US09249845B2

A friction switch coupling for torque transmission from a rotor which can be driven about an axis to an element to be driven, including a friction disk clutch with an electromagnet arrangement which includes a coil body and a ferromagnetically conductive coil carrier supporting and at least partly surrounding the coil body, which the carrier has a web segment lying radially outermost in relation to the coil body and oriented parallel to the axis, and an inner web segment, and between the inner and outer web segments of the coil carrier are provided permanent magnet means via which an axially movable friction segment of the friction switch coupling can be connected magnetically with the rotor, so that when the electromagnet arrangement is in electrically connected state, by weakening of the magnetic attraction effect of the permanent magnet means, the contact of the friction segment on the rotor can be eliminated.
US09249844B2

A clutch latching system is provided for latching and draining a torque transmitting mechanism. The latching clutch control system may include a latching valve, a release valve, and an accumulator. The clutch latching system may include a clutch feed channel configured to provide hydraulic fluid from a pressurized source to a torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged and the engine is running. A latching valve connects the clutch feed channel to the torque transmitting device. The latching valve is configured to selectively trap pressurized hydraulic fluid within the torque transmitting device. A hydraulic pressure storage circuit configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the latching valve to unlatch the latching valve. A multiple speed transmission is also provided.
US09249841B2

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, coupling members, and torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least eleven forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. A clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission is provided that includes an apply piston and a stationary fluid supply member. The apply piston is configured to rotate during at least one gear speed of the automatic transmission. The stationary fluid supply member has portions forming a channel in the stationary fluid supply member and defining an outlet end of the channel. The stationary fluid supply member is configured to supply fluid to the apply piston through the outlet end of the channel.
US09249838B2

A clutch for a manual or automatic transmission according to the present invention includes an axial fan or turbine disposed on a shaft extending between the clutch and the transmission. Air is supplied to the turbine through one or more radial passageways between the clutch and transmission housings and is provided through an annular passageway around the shaft. Air from the annular passageway is then dispersed generally radially between the clutch plates or disks and other clutch components to absorb and carry away heat generated during clutch operation.
US09249835B2

An extruded bearing housing is provided. The extruded bearing housing includes a radially inner ring, and a radially outer ring located concentric with the radially inner ring. The extruded bearing housing includes webs that connect the radially inner ring and the radially outer ring, and the webs are arranged at an acute angle to a circumferential direction. Openings axially extend through the bearing housing and are defined between the webs, the radially inner ring, and the radially outer ring. Adjacent ones of the webs extend in opposite directions from each other.
US09249832B2

A ring-shaped metal rolling bearing cage, which has cage pockets for receiving rolling elements. The cage is formed by a first and a second cage segment. Adjoining ends of the cage segments are connected to one another by suitable connection assemblies. At least one of the assemblies permits a change of the cage diameter when the cage temperature changes. The suitable assembly, on one side, is configured as a joint mechanism and, on another side, as a locking mechanism, and at least one of the assemblies has a lash. A rolling bearing cage configured with the joint mechanism and the locking mechanism can be mounted with low time expenditure in a simple and reliable manner over a shaft, particularly in the case of an idler pinion mourning.
US09249827B2

A hinge and bracket system for a cushion seat back is provided. A bracket is attached to the side of a cushion seat back which is laying flat. The bracket is connected to a rotatable shaft, which in turn is connected to a toothed gear and a pawl. When the cushion seat back is raised upward, the toothed gear and an element of the pawl allow the cushion seat back to ratchet upwards, with the capability to lock the cushion seat back at any tooth. When the cushion seat back is raised above about 90 degrees, the pawl is forced to disengage from the toothed gear and the cushion seat back is unlocked and can be placed back in the original flat position. This hinge and bracket system may be employed in marine operations, especially for water skiing.
US09249825B1

Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic straps include an elastic member 500 including a pair of similar interlocking hook devices 100 connected to each end of elastic member 501. Each interlocking hook device 100, is provided with a connector 300 which is fixedly attached thereon. Each hook device can be connected, preferably in a locking manner, onto the other hook device creating a closed hook assembly thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of elastic or rigid straps when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic straps 500 can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end. Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic members include an elastic member with interlocking hook devices 900 including two similar interlocking hook devices 800 with a connector groove 801 and a catch feature 802 and elastic member 811.
US09249822B2

A screw comprises an enlarged head; a large diameter screw rod having one end extending from the enlarged head; a small diameter screw rod having one end extending from another end of the large diameter screw rod; another end of the small diameter screw rod being formed as a tip end; a first thread extending from the large diameter screw rod and the small diameter screw rod; and the first thread extending to the tip end of the small diameter screw rod. A diameter of the first thread on the large diameter screw rod is large than that of the first thread on the small diameter screw rod. A pitch of the first thread on the large diameter screw rod is smaller than or equal to that of the first thread on the small diameter screw rod.
US09249817B2

A wooden member joint structure having high strength against load repeatedly applied in opposite directions, with improved work efficiency in joining the wooden member to a mating member. A screw member having spiral protrusion on its outer peripheral surface and an axial hollow hole is threaded axially into a wooden column. A distal end of joint bolt is threadedly engaged with bottom of the hollow hole. The joint bolt has an integrally formed flange, and the flange is threaded into the column together with the screw member with its contact surface firmly pressed against end face of the screw member. A joint device is clamped between a fastening nut threadably mounted on a proximal end of the joint bolt and the flange and coupled to the screw member via the joint bolt. The joint device is secured to a foundation by an anchor bolt protruding therefrom and a fastening nut.
US09249814B2

A split type hanging buckle can include a main body and a connection part. Wherein a buckle base, in which a buckling cavity is formed, may be arranged on the hanging buckle main body, and an opening of the buckling cavity is divided into an inserting segment and a buckling segment that are connected with each other. A clamping neck may be formed at the position where the inserting segment is connected with the buckling segment. An aperture of the clamping neck can be equal to that of the buckling segment. At least one side of the clamping neck can be provided with an elastic clamping key. One end of an inserting shaft that can be inserted into the buckling cavity is provided with a clamping head. The diameter of the clamping head may be greater than the aperture of the buckling segment.
US09249811B2

A compressed air energy storage system comprises a high-pressure water apparatus, a low-pressure water apparatus coupled to the high-pressure water apparatus through two channels, wherein a first channel is formed by a pumped hydroelectric power generation unit, a first high-pressure pipe and a first low-pressure pipe and a second channel is formed by a gas-water energy exchange unit, a second high-pressure pipe and a second low-pressure pipe and a compressed gas storage unit coupled to the gas-water energy exchange unit.
US09249808B2

A fan module includes a casing, a fan, and two vibration absorption assemblies. The casing has an accommodating space. The fan is located in the accommodating space and keeps a distance from the casing. Each of the two vibration absorption assemblies includes two first vibration absorption components and a second vibration absorption component. The two first vibration absorption components are respectively in contact with the fan and separated from the casing, respectively. The second vibration absorption component is connected with two first vibration absorption components and the casing, respectively. The first vibration absorption components and the second vibration absorption components are adapted for absorbing the vibration waves having different frequency ranges.
US09249804B2

A barrel-type multistage pump with uniformed velocity distribution in an axial direction, on a cross-section of a rotating flow channel, to suppress fluid loss in a last stage, and including: plural stages of centrifugal impellers, covered by an inner casing; diffusers and return channels provided on downstream sides of said centrifugal impellers, to guide the flow of a fluid to a centrifugal impeller in the next stage, and return vanes arranged at respective return channels; a cylindrical outer casing having a suction pipe and a discharge pipe, wherein a cylindrical rotating flow channel connected to a discharge opening is provided between an outer casing and an inner casing, a connecting channel to connect between a rotating flow channel and diffusers.
US09249802B2

A compressor may include first and second scrolls, a hub plate and a valve. The first scroll may include an end plate defining first and second sides, a primary discharge passage extending therethrough, and a secondary discharge passage extending therethrough and located radially outward from the primary discharge passage. The hub plate may be mounted to the first scroll and may include first and second opposite sides and a hub discharge passage in fluid communication with the primary discharge passage. The first side of the hub plate may face the second side of the end plate and may include a valve guide extending axially toward the end plate adjacent the hub discharge passage. The valve member may be secured on the valve guide for axial movement between open and closed positions to respectively allow and restrict fluid communication between the secondary discharge passage and the hub discharge passage.
US09249797B2

