US09244134B2
An XMR-sensor and method for manufacturing the XMR-Sensor are provided. The XMR-sensor includes a substrate, a first contact, a second contact and an XMR-structure. The substrate includes a first main surface area and a second main surface area. The first contact is arranged at the first main surface area and the second contact is arranged at the second main surface area. The XMR-structure extends from the first contact to the second contact such that an XMR-plane of the XMR-structure is arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the first main surface area or the second main surface area.
US09244133B2
Apparatus and methods for detecting concealed personal security threats may comprise conventional mirrors and less conventional arrays of Hall-effect sensors and/or magnetometers, preferably at least two axis or three axis sensors or sensors mounted back-to-back. The concealed personal security threats may comprise, for example, sticky devices consisting of geographic position sensors for covertly broadcasting motor vehicle location data, of so-called Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) which may be covertly or openly affixed to, for example, the undercarriages of motor vehicles using strong magnets and later exploded, the former giving away private location information, the latter causing damage to the motor vehicles to which they are affixed and sticky containers for hiding contraband among other “sticky devices.” Magnetic fields detected by, for example, arrays of Hall-effect sensors and the like may be quantified and stored in processor memory as a vehicle magnetic field signature. A processor receiving magnetic field data collected by the arrays may retrieve and subtract known signatures from acquired magnetic field data for a given vehicle to obtain location for a magnetic field on the vehicle that may be of potential interest as a risk.
US09244131B2
A method for determining an internal ohmic resistance of a first battery module includes measuring a first voltage intensity of the first battery module. The first battery module is connected to at least one second battery module subject to a current load after obtaining the first voltage intensity. A second voltage intensity of the first battery module is measured after the connection of the first battery module. The internal ohmic resistance is determined with reference to the first voltage intensity and the second voltage intensity.
US09244129B2
A method estimates a state-of-charge (SoC) of a battery by constructing a set of two or more battery models. Each battery model is associated with an adaptive SOC estimator. A set of intermediate SOCs is estimated using the models and the associate adaptive SoC estimators. Then, the set of intermediate SoCs are fused to obtain a final SoC of the battery.
US09244125B2
Aspects of the invention relate to techniques for chain fault diagnosis based on dynamic circuit design partitioning. Fan-out cones for scan cells of one or more faulty scan chains of a circuit design are determined and combined to derive a forward-tracing cone. Fan-in cones for scan cells of the one or more faulty scan chains and for failing observation points of the circuit design are determined and combined to derive a backward-tracing cone. By determining intersection of the forward-tracing cone and the backward-tracing cone, a chain diagnosis sub-circuit for the test failure file is generated. Using the process, a plurality of chain diagnosis sub-circuits may be generated for a plurality of test failure files. Scan chain fault diagnosis may then be performed on the plurality of chain diagnosis sub-circuits with a plurality of computers.
US09244123B1
A synchronous circuit comprises a functional circuitry and one or more validation circuits for validating synchronization of the functional circuitry. The functional and the validation circuits are clocked by a clock source. Each validation circuit comprises a clock distribution network, a test signal generator, a capture cell, a test signal path from the test signal generator to the capture cell, and a verification unit. The clock distribution network applies a launch clock signal at the test signal generator and a capture clock signal at the capture cell. The test signal generator produces a bi-level test signal. The test signal path transmits the test signal to the capture cell, which generates a proof sequence by sampling the test signal. The verification unit determines whether the proof sequence is identical to the test sequence.A method of designing a synchronous circuit and method of validating a synchronous circuit are also described.
US09244122B2
A method of determining the performance of a chip of an integrated-circuit design comprises instantiating a plurality of HPM in the integrated-circuit design to generate the performance of the chip according to a performance function defined by a polynomial comprising a plurality of terms, wherein each term of the polynomial comprises an exponent of a value generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of HPM(s) and a corresponding coefficient, wherein the coefficients are determined through a regression process with sample chips of the integrated-circuit design having known performance, so that the performance of each chip other than the sample chips can be determined by the performance function and the values of the plurality of HPM(s) of the chip.
US09244121B2
An apparatus and method for laser probing of a DUT is disclosed. The system enables laser voltage imaging state mapping of devices within the DUT. A selected area of the DUT is illuminating a while the DUT is receiving test signals causing certain of the active devices to modulate. Light reflected from the DUT is collected and is converted into an electrical signal. Phase information is extracting from the electrical signal and a two-dimensional image is generated from the phase information, wherein the two-dimensional image spatially correlates to the selected area.
US09244114B2
A system for the detection of discharges over high voltage power-line insulator strings of an electrical grid. A sensor unit is deployed on a non conducting cable of the grid. The sensor feeds an array of band cut-off filters receiving each signals from said at least one sensor unit. An analogue processor is associated with each of the band cut-off filters associated each with a current peak detector. An ADC unit is associated with each one of said analogue processors. In addition a digital processor is provided for calculating data received from each one of the ADCs and one radio transmitter unit sends data to a gateway of a network. A digital processor is adapted to send data processed based on the output of the ADCs, to the radio transmitter for conveying the data to processor associated with a WAN.
US09244113B2
This invention concerns methods and devices for calibrating a partial discharge measuring device and for locating faults on cables. In the method, calibration signals, which can include a band-limited white noise, are used with a periodically repeated signal course. By averaging over a predetermined period duration (T) of the calibration signal, it is possible, in the case of a partial discharge measurement, to recalibrate the measuring device continuously during the measurement, and additionally on cables to determine the fault location with great precision.
US09244110B2
A leakage current detector for an electricity supply comprising a plurality of supply conductors supplying a load, the leakage detector comprising a connection from each supply conductor to a common conductor, a circuit for detecting a differential current flowing in the connections, and a circuit arranged to provide an output signal when the differential current reaches a predetermined magnitude.
US09244104B2
A device for detecting a dielectric object includes a first electrode and a second electrode. A first unit is configured to determine a first capacitance that exists between the first electrode and a common reference point and that is influenced by the object. A second unit is configured to determine a second capacitance that exists between the second electrode and the reference point and that is influenced by the object. The device further includes a control unit for actuating the first and second units and an evaluating unit that is configured to detect the object when the determined capacitances differ by more than a predetermined amount. The control unit is configured to actuate the units in such a manner that the capacitance determinations are carried out in succession. A switching unit is provided so as to electrically connect the electrode of the respective non-actuated unit to the common reference point.
US09244101B2
Some embodiments of the invention are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes which are formed from a core material and a material that partially coats the surface of the probe. Other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes which are formed from a core material and a material that completely coats the surface of each layer from which the probe is formed including interlayer regions. These first two groups of embodiments incorporate both the core material and the coating material during the formation of each layer. Still other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobe arrays that are partially encapsulated by a dielectric material during a post layer formation coating process. In even further embodiments, the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes from two or more materials may occur by incorporating a coating material around each layer of the structure without locating the coating material in inter-layer regions.
US09244100B2
A current clamp has a pair of jaws that are placed around an electrical conductor to measure a parameter (a measurable quantity or distinguishing or notable characteristic) corresponding to the electrical conductor.
US09244099B2
Probe head assemblies, components of probe head assemblies, test systems including the probe head assemblies and/or components thereof, and methods of operating the same. The probe head assemblies are configured to convey a plurality of test signals to and/or from a device under test and include a space transformer, a contacting assembly, and a riser that spatially separates the space transformer from the contacting assembly and conveys the plurality of test signals between the space transformer and the contacting assembly. The contacting assembly may include a frame that defines an aperture and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is within a threshold difference of that of the device under test, a flexible dielectric body that is attached to the frame, maintained in tension by the frame, and extends across the aperture, and a plurality of conductive probes. The plurality of conductive probes may include a dual-faceted probe tip.
US09244094B2
An acceleration sensor includes a weight portion having a recess section and a solid section, beam portions, a movable electrode provided on the opposite surface of the weight portion from an open surface of the recess section to extend over the recess section and the solid section, a first fixed electrode arranged at the opposite side of the movable electrode from the recess section, and a second fixed electrode arranged at the opposite side of the movable electrode from the solid section. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration using a change in capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrodes caused by rotation of the weight portion. The beam portions are shifted toward the recess section such that an angle between a perpendicular line extending from a gravity center position of the weight portion to the rotation axis and a surface of the movable electrode becomes equal to 45 degrees.
US09244093B2
A micro-electro-mechanical sensing device including a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a supporting pillar, a first suspended arm, a connecting member, a second suspended arm, and a proof mass is provided. The semiconductor layer is disposed on or above the substrate. The supporting pillar is disposed on or above the semiconductor layer. The first suspended arm is disposed on the supporting pillar. The supporting connects a portion of the first suspended arm. The connecting member directly or indirectly connects another portion of the first suspended arm. The second suspended arm has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The connecting member connects a portion of the first surface. The proof mass connects the second suspended arm and it includes a portion of the second suspended arm as a portion of the proof mass. A method for manufacturing the device is also provided.
US09244091B1
Impact at a protective headpiece, for example a protective headpiece, may be characterized in part using an impact sensor including at least one acceleration sensor positioned on the protective headpiece. A microcontroller may be configured to identify and store acceleration sensor data based on the output values of the at least one acceleration sensor. A processor device receives the acceleration and/or deceleration data, and may determine whether the experienced impact force is associated with an impact force magnitude that is within a predetermined head injury range of magnitude. An impact alert may be generated when the impact force magnitude is within the predetermined head injury range of magnitude, wherein a predetermined head injury range of magnitude may be adjustable between a practice setting and a game setting, and wherein the impact alert may be visible to an individual wearing the protective headpiece. An electronic device (e.g., a light emitting diode or light emitting diodes) may display a severity indication and an identifier of a person associated with the sensor that experienced impact.
US09244084B2
Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a vitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally are directed to ionizing a vitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more vitamin D metabolites in a single assay.
US09244079B2
[Problem] The present invention provides a novel pathological marker of angiitis which serves as an alternative to MPO-ANCAs.[Means for Solution] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for testing angiitis which includes a step of detecting an antibody specifically recognizing a moesin in a biological sample is provided. In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a reagent for testing angiitis which contains a substance that detects an antibody specifically recognizing a moesin in a biological sample is provided.
US09244077B2
A method and a system for determining insulin sensitivity (IS) is described. In one aspect the method and the system can be implemented by receiving a first parameter corresponding to an insulin dose in a subcutaneous tissue; applying a first kinetic model to obtain a plasma insulin concentration based on the first parameter; receiving a second parameter corresponding to a plasma glucose concentration; determining the insulin sensitivity (IS) based on the plasma insulin concentration and the second parameter.
US09244074B2
Several embodiments provided herein relate to methods of diagnosing asbestos exposure or mesothelioma. Several embodiments also relate to methods of differentiating whether a tumor of the lung is lung cancer or mesothelioma.
US09244069B2
A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.
US09244067B2
A biosensor includes a flexible foil with an electrode layer positioned on the foil. An adhesive layer is positioned on the foil layer, and a first photo-definable hydrogel membrane is positioned over the electrode layer and the adhesive layer. A second photo-definable hydrogel membrane with an immobilized bio-recognition element is positioned over the first hydrogel membrane in contact with the electrode layer through an opening in the first hydrogel membrane.
US09244066B2
The present application provides a system (1) that comprises a mobile phone (25) to allow testing of samples from a patient at the point of care or environmental/industrial process monitoring tests to be performed in the field. The system (1) may be easily adapted for use with a variety of different mobile phones (25). The mobile phone (25) comprises an integrated camera (15). The system (1) further comprises an optical module (20) for receiving a sample for testing. The mobile phone (25) is configured to extract the intensity and/or color information from the camera (15).
US09244063B2
The disclosure describes immunoassay methods for measurements of concentrations of related analytes in samples of body fluids from different mammalian species. More particularly, the disclosure describes reagents and methods that may be used for assays of a mammalian antigen across a range of different mammalian species, using immunological reagents based on non-mammalian antibodies the mammalian antigen. In addition, a calibrator or a set of calibrators are described that are assigned with concentration values for the antigen for each of the different mammalian species.
US09244053B2
An apparatus for monitoring aeration in a fluid of a hydraulic circuit is provided. The apparatus includes at least two measuring units configured to connect at a first location, and a second location of the hydraulic circuit. The measuring units are configured to measure pressure, temperature, and density of the fluid at the respective locations. The apparatus further includes a computing unit configured to output aeration values of the fluid at the first and the second location based on the measured pressure, temperature, and density by the two measuring units. The apparatus further includes a correlation unit configured to correlate aeration levels at the first and second locations based on the measured aeration values.
US09244052B2
A method for monitoring global crude oil quality. The method includes the steps of obtaining samples of a crude oil having a quality, generating characterization data from measurements of samples of the crude oil, determining values of properties of an assay of the crude oil using the data of step a), storing the values of the properties of the assay in a database, determining deviations of the values of the properties of the assay from the values of the properties of a recommended assay having a quality, determining a statistical significance of the deviations of the values of the properties of the assay from the values of the properties of the recommended assay to determine if the crude oil quality is different from the quality of the recommended assay, and determining if the statistical significance indicates a change in the economic valuation between the assay and the recommended assay.
US09244032B2
A gas detecting apparatus including: a heating resistor exposed to a detected atmosphere, and a control circuit for controlling the heating resistor at two different temperatures, wherein each output voltage from the heating resistor corresponding to the different temperatures is detected when the heating resistor is controlled to the different temperatures, and a state of a gas is obtained based on the detected output voltage. For example, two different offset voltages are set, each potential difference obtained by subtracting each of the offset voltages from corresponding detected output voltages is amplified and the state of the gas is obtained using the amplified potential differences.
US09244026B2
An x-ray fluorescence apparatus for measuring properties of a sample fluid, the apparatus comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a test chamber disposed within the housing, the test chamber comprising an injection port in fluid communication with the inlet; a slide disposed within the test chamber, the slide comprising a sample cavity; and a test port; an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer disposed within the housing, and at least one motor operatively coupled to the slide of the test chamber. Also, a method of testing a fluid, the method comprising injecting a fluid through an injection port of a test chamber into a sample cavity of a slide; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to an intermediate position; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to a test position; and actuating an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer to sample the fluid within the sample cavity when the slide is in the test position.
US09244019B2
A method for measuring defects in a silicon substrate obtained by silicon ingot pulling, wherein the defects have a size of less than 20 nm. The method includes applying a first defect consolidation heat treatment to the substrate at a temperature of between 750° C. and 850° C. for a time period of between 30 minutes and 1 hour to consolidate the defects; applying a second defect enlargement heat treatment to the substrate at a temperature of between 900° C. and 1000° C. for a time period of between 1 hour and 10 hour hours to enlarge the defects to a size of greater than or equal to 20 nm, with the enlarged defects containing oxygen precipitates; measuring size and density of the enlarged defects in a surface layer of the substrate; and calculating the initial size of the defects on the basis of the measurements of the enlarged defects.
US09244012B2
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a new silver coating/nanoparticle scaffold that significantly enhances the luminescence of near-field fluorophores via the metal enhanced fluorescence phenomenon. The silver coating/nanoparticle scaffold can be used for numerous applications in metal-enhanced fluorescence.
US09244010B2
A device and a method for detecting scattered light signals is specified. A light source exposes a scattered light area in which particles may be present to light. With the objective of reducing costs and improving detection accuracy, the device comprises a plurality of optical sensors for detecting scattered light and an evaluation unit for evaluating the signals detected by the optical sensors, wherein the sensors are each arranged at a sensor angle relative to the incident axis of the incident light so as to detect scattered light from the scattered light area, wherein one of the plurality of optical sensors is a reference sensor, and wherein the evaluation unit is designed to relate the signal profiles of the other optical sensors to the signal profile of the reference sensor, wherein the signal profiles of the optical sensors serve in classifying any particles which may be present in the scattered light area.
US09244007B2
A degree of cure measuring apparatus has: a second optical fiber for emitting light from a tip face thereof; a probe for holding adhesive agent and irradiating the adhesive agent with light while the adhesive agent is in contact with the tip face of the second optical fiber; a detector for detecting light that is reflected from an interface between the tip face of the second optical fiber and the adhesive agent and then returns to the second optical fiber; and a computer for calculating the refractive index of the adhesive agent from the rate of the light amount of the light detected by the detector to the emission light amount from the tip face of the second optical fiber.
US09243993B2
A sample analyzer capable of operating in a first measuring mode for measuring a sample and a second measuring mode for measuring a sample, comprising: a sample provider for providing a sample; a common reagent provider for providing a common reagent used in the first measuring mode and the second measuring mode; a special reagent provider for providing a special reagent used in the second measuring mode; a mode selector for selecting one of the first measuring mode and the second measuring mode; a measuring section for measuring the sample; and wherein in the first measuring mode, the sample provider and the common reagent provider operate so as to make a first mode sample comprising the sample and the common reagent, and the measuring section operates so as to measure the first mode sample, and in the second measuring mode, the sample provider, the common reagent provider and the special reagent provider operate so as to make a second mode sample comprising the sample, the common reagent and the special reagent, and the measuring section operates so as to measure the second mode sample, is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed.
US09243992B2
A method and a device employing the method of flow cytometry, preferably applicable but not limited to the counting and differentiation of leukocytes. It relates more particularly to the field of simplified haematology instruments with moderate operating costs. The method is characterized in that a technique of impedance measurement is used for identifying the particles whose trajectory did not pass through a predetermined optical measurement zone in order to process them selectively, thus avoiding the use of sheath fluids for guiding the particles towards the measurement zone.
US09243988B2
Bubble formation is monitored in a reactor such as a loop polymerization reactor which effectively operates at pressures above or near the vapor pressure of a circulating slurry liquid. The method measures a property of the reactor composition at a first location within the reactor, and then at a second location within the reactor. The process is repeated, followed by determining if the difference in measured property varies from a reference difference, derived under bubble-free conditions. When the difference in measured physical property has changed relative to the reference difference, an effect may be implemented, e.g., increase of reactor pressure, decrease of composition vapor pressure, and decrease of reactor temperature, to an extent sufficient to reduce or eliminate bubbling.
US09243981B2
A bush component force detection device detects a component force acting on a cylindrical bush which is inserted into a hole provided in a frame of a vehicle to pivotally support a rod-like member inside thereof. The device includes: a cylindrical inner ring provided between a bush and a hole and mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the bush; a cylindrical outer ring disposed outwardly of the inner ring with a predetermined space from the inner ring and mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the hole; and a sensing unit that is a cylindrical member disposed in the space between the inner ring and the outer ring substantially concentrically to the rod-like member, the sensing unit having one end connected with the inner ring, the other end connected with the outer ring, and strain gauges disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the sensing unit.
US09243973B2
A method, apparatus and system for minimally intrusive fiber identification includes imparting a time-varying modulation onto an optical signal propagating in an optical fiber and subsequently detecting the presence of the time-varying modulation in the optical signal transmitting through the fiber to identify the fiber. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a time-varying curvature is imposed on the fiber to be identified and the presence of the resultant time variation in the transmitted power of a propagating optical signal is subsequently detected for identification of the manipulated fiber.
US09243967B2
A sensor for pressure measurement may include a fabric support, an electrically conductive structure including tracks on the fabric support having resistance variations in response to deformations thereof, and a processor coupled to the electrically conductive structure and configured to sense resistance values of respective tracks of the electrically conductive structure and to provide a signal representative of a pressure difference across opposite faces of the fabric support.
US09243966B2
The present invention relates to a pressure sensor for measuring the pressures experienced by an anthropomorphic dummy in an abdominal or thoracic section of the trunk of said dummy. This sensor comprises at least two fluid-tight flexible pressure-measurement chambers (4) arranged in the abdominal or thoracic section of the trunk of said dummy on each side of a sagittal median plane of said abdominal or thoracic section, said pressure-measurement chambers (4) being filled with an incompressible fluid and each comprising at least one pressure-measurement cell (5) able at output thereof to deliver an electric signal indicative of the pressure of said fluid in said pressure-measurement chambers.
US09243965B2
A device having a winch spool, a torque sensor that measures torque of the winch spool, a first angle sensor that detects a first angle of a winch line relative to a central axis of the winch spool, and a second angle sensor that detects a second angle of the winch line coming from a coil of line on the spool relative to a surface of the coil of line is disclosed.
US09243939B2
A flow volume measurement device or a flow velocity measurement device include a measurement cell including a main pipe, an incident tube that is connected to the main pipe, an emission tube that is connected to the main pipe, and a first purge-fluid supply tube that is connected to the incident tube, a purge-fluid supply unit that supplies purge fluid into the first purge-fluid supply tube of the measurement cell, a light emitting unit that emits a laser beam to the measurement cell, a light receiving unit that receives the laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit and having passed through the measurement cell, and outputs a received amount of light as a light reception signal, a calculation unit that calculates a flow volume or a flow velocity of exhaust fluid flowing in the measurement cell, based on a light reception signal output from the light receiving unit.
US09243937B2
A gauge which uses a prism or other type of reflector to illuminate a single graphic or icon on a dial such that only one graphic on the dial is shown during the operation of the gauge. All of the remaining graphics have a dead front appearance, and cannot be viewed, such that the gauge presents only one discrete value at a time. The dial is beneath a lens, and the prism is beneath the dial. An actuator is mounted to a PCB, and an LED is also mounted to the PCB to allow the prism to transmit light to the desired area of the dial. The dial also includes a central graphic, or icon, and the gauge is able to display different values, while the central graphic remains constantly illuminated in the center of the gauge.
US09243933B2
Displacement sensor arrangement including at least one primary coil, at least a first and a second secondary coil and at least one magnetically soft coupling element, which magnetically couples the primary coil and the two secondary coils, the displacement sensor being designed so that a position and/or deflection depending on the magnetic coupling between the primary coil and at least the first and second secondary coil is detected, the displacement sensor arrangement having a signal processing unit, which is designed to perform digital signal processing of at least one electrical variable of the two secondary coils and determine the position and/or deflection, the signal processing unit having at least one Goertzel filter.
US09243927B2
Location technologies are combined with other information systems to provide augmented information for individuals such as a traveler in an automobile.
US09243921B2
Systems and methods for providing an intuitive preview of upcoming navigational instructions are provided. One example method for providing navigational instruction includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices, navigational information describing a sequence of navigational maneuvers associated with a route. The method includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, a distance between each navigational maneuver and the previous sequential navigational maneuver. The method includes displaying, by the one or more computing devices, a user interface providing a sequence of indicators respectively representing the sequence of navigational maneuvers. A space between each indicator and the previous sequential indicator is proportional to the distance between the navigational maneuver represented by such indicator and the navigational maneuver represented by the previous sequential indicator.
US09243919B2
Provided is a navigation system and the like capable of improving the utility value of the navigation route in response to a current request in consideration of a user position. In the navigation system of the present invention, when a current request Req(i)(i>1) including a current destination position p2(i) that is the same as a previous destination position p2(i−1), is made from a navigation device 200, a current support route R(i) is searched which has a location point p1(i) that is on a previous support route R(i−1) and distant from the user position p0(i) by a designated distance or more included in the request Req(i), as a starting point.
US09243916B2
This disclosure describes techniques for reducing or eliminating estimator inconsistency in vision-aided inertial navigation systems (VINS). For example, an observability-constrained VINS (OC-VINS) is described which enforce the unobservable directions of the system to prevent spurious information gain and reduce inconsistency.
US09243915B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for determining position and controlling navigation by sensing movement through the Earth's magnetic field. Change in position is determined by integrating velocity which has been normalized for spatial and temporal field variation. Position is registered with respect to starting point and/or subsequently detected environmental feature. Signals are provided to actuator for guidance, navigation and control.
US09243914B2
Passively measured NEO bearings are used to augment an existing navigation system on-board the platform to correct the position estimate generated by the navigation system. The technology provides only a position correction based on passive NEO sightings but is applicable to a wide variety of platforms with different maneuvering profiles and update requirements. The technology directly calculates a position error based on the current position estimate and the passively measured and estimated bearings to three or more NEOs and provides the position error to the navigation system as a correction to the position estimate. The estimated bearings are computed from the current position estimate and the known orbits of the NEOs. The position error may be calculated from a single observation of multiple NEOs, allowing for frequent updates as needed and placing no restriction on platform maneuverability.
US09243905B2
A sensor (10) for determining a distance of an object (18), the sensor (10) transmitting a plurality of transmission pulses via a transmitter (12), accumulating reflected reception pulses (102) in a histogram (110), and determining therefrom a time of flight to the object (18). The sensor (10) has a control (24) for processing and outputting measurement values. Measuring unit (22) and control (24) are mutually connected to pass measurement values and to set a timing for the control (24) via a clocked synchronizing signal in that the control (24) executes a control cycle each time when receiving the synchronizing signal. An output rate of measurement values is programmable by the measuring unit (22) setting a smallest base clock and passing an updated measurement value to the control (24) after a multiple of the base clock corresponding to the programmed output rate.
US09243904B2
A proximity sensor and proximity sensing method using a change in light quantity of a reflected light are disclosed. The proximity sensor may include a quantity change detection unit which detects a change in a quantity of reflected light which is output light which has been reflected by an object, where an intensity of the output light changes, and a proximity determination unit which determines a proximity of the object to the quantity change detection unit based on a change in the intensity of the output light and the detected change in the quantity of the reflected light.
US09243897B2
A three-dimensional measuring device includes a light source unit, a light projecting optical unit, a light receiving optical unit, a light receiving element, a scanning unit, an angle detector, an illumination light source unit, an image pickup unit and a control arithmetic unit. The control arithmetic unit comprises a distance data processing unit for controlling the scanning unit, for calculating a distance to the object to be measured based on a received light signal, and for calculating a three-dimensional data of the object based on a calculated distance and a detection signal from the angle detector, and an image data processing unit for acquiring an illuminated image and an unilluminated image, for acquiring a difference image based on both images, for detecting a retroreflective target based on the difference image and a detected intensity of a reflected light from the difference image, and for calculating a position of the target.
US09243883B2
A system and method for carrying out non-destructive testing and inspection of test objects to inspect for anomaly using eddy current instruments, the instrument has an on-board calibration module configured to provide probe-specific conductivity or thickness correction data over a plurality of testing points of a standard block having known conductivity and thicknesses using the same physical probe as is used for the inspection measurements. When the same probe induces eddy current into a test object, the instrument having a processor or computing unit, computes a conductivity or thickness value, corrected by the above said correction data pertaining to the specific probe.
US09243876B1
A directed munition has a non-fragmentation casing, and an explosive within the casing that is configured to propel fragments out an opening of the casing when the explosive is detonated. The casing may be made of a material that does not produce lethal or injurious fragments when the explosive is detonated. The explosive may include an insensitive explosive portion that creates the shape of an explosive front, and a secondary explosive containing a more energetic explosive, which is closer to the fragments than the insensitive explosive portion. There may be more of the insensitive explosive than the relatively energetic explosive. The munition may have a ring that is operatively coupled to the fragments, to aid in directing the fragments out of the casing opening in a desired direction. The ring may be made of a material that does not produce injurious fragments when the explosive is detonated.
US09243875B2
Devices and methods for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed including providing a nock having a first portion adapted to receive the bowstring in a drawn position and a second portion adapted to receive the bowstring after the bowstring is released from the drawn position; a light source assembly at least partially disposed within the nock body and activated when the bowstring is released from the drawn position; the light source assembly comprising a power source, a light source and a switch; and a least a portion of the light source assembly protruding from the end of the nock body so that releasing the bowstring causes the switch to close, thereby activating the light source and illuminating the nock or bolt end. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09243865B1
A firearm handgrip assembly with laser gunsight system has a first grip body having a first attachment facility operable to connect the grip to the frame at a first frame position, a second grip body having a second attachment facility operable to connect the grip to the frame at a first frame position, a connection portion connected to the first grip body and to the second grip body, the first grip body including a beam projection element, the second grip body including a power storage facility, and the second attachment facility being operable to enable detachment and reattachment of the second grip body while the first grip body remains undisturbed, such that batteries may be replaced without disturbing the alignment of the beam projection element. The connection portion may include a conductor and be formed of a flexible material, such as an elastomer.
US09243861B1
A shooting bow includes pulleys, a string latch, bow riser, barrel, first limb, second limb, a first cam, and a second cam. The bow riser is enjoined with the barrel. The first and second limbs extend from the bow riser. The first and second cams are pivotally retained on the first and second limbs. A bowstring is retained by the first and second cams. A first pulley and a second pulley are retained on the barrel. Both cams have a string track and a cable track. One end of the string is coupled to the first cam and the other end is coupled to the second cam. As for both cables, one end is coupled to the first cam, the middle of the cable travels around a pulley or track, and the other end is coupled to the first limb, first cam axle or back to the cam.
US09243857B2
A firearm pin assembly is provided. A firearm pin may have a substantially cylindrical member with a lever on one end and a track running along its side. The track may run helically for a portion of its path. The track may also have at least one dimple disposed within its path. The firearm pin assembly may have an aperture for installing a detent and detent spring. The firearm pin assembly may be used in any firearm, including but not limited to a takedown pin and pivot pin assembly in an AR-15 style rifle.
