. Tuning of coefficients of thermal expansion is employed to reduce induced stresses from changes in temperature.
US09156557B2
In a first aspect the invention relates to a sensor system (10) for determining a proximity to icing conditions of an environment. The system includes a sensor having a sensor surface (12) for exposure to the environment, an electrically powered heat pump means (16) for cooling and/or heating the surface (12), and a temperature detector (14) for providing a signal representative of the temperature of the surface (12). An environment temperature is determined, and a processor determines, from the temperature detected by the temperature detector (14) and the environment temperature, a proximity to icing conditions of the environment to which the surface (12) is exposed. In a second aspect of the invention the sensor system includes a power monitor for determining an amount of power required to heat or cool the surface through a temperature indicative of ice formation. The processor determines the proximity to icing conditions from the detected temperatures and the amount of cooling or heating power.
US09156551B2
A turret assembly for attachment on the undersurface of an aircraft that reduces performance limitations due to gimbal lock and reduces the cross section profile of the assembly. The assembly includes a roll actuator including a drive shaft. A yoke having a cross member is coupled to the drive shaft and a pair of prongs. The yoke is rotated via the roll actuator and drive shaft along a roll axis oriented substantially parallel to the body of the aircraft. A turret is mounted on the prongs of the yoke. A tilt actuator is contained within the turret. The tilt actuator tilts the turret on a tilt axis relative to the yoke. The tilt axis is perpendicular to the roll axis.
US09156545B1
According to one embodiment, a rotor blade rotation system includes a hub, a rotor blade in mechanical communication with the hub and pivotable about an axis of rotation, a swashplate, a pitch link, and an actuator. The swashplate includes a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion. The pitch link is coupled to the rotating portion of the swashplate and in mechanical communication with the rotor blade. The actuator is coupled to the non-rotating portion of the swashplate and operable to reposition the swashplate from a first position to a second position such that the pitch links pivot the rotor blade from a deployed position to a folded position.
US09156539B2
An aircraft window member includes film made of acrylic resin, a conductive mesh, which is formed on the film and in which a conductive material, is formed in a mesh shape so as to have optical transparency for ensuring visibility and to have electromagnetic-wave shielding properties, and a window main body, which is made of acrylic resin, and to which the film on which the conductive mesh is formed is attached.
US09156532B2
A waterproof mask is provided in this invention. The waterproof mask comprises a frame portion and a leaning portion that is tightly connected to the frame portion. The leaning portion has a plurality of first structures and a plurality of second structures, which are alternately arranged. The first thickness of each of the first structures is thinner than the second thickness of the second structure. Due to the differences in thickness, the leaning portion of the waterproof mask can be adjusted according to the user's face shape for a perfect fit.
US09156522B2
A hydraulic brake mechanism is described including a housing. A master cylinder assembly is disposed within the housing, and the master cylinder assembly includes a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber includes a first chamber portion having a first diameter and a second chamber portion having a second diameter, with the first diameter greater than the second diameter. The fluid chamber includes a transition region between the first and second chamber portions. The mechanism includes a piston assembly having a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. A first seal is configured to sealingly engage between the first chamber portion and the piston, and a second seal is configured to sealingly engage between the second chamber portion and the piston. The mechanism includes an outlet port extending from the fluid chamber from or adjacent the transition region.
US09156515B2
An intake structure for a motorcycle provides an intake air flow passage in a fuel tank arranged at an upper portion of a vehicle body. Left and right upper tank members are provided at an upper portion of a vehicle body. The upper tank portions are each provided with a recessed portion that is opened upward and inward. A tank wall, having an L-shaped cross section, extends rearward and subsequently downward. An upper opening of the recessed portion is covered with a lid member, and thereby, the recessed portion effectively functions as an air-supply passage leading to an interior portion of an air cleaners.
US09156510B2
A single mounting device is provided for each trolley riser for use with a set of shims in order to accurately align and secure a clamp to a datum. In another aspect, a generally polyhedron-shaped clamp body is used with a mounting plate to secure a clamp in different orientations relative to a manufacturing plant locator.
US09156504B2
A rear frame (11) includes: a first inclined part (11A) having a rearward rising incline, a trailing arm attachment part (11B) extending horizontally at the rear side of the first inclined part (11A), and a second inclined part (11C) having a rearward rising incline at the rear side of the trailing arm attachment part (11B). An upward-convex first protrusion (41), in which at least a portion of the front end section of a trailing arm (21) is accommodated, is formed in the trailing arm attachment part (11B), a downward-convex second protrusion (42) is formed in the front section of the first inclined part (11A), and the first protrusion (41) and the second protrusion (42) are disposed so as to mutually overlap in the vehicle width direction.
US09156502B2
A vehicle bonnet safety assembly, the vehicle comprising: a bonnet; a windscreen; a chassis, to which the bonnet is hingedly joined by means of actuators; the assembly further comprises: an elongated guide fixedly mounted, and supported along its length, on the bottom side of the bonnet; a sliding member provided inside the elongated guide to slide along the length of the elongated guide until it engages a stop coupled to the elongated guide; whereas the sliding member is mounted in the elongated guide such that it is prevented from sliding out and sliding back the elongated guide thereby creating a field of visibility on the road for a driver when the bonnet flips over the windscreen.
US09156501B2
A motor vehicle body is provided with at least one rear-end side member, on the lower side of which a reinforcing element for the connection of a rear axle arrangement is arranged. The reinforcing element includes, but is not limited to a connecting portion spaced from the side member with at least one through-opening for mounting an axle fastening element. The connecting portion supports itself on the side member via at least one support element penetrating the intermediate space between side member and connecting portion.
US09156499B2
A rear side panel assembly of a motor vehicle body includes an inner side panel element and an outer side panel element. The inner and outer side panel elements are joined to one another in the transverse direction (y) of the vehicle. The inner side panel element has, in relation to the vertical direction (z) of the vehicle, a wheel arch adjoining downwards onto a longitudinal beam and an inner roof frame profile adjoining upwards onto a vehicle roof. The outer side panel element has on its outer side, facing away from the inner side panel element, a connection region for the detachable arrangement of a rear fender.
US09156497B2
A driver assistance system for authorizing an autonomous, piloted parking of a vehicle into and out of a target standing surface includes a sensor system detecting measuring values during at least one drive of the vehicle from a first position in a vicinity and outside of the target standing surface to a second position inside the target standing surface and from the second position back to the first position, an analysis device determining based on the detected measuring values, properties of the vehicle and the capability of control-, regulation- and sensor-devices of the vehicle for an autonomous and piloted parking into and out of a parking space, whether the vehicle is capable of an to autonomous or piloted parking into the target standing surface and out of the target standing surface; and a memory device, wherein the driver assistance system is constructed to store an authorization data set for the autonomous or piloted parking into and out of the target standing surface in the memory device when the analysis device determines that the vehicle is capable to autonomous or piloted parking into the target standing surface and out of the target standing surface.
US09156491B2
A stationary tooth row is provided in a restricted member that is not displaced together with a steering wheel during tilt adjustment of a steering system. A movable tooth row is provided in a movable member that is displaced in a tilt direction) together with the steering wheel during tilt adjustment. The movable tooth row includes a first movable tooth and second movable teeth. A first curvature radius of a tooth tip of the first movable tooth is made smaller than a second curvature radius of a tooth tip of each of the second movable teeth to make a tooth depth of the first movable tooth greater than a tooth depth of each of the second movable teeth.
US09156486B2
A folding mechanism operatable between an extended position and a received position is disclosed to include a rack for supporting thereon a table machine, a pair of first legs and a pair of second legs respectively pivoted to the rack for supporting the rack above the floor, two first links respectively pivoted to the rack, two sliding units slidably and respectively sleeved onto the first legs and pivotally and respectively connected with the first links, and two second links respectively pivoted to the sliding units and the second legs. The first and second links and the sliding units are moved with the second legs toward the first legs upon folding the folding mechanism from the extended position to the received position, and at the same time the sliding units are slid along the first legs, assuring safety and stability of the folding action.
US09156472B2
Economic cruise control where a response of a cruise control system used to control a powertrain is determined based at least in part on whether a driver of a vehicle system has selected to manage cruise control according to performance or efficient cruise control strategies. The performance strategy corresponding with fulfilling a request to accelerate or otherwise increase energy demands less efficiently, and in some cases more quickly, than if the request were to be fulfilled with the efficient cruise control strategy.
US09156467B2
In power generation control for a vehicle, which is configured to control power generation so as to reduce an amount of fuel consumed by power generation of the internal combustion engine, the vehicle including: a generator configured to be driven by the internal combustion engine to generate electric power; and the battery to be charged by the generated electric power of the generator, the vehicle being configured to stop idling at a predetermined vehicle speed or less, a battery voltage as an inter-terminal voltage of the battery is detected, and the internal combustion engine is controlled to interrupt power generation involving fuel consumption one of when the detected battery voltage reaches a predetermined combustion power generation interruption voltage and when the detected battery voltage exceeds the predetermined combustion power generation interruption voltage.
US09156464B2
In a method of steering a vehicle by a steering assistance system, a steering-wheel angle of a steering wheel is set by a driver. The steering assistance system checks whether the set steering-wheel angle is maintained during a predefined time period and checks whether the driver has taken the hands from the steering wheel. The vehicle is then operated according to the set steering-wheel angle, when the driver maintains the set steering-wheel angle during the predefined time period, or the steering assistance system is switched off, when the driver has released the steering wheel.
US09156462B2
A drive control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a control unit that controls drive force output from an engine in accordance with operation of an accelerator pedal; and a shift mechanism capable of selectively switching a shift position to a driving position or a non-driving position. The shift mechanism transmits the drive force to wheels when the shift position is in the driving position, and interrupts transmission of the drive force when the shift position is in the non-driving position. The control unit executes a drive force restriction process of reducing the drive force when the shift position is switched from the non-driving position to the driving position while the accelerator pedal is in an on state, and, when the switching is from a neutral position, the control unit changes a mode of reducing the drive force in accordance with a continuation time of the neutral position.
US09156460B2
A brake monitoring system for use on a motor vehicle includes a sensor connected to each brake actuator on the motor vehicle for monitoring the position and travel of the brake actuator and for generating and transmitting a brake condition signal; a data processor carried in an axle box associated with each axle and connected to sensors associated with brakes for the axle for receiving, interpreting, storing, and upon request, transmitting the brake condition signal, wherein each data processor includes an auto-address mechanism to identify its position on the vehicle; and a master station, wherein said master station includes a display for identifying a particular vehicle brake, a quantitative indication of the travel on the brake actuator associated with the particular brake, and wherein said visual indicating devices which are indicative of said safety condition of a particular brake.
US09156451B2
Systems and methods for a tire/runway friction property estimation method based on measured wheel speed, calculated acceleration, wheel reference and tire normal force estimation are disclosed. Based on the resulting estimations, a map and/or function of position for the friction properties may be formed and transmitted to external systems after an aircraft stop is completed.
US09156448B2
A braking device for a vehicle comprises an accelerator-opening detector, a distance detector, an obstacle detector, and an ECU which is configured to perform the process of executing automatic braking when the distance detected by the distance detector is a specified distance or less during traveling of the vehicle, cancelling the automatic braking when the accelerator opening detected by the accelerator-opening detector is a specified opening or greater, and prohibiting the cancelling of the automatic braking when the front obstacle is detected by the obstacle detector while the vehicle stops or travels at a low speed which is a specified speed or less. Thereby, the braking device for a vehicle which can surely reduce the damage caused by the vehicle's collision with the front obstacle can be provided.
US09156445B2
A straddle-type vehicle includes an input shaft connected to a rear drive shaft and extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, an output shaft connected to an axle and configured to rotate by receiving a driving force from the input shaft, a brake operator on which an operation is performed to brake the input shaft, a plate group disposed between a wall portion of a housing and a cam member, a cam plate disposed between the cam member and the plate group, an operation shaft extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the input shaft, a first engagement protrusion protruding from the cam plate, a second engagement protrusion protruding from the operation shaft and engaging with the first engagement protrusion, a lever rotatable together with the operation shaft, and an operation cable connected to the brake operator and the lever.
US09156444B2
A method for controlling a motor vehicle equipped with wheels, brakes, a recovery device for recovering energy generated in braking, and a torque transmission chain from the wheels to the recovery device, includes acquiring a braking instruction, measuring a measured value of a dynamic characteristic of the recovery device, calculating a first intermediate setpoint with a preventive filter which filters the braking instruction so as to attenuate an amplitude of the braking instruction around a resonance frequency of the torque transmission chain, calculating a second intermediate setpoint to damp oscillations of the torque transmission chain, controlling the recovery device according to an electric motor control setpoint calculated as a function of the first and second intermediate setpoints, and controlling the brakes according to a braking setpoint calculated as a function of the braking instruction.
US09156441B2
A system and method are disclosed for leveling a vehicle when stationary. The system includes three zones with a first zone at the front end, and the second and third zones on opposite sides of the vehicle. All zones include leveling jacks, each having a blind side and a rod side. At least one leveling jack is located in the first zone, and at least two leveling jacks are located in each of the second and third zones. The blind sides of the jacks in each zone are connected together. The rod sides of all of the jacks are connected to a common fluid line, which typically is at low fluid pressure or pressure-free. The method involves extending all of the jacks from retracted positions to extended positions until they meet the surface upon which the vehicle is located. Fluid is then applied to the blind sides of either the second or third zone leveling jacks to raise the lower of the two sides. If the front end is lower than the rear end, fluid is applied to the blind side of the leveling jack in the first zone. If the front end is higher than the rear, fluid is relived form the blind side of the leveling jack.
US09156438B2
Systems and methods for theft deterrence of a vehicle are provided. Each of two or more immobilization point devices generate a random number and broadcasts it to all of the other immobilization points devices. Each of the immobilization point devices retains a local copy of its own random number and concatenates the local copy of its own random number with the random numbers of the other of the two or more immobilization point devices from the bus. From the random numbers broadcast on the bus, all of the random numbers are concatenated in a predetermined sequence to form a single challenge, which is transmitted to a remote transponder. Each of the immobilization point devices then compares a single response from the transponder to their local concatenation. When a specific portion of the response from the transponder matches a local concatenation, then enabling the function of the immobilization point device.
US09156428B2
A safety device positioned between an interior trim element of a vehicle and an airbag, comprising:—a chute channel designed to accommodate the airbag, the chute channel delimiting an opening for deployment of the airbag;—a flap at least partially covering the opening when the airbag is in the uninflated state;—a hinge connection connecting the flap to the chute channel; and—a deflector connected to the chute channel and intended to be positioned facing the hinge connection, the chute channel, the flap, the hinge connection and the deflector are formed as one piece with one another.
US09156420B2
A vehicle behavior control apparatus includes: a pair of underbody airbags that is provided in a lower portion of a vehicle on both sides in a vehicle width direction, and is inflated and deployed toward a road surface when being supplied with gas.
US09156410B2
A roof-rack mechanism includes one or more retaining devices attached to a track, and a lock device engaged with the track and the retaining device for detachably attaching the retaining device to the track. The retaining device includes a base member, and a bracket attached to the base member and mounted on the track. The bracket includes a recess formed between two legs for engaging with the track, and the lock device is engaged with the track and the legs of the bracket. The retaining device includes two flaps engaged onto the legs of the bracket and secured to the legs and the track with the lock device. The retaining device includes a cover pivotally attached to the base member with a coupler.
US09156407B1
Some embodiments are directed to a storage assembly for use with a vehicle that includes a front instrument panel. The storage assembly can include a housing defining an interior space and a front exterior surface; and an external storage portion disposed adjacent the front exterior surface of the housing. The external storage portion can define an open storage area extending between the front exterior surface of the housing and the front instrument panel. The storage assembly can also include a moveable storage receptacle that defines a movable storage area. The moveable storage receptacle can be configured to move between a closed position in which at least a portion of the moveable storage receptacle is disposed within the interior space of the housing, and an open position in which at least a portion of the moveable storage receptacle is disposed proximate the open storage area.
US09156401B2
A running-linked sound producing device produces a running-linked sound according to a running state of a vehicle. The running-linked sound producing device includes a vehicle speed estimation unit to estimate a vehicle speed of the vehicle, an accelerator command value estimation unit to estimate an accelerator command value based on a vehicle speed estimated by the vehicle speed estimation unit, and a running-linked sound generation unit that generates a running-linked sound, wherein the running-linked sound generation unit generates a running-linked sound based on a vehicle speed estimated by the vehicle speed estimation unit and an accelerator command value estimated by the accelerator command value estimation unit.
US09156385B1
Some embodiments are directed to an adjustable arm rest attachment mechanism that includes an outer bearing non-rotatably fixed to a seat and defining a first guide groove. An inner bearing is non-rotatably fixed to an arm rest, and defines a second guide groove. The inner bearing is rotatable relative to the outer bearing, and is disposed over the outer bearing. A pin extends through the second guide groove and into the first guide groove. The pin and the first and second guide grooves are configured such that, if the arm rest is rotated downward within an adjustment zone, then wall surfaces of the first guide groove selectively engage and disengage the pin, and simultaneously, wall surfaces of the second guide groove selectively engage and disengage the pin, thereby creating a varying frictional force capable of impeding further rotation of the arm rest.
US09156377B2
A seat including a power recliner, a power slide mechanism, a seat back; and a walk-in lever that releases the power recliner so that the seat back may rotate. The seat configured so that rotation of the seat back after being released by the walk-in lever in a forward direction by a predetermined amount releases the power slide mechanism so that the seat may slide in a fore-aft direction.
US09156376B2
A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes: a lower rail freely fixed to a vehicle floor and having a pair of first vertical wall portions, a bottom wall portion, and a pair of first flanges; an upper rail fixed to a seat having a seat cushion and a seatback, and having a pair of second vertical wall portions, a lid wall portion, and a pair of second flanges; a locking member connected to the upper rail; a memory piece placed on the bottom wall portion, engages with the upper rail due to an upward urging force by a memory piece urging member; a memory link connected to the upper rail; a lever member connected to an upper portion of the upper rail; and a stopper member fixed to the inside of the upper rail.