A seal assembly is disposed in an annular recess in a cylinder chamber between a pump cavity and a pump exterior. The seal assembly includes a main seal and a back-up seal and seals to a pump plunger disposed within the cylinder chamber. The back-up seal includes an extrusion recess extending from a surface of the back-up seal adjacent the main seal along an inner or an outer diameter of the back-up seal. During pumping operations the plunger strokes through the cylinder chamber causing the main seal to extrude into the extrusion recess to form a seal between the plunger and the cylinder chamber.
US09249778B2

The present invention relates to a vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement for a wind power generator adapted to rotate around a vertical axis. The vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement comprises a rotor blade having a first and a second end and being pivotally connected to a pivot arm. The pivot arm has a first and a second end and is pivotally connected to a base member. The rotor blade is adapted to be displaced between an active position and a retracted position. The base member and the pivot arm defines a horizontal plane when the rotor blade is in the active position, the base member is rotatable around a pole, the pole is configured to extend in a first direction.
US09249771B2

An engine controlling apparatus for executing (i) an engine automatic stop control and/or (ii) an engine automatic restart control, during running of a vehicle. The controlling apparatus includes: an allowing/inhibiting device configured to selectively allow and inhibit execution of (i) the engine automatic stop control and/or (ii) the engine automatic restart control, by comparing each of at least one of (a) a plurality of physical amounts including (a-1) behavior-representing physical amounts and (a-2) turning-behavior-influencing physical amounts, with (b) a threshold value which is determined, depending on a running velocity of the vehicle, for the each of the at least one of the physical amounts. The behavior-representing physical amounts include at least one turning-behavior-representing physical amount. The allowing/inhibiting device includes a turning-behavior-basis allowing/inhibiting portion that is configured to selectively allow and inhibit the execution of (i) the engine automatic stop control and/or (ii) the engine automatic restart control, by comparing each of the at least one turning-behavior-representing physical amount, with the threshold value.
US09249770B2

The engine starter includes: a starter motor; a pinion unit (30) for sliding in an axial direction on an output shaft of the starter motor; and a ring gear (100) which meshes with a pinion pushed out by a push-out mechanism (60) and receives a transmission of a rotational force of the starter motor to thereby start an engine, and the pinion portion (30) includes a pinion gear divided in the axial direction into two pinion gears which are a first pinion gear (35) having a protruded shape for synchronization, for first colliding with the ring gear upon start of meshing with the ring gear, and a second pinion gear (34) for serving to transmit the rotational force after the meshing.
US09249769B1

A fuel composition and method for cleaning up internal components of a fuel injector and for improver injector performance for a diesel engine. The composition includes major amount of middle distillate fuel having a sulfur content of 50 ppm by weight or less, and from about 1 to about 30 ppm by weight based on a total weight of fuel of a fuel soluble hydrocarbyl sulfonic acid or salt such as an alkyl aryl sulfonic acid or salt thereof, wherein the alkyl aryl sulfonic acid or salt thereof is effective to improve injector performance.
US09249768B2

Test liquid (3) including thermosetting resin is injected from an injection valve (2). Light (L) is irradiated to a spray (6) of the test liquid (3) injected from the injection valve (2) as a treatment for producing a hardening effect to the thermosetting resin. Liquid drops in the spray (6) are hardened and collected as particles. Spray characteristics such as a particle size distribution of the injection valve or the like are analyzed by using the collected particles.
US09249766B2

A fuel injector includes a valve body moved together with a movable core and opening an injection port, and an elastic-force applying portion being elastically deformable according to a movement of the valve body to apply an elastic force to the valve body in a valve-closing direction. An elastic coefficient of the elastic-force applying portion is set to meet a condition that Ffc−Ffo≦L×K. In this case, a fuel-pressure valve-closing force of when the valve body is closed is referred to as Ffc, and the fuel-pressure valve-closing force of when the valve body is completely opened is referred to as Ffo. A movement distance of the valve body from a time point that the valve body is closed to a time point that the valve body is completely opened is referred to as L. The elastic coefficient is referred to as K.
US09249763B2

A hollow plastic part may include at least two plastic shells connected with one another at a respective edge along at least one joining plane. Each plastic shell may have at least a first component and a second component, wherein the plastic of the first component may have a lower melting temperature than the plastic of the second component. The first component may extend on at least one plastic shell in a caterpillar-like manner along at least part of the respective edge of the second component of this plastic shell.
US09249760B2

A method for removing trace levels of oxygen from combustions products includes delivering fuel, oxidant and water into a direct combustion device. The fuel, oxidant and water are combusted in the direct combustion device to produce the combustion products. The combustion products include steam with trace levels of oxygen. The combustion products are then delivered to a scrubber for removal of oxygen. The scrubber includes a material capable of reacting with the oxygen.
US09249736B2

Inlet guide vanes and gas turbine engine systems involving such vanes are provided, In this regard, a representative an inlet guide vane for a gas turbine engine includes: a fixed strut; and a variable flap located downstream of the fixed strut and being movable with respect thereto; the fixed strut having a leading edge, a trailing edge and side surfaces extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, the side surfaces being asymmetric with respect to each other.
US09249722B2

The present invention relates to a system for improving the performance of a rotary engine comprising at least one of a piston having at least one piston vane configured to rotate. A peddle block is positioned in the pathway of the piston vane, wherein as the piston vane approaches the peddle block a secondary exhaust pressure increases against the piston vane surface, the secondary exhaust pressure, in part, causes the piston vane to rotate and self-align for a subsequent cycle. A variable orifice secondary exhaust port selectively vents at least a portion of the secondary exhaust pressure, away from the piston vane setting an optimal rotational speed of the piston vane, improving performance of the rotary engine. Other exemplary embodiments include turbo-charging the rotary engine by increasing the secondary exhaust pressure, increasing the piston vane rotation, and increasing the amount of secondary exhaust pressure that is recirculated.
US09249720B2

The internal combustion engine has an ammonia feeder which feeds ammonia to a combustion chamber and an NOX selective reduction catalyst which is arranged in an engine exhaust passage. The removal rate of the NOX selective reduction catalyst depends on a ratio of concentration of ammonia to NOX of the exhaust which flows into the NOX selective reduction catalyst, that is, a ratio of concentration of inflow. A high removal rate range where the NOX removal rate in the NOX selective reduction catalyst becomes substantially maximum and, furthermore, the ammonia removal rate becomes substantially maximum, is set in advance. The internal combustion engine is controlled so that the ratio of concentration of inflow becomes inside the high removal rate range.
US09249714B2

The invention relates to a method for fastening an exhaust gas converter module (1) to an internal combustion engine (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the exhaust gas converter module (1) is first connected to a pipe section of the exhaust gas system arranged upstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas and is then pivoted about a pivot axis (S), wherein a two-part module bracket (4) engages with an engine bracket (3) and is coupled with the engine mount (3) in this installation position by a screw connection. The invention relates to a corresponding device having an engine bracket and a module bracket (3, 4).
US09249713B2

The present invention relates to a component (1) for a motor vehicle (5), particularly an exhaust system, which can be fastened to a carrier (4) of the motor vehicle (5) by means of at least one fixture (3), with a component housing (2) comprising a housing wall (6), wherein the respective fixture (3) comprises at least one holder (8) having an inner leg (9) extending parallel to the housing wall (6) and an outer leg (10) standing away from the housing wall (6) to the outside.The fatigue strength of the fixture (3) can be improved if the housing wall (6) comprises a passage opening (7), through which the outer leg (10) protrudes, while the inner leg (9) areally bears against the housing wall (6) in the interior (11) of the component housing (2).
US09249712B2

An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine, which, at the resumption of air-fuel ratio feedback control, is capable of setting the initial value of an integral term of the feedback control to a value properly learned in preceding feedback control, thereby enabling improvement of control accuracy. To feedback-control the output value of an O2 sensor to a target value, a target air-fuel ratio is calculated. During the feedback control, when it is determined that a predetermined condition in which it is estimated that exhaust gas air-fuel ratio upstream of the catalyst is excellently reflected on an exhaust gas air-fuel ratio at a location midway or downstream of the catalyst is satisfied, an adaptive law input calculated immediately before interruption of the feedback control is updated and stored as the initial value of an integral term for the following execution of the feedback control.
US09249708B2