US09243847B2
Heat is indirectly transferred between a process fluid and ambient air in apparatus that includes an evaporative heat transfer cell operative in a wet mode or a dry mode, a dry heat transfer cell and a fan. The air may bypass the dry heat transfer cell to flow through a first air passage or may flow through a second air passage through the dry heat transfer cell and in either event, then through the evaporative heat transfer cell. The air may partially flow through and partially bypass the dry heat transfer cell, and then through the evaporative heat transfer cell. The evaporative heat transfer cell optionally may include a direct contact evaporative heat exchanger.
US09243838B1
A refrigerator including a drawer capable of storing soft food items and hard food items in separate spaces. The drawer includes a flexible cover that can be detachably positioned by positioning grooves formed on the top of side walls of the drawer. When in a first position, the flexible cover forms a holder that can be used to hold soft food. When in a second position, the flexible cover is used to cover the open top of the drawer and thereby can preserve freshness of food stored under the flexible cover within the drawer.
US09243836B2
A heat insulation door for a refrigerator able to realize 3 dimensional effects and with excellent heat insulation is presented.A heat insulation door for a refrigerator having 3 dimensional shapes in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer panel forming an outer surface of a door for a refrigerator that has 3 dimensional shapes, a groove type vacuum heat insulation material located inside the outer surface and having at least one groove, and a foamed vacuum insulation material filled inside, and has excellent 3 dimensional effects superior to printing effects, and has advantages of being able to secure excellent heat insulation properties.
US09243833B2
An ice making system for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice making system includes an ice maker, an ice bucket and an ice cube level sensing assembly. The ice cube level sensing assembly includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. The infrared light emitter directs infrared light into a storage volume of the ice bucket, and the infrared light receiver receives infrared light from the infrared light emitter reflected by ice cubes within the storage volume of the ice bucket.
US09243830B2
A microprocessor-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling or refrigeration system, including a heat exchanger. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and pressure sensors in the refrigerant line are engaged with a microprocessor. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.
US09243828B2
A method of measuring weight of the refrigerant recovered and a device for refrigerant recovery and recharge device is disclosed. A connection is established between the refrigerant recovery path and refrigerant recharge path. Refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant recovery path and the refrigerant recharge path. Once the refrigerant occupies the all components of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device, weight of the refrigerant storage tank is measured. The weight of the refrigerant storage tank is measured once before the recovery of the refrigerant from the refrigeration equipment and once after recovery of the refrigerant from the refrigeration equipment. Difference in the weights measured before recovery and after recovery is calculated to a get the amount of refrigerant recovered.
US09243826B2
A refrigeration cycle apparatus (1A) includes: an evaporator (23) that retains a refrigerant liquid and that evaporates the refrigerant liquid therein; a condenser (22) that condenses a refrigerant vapor therein and that retains the refrigerant liquid; a vapor channel (2A) that is provided with a compressor (21) and that directs the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator (23) to the condenser (22); a liquid channel (2B) that directs the refrigerant liquid from the condenser (22) to the evaporator (23); a condensation-side circulation path (4) that allows the refrigerant liquid retained in the condenser (22) to circulate via a heat exchanger for heat release (41) and that is provided with a condensation-side pump (45) at a position upstream of the heat exchanger for heat release (41); and a back-flow path (7) that directs a portion of the refrigerant liquid flowing in a section downstream of the heat exchanger for heat release (41) in the condensation-side circulation path (4) to a section upstream of the condensation-side pump (41) in the condensation-side circulation path (4) or to a bottom of the condenser (22).
US09243821B2
A vehicle noise-proof cover is provided which includes a thermoelectric element and which is capable of efficiently generating electric power. The vehicle noise-proof cover is placed so as to cover a driving force generating device of a vehicle. The vehicle noise-proof cover includes: a cover body having a noise absorption layer made of a foamed resin; a heat supply member having a heat collection portion that is placed on a back surface side of the cover body and directly or indirectly contacts the driving force generating device, a heat supply portion that is placed on a front surface side of the cover body, and a heat transfer portion that is connected to the heat collection portion and the heat supply portion and transfers heat from the heat collection portion to the heat supply portion.
US09243817B2
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
US09243814B2
A device for measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure in hot water systems is disclosed and claimed. The device includes a flow-through cell, a sensor, and a reference electrode. The components of the device work in conjunction with the other components and have electrical connections that transmit signals to a controller. The controller calculates and determines adjustments to feedwater chemistry for the hot water system.
US09243812B2
The flow path structure includes a flow path introducing fluid from an inlet to an outlet, and a flow velocity control structure provided in a portion between the inlet and the outlet in the flow path to reduce difference in flow velocity that the fluid flowing into the flow path has in a direction intersecting with a flow direction of the fluid. The flow velocity control structure includes, in the direction intersecting with the flow direction, plural flow velocity control members provided alternately with spaces through which the fluid passes. The flow velocity control members have different sizes from each other, the sizes increasing as the flow velocity of the fluid at areas, in the direction intersecting with the flow direction, where the respective flow velocity control members are provided increases.
US09243802B2
A combustor for a gas turbine engine comprises an inner annular liner and an outer annular liner. A first and a second combustion stages are defined between the liners, each said combustion stage having a plurality of fuel injection bores distributed in a liner wall defining the respective stage. Valves at the fuel injection bores of one of the combustion stages, the valves each defining an air passage from an exterior to an interior of the combustion stage, the valves each having an actuatable member for adjusting a size of a respective air passage for air staging the combustor.
US09243792B2
A lamp including the following elements is provided. A housing has an assembling opening and an electrical base on two ends thereof, wherein the housing has an inner wall and a portion of the inner wall adjacent to the assembling opening is an air-guiding wall. A cooling fan has a casing disposed at the assembling opening and forming an air channel, a fan wheel rotatably arranged in the air channel, and two partitioning boards between the air-guiding wall and the air channel so as to define two first air-guiding openings and a second air-guiding opening. A light-emitting module is arranged in the housing and opposite to the fan wheel. Accordingly, the present lamp does not require forming any air inlet or air outlet on the housing, and thus provides a simplifier structure.
US09243790B2
Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing a modular lighting system/luminaire having an integrated heat sink assembly. In some cases, the system/luminaire may comprise a plurality of individual modular light sources which have been operatively coupled with one another. In some instances, a modular light source may include one or more light engines (e.g., light emitting diodes or LEDs) which have been operatively coupled with an individual heat sink module. When assembled, the plurality of heat sink modules may define, in the aggregate, a plurality of heat conduits which dissipate thermal energy from the light engines by convective heat transfer. Also, in some cases, the heat sink modules may be electrically isolated from one another, allowing for the heat sink assembly itself, in part or in whole, to function as part of the desired circuit.
US09243788B2
A reinforced wire for decorative lighting, the wire defining a central longitudinal wire axis and including: a longitudinally-extending reinforcing strand, the reinforcing strand comprising one or more fibers comprising a polymer material and defining a reinforcing-strand axis; a plurality of conductor strands wound about the reinforcing strand, each of the plurality of conductor strands defining a conductor strand axis; and an outer insulating layer adjacent to, and covering, one or more of the conductor strands. The reinforcing strand in cross section normal to the wire axis defines an asymmetrical shape.
US09243783B2
A light fixture includes a light source, a first flexible material coupled to a first scrolling mechanism, and a second flexible material coupled to a second scrolling mechanism. The first flexible material includes a plurality of areas with different diffusion characteristics. The second flexible material includes a plurality of areas with different color filtering characteristics, such that at least part of the light from the light source passes through a first area having a first color filtering characteristic, and at least another portion of light from the light source passes through a second area having a second color filtering characteristic different from the first color filtering characteristic. The first flexible material blending the portions of light passing through the first and second areas.
US09243779B2
A multi display system (10) includes a plurality of display panels (100) disposed adjacently to each other via a boundary portion (20), and a translucent cover (113) disposed on the plurality of display panels (100). The translucent cover (113) is disposed so as to cover the boundary portion (20) and overlapping with both of the plurality of display panels (100) which are disposed adjacently. The translucent cover (113) is constituted by a supporting portion (113P) which covers at least part of the display panel excluding the boundary portion (20), and a portion which is continuous to the supporting portion (113P) and includes a concave portion (113C) formed on the observer side in a position facing the boundary portion (20).
US09243777B2
The present disclosure relates to optical elements and coatings comprising rare-earth element (REE) compounds for light wavelength attenuation of light emitting diode (LED) elements and lamps. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to LED elements and lamps comprising wavelength attenuating elements comprising REE compounds having at least a portion of non-crystalline, non-hydrate form, methods of preparing such elements, and LED elements, LED arrays, LED packages, optical elements, lamps and systems made with same.
US09243772B2
A vehicle lamp includes an element installation portion including a mounting face, a light emitting element which is mounted on the mounting face and which includes a rectangular shaped light emitting face extending parallel to the mounting face, and a reflector configured to reflect light of the light emitting element. The mounting face is tilted such that each lamp left-right direction end is at a different height position. The light emitting element is mounted on the mounting face such that, with respect to a reference position where two sides of the light emitting face are parallel to a lamp front-rear axis and the other two sides of the light emitting face are perpendicular to a lamp front-rear axis, the light emitting face is positioned at a position rotated about a reference axis which is orthogonal to the light emitting face when the light emitting face is in the reference position.
US09243769B2
A motor vehicle comprising a headlight lens having a monolithic body of transparent material, the monolithic body including at least one light entry face, a light passage section and at least one optically operative light exit face.
US09243767B2
The invention relates to an LED light module (1) for a motor vehicle or for a headlamp for a motor vehicle, wherein the light module (1) comprises a lens (2) and at least one primary LED light source (8). A light tunnel (11) for direct passage of at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one primary LED light sconce (8) is provided between the at least one primary LED light source (8) and the lens (2), viewed in the direction of the light emission. The light of the at least one primary LED light source (8) emerging through the light tunnel (11) is projected via the lens (2) to generate a main beam function or a contribution to a main beam function in the region in front of the motor vehicle. The light tunnel (11) is formed from a material that is transparent at least in some areas, preferably in the whole area thereof, and a holder (3) for holding the light tunnel (11) is provided, wherein the holder (3) is transparent at least in some areas, preferably completely transparent. At least one secondary LED light source (9) is provided and is arranged in such a way in relation to the light tunnel (11) that the light emitted from the at least one secondary LED light source (9) is emitted substantially onto the holder (3), and wherein the wall (10′, 11′, 12′) bounding the light tunnel (11) is light-reflecting at least in some areas.
US09243764B2
The present invention refers to a luminaire comprising a plurality of directed light sources arranged in a surface of a three-dimensional body and a controller for controlling the operational state of the luminaire. The controller comprises a three-dimensional touch-sensitive surface. Each point on the touch-sensitive surface is allocated to a position of the body surface such that an operational state of at least one light source at a position of the body surface is changeable by touching a point on the touch-sensitive surface allocated to this position. A corresponding method for controlling a luminaire comprises the steps of detecting a touch at a point on a three-dimensional touch-sensitive surface and changing an operational state of at least one light source at a position of the body surface allocated to the touch point on the touch-sensitive surface.
US09243741B1
A telescoping monopod apparatus that is configured to hold a photographic instrument. The telescoping monopod apparatus includes a body that houses a control component and an electronic component. The body has a rotatable bottom end. The telescoping monopod apparatus includes a plurality of shafts disposed in an interior of the body. The upper end is opposite of the rotatable bottom end. The telescoping monopod apparatus includes a ball disposed on an uppermost shaft of the plurality of shafts. The telescoping monopod apparatus includes a spheroidal joint that is configured to receive the ball on a first end. The spheroidal joint is attached to a holder on a second end.
US09243724B1
A support for a suction or ventilation hose extending upwardly through an open manhole and in a horizontal disposition from the manhole to a water pump intake or air pump including a lower horizontal support surface, a pair of laterally spaced side walls extending upwardly from the lower horizontal support surface and a generally U-shaped hose support surface extending along a curvilinear path between the side walls from a lower rear portion of the support to an elevated forward portion thereof. A depending stop is disposed rearwardly adjacent to the lower support surface. The stop defines a curvilinear abutment surface adapted to extend into an open manhole and abut a perimeter portion thereof upon the lower support surface being positioned adjacent to the manhole. A strap securement is provided for securing a portion of a hose against the hose support surface on said hose support.
US09243721B2
A method of securing a pipeline to the bed of a body of water includes moving an underwater vehicle selectively, on the bed of the body of water, along the pipeline; transporting a plurality of fastening devices on the underwater vehicle; and driving each fastening device partly into the bed of the body of water, close to the pipeline, by a handling device mounted on the underwater vehicle, to confine the pipeline between the bed of the body of water and the fastening device.
US09243720B2
A chemical liquid circuit apparatus includes a main circuit member, a sub-circuit member, and a frame member. The main circuit member has a chemical liquid channel for flowing a chemical fluid, and a main opening formed on an end of the chemical liquid channel. The sub-circuit member is mounted on and in contact with the main circuit member and applies a first load to the main circuit member. The sub-circuit member has a sealing surface for sealing the main opening from outside of the apparatus. The frame member has a storing portion for storing the main circuit member, and a connecting opening disposed in a position in communication with the main opening of the main circuit member stored in the storing portion. The shape of the frame member allows a reaction force of the first load to be transferred from the storing portion to the main circuit member.
US09243717B2
A gate valve is provided for returned drilling mud pressure control and/or well killing. The gate valve includes a flow passage; and a gate member movable for intersecting the flow passage. The gate member includes a gate port which extends from one face to an opposite face of the gate member and is alignable with the flow passage for allowing material in the flow passage to pass through the gate member, and a groove or recess is provided in an inner wall of the gate port, the groove or recess extending from the one face to the opposite face of the gate member. A method is provided for returned drilling mud pressure control and/or well killing, and uses of a gate valve.
US09243715B2
A fluid seal assembly consists of a seal element of compliant material that is retainingly carried by a seal carrier. The seal carrier includes one or more elements of relatively rigid material defining a sealing face with a seal-receiving groove interrupting the sealing face. The seal-receiving groove has groove-defining walls each of which has a proximal end at the sealing face and a distal end. The groove-defining walls serve as seal contact surfaces. The seal contact surfaces are configured such that the seal-receiving groove narrows toward its distal end. The seal-receiving groove has a depth and a breadth suitable for accepting the seal element, with the seal element projecting past the sealing face when compressed to be in contact with the seal contact surfaces.
US09243701B2
A power-split transmission for a traction drive includes a hydraulic power branch and a further power branch. In order to control a velocity, a displacement volume of a hydraulic pump of the hydraulic power branch is configured to be adjusted by a hydraulic actuating device. For the purpose of adjustment, a control pressure medium can be applied to the actuating device by a control valve. An additional pressure-control device is configured to be used to set a control pressure of the control pressure medium to a setpoint value which is dependent on a drive range of the transmission or of the traction drive.
US09243695B2
A two-stage linear actuator particularly applicable to aircraft control surfaces. The first stage comprises a rotary input shaft driven by an electric motor having a helical threaded zone in its external surface at its inner end and a plurality of first helical roller gears configured to engage with the rotary input shaft in its helical threaded zone for rotating together. The second stage comprises a plurality of second helical roller gears configured to engage with the first helical roller gears for rotating together and with an output shaft having a helical threaded zone in its external surface at its inner end for converting the rotation of the second helical roller gears in a linear movement of the output shaft.
US09243692B2
The invention includes a multi-speed transmission for an electric motor propelled bicycle with multiple gear combinations for driving the bicycle that constitute the full gear range of the transmission. A portion of the full gear range is operated to shift automatically and a portion is shifted manually. Additionally, the control of the electric motor and control of the shifting operations may be integrated to allow the output power of the motor to be decreased during a shifting operation.
US09243690B2
A multispeed drive unit (10) comprising a rotary input (27) positioned to be driven by a power source and disposed at an input side of the drive unit (10); a rotary output (28) positioned to drive a driven unit and disposed at an output side of the drive unit (10), a transmission operably interposed between said rotary input (27) and said rotary output (28), said transmission having a gear (20) moveable between a high-reduction configuration and a low-reduction configuration, a first friction clutch (40) operable to fix said gear (20) in said high-reduction configuration, whereby said transmission is operable to reduce a speed of said rotary output (28) relative to said rotary input (27) when said first friction clutch (40) is engaged, and a second friction clutch (60) operable to fix said gear (20) in said low-reduction configuration, whereby said transmission is not operable to reduce the speed of said rotary output (28) relative to said rotary input (2) when said second friction clutch (60) is engaged.
US09243682B2
A power transmission belt. The power transmission belt includes a body having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. A fabric is attached to the inner perimeter of the body for reinforcement wherein the fabric is a double knit fabric formed using textured yarns in at least the cross-machine direction. The belt may further include a layer of reinforcing cords surrounding the outer perimeter of the body.
US09243673B2
A driving force transmission control apparatus includes a multiple disc clutch including a plurality of outer clutch plates, and a plurality of inner clutch plates; a pressing mechanism that presses the multiple disc clutch; and a control portion that controls the pressing mechanism. The outer clutch plates and inner clutch plates are engaged with an intermediate shaft and an inner shaft respectively. The control portion makes a determination as to whether the multiple disc clutch is in a first operating condition in which the multiple disc clutch is pressed with a relative rotation speed between the intermediate and the inner shafts being equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or in a second operating condition in which the multiple disc clutch is pressed with the relative rotation speed being lower than the predetermined value, and the control portion controls the pressing mechanism based on a result of the determination.
US09243669B2
An assembly includes a torque converter concentric with an axis and including a casing, a rotor hub drivably connected for rotation about the axis to an electric machine, a coupler connected to the rotor hub, and a flex plate coupled for elastic displacement between the coupler and a surface of the casing that faces away from the coupler.
US09243668B2
The present invention is directed to a shaft bearing support assembly for waterborne equipment, including: at least one bearing; at least one tapered forcing ring; a housing; and at least one adjusting device. The outer circumference of each of the at least one bearing is surrounded by one tapered forcing ring which is arranged inside the housing. The at least one adjusting device communicates with each of the at least one tapered forcing ring. A force generated by the at least one adjusting device is transmitted to the at least one tapered forcing ring to longitudinally move the at least one tapered forcing ring, causing the at least one bearing to constrict radially and to adapt to a desired clearance over a diameter of a shaft.
US09243667B2
A tapered roller bearing includes: an inner ring; an outer ring provided on an outer peripheral surface of the inner ring via an annular space so as to be disposed on the same center line as the inner ring; a plurality of tapered rollers rollably disposed in the annular space; and a cage retaining the plurality of tapered rollers. The tapered roller bearing is configured such that: liquid lubricant flows through the annular space; and among the inner ring, the outer ring, the tapered rollers, and the cage, at least one rotating component configured to rotate at the time of bearing rotation is provided with a vaporization promotion mechanism configured to decrease a pressure of the lubricant at the time of bearing rotation so that the pressure of the lubricant reaches a saturation vapor pressure at which the lubricant changes from a liquid phase to a vapor phase.
US09243665B2
A linear motion guide unit makes application of lubricant around rolling elements at the turnaround passage to accomplish securely the maintenance-free lubrication over a prolonged period of time. A lubricant reservoir plate of porous compact is composed of a lubricant reservoir major body impregnated with lubricant and an applicator nose which is different in the molded density from the lubricant reservoir major body. The lubricant reservoir plate impregnated with lubricant is composed of the lubricant reservoir major body installed in a recess made in the end cap and the applicator nose extends through a slot of the turnaround passage to expose itself to the turnaround passage to make application of lubricant around the rolling elements.
US09243661B1
A six-row ball bearing linear guideway is provided with six rows of balls disposed between the slider and the rail. The six rows of balls are symmetrically disposed at two sides of the rail, the balls in the middle and upper rail rolling grooves bear and increase the load capacity in the downward direction. The balls in the lower rail rolling grooves bear a load in the upward direction, and the profile factor of the lower rail rolling grooves is smaller than that of the upper rail rolling grooves, thus the rated static load capacity in the upward direction is improved. The balls in the upper, middle and lower rail rolling grooves all serve to bear the load capacity in the lateral direction, thus the rated static load capacity in the lateral direction is improved. Hence, the rated static load capacity is improved in upward, downward and lateral directions.
US09243650B2
A heat exchanger including an array of tubes and fins is configured to reside in a centrifugal fan enabling the centrifugal fan to operate as a cooling and or heating source.
US09243646B2
An impeller (2) for a centrifugal pump includes a first shroud having a plurality of blades (8). A second shroud is joined onto the first shroud by way of welding. Each blade (8) has an apex region (12), at which the blade contacts the second shroud. At least one of the blades (8) in a first section (20) of the apex region (12) has a weld connection to the second shroud, and in at least one second section (14) of the apex region (12) is free of a weld connection.
US09243644B2
Methods, devices and systems capable of performing a hot restart of a compressor driven by a turbine are provided. The turbine has a high speed shaft and a low speed shaft connected to the compressor. A base slow roll speed at which a speed of the low speed shaft is in a slow roll range is maintained at the high speed shaft for a predetermined time. Then, when a vibration amplitude of the compressor is larger than a vibration limit, the maintaining is repeated. Otherwise, a set speed of the high speed shaft is increased, until a current speed of the low speed shaft reaches a minimum operating speed. If, while increasing the set speed, the vibration amplitude becomes larger than the vibration limit, the maintaining is repeated.
US09243639B2
A scroll compressor includes a housing, a fixed scroll, and a movable scroll. A compression chamber is formed between the movable scroll and the fixed scroll. An opposing wall is located in and fixed to the housing. A back pressure region is formed between the opposing wall and the movable scroll, and a back pressure in the back pressure region urges the movable scroll toward the fixed scroll. An annular sealing member is arranged between the movable scroll and the opposing wall. The movable scroll includes a holding portion that holds the sealing member. The sealing member includes a rubber portion, which elastically deforms in the holding portion, and a resin portion, which is made of a material harder than the rubber portion. The resin portion at least partially projects out of the holding portion toward the opposing wall. The resin portion is in contact with the opposing wall.
US09243633B2
A device for branching a fluidic partial flow off a main flow by a hydraulic pump (10) includes individual main chambers (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) sealed from each other and divided into functional groups, and operates according to the displacement principle. The chambers enable fluid from at least one main flow inlet (22) to be transported from an inlet or suction side to an outlet or pressure side of the hydraulic pump (10) and then via at least one main flow outlet. At least one independent partial chamber (26) is provided for the transport of the partial flow in addition to the main chambers (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). The partial chamber forms part of the pressure side of the hydraulic pump (10) and is connected to an independent partial current outlet (42) separate from the main flow inlet (22) and the main flow outlet (24).
US09243630B2
Disclosed is an improved segmented fluid end for high-pressure plunger pumps. One segmented fluid end includes one or more fluid end modules, each fluid end module including a body providing a plunger bore configured to receive a plunger therein and a discharge outlet in fluid communication with the plunger bore, wherein a pressurized working fluid may exit the body of each fluid end module via the discharge outlet, a discharge manifold having an elongate manifold body configured to be operatively coupled to each fluid end module, the manifold body providing a first end, a second end, a discharge bore extending between the first and second ends, and one or more discharge inlets that fluidly communicate with the discharge bore, and a ring joint gasket arranged between each discharge inlet of the discharge manifold and a corresponding discharge outlet of the one or more fluid end modules.
US09243620B2
The present invention discloses a linear compressor which can rapidly overcome load and improve compression efficiency, by synchronizing an operation frequency of a linear motor with a natural frequency of a movable member varied by the load and varying a stroke of the movable member according to the load. The linear compressor includes a fixed member having a compression space inside, a movable member linearly reciprocated in the fixed member in the axial direction, for compressing refrigerants sucked into the compression space, one or more springs installed to elastically support the movable member in the motion direction of the movable member, spring constants of which being varied by load, and a linear motor installed to be connected to the movable member, for linearly reciprocating the movable member in the axial direction, and varying a stroke of the movable member according to a predetermined refrigeration force, so that the movable member can be linearly reciprocated to reach a top dead center.
US09243619B2
A pump chamber is connected to an outlet-side buffer chamber via an outlet channel, and pumps a liquid from the outlet-side buffer chamber. A pressure vibration generated within the pump chamber when the volume of the pump chamber is decreased includes various kinds of information relating to the operating states of the liquid feed pump, such as mixing of bubbles, pumping pressure, dissolved gas amount, and liquid feed amount. Thus, it is possible to detect the pressure vibration, thereby simply and easily detecting the various kinds of information relating to the operating states of the liquid feed pump.
US09243618B2
A pump device for lubricant includes a pump main body; a cylinder part having an introduction port and a derivation port; a piston moving within the cylinder part; an actuator moving the piston forward to a 1st position to discharge a lubricant from the derivation port, backward from the 1st position to a 2nd position to suction the lubricant from the introduction port and further backward from the 2nd position to a 3rd position to stop the suction and discharge of the lubricant; and a driving control device controlling the actuator such that when the lubricant is supplied, the piston is moved from the 3rd position to the 1st position and moved between the 1st position and the 2nd position, and when the lubricant is not supplied, the piston is moved to the 3rd position and stopped.
US09243609B2
Systems and methods to convert low temperature solar thermal or waste heat sources for electric power generation, by integrating available technologies with a unique, efficient combined cycle. The device consists of mobile pods immersed within a thermal sink fluid reservoir. A vapor cycle converts thermal energy to buoyant potential energy by inducing density and volume changes of the mobile pods through discrete phase changes of a refrigerant working fluid. Buoyant potential energy is then converted to electrical power through motion of the entire pod within a thermal sink pressure gradient.
US09243602B2
The present invention relates to a method for monitoring an ignition system, wherein the ignition system comprises a charge coil (L1) for charging the ignition system, a primary coil (L4) and a secondary coil (L5), said primary and secondary coils (L4, L5) being arranged to generate a voltage for spark generation, and a control unit (M1), characterized in the steps a) providing a separate coil (L3) adjacent to at least one of the charge coil (L1), the primary coil (L4) and the secondary coil (L5) b) using the control unit (M1) to monitor a magnetic flux at the separate coil (L3), and c) using information regarding said magnetic flux as input for controlling at least one property of an operation of the ignition system. The invention also relates to a control system for an ignition system.
US09243588B2
Methods and systems are provided for varying fuel injection pressure in a gaseous-fueled vehicle. A mechanical pressure regulator may be modified to regulate the pressure of gaseous fuel to varying pressures based on electronic pressure feedback and engine operating conditions. In one example, a regulating pressure in a low pressure chamber of a pressure regulator may be varied by controllably flowing gaseous fuel into or out of a reference chamber of the pressure regulator, and the gaseous fuel exhausted from the reference chamber may be directed to the engine for combustion.
US09243584B2
A cylinder head gasket including a first functional layer, a second functional layer, a first stopper, and a second stopper is provided. The first functional layer includes a first full bead extending around a combustion chamber opening and axially aligned with a second full bead of the second functional layer. The first stopper extends along the first functional layer between the combustion chamber opening and the first full bead for preventing over-compression of the first full bead. The second stopper extends along the second full bead of the second functional layer for increasing load on the second full bead, reducing head lift, and promoting an even distribution of the load. The second stopper includes a third full bead matching the second full bead of said second functional layer.
US09243576B2
A system and a method for controlling NOx may include predicting NOx generation amount by using a virtual sensor; comparing the NOx prediction amount with a predetermined NOx target amount; and controlling the NOx generation amount so as for the NOx prediction amount to follow the NOx target amount.
US09243574B2
To prevent a reduction in engine load detection accuracy due to variations in reluctor size within mass production tolerances, an engine control unit includes a pulse generator PC that detects a reluctor to output crank pulses. An angular velocity calculating unit calculates a first crank angular velocity on the basis of an interval between two crank pulses output in a predetermined section near compression top dead center TDC, and detects near overlap top dead center OLP the same reluctor used for calculating the first crank angular velocity to calculate a second crank angular velocity on the basis of an interval between generated two crank pulses. An engine load estimating unit calculates, as an engine load, a difference between the first crank angular velocity and the second crank angular velocity. The engine load is indicated mean effective pressure over a whole cycle including negative work done by the engine.
US09243570B2
A stop/start vehicle includes an engine and a stop/start system that prevents an auto stop of the engine when the speed of the vehicle is approximately zero in response to the vehicle being located at a service location or in response to the vehicle being located in a user identified geographic region.
US09243560B2
A hydrogen generator having one or more actuators coupled to one or more heating elements in which the actuator(s) are used to improve the transfer of thermal energy from heating element(s) to one or more fuel units contained within the generator. In one embodiment, an actuator allows insertion and/or removal of packaged fuel units without the need of removing the heating element(s) and/or the actuator(s). When the actuator is in a retracted state (e.g., a low temperature state), the packaged fuel unit may be inserted and/or removed from a cavity of the hydrogen generator. When the actuator is in an extended state (e.g., a higher temperature state), the actuator forces contact between itself or the heating element and the fuel unit when a prescribed operating temperature is reached.