US09156372B1
A flexible and reconfigurable sport and ski watercraft power control system that not only distributes power but also wirelessly distributes power management to multiple nodes on the watercraft, typically via CAN network and typically to nodes in the helm, bow and stern areas, for driving and controlling ballast and trim motors as well as other powered subsystems that affect the operation, motion and attitude of the watercraft.
US09156366B2
A system and method for managing energy of an electric vehicle are provided to calculate a necessary amount of energy based on battery characteristics and a user's schedule, and control charging and discharging of the electric vehicle using power information provided by a smart grid. The system includes a cloud server configured to collect a schedule from a user and store and generate the user's schedule information, an energy management device configured to calculate necessary energy based on the received schedule information of the user, set charging information based on power network state information received from a power supplier and the calculated necessary energy, generate a charging request signal based on the set charging information, and store electric energy, and a charging unit configured to transfer the electric energy to the energy management device based on the received charging request signal.
US09156365B2
A device for controlling the exchange of energy between an electrical power network and a load includes a stationary charging station for establishing an energy connection between the electrical power network and a supply point. The charging station has an LS controller for sending and receiving control signals via a signal transmission path, and includes a SIM station installed on the load side having a SIM controller. The SIM controller sends a SIM identifier of the SIM station to the LS controller via a signal transmission path at time intervals, wherein the LS controller adds an amount of energy exchanged between the electrical power network and the load to an energy amount counter associated with the SIM identifier. The amount of energy exchanged between the electrical power network and the load via the energy connection in a time interval is below a specified measurement resolution of the energy amount counter.
US09156352B2
A driving assistant system and method having a warning function for alerting a driver of a risk level, which synthetically determines a running speed of a vehicle, a driver's inattention, a road condition, and the like and provides a warning corresponding to a degree of risk (risk level) to the driver. In particular, a calculated data value corresponding to a degree of a driver's drowsy or careless status is compared to calculation values corresponding to a vehicle speed and the degree of risk of a road to predetermined reference values corresponding to the output values and outputs at least one warning message alerting a driver of risk levels according to the comparison result.
US09156347B2
A mounting structure wherein a buffer member has a body portion, and a leg portion which is extended from the body portion and engaged with a recess, wherein the body portion has a plurality of first convex portions which are arranged around a center axis of the body portion at regular intervals and abut against a vehicle body, a plurality of first concave portions each of which is formed between the adjacent first convex portions, a plurality of second convex portions which are arranged around the center axis of the body portion 61 at regular intervals and abut the fuel tank, and a plurality of second concave portions each of which is formed between the adjacent second convex portions, and wherein the first convex portion is formed corresponding to the second concave portion, and the second convex portion is formed corresponding to the first concave portion, is provided.
US09156327B2
A suspension device includes a partition wall body which partitions the outside of a hollow pipe into a working chamber and a reservoir first chamber, a first piston which partitions the working chamber into an extension-side first chamber and a contraction-side first chamber, a first flow passage which allows communication between the extension-side first chamber and the reservoir first chamber, an extension-side second chamber which communicates with the extension-side first chamber, a second piston which partitions the interior of the hollow pipe into a contraction-side second chamber and a reservoir second chamber, a first damping flow passage which allows communication between an extension-side chamber and a contraction-side chamber, and a second damping flow passage which allows communication between the contraction-side chamber and a reservoir. A cross-sectional area of the extension-side second chamber is larger than that of the hollow pipe.
US09156321B2
A system is disclosed comprising a tractor vehicle, at least one trailer vehicle and a skin between and in contact with the tractor and trailer vehicles. One of the tractor and trailer vehicles is disposed in a non-inverted position above the skin and the other is disposed in an inverted position below the skin. The trailer vehicle comprises one or more magnets, while the tractor vehicle comprises one or more magnets magnetically coupled to each opposing magnet on the trailer vehicle. For example, the tractor and trailer vehicles may have mutually opposing permanent magnets in one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, each permanent magnet on the trailer vehicle could be opposed by one or more electro-permanent magnets on the tractor vehicle. The magnetic coupling between the magnets on the tractor and trailer vehicles produces an attraction force. The system further comprises means for maintaining the attraction force within a range as the tractor and trailer vehicles move along a portion of the skin having a varying thickness.
US09156320B2
A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is attachable to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on a front end thereof for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on a front end thereof. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.
US09156319B1
A drawbar apparatus for a cart, wagon or trailer. The drawbar apparatus includes a shaft having a first end suitable for connection to a cart, and a second end including a hitch coupling. The drawbar includes a handle member having a handle first end and a handle second end. The handle first end is pivotally connected to the shaft, and the handle second end includes a grip or gripping region. The handle member is selectively pivotal between a first position and a second position, the hitch coupling extending distally beyond the handle member in the first position, and the handle member extending distally beyond the hitch coupling in the second position. Some embodiments further include a lock configured to selectively secure the handle member when the handle member is in the first position and the second position.
US09156315B2
A tire comprising an airtight rubber cover (2) and a reinforcing structure essentially formed of a plurality of fibers (30, 40) embedded in the rubber and arranged in layers, this reinforcing structure comprising at least one carcass layer (3) and one crown layer (4). The fibers (30) and (40) of these layers (3, 4) are connected together and oriented, with respect to the median plane (P) of the tire, at respective angles of the order of 90 degrees and 0 degrees, each of these fibers (30, 40) also having a connected cross section of flattened shape.
US09156313B2
This invention relates generally to an improved design that provides better hydroplaning performance for a tire, and, more specifically, to a tire that has a variable pressure shear band located below its tread that provides increased structural stiffness to the tire, helping the tire to resist deformation when the tire encounters water, thereby decreasing the tendency of the tire to hydroplane. Advantageously, the variable pressure shear band can improve the hydroplaning performance and rolling resistance simultaneously without degrading wear performance.
US09156311B2
A method including the steps of forming an inner ring of a wheel hub, by joining a spindle and an insert ring fitted onto the spindle, on the side of a first end of the spindle; axially blocking the insert ring on the spindle by plastically deforming the first end of the spindle so as to form an upset collar therewith, which axially protrudes from the insert ring; and once the step of forming the upset collar has finished, frontally obtaining a frontal toothing; the finished collar has, in the part of the collar which axially protrudes from the ring, a predetermined geometric shape which substantially defines, in the radial section, a scalene triangle having the base facing the upset ring and the vertex opposite the base rounded in shape.
US09156310B2
A mechanical drive seal housing includes a lubricant reservoir to supplement the amount of available lubricant. The lubricant is used to cool a seal having two halves. The seal halves include complimentary textures configured to move and retain lubricant. A drive axle includes a stationary shaft and a wheel hub rotatably connected to the stationary shaft. A metal face seal is located at an interface between the stationary shaft and the wheel hub. A stationary seal half of the metal face seal is located in a mechanical drive seal housing which includes a lubricant reservoir to supplement the amount of available lubricant.
US09156308B2
The present invention relates to a method for printing wood-based boards, in particular, wood-fiber boards, by means of a digital printing process. The method includes the steps of: a) measuring the color value of the wood-based board of at least one first batch and transmitting the color values to a computer program; b) measuring of the color values of the wood-based board of at least one further batch and transmitting the color values to the computer program; c) processing the color values of the wood-based board of the at least one further batch in the computer program and adapting the color value of the digital print; and d) printing at least one side of the wood-based board by means of digital printing technique by forming a décor layer such that no color deviations between the printed decors of the wood-based boards of the at least one first batch and each further batch occur.
US09156305B2
An inserting system has an envelope feeding station, an enclosure feeding station, and a folding station having a first and a second folding nip for folding documents. Documents are inserted into envelopes, which are held in an inserting position. Envelopes are transported through an envelope transport path from their feeding station to the inserting position, and enclosures are transported through an enclosure transport path from their feeding station to the inserting position. The enclosure transport path comprises a diverter, a first enclosure transport path part between the enclosure feeding station and the diverter and a second enclosure transport path part between the diverter and the inserting position. The second enclosure transport path part passes through the first and the second folding nip. A third enclosure transport path part is present between the diverter and the inserting position and bypasses the first folding nip and passes through the second folding nip.
US09156299B2
A laser-engravable composition comprises one or more elastomeric rubbers including at least 10 parts of one or more CLCB EPDM elastomeric rubbers, based on parts per hundred of the total weight of elastomeric rubbers (phr). The laser-engravable composition further comprises 2-30 phr of a near-infrared radiation absorber and either 1-80 phr of an inorganic, non-infrared radiation absorber filler, or a vulcanizing composition that comprises a mixture of at least two peroxides. One first peroxide has a t90 value of 1-6 minutes as measured at 160° C., and a second peroxide has a t90 value of 8-20 minutes as measured at 160° C. This laser-engravable composition can be used to form a laser-engravable layer on a compressible layer that is disposed on a substrate, and to form various flexographic printing precursors. The compressible layer can also be laser-engravable.
US09156295B2
An inkjet printer is provided, which is configured to acquire gap information related to a gap between an ink discharging surface and a recording sheet in each individual position of top-formed positions and bottom-formed positions within a predetermined wave-shape generating range, identify, when the predetermined wave-shape generating range includes a partial range in which the recording sheet is not placed, a top-formed position where the gap information has not been acquired and a bottom-formed position where the gap information has not been acquired, within the partial range, complement the unacquired gap information in the identified top-formed position with a value determined based on the respective pieces of gap information acquired in other top-formed positions, and complement the unacquired gap information in the identified bottom-formed position with a value determined based on the respective pieces of gap information acquired in other bottom-formed positions.
US09156288B2
A printing device includes a print head configured to execute printing on one surface of a long-size medium to be printed, on the other surface of which a plurality of oblique lines of the same angle of obliquity are formed at regular intervals, a conveying section configured to convey the medium to be printed, a sensor configured to detect the oblique lines, and a control section configured to control the print head to execute printing while changing a position of printing on the medium to be printed in accordance with an interval between the oblique lines in a conveying direction of the medium to be printed detected by the sensor.
US09156285B2
A printing system for printing on a print medium is disclosed. A first linehead is disposed opposite a first side of the print medium. The first linehead defines print zones where a liquid is deposited onto the first side of the print medium. A plurality of transport rollers are disposed adjacent to the second side of the print medium. At least one transport roller is aligned with one of the one or more print zones of the first linehead. A vacuum manifold is disposed opposite the second side of the print medium. The vacuum manifold is aligned with the aligned transport roller and outputs a vacuum force that operates on the second side of the print medium to deflect the print medium causing an increase in the wrap angle of the print medium around the aligned transport roller.
US09156278B2
Systems and methods for improving the quality analysis of printheads that apply transparent or hard-to-detect fluids to a media. The system includes a printhead operable to apply a clear fluid to a print media. The system also includes a controller operable to enter a diagnostic mode for quality analysis of the printhead. The controller initiates a supply of diagnostic fluid to the printhead that includes a colorant. The controller then directs the printhead to apply the diagnostic fluid to the print media. Because the diagnostic fluid includes a colorant, the output of the printhead will be more visible on the media.
US09156276B2
A method for inkjet varnishing a substrate includes the steps of jetting a micro-pattern of a varnish having a viscosity of less than 30 mPa·s at 45° C. and at a shear rate of 30 s−1 to a portion of the substrate by one or more printheads having nozzles with a nozzle diameter of no more than 30 μm, and at least partially curing the micro-pattern within 500 milliseconds after jetting to provide a micro-roughness to the portion of the substrate.
US09156273B2
Control of a printer involves reading a cartridge identification number from a memory in a cartridge and storing such number, generating status information including such number and may further include a calculated ink usage amount, and sending the status information to a data processing apparatus, which may be a server. In some embodiments, the ink usage amount is calculated as a number of discharged ink shots. The server saves the status information. This or another upstream server can reliably determine the number of ink shots used by the printer only for printing from this status information. Such control is embodied in a program stored on a non-transitory controller-readable medium, which program is executed by a controller in the printer.
US09156270B2
A liquid ejecting head is accommodated in a first casing. A supporting section is accommodated in a second casing. The first casing is pivotally movable relative to the second casing about a predetermined axis. Pivotal movement allows the first casing to take a first position at which an ejection surface confronts the supporting section and a second position at which the ejection surface is farther away from the supporting section than at the first position. The predetermined axis is closer to a first side surface than to a second side surface, and extends in parallel with the first side surface. The second side surface is formed with: a first opening through which a first medium tray is inserted or removed; a second opening through which a first tank is inserted or removed; and a third opening through which a waste-liquid tank is inserted or removed.
US09156268B2
A printer system includes a print head assembly that ejects a printing solution from a fixed position during a print period and a conveying mechanism operable to convey an operations assembly. The operations assembly executes servicing functions on the print head assembly during a non-print period. Furthermore, the print head assembly remains in the fixed position during the non-print period and the operations assembly provides support for a print medium during the print period.
US09156267B2
An inkjet recording apparatus of the present disclosure includes a recording portion having a recording head, a cap unit that caps the recording head, a wipe unit that performs a recovering process of the recording head, a wipe moving mechanism that moves the wipe unit in a horizontal direction, and a wipe lifting mechanism that moves the wipe unit in an up-down direction. In a case where capping is performed with respect to the recording head by means of the cap unit, the cap unit is moved to the first position by means of the wipe moving mechanism, with the cap unit located over the wipe unit, and then the cap unit is lifted up by means of the wipe lifting mechanism.
US09156261B2
A piezoelectric unit includes a diaphragm made of ceramics, a base portion having a pressure chamber in which the diaphragm is set to a wall and a piezoelectric element having a dielectric layer provided at the opposite side of the base portion with respect to the diaphragm. In the piezoelectric unit, the roughness of a crystal of the outermost interface at the side of the piezoelectric element of the diaphragm is further smoothened than that of a ceramics material which is included in the diaphragm more inside than the interface.
US09156258B2
A liquid ejecting head including a piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element includes: a first electrode; an orientation control layer provided on the first electrode, the orientation control layer having a perovskite structure including Bi in an A site and Fe and Ti in a B site, and the orientation control layer being self-oriented in a (100) plane; a piezoelectric body layer provided on the orientation control layer and made of a piezoelectric material of the perovskite structure preferentially oriented in the (100) plane; and a second electrode provided on the piezoelectric body layer.
US09156253B2
An inkjet printer configured to print by ejecting ink based on print data, an inkjet head comprising a plurality of nozzles, the plurality of nozzles divided into a plurality of nozzle groups, each nozzle of a nozzle group configured to eject ink of a same color and type and a control device configured to control the inkjet head to print in a normal print mode and a low-temperature print mode.
US09156247B2
A dry cleaner apparatus for cleaning at least one flexographic printing plate carried on a plate cylinder includes a frame for traveling along a path parallel to the axis of rotation of the plate cylinder, an unwind spindle rotatably attached to the frame, the unwind spindle holding a rolled web of dry cleaning material for turning to dispense new dry cleaning material, a rewind spindle for turning to roll up used dry cleaning material, a motor attached to the frame and coupled to one or both spindles to turn the spindles and thereby dispense new dry cleaning material and rewind used dry cleaning material, a pad assembly including a pad retainer, a pad base, and a dry pad, and a linear actuator attached to the frame and operating on the pad assembly to urge the dry pad toward the flexographic printing to remove ink and debris from the surface thereof.
US09156243B2
A system includes a printing press, a transfer device for transferring foil to a printing material in the printing press, and a storage section for temporarily storing winding cores and foil reels. The temporary storage section is formed by a rail system that extends through and beyond the transfer device.
US09156241B2
A laser-engravable composition comprises one or more EPDM elastomeric rubbers, at least one of which comprises at least 8 weight % polyene recurring units. This laser-engravable composition of elastomeric rubbers can be quickly crosslinked using sulfur-containing vulcanizing compositions to provide laser-engravable compositions and layers in flexographic printing plate precursors. These precursors can be laser-engraved to provide relief images for flexographic printing.
US09156238B2
Methods and systems for three dimensional large area welding and sealing of optically transparent materials are disclosed, including generating a beam of ultra-short pulses from an ultra-short pulsed laser; directing the beam to an acoustic-optic modulator to control the repetition rate of the beam; directing the beam to an attenuator after passing through the acoustic-optic modulator to control the energy of the beam; directing the beam to a focusing lens after passing through the attenuator to focus the beam between a top substrate and a bottom substrate in order to weld the top substrate to the bottom substrate, wherein the top substrate and the bottom substrate are in intimate contact; and controlling the position of the top substrate and the bottom substrate relative to the beam using a three-axis stage in order to weld the top substrate to the bottom substrate at different points. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09156234B1
A hollow compact has a partition partitioning it into a first interior compartment sealed apart from a second interior compartment. The first compartment is charged with a first solvent, the second compartment with a second solvent. The solubility properties of the first and second solvent are chosen such that neither risks attacking and/or dissolving the compact. Conversely, the solubility properties of the first and second solvent are otherwise chosen such that the mixture of the two indeed possesses an independent set of solubility properties, whereby the mixture is indeed capable of attacking and dissolving the material of the compact. Wherein, breaching the partition allows the charges of the first and second solvents to mix and thereby form the mixture therebetween. That way, the compact might vanish by dissolving into the mixture solvent or else might more likely might dissolve into a nearly un-recognizable form of its former self.
US09156227B2
A sealing gasket includes a liner and a polyurethane foam layer disposed on the liner. The polyurethane foam layer can have a density of 50 kg/m3 to 250 kg/m3, a force-to-compress at 25% compression of not greater than 5.0 psi, and an 50% springback parameter of not greater than 2.0 seconds. The polyurethane foam has a thickness in a range of 0.3 mm to 10.0 mm. A surface of the polyurethane foam layer has a skin.