The present invention relates to a system preferably being an exhaust system or a part of a system such as a part of an exhaust system for a combustion engine. The system or the part of the system comprising a pipe (1) through which a fluid, such as exhaust gasses, flows; a nozzle (3) adapted to atomize a liquid, being disposed. to crystallize as a result of contact with the fluid and adapted to introduce the liquid through one or more outlets into the pipe (1). The nozzle (3) being arranged so that the region being sprayed and/or the mixing region in which a mixing between the liquid being atomized by the nozzle and the fluid flowing in the pipe occur is/are flushed by fluid flowing through the pipe.
US09249706B2

Provided is an exhaust gas treatment catalyst including: a de-NOx catalyst; and a coating layer being provided on a surface of the de-NOx catalyst and containing at least one selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates and alkaline earth metal carbonates.In a method for regenerating an exhaust gas treatment catalyst of the present invention, the coating layer of the de-NOx catalyst on which VOSO4 is deposited is removed with an acid, and after the removal of the coating layer, a coating layer containing at least one selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates and alkaline earth metal carbonates is again provided.
US09249701B2

A valve case includes a housing portion including a cylindrical space for housing a spool of an oil control valve, and a wall portion including a drain space arranged cross to the cylindrical space. The housing portion and the wall portion are integrally formed.
US09249696B2

Valve assembly and method in which a valve member is connected to an elongated lever arm for controlling communication between two chambers in an engine. The valve assembly is disposed at least partially within one of the chambers, and the valve member is moved between open and closed by an actuator connected to the lever arm. In some disclosed embodiments, a pilot valve is opened to equalize pressure on both sides of the valve member prior to moving the valve member toward the open position. In others, where a piston in an expansion cylinder is driven by hot, expanding gases from a separate combustion chamber or heat exchanger, the exhaust valve is closed before the piston has completed its exhaust stroke, and pressure is allowed to build up in the expansion cylinder to a level corresponding to the pressure in the combustion chamber before the valve member is moved toward the open position.
US09249688B2

A rotary machine drive system includes: a first heat source heat exchanger that receives a first heating medium and gasifies a liquid working medium; a first expander that is connected to a rotation shaft and rotates the rotation shaft by expanding the working medium that has been gasified by the first heat source heat exchanger; a rotary machine that has a rotor part provided to the rotation shaft; a second heat source heat exchanger that receives a second heating medium and gasifies a liquid working medium; a second expander that is connected to the rotation shaft and rotates the rotation shaft by expanding the second heating medium; and a condenser that condenses the working medium that has been used in the first expander and the working medium that has been used in the second expander.
US09249685B2

A gas turbine engine has a fan and a turbine section including a turbine rotor to drive the fan through a gear reduction module. An input shaft downstream of the turbine rotor includes a flexible mount driving the gear reduction. The input shaft is mounted within a bearing module. The gear reduction module has static structure mounted to an engine housing through a flexible mount. Oil is supplied into the gear reduction. An oil tube supplies oil from the gear reduction to the bearing module, and is received within openings in the static structure, and a housing for the bearing module. The oil tube extends through an assembly guide having a guide opening spaced away from an outer periphery of the oil tube. The guide opening is intermediate the openings. A method is also disclosed.
US09249678B2

A transition duct for a combustor of a gas turbine generally includes a transition duct having a frame at an aft end of the transition duct. The frame generally includes a downstream end, a radially outer portion, a radially inner portion opposed to the radially outer portion, a first side portion between the radially outer and inner portions, and a second side portion opposed to the first side portion. A slot in the first side portion of the frame may have a downstream surface adjacent to the downstream end of the frame. A heat shield having an inner surface, an outer surface and a plurality of spacers may extend generally outward from the heat shield inner surface such that the inner surface is adjacent to the slot downstream surface and the frame downstream end.
US09249675B2

The present application provides an airfoil with a cooling flow therein. The airfoil may include an internal cooling passage, a number of cooling holes in communication with the internal cooling passage, and a number of pin-fins positioned within the internal cooling passage. The pin-fins are arranged with one or more turning openings and one or more guiding openings so as to direct the cooling flow towards the cooling holes.
US09249673B2

A platform cooling arrangement for a turbine rotor blade having a platform at an interface between an airfoil and a root, the root including attachment means and a shank, wherein the platform comprises a suction side that includes a topside extending from an airfoil base to a suction side slashface, and wherein the platform overhangs a shank cavity. The platform cooling arrangement may include: a pocket formed in an underside region of the platform, the pocket comprising a mouth that fluidly communicates with the shank cavity; a manifold extending from the suction side slashface to a pressure side slashface, the manifold including a connection to the pocket; and cooling apertures that extend from connections made with the pocket and manifold to ports.
US09249659B2

In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to obtain a formation fluid sample from a formation adjacent to a wellbore disposed in a reservoir, determine the sample saturation pressure of the formation fluid sample, repeat obtaining the formation fluid sample and determining the sample saturation pressure over a selected time period or number of samples, and determine a predicted ultimate formation fluid saturation pressure based on multiple determinations of the sample saturation pressure. The sample saturation pressures measured over selected time periods can be used to determine fluid sample contamination. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09249656B2

A system, method and apparatus for operating a laser at a downhole location is disclosed. A gas is configured to receive an output of a laser and to absorb a selected wavelength of the laser corresponding to a selected spectral line of the gas. A pressure device reduces broadening of the selected spectral line related to a temperature at the downhole location. A photodetector receives light from the gas chamber and provides a measurement related to the received light. A processor alters an operating parameter of the laser using the obtained measurement to operate the laser.
US09249655B1

A top drive control system with a remote control having a processor and data storage connected to a torque pin sensor, a speed sensor, a remote control, which enables a user to actuate automatic remote rocking, drilling, orienting and making-up of a drill string using the top drive and provides simultaneous right hand and left hand torque applied to the drill string while simultaneously controlling speed of turning of the drill string. The top drive control system includes computer instructions for automated orienting of drill pipe, automated drilling with drill pipe and automated making-up of drill pipe into a drill string.
US09249651B2

Improved methods are provided for the application of downhole oil or gas well treating agents, such as liquid corrosion inhibition agents. The methods involve first lowering a liquid retainer device into a well casing, preferably at or above the location of the well production zone, followed by introduction of a liquid treating agent. The presence of the liquid retainer device prevents substantial passage of the agent into the production zone, and forms a column of the liquid agent above the device. The retainer device is then withdrawn from the well so as to create a substantially uniform film of the agent along the inner surfaces of the well casing. In this manner, proper coating of the casing is achieved while preventing production losses owing to passage of the treating agent into the production zone. The liquid retainer is preferably one or more swab cups or oil field retainers.
US09249644B1

A process of manufacturing a well closure apparatus and using it downhole by releasing components contained within the apparatus. The well closure apparatus is an internal bidirectional tubing plug that is adapted for insertion into a tubing string for sealing the tubing string internally while running the tubing into a fluid filled well. The tubing plug is comprised of a body having an inner surface with a recess or passage extending through the body from one end to the other. The recess holds petals and a keystone petal that are held within the recess by a cork and the cork is held in place by a nut. At depth, the tubing is filled with well fluid, the tubing plug is released at a predetermined hydraulic pressure, and the pieces of the releasing components are pumped to the bottom of the well or are circulated out of the well.
US09249640B2

A release mechanism for use with a downhole component in a wellbore environment comprises a shifting sleeve disposed about a mandrel, where the shifting sleeve is torsionally locked with respect to the mandrel, a collet prop disposed about the mandrel and engaged with the shifting sleeve, where the engagement between the collet prop and the shifting sleeve is configured to torsionally lock the collet prop with respect to the shifting sleeve, and a collet engaged with the collet prop, wherein the collet couples the mandrel to the downhole component.
US09249631B2

A system and method for boring a hole in rock with a digger derrick; which utilizes a hollow stem auger, a kelly bar, and a core barrel with a top support member with a hole therein for receiving the kelly bar with a detachable central pilot bit thereon which is translatable up and down with respect to the core barrel as the kelly bar and auger are manipulated. The kelly bar is selectively positionable with respect to the auger so as to allow the ability to retract the pilot bit inward into the core barrel and to shorten the separation between the pilot bit and the auger.
US09249630B2