US09243557B2
A shunt pulsation trap for a positive displacement (PD) internal combustion engine (ICE) reduces pulsation, as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), and the overall size of the exhaust system, and also improves cycle (fuel) efficiency. A shunt pulsation trap for a PD-ICE is configured to trap and attenuate gas pulsations before discharge to engine outlet and includes a chamber (trap volume) adjacent to the PD-ICE cavity. The chamber houses at least one pulsation dampening device, at least one relief port (trap inlet) branching off from the PD-ICE cavity into the pulsation trap chamber and a feedback region (trap outlet) communicating with the PD-ICE outlet. The associated methods of reducing pulsations are included as another aspect of the invention.
US09243555B2
A system, comprising a vehicle engine with a crankshaft, a bracket structure coupled to the vehicle engine, a thermostat positioned in the bracket structure, an accessory device coupled to the bracket structure, a water pump mounted to the bracket structure, and a drive loop coupling the accessory device and water pump with the crankshaft.
US09243554B2
Described is an assembly for an internal combustion rotary engine of a single or multi-rotor type. The assembly includes parts without cooling channels that comprise a monolithic ceramic material or ceramic matrix composite material capable of allowing the engine when assembled to operate at elevated temperatures that would cause metal parts of a metal engine to lose strength, lose structural and mechanical integrity, suffer excessive oxidation/corrosion and/or fail. The ceramic material also allows the engine when assembled to operate with significantly lower heat loss to the surrounding environment as compared with a similar engine made using all metal parts. The ceramic material allows the engine when assembled to operate without requiring substantial cooling elements or an external fluid (e.g. water) cooling system. The engine when assembled as described will retain more heat or operate with a substantially reduced rate of heat rejection when compared to an entirely metal rotary engine.
US09243553B2
Various embodiments relating to detection of an end-stop position of a waste gate valve and calibration of a waste gate position sensor relative to the detected end-stop position are provided. In this way, it is possible to more accurately control the waste gate.
US09243552B2
Systems and methods for determining the lift of a wastegate valve are provided. Methods comprise determining a relation between an actuator position and a lift of a wastegate valve at engine start-up in a temperature range. The relation may be modified based on a difference between a desired boost level and an actual boost level.
US09243545B2
One approach to provide engine cooling for an internal combustion engine includes pumping coolant from a pump output, in parallel, directly to a block and a head upper coolant jacket; flowing coolant from the block directly to a head lower coolant jacket; discharging coolant from the upper and lower jackets only to a control block; and selectively directing cooling from the control block to each of: a cabin heater; radiator bypass line; and the radiator. In this way, an increased demand for pre-warmed coolant can be met, for example in the case of low outside temperatures.
US09243540B2
A catalytic converter has a catalyst support that is heated due to supply of electricity, and a pair of electrodes that are disposed so as to contact an outer periphery of the catalyst support as seen in an orthogonal cross-section that is orthogonal to a direction in which exhaust flows. By making a volume resistivity of the electrodes be higher than that of electricity supplying portions of external cables that are connected to the electrodes respectively and are for supplying current to the electrodes, heat generated at the electrodes is provided to the catalyst support, and a generated heat amount of the catalyst support in vicinities of the electrodes is made to be large as compared with a generated heat amount at an inner portion of the catalyst support.
US09243539B2
A catalyst composition comprises a mixed metal catalyst which comprises unalloyed palladium and palladium-gold alloy disposed on a support, wherein the palladium-gold alloy is enriched in gold and at least one promoter in which said promoter comprises at least one reducible metal oxide.
US09243534B2
A gaseous reductant injection control system for exhaust aftertreatment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst is in fluid communication with an exhaust stream generated from an engine. An oxidation catalyst (OC) is upstream of the SCR catalyst and in fluid communication with the exhaust stream. A gaseous reductant injector is upstream of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the OC and in fluid communication with the exhaust stream. A first gas sensor is upstream of the OC and a second gas sensor is downstream of the SCR catalyst. A controller receives signals representative of gas concentrations detected in the exhaust stream by the first gas sensor and the second gas sensor, and estimates concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and nitride dioxide (NO2) in the exhaust stream therefrom.
US09243526B2
A method for operating an engine is provided. The method comprises adjusting an oil pressure in an oil circuit, the oil circuit including a pump in fluidic communication with a hydraulically adjustable cam follower and switching the hydraulically adjustable cam follower into a connected state to a disconnected in response to the oil pressure adjustment.
US09243520B2
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of managing large quantities of low-grade waste heat energy by 1) generating excess electric power via an ORC process driven by the removal and recovery of waste heat under favorable operating conditions, and 2) utilizing the same apparatus to provide waste heat removal via a refrigeration process that consumes electric power when environmental conditions do not permit operation in the ORC mode. The mode of operation of the system is principally determined by the thermal energy of the waste heat stream and the availability, or lack thereof, of adequate cooling resources. Such resources are often subject to local environmental conditions, particularly ambient temperature which varies on a diurnal and annual basis.
US09243517B2
A carbon dioxide recovery system includes a high-pressure turbine 11, an intermediate-pressure turbine 12, a low-pressure turbine 13, a main boiler 15 that generates steam 14 for driving these turbines, a carbon dioxide recovery unit 24 including a carbon dioxide absorber 21 that absorbs and reduces carbon dioxide in flue gas (emission gas) G emitted from the main boiler 15 using a carbon dioxide absorbent and an absorbent regenerator 23 that regenerates a carbon dioxide absorbent having absorbed the carbon dioxide using a regenerating superheater 22 to obtain a regenerated carbon dioxide absorbent, an auxiliary boiler 30 that generates saturated water vapor 31 to be supplied to the regenerating superheater 22 in the absorbent regenerator 23, and a steam turbine 32 that is driven by steam from the auxiliary boiler 30.
US09243514B2
A hybrid radial gas turbine engine component comprises an inner hub portion joined to an outer ring portion. The inner hub portion is a first alloy and operates at temperatures less than 1200° F. The outer ring portion is a second alloy and is designed to withstand extended periods at temperatures greater than 1200° F.
US09243512B1
A rotary machine with at least one frangible composite blade that mitigates adverse conditions associated with release of material resulting from impact damage to the composite blade is provided. The composite blade having provisions for dissipating energy, self-shredding, and predetermined release trajectory. A method for manufacturing the composite blade and assembling the blade into a rotary machine is also provided.
US09243510B2
A floating seal assembly for sealing two static parts is disclosed. Each static part has an opposing groove, and the opposing grooves define a seal cavity. Floating seal assembly includes a floating circumferential seal having a middle portion and opposing end portions, each opposing end portion is positioned within a groove in one of the static parts, wherein each end portion has a curved side facing a low pressure side of the seal cavity. The floating seal assembly according to embodiments of the invention is pressure driven in that each curved side of the end portions is configured to engage a low pressure side of the seal cavity in response to a pressure differential across the sealing cavity reaching a threshold value.
US09243508B2
A system for recirculating a hot gas flowing through a gas turbine generally includes a transition piece having a downstream surface, a stationary nozzle having a leading edge surface adjacent to the transition piece downstream surface, a gap defined between the transition piece downstream surface and the stationary nozzle leading edge surface, and a projection having an inner arcuate surface radially separated from an outer surface. The projection generally extends from the stationary nozzle leading edge surface towards the transition piece downstream surface and at least partially decreases the gap. A seal extends across the gap and may be in contact with the transition piece and the stationary nozzle leading edge surface. A recirculation zone may be at least partially defined between the projection inner arcuate surface, the stationary nozzle leading edge surface and the transition piece downstream surface.
US09243503B2
A component includes a substrate that has outer and inner surfaces. The inner surface defines at least one hollow, interior space. The outer surface defines pressure and suction sidewalls that are joined together at leading and trailing edges of the component and together form an airfoil portion of the component. The outer substrate surface further defines at least one platform and at least one fillet that extends between and integrally connects the airfoil to the respective platform. The outer surface defines one or more grooves that extend at least partially along a respective fillet. Each groove is in fluid communication with a respective hollow, interior space. The component further includes a coating disposed over at least a portion of the outer substrate surface and including at least a structural coating that extends over the groove(s). The groove(s) and the structural coating together define channel(s) for cooling the respective fillet.
US09243500B2
A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil including leading and trailing edges joined by spaced apart pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface extending in a radial direction. The trailing edge is arranged on an aft side of the turbine blade. A root supports a platform from which the airfoil extends and a cooling passage extends within the root in the radial direction to the airfoil. A lower wing is arranged beneath the platform on the aft side and extends in an axial direction to provide a U-shaped channel with the platform that extends in a circumferential direction. An impingement hole extends from the U-channel to the cooling passage.
US09243498B2
Gas Pressure Reduction Generator (GPRG) systems and methods for implementing a GPRG system are provided, where the GPRG systems comprise a gas inlet configured to receive a pressurized gas flow, at least one expander in gas flow receiving communication with the gas inlet wherein the expander is operable to convert the pressurized gas flow into mechanical energy and a depressurized gas flow, and a generator configured to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
US09243497B2
A system for seafloor mining. A seafloor auxiliary mining tool works a seafloor site to prepare a bench, and deposits cut ore in a gathering area. A seafloor bulk mining tool undertakes production cutting of a bench and deposits cut ore in a gathering area. A seafloor gathering machine gathers cut ore deposited in the gathering area and pumps gathered ore as a slurry to a riser base. A riser and lifting system receives slurry from the gathering machine and lifts the slurry to the surface. A surface vessel receives slurry from the riser and lifting system.
US09243484B1
An improved method of steam generation for thermal oil recovery by delivering the produced oil-water emulsion, together with a hot hydrocarbon liquid, to a flash vessel where most of the water is flashed off as steam, which can be used for injection in further thermal oil production; while the liquid phase, containing oil, entrained solids and some water is passed to a separator, where a portion of the oil is removed as sales product, most of the water and solids are removed as waste and the remaining oil and traces of water are recirculated to a heater and a flash vessel to provide heat for further processing. If desired, the produced water-oil emulsion may first be passed through a separator vessel which divides the emulsion into three streams, hydrocarbon liquid, gas and water; with hydrocarbon liquid being sent to a coalescer vessel to produce sales quality oil, the gases sent to a fuel or flare system and the water being treated as described above.
US09243482B2
A steam supply apparatus (1) for enhanced oil recovery from an oil field (10). The steam supply apparatus includes a water circulating portion (50) providing a continuous flow of water to a water heater (4) for the production of a mixture of steam and water, and a separator (5) for directing the steam to the oil field. Water returned from the oil field is purified in a water treatment apparatus (3) to provide make-up water to the water circulating portion. A buffer volume (3b) is provided in fluid communication between the water treatment apparatus and the water circulating portion. The buffer is sized to provide a time lag between a degradation of the quality of the purified water and an occurrence of an unacceptable scale production in the water heater, thereby allowing continued safe system operation until the water quality problem is corrected.
US09243466B2
A methane content of a bottom sample comprising methane hydrate crystals is determined by:—taking a core sample (5) from a bottom sediment (3) in a deepwater area;—storing the core sample (5) in a storage chamber (4);—lifting the storage chamber (4) to a predetermined waterdepth (BGHZ=Base of Gas Hydrate stability Zone) at which any methane hydrate crystals in the core sample (5) dissociate into water and methane; and—measuring an amount of methane released by the lifted core sample (5).
US09243461B1
A method for moving tubulars from a horizontal position to a vertical position to perform one or more drilling operations, production operations, workover operations, or combinations thereof can include using a catwalk positioned adjacent to a drilling rig and a top drive connected to the drilling rig to hoist tubulars from the horizontal position to the vertical position.
US09243450B1
A top drive assembly having a top drive traveling block; a retracting guide dolly for use with the top drive traveling block and top drive operably by a master control system to hydraulically operate all of the top and bottom dolly arms simultaneously to extend and retract the top drive and top drive traveling block laterally and move the dolly as needed based on signals from a plurality of sensors disposed on the drilling rig, or on equipment adjacent the drilling rig.
US09243449B1
An automated entrance device includes a housing and a first and second panel operably coupled to the housing. The panels are positioned approximately at a 90° angle to each other. The first panel and the second panel rotate together from a first position to a second position to allow entrance to a user. After allowing a user to enter, the panels reset to the first position ready to selectively allow entrance to additional users.
US09243444B2
A fire rated door includes a core, a first decorative panel and a second decorative panel. The core includes: (a) a fire resistant center panel having a bottom, a top, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end, wherein the fire resistant center panel is made of a first fire resistant material, and (b) an extruded fire resistant border attached to the first side, the second side, the first end and the second end of the fire resistant center panel, wherein the extruded fire resistant border is made of a second fire resistant material having a higher density than the first fire resistant material. The first decorative panel is attached to the top of the fire resistant center panel and the extruded fire resistant border. The second decorative panel is attached to the bottom of the fire resistant center panel and the extruded fire resistant border.
US09243442B2
In a method of supplying an element for covering a non-vision area in a curtain wall on an architectural structure, a plurality of shadow boxes is prefabricated at a location remote from both a unitized curtain wall assembly shop and the architectural structure. The shadow boxes are prefabricated by sealing an interior spacer between a vision glass panel and a back structure. The back structure includes an insulating material surrounded by a rigid envelope. The vision glass panel, the back structure and the interior spacer define a hermetically sealed void therein. A structural seal is applied about the interior spacer and is affixed to the peripheral edge of the vision glass, the interior spacer and the back structure. The plurality of shadow boxes is then delivered to a selected one of the unitized curtain wall assembly shop and the architectural site.
US09243437B1
A cabinet with a door sequencer is described. The cabinet includes a first door and a second door to close an opening of the cabinet. A first gas spring closes the first door before a second gas spring closes the second door. The door sequencer automatically closes the first and second doors in a correct order to promote compliance with safety regulations.
US09243433B2
An rotating door driven so as to be swivelable around a pivot of the rotating door includes a rotary bearing; a connection element having a driver piece configured to receive the pivot of the rotating door, the driver piece being mounted in the rotary bearing; and a drive connectable to the pivot of the rotating door in frictional engagement via the connection element.
US09243429B2
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2, 3), an actuation lever unit that acts on the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) and includes a release lever (4), and a catch lever (10). The catch lever (10) blocks the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) at least when acceleration forces of a given magnitude occur, e.g. in case of an accident (crash). According to the invention, the catch lever (10) blocks the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) in the event of a crash while releasing the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) only for normal opening operation.
US09243423B2
The present invention provides a foldable tent with a vent and corresponding rain fly for providing the tent with continuous ventilation while protecting the vent and interior of the tent from adverse weather conditions. The frame of the tent includes a hub, a plurality of roof poles and auxiliary poles pivotally coupled to the hub, and a plurality of leg poles coupled to the corresponding roof poles. Coupled to the frame is a canopy which includes the vent at a top portion of the canopy to allow air from continuously entering and exiting the interior of the tent. The rain fly is integral to the canopy and corresponding auxiliary pole, and is disposed proximate the vent. Thus, the foldable tent of the present invention is provided with secure and continuous ventilation, and is opened and folded without requiring additional assembly of components.
US09243421B2
A tent structure with an improved ventilation system includes a pole assembly, a lower section defined by a plurality of walls and a floor, and an upper section having an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer includes a first set of openings covered by an air permeable material. A perimeter of the inner layer is fixedly attached to a top portion of the lower section to form an enclosure. The outer layer is disposed above the inner layer and a second set of openings is formed between a perimeter of the outer layer and the top portion of the lower section. A first set of connecting members connects the inner and outer layers, and forms a space therebetween. A second set of connecting members connects the outer layer and the pole assembly.
US09243415B1
A floor for a portable containment berm has an intermediate layer of flexible puncture-resistant material sandwiched between lower and upper sheets of flexible impervious material and at least one puncture-resistant and wear-resistant tread pad fixed to the top surface of the upper sheet of flexible impervious material. In one embodiment, the layer of puncture-resistant material and the sheets of impervious material are substantially coextensive and are welded in laminar relationship along their peripheries. In another embodiment, the intermediate layer of flexible puncture-resistant material includes at least two belts of flexible puncture-resistant material with the lower and upper sheets welded in laminar relationship along their peripheries and between each adjacent pair of belts. In either embodiment, the tread pads are welded to the top surface of the upper sheet of flexible impervious material in a configuration suitable to receive the wheels of a vehicle traversing the floor of the berm.
US09243412B1
Apparatus for unrolling rolls of building insulation in vertical strips from the roof eave down, and adapted to be carried by an aerial work platform that in turn is carried by an elevator, has a pair of spars as well as an arbor and a tensioning control mechanism. The spars are spaced apart and are mounted to as well as project away from the aerial work platform. The arbor is carried between the spaced spars for inserting through the core of a role of insulation and allowing the insulation to be unrolled from the roll in the form of strips to be hung on the building. The tensioning control mechanism is provided for controlling the unrolling of the roll.
US09243406B1
A spiral rebar weldable metal rod with a constant or variable pitch of between 1 and 10 times a diameter of a cylinder into which the rod is inscribed; with a planar cross-section having at least two petals connected to the central section and separated from each other by gaps. The triangular petals are connected with the central section by their vertices; the petal edges distant from the central section are circular. The rebar has ribs; the ribs' height is between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm and distances between the ribs are between 5 mm and 15 mm.
US09243405B2
A suspended ceiling comprises first and second rows of panels being connected to overhead structures and an intermediate row of panels interposed therebetween. Each panel comprises front and rear edges and lateral sides. The first lateral side of a given panel of the intermediate row is configured to be releasably mounted to the complementarily configured lateral side of an adjacent panel of the first row. The second lateral side of the given panel of the intermediate row is configured to be releasably mounted to the complementarily configured lateral side of an adjacent panel of the second row. The given panel of the intermediate row can be removed by being lifted away from the panels of the first and second rows.
US09243402B2
A constrained-layer damping material including a bitumen material, a binder material, and a tackifier, wherein the bitumen is a soft grade with a penetration of at least 150 dmm and a ring and ball softening point of greater than about 35° C.
US09243393B1
A drain assembly for an industrial sink that is seamlessly attached to a basin of a sink. In one embodiment, the drain assembly comprises a drain tube, drain stopper, gasket, clamp, and lever. According to one embodiment, the drain assembly is seamlessly welded to the basin of the sink so that the drain assembly and sink form one continuous unit. The drain assembly allows for external (to the sink) operation of the drain assembly via the use of a lever that is attached to the drain stopper, wherein moving the lever seals and opens the drain assembly. In one embodiment, the drain stopper is spherically-shaped with spherical wedges cut out of the top to form a disc-shaped handle.
US09243392B2
A faucet includes a logical control, a spout, a hub, a handle, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout, the hub, and the handle.
US09243389B2
A diverter assembly (12) for use with a faucet assembly (10) including a diverter valve (78) secured to an inlet end (80) of a sprayer tube (46) and removably received within a connector (62).
US09243387B2
The subject matter discloses a water dispenser apparatus, comprising a single suction unit for pumping water from a water container to a cold water tank and to a hot water tank. The single suction unit also pumps water from a suction tube connected to either the cold water tank or the hot water tank. The water sucked by the suction unit from the suction tube is circulated between the cold water tank and the hot water tank and when heated is used to clean tubes and tanks at the water dispenser apparatus and is transferred through tubes within the water dispenser apparatus. The subject matter also discloses a method for cleaning the water dispensing apparatus by activating a primary cleaning cycle and a secondary cleaning cycle for cleaning the water tanks and the tubes.
US09243372B2
This invention relates to a flash butt welding process for joining sections of a railway line using vibration apparatus, the process including configuring and attaching a vibration apparatus on the railway line such that a vibration means is attachable to the railway line, and controlled vibration of the railway line at a suitable low frequency of vibration and amplitude of vibration, and then welding sections of railway line together using a flash butt welding means, and applying vibration to the sections of railway line until the flash butt weld is complete, and applying a controlled vibration to the welded sections of railway line for a period of time sufficient to allow for heat to dissipate from the weld area, and to allow for the weld area to be stress relieved for an improved weld joint.
US09243369B2
A method for making a shoebox includes preparing a pulp tank and a mold which includes a first upper mold, a first lower mold and a second lower mold; a step of forming a flat sheet of a semi-final product which includes closing the first upper and lower molds to produce the semi-final product; a step of vacuum suction and mold movement which includes vacuum sucking the semi-final product to the first upper mold, moving the first upper mold to above the second lower mold; a step of hot pressing of the semi-final product into a flat sheet of a final product with patterns and fold lines by closing and heating the first upper mold and the second lower mold; and a step of separating the first upper mold and the second lower mold, taking out the final product and folding it into a shoebox.
US09243367B2
The present disclosure is directed to creped tissue webs, and products produced therefrom. The creped tissue webs and tissue products made therefrom are soft and strong, such as having a TS7 value less than about 8.0. Moreover, the tissue of the present disclosure also preferably has low TS750 values such as less than about 7.0. Further, while webs prepared according to the present disclosure have low TS7, and in certain embodiments low TS750 values, they are also strong enough to withstand use.
US09243362B2
The invention relates to a method for mounting a panel (1) of an appliance, especially of a domestic appliance, comprising the steps: a) Arranging of a panel element (2); b) Applying a first adhesive (3) and a second adhesive (4) onto a surface of the panel element (2); c) Pressing a transparent pane element (5) against the surface of the panel element (2) in a mounting position so that the first and the second adhesive (3, 4) have contact with the panel element (2) as well as with the pane element (5); d) Activating the adhesion of the second adhesive (4) to bond the pane element (5) with the panel element (2); e) Applying a third adhesive (6) and a fourth adhesive (7) onto a surface of the pane element (5); f) Pressing a frame element (8) against the surface of the pane element (5) in a mounting position so that the third and fourth adhesive (6, 7) have contact with the pane element (5) as well as with the frame element (8); g) Activating the adhesion of the fourth adhesive (7) to bond the frame element (8) with the pane element (5). By this method even skewed parts, especially skewed frame element, can be mounted in their perfect position.
US09243355B2
Woven fabrics are formed from high tenacity fibers or tapes that are loosely interwoven with adhesive coated filaments, to composite articles formed therefrom, and to a continuous process for forming the composite articles.
US09243353B2
Provided is a stent graft that has superior prevention of endoleakage due to being resistant to creasing, and has superior prevention of graft migration as a result of promoting cell infiltration into gaps among microfibers in a dispersed state and forming an integrated structure with the cells in the landing zone of the stent. The stent graft according to the present invention is a stent graft comprising a stent graft fabric that has microfiber bundles consisting essentially of microfilaments having a filament linear density of 0.5 dtex or less, and said microfiber bundles having a total linear density of 10 to 60 dtex/120 to 3000 filaments, for the warp and/or weft, and in which the porosity of the microfiber bundles is 30% to 95%, wherein said stent graft has said stent graft fabric being located in at least 1 cm range from the central end.
US09243348B2
The invention relates to a process for melt-spinning, drawing and winding multiple synthetic threads and to an apparatus for performing the process. The synthetic threads are spun concurrently side by side through extrusion of fine filamentous strands, cooled down and hauled off to be then collectively drawn as a sheet of threads and wound up on bobbins. To obtain ideally identical physical properties in the collective treatment of the threads, the threads are hauled off independently of each other by separate individual godets after extrusion and before collective drawing. This makes it possible to realize for each thread the same conditions during extrusion, cooling and hauling off. The apparatus includes multiple individual godets arranged side by side, which are arranged upstream of the drawing facility and are each associated with one of the threads. To pull off the threads, the individual godets are configured to be individually driveable.
US09243342B2
A method for creating an improved coiled tubing is provided, comprising cleaning a sheet metal workpiece using an electroplasma process to remove oxide scale and other contaminants on surfaces of the workpiece; applying a first metal coating to the workpiece using the electroplasma process; forming the sheet metal workpiece into a tube having abutting edges to form a seam; welding the seam to complete the formation of the tube; grinding the seam to establish a smooth exterior surface on the seam; applying a second metal coating to the seam of the tube using the electroplasma process; and coiling the tube around a spool.
US09243337B2
A multilayer oxygen consuming electrode having a side facing the oxygen-containing gas and a side facing the alkaline electrolyte, wherein the electrode includes at least one support, and at least two layers containing a catalyst and a hydrophobic material, wherein the outermost layer facing the gas side has a lower proportion of catalyst than the outermost layer facing the electrode side and wherein the proportion of hydrophobic material is not more than 8% by weight based on the total amount of the catalyst the hydrophobic material.
US09243318B2
A sintered body which includes at least indium oxide and gallium oxide and comprises voids each having a volume of 14000 μm3 or more in an amount of 0.03 vol % or less.
US09243312B2
There is provided an aluminum alloy casting consisting essentially of 7.0 to 11.5 mass % of Si, 0.9 to 4.0 mass % of Mg, 0.1 to 0.65 mass % of Fe, 0.1 to 0.8 mass % of Mn and the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities, or consisting essentially of 7.0 to 11.5 mass % of Si, 0.9 to 4.0 mass % of Mg, 0.1 to 0.65 mass % of Fe, 0.1 to 0.8 mass % of Mn, 0.3 to 1.0 mass % of Cu and the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities, and containing eutectic Si grains having an aspect ratio of 2.0 or smaller and an average grain size of 1.0 micrometer or smaller. There is also provided an automotive part formed with the aluminum alloy casting and a production method of the aluminum alloy casting.
US09243309B2
Disclosed are a Ti alloy having an excellent hydrogen absorption inhibition effect, a Ti alloy member using the Ti alloy, and a manufacturing thereof. A Ti alloy is characterized in that it contains 0.1 to 5.0% by mass in total of at least one of Zr and Hf, and a residue comprising Ti and impurities.
US09243292B2
The invention relates to a method for the genomic typing of erythrocyte systems, oligonucleotide probes and relative diagnostic kits.
US09243290B2
We describe ultra-high throughput polony genome sequencing that can permit, for example, generating raw data to re-sequencing the human genome in about one week (including library prep and sequencing) at a reasonable cost. The methods described herein include one or more of the following: (1) increasing polony sequencing read length, (2) improving library construction and emulsions protocols, (3) increasing bead density and/or moving to alternative clonal amplication strategies (other than emulsion PCR or ePCR), (4) extending software capabilities to allow SNP calls from our new sequencing raw data, (5) Dual Primer Emulsion PCR, and (6) diagnostic method exploiting one or more of the foregoing.
US09243281B2
Provided herein are methods for identifying a compound having cell-protective (e.g., neuroprotective) activity. Compounds identified therefrom are also provided. These compounds can be used to treat various diseases, disorders, or conditions associated with, for example, unwanted cell death.
US09243275B1
Sensors suitable for the sensing/detection of biological or chemical agents may be fabricated by immobilizing biological and/or chemical recognition components (selectors or probes) on a substrate by the polymerization of a suitable monomer in the presence of the selectors or probes, for example, by Polysiloxane Monolayer Immobilization (PMI). PMI may involve the polymerization of polysiloxane onto a substrate, onto which selector molecules are adsorbed or otherwise immobilized. The resulting immobilized selector molecule may then be used to interact with specific molecules (targets) within a mixture of molecules, thereby enabling those specific molecules to be detected and/or quantified.
US09243273B2
Methods of preparing highly purified steviol glycosides, particularly rebaudiosides A, D and X are described. The method includes expression of UDP-glucosyltransferases from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, which are capable converting certain steviol glycosides to rebaudiosides A, D and X. The highly purified rebaudiosides A, D and X, are useful as non-caloric sweetener in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectioneries, bakery products, cookies, and chewing gums.
US09243272B2
Disclosed is a thermostable DNA polymerase preparation which can illimitably reduce the risk of false positivity in the detection of a subject microorganism utilizing a gene amplification reaction and therefore enables the selective amplification of DNA for detecting the subject microorganism even when the amount of the subject microorganism is small and therefore the amount of DNA collected therefrom is extremely small, and can be produced at a reduced cost. Also disclosed is a method for quantifying or quantifying/identifying a subject organism to be detected rapidly, conveniently and with high sensitivity using the preparation of the present invention.
US09243269B2
The present disclosure provides for an expression system for the production of blue pigment indigoidine. The system comprises a heterologous host cell, a DNA sequence encoding a Sc-IndB protein, and a DNA sequence encoding a Sc-IndC protein. The system may be configured for the co-expression of the Sc-IndB and Sc-IndC. DNA sequences encoding the Sc-IndB and Sc-IndC may be provided on at least one vector. Alternatively, the DNA sequences encoding the Sc-IndB and Sc-IndC may optionally be integrated into the genome of the heterologous host genome. The expression system may further comprise a sfp gene or a PPTase.
US09243268B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing cysteine or derivatives thereof using novel O-phosphoserine sulfhydrylase. According to the present invention, a method for producing cysteine by novel O-phosphoserine sulfhydrylase (OPSS) using O-phosphoserine as a substrate is provided, and this method is advantageous in that cysteine can be simply and environmental-friendly produced in a high yield.
US09243260B2
The present invention relates to materials and methods for the expression of a gene of interest selectively in cotton fibers. In particular, the invention provides an expression cassette for regulating fiber-selective expression in plants.