US09156224B2
Method and apparatus for making a plastic bag or pouch wherein a plastic web is moved in a longitudinal direction and a tape made from an elongated plastic film is fed to the web. The tape is made of a pair of elongated attachment lanes of complementary fastening elements sealed to the film to function as attachable-detachable closures. The lanes extend parallel and are spaced apart. A perforation line is formed in the film between lanes, and a flange is defined on one side of only one of said lanes. The lanes are separated and pairs of lengths are cut off said lanes. The pairs of cut off lengths are sealed on a diagonal to the moving web in different directions to form V-shaped closures with the lane having the flange on one side thereof sealed to the web by the flange only. Bags are formed from the moving web. An intermediate product is described consisting of a narrow substrate having V-shaped closures spaced longitudinally for placement on a moving web in a bag making machine.
US09156221B2
A feeding arrangement for feeding plant material to a treatment vessel is disclosed including a plug screw feeder, a force feeding screw for feeding the plant material to the plug screw feeder in which the force feeding screw is arranged essentially perpendicular to the plug screw, and a feeding device for feeding incoming material to the force feeding screw, and in which the plug screw can rotate at variable speed, and the force feeding screw includes when a distance between the last screw thread of the force feeding screw and the outer diameter of the plug screw is up to 90 mm.
US09156216B2
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a segmented optical structure (100), comprising at least the steps consisting in: a) providing a substrate (1) having microwalls (2) on one of the faces (3) of said substrate, which microwalls form, when the substrate (1) is observed along an axis (X) perpendicular to said face, a plurality of concentric recesses (5); b) depositing at least one material (10; 10a; 10b; 10c) in at least one recess (5); c) bringing at least one part of the upper surface (11) of the material (10; 10a; 10b; 10c) deposited in step b) into contact with at least one liquid medium (30) which is capable of dissolving said material (10; 10a; 10b; 10c) and is substantially inert with respect to the microwalls (2) and to the substrate (1); and d) imposing a centrifugal force on the liquid medium (30) deposited in step c) so as to modify the distribution thereof on the upper surface (11) of the material (10; 10a; 10b; 10c) deposited during step b), the amount of liquid medium (30) used during step c) enabling the material deposited during step b) to be partially dissolved.
US09156197B2
An apparatus comprises an extruding device having a dispensing opening for extruding a flowable material along an exit direction through the dispensing opening, and a cutting arrangement for separating a dose from the flowable material, the cutting arrangement being movable with a motion component that is parallel to the exit direction.
US09156188B2
A novel cutting method and apparatus includes a cutting blade adapted to consistently and easily form a desirable kerf in a concrete substrate while capturing substantially all resulting concrete dust.
US09156184B2
An alignment utensil includes two guide rails (100A, 100B), an alignment device (10) aligning the guide rails (100A, 100B), and connectors (110A, 110B, 120) fixing the aligned guide rails (100A, 100B) together. The alignment device (10) includes a body (12) having a lateral surface (31) extending across abutting ends of the guide rails (100A, 100B). Each of two clamping pads (70) mounted on the body (12) is moved to press against a first lateral wall (108A) of one of the guide rails (100A, 100B) to abut a second lateral wall (108B) of each guide rail (100A, 100B) against the first lateral surface (31), aligning the first lateral walls (108A) of the guide rails (100A, 100B) and aligning the second lateral walls (108B) of the guide rails (100A, 100B). A method of aligning the guide rails (100A, 100B) uses the alignment device (10) and the connectors (110A, 110B, 120).
US09156181B2
A method for weighing sliced products to generate product batches of a pre-determined weight. A slicer slices products which are disposed onto a slice scale located beneath the output end of the slicer. An intermediate weight is measured at a pre-determined point in the slicing process. The intermediate weight information is used to calculate the minimum number of completion slices, based on thicknesses of the slices, needed to meet the target weight. The competed draft is transferred to a check sale where a final draft weight is measured and compared to a sum of the intermediate weight and the weight of the completion slices. Comparison of the weight is used to adjust slicing parameters for more precise targeting of the desired weight of the next draft. Completion slices may be adjusted in thickness to minimize the giveaway weight.
US09156170B2
In a robot hand, holding units have bases, and a plurality of curved rod-shaped members that are installed at the bases and are rotatable around rotation axes. The plurality of curved rod-shaped members rotate from a virtual plane including a plurality of the rotation axes by a reaction force from the object to be pinched that is caused by the holding units pinching the object to be pinched, and portions of the curved rod-shaped members hold the object to be pinched.
US09156169B2
The disclosed invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for orientating an object in an enclosed area using a magnetic dipole deployed in the enclosed area and thereafter applying an external rotating magnetic field for applying a rotational force to the dipole along one or more selected axis. The external magnetic field is moved to manipulate object in the desired direction(s) of movement.
US09156168B2
Methods and apparatus for actively aligning a first optical element, such as a lens, to a second optical element, such as an image sensor, use continuous scans, even absent a synchronization signal from one of the optical elements. During a scan, timed position information about the scanned optical element is collected, and then a relationship between position of the scanned optical element and time is estimated, such as by fitting a curve to a set of position-time pairs. This relationship can then be used to estimate locations of the scanned optical element at times when image data or other alignment quality-indicating data samples are acquired. From this alignment quality versus location data, an optimum alignment position can be determined, and the scanned optical element can then be positioned at the determined alignment position.
US09156158B2
A press brake tool cabinet having multiple tool carrying drawers where the drawers are formed from a metal sheet base configured as two side panels separated by a bottom panel. A back panel is connected to the base, and a front panel having a first set of openings to receive snap fitted latches and a second set of openings for receiving strike plates is also connected to the base. Left and right strike plates are mounted to the base and the front panel is connected to one arm of a continuous hinge and a second arm of the continuous hinge is connected to the bottom panel. Lockable drawer slides connect the drawers to the cabinet.
US09156155B2
The support for offset socket keys, each key comprising a first arm and a second arm which extend in a plane Q, comprises a body which is provided with a series of openings which extend in a plane P and a retention unit for retaining the series of keys relative to the body (4), the keys being offset vertically relative to each other. The retention unit is laterally offset relative to the plane P and is arranged sloping relative to the body in order to retain the vertically offset keys in the storage and transport position, in parallel planes Q which deviate angularly from the plane P.
US09156149B2
A system and method to remove a bushing from a bore includes an alignment tool that fits within an inner cavity of the bushing and a cutter tool aligned by the alignment tool. The method includes forming a groove on an inner surface of the bushing with the cutter tool and guiding the cutter tool with a guide associated with the alignment tool.
US09156147B2
A bit holder assembly for a rotary hand or powered tool, includes a body having a hex shank at its rearward end and a retraction collar slidably disposed on the body. The body has a coaxial hex socket formed therein to allow a tool bit to be inserted thereinto. A coil spring biases the retraction collar forwardly and biases a retaining clip toward the bottom of an angular slot formed in the body. The bit is removed by sliding the retraction collar rearwardly, to compress the coil spring and allow the retaining clip to retract back up the slot. A ring magnet is disposed at the forward end of the retraction collar to magnetize a fastener to retain the fastener to the bit.
US09156145B2
The present invention discloses a bidirectional mechanical converting unit, comprising: a main shaft; a driving mechanism, which including a driving means and a reversing means which are coupled to each other; and a rotation means for inputting torque, an rotation axis of the rotation means being coaxial with the main shaft, the rotation means and the driving mechanism being coupled to each other, and the driving mechanism delivering the torque to output at the main shaft at a predetermined direction, no matter in which direction the rotation means rotates; wherein the predetermined direction can be switched via the reversing means. The present invention is simple structured, not only can efficiently utilizes the movements of the rotation means in either way, but also can switch the rotation direction of the output shaft conveniently upon demand, with easy operations.
US09156143B2
A ratcheting tool and a method of using the same, the ratcheting tool being formed by a handle, a substantially perpendicular cylinder and a ratcheting mechanism. The cylinder is adapted to be positioned over a nut or bolt head and comprises jaws adapted to engage the nut or bolt head when pushed laterally theretowards. When the arm is squeezed with the handle, a slider block is pushed towards the nut or bolt head causing the jaws to laterally engage the nut or bolt head. The ratcheting mechanism is between the cylinder and the jaws and allows torque to be applied to the nut or bolt head in a desired direction when the handle is moved in a circular motion around the main axis of the cylinder. The jaws are allowed to rotate within the cylinder in a direction opposite to the desired direction.
US09156136B2
A method is disclosed for leaching a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutter element. In an embodiment, the method includes suspending the PCD cutter element above a liquid acid bath. In addition, the method includes elevating the temperature of the liquid acid bath above ambient conditions to transition at least some of the liquid acid bath to acid vapors. Further, the method includes elevating the pressure of the acid vapors above ambient conditions. Still further, the method includes exposing the PCD cutter element to the acid vapors.
US09156134B2
An abrasive sheet having improved properties which enable precise polishing and finishing is prepared by (1) coating an abrasive material-containing slurry on a concave face of an embossed first substrate and then UV-curing or pre-drying with heat the coating layer to form an abrasive material coating layer on the embossed first substrate; (2) coating an adhesive on one side of a second substrate to form an adhesive layer thereon; (3) combining the first and second substrates such that the abrasive material coating layer is bonded to the adhesive layer to form a laminate; and (4) separating the first substrate from the laminate formed in step (3), to obtain an abrasive sheet having an embossed abrasive material coating layer.
US09156132B2
Disclosed herein is a surface treatment machine that enables the inhibition or reduction of residual abrasives that remain on a workpiece that has been surface treated. An H steel (a workpiece to be treated) 12 is conveyed by means of a conveying device 20. Blasting devices 24A, 24B are then projected abrasives on to the conveying H steel such that it is surface treated. In the downstream of the blasting devices 24A, 24B along the conveying direction, a blowing port 30A of an air blower 30 is located above a conveying path to blow gas to the upper surface 112A of the H steel 12 such that the abrasives on the H steel 12 are blown off and removed therefrom.
US09156127B2
An object of the invention is to provide a polishing pad that achieves a high polishing rate and has high thickness precision so that the break-in time (dummy polishing time) can be shortened, and to provide a method for producing same. The invention is directed to a polishing pad including a base material layer and a polishing layer provided on the base material layer, wherein the polishing layer includes a thermoset polyurethane foam having roughly spherical interconnected cells with an average cell diameter of 35 to 200 μm, and the polishing layer has a storage modulus E′ (40° C.) of 130 to 400 MPa at 40° C., a ratio of storage modulus E′ (30° C.) at 30° C. to storage modulus E′ (60° C.) at 60° C. [E′(30° C.)/E′(60° C.)] of 1 to less than 2.5, and a ratio of storage modulus E′ (30° C.) at 30° C. to storage modulus E′ (90° C.) at 90° C. [E′(30° C.)/E′(90° C.)] of 15 to 130.
US09156125B2
The invention provides a polishing pad that contains at least one light-transmitting region and optionally a polishing pad body. The light-transmitting region is composed of a material comprising (a) a polymeric resin and (b) at least one light-absorbing compound, and the light-transmitting region has a total light transmittance of about 25% or more at one or more wavelengths in a range of 250 nm to 395 nm.
US09156124B2
Soft polishing pads for polishing semiconductor substrates are described. A soft polishing pad includes a molded homogeneous polishing body having a thermoset, closed cell polyurethane material with a hardness approximately in the range of 20 Shore D to 45 Shore D.
US09156118B2
The present invention relates to a method for operating a pivot drive, in particular a rotary indexing unit (10), having a rotating plate (12) which can be driven by a motor to execute a rotary movement about a rotation axis (R). A sensor (24, 24′) is provided, which provides sensor data, in particular angle data, is connected to a control device (26) and serves to monitor a rotary movement of the motor (22), the rotating plate (12) and/or a rotating component of a drive train which is arranged between the motor and the rotating plate. The sensor data is compared with predefined setpoint data, which is stored in the control device (26), in order to adjust at least one parameter which characterizes or influences the rotary movement if there is a deviation between the sensor data and the setpoint data, in order to minimize the ascertained deviation.
US09156114B2
A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle having a non-linear cooling conduit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a turbine nozzle. The turbine nozzle includes: an airfoil, a cavity, having an inner surface, located within the airfoil, at least one endwall adjacent the airfoil, and a fillet region connecting the airfoil and the endwall. The fillet region also includes an outer surface. The method also includes: forming a non-linear cooling conduit within the fillet region and adjacent the outer surface of the fillet region of the turbine nozzle. The forming of the non-linear cooling conduit includes curved drilling through a portion of the outer surface of the fillet region of the turbine nozzle.
US09156104B2
A welding system is provided that includes a wearable wire feeder. The wearable wire feeder includes a control unit configured to generate a control signal and a wire drive responsive to the control signal. Another welding system is provided that includes a wearable wire feeder that includes a wire drive, a circuit configured to control a welding parameter, and a battery coupled to the circuit, the wire drive, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, a welding system is provided that includes a wire drive, a control unit configured to control the wire drive and a gas control configured to control flow of a gas. A method is also provided that includes generating a control signal within a wearable wire feeder and driving a welding wire within the wearable wire feeder in response to the control signal.
US09156101B2
An excellent soldering apparatus and manufacturing method of soldered product are provided where a workpiece can be efficiently soldered in a short cycle time. The soldering apparatus includes a thermal radiation heater and two coolers for cooling the workpiece which sandwich the heater therebetween. The coolers are movable between a standby position and a cooling position and form a recessed portion in which the heater is placed. The coolers move to the standby position where the coolers are separated from the workpiece and stand by such that the heater is in a state of protruding from the recessed portion while the heater heats the workpiece. The coolers can move from the standby position to the cooling position to cool the workpiece.
US09156091B2
A boring head has a connecting rod, an extending bracket and a cutter mount. The extending bracket is detachably connected with the connecting rod. The cutter mount is securely connected with a front end of the extending bracket. Because the extending bracket is detachably connected with the connecting rod, the extending bracket is replaceable, and the length of the extending bracket can be changed to make a bore with a desired diameter.
US09156083B2
The present invention relates to a energy-saving steel production apparatus, including an hot-rolling production line and a continuous casting equipment (5) for producing semi-manufactured products or billets (10), said production line and said equipment facing one each other and being connected through fast transport means (7) moving said billets (10). The invention also relates to a method for processing energy-saving steel, comprising the following steps: a. taking the steel to a casting temperature; b. casting said steel in suitable moulds for obtaining a semi-manufactured product (10); c. transferring directly said casted semi-manufactured product (10) towards a rolling mill through fast transport means; d. taking said semi-manufactured product (10) to a value of temperature corresponding to a maximum value of plasticity; e. subjecting said semi-manufactured product (10) to a rolling process.
US09156082B2
A method of improving control of thin strip produced by continuous casting including the steps of assembling a continuous casting apparatus having a pair of counter-rotating cooling rolls, having a nip there between and at least one enclosure downstream from the nip, introducing molten metal to form a casting pool supported on the cooling rolls above the nip and counter-rotating the cooling rolls forming cast strip downwardly from the nip, guiding the strip through the at least one enclosure downstream from the nip, the at least one enclosure having gas inlets for directing oxygen-containing gas into the enclosure, and directing oxygen-containing gas having a desired amount of oxygen through the inlets into the enclosure to provide an atmosphere 0.5% and 15% oxygen with between 3 and 10% humidity to oxidize at least one surface of the strip a desired thickness of scale on the surface of the strip to provide less mill force and downstream control of the strip.
US09156081B2
A mold (2) has a cooling means (21) for having the thermal flux at four corner sections (2a) be smaller than the thermal flux at four face sections (2b). The cooling means (21) has first channels (22a) which are each embedded in the four corner sections (2a) respectively and which channel cooling water, and second channels (22b) which are each embedded in the four face sections (2b) respectively and which channel cooling water. The distance from the inner peripheral surface of the mold (2) to the first channels (22a) is greater than the distance from the inner peripheral surface of the mold (2) to the second channels (22b).
US09156076B2
In order to simplify leftover wire (3) at the tying machines used in pulp production, a device is used that has an inlet guide (2) for the leftover wire (3) and a bending device (4) to bend the leftover wire running through continuously into a helical or spiral shape.
US09156075B2
A lever bender includes a first handle pivotally attached to a second handle. The first handle includes a forming mandrel around which a pipe is bent and a stop member for receiving and substantially holding the pipe in place prior to bending. The second handle includes a forming head that engages and bends the pipe around the forming mandrel. The stop member includes a pipe-engaging member that receives a pipe and a locking member adjacent to the pipe-engaging member. The locking member includes a retaining member moveable between a projecting position where the retaining member secures the pipe between the pipe-engaging member and the locking member and a retracted position permitting a pipe to either be received within the pipe-engaging member or removed from the pipe-engaging member.
US09156069B2
Solid waste to be treated is introduced into the interior of a rotary autoclave that is downwardly inclined towards its discharge end and has a door at the discharge end. Steam is injected through said door via a plenum chamber in the door so that water and steam pass through a one-way device and then directly into the interior of the autoclave. The one-way device prevents the solid waste from entering the plenum chamber from the interior of the autoclave. The plenum chamber is defined between a region of the door and a plate secured to the door at a small spacing inwardly of the door. The outlet is defined in the plate and the one one-way device is fitted to the outlet.
US09156061B2
A shaker screen including a composite frame, a removable grid attached to the composite frame, and at least one filtering element attached to the removable grid is disclosed. A method including forming a composite frame, forming a removable grid, attaching at least one filtering element to the removable grid, and attaching the removable grid to the composite frame is disclosed. Additionally, a method for rebuilding a shaker screen, the method including removing a first screen assembly from a composite frame, the screen assembly having a removable grid and at least one filtering element, and attaching a second screen assembly to the composite frame is disclosed.