A downhole stabilizer (5), such as a drill motor stabilizer, comprises at least one reaming means and/or reinforcing means (10). The present invention also relates to an assembly (30), such as a downhole drilling assembly (31), comprising at least one such stabilizer (5) and/or a drill bit (40,41) comprising a gauge bit (42) at or near a drilling end (45) thereof, and a connection means (46) for connecting the drill bit (40,41) to a drill motor assembly (60), wherein the drill bit gauge (42) comprises a substantially cylindrical portion having a length less than or equal to approximately 1.0 times the nominal bit diameter. The present invention also relates to a novel locking mechanism (80), such as a lock and key mechanism, to allow locking of a shaft (70′), e.g. a motor drive shaft (71′), through or together with a stabilizer (5′).
US09249624B2

A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.
US09249613B2

The invention relates a method for making a window, where the sash is connected to the frame by a pair of hinges, each comprising a first hinge part connected to the sash and a second hinge part connected to the frame. The sash is made from a plastic material by molding, and that one or more functional elements are attached to the sash during the molding thereof. The functional elements can include a stay arm having a base member, which is attached to the sash bottom member, and the first hinge parts. Also, the frame may be made by molding.
US09249605B2

A door lock apparatus includes: a latch mechanism; a lock mechanism having a link that can move the latch mechanism to an unlock position and a lock position, and a lock plate that moves the link; a key-operation-force transfer mechanism that transfers an operation force of a key cylinder to the lock plate of the lock mechanism; and a housing in which at least the lock mechanism and the key-operation-force transfer mechanism are accommodated. The door lock apparatus further includes a positioning portion and an engaging portion that position the key-operation-force transfer mechanism in a neutral state corresponding to a neutral position of the key cylinder with respect to the housing.
US09249602B1

A key comprises a key blade, a key handle integral with one end of the key blade and forming a portion of a carabiner that includes a generally C-shaped portion integral with said key blade, and a latching element having a first end pivotably attached to a first open end of the C to permit pivoting movement of said latching element between open and closed positions, and a second end overlapping the second open end of the C when said latching element is in said closed position, to limit the pivoting movement of the latching element. In one implementation, the key includes a biasing spring that urges said latching element toward said closed position.
US09249596B2

An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.
US09249591B2

Plastically deformable support bodies (16) are embedded in a gel-like elastic body (15). A bottom-surface adhesive layer (15b) of the gel-like elastic body (15) is bonded to a floor surface (F), and a pressurizing plate (13) is kept on a top-surface adhesive layer (15a). A leg section (2) of equipment (1) is restrained from moving laterally with a bolt (22) provided on the pressurizing plate (13). A load of the equipment (1) is used to apply pressure to a vibration-damping pad (12) via the pressurizing plate (13). A restraint wall (18) is disposed around the vibration-damping pad (12) and a caulking compound (20) is packed in the opening between the pressurizing plate (13) and the floor surface (F). The caulking compound (20) is blocked by the restraint wall (18), and the gel-like elastic body (15) is allowed to deform due to a gap (19) formed between the restraint wall (18) and the vibration-damping pad (12). According to the present invention, a simple and hygienic seismic isolation structure can be used to prevent vibration, noise, and toppling of equipment installed on a floor surface without using anchor bolts.
US09249588B2

An ambulatory surgical center can include a hybrid operating room. The hybrid operating room can include at least four lead-shielded walls, a floor, and a ceiling. The ambulatory surgical center can also include an imaging device disposed in a central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an operating table disposed in the central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can additionally include a power room adjacent to the operating room. The power room can include a power supply for the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can also include a conduit from the power room to the imaging device configured to deliver power to the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an emergency power source for the imaging device configured to permit continuity of surgery in the hybrid operating room during a power outage.
US09249584B2

An acoustic dampener (100) comprising a base member (101) having a first surface (102) and a second surface (103), the first surface (102) and the second surface (103) are spaced apart from each other defining a thickness (104) therebetween. The acoustic dampener (100) further comprising a pair of side arms (105), each having a first end (109) and a second end (110). Each side arm (105) is attached to the base member (101) at its first end (109) at a predetermined angle. The side arm (105) extends from the base member (101) to form a channel formation (119) to receive a batten. A flange (106) extends substantially orthogonally from the second end (110) of each side arm (105) for retaining a batten within the channel formation (119).
US09249571B1

A break-away panel having an upper section with a trapezoidal cross sectional configuration and an upper planar surface. A lower section has a rectangular cross sectional configuration with a lower planar surface. First and second upper side surfaces are at an angle with respect to the upper and lower surfaces. The lower section has parallel lower side surfaces. The break-away panel is fabricated of a thermally insulating material. A plurality of slits are formed in the break-away panel. The slits begin a small distance from the first upper side surface. The slits extend downwardly through the upper section from the upper surface and terminate at the lower section above the lower surface.
US09249569B2

A steel support profile for support structures for facades or conservatories, in which a receiving channel for receiving mounting screws for the fixation of retaining profiles is formed by an outward-facing side wall of the steel support profile, and a support structure for facades and conservatories with a steel support profile, on which at least one facade element is fixed by a retaining profile fixed by mounting screws on the steel support profile in a sealed manner via inner and outer seals. An easily producible steel support profile and a support structure that allow greater opportunities for design, by a steel support profile in which the side wall is welded to a base profile, and a support structure with such a steel support profile.
US09249565B2

A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss.
US09249555B2

A hydraulic system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first actuator, a first valve arrangement, a second actuator, and a second valve arrangement. The hydraulic system may also have at least one operator interface device movable by an operator to generate a first signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a first manner, and a second signal indicative of desired work tool movement in a second manner; and a controller configured to generate a first flow rate command directed to the first valve arrangement based on the first signal, and generate a second flow rate command directed to the second valve arrangement based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate a third flow rate scaled from the first flow rate command and directed to the second valve arrangement based on only the first signal.
US09249549B2

A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus are used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom.
US09249544B2

The present invention relates to a road finisher comprising a screed plate and/or a tamper bar and also to a screed plate and/or tamper bar comprising a heating layer applied by thermal spraying.
US09249542B2

A head assembly is provided for use with adzer machine. The head assembly may have a lift frame, and a cutting head rotationally connected to the lift frame. The head assembly may also have a skid, and a single-acting hydraulic cylinder connecting the skid to the lift frame. The head assembly may further have a spring connecting the skid to the lift frame.
US09249537B2

The combination washer/dryer with flow drum is an apparatus that directs the movement of fluids through the drum to improve the laundering of clothing. The apparatus comprises a tub, a drum, an air barrier, an actuator, a hot air duct, and an exhaust duct. The tub comprises a drain, a spout, and an inner space. The air barrier comprises a drum mount and a flow opening. The drum comprises a lateral wall, a first side, and a second side, each of which comprise a plurality of fluid directing blades and fluid openings. Additionally, the drum comprises a cavity. The configuration of these components and sub-components allows the apparatus to use the rotation of the fluid directing blades to direct the flow of fluids through the cavity of the drum during the washing cycle and drying cycle to providing more efficient laundering of the articles of clothing present within the drum.
US09249534B2

A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub provided in the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the tub for receiving laundry, a gasket provided between the cabinet and the tub, a plurality of spray nozzles provided at a lower part of the gasket for spraying wash water upward into the drum, and a pump for pumping wash water to the spray nozzles.
US09249531B2

The yarn tension is modulated by a yarn-braking device controlled by a control unit which receives signals of measured tension from a tension sensor and compares them with a reference tension signal in a control loop; as long as the reference tension remains unchanged, a first set of coefficients is used in the control loop causing the control loop to have a relatively slow behavior in relation to the error-compensating action; when a change in the reference tension occurs, the system switches to a second set of coefficients causing the control loop to have a relatively fast behavior; the second set of coefficients is maintained as long as the difference between the second value of the reference tension and the measured tension remains greater or equal to a predetermined minimum value, then the system switches again to the first set of coefficients.
US09249530B2

A fiber preform architecture and method of making, including a plurality of fiber bands. Each band of the plurality of fiber bands is placed at a time, at a predetermined position and orientation, to generate an interwoven and interlocking pattern between the fiber bands. Each of the plurality of fiber bands is formed of a plurality of fiber tows, positioned side by side at a predetermined spacing to define one or more gaps between each tow in the fiber band and define a secondary based interleaving within each of the fiber bands. The plurality of fiber bands are interwoven in an in-plane and out-of-plane orientation by interleaving each of the plurality of fiber bands with one or more of the plurality of fiber bands previously laid down and not in a common plane. The plurality of fiber bands include three or more different orientation angles and provide uniformity in coverage.
US09249527B2