US09243241B2
Disclosed are rapid and reproducible methods for separating and purifying nucleic acids from paraffin-containing tissue samples. The disclosed methods involve a melting step, where paraffin-containing tissue samples are heated in the presence of a detergent, causing the paraffin to melt and tissue sample cells to lyse. From the resulting two-phase mixture (i.e., a paraffin phase and an aqueous phase), the aqueous phase is collected for purification of nucleic acid. Protease(s) can be used at one or more points in the separation process to facilitate tissue cell lysis and/or degrade proteins that could degrade nucleic acid or interfere with subsequent genetic manipulation or analysis.
US09243240B2
A metabolically engineered E. coli strain which produces sialic acid and a method of making said strain. In the engineered E. coli cells, the nanT (sialic acid transporter) and nanA (sialic acid adolase) genes are inactivated, and the neuC and neuB genes of sialic acid biosynthesis in Neisseria meningitidis group B are introduced and overexpressed in the nanT− nanA− E. coli cell. In addition, the glucosamine synthase gene, glmS, of E. coli is co-overexpressed with neuB and neuC.
US09243239B2
This invention provides chromatographic methods for the purification of a cystathionine β-Synthase (CBS) protein, particularly truncated variants thereof and compositions and pharmaceutical compositions prepared therefrom.
US09243235B2
We describe a method of expressing a recombinant protein comprising mannose-terminated N-glycans from a host cell, the method comprising: (a) introducing a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant protein into a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell comprising a mutation in the GnT 1 gene (GenBank Accession Number AF343963) leading to loss of GnT 1 function; and (c) expressing the recombinant protein from the host cell, in which the expressed recombinant protein comprises a mannose-terminated glycan structure, and in which the method does not include a step of introducing functional GnT-I into the host cell. The method may be used for producing recombinant glucocerebrosidase with a mannose-terminated glycan structure, suitable for treatment or prevention of Gaucher's Disease.
US09243223B2
A model of tissue is produced by steps comprising seeding cells at a selected concentration on a support to form a cell spot, incubating the cells to allow the cells to partially attach, rinsing the cells to remove any cells that have not partially attached, adding culture medium to enable the cells to proliferate at a periphery of the cell spot and to differentiate toward a center of the cell spot, and further incubating the cells to form the tissue. The cells may be C2C12 cells or other subclones of the C2 cell line, H9c2(2-1) cells, L6 cells, L8 cells, QM7 cells, Sol8 cells, G-7 cells, G-8 cells, other myoblast cells, cells from other tissues, or stem cells. The selected concentration is in a range from about 1×105 cells/ml to about 1×106 cells/ml. The tissue formed may be a muscle tissue or other tissue depending on the cells seeded.
US09243214B1
A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; (e) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface.
US09243202B2
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and an amine or ammonia salt of a carboxylic acid compound where said carboxylic acid is characterized in that it is functionalized with a hydroxy-substituted aromatic moiety. The invention further relates to methods of lubricating an internal combustion engine by supplying the described lubricating composition to the internal combustion engine. The invention further relates to the use of the salt of the carboxylic acid compound as an antiwear agent or an antioxidant.
US09243192B2
A method for producing aromatic hydrocarbons by bringing a feedstock derived from a fraction containing a light cycle oil produced in a fluid catalytic cracking into contact with a catalyst containing a crystalline aluminosilicate, wherein the proportion of the naphthene content within the feedstock is adjusted so as to be greater than the proportion of the naphthene content in the fraction containing the light cycle oil, and the contact between the feedstock and the catalyst is performed under a pressure within a range from 0.1 MPaG to 1.0 MPaG.
US09243183B2
Disclosed are methods of treating a subterranean formation having at least one fracture. The methods include providing a thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, proppant particulates, and a thermally activated suspending agent, wherein the thermally activated suspending agent is hydratable above a threshold temperature. The thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation and exceeds the threshold temperature so as to hydrate the thermally activated suspending agent. Furthermore, the proppant particulates are placed into the at least one fracture.
US09243182B2
The present invention is a cryogenic subterranean fracturing fluid, comprising a liquefied industrial gas and a viscosity increasing additive. The liquefied industrial gas may be liquefied carbon dioxide, liquefied nitrogen, or a blend of the two. The liquefied industrial gas mixture should be substantially free of water. In this context, substantially free of water means less than 10% water by volume, or preferably less than 5% water by volume. In addition to the viscosity increasing additive, a proppant may be added to the fracturing fluid. In addition to the viscosity increasing additive and/or proppant additional additives may be added to the liquefied industrial gas as required.
US09243174B2
Methods and compositions relating to poly(hydroxyl urethane) compounds are described herein that are useful as, among other things, binders and adhesives. The cross-linked composition is achieved through the reaction of a cyclic carbonate, a compound having two or more thiol groups, and a compound having two or more amine functional groups. In addition, a method of adhesively binding two or more substrates using the cross-linked composition is provided.
US09243170B2
An adhesive manufacturing process, an adhesive, and an article are disclosed. The adhesive manufacturing process includes mixing THV with a polar aprotic solvent and sodium azide to form an adhesive having an azide group. The mixing is at about the melting point of the THV for a duration of at least about 24 hours. The adhesive includes THV having an azide group. The article includes a substrate and an adhesive positioned on the substrate, the adhesive comprising THV having an azide group.
US09243169B2
A laminate having a multilayer structure includes a clear film layer, a transfer tape adhesive layer, a microprint text layer, at least one layer with repeating patterns having colorshift properties, and a fluorescent layer with repeating second patterns. The microprint layer, the at least one layer with repeating patterns having colorshift properties, and the fluorescent layer with repeating second patterns are arranged between the clear film layer and the transfer tape adhesive layer.
US09243168B2
An adhesive composition and an optical member using the same, the adhesive composition including about 100 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylate copolymer including repeating units derived from a C1-20 alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer, an aromatic group-containing monomer, and a carboxyl group-containing monomer; about 0.01 to about 10 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent; about 0.01 to about 5 parts by weight of a silane coupling agent; and about 0.01 to about 5 parts by weight of a crosslinking catalyst.
US09243167B2
Provided are a sulfur modified polymer composition, free from asphalt, bitumen or like compounds, and method of making same. The inclusion of 50% by weight sulfur, or greater, into the polymer composition results in a composition that is softer and having an increased melting point, relative to the unmodified polymer composition.
US09243165B2
A film-forming composition including a triazine ring-containing hyperbranched polymer with a repeating unit structure indicated by formula (1), and inorganic micro particles is provided. This enables the provision of a film-forming composition capable of hybridizing without reducing dispersion of the inorganic micro particles in a dispersion fluid, capable of depositing a coating film with a high refractive index, and suitable for electronic device film formation. (In the formula, R and R′ are mutually independent and indicate a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and Ar indicates a divalent organic group including either an aromatic ring or a heterocyclic ring, or both.)
US09243163B2
The invention relates to unique applications for the novel high melt flow, low viscosity, selectively hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene (hSBS) or selectively hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene-butadiene/styrene-styrene (hSBSS) block copolymers, wherein the melt flow rate of said block copolymer is at least 100 g/10 min at 230° C. under 2.16 kg mass according to ASTM D1238. These block copolymers are novel and have the highest melt flow rate of any styrenic block copolymer also possessing high strength and elasticity. It has applications that prior to the present invention were not normally possible due to the normal low melt flow rate of styrenic block copolymers. The present invention also encompasses various fields of use such as a fiberglass hSBS or hSBSS reinforced mat, low viscosity hSBS or hSBSS coatings for industrial uses, hot melt adhesives prepared from hSBS or hSBSS blended with polyalpha-olefins, and elastic film, fiber, and nonwoven constructions using hSBS or hSBSS.
US09243128B2
A composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g and a moldable polymeric material selected from the group consisting of a biomass-derived polymer and a petroleum-derived polymer. The biomass-derived polymer is preferably polylactic acid or pulp. The cellulose microfibers are preferably present in an amount of 0.01% to 60% by mass. Another composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose composite microfibers and a moldable resin, the cellulose composite microfibers being obtained by adsorbing a surfactant onto cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g.
US09243120B2
A foam article for use in a seat cushion includes an open cell, polyurethane foam material that includes a base polyol; a crosslinker; an isocyanate; a surfactant; and water, that are reacted together to produce a seat cushion having dynamic and static performance specifications that are better than the performance characteristics for a traditional, high resilient material seat cushion, as well as other seating materials.
US09243118B2
Disclosed herein are fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite with desired physical properties, such as high modulus, high stiffness and high flow while maintaining the OSU heat release compliancy.
US09243112B2
A method for producing a carbonaceous material-polymer composite material in which a polymer can be easily grafted to a carbonaceous material and a carbonaceous material-polymer composite includes the steps of: preparing a mixture containing a carbonaceous material and at least one polymer A of a polymer obtained by polymerizing a cyclic disulfide compound and a polymer obtained by polymerizing a cyclic disulfide compound and a radical polymerizable functional group-containing monomer; and heating the mixture at a temperature range of (D-75)° C. or higher and a decomposition termination temperature or lower when a decomposition start temperature of the polymer A is defined as D° C., and a carbonaceous material-polymer composite material obtained by the production method wherein a monomer and/or a polymer derived from the polymer A is grafted to a carbonaceous material.
US09243092B2
Olefin polymerization is carried out with a supported phosphinimine catalyst which has been treated with a long chain substituted amine compound.
US09243087B2
An ethylene-based polymer characterized as having a density from about 0.9 to about 0.94 grams per cubic centimeter, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) from about 8 to about 30, a melt index (I2) from about 0.1 to about 50 grams per 10 minutes, a gpcBR value greater than 1.4 as determined by a gpcBR Branching Index and a Y value less than about 2 is disclosed. This ethylene-based polymer is especially useful for blending with other polymers such as LLDPE. When converting the blends into film, especially blown film, bubble stability and output is increased.
US09243086B2
A catalyst component for olefin polymerization is disclosed, which comprises a reaction product of the following components: (1) a spheric carrier; (2) a titanium compound; and optionally, (3) an electron donor, wherein the spheric carrier comprises a reaction product of at least the following components: (a) a magnesium halide represented by a general formula of MgX2-nRn, wherein X is independently chloride or bromide, R is a C1-C14 alkyl, a C6-C14 aryl, a C1-C14 alkoxy, or a C6-C14 aryloxy, and n is 0 or 1; (b) an alcohol compound; and (c) an epoxy compound represented by a general formula (I), wherein R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, a C1-C5 linear or branched alkyl, or a C1-C5 linear or branched haloalkyl. When the catalyst of the invention is used in olefin polymerization, in particular in propylene polymerization, at least one of the following desired effects can be achieved: high polymerization activity of catalyst, high stereospecificity of catalyst, good hydrogen response of catalyst, high stereoregularity of polymer having high melt index, and low content of polymer fines.
US09243085B2
A method of forming a particle includes, in a disperse phase within an aqueous suspension, polymerizing a plurality of mer units of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophobic protection group, thereby forming a polymeric particle including a plurality of the hydrophobic protection groups. The method further includes converting the polymeric particle to a hydrophilic particle.
US09243082B2
Process for polymerizing or copolymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiators at pressures in the range of from 110 MPa to 500 MPa and temperatures in the range of from 100° C. to 350° C. in a continuously operated polymerization apparatus, wherein the reaction gas composition is compressed to the polymerization pressure by at least two sequentially operating compressors in which a low-pressure compressor first compresses the reaction gas composition to a pressure of from 10 MPa to 50 MPa and a high-pressure compressor then further compresses the reaction gas composition to the polymerization pressure wherein the high-pressure compressor is operated with a polyalkylene glycol based synthetic lubricant and oxygen is introduced into the fresh gas feed or into the polymerization apparatus in an amount that the gas composition to be compressed in the high-pressure compressor has an oxygen content in the range of from 0.01 ppm to 0.9 ppm.
US09243078B2
A method to increase the molecular weight of wood mannans and xylans comprising aromatic moieties comprises the steps: a) obtaining mannan and/or xylan from wood, b) subjecting the mannan/xylan to oxidizing conditions to convert at least a fraction of the aromatic groups into radicals and reacting said radicals with each other to obtain complexes of mannan/xylan with increased molecular weight. The method is easy and cost efficient and enables to upgrade small wood mannans and xylans that are important in the pulp and paper industry into larger mannans and xylans and more defined structures which makes their isolation easier and application areas broader. Another advantage is that separation of mannans and xylans from mannans and xylans with bound aromatic groups is provided. The wood mannans and xylans with increased molecular weight can be used for the manufacture of barrier films in packages, for instance for oxygen, liquids and gas.
US09243077B2
The present invention provides a hyaluronic acid derivative comprising disaccharide units of Formula (I), and a hyaluronic acid derivative/drug conjugate wherein one or more drugs are conjugated to the hyaluronic acid derivative.
US09243070B2
A method of inhibiting complement activation mediated by Bb inhibitors in a subject includes administering a Bb inhibitor to the subject to inhibit at least one of Bb binding to factors B and properdin, inhibit C3 cleavage, inhibit the activation of neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and endothelium; or inhibit the formation of C3a, C5a, and MAC.
US09243065B2
The invention relates to a method suitable for administering protein therapeutic molecules orally, sublingually, topically, intravenously, subcutaneously, nasally, vaginally, rectally or by inhalation so as to avoid inactivation, by using VHH polypeptides derived from Camelidae antibodies. The invention further relates to the said therapeutic molecules. The invention further relates to a method for delivering therapeutic molecules to the interior of cells. The invention further relates to polypeptide constructs including VHH directed against EGFR.
US09243061B2
The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of osteoarthritis (OA). In accordance with the present invention, an antagonist of GM-CSF can be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. An antagonist of GM-CSF includes, but is not limited to, an antibody that is specific for GM-CSF or the GM-CSF receptor. The present invention further provides transgenic animals, such as a GM-CSF knock-out mouse, useful for testing antagonists in certain disease models.
US09243058B2
The present invention relates to BCMA (B-Cell Maturation Antigen) antigen binding proteins, such as antibodies, polynucleotide sequences encoding said antigen binding proteins, and compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases. The present invention also relates to BCMA antibody drug conjugates.
US09243047B2
The present invention is related to a fusion protein comprising a variant of a nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza strain A, B or C, and a variant of a C4bp oligomerization domain for increasing the cellular immunogenicity of the nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza. The invention is also related to nucleic acids, vectors, fusion proteins and immunogenic compositions, for their use as a vaccine or immunotherapy for the prevention and treatment of influenza disease.
US09243040B2
The invention provides polymers comprising Formula I: wherein monomer is a repeating unit comprising 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 carbon atoms and the monomers are linked together through amide or ester bonds; n is about 6 to about 1000; and Linker is an optionally substituted carbon chain that is optionally interrupted by moieties such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, or silicon. Charge is a moiety having a positive or negative charge on a heteroatom, such as nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, or sulfur; where the Linker separates the monomer and the Charge by at least six linear atoms. The invention also provides methods of preparing the polymers and the copolymers and methods of using the polymers and copolymers, for example, as drug delivery systems, as membrane penetrating peptides, and as therapeutic agents.
US09243039B2
The invention provides compounds of formula (I): X-α-Y (I) wherein X, Y, and a have any of the values defined in the specification and salts thereof. The compounds are inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase.
US09243028B2
Provided are methods for forming a reactive S-nitroso thioacid (NTA), comprising nitrosation of a thioacid with a nitrosation reagent. Also provided are methods for: acylating a nucleophile including selective acylation with a high degree of selectivity toward amines over hydroxyls; amide or peptide bond formation; forming a dipeptide or polypeptide; and peptide coupling/ligation, comprising use of thioacid and amine starting materials, wherein the reactions are mediated by very reactive S-nitroso thioacid (NTA) intermediates enabling extremely fast reactions under mild conditions, providing for broad applications.
US09243019B2
A hydroxysafflor yellow A sodium compound as shown in a formula (I) and preparation as well as medicinal application thereof are provided. According to the present invention, the safflower is utilized as a raw material. A monomer pharmaceutical compound, the hydroxysafflor yellow A sodium, is obtained by sufficient processes, and a purity thereof is surely above 98.5%. Therefore, the hydroxysafflor yellow A sodium is a monomer compound, which is safer, more effective, more stable and more controllable than hydroxysafflor yellow A, for treating blood circulation disorders such as platelet aggregation, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris and acute cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, the hydroxysafflor yellow A sodium has sufficient solubility and human tolerance.
US09243014B2
A prodrug can have a structure of Formula 10 or derivative thereof or stereoisomer thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The prodrug can be included in a pharmaceutical composition for use in treatment of fungus, cancer, dermatitis, superficial mycoses; inflammation, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis, candidiasis (moniliasis), Candida albicans, tinea (pityriasis) vesicolor, Malassezia furfur, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoid leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma.
US09242998B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) that are useful as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitors, the synthesis of such compounds, and the use of such compounds for inhibiting HCV NS5B polymerase activity, for treating or preventing HCV infections and for inhibiting HCV viral replication and/or viral production in a cell-based system.
US09242997B2
The invention provides tricyclic sulfonamide compounds and their use in treating medical disorders, such as obesity. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of making various tricyclic compounds are provided. The compounds are contemplated to have activity against methionyl aminopeptidase 2.
US09242992B2
Crystal forms of (3R,4S)-7-hydroxymethyl-2,2,9-trimethyl-4-(phenethylamino)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-g]quinolin-3-ol that are excellent as a drug, and production methods thereof. Production methods include crystallizing (3R,4S)-7-hydroxymethyl-2,2,9-trimethyl-4-(phenethylamino)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-g]quinolin-3-ol from an acetate ester solvent, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, a nitrile solvent, an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, a ketone solvent or an ether solvent, and crystal forms obtained according to the methods.
US09242989B2
The present invention encompasses compounds of the formula (I) wherein the variables are defined herein which are suitable for the modulation of RORγ and the treatment of diseases related to the modulation of RORγ. The present invention also encompasses processes of making compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.
US09242983B2
Pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine or pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine compounds having the general formula (A), wherein the dashed lines, X, Y and R1 through R5 are as defined in the specification. The compounds are useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of viral infections.
US09242977B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a drug containing a compound having Trk-inhibiting activity as an active ingredient in prophylaxis and/or therapy of diseases such as pain, pruritus, lower urinary tract dysfunction, asthma, allergic rhinitis, inflammatory bowel disease or Chagas disease. A compound represented by the general formula (I): (wherein all symbols represent the same meanings as described in the specification), a salt thereof, an N-oxide thereof, a solvate thereof or a prodrug thereof is useful as a drug component having Trk-inhibiting activity in prophylaxis and/or therapy of diseases such as pain, pruritus, lower urinary tract dysfunction, asthma, allergic rhinitis, inflammatory bowel disease or Chagas disease.
US09242976B2
Compounds having the following formula (I) or an enantiomer, diastereomer or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, wherein X is N or C—R7, are useful as kinase modulators, including IRAK-4 modulation.
US09242973B2
The present invention provides a hydrate of N-[(4S)-2-amino-2′,2′-dimethyldispiro[1,3-oxazole-4,4′-chromene-3′,3″-oxetan]-6′-yl]-5-chloropyridine-2-carboxamide which is useful as an active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition, in particular, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with and/or mediated by β-secretase activity, hydrolysis of a β-secretase site of a β-amyloid precursor protein, and/or β-amyloid protein accumulation, including a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating diseases including, but not limited to, Glaucoma, MCI (Mild cognitive impairment) or Alzheimer's disease, especially, Alzheimer's disease.
US09242972B2
The present invention is directed to novel retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) modulators, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these modulators, and their use in the treatment of inflammatory, metabolic and autoimmune diseases mediated by RORγ.
US09242971B2
The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of salts of 2-((1R,4R)-4-(4-(5-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-ylamino)pyridin-2-yl)phenyl)cyclohexyl)acetic acid and their use in the treatment or prevention of a condition or a disorder associated with DGAT1 activity in animals, particularly humans.
US09242969B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) as described herein, and salts thereof, and therapeutic uses of these compounds for treatment of disorders associated with Raf kinase activity. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds and a therapeutic co-agent.
US09242963B2
The present invention provides novel organic compounds of Formula (I): methods of use, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
US09242959B2
The present invention concerns novel (aza)benzhydryl ether derivatives which exhibit H4-receptor binding activity. The present invention also concerns their process of preparation and their therapeutical uses.
US09242955B2
A process for the production of cyclic carbonates comprising contacting an epoxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a dimeric aluminum(salen) catalyst, and a co-catalyst capable of supplying Y−, where Y is selected from Cl, Br and I, where the dimeric aluminum(salen) catalyst is of formula I:
US09242953B2
The present disclosure relates to processes for preparing dronedarone or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US09242951B2
Inhibitors of bacterial communication, such as quorum sensing, and method of use and manufacture thereof.
US09242944B2
The present invention relates compounds and compositions for interfering with the association of Myc and Max. These compounds and compositions are useful in methods for inhibiting growth or proliferation of a cell. Methods of inhibiting growth or proliferation of a cell comprise contacting the cell with an amount of a compound that interferes with Myc and Max association effective to inhibit growth or proliferation of the cell. The compounds exhibit increased inhibitory activity against c-Myc relative to the known c-Myc inhibitor small-molecule benzofurazan N-([1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)-7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-amine (10074-G5).
US09242938B2
Disclosed are a glycine reuptake inhibitor and the use thereof. The glycine reuptake inhibitor is a compound of formula I, or isomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, wherein R1 is one or more groups selected from hydrogen, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, and C1-6 haloalkoxy; R2 is selected from hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkyl, and C1-6 haloalkoxy; and each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, nitro, cyano, amino, hydroxyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, and C1-6 haloalkoxy.
US09242932B2
Methods and materials for producing meso-biliverdin are provided where the methods include reacting phycocyanobilin with an amphoteric compound in a solvent to yield meso-biliverdin.
US09242922B2
A method for producing a high-quality barium titanyl salt includes using, as the fluids to be treated, at least two kinds of fluids, namely, a barium titanium mixed solution that is obtained by dissolving both a barium compound and a titanium compound in a solvent, a compound solution that is obtained by dissolving, in a solvent, a compound capable of deposing the barium and titanium contained in the barium-titanium mixed solution into a barium titanyl salt, and if necessary, one or more other fluids; and mixing these fluids together in a thin film fluid formed at least between two treating surfaces and to form a barium titanyl salt. The treating surfaces are so arranged as to face each other in an approachable/separable state with one of the treating surfaces and being capable of turning relatively to the other.
US09242921B2
A process for allowing an oxidation reaction efficiently to produce an object aromatic carboxylic acid with an efficient productivity by improving a catalyst activity even in the presence of a relatively small amount of a catalyst is provided.The process comprises oxygen-oxidizing an aromatic compound having an alkyl group and/or an alkylene group as a substrate in the presence of a catalyst containing a cyclic imino unit having an N—OR group (wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a protecting group for a hydroxyl group) and a transition metal co-catalyst (a cobalt compound, a manganese compound, and a zirconium compound) to produce the aromatic carboxylic acid corresponding to the aromatic compound. The oxidation reaction is carried out with feeding a mixture of the catalyst and at least one member selected from the group consisting of the substrate, a reaction intermediate (e.g., a ketone and an aldehyde), and a reaction product (e.g., water and an aromatic carboxylic acid) successively or continuously to the oxidation reaction system. The oxidation reaction may usually be carried out in the absence of a reaction solvent. The reaction may be conducted with removing water produced by the reaction from the reaction system.
US09242914B2
Process for the purification of an alcohol in the course of a process comprising: (1) providing a reaction zone (C) comprising an acid type catalyst; (2) providing a reaction zone (B) comprising an acid adsorbent material; (3) providing an alcohol stream comprising impurities; (4) introducing the alcohol stream of (3) into the reaction zone (B) and bringing said stream into contact with the acid adsorbent material at conditions effective to reduce the amount of impurities having an adverse effect on the acid type catalyst of the reaction zone (C); (5) recovering from step (4) an alcohol stream and introducing it into the reaction zone (C); (6) optionally introducing one or more reactants (R) into the reaction zone (C); (7) operating said reaction zone (C) at conditions effective to recover a valuable effluent.
US09242910B2
The invention relates to a process to produce HCFC-244bb from HCFO-1233xf wherein, in one embodiment, co-feed species HFC-245cb is added to the reaction at a pressure of at least about 100 psig; and in another embodiment it is added to maintain a mole ratio of HFC-245cb to HCFO-1233xf of between about 0.005:1 to about 1:1. The HFC-245cb may be added as recycled by-product of the reaction and/or added as fresh feed. The HFC-245cb provides elevated pressures to the reaction thereby facilitating reactor operation, mixing and HCFC-244bb product removal. Other co-feed species are also disclosed.
US09242904B2
The invention relates to aqueous preparations of polymer-modified setting accelerators, said preparations being characterized in that at least one setting accelerator and at least one cationically stabilized polymer are contained therein.
US09242901B2
Disclosed is a refined white ceramic material, which belongs to the field of ceramic materials for component packaging, and comprises the following raw materials by weight in percentage: aluminum oxide 87-93, magnesium oxide 0.8-5, silicon dioxide 1-6, calcium oxide 0.6-4, titanium dioxide 0.01-0.5, and zirconium dioxide 0.5-3. The method for preparing same comprises: (1) washing aluminum oxide grinding balls and a ball-milling tank, and drying for later use; (2) weighing a solvent NP-10 of 0.5-4 by weight in percentage, and adding the solvent into the ball-milling tank; (3) weighing raw materials, adding the raw materials into the ball-milling tank, and performing ball milling for 72±0.5 h. By means of the refined white ceramic material of the present invention, the obtained ceramic grains have even sizes, small surface roughness, and high fracture resistance performance of ceramic body.
US09242900B2
Preparing porous materials includes forming a mixture including a geopolymer resin and a liquid between which a nanoscale (1-1000 nm), microscale (1-1000 m), and/or milliscale (1-10 mm) phase separation occurs. The mixture is solidified (e.g., at an ambient temperature or a relatively low temperature), and a portion (e.g., a majority or a significant majority) of the liquid is removed from the solidified mixture. The liquid can include organic liquids from agricultural, geological, industrial, or household sources. The porous materials have accessible pores with a range of pore sizes including nanoscale pore sizes, microscale pore sizes, milliscale pore sizes, or a combination thereof. The porous material may be treated further to form another material, such as a composite.
US09242899B2
The present invention relates to a new formaldehyde-free binder composition for mineral wool products, wherein the binder composition is an aqueous composition containing starch, wherein an amount of 95 weight % or more of the starch is water-insoluble native starch, and an acrylic component. The present invention also relates to the use of this formaldehyde-free binder composition in the manufacturing of mineral wool insulation products. Finally, the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing the formaldehyde-free binder composition wherein a dispersion of starch, wherein an amount of 95 weight % or more of the starch is water-insoluble native starch, is brought in contact with the acrylic component at a temperature of not higher than 40° C.
US09242898B2
We herewith propose the use of at least one nitrogen-containing organic compound and/or a salt thereof in combination with at least one aromatic carboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof for improving the freeze-thaw stability of an alkali-activated aluminosilicate binder, and a preferred alkali-activated aluminosilicate binder comprising ε-caprolactam and sodium benzoate as freeze-thaw stabilizers.
US09242895B2
Absorbing layers of a low-emissivity (low-E) coating are designed to cause the coating to have a reduced film side reflectance which is advantageous for aesthetic purposes. In certain embodiments, the absorbing layers are metallic or substantially metallic (e.g., NiCr or NiCrNx) and are positioned in order to reduce or prevent oxidation of the absorbing layers during optional heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening). Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, other types of windows, etc.
US09242888B2
To provide a method for manufacturing a glass blank for magnetic disk and a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for magnetic disk, which are capable of producing a glass blank for magnetic disk having a good surface waviness by press forming, and a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for magnetic disk. A method for manufacturing a glass blank for magnetic disk, which includes a forming process of press-forming a lump of molten glass using a pair of dies, wherein in the forming process, press forming is performed using thermally equalizing means for reducing a difference in temperature in the press forming surface of the die during pressing of the molten glass.
US09242883B2
A method for treating a sludge to be fed to a bioreactor for treating wastewater, or an anaerobic or aerobic sludge digester, the method comprising contacting the sludge with free nitrous acid.
US09242877B2
A process is provided for removing metal salt co-constituents from an iron-containing solution comprising: (a) decreasing the free acidity of the solution to produce a slurry; (b) optionally heating the solution or the slurry to a temperature at least 30° C.; (c) optionally aging the slurry; (d) adding one or more cationic polyelectrolyte flocculants to the slurry; and (e) separating a solid-containing portion from a liquid portion of the slurry.