US09156055B2
In various aspects and embodiments, the present disclosure relates to the manner in which precursor materials are provided to processing equipment and, more specifically, to the manner in which precursor materials of organic polymers are delivered to systems for forming and, in some embodiments, depositing the organic polymers. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to precursor supplies, which comprise vehicles, such as binders, supports and cartridges, for delivering a precursor material to a material processing system, such as a deposition system or other processing equipment. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to material processing systems with which the precursor supplies are configured to be used. Methods for preparing precursor supplies, using precursor supplies, providing process control, and recycling precursor supplies are also disclosed.
US09156054B2
[Object] To provide a method and apparatus for discharging a liquid material, which can solve the problems regarding the occurrence of a satellite and accuracy of a landing position. [Solving Means] In a method for discharging a liquid material in the state of a liquid droplet through a discharge orifice by applying inertial force to the liquid material, the method is characterized in comprising the steps of measuring a distance A from a lower end of the discharge orifice to a lower end of the liquid material having flowed out from the discharge orifice at the time when the liquid material having flowed out from the discharge orifice separates from the discharge orifice, and setting a distance B between the lower end of the discharge orifice and a work surface to be approximately the same as the distance A. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US09156051B2
The present invention provides a hand held shower head with filter replacing pre-alarm device, which comprises a round recess socket containing a detachable alerting pod is created in the reverse side of a shower head shell. A signal circuit device is embedded in the alerting pod for measuring and displaying function. The alerting pod can be either inserted into the recess socket for normal measuring and alerting function or detached off the recess socket for battery recharging operation. Thereby, not only the shower head shell can be adequately powered but also the alerting pod can be separated out of the shower head shell for independently recharging operation so that the entire shower head shell is unnecessary to discarded and replaced even the DC power supply in the signal circuit device is running out. Thus, it not only saves resource waste but also conserves economical expense incurred by frequent replacement of the shower head.
US09156050B2
A fluid circulation valve assembly comprises a valve body and first and second pressure relief valves. The valve body comprises two inlets to receive output of fluid pumps, two outlets to direct fluid from the two inlets out of the valve body, respectively, and two overpressure outlets to direct fluid from the twos out of the valve body, respectively. The first and second pressure relief valves intersect the two inlets, the two outlets and the two overpressure outlets, respectively. Each pressure relief valve comprises a spring operated overpressure valve configured to open an inlet to an overpressure outlet at an overpressure condition; and a manually operated valve having a first position configured to fluidly connect an inlet to an outlet while not affecting operation of the overpressure valve, and a second position configured to fluidly connect an inlet to an overpressure outlet while opening the overpressure valve.
US09156040B2
A fluid dispenser head for mounting on an axial actuator rod (31) of a dispenser member (3), the head comprising an inner core (1) and an outer casing (2), the core (1) forming a connection sleeve (11) of axis (X) for mounting on the axial actuator rod (31), the casing (2) forming a dispenser endpiece (23) that is elongate and that is offset relative to the axis (X), the dispenser head being characterized in that the core (1) forms a deformable cannula (14) that is connected to the connection sleeve (11) and that extends in the endpiece (23) of the casing (2), said cannula forming a first section (14a) that is substantially rectilinear and that extends transversely relative to the axis X, a second section (14b) that is bent, and a third section that is inserted into the dispenser endpiece (23), the cannula (14) initially being rectilinear over its entire length and then being deformed while it is being inserted into the endpiece (23).
US09156039B2
A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, a primary outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. A valve that is responsive to centrifugal force (a “gravity” valve) selects between the outlet and the side tap outlet. The gravity valve is mounted on the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the primary outlet and close the side tap outlet. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the side tap outlet and close the primary outlet.
US09156035B1
This invention relates to a progressive method of separating and extracting raw materials from residential roofing products for re-use as ingredients for asphalt and fiberglass related products, including roofing materials. The method includes reduction, separation and then extraction of raw materials. The resulting products are alternative roofing granules, asphalt coated limestone, limestone, recycled asphalt and recycled fiberglass strand powders.
US09156032B2
The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.
US09156025B2
The present disclosure relates to a substrate comprising nanomaterials for treatment of gases, washcoats for use in preparing such a substrate, and methods of preparation of the nanomaterials and the substrate comprising the nanomaterials. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a substrate comprising nanomaterial for three-way catalytic converters for treatment of exhaust gases.
US09156024B2
Catalyst comprising ruthenium on a support for the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen chloride by means of oxygen to form chlorine, wherein the catalyst comprises from 0.01 to 10% by weight of silver and/or calcium as dopant.The support preferably consists essentially of alpha-aluminum oxide.The catalyst preferably comprises a) from 0.1 to 10% by weight of ruthenium, b) from 0.01 to 5% by weight of silver and/or from 0.01 to 5% by weight of calcium, c) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more alkaline earth metals, d) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more alkali metals, e) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more rare earth metals, f) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more further metals selected from the group consisting of nickel, palladium, platinum, iridium and rhenium, in each case based on the total weight of the catalyst.
US09156014B2
Provided is a two-component mixing container in which a communication passage may be formed between a partition wall member and a second-component containing member without the need for a high processing precision and a high assembly precision. A columnar portion provided at the central portion of a second bottom wall portion of a partition wall member and a circular through hole provided in the central portion of a third bottom wall portion of a second-component containing member are fitted. A first communication passage and a second communication passage are communicated with each other, using a fitting surface formed between the columnar portion and the circular through hole.
US09156009B2
Example embodiments relate to a membrane, a method of manufacturing the same, and a composite membrane including the same. The membrane may include a polyacrylonitrile-based copolymer that includes a hydrophobic side chain and/or a hydrophobic repeating unit. The membrane may include a skin layer and a porous layer. A thickness ratio of the skin layer relative to the porous layer may be about 0.01 or less. The skin layer may have a thickness of about 1 μm or less. The membrane may have a relatively high water flux. When using the membrane, a water treatment module having higher energy efficiency may be achieved.
US09156008B2
Provided are cardo copolybenzimidazoles, a gas separation membrane using the same and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, provided are cardo copolybenzimidazoles obtained by introducing cardo groups and aromatic ether groups to a polybenzimidazole backbone, a gas separation membrane having significantly improved oxygen permeability by using the same, and a method for preparing the same. The cardo copolybenzimidazoles have improved solubility as compared to the polybenzimidazole polymers according to the related art, show excellent mechanical properties while maintaining thermal stability so as to be formed into a film shape, and provide a gas separation membrane having significantly improved gas permeability, particularly, oxygen permeability.
US09156001B2
Disclosed are a method for further purifying ultrapure water, according to which any impurities in ultrapure water can be stably removed to a high degree within a small space over a prolonged period; and an apparatus therefor. Ultrapure water introduced into an ultrapure-water purifying apparatus 10 passes through an ion exchange resin layer 5 in a lower chamber 1a. During this process, metal ions, for example, in the ultrapure water are removed by the ion exchange resin. The ultrapure water then passes through a perforated plate 4, flows into an upper chamber 1b, and permeates an ion exchange filter 6. During this process, metal ions and other impurities remaining unremoved by the ion exchange resin layer 5 are removed. Specifically, metal ions are removed to a certain extent by the ion exchange resin, so that it is enough for the ion exchange filter provided downstream thereof to remove an extremely small amount of metal ions. Consequently, reaching of the ion exchange filter to breakthrough within a short period can be prevented, thereby attaining further purification of ultrapure water over a prolonged period of time.
US09156000B2
An oxidation catalyst, an ozone injection nozzle, a urea-based fluid injection nozzle, and a selective reduction catalyst are arranged in an exhaust pipe of an engine in this order towards its outlet. An exhaust gas purifier includes an air flow sensor that detects an air intake amount of the engine, a NOx sensor that detects a NOx concentration in the exhaust pipe, and first and second temperature sensors that detect inlet temperatures of the catalysts. An ozone generation device to which the ozone injection nozzle is connected includes a compressor, a dryer that dries compressed air, a flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate of this air, an ozone generator that converts this air into ozone, and an ozone concentration sensor that detects a concentration of the ozone. A controller controls the compressor and the ozone generator based on respective detection outputs of the respective sensors.
US09155999B2
The present invention provides a non-PGM catalyst for burning carbon soot without using a noble metal, the non-PGM catalyst comprising: a cerium-praseodymium complex oxide and an iron oxide, the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide impregnated with silver (Ag). The cerium-praseodymium complex oxide illustratively consists of 60 to 95 wt % of cerium oxide and 5 to 40 wt % of praseodymium oxide, and silver (Ag) impregnated in the complex oxide is 1.5 to 3.0 parts by weight of the total weight of the complex oxide. The iron oxide may be an oxide in a form of particles separate from the cerium-praseodymium complex oxide in which silver is impregnated, and may be 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of the total weight of the cerium praseodymium complex oxide.
US09155997B2
A system and method is provided for the removal of mercury from flue gas. Effective removal of mercury is obtained by oxidation of elemental mercury, with highly reactive halogen species derived from dissociation of halogen compounds at moderate temperatures brought into contact with the flue gas with or without the addition of carbon.
US09155983B2
A method of making a shape memory structure includes, commingling elastic material with viscoelastic material, and forming a structure with the commingled materials. Altering a shape of the structure, altering an environment the structure is exposed to, to lock in the altered shape of the structure via hardening of the viscoelastic material until the structure is exposed to another environment that softens the viscoelastic material.
US09155980B2
The present invention relates to a separation medium, comprising an inner core of a porous material provided with charged ligands, and an outer lid comprising a porous material provided with charged ligands, wherein the charge of the ligands in the inner core is opposite that of the charge of the ligands in the lid. The present invention also relates to a method for biomolecule separation comprising applying a sample to the above separation medium, wherein large molecules are prevented from entering the medium by charge repulsion from the medium and small molecules are captured in the inner core.
US09155967B2
A technique is disclosed that makes it possible to prevent or suppress various problems that may occur due to character placement control when implementing a multi-player game that utilizes an augmented reality space. A basic area is set based on the relative position of each game device with respect to an AR marker, and an element area is set so that the AR marker does not lie outside the imaging range of a CCD camera module of each game device. An overlapping area of the basic area and the element area is calculated to be a placement area. The motion of an attention object is controlled so that the attention object remains within the placement area.
US09155965B2
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing play areas to communities of players in an online game. One method includes an operation for identifying attributes of players in the online game. A characteristic that is common to a subset of players is determined in the online game, where the characteristic is based on the attributes of players in the online game. The method further includes an operation for creating a playing area in the online game, such that the subset of players are allowed to play in the playing area, but other players in the online game, that are outside the subset of players, are disallowed from playing in the playing area. The subset of players is then enabled to play in the playing area with other players from the subset of players.
US09155963B2
A system, method and article for ranking a gaming session between a plurality of independent player game components. A method includes receiving one or more gaming session metrics determined at each of a group of the game components participating in a gaming session; calculating a quality metric for the gaming session based on the one or more gaming session metrics received from the group of game components; and storing the quality metric for ranking the gaming session.
US09155959B2
Methods and systems that enable reliable audits of a number of predetermined trust requirements for games by electronic means, either on-site or remote, are disclosed. A system including a gaming module to which the players interact with a security module and an audit module capable of several degrees of dispersion and/or grouping performs provision by the gaming module to the security module of digital information containing significant events occurred during the games, generation by the security module of a protected record for each of the cited significant events, storage by the security module of every protected record, generating a file of protected records, and access by the audit module to the file of protected records, independent from the games operator, to verify the correct development of the games.
US09155957B1
A rectangular game field with two opposed parallel ends and two opposed parallel sides. Each side and each end are formed of rectangular panels having vertical and horizontal rails. Vertical extender rails extend upwardly from the rectangular panels. A plurality of variously shaped connectors couple together the rails of the rectangular panels and the extender rails. Stabilizer support panels extend outwardly from at least some of the rectangular panels. Flexible fabric netting is located between the rails of the rectangular panels and the extender rails. Straps separably couple the flexible fabric netting to the rectangular panels and the extender rails.
US09155953B2
A photoelectric sensing instant display type golf swing collimation trainer comprises a base (1) and a display device (2), two photoelectric sensor mounting supports (3, 3′) are mounted on the base (1), two groups of photoelectric detection devices with transmitters (4) and sensors (5) are mounted on each mounting support (3 or 3′), the distance between the two sensors (5) on each mounting support is matched with the distance of the straight line section at the bottom of a club head of a golf club, when the club head of the golf club passes between the transmitters (4) and the sensors (5), the pulse receiving of the sensors (5) is blocked, and the sensors (5) are used for sending the synchronous state of blocking the pulse receiving of the club head of the golf club to the display device (2) which is electrically connected with the sensors (5) for real-time display.
US09155950B2
The present invention relates to a weighted flag for use as an aerodynamic projectile directed to a target, an apparatus for receiving and storing a tossable object, and a toss game set that includes at least one weighted flag and at least one target apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using the weighted flag and target apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention further relates to a method of play that involves using the weighted flag and the target apparatus according to the present invention.
US09155949B2
A golf club measuring system is designed to dynamically measure physical values of a golf club shaft during its swinging motion. A sensor wiring substrate includes a flexible board (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate material), a connector, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of wires. A plurality of sensors is connected to the sensor wiring substrate via a plurality of couplers. The sensor wiring substrate is helically wound about the golf club shaft such that the flexible board is slightly warped and closely attached to the curved surface of a golf club shaft, thus reducing air resistance occurring on the golf club shaft being swung. An external device (e.g. a strain measuring device) is connected to the connector of the sensor wiring substrate so as to receive signals representing physical values (e.g. strain values), occurring on the golf club shaft being swung, from a plurality of sensors.
US09155948B2
A folding-type luggage panel provided on a main body of a golf cart has a fixed panel and a turnover panel. A fixed support is provided on the fixed panel, the fixed support and the main body of the golf cart are fixed with each other, a rotation shaft is provided on the fixed support and the outer side of the back end surface of the fixed panel, a rotation block is movably sleeved on the rotation shaft and fixed with the turnover panel so that the turnover panel may be rotated around the rotation shaft, and the back end surface of the fixed panel and the front end surface of the turnover panel are matched with each other through a positioning hole and a positioning convex block provided on a joint surface of the bodies of the two panels, so that the bodies are closely engaged with each other.
US09155932B1
A bicycle with arm resistance exercise features incorporated into a handlebar portion comprises a frame, a pair of wheels, and a pair of pedals. The bicycle utilizes crankshaft-style rotatable handle bars which enable a user to exercise their arms while riding and steering the bicycle. The rotating handlebars include a tensioning mechanism to increase the difficulty of the rotation and further increase the complexity of the exercise.
US09155927B2
A residential fire suppression unit for providing an automated safeguard against a localized fire within a residential space. The unit includes a mounting bracket, pressurized tank of fire retardant, a dispersal nozzle and motorized valve assembly, a smoke detector, and a fire detector. The self-contained self-actuated modular fire suppression unit preferably mounts in the ceiling of a residential space and detects smoke within the space below it and sound an audible alarm. Additionally, the unit detects fire within the space below and actuates a motorized valve assembly allowing the pressurized fire retardant stored in the tank to be expelled.
US09155926B2
A drain nozzle for fire fighting including a nozzle barrel and bafflehead, a floor grating providing the bafflehead, the nozzle barrel adjustably attached by an adjustment ring to the grating, the nozzle barrel not touching the bafflehead, the grating and bafflehead directing the discharge into an appropriate pattern.
US09155925B2
A convertible suspension/seat harness is readily converted from a suspension to a seat harness and can receive a yolk for chest harness conversion. The harness includes a waist belt portion having a pair of elongated leg straps terminating at a fastening mechanism. A pair of minor straps terminates at a mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a suspension harness configuration. A pair of secondary straps has a secondary mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a seat harness configuration. A yolk is provided for attachment to the harness to yield a chest harness configuration creating a Class III style harness.
US09155912B2
A method of irradiating a target in a patient comprising directing a beam of radiation from an external source of radiation 24 at the target in the patient from numerous directions in a broad solid angle by longitudinally rotating the external source of radiation 24 around a central axis and simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, latitudinally rotating the external source of radiation 24; a globe gantry 21 comprising (i) a front opening ring 22 with its origin on the central axis of the globe gantry 21, (ii) at least one arc-shaped, gantry support arm 23, which has a front end and a rear end and is part of a circle, (iii) an external source of radiation 24, which is mounted on at least one arc-shaped, gantry support arm 23, (iv) a rear rotational axle 25 with an axis along the central axis of the globe gantry 21, (v) a support base 27, and (vi) a rear housing 26 comprising a source of power, mechanisms for moving components of the globe gantry 21, and controllers for controlling the movement of the components of the globe gantry 21 and the irradiation of the target in the patient; a system 20 comprising the globe gantry 21; and a method of irradiating a target in a patient using the system.
US09155909B2
An organism is irradiated with therapeutic radiation from a radiation irradiation device. A pair of two-dimensional radiation detectors are arranged so as to face one another with the irradiated therapeutic radiation passing therebetween, and detect the two-dimensional positions irradiated by a pair of annihilation γ rays produced when a positron emitted from a positron-emitting radionuclide is annihilated. On the basis of a pair of positions detected by the pair of two-dimensional radiation detectors, a radionuclide position detecting unit detects the position of the positron-emitting radionuclide, and the radiation irradiation device irradiates the position of the positron-emitting radionuclide with therapeutic radiation.
US09155904B2
A system and method for correlating health related data for display. The system includes a medical device recording data and a display producing device which correlates the data and simultaneously displays different types of data or displays two sets of the same type of data along with the circumstances at which the two sets of data were recorded. Such displays aid a physician in prescribing and ascertaining the efficacy of cardiac therapies.
US09155886B2
A method and system for fitting and adjusting the operation of an acoustic hearing prosthesis or a hybrid electric and acoustic hearing prosthesis. A graphic user interface allows for the acoustic and electric fitting parameters to be viewed and adjusted in a comparable way. The method further allows for the parameters for acoustic stimulation of the acoustic channels to be adjusted in response to behavioral or objective measurement of responses to known stimuli, so as to achieve a desired response curve.