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing a melt-blown fabric web, by which a melt-blown fabric web having improved filament cohesion and excellent bulky characteristics and sound-absorbing performance is manufactured. The apparatus includes a heat extruder for heating a thermoplastic resin composition and extruding the melted thermoplastic resin, a melt-blown fiber spinner for spinning the extruded thermoplastic resin as a melt-blown fiber in a filament form, a variable gas injector for injecting gas whose injection speed and injection quantity are continuously changed at random to the melt-blown fiber spun from the melt-blown fiber spinner to cause the injected gas to collide with the spun melt-blown fiber, and a collector for collecting the melt-blown fiber, which is spun from the melt-blown fiber spinner and collides with the gas, to form a melt-blown fabric web.
US09249526B2

A synthetic single crystal diamond material comprising: a first region comprising electron donor defects; a second region comprising quantum spin defects; and a third region between the first and second regions. The second and third regions have a lower concentration of electron donor defects than the first region. The first and second regions are sufficiently close to allow electrons to be donated from the first region to the second region, thus forming negatively charged quantum spin defects in the second and positively charged defects in the first region, and sufficiently far apart to reduce other coupling interactions between the first and second regions which would otherwise unduly reduce the decoherence time of the plurality of quantum spin defects and/or produce strain broaden of a spectral line width of the plurality of quantum spin defects in the second region.
US09249523B2

Forming a porous layer on a silicon substrate is disclosed. Forming the porous layer can include placing a silicon substrate in a first solution and conducting a first current through the silicon substrate. It can further include conducting a second current through the silicon substrate resulting in a porous layer on the silicon substrate.
US09249517B2

Provided is a superior method of producing reduced glutathione by electroreduction of oxidized glutathione. In a method of producing reduced glutathione by electroreduction of oxidized glutathione using a cathode cell and an anode cell separated from each other by a separating membrane, oxidized glutathione is produced using an aqueous oxidized glutathione solution with pH 2.0-3.0 comprising a conducting agent other than acid as a solution in the cathode cell.
US09249516B2

An oxygen scavenger composition is effective in reducing oxygen-induced corrosion in aqueous systems that contain water, oxygen and a significant proportion (at least about 20 wt %) of a glycol, such as monoethylene glycol (MEG). The oxygen scavenger composition contains a sulfite, a transition metal salt, and a stabilizer to enhance the kinetics of oxygen removal (scavenging). The oxygen scavenger composition is particularly suitable when the transition metal salt component includes at least two different transition metals together, such as Ni and Co, or Ni and Mn.
US09249514B2

An article and method of forming the article are disclosed. The article includes a substrate, an overlay bond coat deposited over the substrate and a topcoat deposited over the bond coat. The bond coat of the article includes a plasma affected region proximate to an interface between the bond coat and the topcoat, and the plasma affected region includes an elongated intergranular phase. The method of depositing includes adjusting the plasma spray conditions so as to form the plasma affected region proximate to an interface between the bond coat and the topcoat, and elongated intergranular phases in the plasma affected regions.
US09249513B2

A plating formulation for the electroless deposition of a metal layer on a substrate, wherein a β-amino acid and/or β-amino acid derivative is used as a stabilizer. The β-amino acid is present within a range of 1 mg/L to 2 g/L. Typically, the electrolyte is free of heavy metal stabilizers, cyanides, selenium compounds and sulfur compounds comprising sulfur in an oxidation state between −2 and +5. The inventive plating formulation can comprise 3-aminopropionic acid, 3-aminobutyric acid, 3-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, and 2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid.
US09249509B2

Provided is a method for regenerating a nitric acid active treatment solution comprising: adding a zinc ion-aggregating agent to a nitric acid active treatment solution for a surface of a zinc-based material plated metal member, the nitric acid active treatment solution containing zinc ions, to thereby aggregate the zinc ions in the solution as an insoluble salt; and separating and removing the insoluble salt. This regeneration method is employed instead of methods conventionally and widely conducted in zinc-based plating on a steel material such as the exchange of the entire amount of the nitric acid active treatment solution after a lapse of a certain time, and is a method for regenerating a nitric acid active treatment solution, comprising: depositing and removing zinc ions which come to be mixed in the nitric acid active treatment solution during a zinc-based plating process on a steel material, so that the quality of a trivalent chromium chemical conversion treatment can be controlled at a constant level through simplification and cost reduction of a plating control step, and the waste nitric acid can be reduced as much as possible.
US09249508B2

There is described a process for depositing carbon on a surface, comprising, while contacting a mixture of CO2 and Br2 with a polar substrate presenting apposed surfaces, exposing a sufficient area of said mixture in the region of said apposed surfaces to light of sufficient intensity and frequency to result in deposition of carbon on at least some of said apposed surfaces. Other embodiments are also described.
US09249505B2

A first compound having an atom in an oxidized state is reacted with a bis(trimethylsilyl) six-membered ring system or related compound to form a second compound having the atom in a reduced state relative to the first compound. The atom in an oxidized state is selected from the group consisting of Groups 2-12 of the Periodic Table, the lanthanides, As, Sb, Bi, Te, Si, Ge, Sn, and Al.
US09249500B2

Methods and apparatus for a magnetron assembly are provided herein. In some embodiments, a magnetron assembly includes a first plate having a first central axis, the first plate rotatable about the first central axis, a first open loop magnetic pole coupled to the first plate, a second plate having a second central axis, the second plate rotatable about the second central axis, and a second open loop magnetic pole coupled to the second plate, wherein the first open loop magnetic pole and the second open loop magnetic pole form a closed loop magnetic pole when the first and second open loop magnetic poles are aligned.
US09249499B2

A coated article includes a metal substrate, a carbosiliconized layer formed on the metal substrate, a metal bonding layer formed on the carbosiliconized layer, and a color layer formed on the metal bonding layer. The carbosiliconized layer is formed by carbosiliconizing the metal substrate to enable elemental carbon and elemental silicon to penetrate into a surface layer of the metal substrate. The color layer consists of ceramic material. A method for making the coated article is also described.
US09249498B2

Forming memory using high power impulse magnetron sputtering is described herein. One or more method embodiments include forming a resistive memory material on a structure using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS), wherein the resistive memory material is formed on the structure in an environment having a temperature of approximately 400 degrees Celsius or less.
US09249495B2

The invention relates to a method for preparing a thin film of at least one compound of formula AM4X8, where: A is Ga or Ge; M is V, Nb, Ta or Mo; and X is S or Se. Said method includes the following steps: i) a step of forming a thin film of at least one compound of formula AM4X8 by the magnetron spraying of a target including at least one compound of said formula AM4X8, in an atmosphere including at least one inert gas; and ii) a step of annealing the thin film formed during step i) by heat treating; wherein step i) and/or step ii) are carried out in the presence of sulphur when X is S or in the presence of selenium when X is Se.
US09249493B2

An organic layer deposition apparatus including: a deposition source configured to discharge a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit arranged at a side of the deposition source and including a plurality of deposition source nozzles; a patterning slit sheet facing the deposition source nozzle unit and including a plurality of patterning slits, the patterning slit sheet being smaller than the substrate in at least one of a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a blocking member configured to be disposed between the substrate and the deposition source to block at least a portion of the substrate; and a heating member on the blocking member and configured to heat the blocking member, and the substrate is spaced apart from the organic layer deposition apparatus by a predetermined distance, and the substrate or the organic layer deposition apparatus is movable relative to the other.
US09249490B2

A system to install a mask onto a component of a gas turbine engine includes a drive movable along an axis with respect to a movable base.
US09249488B2

The present invention provides an Ni-base dual multi-phase intermetallic compound alloy which has a dual multi-phase microstructure comprising a primary precipitate L12 phase and an (L12+D022) eutectoid microstructure, and which comprises: more than 5 atomic % and up to 13 atomic % of Al; at least 9.5 atomic % and less than 17.5 atomic % of V; more than 0 atomic % and up to 12.5 atomic % of Nb; more than 0 atomic % and up to 12.5 atomic % of C; and a remainder comprising Ni.
US09249486B2