US09242864B2
The invention relates to a method for producing lithium metal phosphates of a formula LiMPO4, wherein M is at least one type of bivalent metal, preferably selected from the first transition metal range. The inventive method consists in reacting a lithium phosphate with a metal salt and an acid phosphate source in a polar solvent for converting into a corresponding M-containing phosphate, in adding a basic lithium source for obtaining a precursor mixture for a desired lithium metal phosphate, in converting and separating the thus obtained mixture, preferably in hydrothermal conditions, in such a way that a desired final product is obtained, thereby receiving a lithium-containing filtrate. The addition of the basic lithium source initiates a lithium ion precipitation in the form of a lithium phosphate. The thus obtainable lithium phosphate can be reused in the form of a raw material, whereby said cycle enables lithium to be highly reusable.
US09242852B2
A wafer-level passivation structure of a micro-device, a micro-device including the same, and methods of manufacturing the wafer-level passivation structure and the micro-device may be provided. In particular, the passivation structure may include a spacer that is disposed on a substrate, covers a portion of the first surface, and has an elastic property, and an anti-adhesion layer that is disposed on a surface of the substrate between the spacer. The spacer may form a lattice pattern. The spacer may be formed of a silicon. The anti-adhesion layer may be a metallic film, an oxide film, or a nitride film.
US09242848B2
The diving nozzle includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube having a first inlet and a first outlet. The first inlet connected to a supply of a first material. The first outlet operable to dispense the first material into the package. The second tube is moveable with respect to the first tube. The second tube having a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet connected to a supply of a second material. The second outlet operable to dispense the second material into the package. The first material is one of the product and the purging gas, the second material is the other of the product and the purging gas.
US09242842B2
A device for producing containers for liquid includes a shaping unit for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers and a filling unit for filling the plastic containers with a liquid medium. At least one transporting device, which is used as an interface, lies between a discharging region of the shaping unit and a feeding region of the filling unit, the transporting device transporting plastic containers at least along some sections and individually between the shaping unit and the filling unit. The transporting device is designed such that at least one further process unit can be inserted between the shaping unit and the filling unit.
US09242834B2
A method for wireless destination entry in an elevator dispatching system, the elevator dispatching system including a wireless transmitter/receiver (T/R) includes receiving a request to join a network of the T/R from a wireless device; pushing a web page from the T/R to the wireless device; receiving a service request by the T/R from the wireless device via the web page; communicating the service request from the T/R to a group controller; and dispatching an elevator car by the group controller to service the service request is provided. An elevator dispatching system and a computer program product including a computer readable storage medium contain computer code that, when executed by a computer, implements a method for wireless destination entry in an elevator dispatching system, the elevator dispatching system including a wireless transmitter/receiver, are also provided.
US09242830B2
In a manufacturing method of a coil, a plurality of unit coil portions is placed side by side in a winding axis direction, each of the unit coil portions is formed of a plurality of unit wound portions having mutually different inner circumferential lengths, and the unit wound portion having a small inner circumferential length enters inside the unit wound portion having a large inner circumferential length. In coil winding method, a step of forming an outward wound unit coil portion formed of a plurality of unit wound portions laminated from an inner circumferential side to an outer circumferential side and forming an inward wound unit coil portion formed of a plurality of unit wound portions laminated from the outer circumferential side toward the inner circumferential side are alternately repeated. In outward wound unit coil portion, a step of forming the unit wound portion on the outer circumferential side by laminating on an outer circumferential surface of the unit wound portion on the inner circumferential side is repeated. In inward wound unit coil portion, a step of forming the unit wound portion at position spaced apart from the outward wound unit coil portion and pushing in the unit wound portion until it makes contact with a side surface of the outward wound unit coil portion is repeated.
US09242827B2
A sheet stacking device including a stacking tray, an auxiliary tray, and pivot limiting means. The stacking tray is disposed to be pivotable relative to an apparatus main body. The stacking tray has a stacking surface on which sheets discharged from discharging means are stacked. The auxiliary tray is pivotable between a storage position at which the auxiliary tray is stored in the stacking tray and a pivot position to which the auxiliary tray pivots from the stacking tray. Pivot limiting means limits pivoting of the auxiliary tray from the pivot position when the stacking tray is caused to pivot.
US09242825B2
An apparatus for removing sheets from a transport path of a sheet-processing machine for depositing the sheets onto an auxiliary stack, includes a delivery drum for removing the sheets from the transport path upstream of a main stack, as viewed in the transport direction, and depositing the sheets onto an auxiliary stack in a manner which is retarded by using a suction belt transport system and a suction belt brake system which is associated with the latter. The suction belt transport system and the suction belt brake system are disposed above the auxiliary stack.
US09242819B2
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a sheet conveyance path, a sheet feeding member, a driving mechanism, a stopper, an interlocking portion, a cover member, and an evacuation mechanism. The stopper is configured to change a posture between a projection posture and an evacuation posture. The projection posture is configured to project into the sheet conveyance path so as to prevent the sheet to be loaded on a sheet loading portion from abutting on the sheet feeding member. The evacuation posture is configured to evacuate the stopper from the sheet conveyance path. The evacuation mechanism is configured to: change the stopper to have the evacuation posture, or to be in a posture changeable state where the stopper changes from the projection posture to the evacuation posture by application of external force, in conjunction with a change of the cover member from a closed state to the open state.
US09242814B2
Torque is applied to a separation roller of an image processing apparatus when a leading edge of the sheet in a transport direction reaches a first transport roller and when the leading edge of the sheet in the transport direction reaches a transport unit. Torque to the separation roller is cut off after the leading edge of the sheet has reached the transport unit but before the leading edge of the sheet reaches the image processing unit.
US09242808B2
A method and system for pneumatically conveying waste material through a conveying system which includes an input point for introducing waste material, at least one main conveying pipe section, at least one branch conveying pipe section, at least one separating device, and at least one pump unit for producing a pressure differential and air current within the operating system, whereby in a first phase, the main conveying pipe section functions as a material reservoir and in a second phase, the waste material is transferred to the separating device by the suction/pressure difference and/or conveying air flow produced by the pump device.
US09242806B2
An apparatus includes a frame having a guide, a transport unit including a support tray and a drive to transport the transport unit with respect to the frame. The transport unit includes a pushing member displaceable with respect to the tray transversely with respect to a transporting direction. The pushing member includes a pushing portion that pushes against a product on the tray and an actuator which is guidable along the guide such that the pushing portion displaces with respect to the tray upon moving the transport unit in the transporting direction when the actuator contacts the guide. The pushing portion is resiliently connected to the frame when the actuator contacts the guide under operating conditions. The damping factor of the connection has such a low value that the process of compression/expansion of the resiliency at least partly occurs within a period of contact of the actuator and the guide.
US09242802B2
Provided is an apparatus that conveys container pre-forms comprising a first circulating carrier and a plurality of engagement devices constructed and arranged on the first circulating carrier. The engagement devices circulate along a pre-set circulation path during a movement of the first circulating carrier. The circulation path has at least one portion at which the engagement devices are fed during the movement along the circulation path onto a flow of the containers. The engagement devices are shaped such that during the feed onto the flow of the containers each engagement device applies a force between two adjacent containers and forces the two containers apart from each other.
US09242795B2
The invention relates to a storage device (1) for storing storage goods (25) in storage spaces (8), comprising at least one storage good carrier (7) which can be supplied with storage goods (25) and which is associated with a stowage space volume (S) that can be occupied by the storage goods (25) at a maximum. The storage device (1) comprises a control station (10), on which the stowage space volume (S) of the at least one storage good carrier (7) can be arranged accessible from outside of the storage device (1). The storage device (1) is equipped with a conveyer unit (5, 6), by which the storage goods carrier (7) can be moved from the control station (10) to the storage spaces (8). In order to reduce the danger to people, the storage device (1) and storage goods (25) posed by too large or incorrectly positioned storage goods (25) on the storage good carrier (7), a protrusion measuring unit for determining a horizontal protrusion (U1) of the storage goods beyond the stowage space volume (S) is provided according to the invention.
US09242790B2
A method for using a self-tamping brewing material holder tamps loose ground brewing material obtaining richer flavor. The brewing material holder includes a holder base and a holder lid. Brewing material is loosely deposited in the brewing material holder base and the holder lid is attached to the reusable holder base. Cooperation of the reusable holder base and holder lid biases a tamper against the brewing material to tamp the brewing material. The tamping may be biased by a spring or by a resilient solid material attached to the brewing material holder lid and push the brewing material down inside the base or may be biased by a spring or by a resilient solid material attached to the brewing material holder base and push the brewing material up against the holder lid.
US09242789B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing foil-ripened cheese comprising (i) introducing cheese after brining into a cheese-aging packaging containing an opening for receiving cheese, (ii) closing the packaging, and (iii) ripening the cheese, wherein the cheese-aging packaging comprises a thermoplastic, monolithic film and the closed cheese-aging packaging has a water vapor transmission rate of at least 10 g/m2/24 hours at 10° C. and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen permeability of at most 100 cm3/m2/24 hours/atm at 10° C. and 85% relative humidity.
US09242784B2
A metering and mixing device is disclosed for multi-component substances, such as multi-component adhesives, which includes at least two associated cartridge accommodating devices for accommodating replaceable cartridges having individual substance components, a discharging device for disclosing (e.g., simultaneously discharging) the substance components from the cartridges through component outlets by discharging pistons that plunge into the cartridge accommodating device or cartridges, and a mixing device, which is connected to the component outlets, mixes the discharged substance components, and outputs the substance components in the mixed state. At least one discharging piston can have a thread such that the discharging piston can be driven forward by the thread when the discharging piston is rotated relative to the cartridge accommodating device.
US09242777B2
The present invention is a novel, theft-resistant, and senior-friendly packaging for consumer and retail products that is cheap and easy to manufacture. The packaging is designed to prevent individuals from gaining access to the enclosed product through tampering with the packaging while at the same time meeting or exceeding federal child-resistant and senior-friendly guidelines. The packaging incorporates plastic material and multiple cuts to be tear-resistant and to halt the propagation of a tear, if one should occur.
US09242776B2
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of applying a cold seal cohesive for product packaging is disclosed, the method including the steps of delivering a cold seal adhesive to a chambered doctor blade disposed adjacent a rotating transfer roller; transferring a quantity of adhesive to a transfer surface; rotating the transfer roller to contact a printing die mounted to a rotating die roller such that at least a first portion of the quantity of adhesive is transferred to the printing die; feeding a housing between the die roller and an adjacent rotating impression roller; rotating the die roller such that the printing die contacts the housing and transfers a portion of the quantity of adhesive from the printing die to the housing; and drying the adhesive on the housing, where the adhesive is a latex-based, dry-tack adhesive, with a viscosity of no more than 450 centipoize.
US09242775B2
An array of sanitary tissue products, for example an array of toilet tissue products, wherein one of the sanitary tissue products exhibits a total dry tensile strength that is greater than another sanitary tissue product within the array, and a process for making such an array, is provided.
US09242767B2
A preferably air-tight and liquid-tight collapsible container comprises a container body (5) formed of a sheet material, said sheet material having two thermoplastic surfaces (2, 3), said sheet material comprising a preferably fluid-tight carrier foil (1) provided at least on and preferably on both sides (2, 3), with a thermoplastic semi-rigid or rigid layer material, preferably a polyester based material said sheet material being folded to a container-like body and sealed in the overlapping edge regions (6, 7) to form a container-like body, said container-like body being coated with a sheathing (9) of elastomeric thermoplastic material of the same kind or type as the foil material to form a container body (5), said container body (5) being provided at one open end (5a) with a container head formed from thermoplastic material of the same kind or type as the foil material.
US09242765B2
A package for a food product comprises a container that has two sealed containment sections separated by a central portion located between the two containment sections. The container is adapted to be folded at the central portion, and a band that is separate from the container encircles the central portion. The circumference of the band provides a space between the band and the outer surface of the central portion that is large enough for a person's hand to be placed between the band and the central portion, and grasp the band. An assembled food product package comprises the package and two food product portions individually contained within each containment section. A method of making an assembled food product package comprises sealing two food product portions in the two containment sections and applying a band around the central portion.
US09242759B2
The invention provides for containers having grips and structure. More specifically, such ergonomic grips and structure enable a human's ability to lift and hold such containers easily and without significant strain on a human's body resulting from physical stress of a the container itself and/or a weighted load within the container.
US09242757B1
A system for catching and containing a spill of a liquid from a rail tank car consisting of a series of catch pans attached end-to-end and placed between the rails of a railroad track is provided. The end walls of each catch pan are shorter than its side walls, with the catch pans located at either end of the series having an end wall extension attached to raise the height of the end wall to that of the side walls. A sealing gasket is placed between adjacent catch pans, and at least one opening extends through the end walls and the sealing gasket between adjacent catch pans. A drain is located in the bottom of at least one of the catch pans.
US09242754B2
A continuous rotary filling and packaging machine covers a container body with a molded lid and ultrasonically seals the container body. The molded lid to produce a sealed container includes a lid detecting device 70 disposed on the downstream side of the lid supplying device 60 and an ultrasonic sealing device 100 including lifting and lowering means including a cam mechanism for lifting and lowering a container table 103. The lifting and lowering means is configured such that the molded lid on the container body and a seal working surface of an ultrasonic horn 108 come into press-contact with each other at a top dead point of the container table. A container table lowering control mechanism does not lift, to the top dead point, a container table of a container whose container body does not have the molded lid placed thereon or properly placed thereon as determined.
US09242752B2
Pivotable clipper assemblies for attaching closure clips to a product held in casing and/or netting include a retractable clipper mechanism having a clipper body configured to deliver clips to a clip window and attach the clips to the casing and/or netting; and a pair of clipper gathering plates attached to the clipper body so that the clipper gathering plates retract with the clipper mechanism, wherein, in operation, the clipper gathering plates gather casing and/or netting upstream of a product held therein prior to attachment of clips to the gathered casing and/or netting by the clipper mechanism.
US09242751B1
Method and systems for accumulation are described. In one embodiment, a dispensing station includes a receiving opening, a dispensing opening and a storage area. The dispensing station receives and dispenses a container. A transportable storage system includes multiple partitions disposed on a carrier portion to define multiple carriage sections. The carriage sections are electronically identifiable and selectively hold or eject the container. A bin apparatus for receiving the container includes a movable portion to selectively hold and release the container. A control unit for commanding the bin apparatus to dispense the container to a desired carriage section of the transportable storage system is provided. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
US09242750B2
An automatic shut-off nozzle comprises a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion movable between a valve closed position whereat liquid is precluded from being dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit and a valve open position whereat liquid is permitted to be dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is reconfigurable between an operating configuration whereat force can be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve to thereby move the first movable valve portion to the valve open position, and a non-operating configuration whereat force cannot be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve. A liquid sensor has a rest state and an actuated state whereat the liquid sensor reconfigures the manually operable valve control mechanism from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration.
US09242746B2
A propulsion system of a spacecraft comprises a main tank adapted to contain a volume of propellant and a pressurizing gas which applies pressure to the propellant. The main tank comprises a membrane delimiting an upper volume to contain the pressurizing gas and an inferior volume to contain the propellant, the gas applying the pressure to the propellant by means of the membrane. A pressurization circuit is connected directly to the main tank. The propulsion system further comprises an auxiliary tank adapted to contain pressurizing gas. The auxiliary tank is connected directly to the main tank by means of the pressurization circuit. When in operation, gas contained in the auxiliary tank expands continuously with the gas contained in the upper volume of the main tank, the pressures prevailing in the upper volume of the main tank, in the pressurization circuit and in the auxiliary tank being identical. The auxiliary tank is dimensioned so that the maximal volume of propellant of the main tank is greater than the volume of propellant which the main tank can contain without an auxiliary tank.
US09242742B2
A measurement method for determining the position of an omega profile component placed on a shell component of an aircraft, in which the ACTUAL position of the omega profile component relative to the shell component is optically acquired in a contactless manner, so as to subsequently compare the latter with a defined DESIRED position, wherein several adjacently spaced apart measuring points are established at two mutually opposing flank sides of the profile cross section of the omega profile component, through which a regression line is run according to the path measurement principle based on coordinates, whose point of intersection is drawn upon to determine the orthogonal position of the omega profile component relative to the shell component.
US09242737B2
Described are airbag modules for a passenger door having a door bustle, an airbag positioned adjacent the door bustle, and an inflator positioned adjacent the door bustle. As examples, a pneumatic system is coupled to the inflator and the airbag, wherein the pneumatic system includes a slide lock that is configured to couple a girt bar of an escape slide to a passenger door sill when the inflator is activated. As additional examples, a valve is coupled to an inlet of the airbag, wherein the valve is configured to prevent the pressurized gas from flowing from the inflator to the airbag when the valve is closed and is configured to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the inflator to the airbag when the valve is open.
US09242734B2
A device for distributing air in a cargo aircraft includes using an air distribution system which is connected to a cargo deck. The air distribution system includes a source for bleed air, at least one air conditioning unit for treating the bleed air, a mixing unit which receives an air supply of recirculation air exiting the cargo deck and treated bleed air from the air conditioning unit, and at least one shut-off valve between the mixing unit and the cargo deck in order to interrupt or completely release the air supply to the cargo deck. A control unit establishes a desired air volume balance for the current operating state of the air distribution system and adjusts the flow volume through the at least one air conditioning unit such that the pressure prevailing in the mixing unit remains at a constant, predetermined value for all operating states.
US09242733B2
A tray table with an articulating support for portable electronic devices provides adjustable support for use of a portable electronic device at passenger seats of various forms of transportation, regardless of whether the tray table is in a stowed or service position. The articulating support comprises a plurality of rotating joints and rotating sections which combine to provide a plurality of refracted and extended positions, allowing a passenger to position his or her portable electronic device as desired. The articulating support secures the portable electronic device to prevent unwanted movement of the same, while also preserving unobstructed use of the top surface of the tray table when desired.
US09242729B1
Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
US09242726B2
A method for powering an autonomous drive device (4) in an aircraft comprising a certain number of drive motors (5) for the wheels (6) when the jet engines of the aircraft are not activated, the aircraft comprising an auxiliary power unit or APU (2) driving a first generator (1) for supplying power to devices on the aircraft that need to be powered when the jet engines are not activated. The method comprises the use of a second generator (8) dedicated to the power supply of the autonomous drive device, the second generator being disposed in parallel with the first generator so as to be driven by the APU and, when it operates as a motor under the action of power recovered by the autonomous drive device, so as to help the APU drive at least the first generator.
US09242723B2
A method of dynamically alleviating loads generated on an aircraft by a disturbance of gust and/or turbulence. The method comprises monitoring, during flight of the aircraft, to automatically detect a disturbance due to gust and/or turbulence and determining an incidence angle or angle of attack of the disturbance. When a disturbance due to gust and/or turbulence is detected, automatically generating control commands for deflecting control surfaces dependent on the incidence angle or angle of attack, and applying the control commands to deflect the control surfaces.
US09242716B2
Device and method for maintaining parallelism between the two glazings of an aircraft double glazing
Device intended for a double glazing including at least one outer glazing and one inner glazing separated by an intermediary space filled with a gas, used to isolate an inside environment from an outside environment, a pressure variation being liable to occur between these environments, for example in the case of an aircraft in flight,includes means for conserving the outer glazing and the inner glazing of this double glazing mainly parallel, independently of this pressure variation.The invention also concerns a double glazing including this device, the process for maintaining parallelism and software using the process.
US09242715B2
A joint between a pair of aircraft components comprising a first component; a second component bonded to the first component over a bonded area, the bonded area terminating at an edge; a non-bonded area located between the edge of the bonded area and an edge of the second component, the components not being bonded over the non-bonded area; and one or more fasteners passing through the non-bonded area and fastening the first component to the second component.
US09242711B2
A steering system for boats includes a control member of the steering wheel type, lever type or the like connected to a driving shaft of a transmission composed of at least two transmission elements dynamically engaged one with the other, of which one is an input and the other one an output elements. The output element drives a member transferring the motion of the control member to an operating unit, such that a movement/rotation of the control member is transmitted to the transfer member through such transmission. Moreover, at least the input element is produced from a material obtained by a sintering process.
US09242705B2
To keep the water around an off-shore installation (1) free from a harmful impact of ice, a vessel (5) is used to deploy an anchor (6) in a position at a distance from the off-shore installation (1) and in a direction which, seen from the off-shore installation (1), is substantially in parallel with the direction of movement (P) of the ice. By means of the machinery of the vessel, which preferably comprises azimuth propellers, the direction of the anchor line is adjusted and so is the orientation of the vessel relative to the anchor line to the effect that the propellers can be used to crush and dispose of the ice without using energy to hold the vessel up against the pressure of the ice.
US09242702B1
A floating buoy for use in securing a looped wire assembly in marine environments is disclosed. The anchor buoy may include a buoyant body and a first opening and a second opening formed in the buoyant body, the first and second openings forming a passage through the buoyant body. The floating buoy may also include a loop-securing structure detachably connected to the buoyant body adjacent to the first opening, the loop-securing structure movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa, the loop-securing structure configured to cover the first opening such that the loop-securing structure in the first position defines a third opening that is narrower than both of the first opening and the second opening.
US09242699B2
A hull for a planing type watercraft has a front lift surface, a high lift surface, and a back planing surface. The high lift surface is adjacent a rockered keel area and between the front lift surface and the back planing surface. The center of dynamic lift on the high lift surface is at or in front of a point which is 15% of the hull length behind a total center of gravity of the hull under loading. At least the back one third of the high lift surface is cambered, and a beam of the high lift surface is greater than two thirds of the maximum width of the hull. The average camber of the front lift surface, the high lift surface, and the back planing surface together is less than or equal to zero.
US09242692B2
A compression ring that is configured to be disposed between a bearing and a stem of a bicycle head parts assembly. The compression ring includes a central opening for receiving a steering column, a cut out portion, a first cable passing part disposed radially outwardly from the central opening, and a first positioning part for positioning the compression ring with respect to the stem so that the first cable passing part is aligned with a second cable passing part defined in the stem.
US09242690B2
An interchangeable colored bicycle has a bicycle framework with a main bicycle frame component part, a handlebar stem component part, and a wheel fork component part. Clear transparent tube members enclose and circumscribe these component parts. Free-flowing, colored liquids fill the interior spaces between the tube members and the component parts. The colored liquids in each interior space are different, thus allowing the bicycle to assume multiple colors. The free-flowing liquids can be drained from the tube members and different colored liquids can be poured into the interior spaces to change the colors of the bicycle.
US09242688B2
According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle comprises a first support and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support, such that one of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. In some embodiments, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be selectively moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the expansion portion is configured to contact and engage at least one portion of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position, and the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
US09242685B2
A snowmobile traction stud support and enhancement device includes a base and at least one boss that extends from the base. Each boss includes a boss aperture through which a stud can pass. Support flanges around the at least one boss can be longer, shorter or equal to the length of the at least one boss. The support flanges extend from the at least one boss to a base plate, and can be tapered or straight, with differing wall cross-sections. The stud support is lightweight, has improved traction, and heightened resistance to bending, thereby increasing performance characteristics.
US09242677B2
A shock absorber housing for a vehicle, which is provided in a vehicle body, encloses a shock absorber, and is coupled to the shock absorber so that the shock absorber is mounted in the vehicle body, may include a housing cap which covers an upper end of the shock absorber housing, and is coupled to an upper end of the shock absorber, wherein the housing cap includes a curved surface portion extending from the upper end and formed in a curved surface shape that is convex upward.
US09242660B1
A brake beam strut protector for protecting against wear of a brake beam strut slot surface of a slot of a brake beam strut of a brake beam assembly has a body, and a wear surface on the body for contacting a brake lever positioned in the slot of a brake beam strut and for spacing the brake lever away from the brake beam strut slot surface.
US09242656B2
A rolling stock in which a streamlined cab end structure includes: a pair of corner posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of corner post reinforcement member standing upright on opposite end portions of an end beam of the underframe and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; an upper reinforcement beam laid between upper end portions of the pair of corner posts; a pair of end posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of end post reinforcement members, and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; and a pair of coupling member respectively coupling upper portions of the pair of end posts and a front end portion of the roof structure, and the upper reinforcement beam has such a strength that the car body can be lifted up from above by use of a crane.
US09242653B2
A driver assistance system for assisting a driver in achieving consumption-controlled driving combines haptic and visual acknowledgment functions, particularly in the form of a drive configuration, a display concept, and/or a deceleration assistant. A modified characteristic accelerator pedal curve is utilized, and ECO tips of the interactive output of efficient driving instructions are provided.
US09242648B1
A system and method for enabling a machine to drive through its parking brake when in first gear include detecting that the machine transmission is in its lowest gear in a selected direction, that the machine parking brake is activated, such that the machine is stationary, and that the throttle setting of the machine exceeds a predetermined throttle threshold value. In this state, one or more auxiliary loads of the machine are dropped to provide additional torque to the ground engaging elements of the machine, such that there is sufficient torque to drive the machine through the parking brake.
US09242647B2
Methods and control systems are provided for automatically controlling operation of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the control system includes an exterior sensor for sensing the environment outside the vehicle. A processor is in communication with the exterior sensor and configured to calculate a driving plan of the vehicle based at least partially on the sensed environment outside the vehicle. The processor is also configured to calculate a confidence level of the driving plan of the vehicle based at least partially on the sensed environment around the vehicle. The control system also includes a display in communication with the processor and configured to receive data from the processor and display a representation of at least one of the driving plan and the confidence level.
US09242644B2
A hybrid vehicle illustrated as a representative example of an electrically-powered vehicle includes a chargeable/dischargeable power storage device, a motor configured to generate a vehicle drive force by receiving supply of power from the power storage device, an internal combustion engine as a drive force source, and a generator configured to generate charging power for the power storage device by power generation using an output of the internal combustion engine. If the generator cannot be operated normally, the control unit causes the electrically-powered vehicle to perform limp-home mode traveling by traveling using only the motor. During the limp-home mode traveling, the control device calculates a remaining travelable distance in the limp-home mode traveling, based on at least a remaining capacity of the power storage device and a vehicle speed.
US09242640B2
A controller for a hybrid vehicle includes a maximum regeneration torque calculator which calculates a motor generator maximum regeneration torque necessary for supplying power to an electricity storer and calculates each of an engine operation maximum regeneration torque for operating an engine changing in accordance with a vehicle speed and an engine stop maximum regeneration torque and a change value calculator which sets an engine stop prohibition vehicle speed in which an engine is not stopped when a vehicle speed is equal to or faster than a predetermined vehicle speed and calculates a maximum regeneration torque when stopping the engine at the engine stop prohibition vehicle speed as a maximum regeneration torque change threshold value from the engine stop regeneration torque of the maximum regeneration torque calculator.
US09242635B2
ECU executes a program including a step of driving a fan when a vehicle is in an EV running and an intake air temperature Tair is higher than a threshold value T (0), and a step of stopping driving of the fan when the vehicle is not in the EV running or intake air temperature Tair is lower than or equal to Tair (0).
US09242632B2
A method of calibrating a hydraulically operated park brake of a continuously variable transmission of a vehicle. With the vehicle moving at a set, slow speed within a specified range, and the park brake off, a search technique is used, wherein the brake hydraulic pressure is reduced by application of a control signal of a selected test value to apply the brake. When the selected test value is reached, it is held constant, and a condition in a HSU of the transmission is monitored for a change indicative of engagement of the park brake. This will expectedly be in the form of a pressure change and more particularly an increase indicating initial contact between the plates of the brake, and if the HSU change is not detected, the step will time out and another control signal value will be tested.
US09242623B2
Parking-lock arrangement for a motor-vehicle transmission. The parking-lock arrangement has a parking-lock wheel which is mounted such that it can be rotated about a first axis. The parking-lock arrangement has a parking-lock pawl which is mounted such that it can be moved between a locking position and a release position. The parking-lock arrangement has an actuating arrangement which actuates the parking-lock pawl and is mounted such that it can be rotated about a second axis over an angular range. The angular range has a first angular section, within which the parking-lock pawl can be actuated, and a second angular section, within which the parking-lock pawl is held in a position.
US09242619B2
Embodiments relate to a method for controlling a vehicle using driver authorization, to an on-vehicle terminal, to a biometric identity card, to a biometric identification system, and to a method for providing a vehicle occupant protection function using the biometric identification card and the terminal. According to one embodiment, a vehicle occupant protection and tracking function is provided such that a smart key function is provided to perform driver authorization and vehicle control operation using a biometric identity card, a chauffeur service provision status is informed through communications between a terminal such as a mobile phone and the biometric identity card, and the vehicle is tracked upon receiving the information on the chauffeur service provision status. According to one embodiment, driver authorization and the vehicle control operation are controlled using a biometric identity card to prevent the vehicle theft, and the chauffeur service provision status is indicated to enable chauffeur identification and vehicle tracking.
US09242610B2
In an example, a quick release license plate holder with a low and/or compact profile is provided. In an example, the holder includes a bolt assembly having a first end to attach to a vehicle and a second end to quick release a support plate for holding the vehicle license plate. In an example, the quick release and re-attachment may be tool-less and/or may not require a re-leveling. In another example, the quick release may not require the same specific tool as a typical OEM license plate bracket and/or may require less application of the same specific tool.