US09155872B2
A drug delivery device has been designed to directly deliver an agent to the ovaries through direct contact with the fallopian tubes. The device consists of three main components: a tubular inserter, a cylindrical chamber and a plunger. The device is a single-use applicator designed in a shape similar to a tampon to facilitate its insertion through the vagina and into the uterus. Positioning of the device centrally in the uterus is accomplished through the use of ultrasound. The chamber is inserted into the tubular inserter. Adjusting the length of the chamber inserted into the tubular inserter controls the amount of tubing released from the apertures in the tubular inserter. Ultrasound is used to ensure the proper placement of each tube at the entrance of each fallopian tube. The plunger is inserted into the chamber and adjustment of the plunger controls the amount of the agent released into the tubes.
US09155866B2
A Luer securement device comprising a flexible hood that is configured to attach to the surface of a patient, the flexible hood further having a Luer adapter for receiving a catheter inserter and/or a fluid line. The Luer securement device further includes a wedge seal that is positioned within the Luer adapter and is configured to receive a base portion of a catheter during a catheterization procedure. Once the base of the catheter is seated within the wedge seal, a proper insertion depth of the catheter into the patient is achieved.
US09155857B2
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system provides positive airway pressure therapy. It has been recognized that users generally prefer to breathe freely rather than to fight the pressurized air when possible. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system provides positive airway pressure therapy when required, but allows the user to breathe freely with the mask on when positive airway pressure is not required. The system has a valve that moves between two positions to open and close the unassisted breathing vent and the outlet from the flow generator.
US09155855B2
Mouthpiece (1) having vestibular shield (21) overlapping a user's teeth and gums, gases passageway means extending through said vestibular shield allowing for the passage of said gases through mouthpiece and extra oral sealing (25) means associated with gases passageway, said passageway in use causes gases to be diffused (outlets 23, 24) when exiting from gases passageway. Mouth piece may have a noseflap to seal the user's nose or provide a passageway for user's nasal passages. Mouthpiece may have adjustment means to alter distance between said vestibular shield and said extra-oral sealing means.
US09155854B2
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components.
US09155849B2
A basic air flow device includes a flow passage having opposite ends. The flow passage is divided into a plurality of sequential portions between the ends including an inlet portion extending into the flow passage from an inlet end, an outlet portion disposed at the opposite end of the flow passage from the inlet portion, and at least one intermediate passage portion between the inlet passage portion and the outlet passage portion. Each of a plurality of divider sets are positioned in a different sequential portion of the passage to divide that passage portion into a predetermined number of sub passages, whereby the flow passage is sequentially divided into an increasing number of sub flow passages progressing from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. A larger device can be assembled using a parallel plurality of the basic devices.
US09155848B2
An apparatus for the vaporization of materials that releases active constituents for inhalation without the creation of harmful byproducts such as carcinogens associated with combustion and inhalation of substances. The apparatus is designed to fit ergonomically within the user's hand. The apparatus uses the user's inhalation process for air flow.
US09155845B2
A retractable safety syringe may have a ferrule and needle which are selectively removeable from a distal end of a syringe body. In particular, the ferrule may have an annular flange. A wedge element may be frictionally engaged to the ferrule and a distal end of the syringe body. To retract the needle into the syringe body, a punch of a piston displaces the wedge element off of an annular flange of the ferrule. At about the same time, longitudinally offset tabs engage an annular flange and retract the needle into the syringe body via a retraction force created by a variable vacuum compartment or tension member.Alternatively, the ferrule and needle may be temporarily fixed to the distal end of the syringe body via a detent and/or o-ring which engages a lower undercut groove and an upper undercut groove of the ferrule. An annular ring of the piston may have longitudinal offset tabs which engage an annular ring of the ferrule. Upon engagement, the retraction force of the variable vacuum compartment is sufficient to overcome any retaining forces created by the detent and/or the o-ring. Thereby, the needle and ferrule may be retracted into the syringe body.The longitudinal offset tabs may cant the needle when the needle is retracted into the syringe body.
US09155844B2
An injection device for administering a dose of a liquid medicament is disclosed. The device includes a syringe containing the dose and a hollow injection needle. The device includes a stopper translatably disposed within the syringe and a plunger connectable to the stopper and translatable in at least a proximal direction to displace the stopper. The device further includes a releasable noise component capable of, upon release, generating an audible and/or tactile feedback. Proximal displacement of the stopper causes the dose to be expelled through the injection needle. The noise component is released when the plunger reaches a position relative to the syringe in which the stopper is located in proximity of a proximal end of the syringe. The released noise component impacts on at least one component of the injection device to generate the audible and/or tactile feedback indicating the end of the injection.
US09155836B2
An injection device including a housing, a needle guard sleeve displaceable relative to the housing, and a spring coupled to the guard sleeve such that the guard sleeve can be moved by the spring distally from a proximal position to an end position, the spring also being coupled to a forward drive element displaceable relative to the housing in a drive direction wherein the spring is tensioned upon a movement of the forward drive element in the forward drive direction.
US09155830B2
The present invention provides for a biocompatible drug delivery device for the targeted treatment of cancer that is implantable within the tumorous mass of a patient. In one embodiment, the device comprises two polarizable elements mechanically coupled by a connecting element. The device also comprises one or more cancer treatment agents. When the polarizable elements are depolarized, such as by the application of ionizing radiation, the two polarizable elements are repelled from each other and release the cancer treatment agent. In another embodiment, one or more treatment agents are expelled from a miniaturized syringe when internal pressure of the device is increased by the production of gas bubbles in response to the application of ionizing radiation.
US09155828B2
An apparatus for debridement of devitalized tissue in skin lesions, that includes a plurality of height- and angle-adjustable inlet tubes and at least one outlet tube and a member that forms an occlusive seal around a skin lesion. The plurality of inlet tubes is adapted for directing a continuous stream of enzymatic solution to the surface and into the entire volume of the wound bed of the lesion and the at least one outlet is adapted for removing the enzymatic solution, fluids draining from the lesion and tissue debris from the occluded skin lesion.
US09155827B2
A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and wall shear stress (WSS) in a peripheral vein for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vein is provided. The method includes pumping blood at a desired rate and pulsatility. The pumping is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed, WSS and pulsatility in the peripheral vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of dilation of the peripheral vein.
US09155811B1
An air freshener has a container with an open end. A sub-head has at least a portion releasably coupled across the open end of the container and closing the container with the front of the sub-head exposed. A vent rod extends from the back of the sub-head and into the container. A scent material has a desired scent carried by the vent rod and extending into the container with the vent rod. A supra-head has a back coupled to the front of the sub-head and a front with a face. The supra-head has a lateral dimension larger than a lateral dimension of the sub-head and covers the sub-head.
US09155804B2
A contrast agent composition and a method of diagnostic imaging are provided. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a metal-complex comprising a ligand having structure (XXX): wherein R1, R2, R3, R7, R8, R′1, R′2, R′3, R7′ and R8′ are selected form hydrogen, a protected C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group; R4, R′4 are selected from a hydrogen, a hydroxyl, a protected hydroxyl group, a protected C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, a C1-C3 alkyl group; n is an integer between 0 and 4; R5, R′5 are selected from a hydrogen, a protecting group comprising C1-C30 aliphatic radicals, C3-C30 cycloaliphatic radicals, C2-C30 aromatic radicals, m is an integer between 1 and 10; at least one of R7 and R′7 is acidic groups or protected acidic groups; Y comprises a protein or peptide moiety, a particle, a micelle, a liposome, an organic molecule, oligomer, polymer or a hydrophilic moiety.
US09155797B2
The invention relates to (among other things) oligomer-cannabinoid conjugates and related compounds. A conjugate of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits advantages over previously administered un-conjugated cannabinoid compounds.
US09155796B2
The present invention provides methods of synthesizing hydrogels that contain covalently linked polypeptides. These polypeptides may be tetravalent peptides or polypeptides that bind to cell surface receptors. The hydrogels synthesized by the methods of the present invention may be used in wound dressings or applied directly to wounds to promote healing.
US09155795B2
The invention relates generally to compounds which are allosteric modulators {e.g., positive and negative allosteric modulators, and allosteric agonists) of the G protein coupled receptor for stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-I), also known as the CXCR4 receptor. The CXCR4 receptor compounds are derived from the intracellular loops and domains of the CXCR4 receptor. The invention also relates to the use of these CXCR4 receptor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the CXCR4 receptor compounds in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with CXCR4 modulation such as bone marrow transplantation, chemosensitization, cancer, metastatic disease (e.g., cancer), auto-immune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), fibrosis disease (e.g., pulmonary), AIDS infection, cardiovascular disease, uveitis, inflammatory diseases, celiac disease HIV infection and stem cell-based regenerative medicine.
US09155785B2
Oxalate decarboxylase crystals, including stabilized crystals, such as cross-linked crystals of oxalate decarboxylase, are disclosed. Methods to treat a disorder associated with elevated oxalate concentration using oxalate decarboxylase crystals are also disclosed. Additionally disclosed are methods of producing protein crystals.
US09155779B2
The present invention relates to the use of Yersinia outer protein M (YopM)in the prevention and/or treatment of psoriasis by cutaneous, intradermalor subcutaneous administration. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of YopM in the treatment of plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, arthritis psoriasis.
US09155757B2
A method of treating a vaginal or vulvar vestibule mucosa disorder involves administering a composition comprising a hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof to the vagina, vulvar or vulvar vestibule of an individual that has the disorder to treat the disorder. The method may be used to treat vaginal atrophy or vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, among other vulvovaginal mucosa disorders.
US09155742B2
There is provided pyrimidinyl compounds of Formula (I), wherein: R2 is or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.
US09155737B2
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds for treating proliferative disorders, cancer, etc., and more specifically to certain pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-8-substituted compounds, as described herein, which, inter alia, inhibit RAF (e.g., B-RAF) activity. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit RAF (e.g., BRAF) activity, to inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity, to inhibit cell proliferation, and in the treatment of diseases and disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of RAF, RTK, etc., proliferative disorders such as cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, melanoma), etc.
US09155734B2
The present invention relates generally to a sterile hydromorphone hydrochloride solution that is substantially free of buffer.
US09155721B2
Pharmaceutical formulations exhibit a desirably low Cmax, among other properties, that contain particles of amorphous bardoxolone methyl, either in pure form or in the form of a solid dispersion, admixed with particles of a hydrophilic binding agent. Such formulations possess the advantage of higher oral bioavailability, relative to formulations based on the crystalline form of bardoxolone methyl.
US09155719B2
The invention relates to a medicament, the active principle of which is a leucine and, for example, a N-ACETYL-DL-LEUCINE. It can be applied to the prevention and/or treatment of eye diseases or disorders and especially of hereditary dystrophies of the retina, glaucomatous neuropathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, myopia, presbyopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, all the ophtalmologic diseases or disorders inducing a decrease of visual function and/or age-related physiological vision decline.
US09155718B2
The present invention provides a new composition for treating pain-associated sleep disturbances, especially shortened sleep duration, comprising ibuprofen and diphenhydramine. The composition is further prepared as a bilayer tablet or caplet, or alternatively as a soft gelatin capsule composition, to prevent interaction between the active ingredients.
US09155702B2
A controlled-release composition and controlled-release microspheres containing an exendin as an active ingredient, and a method of preparing the same are provided. More specifically, a controlled-release composition containing an exendin as an active ingredient, a biodegradable polymer with a specific viscosity, and coating materials, having high bioavailability and showing sustained release of the active ingredient in an effective concentration for a certain period without an excessive initial burst of the active ingredient; controlled-release microspheres containing a core including an exendin as an active ingredient and a biodegradable polymer, and a coating layer coating the core; and a method of preparing controlled-release microspheres including the steps of mixing an exendin, a biodegradable polymer, and a solvent, removing the solvent from the mixture to prepare hardened microspheres, and coating the hardened microspheres to form a coating layer on the surface of each microsphere, are provided.
US09155696B2
A liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising a biodegradable polymer, polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of less than 600 Daltons, a pharmaceutically active agent and less than 0.5% of an biologically acceptable organic solvent.
US09155693B2
A composition comprising a solubilized magnolol analog comprising at least one magnolol analog chosen from propyl magnolol, isopropyl magnolol, butyl magnolol, and isobutyl magnolol, and PPG-1-PEG-9 lauryl glycol ether. These solubilized analogs are useful in personal care, oral care, and home care compositions to provide anti-bacterial activity and reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators.
US09155675B2
A portable robotic device (PRD) as well as related devices and methods are described herein. The PRD includes a 3-D imaging sensor configured to acquire corresponding intensity data frames and range data frames of the environment. An imaging processing module configured to identify a matched feature in the intensity data frames, obtain sets of 3-D coordinates representing the matched feature in the range data frames, and determine a pose change of the PRD based on the 3-D coordinates; and perform 3-D data segmentation of the range data frames to extract planar surfaces.
US09155670B2
Absorbent articles that include elastics in multiple layers are disclosed herein.
US09155668B2
A packaging unit formed from a sheet of material having an inner surface, an outer surface and one folding axis dividing the sheet into a first region and a second region. The inner surface includes an inner edge portion and an outer edge portion, wherein one of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the first region is provided with adhesive, and the other of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the first region is adhesive-free. One of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the second region is provided with adhesive, and the other of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the second region is adhesive-free in a complementary manner to the edge zone of the first region.
US09155664B2
In a conveyor apparatus (100), a belt (110) is provided with a plurality of suction portions (111) penetrating the belt (110). The belt (110) includes lifting portions (113) each of which is provided between the suction portions (111) adjacent in a cross direction (CD) and lifts from edge portions (112) forming the suction portions (111). The plurality of suction portions (111) adjacent to each other across the lifting portions (113) communicate with each other, when a web (7) is sucked and held on the belt (110). The suction portions (111) located at endmost portions (110A) in the cross direction (CD) of the belt (110) communicate with the outside, when the web (7) is sucked and held on the belt (110).
US09155662B2
The formation of a non-woven, free from organic solvent, formed through parallel formation of fibers on a collection device is disclosed. As the individual fibers are dry prior to contact with other fibers, the different contents of the various fiber types do not interact. However, when wetted, the fibers will start to be dissolved, or swell, and the different contents will be released and then interact. For the example of thrombin and fibrinogen, the interaction will initiate the formation of a fibrin coagulum by the cleavage of fibrinogen through the action of thrombin to form fibrin monomers that spontaneously polymerize to form a three dimensional network of fibrin.
US09155660B2
An implanted microphone is provided that allows for isolating an acoustic response of the microphone from vibration induced acceleration responses of the microphone. The present invention measures the relative motion between a microphone diaphragm, which is responsive to pressure variations in overlying media caused by acoustic forces and acceleration forces, and a cancellation element that is compliantly mounted within a housing of the microphone, which moves primarily in response to acceleration forces. When the microphone and cancellation element move substantially in unison to acceleration forces, relative movement between these elements corresponds to the acoustic response of the microphone diaphragm. This relative movement may be directly measured using various optical measuring systems.
US09155656B2
A delivery system is disclosed which can be used to deliver an ocular implant into a target location within the eye via an ab interno procedure. In some embodiments, the implant can provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal or supraciliary space while in an implanted state. The delivery system can include a proximal handle component and a distal delivery component. In addition, the proximal handle component can include an actuator to control the release of the implant from the delivery component into the target location in the eye.
US09155654B2
Ocular implants, delivery devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One method involves inserting an implant on one side of an eye. The implant has an anchor on a distal end portion and an outlet opening that is disposed proximal of the anchor. The implant is advanced across the eye to the other side of the eye. The anchor is inserted into eye tissue on the other side of the eye. A therapeutic agent is eluted using the implant.
US09155653B2
A control valve for a fluidic system is disclosed. The control valve comprises a housing and a flow control membrane is disclosed. The flow control membrane is anchored within the housing to form a reference chamber on a first side of the membrane and a fluid flow channel on a second opposing side of the membrane. The fluid flow channel selectively opens and closes to permit fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, and the membrane is configured to control flow through the channel from the inlet to the outlet by deflecting in response to pressure differentials of the reference chamber pressure and the fluid flow channel pressure acting across the membrane.
US09155648B2
Disclosed herein is a stent delivery system which includes: a hollow shaft; first and second expandable balloons arranged around of the distal end of the shaft; and a stent which is arranged around the second balloon such that it expands as the second balloon expands; the first balloon having drug release means for releasing a drug at least to prevent the proliferation of endothelial cells, the stent being a bare metal stent to be indwelled at a target position as lesion of stenosis or occlusion in the lumen of a living body.
US09155641B2
This invention relates to a medical device and, in particular, to a prosthesis or stent graft assembly for use within the human or animal body and, more particularly, to the fastening of a stent to the graft material of the stent graft assembly or prosthesis.
US09155638B2
Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.
US09155630B2
A spinal interbody fusion implant has an impact rod fitting that is configured and adapted to be connected to an impact rod during implantation of the implant. The implant also comprises one or more openings that are encircled by portions of the implant and that extend into the top of the implant and continue through to and out of the bottom of the implant. The top and bottom of the implant each have a load bearing footprint. Each of the load bearing footprints has a centroid that is closer to the leading end of the implant than to the trailing end of the implant. A method of implanting a spinal interbody fusion implant between two vertebrae of a spine comprises inserting the implant into a patient through a posterior incision and guiding the implant into a position between the two vertebrae using a pair of shims.
US09155629B2
The present invention provides an improved technique for spinal fusion involving the administration of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor to a fusion. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is preferably delivered to the site by a carrier. More preferably, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is delivered to the site by a non-compressible delivery vehicle. The invention is suitable for promoting non-anatomic or heterotopic bone growth between any bony surfaces where bone growth is desired but does not naturally occur.