A profiled wire, of NACE grade, made of low-alloy carbon steel intended to be used in the offshore oil exploitation sector is provided. The profiled wire includes the following chemical composition, expressed in percentages by weight of the total mass: 0.75<% C<0.95; 0.30<% Mn<0.85; Cr≦0.4%; V≦0.16%; Si≦1.40% and preferably ≧0.15%; and optionally no more than 0.06% Al, no more than 0.1% Ni and no more than 0.1% Cu, the balance being iron and the inevitable impurities arising from smelting the metal in the liquid state. The steel is obtained, from hot-rolled rod stock cooled down to room temperature, and then having a diameter of about 5 to 30 mm, by subjecting this starting rod firstly to a thermomechanical treatment comprising two successive steps carried out in order, namely an isothermal quench, giving it a homogeneous perlitic microstructure, followed by a mechanical transformation operation carried out cold with an overall degree of work-hardening (or reduction ratio) of between 50 and 80% at most, so as to give the wire its definitive shape, and in that the profiled wire thus obtained is then subjected to a restoration heat treatment of short duration carried out below Ac1 (preferably between 410 and 710° C.), giving it the desired final mechanical properties.
US09249485B2

A cold work tool steel with average or above wear resistance, a hardness in excess of (60) HRc and a very good toughness but with considerably lower carbon contents leading to highly improved weldability is obtained by combining the presence of primary carbides (or alternatively nitrides and/or borides) with other strengthening mechanisms like precipitation hardening or even solid solution. Vanadium rich MC type carbides, modified with refractory metal additions, present the best compromise of hardness and fracture toughness for several applications, while for other applications harder carbides, such as Ti carbides or Ti mixed carbides (primarily with V, Mo and/or W) will be the preferred ones, alternatively using Zr and Hf mixed carbides.
US09249483B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a 6000-series aluminum alloy material for a high-pressure gas container which has both of resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and mechanical properties. In the aluminum alloy material for a high-pressure gas container, the contents of Fe, Mn and Cu fall within narrower ranges than the standard composition of AA6066 alloy. The aluminum alloy material is produced to have a structure in which a predetermined amount of fine dispersed particles are dispersed therein and coarse crystallized materials are small, and therefore strength and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement are improved, which are required for a high-pressure gas container.
US09249481B2

A preparation method of silver nanostructure for use as substrate of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which can ensure the ‘hot spot’, which provides the considerably very intense electromagnetic field in which the silver nano-structures have uniform average size and very strong forms of particles, by characterizing a variety of conditions such as, for example, concentration of AgNO3 and reductant, reaction temperature, stirring velocity, single dropwise addition quantity, dropwise addition rate, or total dropwise addition quantity, which were unpredictable in the conventional silver nanoparticle preparation method using AgNO3 aqueous solution and NaBH4 reductant, so that the preparation method can be advantageously applied for the mass production of silver nano-structures for use as substrate of SERS because the method can provide multimer form with enhanced SERS signals and reproducibility, and also ability to selectively control the particle size.
US09249480B2

A method for producing alkali and alkaline earth alloys. It also relates to the use of the alkali and alkaline earth compositions. In order to create a novel method for producing alkali and alkaline earth alloys, it is proposed within the context of the invention that salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth compounds be mixed with salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of semi-metals, nonmetals or metals and then heated to at least 100° C., the salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth metals being present in a molar ratio of 1:1 or in excess thereof in relation to the salts, hydroxide, alkoxides or oxides of the semi-metals, nonmetals or metal. Surprisingly, it was found within the context of the invention that by mixing salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth compounds with salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of semi-metals or metals from the 3rd or 4th main group and subsequent heating, alkali or alkaline earth alloys can be produced.
US09249474B2

Methods for consolidated pretreatment and hydrolysis of genetically engineered plants expressing cell wall degrading enzymes are provided. Expression cassettes and vectors for making transgenic plants are described. Plants engineered to express one or more cell wall degrading enzymes using expression cassettes and vectors of the invention are also provided.
US09249472B2

The disclosed invention is related to methods, compositions, kits and isolated nucleic acid sequences for targeting Adenovirus nucleic acid. Compositions include amplification oligomers and/or detection probe oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers.
US09249466B2

We describe a method of determining whether a cancer cell is likely to be resistant to treatment by an mTOR inhibitor. The method may comprise detecting PPP2R2B (GenBank Accession Number: NM_18167) in or of the cell. It may, alternatively, or in addition, comprise detecting PDK1 (GenBank Accession Number: NM_002613), in or of the cell. The method may comprise detecting methylation of the PPP2R2B promoter in or of the cell. It may comprise detecting the expression and/or activity of PPP2R2B in or of the cell. It may comprise detecting PDK1 mediated Myc phosphorylation activity. Methods of choosing a treatment for an individual suffering from or suspected to be suffering from a cancer, determining whether an individual suffering from or suspected to be suffering from a cancer will respond to treatment by an mTOR inhibitor, increasing the sensitivity of a cancer cell to treatment by an mTOR inhibitor, for treating or preventing cancer in an individual suffering or suspected to be suffering from cancer are also provided. We further provide for a combination of an inhibitor of PDK1 expression and/or activity and an mTOR inhibitor for use in a method of treatment or prevention of cancer.
US09249465B2

Molecular markers for lung and colorectal carcinomas and methods of using them in blood sample assays are disclosed. The method comprises measuring the expression of the markers in a blood sample from a subject for detecting the presence and/or severity of lung and/or colorectal cancer, and for monitoring and/or assessing the prognosis of the subject's response to a cancer therapy. Also disclosed are kits for detecting, diagnosing, and/or monitoring lung or colorectal carcinomas.
US09249464B2

The present invention relates to an in vitro method for detecting methylated DNA comprising (a) coating a container with a polypeptide capable of binding methylated DNA; (b) contacting said polypeptide with a sample comprising methylated and/or unmethylated DNA; and (c) detecting the binding of said polypeptide to methylated DNA. In a preferred embodiment, said method further comprises step (d) analyzing the detected methylated DNA by sequencing. Another aspect of the present invention is a kit for detecting methylated DNA according to the methods of the invention comprising (a) a polypeptide capable of binding methylated DNA; (b) a container which can be coated with said polypeptide; (c) means for coating said container; and (d) means for detecting methylated DNA.
US09249447B2

The present invention relates to novel methods of generating and screening for chimeric polypeptides, which can be used in the treatment and prophylaxis of pathogenic bacterial contamination, colonization and infection. The novel methods are based on random recombination of protein domains, and the chimeric polypeptides obtainable by the methods according to the invention are characterized in that they comprise at least one enzymatic active domain (EAD) and at least one cell binding domain (CBD). The present invention also relates to a library of chimeric polypeptides obtainable by the methods of the present invention.
US09249445B2

Disclosed is a detection method for detecting a specific cell in a sample containing multiple cells including the specific cell. Specifically disclosed is a detection method for detecting a specific cell in a sample containing multiple cells including the specific cell, which comprises the following steps (1) and (2): (1) retaining cells contained in the sample on a microarray chip which comprises multiple microchambers, wherein each of the microchambers can contain multiple cells; and (2) confirming the presence or absence of the specific cell in the cells retained on the microarray chip.
US09249443B2

Devices and methods for implementing cell-based assays and long-term cell culture. The device and method are based on digital microfluidics (DMF) which is used to actuate nanoliter droplets of reagents and cells on a planar array of electrodes. DMF method is suitable for assaying and culturing both cells in suspension and cells grown on surface (adherent cells). This method is advantageous for cell culture and assays due to the automated manipulation of multiple reagents in addition to reduced reagent use and analysis time. No adverse effects of actuation by DMF were observed in assays for cell viability, proliferation, and biochemistry. These results suggest that DMF has great potential as a simple yet versatile analytical tool for implementing cell-based assays and cell culture on the microscale.
US09249439B2

The invention relates to optimization of culture conditions that utilizes different feed solutions and feeding strategies for improving capsular polyoses (CP) production.
US09249435B2