US09242604B2
Provided is a head-up display device that can detect background brightness with a simple constitution. A HUD device (1) is provided with: a display device (20) that outputs display light (L) that shows a display image; a combiner (50) that has a concave surface (50a) to which the display light (L) output by the display device (20) is incident, said combiner (50) concentrating the incident display light (L) so as to allow an observer (2) to see the display image from the concave surface (50a) side superimposed on a background from the front; and an optical sensor (31) that is positioned below the combiner (50) and detects the brightness of the light reaching that optical sensor (31). The combiner (50) has a light guide body (60) which is at the lower edge part thereof and is integrated with the combiner (50). The light guide body (60) has a facing surface (62) facing the optical sensor (31) in the vertical direction and guides external light incident from the front downward, outputting the guided light from the facing surface (62). The optical sensor (31) detects the brightness of the light output from the facing surface (62).
US09242597B2
An acceleration communication system may communicate acceleration information about a transportation apparatus to one or more persons. A lighting system may be attached to the transportation apparatus. An acceleration detector may detect the direction of lateral acceleration of the transportation apparatus. A light controller may cause the lighting system to illuminate in a manner that indicates the direction of the lateral acceleration detected by the acceleration detector.
US09242596B2
A vehicle or trailer side marker and/or downlight (10) includes a casing or housing (1) and adjustable mounting (4,5),an internal reflector an internal baffle or shield, a light source, a lens or diffuser cover to allow adjustment of beam orientation, direction or angular spread to determine ground spread and beam upper margin limits so as not to dazzle others.
US09242592B1
An improved tensioner mechanism for a tiedown assembly, the mechanism including a handle latch which automatically locks the handle to the body of the mechanism once the handle is moved to the closed/engaged position. The handle latch provides enhanced resistance to environmental conditions, and improved positive locking capability.
US09242591B2
A logistics assembly is configured to be coupled to a sidewall of a trailer. The logistics assembly includes a logistics strip configured to be coupled to an inside surface the sidewall of the trailer and a splicing plate configured to be coupled to an outside surface the sidewall of the trailer. The splicing plate is spaced-apart from the logistics strip to define a channel therebetween, and the logistics strip includes a plurality of vertically-spaced slots aligned with the channel. The logistics assembly further includes an insert engaged with the logistics strip and the splicing plate. The insert is configured to block access from inside the trailer through at least one slot of the logistics strip in order to prevent debris from entering through the slot and into a channel between the logistics strip and the splicing plate.
US09242581B2
An automobile seat includes a cushion, a back coupled with the cushion, and a mounting unit. The mounting unit includes a mounting track and an actuator slidably coupled with the mounting track and coupled with the cushion. The actuator is extendable along an axis to move the cushion toward and away from the mounting track and is rotatable about the axis to rotate the cushion relative to the mounting track.
US09242577B2
A distance sensor detects a distance to an object in front of a vehicle. An ECU executes pre-crash control when the detected distance becomes equal to or smaller than a prescribed value. A regeneration level selector selects a regeneration level of a motor in accordance with driver's operation. A motor makes regenerative braking force at the time of turning off an accelerator larger when the selected regeneration level is high than when the selected regeneration level is low. The ECU makes the prescribed value larger when the selected regeneration level is low than when the selected regeneration level is high.
US09242574B2
When a fuel-cell electric vehicle is running at idle, and a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the vehicle comes into the idle state, forthcoming stopping of an operation of the vehicle is predicted, and the operation mode of a fuel cell is shifted to a residual water reduction mode in which residual water remaining inside the fuel cell is reduced. In the residual water reduction mode, for example, the amount of humidification for air to be supplied to the fuel cell is reduced, so that the air with reduced humidity passes through the fuel cell, to thereby increase the amount of residual water removed by the air. Accordingly, the residual water inside the fuel cell can be reduced before the actual stopping of the operation of the vehicle.
US09242571B2
A system for managing charging of each of a plurality of automated guided vehicles that travels on an orbiting route in an unmanned manner using a battery mounted thereon as a driving source, in which the battery is charged at a charging station installed at a predetermined position on the orbiting route, includes: an after-charging voltage recording unit for recording a voltage after charging at the charging station for each of the automated guided vehicles; a charge priority setting unit for setting up charge priority of each of the automated guided vehicles on the basis of voltage values of voltages after charging recorded in the after-charging voltage recording unit; and a charging target value setting unit for setting up a charging target value of each of the automated guided vehicles on the basis of the charge priorities set up by the charge priority setting unit.
US09242568B2
A vehicle is capable of charging a power storage device mounted thereon using electric power from two power paths of an external DC power supply and AC power supply. The vehicle includes a DC charger for converting electric power from the DC power supply into charging electric power for the power storage device, and an AC charger for converting electric power from the AC power supply into charging electric power for the power storage device. A vehicle ECU selects an electric power path to be used for charging based on the state of the power storage device and efficiency of the DC charger and the AC charger.
US09242560B2
An electric vehicle includes: an electric motor; an inverter that supplies electric power to the electric motor; and a cooling system that cools at least one of the electric motor and the inverter, the cooling system having: a main coolant passage configured to circulate a coolant through a radiator and at least one of the electric motor and the inverter; a bypass coolant passage, connected to the main coolant passage, that bypasses at least one of the electric motor and the inverter; and a controller configured to switch from the main coolant passage to the bypass coolant passage when a main switch of the vehicle provided at a driver's seat is turned off while the electric vehicle is travelling, and to switch from the bypass coolant passage to the main coolant passage when the main switch is then turned on.
US09242557B2
When a rotational angle of a pedal is in a range from an angle of zero degrees to a predetermined rotational angle, which is larger than a full-opening-time rotational angle, a first Hall IC outputs a first voltage, which is twice larger than a second voltage outputted from a second Hall IC. When the rotational angle of the pedal is larger than the predetermined angle, the first Hall IC outputs a predetermined constant voltage. When an output difference, which is computed based on the first voltage and the second voltage, is equal to or smaller than a second threshold value, an abnormality of the sensed rotational angle of the pedal is determined.
US09242551B2
A ventilation device including: a first enclosure including a first passage configured to be connected to a canister outlet and the atmosphere, and a normally closed shutter device configured to open to release the first passage; a second enclosure including a second passage configured to be connected to the canister inlet and a fuel tank, and a normally open shutter device configured to close to shut the second passage, the second passage being separate from and not in communication with the first passage; and a combined pressure/vacuum relief valve or OPR and UPR valve pair situated in or fastened to a bypass of the first passage configured to establish a connection between ends of the first passage when the shutter device is closed and when there is over- or under-pressure in the ends. A fuel system can include the device and a hybrid vehicle can include the fuel system.
US09242542B2
A system for an engine torque support is described comprising a support member connected to a vehicle structure at a first end via a bearing comprising a bearing core surrounded by a bearing bush. The bearing bush has a recess, and the bearing core includes a receiving channel for a connector, a notch extending transversely relative to the receiving channel, and a connection web formed in a plane of the notch creating a first core portion, and a second core portion of the bearing core. The second core portion is spaced apart from the first core portion by the notch, and the second core portion is displaced relative to the first core portion via resilient deformation of the connection web and/or via breaking of the connection web.
US09242541B2
An integrated engine mount for a vehicle may include a housing bracket and a base bracket vertically coupled, a car body bracket to be connected with a car body, and an insulator and a case bracket fitted inside the housing bracket and the base bracket. An edge of an upper end of the case bracket may be bent to form a folded portion and the folded portion is covered with a rubber member.
US09242526B2
The invention relates to an air conditioning system for a motorized vehicle with means for conveying, for cooling, and for heating of air. The air conditioning system comprises a housing with flow guide devices and air vents, an evaporator, and a heat exchanger. The housing is developed with an air distribution element and a range of variation. The flow guide devices of the air vents are arranged within the air distribution element, and the heat exchanger is arranged within the range of variation. With the arrangement of the heat exchanger, it is possible to change the outer dimensions of the range of variation and therefore of the air conditioning system while maintaining unchanged functionality and by using identical components such that the air conditioning system can be adapted to the installation space of different motorized vehicle types.
US09242523B2
An apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers is disclosed. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.
US09242520B2
A hitch ball is shown and described. The hitch ball may include a ball member, a body extending from the ball member, and a locking member in communication with the body. The hitch ball may also include a first release mechanism positioned in the ball member, the first release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the first release mechanism in an first direction positions the locking member in a disengaged position, and a second release mechanism positioned in the body, the second release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the second release mechanism in a second direction positions the locking member in the disengaged position.
US09242514B2
The present invention relates to a runflat device (2), particularly, but not exclusively, a combined runflat and double sided beadlock that can be fitted to any size and type of wheel (1) regardless of the shape and depth of the wheel well (10). The runflat device (2) can be fitted using standard tools and tightened through manipulation of a valve assembly (52).
US09242502B2
The invention relates to an identification document (21) comprising a non-transparent core (6), and one or more layers of a transparent material (14) arranged on at least a back (13) or a front surface (12) of said core. In order to achieve an identification document where forgery attempts are visibly detectable, the identification document (21) has a translucent security element in a region (7) where the thickness of the non-transparent core (6) material is smaller as compared to the thickness of the non-transparent core material in other parts of said core (6).
US09242501B2
A printed article (1) comprises a substrate (2) and an image (3) printed on the substrate. The image includes line art (4) comprises conductive ink. The image includes representations of at least two items (61, 62) which overlap such that line art of a first item is joined at least one point (71) to line art of a second item.
US09242499B2
The glue application unit comprises side glue application members which have a pair of scrapers (7, 7) and can engage with the back margins (s) of the book block (P). The scrapers consist of elastic rod-like bodies (7a) and scraping portions (7b) provided at leading ends of the bodies. The scrapers obliquely extending in a direction of movement of the book block from the outside of the path of the downwardly protruding portion of the book block into the path in such a way that the scrapers contact each other in an inverted V shaped configuration. The scraping portions engage with the back margins of the book block by the elastic biasing of the bodies while the downwardly protruding portion of the book block passes between the scrapers.
US09242489B2
A roller includes an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion arranged concentrically with the outer cylindrical portion. A plurality of connection spokes are provided for connecting the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion to each other, wherein each of the connection spokes are connected along a non-linear connection path with respect to an axis extending between the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion of the roller to provide a tunable spring constant in the roller.
US09242484B2
A recording apparatus includes a pivotal member provided on a casing so as to pivot between a closed position in which the pivotal member covers at least a part of the casing and an open position in which the pivotal member is away from the closed position, a tray member disposed so as to pivot with respect to the casing and to be pressed to the open position by a pivoting motion of the pivotal member toward the open position, and a resetting device that cancels the pressing force of the pivotal member when the pivotal member is made to pivot toward the closed position, to thereby reset the tray member to the closed position.
US09242483B2
This disclosure discloses a handheld printer comprising a battery power supply, a platen roller configured to feed the print-receiving paper, a thermal line head configured to perform desired printing on the print-receiving paper fed by the platen roller, a device main body comprising a battery storage chamber configured to store the battery power supply, and a battery chamber cover detachably configured to be mounted on the battery storage chamber.
US09242467B2
After one ink of a white ink or a silver ink is ejected in a predetermined position of a recording medium such as a piece of recording paper to form a base layer, the other ink thereof is ejected on the base layer to form an intermediate layer, and a clear ink is ejected on the intermediate layer to form an epidermal layer.
US09242463B2
A liquid-jet head includes: a plurality of individual passages communicating with nozzle orifices that jet liquid; a manifold communicating with the plurality of individual passages, in which a surface of the manifold on the liquid-jetting face side is sealed with a sealing member; and a rib provided in the manifold on the sealing member side.
US09242459B2
A method for printing an authentication pattern wherein, using a multi-deflection continuous inkjet printer, the pattern is printed on a substrate and only contains a small number of black pixels per raster. The resolution in the travel direction X of the substrate and in direction Y of the rasters is thereby largely improved compared with printing in dot-matrix mode, which makes reproduction of the pattern difficult for an infringer not having means to determine the electric charge to be applied to each of the droplets of a train of droplets needed to print each raster of the pattern.
US09242452B2
A printing plate is arranged on a plate cylinder having a channel, in which front and rear clamping devices are located. The rear clamping device forms part of a slide positioned inside the channel and which can move towards the front clamping device. The slide is first moved, together with a rear end of the printing form that is fixed into the rear clamping device, towards the front clamping device. At least one rear spacer is then adjusted to a position relative to the slide that defines a specific distance of the rear clamping device from a second channel wall. A tensioning drive is subsequently deactivated and the slide, together with the rear clamping device, are held in position along the tensioning path by the force exerted by the tensioned printing form, that force pressing the slide against the second channel wall by the rear spacer of the slide.
US09242450B2
An apparatus and method for thermally applying and removing a graphic to and from seat-belt webbing, the apparatus comprising a housing with an engagement slot to receive the seat-belt webbing and a graphic thermal coupon. The apparatus and graphic coupon useable without removing the seat belt webbing from the vehicle. The apparatus further useable while an occupant is seated with the seat belt fully engaged to allow the graphic coupon to be optimally positioned on the seat belt. The thermal graphic coupon comprising three layers including a heat transfer layer, a graphic membrane layer and an adhesive protective layer. The graphic membrane layer includes a graphic image that is actively applied to the seat belt webbing at specified temperatures without compromising the integrity of the seat belt webbing. The graphic is removed by reversing the process using a release sheet that preferentially absorbs the graphic membrane when reheated.
US09242449B2
An offset printing method includes creating halftone dots corresponding to a printed image and formed of printing ink, on a surface of a transfer cylinder and transferring the halftone dots to a printing substrate while the transfer cylinder rotates about its longitudinal axis. A halftone value in a printed image on the printing substrate is adjusted to a desired value by modifying a halftone dot size. The offset printing method improves the quality of the printed image by increasing the halftone dot size by a desired amount by providing a relative offset between a device that creates the halftone dots and the surface of the transfer cylinder.
US09242441B1
A heating device for use with a clamp for laminating substrates is provided. The heating device includes a support member, a heater control device coupled to the support member and a heater cartridge. The heater cartridge includes a cartridge housing retaining an insulation pad, an infrared reflector and a heating element, wherein the heating element is operatively coupled to the heater control device to control current flowing through the heating element, and wherein the support member is coupled to a clamp for laminating substrates. The insulation pad may be formed of a ceramic carbon fiber material and the infrared reflector may be formed of a reinforced Mylar sheet.
US09242438B2
A method of manufacturing composite material parts is provided. The method includes tape laying by means of fiber placement on the outer surface of a tape laying tool, such that at least one laminate with a geometry different from the end geometry of the part is obtained and forming the at least one laminate obtained in tape laying by means of a forming tool, such that the laminate acquires the end geometry of the part. The method also includes curing the at least one part.
US09242437B2
A hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive (HMPSA) composition comprising (a) 25 to 50% of one or more styrene block copolymers SBS, SIS, SIBS, SEBS or SEPS; (b) 35 to 75% of one or more compatible tackifying resins that are liquid or have a softening temperature below 150° C.; and (c) 1 to 20% of one or more supramolecular polymers obtained by reaction between 1-(2-aminoethyl)-2-imidazolidone and a fatty acid composition comprising 51 to 100% of one or more dimers and/or trimers of fatty acids and 0 to 49% of one or more monomers of fatty acids. A multilayer system including the HMPSA, an adjacent printable support layer, made of paper or a polymer film, and a protective layer adjacent is also provided. The multilayer system may be used in a self-adhesive label.
US09242436B1
A transaction and proximity cards having an improved construction and systems for utilizing such cards. The card system includes a card having only one top ply and only one bottom ply and a layer of high elongation adhesive between each of the only one top ply and the only one bottom ply. In one card embodiment, the card further includes at least one inlay between the only one top ply and the only one bottom ply and a layer of high elongation adhesive between each of the only one top ply and the only one bottom ply and the at least one inlay. In addition, the card system includes card dispensers adapted to dispense the cards.
US09242433B2
The present invention relates to a textured substrate for epitaxial film formation, comprising a textured metal layer at least on one side, wherein the textured metal layer includes a copper layer having a cube texture and a nickel layer having a thickness of 100 to 20000 nm formed on the copper layer; the nickel layer has a nickel oxide layer formed on a surface thereof, having a thickness of 1 to 30 nm, and including a nickel oxide; and the nickel layer further includes a palladium-containing region formed of palladium-containing nickel at an interface with the nickel oxide layer. The top layer of the textured substrate, i.e. the nickel oxide layer, has a surface roughness of preferably 10 nm or less.
US09242430B2
The invention relates to a method for permanently joining an essentially flat support material to a substrate, in particular for laminating a plastic film to a metal substrate, wherein the at least essentially flat support material and/or the substrate is/are initially impinged upon by a connecting agent, preferably, an adhesive and subsequently the support material and the substrate are brought together in such a manner that the support material is permanently connected to the substrate, in particular, the plastic film is laminated on the metal substrate, and optionally, measuring and/or shaping of the thus formed composite material is carried out.
US09242413B2
The invention relates to a device (13) for constructing a laminar body (5) from a plurality of superimposed layers of free-flowing material, in particular particulate material, an a build platform (6) within a working area (11). The layers are solidified in locally predetermined regions by the action of binders and are joined together so that at least one molded body (4) is formed by the solidified and joined regions of the layers. The device comprises a discharging device (1) movable back and forth over the working area (11) in at least one discharge direction and having at least one discharge opening (14) from which the free-flowing material can be discharged in individual superimposed layers during the movement of the discharging device (1). According to the invention at least one body (8, 8a) defining the working area (11) in at least one discharge direction of the discharging device (1) and the build platform (6) are adjustable vertically relative to each other in accordance with the specific progress with which the laminar body (5) is being constructed, in such a manner that a surface of the at least one body (8, 8a) facing the discharge opening (14) is aligned flush with a laminar body (5) topmost layer that is yet to be produced or has already been produced, in order to dose the discharge opening (14) of the discharging device (1) and prevent the discharging device from discharging free-flowing material or in order to discharge free-flowing material not used for laminar construction into a collecting container (7) when the discharge opening (14) is located above the body (8, 8a).
US09242399B2
A device for the application of foaming reaction mixtures to a substrate which makes it possible to apply that foaming reaction mixture uniformly, a process for the production of foaming reaction mixtures using this device, apparatus for producing composites which include the device of the present invention and composites produced using such apparatus are disclosed. Use of the device of the present invention to produce foams makes it possible to produce foams having improved surface quality at higher production rates than were previously possible. The device of the present invention is particularly useful for the production of sandwich composite elements.
US09242397B2
Melamine-formaldehyde foams comprise from 80% to 98% by weight of an inorganic filling material, wherein the % by weight are based on the total weight of inorganic filling material plus melamine-formaldehyde precondensate used for foam production.
US09242393B2
A mandrel having an out-of-plane curvature and a corresponding in-plane change in mandrel geometry is used to fabricate substantially wrinkle-free, fiber reinforced stiffeners having an out-of-plane curvature.
US09242382B2
A spur gear deceleration mechanism unit (30) of a wrist structure unit is adapted to be driven in a first deceleration ratio structure or a second deceleration ratio structure. The first deceleration ratio structure uses at least a first spur gear (31) fitted onto an output shaft of a wrist inner frame driving motor (21) and a second spur gear (32) rotatably supported by a first auxiliary shaft (41). The second deceleration ratio structure uses at least the first spur gear, a first additional spur gear (51) rotatably supported by an additional auxiliary shaft (50), and a second additional spur gear (52) rotatably supported integrally with the first additional spur gear by the additional auxiliary shaft.
US09242381B2
The invention relates to a gripper for raising and lowering loads and having the following configuration:—it comprises a coupling part and a connecting part,—the connecting part is guided on the coupling part for movement along a movement axis between a first end position and a second end position, wherein those ends of the aforementioned parts which are oriented away from one another are further apart from one another in the first end position than in the second end position,—at least two catch elements are present on the coupling part and can be moved between a gripping position, in which they use a rear-engagement surface to engage behind a mating element of the load, and a release position, in which they release the mating element,—the connecting part is connected to the at least two catch elements via at least one gear mechanism.
US09242376B2
In a multiaxial robot, a path along which the end effector of the robot moves in the shortest time duration is generated. The robot includes a first link and a second link positioned closer to an end effector than the first link. Start and end points are specified, and velocity patterns are generated for joints driving the first and second links based on the specified start end points. The velocity patterns enable a movement of the second link to cause i) a reaction for increasing an acceleration force generated by the first joint when the end effector is started to be moved from the start point toward the end point, and ii) a reaction for increasing a deceleration force generated by the first joint when the end effector is stopping to the end point.
US09242366B2
A hand tool with an angle adjusting mechanism includes a handle, a tool head, a controlling rod and an engaging member. The handle has a receiving groove defined at one end thereof, a transverse hole defined in one lateral side and a longitudinal hole defined in a bottom of the receiving groove. The tool head has a pivoting portion assembled in the receiving groove of the handle. The pivoting portion has a low of teeth defined at an outer periphery thereof. The controlling rod is disposed in the transverse hole of the handle. The engaging member has a post and an engaging head. The engaging head has an inner tooth part and two side teeth disposed at opposite sides of the inner tooth part. The inner tooth part and the side teeth form a substantially concave shape to engage with the teeth of the pivoting portion.
US09242365B1
An extension frame for a pneumatically actuated buffer, further comprised of an elongated hollow post member; a receptacle removably connected at a distal end of the post member and adapted to releasably hold the buffer thereon; a rod member adapted to be slidably inserted within the post member and having a length that is longer than the post member; a palm handle assembly including an upper part removably connected to a proximal end of the post member, and a bottom part removably connected to a proximal end of the rod member. The palm handle assembly is adapted to push the rod member in a direction toward the receptacle. A biasing member is placed between the bottom part of the palm handle assembly and the receptacle and configured to bias the rod member in a direction away from the receptacle. A nipple member positioned within and extending through a bottom portion of the receptacle, such that when the bottom part of the palm handle assembly is pushed upwards and towards the upper part of the palm handle assembly the rod member is pushed upwards and the nipple member thereby moves upwards and into the receptacle in order to contact a trigger of the buffer to thereby activate the buffer, and when it is desired to deactivate the buffer.
US09242362B2
A power tool includes a variable speed motor coupled to a drive member. A power circuit electrically connects the variable speed motor to a power source. A variable speed signal generator generates a variable speed control signal indicating an operating speed for the motor. The operating speed is dependent upon a value of a variable speed selection signal generated by a slide switch. The slide switch includes a linear slide potentiometer for generating the variable speed selection signal. An actuator slides along the potentiometer to control the value of the selection signal. The slide switch includes an ON/OFF contact and a lever arm that is movable into and out of contact with the ON/OFF contact. The actuator is configured to prevent the lever arm from contacting the ON/OFF contact when the actuator is in an OFF position in relation to the slide potentiometer thereby opening the power circuit.
US09242355B2
A power tool with a chuck and a tool body having a housing, a motor received in the housing, a light array mounted to the housing, and an output spindle extending through the light array and which is rotationally driven by the motor. The chuck has a chuck body, a plurality of jaws, and an outer sleeve. A rear end of the chuck body is rotatably mounted on the output spindle. The chuck body has a plurality of jaw apertures and a plurality of light holes. The jaw apertures and the light holes extend through a front surface of the chuck body. Each of the jaws is received in a corresponding one of the jaw apertures. The outer sleeve is disposed about the jaws and the chuck body. Light emanating from the light array is transmitted through the light holes to illuminate a zone in front of the chuck body.
US09242351B2
The limbs of a bipolar forceps for RF coagulation are produced from a bimetal material, wherein an outer layer (18) consists of stainless steel and determines the mechanical properties of the forceps, while an inner layer (20) consists of a sliver alloy. An electrode (30) is formed from the inner layer at the distal end of the limbs (16). The inner layer (20) brings about good heat dissipation from the electrodes (30) and prevents the tissue from sticking thereto during coagulation.
US09242350B2
A pliers apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises two arms, two jaws, struts and a switch allowing the apparatus to function as a ratcheting device, pliers and clamps.
US09242348B2
The present invention allows multiple bar or c-clamps to be connected by one or more bars, the bars passing through the head and/or feet of the clamps, with provisions for locking the angles of the clamps about the bars joining them. This allows temporary jigs to be quickly assembled, with the angles of the workpieces held by the clamps to be fixed relative to one another at specified angles. In addition, parallelism of clamps holding a single workpiece may be maintained through the use of two or more connecting bars.
US09242330B1
A skate blade sharpening system includes a clamp for retaining a skate blade in a sharpening position during a sharpening operation, with a centerline of the sharpening position having a first predetermined location relative to a first visual reference feature. A grinding wheel contacts the skate blade during sharpening and is mounted for rotation on a motor arm. A centerline of the grinding wheel has a second predetermined location relative to a second visual reference feature carried by the motor arm. An adjustment mechanism is used to move the motor arm transversely during an alignment operation to vary relative position between the grinding wheel and the sharpening position across a range that includes an aligned position in which the centerline of the grinding wheel is aligned with the centerline of the sharpening position. The aligned position is indicated by alignment of the first visual reference with the second visual reference feature.
US09242312B2
A surface of a workpiece (12) to be laser machined is protected by a surfactant film (11) form debris (15) produced during machining with a laser beam (14) by reducing adherence to the surface of debris produced by the laser machining. The surfactant film is preferably subsequently removed together with debris (151) deposited thereon.
US09242304B2
A portable cutting device having a cutting tool for cutting a material. The cutting device includes a motor driving the cutting tool and a shroud at least partially enclosing the cutting tool. The shroud defines a debris accumulation chamber for gathering debris created by the cutting tool cutting the material. An impeller is operatively coupled to the motor and driven by the motor to create suction pressure to draw the debris out of the debris accumulation chamber and into a collection bag.
US09242290B2
A method for forming a wave form for a stent includes moving a first forming portion of a first forming member across an axis along which a formable material is provided in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the axis to engage and deform the formable material while engaging the formable material with a first forming portion of the second forming member. The method includes moving the first forming portion of the first forming member and the first forming portion of the second forming member across the axis in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction to draw and form the formable material over the first forming portion of the second forming member, disengaging the first forming member from the formable material, and rotating the first forming member to position a second forming portion of the first forming member to face the formable material.
US09242289B2
In a method according to the invention for the manufacture of tear notches (22) in can lids (11), the can lid (11) is subjected in the press tool (10) to a laser engraving during which the desired tear notch (22) is generated. The laser ablation process occurs preferably, with the press tool (10) closed, within a time period of less than 30 ms. During this time, the focal spot (27) of the laser beam (26) is moved over the whole desired contour of the tear notch (22) so that an uninterrupted groove-like cavity is formed. With the use of laser engraving in the press tool, the mechanical wear of the press tool and of the press molds can be minimized and in this way the tool operating life can be increased. In particular, the manufacture of can lids with consistently high quality is ensured.
US09242279B2
Provided are a liquid processing apparatus and a liquid processing method that can optimize the state of air flow at an upper side of a substrate according to each liquid process performed during a substrate liquid processing. A liquid processing apparatus for performing a substrate liquid processing includes a support member configured to horizontally supporting the substrate; a gap forming member configured to form an annular gap between the gap forming member and an outer circumferential part of the support member; an upper liquid supplying member configured to supply a processing liquid to the substrate from an upper side; a cup configured to surround the annular gap and receive the processing liquid swept away from the rotating substrate through the annular gap; and an elevating mechanism configured to elevate the gap forming member.
US09242276B2
A method and an apparatus for monitoring the integrity of an endless sieve device (3) which is arranged to rotate around at least two spaced-apart turning rollers are described, the sieve device (3) being arranged to separate fluid and particles under a predetermined size from particles over the predetermined size, the method including the steps of: positioning at least one signal transmitter (7) at a portion of the sieve device (3) by means of a holding device (5, 5′, 5″); putting the at least one signal transmitter (7) in communication with at least one receiver (9), so that the signal transmitter (7) outputs a signal to the at least one receiver (9) at least once per turn of the sieve device (3); exposing the holding device (5, 5′, 5″) to wear; and letting the receiver (9) output a signal activating a warning device when the expected signal from the signal transmitter (7) ceases.
US09242273B2
Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) in permanent contact mode are provided. Such a CMUT always has its plate in contact with the substrate, even for zero applied electrical bias. This contact is provided by the pressure difference between the environment, and the pressure of the evacuated region between the CMUT plate and substrate. Due to this permanent contact, the electric field in the gap for a given DC bias voltage will be larger, which provides improved coupling efficiency at lower DC bias voltages. Furthermore, in an environment with high and varying pressure, the plate will not shift between the conventional mode and the collapsed mode, but will only be pushed down with varying contact radius. In some embodiments, an electrode shaped as an annulus is employed, so that only the active vibrating part of the CMUT plate sees the applied DC and AC voltages.
US09242267B2
Methods and apparatus for mixing and applying a bead of material. For example, the bead of material can be used to seal gaps cracks and seams of a building. The apparatus includes a supply machine and an applicator. The supply machine provides each of the parts of the material to the applicator at a controlled rate. The applicator mixes the parts of the material at a nozzle. The applicator provides a bead (rather than spraying) of the mixed material through the nozzle. The bead of material may be applied in a precise manner to seal gaps, cracks and seams of an existing building and/or the bead may be provided during new construction of a building between components of the building.