US09155628B2
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
US09155626B2
System, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for replacement of the proximal end of a radial bone with a prosthesis having a floating articular member. The prosthesis may include a head portion connected or connectable to a stem portion. While the stem portion remains operatively connected to the head portion, the head portion and/or an articular member thereof may be permitted to float in position relative to the stem portion. The head portion/articular member may float transversely (e.g., translationally) and/or rotationally with respect to the stem portion. The articular member may articulate with a humeral bone or both a humeral bone and an ulnar bone. In some embodiments, the head portion may include a fixed member for articulation with an ulnar bone and a floating member for articulation with a humeral bone.
US09155625B2
A joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same for providing structural and dampening support to damaged subchondral bone adjacent to a body joint are disclosed. The joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same are applicable to many parts of the joint as any area with cartilage disease has an adjoining subchondral component.
US09155621B2
An annuloplasty ring holder including a head having an upper surface and an annuloplasty ring receiving surface facing opposite the upper surface. The annuloplasty ring holder also includes means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface may include one or more suture guides operatively associated with the head and configured to position one or more sutures to removably associate an annuloplasty ring with the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The head may include a central hub and more than one spoke radiating out from the central hub. If the head is thus configured, each spoke will include a portion of the annuloplasty ring receiving surface.
US09155619B2
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a prosthetic valve (e.g., prosthetic heart valve) and a valve delivery apparatus for delivery of the prosthetic valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature. The delivery apparatus is particularly suited for advancing a prosthetic heart valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a diseased native aortic valve. The delivery apparatus in particular embodiments is configured to deploy a prosthetic valve from a delivery sheath in a precise and controlled manner at the target location within the body.
US09155608B2
A device for isolating tissue in the digestive tract including a biocompatible portion having a surface sized to cover the tissue to be isolated and also includes a plurality of micro-anchors attached to the biocompatible portion and extending from the surface, the micro-anchors sized to penetrate the mucosa of the tissue. A method for isolating tissue in the digestive tract in which an isolation element is delivered to a desired location in the digestive system; the isolation element having fixed thereto a plurality of micro-anchors. The method also includes attaching the isolation element to tissue at the desired location by causing the micro-anchors to penetrate the mucosa of the tissue.
US09155606B2
The present invention is a method and an apparatus for packaging lyophilized implants and other medical devices. In accordance with the invention, a lyophilized implant may be packaged for delivery to the surgical site in a sealed, flexible/expandable, sterile inner pouch. The inner pouch may be further packaged within an outer, sterile package. The inner pouch contains a resealable port through which rehydration liquid may be introduced into the inner pouch without opening the inner pouch. The inner pouch may be made of a flexible, substantially non-stretchable material so that the pouch can expand only to a predetermined maximum size to accept a predetermined volume of rehydration liquid. After rehydration, any excess rehydration liquid within the pouch may be removed via the same port. Next, the pouch is opened via a second opening to expose the implant for removal from the package.
US09155605B1
A tissue implant member for implanting in living tissue is provided. The implant is formed of an open structured tantalum filament having a cross-sectional size of less than about 250 microns.
US09155597B2
Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing includes ink-jet printing a binder into selected areas of sequentially deposited layers of powder. Each layer is created by spreading a thin layer of powder over the surface of a powder bed. Instructions for each layer may be derived directly from a CAD representation of the restoration. The area to be printed is obtained by computing the area of intersection between the desired plane and the CAD representation of the object. All the layers required for an aesthetically sound restoration can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously. The amount of green body oversize is equivalent to the amount of shrinkage which occurs during sintering or curing. While the layers become hardened or at least partially hardened as each of the layers is laid down, once the desired final shaped configuration is achieved and the layering process is complete, in some applications it may be desirable that the form and its contents be heated or cured at a suitably selected temperature to further promote binding of the powder particles.
US09155595B2
The present invention provides a selective coating of an endodontic file, in which the distal end of the file is uncoated or alternatively leaving the outermost part of the blades of the distal end portion uncoated. The distribution of the nanoparticles is thus non uniform along the surface of the file leaving only a part of the file coated. In the present invention, the distal end of the device being subjected to the highest torque is either uncoated at all, or has a coated core and uncoated blades.
US09155592B2
Robotic and/or measurement devices, systems, and methods for telesurgical and other applications employ input devices operatively coupled to tools so as to allow a system user to manipulate tissues and other structures being measured. The system may make use of three dimensional position information from stereoscopic images. Two or more discrete points can be designated in three dimensions so as to provide a cumulative length along a straight or curving structure, an area measurement, a volume measurement, or the like. The discrete points may be identified by a single surgical tool or by distances separating two or more surgical tools, with the user optionally measuring a structure longer than a field of view of the stereoscopic image capture device by walking a pair of tools “hand-over-hand” along the structure. By allowing the system user to interact with the tissues while designating the tissue locations, and by employing imaging data to determine the measurements, the measurement accuracy and ease of measurement may be enhanced.
US09155591B2
One aspect relates to limiting treatment to prescribed regions of an individual based at least in part on positioning a treatment limiter mechanism relative to the individual at least partially allowing treating at least some desired or planned location that is desired or planned to be treated, but not allowing treating other locations that are not planned or not desired to be treated from being treated. Another aspect relates to configuring at least a portion of a treatment limiter mechanism at least partially in response to attempting to treat at least a portion of an individual associated with the treatment limiter mechanism.
US09155588B2
Methods and apparatus for an ablation device used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation comprise an elongate shaft and a positioning mechanism adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The positioning mechanism is adapted to facilitate location of an anatomic structure and also to anchor the elongate shaft adjacent the anatomic structure. The positioning mechanism comprises an electrode for stimulating the anatomic structure as well as sensing electrical signals. Also, an energy delivery element is adjacent the distal end of the shaft and is adapted to stimulate the anatomic structure and create a zone of ablation that blocks abnormal electrical activity thereby reducing or eliminating atrial fibrillation in the patient.
US09155586B2
A treatment tool for endoscope includes a pair of forceps members supported so as to be relatively movable by a rotation shaft, an operation section for performing opening/close operations of the forceps members, and an operation wire for connecting the forceps members to the operation section, wherein the operation section has an operation section main body, a first operation member to which the operation wire is connected and which is slideably attached to the operation section main body, a second operation member which is slideably attached to the first operation member, a force adjustment member which is attached to the second operation member and is compressed by the second operation member is slid to the first operation member.
US09155582B2
A device for facilitating implantation of an intramedullary nail includes a coupling portion extending from a first end configured to couple to a proximal end of an intramedullary nail to a joint portion and a radiolucent handle coupled to the joint portion and extending distally therefrom along a path which, when the coupling portion is coupled to an intramedullary nail in a desired orientation, extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the nail, the radiolucent part including first and second radiopaque markers positioned and oriented so that, when the nail is coupled to the coupling portion in the desired orientation, the first and second markers align with edges of the proximal portion of the nail.
US09155579B2
The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.
US09155575B2
A universal jig is compatible with bone plates of varying size, in which different plate sizes having different hole configurations. For example, a longer bone plate may have a first hole pattern along a given length thereof, while various shorter bone plates may have differing hole patterns along respective corresponding lengths. The universal jig includes a combination of hole groupings to provide a jig hole for each hole in the differing hole patterns of the longer and shorter plates, so that the universal jig is useable with a variety of bone plates having disparate hole patterns. For any given bone plate length and hole configuration, a masking cover may provided to attach to the jig. The masking cover masks off unused jig holes, so that only those jig holes intended for use with a particular bone plate are left exposed.
US09155573B2
A spinal correction system comprises a first member defining a longitudinal axis and including an inner surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. A second member defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The members are connected along a first axis disposed in substantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axes. At least one first implant support is configured for disposal within the first cavities. At least one second implant support is configured for disposal within the second cavities. The members are rotatable about the first axis to space apart the members such that the inner surfaces forcibly engage the supports in releasable fixation. Methods of use are disclosed.
US09155571B2
An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration.
US09155567B2
A polyaxial pedicle screw may include a receiving head having a transversal U-shaped passage, and a shank having a threaded portion external to the receiving head, and a bulging end rotatable housed within the receiving head. The polyaxial pedicle screw may include a locking insert housed within the receiving head and matable with the bulging end, for locking it into position, and a set-screw engaged in the distal aperture for locking a connecting rod received within the transversal U-shaped passage. The receiving head of the polyaxial screw may include a lateral aperture, the lateral aperture exposing a contact surface of the locking insert in such a way that external pressing component can act on the contact surface to maintain the locking insert into its locking position.
US09155566B2
A medical implant device has in one embodiment a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, a crown member, an anchor member and a retaining member. An embodiment of the receiver member has an axial opening, a transverse channel, a chamber including at least one substantially flat wall, and a groove. An embodiment of the crown member has at least one substantially flat side. An embodiment of the anchor member has a head with at least one substantially flat surface that may be parallel to the anchor member's longitudinal axis, and an anchoring portion. An embodiment of the retaining member is a substantially flat clip. The crown member and anchor member are inserted into the chamber, and the retaining member is inserted into the groove beneath them. The anchor member may be pivoted substantially in one plane with respect to the receiver member until locked.
US09155563B2
A pedicle anchor device is provided and is equipped for being used like a pedicle screw, i.e. for being implanted in the vertebra from dorsal direction (but generally at an angle to the sagittal plane, slightly inward towards the sagittal plane) through the pedicle so that a distal portion of the device protrudes into the vertebral body. The pedicle anchor device includes a pedicle anchor device body with a head portion, a shaft portion and a longitudinal bore that extends from a proximal end of the pedicle anchor device body and has a hole or a plurality of holes from the longitudinal bore outward, for example radially outward.
US09155562B2
A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements has at least one clamping assembly having a pair of jaws with at least two different size grooves to accommodate a bone fixation element such as a pin or rod. An alternate clamping assembly has at least three grooves wherein at least two of the grooves have a different size adapted to accommodate a correspondingly sized bone fixation element such as a bone pin. The longitudinal axes of the grooves define a polygon. The jaw pairs can be rotated about a central longitudinal axis to present different size reception cavities towards the pins or rocks depending on their diameter.
US09155561B2
Described herein are external fixation systems for correcting bone deformities in adjacent bones or fragments thereof. The systems herein include first and second elongate rods that translate with respect to one another via rotation of an actuation member at an end of one of the rods. At least one housing is coupled along a length of one of the rods. The at least one housing includes at least one pin clamping member for clamping an end of a fixation pin therein. When the at least one pin clamping member is in an unlocked state, the fixation pin can rotate in polyaxial directions. When in a locked state, the angle of fixation wire with respect to the rods is set. The locked and unlocked state of the at least one pin clamping member is determined by the positing of a fixation member with respect to the housing it is coupled to.
US09155560B2
A multi-purpose external fixator (1) comprises at least one screw (2) to be implanted in a bone fragment (3) and a frame (7), in turn comprising at least one clamp (8) and at least one bar (9); the clamp (8) comprising a central body (11), in which a slot (12) is made for connection to the screw (2), an element (13) for locking the screw (2) in the slot (12) and a lever (14) for operating the locking element (13); the lever (14) is hinged to the central body (11) and can move away from and towards an end position for engagement of the locking element (13) and stable connection of the screw (2) to the slot (12); in the end position the lever (14) and the screw (2) are positioned in a T-shaped configuration relative to each other, in which the lever (14) forms a grip for implanting the screw (2) in the bone fragment.
US09155548B2
The positioning device for bone drilling comprises a base, and the base has an outer wall, a positioning block, a guiding recess and an inner wall. The positioning block is formed on the outer wall of the base. The guiding recess is formed longitudinally through the base. The inner wall surrounds the guiding recess and the inner wall is a concave camber. The doctor can use the positioning block to fix the positioning device on a guide mold. A relative position between the positioning device and the guide mold can be relatively fixed. Prior to or during the drilling, the doctor can replace the positioning device with another positioning device with a more suitable diameter, oblique angle and oblique direction so that the positioning device for bone drilling can drill a hole at an accurate position, at an accurate oblique angle and in an accurate oblique direction as desired.
US09155546B2
The present disclosure relates to a surgical aimer including a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a handle coupled to the proximal portion of the shaft. The handle includes a mechanism for coupling the shaft to the handle and releasing the shaft from the handle.
US09155543B2
According to some embodiments, a method of treating a joint of a patient comprises creating a recess in a bone located at or near a targeted joint, wherein the recess includes a generally wedge or truncated cone shape. In one embodiment, the recess in a bone comprises a surface opening along an outer surface of the bone and a bottom opening along the distal end of the recess, such that a diameter of the surface opening is generally smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening. The method additionally comprises providing a joint implant having a wedge or truncated cone shape, wherein a diameter of a top end of the joint implant is generally smaller than a diameter of a bottom end of the joint implant, inserting the joint implant within the recess.
US09155539B2
A mounting tool (20) and method for mounting an anastomotic device (10, 200) to an end (220, 221) of a tubular structure (90) comprises a receiving portion for receiving a rigid part (11, 13) of said device (10, 200) and a conical portion with a large end facing said rigid part (11, 13) having a diameter larger than or equal to the rigid part (11, 13) and a small end. The conical portion comprises a releasable portion and is insertable into the elastic part (12) arranged inside the tubular structure (90) for expanding the diameter thereof and for passing the elastic part (12) beyond the large end and onto a rigid part (11, 13) arrangeable at the receiving portion.
US09155538B2
Surgical bolts are useful for solid visceral wound hemostasis. The devices utilize flexible, variable depth transfixing bolts that penetrate the viscera. These bolts bring the tissue into apposition and hold said tissue in apposition while the wound heals. These bolts, or soft tissue rivets, overcome the limitations of sutures that are currently used for the same purposes. The devices are flexible, bendable, and conformable in their wet or dry state. The bolts include pressure plates that are capable of exerting compressive pressure over broad areas of visceral wounds without causing tearing of the friable parenchyma. The bolts are placed and removed by open surgery or laparoscopic access. The bolts can be placed into tissue where both sides of the bolt are exposed, or they can be placed blindly into tissue where the bolt does not protrude out of the tissue at its distal end.
US09155534B2
A medical implement particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery, includes: a handle having a proximal end configured for manual gripping by a user, a distal end for manipulation during the surgery, an internal passageway extending through the handle from the proximal end to the distal end thereof, and a longitudinally-extending slot extending longitudinally through the handle from its outer surface to the passageway for side-loading the handle with a manipulatable member to be manipulated during surgery. A shield is located within the passageway in the handle. The shield is secured along one edge to the inner surface of handle defining the passageway, and includes an elastic section normally covering the longitudinally-extending slot. The elastic section of the shield is yieldable to permit side-loading of the manipulatable member into the passageway, but to prevent a side-loaded manipulatable member from passing outwardly from the passageway.
US09155530B2
The present invention relates generally to specially designed magnesium-aluminum (“Mg—Al”) alloys and medical uses thereof in a hemodynamic environment, and, more particularly to devices for sealing an opening formed through biological tissue (such as blood vessels) made from such specially designed magnesium-aluminum alloys.
US09155526B2
The present invention is a puncture apparatus with an automatic puncture function, that includes: a hollow needle tube; a flexible sheath having the needle tube inserted therethrough; a main body having one of the ends of the sheath fixed thereto; a slider attached to the main body, the slider being capable of sliding in an axial direction relative to the main body; a needle tube-maneuvering section, attached to the slider, capable of sliding in an axial direction relative to the slider, the needle tube-maneuvering section having an end section of the needle tube fixed thereto; a retraction state-maintaining member for maintaining the needle tube-maneuvering section in the retracted state toward a proximal end; an urging member, provided in the needle tube-maneuvering section, for urging a retracted state of the needle tube-maneuvering section toward the distal end; an operation section for resetting the operation of the retraction state-maintaining member; releasing the ejection force; and projecting the needle tube-maneuvering section toward the distal end; and an unintentional operation preventive member, provided to the slider, for holding the operation section in an non-operating state, wherein the non-operating state of the operation section held by the unintentional operation preventive member can be reset only when the distal end of the needle tube is exposed by sliding the slider to a predetermined position relative to the main body.
US09155519B1
Systems and methods are described to detect color flow areas, associated borders, and all flow image pixels inside the borders. Velocity aliasing correction may be performed based on an energy function determined using cross-border color Doppler data.
US09155514B2
Reconstruction in positron emission tomography is performed with partially known attenuation. A PET-CT scanner is used to generate a PET image with time of flight emission information. To limit x-ray dose while providing increased sensitivity at the ends of the CT volume in the PET image, attenuation coefficients for oblique LORs passing outside the CT volume are determined from the time of flight emission information. The attenuation coefficients for LORs within the CT volume are derived from the CT data. An objective function may be maximized for the emission distribution without reconstructing the attenuation distribution.
US09155498B2
According to one embodiment, a photoelectric conversion device including a substrate having opaque interconnection layers, an insulating film formed on the substrate, and having a plurality of openings, light-emitting elements formed of the openings, each light-emitting element having an upper electrode layer, and light-receiving elements formed of the openings, each light-receiving element having an upper electrode layer, wherein a semiconductor material is different in the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the upper electrode layer both of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are formed as common electrodes, and each interconnection layer is formed on a region outside a region specified by the opening.
US09155489B2
The present disclosure provides devices and methods for the modulation of retinal stimulation and/or retinal signal processing. Such methods may be useful for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder. The disclosed methods may comprise visual intervention by using lenses, prisms, mirrors, and/or filters (e.g., occluders) to alter the amount and/or direction of light on to the retina.
US09155488B2
A method of monitoring amount of milk consumed by an infant being breastfed by a breast is disclosed. The method comprises: determining variations in electric capacitance of the breast during breastfeeding, and correlating the electric capacitance variations to an amount of milk consumed by the infant.