A process for the improved separation of a hydrophobic organic solution from an aqueous culture medium is provided. The process includes preparing an aqueous culture medium of a metabolically active cell having a decreased activity; contacting of the aqueous culture medium with a hydrophobic organic solution comprising a substrate for biotransformation; conducting a biotransformation of the substrate; and separating the hydrophobic organic solution comprising a biotransformed substrate from the aqueous culture medium. The decreased activity of the metabolically active cell is in comparison to a wild-type of the active cell and the decreased activity is of at least of one enzyme that catalyzes one reaction of β-oxidation of fatty acids. The invention further provides a metabolically active cell that has a decreased activity, compared to its wild-type, of an enzyme that catalyzes one of the reactions of the β-oxidation of fatty acids, including an enzyme selected from FadA, FadB, FadD, FadL and FadE as well as variants thereof.
US09249431B2

The invention relates to a process for producing organic acids, acid derivatives thereof and/or organic alcohols. In particular, the invention relates to a process for culturing a butyric acid-producing micro-organism in a culture vessel; transferring a portion of the butyric acid which is produced in the culture vessel to a separate compartment; and then reintroducing a portion of the acids from the second compartment in a controlled manner into the culture vessel. The invention also relates to a process for making butanol. The invention further relates to a process for culturing a butyrate-producing micro-organism in a first compartment of an electrochemical reactor, passing a direct current electric field across the electrochemical reactor and harvesting butyric acid or acid derivatives thereof in a second compartment of the reactor. The invention further relates to a process for producing butanol from the butyric acid.
US09249430B2

Described are recombinant microorganisms characterized by having phosphoketolase activity, having a diminished or inactivated Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway (EMPP) by inactivation of the gene(s) encoding phosphofructokinase or by reducing phosphofructokinase activity as compared to a non-modified microorganism and having a diminished or inactivated oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) by inactivation of the gene(s) encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase or by reducing glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity as compared to a non-modified microorganism. These microorganisms can be used for the production of useful metabolites such as acetone, isobutene or propene.
US09249429B2

Provided is a strain belonging to the genus Aurantiochytrium, the strain being characterized by there being at least 10 mass % of squalene in all the lipids produced by the strain, and by forming colonies exhibiting an orange-to-red color.
US09249427B2

The present invention relates to recombinant rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vectors encoding heterologous antigens, such as pathogen-specific antigens or tumor antigens, which may be used, for example, for the treatment or prevention of infectious disease or cancer. The recombinant RhCMV or HCMV vectors elicit and maintain high level cellular immune responses specific for the heterologous antigen while including deletions in one or more genes essential or augmenting for CMV replication, dissemination or spread.
US09249419B2

The present invention relates to methods for producing Saccharomyces strains that are capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source at a desired growth rate, (such as at least one generation per 48 hours), strains made by such methods, and Saccharomyces strains that grow at a growth rate of at least one generation per 48 hours using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth made by non-recombinant methods.
US09249412B2

A method of partial, rapid and direct genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of biological cells without returning to the embryonic state can partially reprogram a cell to be treated to specifically modify the biological age of said cell to be treated without causing functional de-differentiation of said cell to be treated, said cell to be treated always remaining as a specialized functional cell that is immunologically autologous to the donor tissue from which said cell to be treated is derived, and for which the phenotype is preserved and/or rejuvenated.
US09249411B2

The invention provides a replicable genetic package displaying a cyclic peptide having at least one intramolecular bond between amino acid side chains. Also provided are a method of preparing such a genetic package displaying cyclic peptides having at least one intramolecular bond. Further provided is a library of replicable genetic packages displaying cyclic peptides each having at least one intramolecular cyclic bond between amino acid side chains; and a method of producing such a library.
US09249409B2

A method for detecting a cancer(s) based on an expression of prescribed polypeptides is disclosed. These polypeptides were isolated, by the SEREX method using a cDNA library derived from canine testis and serum from a cancer-bearing dog, as a polypeptide which binds to an antibody existing in serum derived from cancer-bearing living body. Because these polypeptides react with antibodies specifically existing in serum of a cancer patient, cancers in a living body can be detected by measuring the antibody in a sample. Cancers in a living body can also be detected by measuring the antigen protein of the antibody per se or mRNA encoding it.
US09249399B2

This document relates to molecular complexes having acid alpha glucosidase activity and at least one modification that results in enhanced ability of the molecular complex to be transported to the interior of a mammalian cell.
US09249395B2

The present invention concerns replicons of pestiviruses, in particular replicons of swine fever virus, engineered to have a defective replication thereby having lost infectivity, and further containing a foreign gene. A replicon of the invention contains all the genetic information required for its replication, but lacks essential codons or all codons of at least one of the genes encoding the viral structural proteins E1, E2, Ems or C protein, and consequently cannot generate infectious virus particles. Particular replicons are generated with a mutated gene encoding a modified Npro protein that no longer controls the cell interferon-induction pathway. Another particular replicon lacks the genes encoding all the structural proteins, the p7 protein and the NS2 protein, and has cytopathogenic properties in transduced cells. The replicons of the invention provide a new vector system that can be used for vaccination, gene delivery and gene therapy applications in mammals, including humans, as naked RNA or packaged into any form of delivery vehicle.
US09249390B2

The present invention relates to a method and components for producing polarized retinal progenitor cells (RPC) from pluripotent stem cells in high yield and purity. The polarized retinal progenitor cells are preferably further differentiated with high efficiency and speed into retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE cells). The cells obtained are particularly suitable for use in cell transplantation or in the generation of transplant tissue and are particularly applicable to screening systems for substances that modulate the function of polarized retinal progenitor cells and/or RPE cells.In the method according to the invention pluripotent stem cells are differentiated into polarized retinal progenitor cells by first culturing pluripotent stem cell colonies in three-dimensional cell culture embedded in a proteinaceous gel comprising at least two proteins selected from the group consisting of Laminin, Collagen IV Entactin and Perlecan and comprising at least two growth factors selected from agonists of the EGF, FGF2, NGF, PDGF, IGF-1 and TGF-beta pathways until polarized neural cysts develop and subsequently dissociating the polarized neural cysts into dispersed polarized retinal progenitor cells.
US09249384B2

The invention relates to a method for applying at least one electrical voltage pulse to at least one reaction space by at least partially discharging at least one charge storing unit for storing electrical charges. According to the invention the method comprises applying at least one voltage pulse to a reaction space by at least partially discharging a second charge storing unit and simultaneously charging or partially discharging a first charge storing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device 1 for applying at least one electrical voltage pulse to at least one reaction space, comprising at least two charge storing units (10, 11) for storing electrical charges and at least one power supply unit (12) for charging the charge storing units (10, 11) and/or at least one discharge device for partially discharging the charge storing units (10, 11). According to the invention it is provided that at least two of the charge storing units (10, 11) form a common storage module which can be discharged at any time.
US09249382B2

Devices and methods for isolating and/or culturing microorganisms are provided. The devices comprise one or more semi-permeable membranes and may additionally include a growth medium for the microorganism. The devices and methods described herein can be used to isolate and culture both known and novel microorganisms from any environment.
US09249379B2

A colored laundry detergent is provided that photobleaches.
US09249373B2

Laundry detergents useful for cold-water cleaning and boosted bargain detergents are disclosed. The detergents include a surfactant composition derived from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives. For fatty alkyl ester sulfonate-containing detergents, the composition is selected from C10 betaines, C12 or C16 amidoamines, C12 ethanolamine amides, C16 amidoamine sulfonates, C18 diamidoamine dioxides, quaternized C18 diamidoamine betaines, sulfonated C18 low-EO fatty ester alkoxylates, C18 amidoamine carboxylates, and amidoamine oxides and sulfobetaines derived from cross-metathesis of palm or soybean oil. The bargain detergents include a performance booster selected from C12 low-EO fatty ester alkoxylate sulfonates, C18 amidoamine oxide esters, C18 amidoamine oxide carboxylates, and amidoamine sulfobetaines made from self metathesized palm or soybean oil.
US09249364B2

The present invention describes a process for converting a heavy feed which is flexible for the production of propylene, gasoline and middle distillate.The process uses a catalytic cracking unit and a unit for the oligomerization of C4 to C9 olefins. The process of the invention includes selective hydrogenation of the unrefined gasoline cut obtained from the catalytic cracking unit and separation between a light gasoline cut and a heavy gasoline cut, the light gasoline being directed to the oligomerization unit.
US09249359B2

A method of preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for handling, storage, transport and deployment, including the steps of impregnating a porous support material with a source of cobalt, calcining the impregnated support material, activating the catalyst, and passivating the activated catalyst.
US09249354B2