US09242260B2
A directed multiport jetting nozzle in an eductor having a focal point of the motive fluid inside the throat of a venturi-diffuser body of the present eductor provides an efficient pump and mixer providing substantial surface contact area between the motive flow and the bulk material for movement through the outlet of the eductor. The result of this design provides a homogeneous mixture of the motive fluid and the bulk material which may be hydrating or wetting, or the creation of a slurry.
US09242249B2
A magnetic screen assembly (13). The assembly (13) is to be located in a duct (10) to screen a flowable substance passing in a direction (11). The assembly (13) has a screening position (A) so that the substance passes through the screen, and a cleaning position (B) at which the screen assembly (13) is spaced outwardly relative to the housing (12) to facilitate cleaning of the assembly (13).
US09242248B2
Microspheres are sorted by resonant light pressure effects. An evanescent optical field is generated when light is confined within the interior of an optical element such as a surface waveguide, a tapered microfiber, or a prism. Microspheres brought within vicinity of the surface are subjected to forces that result from a coupling of the evanescent field to whispering gallery modes (WGM) in the microspheres. Alternatively, a focused laser beam is directed close to the edge of the microspheres to exert resonant optical forces on microspheres. Optical forces are resonantly enhanced when light frequencies match WGM frequencies in the microspheres. Those microspheres for which resonance is obtained are more affected by the evanescent field than microspheres for which resonance does not occur. Greater forces are applied to resonating microspheres, which are separated from a heterogeneous mixture according to size.
US09242245B2
A floating chamber set may include a plurality of containers coupled to a frame such that each container translates vertically within a limited vertical range independent of the other containers. Each container may be perforated to allow liquid penetration.
US09242239B2
Provided is a system for reducing ammonia (NH3) emissions comprising a substrate and an ammonia oxidation catalyst disposed thereon, wherein the ammonia oxidation catalyst comprises a small pore molecular sieve supporting a transition metal selected from Cu, Fe, Ce, Mn, Ni, Zn, Ga, Mo, and Cr, provided that the ammonia oxidation catalyst is effective at oxidizing ammonia in an exhaust gas stream; and provided that the ammonia oxidation catalyst composition and the substrate are free of Platinum Group Metals.
US09242230B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cobalt-based catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, more particularly to a method for preparing a cobalt-based catalyst represented by Ir—Co/η-Al2O3 wherein cobalt and iridium are supported at high density by repeating impregnation and drying tens of times on a spherical η-alumina support having many acidic sites.The catalyst prepared according to the present invention can provide improved conversion rate of carbon monoxide and selectivity for liquid hydrocarbons when used for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
US09242228B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a nickel-based catalyst for steam carbon dioxide reforming (SCR) of natural gas using steam and carbon dioxide, more particularly to a method for preparing a nickel-based catalyst represented by Ni/η-Al2O3, which is prepared by supporting nickel on a spherical η-alumina support having many acid sites at high density by repeating impregnation and drying tens of times.The catalyst prepared according to the present invention exhibits superior catalytic activity when used in steam carbon dioxide reforming reaction (SCR) even under harsh conditions of high temperature and high pressure and hardly exhibits carbon deposition due to superior durability.
US09242226B2
A method and apparatus for dehydrating bio-1-alcohols to bio-1-alkenes with high selectivity. The bio-1-alkenes are useful in preparing high flashpoint diesel and jet biofuels which are useful to civilian and military applications. Furthermore, the bio-1-alkenes may be converted to biolubricants useful in the transportation sector and other areas requiring high purity/thermally stable lubricants.
US09242223B2
A fluid path structure in which the flow rate of fluid flowing in each flow path is equal to each other and in which each flow path has an increased flexibility in shape. The flow path structure has flow paths into which fluid is introduced. The flow paths include flow paths having different flow path lengths. The equivalent diameter of each part of each fluid path is set according to the flow path length of the fluid path so that the entire pressure loss of each flow path is equal to each other.
US09242220B2
An apparatus to promote gas-liquid contact and facilitate enhanced mass transfer. The dispersed bubble reactor (DBR) operates in the dispersed bubble flow regime to selectively absorb gas phase constituents into the liquid phase. The dispersion is achieved by shearing the large inlet gas bubbles into fine bubbles with circulating liquid and additional pumped liquid solvent when necessary. The DBR is capable of handling precipitates that may form during absorption or fine catalysts that may be necessary to promote liquid phase reactions. The DBR can be configured with multistage counter current flow sections by inserting concentric cylindrical sections into the riser to facilitate annular flow. While the DBR can absorb CO2 in liquid solvents that may lead to precipitates at high loadings, it is equally capable of handling many different types of chemical processes involving solids (precipitates/catalysts) along with gas and liquid phases.
US09242215B2
A polycrystalline diamond compact made from a high pressure, high temperature process is provided. The compact includes a metal carbide substrate including a binder and at least one inner layer of polycrystalline diamond disposed on the substrate. The polycrystalline diamond has a diamond phase and a metal phase forming an interconnected mutually exclusive network. The metal phase is a material different than that of the binder of the substrate to provide improved diamond sintering and final polycrystalline diamond compact properties. Prior to processing at least one coating is disposed on the substrate, and the layer of diamond particles is disposed on the at least one coating. During the high pressure, high temperature process the coating melts and fully sweeps into the diamond layer.
US09242212B2
Provided is an SCRF article having different SCR catalysts compositions disposed on a wall-flow filter substrate in zones that are arranged in series with respect to the inlet and outlet faces of the substrate. Also provided is method of reducing backpressure and ammonia slip that involves the use of such SCRF articles.
US09242208B2
A regenerating-type compressed air drier for regenerating compressed air by an electrical heating mechanism and a dehumidifying-and-regenerating unit are provided. The drier includes a dehumidifying-and-regenerating unit and an air distribution unit. Compressed high-humidity air and regenerating air are guided to the air distribution unit by a compressed high-humidity air piping and a regenerating air piping. The compressed high-humidity air and the regenerating air are guided to dehumidifying-and-regenerating components of the dehumidifying-and-regenerating unit by a shunt rotor of the air distribution unit to complete the dehumidification of the compressed air and the regeneration of the dehumidifying-and-regenerating components. The drier has a simple structure, and can reduce an undue loss of heat energy by an electrical heating mechanism to the regeneration of the dehumidifying-and-regenerating components.
US09242201B2
A filter medium for an air filter collecting dust in an air flow has a principal collection layer including a porous polytetrafluoroethylene film. A surface of the filter medium is provided with a plurality of embossed projections. Preferably, a processed filter medium maintains a zigzag shape by pleating an unprocessed filter medium to create mountain folds and valley folds. Preferably, an air filter unit includes such a processed filter medium and a frame body holding the processed filter medium.
US09242200B2
A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising fibers including natural, synthetic and/or hybrid fibers. A stabilizer frame formed of a non-metallic material may be imbedded in the filter pad. The stabilizer frame may be configured to provide support to the filter pad to maintain the filter pad in a generally flat configuration. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the filter pad may be comprised of at least first and second fibrous mats that are coupled together. In this embodiment, the stabilizer frame may be disposed between and coupled with the first and second fibrous mats.
US09242199B2
A media pack for including in a filter cartridge of an air filter arrangement, is provided. A variety of configurations for the media pack are described and shown, an example shown being trapezoidal. Filter cartridges including such media packs, air cleaner assemblies and equipment systems are described. Also methods of use assembly are described.
US09242184B1
A building system toy preferably includes a double female connector, a male-female connector, a male connector, a right angle connector, a split male-female connector, a split opposing male-female connector, an angle connector and a double angle connector. The double female connector includes a base female connector and four female connection rings. The male-female connector includes the base female connector and four cylinders. The male connector includes a star base and four small cylinders. The right angle connector includes a base, a small cylinder, a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The split male-female connector and the split opposing male-female connector both include the base female connector, two female connection rings and two cylinders. An angle connector includes a first connection portion and a second connector portion. The double angle connector includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion and a third connector.
US09242177B2
Described herein are methods, systems, apparatuses and products for simulating events utilizing authentic event information. One aspect provides receiving event data associated with one or more real-world events at one or more event data software modules being executed on a computing device; and formatting the event data via the one or more event data software modules into a form utilized by one or more video game applications operable on the computing device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09242175B2
Embodiments are presented for executing an online game. One method includes an operation for creating an animation on a game board that is associated with a player. The animation includes a non-player character that delivers an invitation to start a master mission having quests. If the player accepts, an application from the player is received to start the master mission, the application including the selection of a specialty from a plurality of specialties available for the master mission. The method further includes an operation for delivering a quest reward after completing at least one of the quests from the plurality of quests, where the quest reward includes a wearable status item for an avatar of the player in the game board. In addition, a master reward is delivered after the completion of the master mission. The master reward includes the ability to perform game operations associated with the specialty.
US09242174B2
A gaming device having a controller allows a user of the device to play a multiplayer on-line game as a member of a team. The controller identifies the team members, and generates strategic data for distribution to the team members. The strategic data may be tactical data used by the team to achieve a predetermined objective of the on-line game. The controller also detects the occurrence of a predetermined event. Whenever a predetermined event occurs, the controller distributes the strategic data to one or more of the other team members.
US09242167B2
An apparatus for selective holding of a footwear heel to a snow travel aid is provided. The apparatus is of the kind that comprise a base mountable to the snow travel aid, an upper portion slidable relative to the base and at least one forward connector for connecting the upper portion to the heel. The upper portion is rotatable on a generally vertical axis between a downhill position and at least one lateral release position. In this invention, the upper portion comprises at least one camming surface positioned such that rotation of the upper portion toward the lateral release position results in the upper portion translating rearwardly against an opposing force provided by a forward biasing device.
US09242166B2
A gliding device includes a gliding board, a mechanism for binding a boot to the gliding board; the binding mechanism including a retaining device allowing rotation of the boot about an axis transverse to the gliding board; and an arrangement for applying a pulling force on the shovel of the gliding board. The arrangement for applying a pulling force on the shovel is not elastic; and the gliding device further includes a device for adjusting the length of the pulling arrangement.
US09242154B2
A golf club length adjustment device for use in a golf club, comprising a first member affixed to a main shaft, said main shaft configured to couple to a golf club head, a second member slideably coupled to said first member, said second member adapted to couple to a golf club grip, said golf club grip including an internal cavity configured to receive a golf club shaft, wherein said first member is configured to slide relative to said second member to change the length of said golf club, wherein said first member and said second member are configured to limit rotation of said first member relative to said second member, a locking system configured to selectively limit said first member from sliding relative to said second member, wherein said locking system comprises a locked position and an unlocked position.
US09242153B2
A golf bag includes at least one pouch for containing at least two golf clubs, each club having a shaft of length Lcg, a cross-section having an area of a given value, and a club head secured to one end of the shaft, the pouch being of oblong shape defined along a longitudinal axis and including a bottom and an opening situated at the end of the pouch remote from the bottom, substantially centered on the axis, the opening having a rim of given shape and an area greater than the sum of the two areas of the cross-sections of the two shafts, the depth of the pouch defined along the axis from the opening having a value that is not less than Lcg; a bearing surface; and elements for mounting the bearing surface in the pouch at a distance from the opening that is less than the value Lcg.
US09242152B2
Golf club heads with ribs that protrude from a rib surface of a body, the ribs having rib axes that intersect each other and are tangent to a locus defined by a conic section perimeter are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US09242146B2
A golf ball having a good rebound and excellent flight performance can be obtained using a golf ball composition which contains a diene polymer having a smallest molecular weight value of at least 3,000.
US09242138B2
A multifunctional elliptical trainer equipped with steps that have an increased size transverse to the motion trajectory thereof, allowing the foot of the user to be positioned perpendicular to the motion trajectory of said steps, wherein the steps can have an increased length allowing the user to take a wide stance for side-step movement, or normal size steps which can be rotated and repositioned to achieve the same result. In addition to imitating forward walking, the invention allows the user to do the following exercises: Lunges, side steps and crossover side steps, thus training the inner and outer leg muscles.
US09242128B2
A fall arrester (100) for reducing injuries of a user (108) thereon when falling comprising a rotatable spool (314) with webbing (200) wound thereon, the webbing (200) being protracted from and retracted back upon the spool (314), a torsion bar (310) operationally connected to the webbing (200) through the spool (314) to generate a generally constant reaction force on the spool (314) as the torsion and bar and spool (314) rotate to absorb kinetic energy of the fall; the fall arrester (100) according to claim 1 further including a counting mechanism (500) to maintain a reserve amount of webbing (200) on the spool (314) to enable the torsion bar (310) to twist through its operational range without encountering an end-of-webbing condition.
US09242118B2
Methods are provided for regulating bone remodeling or tooth movement, comprising allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or one or more teeth, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the force is exerted. Methods are also provided for regulating bone remodeling, comprising administering an effective amount of vitamin D to an oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or to one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the oral or maxillofacial bone, muscle, or soft tissue, or to the one or more teeth. Apparatuses useful for providing light therapy and/or vitamin D is also provided.
US09242110B2
A system and method for estimating the longevity of an implantable medical device (IMD). In one embodiment of a method for estimating a life of a power source of an implantable medical device, a first life estimate of the power source is determined based on a first open-loop value corresponding to an open-loop parameter for open-loop therapy delivery, a first closed loop value corresponding to a closed-loop parameter for closed-loop therapy delivery, and prior usage data corresponding to prior therapy delivery. The first life estimate of the power source is displayed. The first life estimate displayed includes a first open-loop portion associated with open-loop therapy delivery and a first closed-loop portion associated with closed-loop therapy delivery.
US09242108B2
Structures and methods relating to electrodes for incorporation into a feedthrough with a profile adapted for subcutaneous sensing of physiologic and cardiac signals. Electrode assemblies are adapted for integration with feedthroughs and provide reliable insulation from the implantable medical device housing. Various structures and manufacturing processes are implemented to provide a large sensing surface with a low profile. The subcutaneous sensing electrode assembly can provide a leadless sensing system and further enhances installation and follow-up procedures.
US09242107B2
An implantable pulse generator includes a core assembly, a seal plug, and an outer layer overmolded over the core assembly adjacent the seal plug. The core assembly defines a core hole extending through the core assembly from a core interior to a core outer surface. The core hole has a hole outer portion and a hole inner portion. A first diameter of the hole outer portion is less than a second diameter of the hole inner portion. The seal plug is positioned in the core hole and has a plug outer portion aligned with the hole outer portion and a plug inner portion aligned with the hole inner portion. A third diameter of the plug outer portion is less than a fourth diameter of the plug inner portion. The outer layer leaves a top of the seal plug exposed.
US09242105B2
Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation to treat heart failure by modulating a patient's autonomic balance in a manner that inhibits sympathetic activity and/or augments parasympathetic activity. Because other therapies for treating heart failure may also affect a patient's autonomic balance, a device for delivering neural stimulation is configured to appropriately titrate such therapy in either an open-loop or closed-loop fashion.
US09242096B2
An electrical stimulation device and method are provided for treating cardiovascular disease in a human or an animal, the device including at least one electrode configured for placement on a nerve site inside the human or the animal, the at least one electrode having a spherical shape, and an electrical stimulation application unit coupled to the at least one electrode and configured to apply electrical stimulation to a vagus nerve in a neck region of the human or the animal by the at least one electrode.
US09242085B2
A method for treating a disorder of a patient. The method comprises transcutaneously delivering electrical energy to a targeted tissue site at a frequency of at least 50 KHz, thereby treating the disorder.
US09242082B2
A system for treating heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure, including an implantable component and external components for monitoring the implantable component is provided. The implantable component may include a compliant member, e.g., balloon, coupled to a reservoir via a conduit. Preferably, the compliant member is adapted to be implanted in a pulmonary artery and the reservoir is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. The external components may include a clinical controller component, monitoring software configured to run a clinician's computer, a patient monitoring device, and a mobile application configured to run on a patient's mobile device.
US09242079B2
Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have a distal kidney section, a proximal bladder section, and a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections. The tubular body has a first material layer and a stiffening member that extends through at least a portion of a length of the tubular body. The stiffening member has a stiffness characteristic that varies along its length. This enables different portions of the stent to have different stiffness characteristics that preferably are optimized for the location of those portions within the human body. The stiffening member may be at least a second material layer having a second stiffness that is different from a first stiffness of the first material layer, and/or at least one strand of material that is embedded within the first material layer.
US09242074B2
A medical device anchor for use with electrical stimulation leads or catheters, and method of manufacture thereof. The anchor may include a gripping structure and a body portion molded on the gripping structure. The gripping structure forms a serpentine arrangement of a continuous nature with axial segments alternately interconnected between shoulder segments and bridging segments. The shoulder segments extend radially outward relative to the through hole further than the axial segments. The body portion may be formed by molding to securely capture the shoulder in the body portion, with the body portion being molded of material that is softer and more compliant than the gripping structure.
US09242068B2
An infusion catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and two or more lumens extending therethrough. The infusion catheter also includes an infusion tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more ports disposed therethrough. The first lumen of the catheter body is in fluid communication with the lumen of the infusion tube. A central member has a distal end connected to the distal end of the infusion tube, a proximal end, and a proximal portion slidably received in the second lumen of the catheter body. The infusion tube is disposed relative to the central member such that axial advancement of the central member relative to the catheter body radially collapses the infusion tube over the central member and axial retraction of the central member relative to the catheter body radially expands the infusion tube about the central member.
US09242061B2
A fluid coupling conduit (6, 50, 70, 104, 134) includes an inlet end (28, 52, 76, 110, 140) structured to receive a flow of breathing gas, an outlet end (32, 56, 78, 112, 142) fluidly coupled to the inlet end and defining an outlet opening, a central chamber portion (36, 60, 80, 124, 145) positioned between the inlet end and the outlet end, the central chamber portion having an outer wall (38, 62, 82, 116, 146) positioned opposite the outlet opening. The outer wall has a plurality of exhaust gas orifices (40, 64, 84, 118, 148) extending therethrough. A number of sound attenuating structures are disposed in the central chamber portion between the outlet opening and the outer wall. The sound attenuating structures including a plurality of surfaces structured to reflect sound waves associated with exhaust gas flow through the fluid coupling conduit.
US09242055B2
A dry-powder inhaler (100; 200) having: a body (110; 210) forming a dispersion chamber (111; 211); a dispenser orifice (131; 231) through which the user inhales; a loading opening (121; 220) that receives a capsule (10) containing a dose of dry powder for inhaling; and capsule opening mechanism (140; 265) for opening a capsule inserted into said loading opening and emptying the dose of powder into said dispersion chamber. The body (110; 210), at least at one wall of said dispersion chamber, is made of a tinted transparent material that is adapted to filter UV rays, at least in part, and to make it possible to see the inside of the dispersion chamber while masking, at least in part, residues of powder that are stuck to the at least one wall of tinted transparent material.
US09242027B2
The first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of producing a vascular network preform (VNP). This method involves forming a network of elongate fibers and at least one elongate structure from a sacrificial material. The diameter of the elongate structure is greater than that of the elongate fibers. The network of elongate fibers is placed in contact with at least one elongate structure either following or during forming the network of elongate fibers or forming the at least one elongate structure. A matrix is applied around the network of elongate fibers, in contact with the at least one elongate structure. The network of elongate fibers and elongate structure, within the matrix is sacrificed to form a preform. The resulting preform contains a vascular network of fine diameter tubes in contact with at least one elongate passage having a diameter greater than that of the fine diameter tubes. The resulting solid preform and methods of using it are also disclosed.
US09242024B2
The present invention provides a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration, which is increased in porosity and thickness to enlarge the surface area thereof, thereby enabling cell adhesion at a high density, and a method for fabricating the same. The method for fabricating a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration includes the steps of: (a) preparing a polymer solution; (b) preparing a nanofiber matrix, in which a plurality of nanofibers is entangled with each other, from the polymer solution prepared in step (a) using electrospinning; and (c) immersing the prepared nanofiber matrix in a solution and subjecting the solution to ultrasonication, thereby increasing the thickness and porosity of the nanofiber matrix. According to the inventive scaffold fabricating method, the nanofiber matrix prepared by using electrospinning is ultrasonicated in a solution, so that a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold with improved thickness and porosity can be provided in a simple and low-cost manner.
US09242023B2
Shaped lyocell cellulose articles are provided for binding heavy metal ions and radioactive isotopes thereof. The shaped articles include one or more hexacyanoferrates that are incorporated in a cellulosic matrix and uniformly distributed therein. The shaped articles can be fibers, fibrids, fibrous nonwoven webs, granules, beads, self-supporting films, tubular films, filaments, sponges, foams or bristles. They are useful for water treatment and water decontamination, for metal beneficiation, for treatment of wound with wound dressings, for air and gas filtration and in protective apparel.
US09242014B2
Compositions including an antibody single-chain variable fragment (scFv) conjugate that specifically binds to ROR1 tumor-associated antigen are provided. The anti-ROR1 scFv antibody and conjugates may include a biologically-active molecule. Such conjugates may comprise a chimeric receptor to direct T cells to respond to ROR1 cancer cells, Methods to use the scFV conjugates to target cells expressing ROR1 for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes are also provided.
US09242004B2
Methods are provided for preparing polymer mixtures having low residual monomer content. The methods comprise mixing the at least two polymers in a solvent to form a polymeric mixture, the polymeric mixture comprising at least one residual monomer; and adding an antisolvent to the polymeric mixture so as to separate the at least two polymers from the polymeric mixture, where the residual monomer is soluble in the antisolvent. In some embodiments, methods are provided for preparing at least two polymers having low residual monomer content, the methods comprise adding an antisolvent to a mixture of at least two polymers dissolved in a solvent so as to precipitate the at least two polymers from the solvent and anti-solvent. The methods provided avoid steps in dry blending of polymers and produces polymer blends that have low residual monomer content.
US09241994B2
The present inventor discovered stabilizing agents/stabilizing conditions for suppressing isomerization reactions of sc(Fv)2. It was also discovered that the above-mentioned isomerization reactions can be suppressed through use of freeze-dried formulations. As disclosed herein, by applying the discovered stabilizing agents/stabilizing conditions or the freeze-dried formulation, the isomerization reaction of an sc(Fv)2-type molecule from the bivalent scFv type to the single chain diabody type, and/or the isomerization reaction from a single chain diabody type to a bivalent scFv type can be suppressed in both directions or one direction.
US09241991B2
This invention relates generally to a therapeutic use of TLR3 and TLR7 inhibitors to treat or reduce pruritus in a subject.
US09241989B2
The present invention is directed to the neutralizing prolactin receptor antibody 005-C04, as well as maturated forms thereof, and antigen binding fragments, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment or prevention of benign disorders and indications mediated by the prolactin receptor such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, non-hormonal female contraception, benign breast disease and mastalgia, lactation inhibition, benign prostate hyperplasia, fibroids, hyper- and normoprolactinemic hair loss, and cotreatment in combined hormone therapy to inhibit mammary epithelial cell proliferation. The antibodies of the invention block prolactin receptor-mediated signaling.
US09241987B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to fibrillar adjuvants. Epitopes assembled into nanofibers by a short synthetic fibrillization domain elicited high antibody titers in the absence of any adjuvant.
US09241985B2
A method for preparing a vaccine composition to be implemented in a locally administered treatment for avian viral disease, includes at least the step of: a) extemporaneously mixing a vaccine, including at least one live virus selected from a virus belonging to one or more strains of the avian disease, with an adjuvant diluent (DA), characterized in that the adjuvant diluent is a continuous aqueous phase oil-in-water emulsion or oil-in-water microemulsion.
US09241981B2
The invention relates to the use of a food additive comprising at least one phytonutrient in order to stimulate vaccine immunity against apicomplexa in non-human monogastric animals, such as poultry or pigs, or in ruminants, such as a cattle, sheep or goats.
US09241979B2
The present invention relates to blood products, and more particularly to compositions comprising a modified oxygenated hemoglobin having a high affinity for oxygen and methods for making such compositions. Such compositions according to the present invention have better stability to auto oxidation and superior oxygen carrying characteristics.
US09241978B2
The present invention provides methods of administering Factor VIII; methods of administering chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor VIII; chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor VIII; polynucleotides encoding such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides; cells comprising such polynucleotides; and methods of producing such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides using such cells.
US09241967B2
The present invention is directed to the provision of small molecule inhibitors of the PSD-95/NMDA receptor interaction, employing an undecapeptide corresponding to the C-terminal of the NMDA as a template for finding lead candidates. A compound (NMDAR/PSD-95 inhibitor) of the invention includes a peptide or peptide analogue comprising at least four peptide bonded residues having the sequence YTXV or YSXV, wherein Y is selected from among E, Q, and A, or an analogue thereof and X is selected from among A, Q, D, N, N-Me-A, N-Me-Q, N-Me-D, and N-Me-N or an analogue thereof, wherein an amino-terminal residue of the peptide is N-alkylated. Alternatively the compound of the invention comprises a first peptide or peptide analogue linked to a second peptide or peptide analogue by a linker, where the first and second peptide or peptide analogue each comprise at least four peptide bonded residues having the sequence YTXV or YSXV, wherein Y is selected from among E, Q, and A, or an analogue thereof, and X is selected from among A, Q, D, N, N-Me-A, N-Me-Q, N-Me-D, and N-Me-N or an analogue thereof.
US09241965B2
The present disclosure provides a composition for external application to the skin for skin care after laser treatment, which contains Prunus mume extract as an active ingredient. The composition for external application to the skin according to the present disclosure has skin-soothing, skin barrier-recovering and pain-relieving effects and, therefore, can be developed into a cosmetic composition having additional effects of protecting sensitive skin, preventing skin sensitivity, providing skin stability and moisturizing the skin.
US09241964B2
The invention relates pharmaceutical/dietary supplement/food ingredient(s) selected from the extract(s), fraction(s), active compound(s) and phytochemical(s) or mixtures thereof derived from Sphaeranthus indicus and their compositions, preferably in combination with at least one component selected from the extract(s), fraction(s), active compound(s) and phytochemical(s) or mixtures thereof derived from Garcinia mangostana. The ingredients and the composition(s) can be used for the control, prevention and treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, and also to regulate energy expenditure, prevention of atherosclerotic plaques in coronary artery and abdominal aorta, increase insulin sensitivity, improve glucose tolerance, lower triglyceride levels and balance glucose levels in mammals.
US09241963B2
The present invention concerns the field of therapy of muscle, joint and/or skeletal diseases. In particular, the invention relates to a composition comprising a first solution comprising preparations of Aconitum napellus, Arnica montana, radix, Bellis perennis, Belladonna, Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla, Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginiana, Hepar sulfuris calcareum, Hypericum perforatum, Mercuris solubilis, Millefolium, and Symphytum officinale, and a second solution comprising preparations of Arnica montana, radix, Dulcamara, Rhus toxicodendron, Sanguinaria Canadensis, and Sulphur. Further provided is a method of treating and/or preventing the progression of a disease comprising administering to a subject in need of a treatment a therapeutically effective amount of the said composition or said first and said second solution. The invention also contemplates a kit comprising said first and said second solution.
US09241961B2
The present invention relates to yeast cells for use in the prevention or treatment of gastric or intestinal ulcers.
US09241952B2
The present invention is concerned with synergistic compositions effective in the treatment of diabetes. In particular, the present invention is concerned with synergistic compositions comprising inulin, or a suitable source thereof, and Sulphonylureas used in the treatment of type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and hyperglyacemia.
US09241947B2
Disclosed herein are antimicrobial compounds compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, the use and preparation thereof. Some embodiments relate to boronic acid derivatives and their use as therapeutic agents.
US09241944B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for stimulating reepithelialization during wound healing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mmeralocorticoid receptor antagonist or an inhibitor of mineralocorticoid receptor gene expression for use in a method for stimulating reepithelialization of the skin or of the cornea during wound healing.
US09241942B2
Compounds which directly inhibit IRE-1α activity in vitro, prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds and prodrugs are useful for treating diseases associated with the unfolded protein response and can be used as single agents or in combination therapies.
US09241933B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel combinatorial therapies for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or a related disorder.
US09241923B2
The present disclosure is directed to methods for promoting neuronal health and/or development in a subject by providing nutritional compositions comprising a neurologic component, wherein the neurologic component may promote brain and nervous system development and further provide neurological protection and repair. The neurologic component may include lactoferrin, zinc sulfate, one or more organosulfur compounds, and mixtures thereof.
US09241913B2
Gel nanoparticles for encapsulating and delivering a pharmaceutical compound to a patient. The nanoparticles are formed from N-trimethyl chitosan and polysialic acid, preferably in the presence of sodium tripolyphosphate. A ratio of polysialic acid to N-trimethyl chitosan of about 0.5 to 1 produces nanoparticles having diameter of about 100 nm (plus or minus 25 nm) and a zeta potential above 30 milivolts that can stability contain a pharmaceutical compound, such as methotrexate, for delivery to a patient.