US09155487B2
Biometric assessment is performed by use of electromyography (EMG) signals detected from muscles at several locations on the hand/or other part of the body subject to fine motor control. In addition, electroencephalography (EEG), signals detect other biomarkers. The EMG and EEG signals are sensed, synchronized and registered. The signals are converted into digital data and are stored and processed for use in performing the biometric assessment.
US09155486B2
A cortical sensing device for contact with the surface of the brain is provided that includes a support member, at least one macroelectrode sensing element secured with respect to the support member and at least one microelectrode sensing element secured with respect to the macroelectrode. The support member is substantially thin and made from flexibly-conformable material to accurately and safely place the sensing device upon the brain surface. The microelectrode sensing element is surrounded by the macroelectrode brain-contact surface of the macroelectrode sensing element. The first surface of the support member, the macroelectrode brain-contact surface and the microelectrode brain-contact surface are substantially co-planar to abut the surface of the brain for sensoring and monitoring.
US09155483B2
Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification.
US09155481B2
An apparatus for monitoring whether or not a distal end of a tube is positioned inside a blood vessel includes a heating element configured to heat the tube distal end, and a sensor arrangement configured to generate a measurement signal indicative for heat transferred by exterior of the distal end. The apparatus further includes a comparator configured to compare the measurement signal with a reference level. The reference level equals a value attained by the measurement signal in response to a minimum flow velocity in the blood vessel. Further, a system is configured to exchange a liquid with a mammal via a blood vessel. The system includes the apparatus having the tube.
US09155476B2
A temperature probe for monitoring temperatures of a surface of a tissue or organ within the body of a subject includes a section with a substantially two-dimensional arrangement and a plurality of temperature sensors positioned across an area defined by the substantially two-dimensional arrangement. Such an apparatus may be used in conjunction with procedures in which thermal techniques are used to diagnose a disease state or treat diseased tissue. Specifically, a temperature probe may be used to monitor temperatures across an area of a surface of a tissue or organ located close to the treated tissue to prevent subjection of the monitored tissue or organ to potentially damaging temperatures.
US09155473B2
The present invention provides a reflection detection type measurement apparatus for skin fluorescence, which is configured to perform light irradiation and light detection on a reference sample and a measurement target.
US09155470B2
A method and system for model-based fusion of pre-operative image data and intra-operative fluoroscopic images is disclosed. A fluoroscopic image and an ultrasound image are received. The ultrasound image is mapped to a 3D coordinate system of a fluoroscopic image acquisition device used to acquire the fluoroscopic image. Contours of an anatomical structure are detected in the ultrasound image, and a transformation is calculated between the ultrasound image and a pre-operative CT image based on the contours and a patient-specific physiological model extracted from the pre-operative CT image. A final mapping is determined between the CT image and the fluoroscopic image based on the transformation between the ultrasound image and physiological model and the mapping of the ultrasound image to the 3D coordinate system of the fluoroscopic image acquisition device. The CT image or the physiological model can then be projected into the fluoroscopic image.
US09155453B2
A user friendly, safe and efficient continuous flow irrigation endoscope having only a single housing sheath without an inner sheath. The exclusion of the inner sheath increases the effective lumen of the endoscope. A long hollow cylindrical tube, capable of performing a to and fro and rotary motion, is placed inside the housing sheath to function as an endoscopic instrument, but also to serve as a conduit for evacuating waste fluid and detached tissue pieces present inside a tissue cavity. A single inflow port located at the proximal end of the single housing sheath allows the irrigation fluid to enter the tissue cavity via the lumen of the said housing sheath. The invented endoscope system has a single inflow port, a single outflow port, without an inner sheath so that all waste fluid and tissue debris present inside cavity are evacuated via the same single outflow port. No type of feedback mechanism, such as mechanical or electrical feedback mechanism, is incorporated in the endoscope to facilitate the removal of detached tissue pieces or waste fluid.
US09155443B2
A tub for a dishwasher where the tub includes at least a first panel and a second panel to form a multi-piece tub. The tub may at least partially define a treating chamber for receiving dishes and the dishwasher may be configured to automatically execute a treating cycle within the treating chamber.
US09155440B2
A steam cleaner having a base with a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom to form an outer perimeter of the base, and a handle extending from the base. A fluid tank and a steam generator are operatively associated with the handle or the base. The steam generator receives fluid from the fluid tank and convert it into steam. A first control selectively operates the steam generator. The base has a bottom steam distributor on the bottom of the base and a side steam distributor on the sidewall or a top wall of the base. The bottom distributor distributes the steam towards a first region located within the outer perimeter of the base. The side distributor distributes the steam towards a second region located outside the outer perimeter of the base. A second control selects whether to distribute steam through the bottom or side distributor.
US09155430B2
According to the present invention there are provided an ultrasound system and method for glass deicing and defrosting, particularly of car's windshields. The system includes cube-shaped ultrasound transducers which generate high-intensity ultrasound waves which propagate in the windshields and heat it uniformly. Selection of the working parameters of the system is performed for specific windshields by a method including simulations.
US09155427B1
A slanted chopping board accessory including a recessed frame to retain a chopping board as well as a waste receptacle for collecting waste, trimmings, and liquids that are produced during food preparation.
US09155424B2
A nut opener having a cup-like member that is generally aligned with a tooth member. As a handle portion of the nut opener is squeezed, the tooth member can abut against a nut placed within the cup-like member, and cause shells of the nuts to release from the nut.
US09155422B1
An apparatus that includes a breast rack to accommodate a breast side of a bird and a back rack to accommodate a back side of the bird is provided. In some embodiments, the breast rack includes breast-rack handles at each end of the breast rack that extend in an upward direction from the breast rack, and each breast-rack handle can include an attaching mechanism. In some embodiments, the back rack includes back-rack handles at each end of the back rack that extend in an upward direction from the back rack. In some embodiments, each back-rack handle includes a plurality of receiving mechanisms located at a plurality of different positions for receiving the attaching mechanism of the breast-rack handles.
US09155410B2
Provided is a wine glass comprising a separate top portion and a bottom portion that can be joined together to form a single wine glass. The top portion has a drinking rim opposite a lower rim and the top portion has an enclosed bottom opposite and upper rim. The lower rim of the top portion and the upper rim of the bottom portion join together to form a leak-proof drinking vessel or cup of the wine glass. When separated, the top portion and bottom portion can be nested together. Additionally, a plurality of such wine glasses can be nested together, so that a large number of wine glasses can be packaged together for economical storage and shipping. The wine glass can be disposable and biodegradable or compostable, as examples.
US09155401B1
A tool to facilitate the installation of an elastic fitted sheet onto a bed mattress comprising a rigid, concave shaped handle neck, a circular, convex shaped base that hooks the last corner of the fitted sheet, an angled wing that guides the elastic over the edge of the mattress and an ergonomic handle to pull (or push) the sheet corner over the edge of the mattress. The tool is constructed of a smooth, rigid material and the handle and back section of the tool is preferably covered with a high friction material in the form of a contoured rubber or elastomeric material. The handle can be held in a forehand grip to pull the sheet or in a backhand grip to push the sheet over the edge of bed mattress. The tool provides the leverage needed to install a fitted sheet and thereby, relieves strain on a person's body, including the fingernails, fingers, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and legs.
US09155399B1
A pillow is provided. The pillow includes an elongated pillow extending along a single axis and a pad attached to and extending outward from a middle section of the elongated pillow. The pad is operable to support a torso of a user in a side lying position with the elongated pillow in front of the user and a portion of the pad beneath the torso.
US09155394B1
A chair having a retractable leg rest connected to at least one of the chair seat and legs. The leg rest includes spaced-apart telescoping members that are orientated in a plane transverse to the legs. A fabric extends between the telescoping members. The telescoping members are extensible along the third plane to extend and retract the fabric relative to the seat, upon which the user's legs may rest when the fabric is extracted.
US09155388B2
A lift-recliner chair includes a base section, movable seat and backrest sections and a powered actuator for relative moving the seat and backrest sections. The seat section is pivotally mounted with respect to the base section and the backrest is pivotally mounted with respect to the seat section. The base and seat sections each have a pair of side panels arranged substantially parallel with respect to each other on both sides of the chair with the actuator means enclosed in the interior region of the chair in all adjustment positions of the chair. The base and seat sections are arranged telescopically and moveable respect to the base section. The actuator has a first range of movement for moving the backrest with respect to the seat section and a second range of movement for moving the seat section and backrest with respect to the base.
US09155386B2
A drawer slide member including raceways formed of folded or solid material providing additional thickness while utilizing thin material may provide for increased strength of the drawer slide.
US09155385B2
There is a display device configured to couple to a structure, such as a wall. The display device includes a display module having a base plate. The display module includes an array of containers extending from the base plate. The display module includes a plurality of supports disposed between each of the containers of the array of containers. The display module includes a pair of end tabs coupled to each end of the array of containers. The display device includes a pair of brackets configured to couple to the pair of end tabs of the display module. The pair of brackets include a support plate and a channel disposed on the support plate about a 45 degree angle. The pair of brackets include an attachment surface disposed on the support plate and a vertical slit aperture disposed adjacent the channel.
US09155381B2
A sleeve for partially covering a paint brush, the sleeve comprising a first substantially flat face and a second substantially flat face joined to each other by side faces, a first opening for receiving a ferrule of a paint brush and a second opening for receiving a shank portion of the paint brush, and at least one guide chosen from the group consisting of a thumb guide, an index finger guide, and a middle finger guide. A brush comprising at least one guide chosen from the group consisting of a thumb guide, an index finger guide, and a middle finger guide.
US09155377B2
The invention disclosed herein is a finger loop for use with a portable electronic device case, housing or enclosure. The finger loop is formed by a strip of material such as silicone or rubber that extends away from the rear outer surface of the case, housing, or enclosure, and returns to the rear outer surface of the case, housing, or enclosure thereby forming a loop through which a user can insert at least one, or a plurality of fingers to aid in holding the device. The strip of material may include features to increase friction with the inside surface of the case or with the portable electronic device itself.
US09155372B2
An applicator for a fluid product offers a thermal effect by creating a cold sensation upon application to a surface. The applicator comprises a reservoir containing a fluid product; an end-piece with a dispensing face having an orifice for dispensing the fluid product onto the surface to be treated; and a thermal storage end-piece that includes an application face. The thermal storage end-piece is made from a material having a thermal effusivity that is higher than that of the product dispensing end-piece so as to provide thermal sensations upon contact with the surface to be treated. The application head is shaped so that, by orienting the applicator selectively relative to the surface to be treated, one can place the latter in contact with the dispensing face of the dispensing end-piece while avoiding contact with the application face of the thermal storage end-piece.
US09155371B2
The invention relates to a device for applying at least one application agent to hair, comprising a housing unit (11a; 11b; 11c) which at least partially encloses at least one depot volume (12a; 12b; 12c) for accommodating at least one component of the at least one application agent (10a; 10b; 10c). According to the invention, the device comprises a dispenser unit (13a; 13b; 13c) which is designed to discharge the at least one component of the application agent (10a; 10b; 10c) from an application agent container (14a; 14b; 14c) that is at least partially inserted into the depot volume (12a; 12b; 12c).
US09155370B2
A fastening device that is adjustable in length and diameter and which is visually attractive is provided. The device can be easily positioned about a wearer's hair and fastened thereabout, and is resistant to creeping down a hair bundle. The device comprises a body component having first and second ends with end connectors thereon for connecting the first and second ends together to form a cylindrical shape that can be positioned about a hair bundle. A plurality of body components can be connected to each other to form a hair fastening device of a desired length. An end component can be attached to the body component, and can optionally be adjusted in diameter.
US09155367B2
A protective case can be used with a mobile device having front and back surfaces and side surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces, including a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side, the mobile device having a screen on the front surface. The protective case can include a shell configured to engage and substantially surround at least three of the surfaces of the mobile device and preferably all or nearly all surfaces of the mobile device while still capable of allowing the user to functionally interact with biometric sensor (such as a fingerprint sensor) and/or not interfere with the intended functionality of the proximity sensors of the mobile device.
US09155364B2
The invention generally relates to an apparatus for controlling tilt and pivot movement of an umbrella, or a sunshade positioning device. In one embodiment, an umbrella support receiving member and a positioning and tilt control unit can be used to retrofit any umbrella to enable the umbrella for quick and easy positioning for maximizing a shaded area throughout the day. The positioning unit can be coupled to an umbrella's support member, or post, towards the bottom of the support member. A receiving member connects the positioning unit to the umbrella support member, and control of the positioning unit causes the support member to move back and forth, thereby changing the angle at which the umbrella is positioned with relation to a surface. The positioning unit can be controlled by hand, or by a small electric motor that actuates the connector coupled to the umbrella support member.
US09155362B2
A clip includes a male member having a head portion and a shaft portion, and a female member having a base portion, a fitting portion into an attachment hole for one attachment object, and a reception hole for the shaft portion. The clip is formed to hold another attachment object between the head portion and the base portion. An inside of the reception hole of the female member includes a first sliding contact portion relative to a first cam portion formed at an end of the shaft portion, an engagement concave portion relative to an engagement protrusion formed in a middle of the shaft portion, and a second sliding contact portion located at a hole opening of the reception hole and relative to a second cam portion formed at the engagement protrusion. The shaft portion can be inserted into and released from the female member.
US09155359B1
A ratchet buckle system including an elongate adjustment strap having a plurality of inclined teeth transverse to a length of the strap. A ratchet mechanism is provided for engaging the teeth of the adjustment strap. The ratchet mechanism has a lever having a first end for actuating the ratchet mechanism and a distal end having an adjustment pawl for selectively engaging the teeth of the adjustment strap. The lever is pivotally mounted on a first axis transverse to the adjustment strap. A release mechanism having a release button lever is recessed in an opening in the first end of the lever and a locking pawl distal from the release button adjacent the adjustment pawl of the lever. The release button lever is pivotally mounted on a second axis transverse to the adjustment strap for locking engagement of the locking pawl and teeth of the adjustment strap.
US09155358B2
A container for a substance to be sprayed includes a reservoir for the substance and operable spraying means connected to the reservoir for spraying the substance. The spraying means are provided with at least two spaced apart outflow openings that are in fluid communication with the reservoir for spraying the substance in at least two spray beams to surroundings.
US09155357B2
A machine moves shoe strobels to a camera or scanner where images of the strobels are captured. Using the images, a computing device instructs a printer how to mark guidelines on the strobels that signify one or more strobel sewing lines for different shoes models and shoe sizes. Cross-sectional lines may also be printed on the strobels to aid in error-checking guideline marking. Unmarked strobels are stacked in a loading compartment, sometimes in pairs—e.g., right and left shoe strobels. The unmarked strobels are transferred to a conveyor that brings the strobels to the camera or scanner and the printer. After guidelines and/or cross-sectional lines are added to the strobels, the marked strobels are stacked in a compartments housing other marked strobels.
US09155344B1
Hair enhancements, additions, and extensions that are, realistic, seamless, comfortable, secure, durable, and hygienic are disclosed. Embodiments include a hair product including a first layer, a second layer having an open weave structure, a third layer, the first and third layers encasing the second layer, and a plurality of strands of hair, each of the plurality of strands of hair being affixed to the second layer and extending therefrom. Other embodiments include a hair piece including a base comprising first, second, and third layers, the first and third layers at least partially encasing the second layer, and a plurality of strands of hair extending from the second layer.
US09155328B2
A soybean cultivar designated S100321 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S100321, to the plants of soybean cultivar S100321, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S100321, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S100321. 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 S100321. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100321, 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 S100321 with another soybean cultivar.
US09155325B2
A process of, and apparatus for, accelerated water vapor removal from molasses is provided. Raw molasses is preheated; continuously agitated while advancing at a flowrate of at least about 1.5 gpm through a cooking apparatus in the presence of a temperature greater than 310° F.; continuously agitated while advancing through a cooling apparatus at a reduced temperature, and while removing separated water vapor water from the cooked molasses to form a cooled molasses having a homogenous temperature profile. The molasses may be admixed with supplements. The product is then packaged. An orificed helical conveyor having a plurality of protrusions from the outer perimeter agitates the cooking molasses. An orificed helical conveyor having gaps in the perimeter of the conveyor alternating with protrusions along the perimeter of the conveyor agitates the cooling molasses.
US09155318B2
Described is a method of producing a beverage, including the steps of introducing a first portion of solvent into a container (11) stored with raw ingredients, the first portion of solvent having a first temperature; introducing a second portion of solvent into the container (11), the mixture of the first portion of solvent and the second portion of solvent having a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; and grinding the raw ingredients together with the mixture of the first portion of solvent and the second portion of solvent to generate the beverage. Further described is a device (10) for producing a beverage, the device including a container (11) configured to receive raw ingredients; a solvent provider (12) arranged on the container (11) and configured to provide solvent to the raw ingredients in the container (11); a valve arranged (13) on the solvent provider (12) and configured to be controlled to open or close to allow the solvent from the solvent provider (12) to flow into the container (11) or to prevent the solvent from flowing into the container (11); a grinding mechanism (14) configured to grind the raw ingredients in the container (11) to generate the beverage; and a first heating unit (15) configured to heat the beverage.
US09155310B2
Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising an inorganic copper salt which has low water solubility. These types of inorganic salts may also be introduced in porous particles to yield antimicrobial compositions. The compositions may optionally comprise additional antimicrobial agents, salts with high water solubility, organic acids, salts of organic acids and their esters. The compositions may be added to various fluids used in the petroleum extraction industry, or used as coatings on components used in this industry. These antimicrobial materials may be used for reducing both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and are also useful for reducing corrosion of ferrous components caused by anaerobic bacteria. Although such compositions may be used for any antimicrobial application, and some of the other important uses of these compositions are in wound care, personal care and waste processing.
US09155309B2
A virus inactivating sheet is provided that can inactivate viruses adhering thereto even in the presence of lipids and proteins regardless of whether or not the viruses have an envelope. The virus inactivating sheet can inactivate viruses adhering thereto and includes a sheet body, and monovalent copper compound fine particles and/or iodide fine particles that are held by the sheet body. The virus inactivating sheet can inactivate various viruses. These viruses can be inactivated even in the presence of lipids and proteins.
US09155307B2
The present invention relates to compositions, in particular within a fungicide composition, which comprises (A) a dithiino-tetracarboximide of formula (I) and a further fungicidally active compound (B). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops, to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and to the treated seed.
US09155306B2
Methods are provided for the production of granular composite compositions including at least two pesticidally active ingredients in combination such as insecticidally active and herbicidally active ingredients and to the composite combination products produced thereby.
US09155297B2
Methods of determining the health of an organ, such as a transplant organ, by measuring the ex-situ oxygen consumption rate of the organ. Systems for preserving and transporting organs while monitoring viability by measuring oxygen consumption rates.
US09155296B2
A striker for game calling including a body portion, a releasable locking device located at one end of the body portion, and a peg extending from the body portion and held to the body portion by the releasable locking device.
US09155294B2
The present invention provides a bait station and method for securing it using a receptacle for holding a weight to weight a bait enclosure and by stakes formed as a unitary part of the enclosure for securing the enclosure.
US09155291B1
A timed-release bait container that has an inner bait container with small openings formed in it. The inner container is inserted into an outer housing and sealed with an elastomeric band and a galvanic couple. The elastomeric band holds the inner bait container and the outer housing together. A rubber gasket creates a watertight seal between the inner bait container and the outer housing keeping the selected bait dry and fresh. A pressure equalization hole is covered until the galvanic couple breaks, allows the container's internal pressure to equalize with the external pressure. Once pressure equalization has occurred, the inner bait container is pulled out of the outer housing allowing exposure of the fresh bait to the sea. The small holes in the inner bait container prevent target species from depleting the bait and prevent the entry of sea lice, thereby keeping the bait fresh for as long as possible.
US09155284B2
A portable support device for inserting into the ground and in one embodiment is useful for forming a temporary barricade, corridor or an enclosure arrangement for livestock. The support device has (a) a support frame having a first member, a second member and a cross-brace member rigidly connected to the first and second members and (b) a third member moveably mounted to the cross-brace member and having a free end with a means for securing the third member to the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the support device further includes (c) an angled member having a face portion and spaced-apart first and second ends attached to the first and second members, respectively. The face includes a wire reel or spool holding support means for hanging a reel or spool of wire fencing material of a predetermined length onto the support device.
US09155279B2
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-86 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1 to B1:28, CA-I, CA-IIA, CA-IIB, CA-III to CA-VIII, currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, intensely red, deeply incised leaves, slow bolting and a medium to small plant size. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-86 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-86 RZ.
US09155271B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046887. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046887. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046887 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046887 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09155241B2
A metering device (24) for an agricultural planter (10) has a metering chamber (80) with a seed discharge (98) area and a metering disc (66) rotatable within the metering chamber (80). The metering disc (66) has plurality of seed pockets (68) for carrying seeds on the metering disc (66), the seed pockets (68) being disposed at mutually spaced locations about the metering disc (66). The metering disc also has a magnetic drive ring (136) in the outer periphery of the metering disc (66). The metering device also has a stator positioned adjacent the metering disc. The stator (132) interacts with the magnetic drive ring (136) to rotate the metering disc (66) within the metering chamber (80) such that the seed pockets (68) move successively in proximity to the discharge area (98) during rotation of the metering disc (66).
US09161482B2
Provide is a shield terminal connection structure and method, which are easy and simple, for connecting a terminal part of a tubular shielding member to a shield structure. A holding part is formed by a terminal part itself of a shielding member, and then, a fixing member held by the holding part is connected to one side wall of a shield casing. When the fixing member is fixed to the one side wall of the shield casing, electrical connection to the shield member is also completed at the same time of the fixing.
US09161481B2
A shielding arrangement for preventing AM radio interference when a wireless charger is used in a vehicle has a plurality of parallel conductors arranged at a distance from one another responsive to a frequency desired to be attenuated. An interconnection arrangement includes a solid conductive junction and connects the conductors to one another without forming loops, and to ground. The conductors are traces disposed on a PCB. Additional parallel conducts are disposed on the other side of the PCB at an orthogonal orientation with respect to the first conductors. The spacing between the conductors is determined in response to the frequency desired to be attenuated, as well as frequencies thereabove that are desired to be propagated therethrough, such as mobile telephone signals. The solid conductive junction that is disposed on the printed circuit board is electrically and thermally conductive, such as copper.
US09161470B2
An apparatus, comprising a housing; a first connector coupled to the housing and having a first plurality of contacts; a second connector coupled to the housing and having a second plurality of contacts; and a circuit electrically connected to at least one of the first contacts and at least one of the second contacts. The circuit is encapsulated within the housing. The circuit is configured to generate an output signal in response to a resistance sensed at the at least one of the first contacts.
US09161467B2
An electronic device has an opening in a case, a lid member that includes a first lid member having a pair of first engaging sections for putting a lid on the opening at its both ends, a second lid member that has a pair of second engaging sections engaging with the first engaging sections and slides on a main surface of the first lid member, and a projection disposed at an end of the sliding direction of the second lid member. The case has an engaging hole engaging with the projection disposed on the second lid member.
US09161464B2
A wall adaptor includes an adaptor body, a terminal unit and a connector module. The terminal unit is disposed on the adaptor body and has a pin arrangement, and the connector module is detachably disposed on the adaptor body. The connector module has a module body and at least a first connector disposed on the adaptor body, the connector module and the adaptor body are in electrical communication through electrical contacts. The connector module is replaceable for broader implementation.
US09161459B2
A wave solder machine includes a pre-heating station, a wave soldering station, and a conveyor to transport substrates through a tunnel passing through the pre-heating station and the wave soldering station. The tunnel has a substantially oxygen-free environment. The pre-heating station includes a pre-heater including a support frame assembly, and a heater assembly supported by the support frame assembly. The heater assembly is slidably coupled to the support frame assembly between an operational position and a non-operational position. The pre-heater further includes a seal disposed between the heater assembly and the support frame assembly. The seal provides a gas-tight seal when the heater assembly is in the operational position to prevent atmosphere from entering the tunnel thereby preserving the substantially oxygen-free environment within the tunnel.
US09161458B2
A light-emitting device includes a first substrate having a through-hole, a plurality of first light-emitting elements that are arranged on the first substrate, a second substrate that is attached to the first substrate to cover the through-hole of the first substrate, and a second light-emitting element arranged on the second substrate, and electrically connected to wiring of the first substrate.
US09161453B2
A wiring board includes a core layer; a through hole penetrating through the core layer in a thickness direction of the core layer; and an electronic part accommodated inside the through hole, wherein the through hole includes a first opening portion provided on a first surface of the core layer, a second opening portion provided on a second surface of the core layer, and an inward protruding portion inwardly protruding relative to the first and second opening portions, and wherein the electronic part is held by the inward protruding portion.
US09161450B2
An electronic device has a vibrating element and a package accommodating the vibrating element. Moreover, the package has through-electrodes formed to penetrate a base substrate in its thickness direction and electrically connected with connection terminals, and electrically conductive adhesives (covering members) formed above the connection terminals so as to contain the through-electrodes.
US09161440B2
An article comprises a solvent cast film comprising a polyetherimide comprising structural units derived from a dianhydride component selected from the group consisting of 3,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 3,3′-oxydiphthalic anhydride, 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride, and combinations thereof, and a diamine component. The polyetherimide has a glass transition temperature that is at least 190° C. The film has a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 60 ppm/° C., a thickness from 0.1 to 250 micrometers, and less than 5% residual solvent by weight. The film has less than 15 molar % of a member selected from the group consisting of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, dianhydrides of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, esters of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, and combinations thereof.
US09161438B2
A stress buffer sheet 10 is constituted by arranging external conductive layers 16A and 16B on the front and rear main surfaces of a through electrode layer 13. Columnar internal electrodes 14 are formed using a porous oxide base material 30 formed by anodic oxidation of valve metal; the oxide base material 30 is selectively removed after the internal electrodes 14 have been formed, and a resin 12 is filled in a resultant void space. The resin 12 has a small Young's modulus and can be deformed together with the internal electrode 14. In a structure having a wiring board 20 and an electronic component 24 connected through the stress buffer sheet 10, when stress acts on the joint portion during mounting of the electronic component 24, the whole of the through electrode layer 13 is deformed so that the stress is absorbed or released.
US09161437B2
A circuit board comprises a signal routing layer, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, a first ground layer, a second ground layer, and a third ground layer. The signal routing layer includes chip traces, connector traces, and signal traces connected to components. The first dielectric layer, the first ground layer, the second dielectric layer, the second ground layer, the third dielectric layer, and the third ground layer, in that order, are located at gradually increasing distances from the signal routing layer. The first ground layer corresponds to the chip traces, the second ground layer corresponds to the signal traces, and the third ground layer corresponds to the connector traces.
US09161435B2
A network signal processing circuit assembly includes a network-on-chip, a network connector, and a processing circuit including a plurality of channels respectively and electrically connected between the network-on-chip and the network connector, a plurality of signal coupling capacitors respectively electrically coupled to the channels, and a plurality of inductor sets electrically connected in parallel between the signal coupling capacitors and the network connector for causing a back-EMF (back-electro motive force) when receiving power supply from the signal coupling capacitors.
US09161432B2
A circuit board includes a board having a hole formed therein, and an imager that is bonded to a first region including at least a portion of the hole in a front surface of the board.
US09161427B2
Device for generating a plasma discharge near a substrate for patterning the surface of the substrate, comprising a first electrode having a first discharge portion and a second electrode having a second discharge portion, a high voltage source for generating a high voltage difference between the first and the second electrode, and positioning means for positioning the first electrode with respect to the substrate. The device is further provided with an intermediate structure that is, in use, arranged in between the first electrode and the substrate while allowing for positioning the first electrode with respect to the substrate.
US09161421B2
The present disclosure provides a supplemental load circuit configured to provide a supplemental power consumption to enable a lamp unit operating at a low power consumption to operate with a traffic controller configured to test for a higher power consumption. The supplemental load circuit includes a load, power input circuitry configured to receive a DC power signal from the lamp unit, and a control switch configured to receive a control signal having a duty cycle from the lamp unit. The control switch is configured to control application of the DC power signal to the load by the power input circuitry based on the duty cycle of the control signal. The present disclosure also provides a method for enabling a lamp unit to operate with a traffic controller designed for higher power lamp units.
US09161413B1
The present invention is a control method of color temperature and luminance for an LED device and a control system thereof. The control method has the following steps: executing a cold-start motion; determining whether a warm-start motion is executed during a preset time; if yes, adjusting the color temperature of the LED device, and determining whether the warm-start motion is executed again during the preset time; if not, adjusting the luminance of the LED device, and determining whether the warm-start motion is executed again. A user can adjust the color temperature and the luminance of the LED device by turning off and on a switch of the control system.
US09161408B2
LEDs near or surrounding a non-functional or sub-par LED are adjusted to compensate the sub-par LED. The compensation may include illumination (e.g., increased illumination of nearby LEDs to compensate for under illumination of a non-functional LED) or a shift in hue of the nearby LEDs to compensate for an opposite shift in hue of the sub-par LED.
US09161407B2
Disclosed are dimmable LED driver circuits and methods. A dimmable LED driver can include: an SCR, an electronic transformer, and a rectifier bridge to convert an AC voltage to a DC voltage signal; a power stage circuit that receives the DC voltage signal, and outputs a constant current to drive an LED load, where the power stage circuit includes first and second power stage circuits, the first power stage circuit receiving the DC voltage signal, and generating a first output voltage to the second power stage; and an input current control circuit that receives an input current of the first power stage circuit and the first output voltage, and generates a first control signal to control the input current as a square wave signal during an on time of the SCR, and the input current is substantially zero during an off time of the SCR.
US09161405B2
A light emitting diode (LED) driving circuit is provided. The LED driving circuit includes: at least one LED driving module, coupled to the at least one LED series, for driving the corresponding LED series; and a voltage regulating module, coupled to the at least one LED driving module, for providing a regulation signal according to an output signal from the at least one LED driving module, wherein an input voltage of the at least one LED series is regulated according to the regulation signal.
US09161403B2
A driving circuit for driving a diode includes at least one differential pair including a first output node and a second output node and configured to switch an output current, a current source configured to adjust the output current, a dummy load coupled to the second output node, a first termination resistor coupled between the first output node and a termination ground, and a second termination resistor coupled between the second output node and the termination ground. The output current is supplied to the diode through the first output node by at least one differential pair.
US09161398B2
A system is described for providing unconditioned power using an alternating current (AC) power source in order to power light emitting diodes (LEDs). The system may include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a microprocessor to send pulse-width modulated power signals to power the plurality of LEDs, a zener diode to limit a voltage provided to the microprocessor from the AC power source, and a varistor in series with the zener diode to clamp down the voltage from the AC power source to a pre-defined value to resist current in rush to the microprocessor.
US09161396B2
The invention provides a light-emitting arrangement (100, 200, 300), comprising: a light source (101, 201, 301) adapted to emit light of a first wavelength; a wavelength converting member (106, 206, 306) comprising a wavelength converting material adapted to receive light of said first wavelength and to convert at least part of the received light to light of a second wavelength; a sealing structure (103) at least partially surrounding said wavelength converting member to form a sealed cavity (105, 205, 305) containing at least said wavelength converting member, said cavity containing a controlled atmosphere; and a getter material (108, 208, 308) arranged within said sealed cavity, wherein said getter material is adapted to operate in the presence of water and/or produces water as a reaction product. Such getter materials have high capacity for removal of oxygen from the atmosphere within the sealed cavity, such that a low oxygen concentration can be maintained within the cavity. Hence, the lifetime of the wavelength converting material may be prolonged.
US09161390B2
An apparatus for applying electromagnetic (EM) energy to an object in an energy application zone via at least one radiating element at a plurality of modulation space elements (MSEs) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: at least one processor configured to determine an amount of energy to be supplied to the at least one radiating element at a first subset of the plurality of MSEs, determine an energy application schedule comprising timing instructions for applying energy at at least a subset of the plurality of MSEs, and cause application of energy according to the determined amounts of energy and the determined energy application schedule.
US09161381B2
The present invention relates to a method for enabling the efficient communication of machine-type communication (MTC) equipment by selecting a connection with a base station during a first allowed time period in a mobile communication system using the MTC equipment, and to a device for same. With regard to an example of the present invention, a communication method for MTC equipment in a wireless mobile communication system may include: receiving a first message, including information regarding the first allowed time period, from a network through dedicated signaling; transmitting or receiving data to/from the network during the first allowed time period included in the first message; and receiving, from the network, a second message including information regarding a second allowed time period different from the first allowed time period.
US09161374B2
A controller stores preference information related to an initial configuration of wireless access points (WAPs). Based on the preference information, the controller initially activates or deactivates the WAPs to form a wireless local network (WLAN). The WLAN is monitored and operation of the WAPs may be modified based on the monitoring of the WLAN. For example, the controller may monitor an activity level associated with an active group of the WAPs and may compare the activity level to a threshold. The controller may activate an additional WAP if, for example, the activity level is above an upper threshold, and the controller may deactivate one of the active WAPs if the activity level is below a lower threshold.
US09161372B2
A communication system for carrying out data communication among a plurality of communication stations is disclosed in which a first communication station for transmitting to other communication stations a Request To Send (RTS) signal for requesting a transmission upon the start of the data transmission; and a plurality of second communication stations transmitting to other communication stations a Clear To Send (CTS) signal for notifying the completion of preparing the reception, wherein the first communication station transmits the RTS signal describing at least each of addresses the second communication stations that are desired to receive the data, and receives a plurality of CTS signals transmitted from each of the second communication stations in order to increase communication capacity.
US09161369B2
A radio communication system including mobile terminals and plural base stations each of which communicates with mobile terminals existing in a subordinate cell. Each of the base stations includes an interference power measurement portion which measures a total interference power received from mobile terminals existing in adjacent cells; an interference reduction request portion which issues a request to reduce interference to base stations of the adjacent cells based on the total interference power; and a control portion which notifies mobile terminals existing in a subordinate cell of transmission power control information when the request to reduce interference is received from a base station of an adjacent cell, so as to reduce the interference. Each of the mobile terminals includes a reception portion which receives the transmission power control information from the base station that is requested to reduce the interference from the base station of the adjacent cell.
US09161361B2
Wireless multi-site capacity coordination includes calculating a total interference impact metric for a reference cell, determining a distribution of power resources for the reference cell and a plurality of neighboring cells, and allocating the power resources to sub-bands for the reference cell and the plurality of neighboring cells. Determining a distribution of power resources includes determining power resources to assign to sub-bands and assigning the determined power resources to sub-bands.
US09161360B2
Techniques for achieving high average spectrum efficiency in a wireless system are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method of communicating with a wireless station comprising defining a plurality of beams to be generated by a beam-forming device, defining a set of beam groups wherein each beam group is a different subset of beams of the plurality of beams; repeatedly cycling through the set of beam groups by sequentially generating each group of beams among the set of beam groups; identifying a beam group among the set of beam groups which yields a best communication link with a wireless station; and scheduling communications with the wireless station to occur via the identified beam group when the identified beam group is being generated.
US09161357B2
A method operable by an access point for using white space (WS) bandwidth in wireless communication service includes receiving a request to establish a connection from a mobile entity. The method further includes forwarding the request to a service authentication entity to authenticate the mobile entity for the service, and obtaining authorization for service and white space (WS) parameters for the mobile entity from the service authentication entity. The method further includes determining the connection is operating in WS; and authenticating the mobile entity for the service in the WS based at least in part on the received WS parameters. A complementary method is performed by a service authentication entity. Wireless communication apparatus are configured to perform the methods by executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.