US09241908B2
The invention relates to improvised pharmaceutical compositions permitting ingestion via oral delivery of proteins/peptides or their conjugates, and/or cation-insulin conjugate complexes demonstrating desirable pharmacokinetic profiles and potency in efficacy models of diabetes in dogs and humans. A preferred formulation comprises 0.01%-20% w/w of insulin, insulin compound conjugates and/or cation insulin conjugates, 10%-60% w/w of one or more fatty acid components selected from saturated or unsaturated C4-C12 fatty acids and/or salts of such fatty acids and additionally contains optimal amounts of other pharmaceutically suitable polymer excipients which permit improved solubility, dissolution rate and effective bioavailability of poorly water soluble compositions and consistent in-vivo release profiles upon scalability during manufacture. A further aspect of the invention features the process of preparing the aforesaid formulations.
US09241901B2
Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for optical treatment and more particularly to non-invasive refractive treatment method based on sub wavelength particle implantation. In an embodiment, a method for optical treatment identifies an optical aberration of an eye, determines a dopant delivery device configuration in response to the optical aberration of the eye, wherein the determined dopant delivery device is configured to impose a desired correction to the eye to mitigate the identified optical aberration of the eye by applying a doping pattern to the eye so as to locally change a refractive index of the eye.
US09241900B2
The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions based on liquid vehicles whose density is substantially higher than that of aqueous physiological fluids. The compositions are useful as medicines in ophthalmology, in particular for the treatment of conditions affecting the posterior segment of an eye. They may be administered topically into the eye or in a minimally invasive manner by periocular injection. Preferred liquid carriers are selected from semifluorinated alkanes.
US09241893B2
Topical cosmetic compositions are provided that can comprise a Phyllanthus extract, a Bellis extract, and a licorice (Glycyrrhiza) extract. These compositions are used for topical cosmetic applications, particularly to lighten skin. Methods for lightening skin are also provided and can comprise topically administering a therapeutically effective amount of a topical cosmetic composition comprising a Phyllanthus extract, a Bellis extract, and a licorice extract, to skin of a subject in need thereof.
US09241890B2
The present invention relates to a topical composition, in particular a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition, to be used for preventing and/or treating stretch marks, including, in a physiologically acceptable medium, an effective amount of at least one synthetic polysulfated oligosaccharide having 1 to 4 glycose units, the salts thereof, and/or the derivatives thereof. The invention also relates to a cosmetic method, in particular for treating stretch marks, including at least one step of applying said composition to the skin.
US09241888B2
The present invention relates to a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for treating alopecia, and in general for counteracting excessive hair loss, comprising as an active ingredient a compound of formula (I) R—N1-spermidine, or 1,4-butane-diamine,N-(3-aminopropyl)-N1—R. The compounds of general formula (I) are active in accordance with the objects of the present invention, and also sufficiently stable to allow effective application for topical use on the scalp without potentially being transformed into a different substance, which is no longer active, as a result of oxidation.
US09241886B2
The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising:—one or more fatty substances,—one or more surfactants;—one or more oxidation bases,—one or more phenol-derived couplers corresponding to the formula (B2) below: * R1, R3, R5, represent a hydrogen; an optionally substituted C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl radical; —SR or —OR; a saturated C5-C7 cyclic group; a (C1-C4)alkylcarbonyl group; hydrocarbonyl; a sulphonic or carboxylic acid group; * at least one of the radicals R1, R3, R5 representing a hydrogen atom; * R2, R4 represent a hydrogen; an optionally substituted C1-C8 alkyl or alkenyl; —SR; a (C1-C4)alkyl-carbonyl; hydrocarbonyl; a sulphonic or carboxylic acid group; * two groups chosen from R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and borne by adjacent carbon atoms may form, together with said carbon atoms, a ring or a heterocycle with a single heteroatom, this ring or heterocycle comprising no double bond other than that of the ring to which it is fused; * at least one of the radicals R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 being other than hydrogen;—one or more alkalinizing agents; the fatty substance content representing in total at least 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The present invention also relates to a process using this composition in the presence of at least one chemical oxidizing agent, and to multicompartment devices suitable for the implementation of the invention.
US09241877B2
A pill counting tray for counting pills. The pill counting tray includes a digital counter with a sensor that can digitally count the pills as they are being moved by a wand on the tray. The pill counting tray also includes a number of small evenly spaced terrain domes on one part of the tray to prevent the pills from clumping or clustering. The pill counting tray also includes a hinged return funnel that inclines upward when the pill counting tray is placed on a counter during counting, such that the hinged funnel creates a backstop to prevent pills from rolling off of the tray. The hinged funnel will rotate downward when the pill counting tray is lifted to ease the return of excess pills to the stock bottle. A portion of the surface of the hinged funnel also includes a number of spaced terrain domes.
US09241876B2
The preparation method includes the following steps: dissolving aripiprazole in an acidic solution having an acidifier so as to obtain a medicament having acidic solution; then, performing a wet granulation on or preparing a suspension with the obtained medicament having acidic solution, an alkalizer, and an excipient so as to obtain the aripiprazole medicament formulation; the excipient comprising an antioxidant. The aripiprazole medicament formulation obtained through the preparation method has a significantly reduced amount of related substances, great solubility, great stability, high bioavailability, reduced individual differences, and enhanced wettability and content uniformity of insoluble medicaments.
US09241871B2
A package for a pharmaceutical product comprising a bottom member (12) having a base (20) and at least one wall (18) extending upwardly therefrom, a cover member (22) a first locking arrangement (38) on both said cover member (22) and said bottom member (12), the locking arrangement being located on respective adjoining walls (14, 28) on the cover member (22) and the bottom member (12), a second locking arrangement (56) between the bottom member (12) and cover member (22) permitting limited movement between the cover member (22) and bottom member (12) while mainlining a locking relationship such that the first locking arrangement (38) may be moved from a locked to an unlocked position while the second locking arrangement (56) remains locked, a tether (68) mounted within the container (10) and a plurality of medicant containing packages (78) mounted on the tether (68) in a non removable manner. The package permits one to package otherwise non child resistant packages in a child resistant and senior friendly container.
US09241865B2
A roller massage apparatus is provided which enables therapy routines to be performed on various body muscle groups. A frame structure is part of the apparatus and comprises a base frame with a generally horizontal user support member having an opening being mounted thereon. The upper end of a roller structure rotatably supports a spherical roller, while its lower end mounts to the base frame so that at least a portion of the spherical roller extends through the opening of the user support member. The user operates the apparatus by positioning themselves upon the user support member and engaging with their body the portion of the spherical roller which extends through the opening. The vertical position of the spherical roller may be adjusted, and the frame structure itself may be collapseable for storage.
US09241864B2
A foldable walking stabilizer device for a disabled person having a U-shaped base with caster assemblies on each leg of the base and upright members extending from the base, the upright members having brake assemblies normally preventing the caster assemblies to move and adapted to release the casters for movement on manipulation of the brake assemblies, wherein the brake assemblies have an adjustable tension control associated with the caster assemblies for permitting a user to slow down or speed up walking movement. The invention also discloses a fulcrum device on the base which permits the user to lift the device over curbs and similar obstructions, as well as improved folding mechanism which permits the device to be conveniently collapsed by the user for storage and transport.
US09241855B2
A furniture member includes a frame, a slide member, first and second bars, an axle, and first and second leg members. The frame includes a chair portion movable relative to a base among nominal, reclined and lift positions. The slide member is connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base. The first bar is connected to the slide member and the chair portion. The first bar moves the chair portion among the nominal, reclined and lift positions. The axle is mounted to the base portion. The leg members are attached to the axle and include fore and aft feet. The second bar is connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the axle. The second bar rotates the axle in a first direction in response to movement into the reclined position and rotates the axle in a second direction in response to movement into the lift position.
US09241853B2
A substantially smooth, seamless managed friction material surface and apparatus for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being for preventing abrasion or decubitus ulcers in a living being. The managed friction material surface comprises a plurality of plies having a smooth side and a first, high friction zone and second, low friction zone. At least one adhesive ply is interposed partially between adjacent plies; and the plies are selectively bonded to form adjacent frictional zones of high and low friction. Unbonded plies are allowed to move substantially freely with respect to one another thus providing a lower friction zone. The apparatus comprises the managed friction material surface such that the bonded zone is configured for positioning remote the bony prominence and the unbonded zone for positioning proximate the bony prominence, seamlessly occupying different areas on the same side of the material surface.
US09241843B2
Disposable absorbent articles assembled from a collection of components using an adhesive comprising an amorphous polyolefin composition and a heterophase polyolefin composition comprising amorphous character and crystalline blocks.
US09241842B2
A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis, an absorbent core, a pair of elastically elongatable ears and a pair of fastening tabs. The elastically elongatable ears and the fastening tabs have a transverse axis. The ears are connected to the chassis such that the transverse axis of the fastening tabs is located in specific portions of the article. The absorbent core is free of cellulosic fibers.
US09241839B2
A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including an alarm to indicate that the absorbent article has reached an insult limit. The signaling device operates with a sensor array which is disposed on the outermost surface of the absorbent article outer cover. The signaling device includes a detection circuit which measures changes in inductance or capacitance. The wetness monitoring system does not make direct contact with the absorbent structure located within an outer cover of the absorbent article.
US09241834B2
Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies and endoscopic studies. Access and occluding devices may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices such asendoscopes, wires, probes, needles, catheters, balloon catheters, dilation catheters, dilators, balloons, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, suction or irrigation devices, imaging devices, sizing devices, biopsy devices, image-guided devices containing sensors or transmitters, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting or delivering devices and implants, etc.
US09241829B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for, and for providing, intraocular delivery of an active agent. The apparatus, system and method may include an implantable scaffold and an active agent associated with the implantable scaffold. The implantable scaffold and the active agent may be configured to be completely contained within the eye upon implantation. The implantable scaffold may be a mechanical scaffold, or the implantable scaffold may be a chemical scaffold.
US09241821B2
An apparatus for treating a human knee, such as a knee decompression apparatus or device, is described. In some examples, the apparatus includes a bolster, one or more support bars configured to place the bolster proximate to the popliteal fossa of the knee, and one or more straps or other attachment devices configured to removably attach the apparatus to the knee (or, area of the leg that includes the knee) of a patient.
US09241816B2
A stent for a bifurcated vessel includes a stent body (1) with two open ends (5, 6). The stent body (1) includes multiple sets of annular units (2) having multiple undulating rods (4) and connecting rods (3) positioned between adjacent annular units (2) and used to connect the adjacent annular units (2). At least one open end (6) of the stent body (1) has a slope structure.
US09241813B2
The invention relates to a connecting system for detachably connecting a prosthesis shaft to a liner that has been pulled over a residual limb, said system comprising a connecting pin and a receiving device with a receiving portion into which said connecting pin can be introduced, and being characterized in that the connecting pin comprises at least two rigid pin segments arranged one behind the other, in a longitudinal direction of said connecting pin, such that they can be displaced relative to one another.
US09241805B2
An expandable implant for treating bone preferably in a minimally invasive manner includes a preferably cylindrical core element extending along a longitudinal axis and preferably a plurality of nestable, expandable sleeves extending along a longitudinal axis for placement radially about the core element. The plurality of nestable sleeves are sequentially insertable over the core element in such a manner that a first nestable sleeve is inserted over the core element and each subsequently inserted nestable sleeve is received between the core element and the previously inserted nestable sleeve such that the insertion of each additional sleeve causes each previously inserted sleeve to outwardly expand.
US09241804B2
An apparatus for facilitating the mounting of a prosthetic articulation surface to a patient tissue includes an anchoring base including a central fastener aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. A first base end is laterally spaced from the central fastener aperture. A second base end is laterally spaced from the first base end with the central fastener aperture laterally interposed therebetween. Both of the first and second base ends include a plate engagement feature. An anchor plate includes a central coupler aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. An outer perimeter is spaced laterally apart from the central coupler aperture. A plate rim extends laterally inward from the outer perimeter to substantially laterally surround the central coupler aperture. At least one plate fastener aperture extends longitudinally through the plate rim. At least one base engagement feature is located on the plate rim and is selectively engageable with the plate engagement feature of the anchoring base.
US09241794B2
Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.
US09241778B2
This invention is directed to a device and a method for controlling fecal incontinence. The device of this invention is easily inserted into the anal canal, and is designed for remaining where required in the anal canal or rectum, above the dentate line and hemorrhoidal vein area, despite the peristaltic movements of the intestine.
US09241774B2
Embodiments are provided for a patterned dental positioning appliance. One method embodiment includes receiving a dental mold of a patient's dentition, applying a pattern to a portion of the dental mold, and applying a material to the dental mold to form the removable dental positioning appliance that includes either the pattern on the portion of the dental mold or an inverse thereof.
US09241768B2
A robotic catheter system includes a robotic controller; a robotic manipulator; and in input controller. The input controller includes communication circuitry configured to receive a signal from a user input device; memory having stored therein a plurality of device drivers associated with a different type of input device or a differently configured input device; and a processor configured to recognize an input device connected with the communications circuitry, load a device driver according to the recognized input device, initialize the input device, and/or one of reject and notify an end user, and deliver an image to a display or graphical user interface.
US09241760B2
An electrosurgical bipolar probe with internal cooling for use in systems and methods for lesioning in bone and other tissue is disclosed. The bipolar probe includes tubular electrodes configured such that the inner surface of the electrodes are cooled, directly or indirectly, while keeping the electrodes electrically isolated. An exemplary disclosed method of using a bipolar probe having an active tip having at least two electrodes for delivering energy includes the steps of: advancing the active tip into a bone tissue; delivering energy substantially between the electrodes in a bipolar manner; and supplying cooling fluid to the active tip for internal cooling of the electrodes. Some versions of the method further include the steps of monitoring the temperature of tissue to which the energy is being delivered; and controlling the delivery of energy in response to the temperature of the tissue.
US09241749B2
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.
US09241746B2
The invention relates to an anti-infective spacer for osteosynthesis plates comprising a plate having at least one opening for accommodating a screw, whereby the plate is made up of at least one biocompatible material, in which at least one antimicrobial substance is distributed, dispersed or dissolved. The invention also relates to a set comprising at least one osteosynthesis plate and at least one said spacer, preferably comprising at least one screw for each recess of each spacer.
US09241744B2
Targeting assemblies for implanting a compression nail are disclosed. An exemplary targeting assembly may include first and second arms coupled by a connecting shaft. The first and second arms may either or both be operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the connecting shaft. In some embodiments, the use of the disclosed targeting assembly allows for reduced misalignment of the alignment holes in the arms during the implant process.
US09241742B2
Devices and methods for aligning the components of polyaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, an alignment instrument includes an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame. Each connection cap can removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained. The instrument can also include a transverse angle indicator to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. The device can, for example, capture the orientation of a plurality of polyaxial screws during spinal surgery such that the screws can be returned to the same orientation after manipulation to correct a spinal deformity, etc.
US09241741B2
A prosthesis for the replacement of at least a portion of the bone of a facet located on a mammalian vertebra, comprising: an articulating surface that articulates with another facet; a bone contacting surface that contacts a surface of the vertebra, the articulating surface being connected to the bone contacting surface; and a fixation element that attaches the bone contacting surface to the vertebra, the fixation element being adapted for implantation into an interior bone space of a pedicle of the vertebra; wherein the prosthesis is configured so that no portion of the prosthesis contacts the posterior arch of the vertebra.
US09241738B2
The present invention is directed to a pedicle screw fixation system which can be made for either posterior cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine, or elsewhere. With this type of system a surgeon can implant a pedicle screw system utilizing the same instrument set for an open or closed procedure. The system is designed to avoid cross threading and splitting of tulip heard by use of an outer threaded tulip and reducing donut. The system also provides the ability for superior angulation for hard to reach areas that are common in spinal procedures. The system allows for a bio-absorbable part (the reduction donut) that enhances fusion in the coming months after the procedure. With the elongate tulip portion of the system the user is able to avoid the need for other cannula type instruments; the need of additional parts; the need of additional instruments which could introduce bacteria into the patient and the need for fluoroscopy. The system is completely cannulated so as to permit a HOLDING wire driven procedure. The rods employed with these pedicle screws can be either flexible or rigid. Preferably a rod which is octagonal in cross section is employed with the system so as to prevent rotation in the tulip and slippage.
US09241734B2
A tissue-removing catheter includes a cutter having an axial cavity and an opening extending from the axial cavity through the cutter to allow tissue removed from the body lumen by the annular cutting edge to pass proximally through the opening toward a tissue-transport passage of a catheter body. A screw blade extends longitudinally within the interior passage of the catheter body includes an external helical thread for transporting removed tissue proximally within the tissue-transport passage as the screw blade rotates about its axis. A cutter driveshaft extends longitudinally within a driveshaft passage of the screw blade and is rotatable about its axis relative to the screw blade. The cutter driveshaft having a distal end portion operatively coupled to the cutter for driving rotation of the cutter.
US09241722B2
A surgical guide is disclosed and methods of use are disclosed. The surgical guide is adapted to receive a surgeon's finger for dissecting to a target site. The surgical guide comprises a first component defining a channel and comprising a palpating portion and a non-palpating portion disposed on an opposing side from the palpating portion. The surgical guide further comprises a second component engaged with the first component and defining a guide channel extending therethrough. The guide channel is adapted to receive a guide pin suitable for insertion to the target site such that the guide pin is carried adjacent the non-palpating portion of the first component.
US09241717B2
This document relates to methods and materials involved in fastening or constricting. For example, devices (e.g., adjustable vascular pedicle constricting devices) configured to allow a user (e.g., a surgeon) to apply a band element at least partially around a desired structure (e.g., tissue such as a vascular pedicle) in a manner that allows the degree of constriction to be adjustable are provided.
US09241716B2
A medical tool comprising an electromechanical driver and a surgical instrument attachment for use in invasive surgery, including a handle coupled to a flexible sheath which is in turn coupled to a surgical attachment. The handle of the driver includes the electromechanical driver and at least one processor element which controls the actions of the electromechanical driver, and therefore the application elements of the surgical attachment, based on information relayed between the processor element and remotely activateable sensor assemblies in the surgical instrument attachment.
US09241713B2
A surgical stapling instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical staples each including a code embedded portion and a first sensor for detecting the position of the surgical staples prior to and during a formation of the staples. The tool assembly further includes an anvil assembly including a second sensor that detects the position of the surgical staples after the formation of the surgical staples.
US09241712B2
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.
US09241703B2
The device (10) has a handle assembly (40) and a bone anchor driver assembly (20). The handle assembly (40) has an upper handle portion (50) and a lower handle portion (60). The upper or lower handle portion is rotatable relative to the other handle portion. A bone anchor driver assembly (20) is for rotatably driving a bone anchor (12) into a hole in a bone. The bone anchor driver assembly (20) is fixed to one of either the upper or lower handle portions (50 or 60).
US09241702B2
Apparatus is provided including a radially-expandable percutaneous implant shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element. A flexible longitudinal member is coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element. The tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied by the flexible longitudinal member along a longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.
US09241692B2
A method for extracting a tissue sample is provided, including the steps of inserting a catheter into a bodily cavity, the catheter having a sampling chamber, a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for actuating the cover, positioning the sampling chamber next to tissue to be sampled, providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism to open the cover, supplying a vacuum to draw tissue sample into the sampling chamber and to close the cover, and withdrawing the catheter from the bodily cavity. Catheter forceps for obtaining a tissue sample are also provided, including a catheter, a sampling chamber positioned at a distal end of the catheter and having a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for moving the movable cover to an opened position by providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism and to a closed position by providing a vacuum to the actuation mechanism.
US09241682B2
An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.
US09241680B2
The invention relates to a dental care apparatus which comprises a dental care unit (4) and a patient chair (5) arranged in the immediate vicinity of each other and to which is structurally connected at least a treatment arm (7) for dental care instruments (9) and/or an arm for holding some other appliance or device used in a dental environment, such as a display (3), and which additionally comprises at least one arm part (11) arranged in the immediate vicinity of the dental care unit (4) whereon at least either of the imaging means an X-radiation source (14) and an image information receiver (15) is arranged, in which apparatus (2) the mutual position of said arm part (11) and patient chair (5) is arranged such that the arm part (11) is located or is positionable substantially above said patient chair (5), and in which apparatus said arm part (11) carrying at least one imaging means (14, 15) and/or the patient chair (5) is arranged rotatable by an actuator.
US09241675B2
Systems and methods can be used to determine activation information for points along a surface or selected region of interest. In one example, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method that includes computing a local activation vector based on relative timing among electrical signals corresponding to neighboring points of a plurality of points on a surface envelope. An activation time can be computed for each of the plurality of points as a function of corresponding local activation vectors.
US09241667B2
System, assembly and method are provided to facilitate reconstruction of cardiac information representing a complex rhythm disorder associated with a patient's heart to indicate a source of the heart rhythm disorder. The complex rhythm disorder can be treated by application of energy to modify the source of the rhythm disorder.
US09241664B2
A mobile handset device collects sensor data about the physiological state of the user of the handset. The mobile handset device receives multimedia content, which is consumed on the mobile handset. In a deployment phase, the sensor data is used to classify the user's emotional response to individual pieces of media content consumed on the mobile device. A classification model built in a training phase may be used to map sensor data to classification labels indicative of the user's emotional response to multimedia.
US09241660B2
The present invention provides an insertion device and method for implanting a biosensor into a patient subject. In one embodiment, a biosensor is stored in the instrument's hydration chamber which enables the biosensor to maintain proper hydration and sterilization prior to insertion. The instrument further includes a plunger that travels along a channel within the support device. After the biosensor is placed into the channel, the user pushes the plunger causing the biosensor to move through the channel and a hollow tube and into the patient subject. The present invention also provides for packaging and storing a biosensor and insertion device so that the biosensor is hydrated and sterile prior to insertion.
US09241652B2
An auditory event-related potential measurement system includes: a video output section configured to present a video to a user; a measurement section configured to measure a user's electroencephalogram signal; a scheduling section configured to schedule a timing of presenting an auditory stimulation so that the auditory stimulation is presented during a period in which the video is being presented to the user; an auditory stimulation output section configured to present the auditory stimulation to the user at the scheduled timing; and a processing section configured to acquire, from the electroencephalogram signal, an event-related potential in a first time range as reckoned from a point in time at which the auditory stimulation is presented. When an amount of video luminance change exceeds a threshold value, the auditory stimulation is not presented during a second time range as reckoned from a point in time at which the threshold value is exceeded.
US09241648B2
There is disclosed an apparatus for measuring biometric information that can perform precise and comprehensive measurement by measuring biometric information about an examinee taking a more comfortable position. The apparatus for measuring biometric information includes a hand rest comprising a hand rest part formed in a concave curvature shape to have an examinee's hand put thereon, to contact with an examinee's palm and fingers; and a measurement part provided in the hand rest part to measure the examinee's biometric information.
US09241635B2
An activity monitoring device and associated methods for using and interfacing with the activity monitoring device are provided. In one example, the activity monitoring device includes a housing configured for attachment to a body part of a user. Also included ins a display screen attached to the housing and a sensor for capturing physiological conditions of the user. The sensor is disposed along a surface of the housing so that the sensor is proximate to the body part, the body part having at least some exposed skin. The activity monitoring device also includes memory for storing the captured physiological conditions, and a processor for examining the captured physiological conditions. At a particular time, the processor automatically selects an application to execute from a plurality of applications based on characteristics of the captured physiological conditions.
US09241634B2
A computer-implemented method is provided for anatomically indexing a subject. The method includes: receiving image scan data representing a volume of a subject, where the image scan data is comprised of a plurality of image slices of the subject and includes at least a portion of a vertebral column of the subject; identifying the vertebral canal of the vertebral column of the subject in the image scan data; determining a plurality of markers for the vertebral column, where each marker is indicative of a different vertebral body of the vertebral column and includes its location in the image scan data defined in a coordinate system, such that the plurality of markers define a vertebral level coordinate system; and storing each marker along with its location in a database. The markers can subsequently be used to reference other anatomical components of the subject across different image scans.
US09241627B2
An ophthalmological analysis system for examining an eye, in particular in the region of a front eye section of an eye includes first and second analysis systems obtaining sectional images of the eye. The first analysis system includes a projection device and a monitoring device arranged relative to each other according to the Scheimpflug rule. The second analysis system is an optical coherence interferometer. A processing device processes a first image data set obtained by the first analysis system and a second image data set obtained by the second analysis system to supplement the first image data set, at least partially, with data of the second image data set.
US09241618B2
A light for use with an oral anesthesia syringe that is received into a passageway of a barrel of the light. When the syringe is received into a first opening in a proximal end of the barrel's passageway, the needle of the syringe extends through a second opening at the proximal end of the barrel. At least one lamp and preferably a plurality of lamps at the distal end of the barrel illuminate the needle and the interior of a patient's mouth. A battery is included in the light for powering the lamps. The insertion of the syringe into the barrel may a pair of contacts to cause the battery to power the lamps, or the battery may be removed to remove power from the lamps. A disposable integrated syringe and light combination is also described.
US09241615B2
Identifying, based on a special image, a prescribed region of interest in a special image, determining a boundary line of an area which includes a region in an ordinary image corresponding to the identified region of interest and a predetermined margin added to the region, and displaying a boundary line of the region and the boundary line of the area in the ordinary image.
US09241610B2
The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.
US09241609B2
A method and apparatus for conversion of signals from a first type of image sensor to a second type of camera control unit is presented. A first interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and an image sensor, the image sensor being interchangeable between a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor. A second interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and a camera control unit (CCU). Also provided is conversion circuitry in communication with the first interface and the second interface, the conversion circuitry receiving signals of a first type from the first interface, converting the signals of a first type to signals of a second type and providing the signals of a second type to the second interface.
US09241607B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing dedicated spray coverage for silverware and dishware positioned within a silverware basket. In an example embodiment, the dishwasher includes a tub configured to receive dishware and a circulation system configured to circulate fluid within the tub. The dishwasher further includes a silverware basket disposed within the tub and comprising a handle portion and a basket portion. The basket portion is configured to receive dishware therein. The handle portion defines at least one spray jet opening that is configured to be in fluid communication with the circulation system and configured to direct fluid toward the basket portion.
US09241603B1
Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assemblies can include first and second arcuate members that each includes a tab and a receiving section so the latter can receive the other member's tab. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory about two independent axes. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter. With the swivel systems and assemblies described herein, the versatility and efficiency of vacuum appliances and other tools can be improved through their multi-axes rotational capabilities and balanced airflow configurations.
US09241602B2
A driving wheel assembly and a robot cleaner having the same includes a main body and a driving wheel assembly including a driving wheel, a housing, a driving motor, a rotary member with rotation around a rotation shaft of the driving motor, where the rotary member includes a first unit and a second unit disposed at a position opposite to the driving wheel with respect to the rotation shaft of the driving motor, and a compression coil spring disposed between the housing and the second unit to apply pressure to the second unit, where a distance between a contact point where the compression coil spring and the second unit contact and the rotation shaft of the driving motor is shorter than a distance between a rotation shaft of the driving wheel and a rotation shaft of the driving motor.
US09241596B2
The present invention relates to an infant feeding warming system useful to repeatedly and precisely warm breastmilk or formula for use in the NICU. The system in one form comprises a bedside unit that is attachable to an IV pole. The system may also comprise a centralized warming station with multiple chambers, wherein one chamber heats a bottle or syringe, and the remaining chambers are used for storage and/or refrigeration. The system will use a non-liquid heating system to heat feedings. A disposable liner may be used inside the chamber. The system may also contain heating algorithms that are based on a user inputting milk parameters such as volume and initial temperature.
US09241593B2
A system 10 and process for making beverages by infusing a product contained in a package 1. System 10 has an infusion chamber 7, a closure device 60 including upstream closure element 61 for selectively preventing and allowing access to chamber 7 from upstream of the latter and downstream closure element 62 for selectively receiving package 1 in chamber 7 or allowing package 1 to fall out of chamber 7 by gravity, the position of the upstream closure element 61 conditioning the position of downstream closure element 62 and vice versa.
US09241591B2
An architectural mesh hanging system having a hanger assembly including a hanger tube having a plurality of openings and an architectural mesh panel of predetermined size having an uppermost edge defined by a plurality of loops. The plurality of loops are positioned within the plurality of openings in the hanger tube and a retaining rod is disposed through the plurality of loops within an interior of the hanger tube, thereby preventing the plurality of loops from displacement out of the plurality of opening.
US09241590B2
Quick-release control systems for architectural opening coverings and associated control systems and methods for rapidly deploying the coverings to extended positions. In one embodiment coupling assemblies are provided for controllably coupling and decoupling portions of lifting mechanisms in a variety of covering systems, including roller and cellular shade systems. In yet other embodiments, control systems for controlling a plurality of coverings are provided, which may be configured to remotely and simultaneously deploying each of the plurality of coverings to an extended position in response to a trigger signal.