Networks of semiconductor structures with fused insulator coatings and methods of fabricating networks of semiconductor structures with fused insulator coatings are described. In an example, a method of fabricating a semiconductor structure involves forming a mixture including a plurality of discrete semiconductor nanocrystals. Each of the plurality of discrete semiconductor nanocrystals is discretely coated by an insulator shell. The method also involves adding a base to the mixture to fuse the insulator shells of each of the plurality of discrete nanocrystals, providing an insulator network. Each of the plurality of discrete semiconductor nanocrystals is spaced apart from one another by the insulator network. The base one such as, but not limited to, LiOH, RbOH, CsOH, MgOH, Ca(OH)2, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2, (Me)4NOH, (Et)4NOH, or (Bu)4NOH.
US09249352B2

Fracturing fluid comprising, in solution in water, a proppant and an associative amphoteric polymer, the said polymer having a molecular weight of at least 1 000 000 g/mol and comprising: 0.01 to 10 mol % of at least one cationic monomer derived from acrylamide, from 0.09 to 89.99 mol % of at least one anionic monomer, and from 10 to 99 mol % of at least one nonionic water-soluble monomer. Fracturing process using the fluid.
US09249348B2

Disclosed herein is heat transfer system, comprising a brazed aluminum component, and a heat transfer fluid in fluid communication with the brazed aluminum component, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises a liquid coolant, an oxy-anion of molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, phosphorus, antimony, or a combination thereof, and a corrosion inhibitor. Also disclosed is a method of preventing corrosion in the heat transfer system, and a heat transfer fluid and additive package for use in the heat transfer system.
US09249338B2

Disclosed herein is an anti-fingerprint coating composition, a coating composition for forming thin films that prevents fingerprints adhered to displays or touch panels from being remarkably visible and exhibits superior durability and slip properties, and a method for preparing the same.The anti-fingerprint coating composition is prepared by mixing a silane compound having an alkyl group with distilled water or acid.
US09249337B2

The invention relates to processes for coating a surface with a crosslinked polyelectrolytes multilayer film incorporating a protein, preferably a growth factor type protein. The invention also relates to crosslinked polyelectrolytes multilayer films obtained by this process, and a coated surface obtained therefrom.
US09249333B2

Provided are polymer-aerogel composite coatings, devices and articles including polymer-aerogel composite coatings, and methods for preparing the polymer-aerogel composite. The exemplary article can include a surface, wherein the surface includes at least one region and a polymer-aerogel composite coating disposed over the at least one region, wherein the polymer-aerogel composite coating has a water contact angle of at least about 140° and a contact angle hysteresis of less than about 1°. The polymer-aerogel composite coating can include a polymer and an ultra high water content catalyzed polysilicate aerogel, the polysilicate aerogel including a three dimensional network of silica particles having surface functional groups derivatized with a silylating agent and a plurality of pores.
US09249330B2

A resin composition includes a thermoplastic resin and a metal-resin composite particle, wherein the metal-resin composite particle includes a metal deposition layer, a first coating layer positioned on one side of the metal deposition layer, and a second coating layer positioned on the other side of the metal deposition layer, and the first coating layer and second coating layer include a thermosetting resin respectively. An article includes the resin composition.
US09249319B2

The present invention relates to a liquid additive for etching silicon nitride and silicon oxide layers, a metal ink including the same for forming silicon solar cell electrodes and a method for manufacturing silicon solar cell electrodes. More particularly, it relates to a liquid additive including metal nitrate, metal acetate, or hydrates thereof and a metal ink for forming silicon solar cell electrodes, mixed with the liquid additive and a metal. Further, it relates to a method for manufacturing silicon solar cell electrodes comprising a one-step non-contact printing for etching of a silicon nitride layer or silicon oxide layer and forming electrodes.
US09249307B2

Compounds useful as labels with properties comparable to known fluorescent compounds. The compounds are conjugated to proteins and nucleic acids for biological imaging and analysis. Synthesis of the compounds, formation and use of the conjugated compounds, and specific non-limiting examples of each are provided.
US09249302B2

Provided are a curable composition and its use. The curable composition may provide a cured product having excellent processability, workability, and adhesive property, and having no whitening and surface stickiness. The curable composition has excellent thermal resistance at a high temperature, gas barrierability, and crack resistance, and thus, when applied to a semiconductor device, may stably maintain performance of the device at a high temperature for a long time.
US09249299B2

Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 10 to 99.8% by weight of a thermoplastic polyamide, B) from 0.1 to 60% by weight of red phosphorus, C) from 0.05 to 5% by weight of a catalyst comprising copper and zinc and support material, D) from 0 to 40% by weight of an impact modifier, E) from 0 to 60% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of A) to E) is 100%.
US09249291B2

A thermoplastic elastomer compound is blended from styrenic block copolymer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, thermoplastic polyurethane, a compatibilizer, and a masterbatch containing silicone, which is added to provide a qualitative silky feel on surfaces of plastic articles made from the compound.
US09249287B2

In order to accurately learn a function for evaluating documents, even in the case where sample documents having missing feature values are included as training data, a document evaluation apparatus is provided with a data classification unit (3) that classifies a set of sample documents based on missing patterns of a first feature vector, a first learning unit (4) that uses feature values that are not missing in the first feature vector and evaluation values to learn a first function for calculating a first score which is a weighted evaluation value for each classification, a feature vector generation unit (5) that computes a feature value corresponding to each classification using the first score, and generates a second feature vector having the computed feature values, and a second learning unit (6) that uses the second feature vector and the evaluation values to learn a second function for calculating a second score for evaluating documents targeted for evaluation.
US09249280B2

The viscosity of solutions of nonionic synthetic associative thickeners is controlled by adding organophosphates to the solution of associative thickeners. The associative thickeners are hydrophobically modified polymers and the organophosphates include one or more hydrophobic groups.
US09249272B2

Thermal insulation material capable of being obtained from the mixture of at least the following elements: an aqueous foam; silica aerogel particles; and at least one binder selected from an organic binder and a mineral binder.
US09249266B2

Micro- and nano-sized particles, agglomerates and fibers are generated from high molecular weight water-soluble biopolymers applying supercritical fluid technology. A method of producing micro- or nanoparticles from an aqueous solution of a high molecular weight biopolymer includes the step of spraying the aqueous solution together with a mixture of a compressible gas and a water-soluble co-solvent/antisolvent into a pressurized chamber. The method may be adapted to impregnate the micro- or nanoparticles with a bioactive material. A method for microencapsulating a bioactive material with a biopolymer is also provided.
US09249259B2

The present invention relates to a process for the activation of double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts and to a process for the preparation of polyethercarbonate polyols from one or more H-functional starter compounds, one or more alkylene oxides and carbon dioxide in the presence of a double metal cyanide catalyst, characterized in that (α) (α1) the DMC catalyst and one or more H-functional starter compounds are placed in a reactor, (α2) an inert gas, an inert gas/carbon dioxide mixture or carbon dioxide is passed through the reactor at a temperature of 50 to 200° C. and at the same time a reduced pressure (absolute) of 10 mbar to 800 mbar is established in the reactor by removal of the inert gas or carbon dioxide, (β) under an atmosphere of inert gas/carbon dioxide mixture or under a pure carbon dioxide atmosphere, alkylene oxide is added to the mixture from step (α) at temperatures of 50 to 200° C., and (γ) one or more alkylene oxides and carbon dioxide are metered into the mixture resulting from step (β).
US09249256B2

Provided are: a novel triepoxy compound capable of forming, through polymerization, a cured article having excellent heat resistance; a production method thereof; a curable composition including the triepoxy compound; and a cured article obtained by curing the curable composition.The triepoxy compound according to the present invention is represented by Formula (1). The triepoxy compound represented by Formula (1) may be obtained typically by oxidizing a compound represented by Formula (2) with an oxidizing agent. In Formulae (1) and (2), R1 to R2° are the same as or different from one another and each represent hydrogen atom, methyl group, or ethyl group. Formulae (1) and (2) are expressed as follows:
US09249249B2

An optical polymeric material that can substantially block the transmission of ultraviolet light as well as selected portion of violet light. The polymeric material will include monomeric units of one or more lens monomers, and monomeric units of a monomer of formula (I).
US09249241B2

A functionalized mesoporous carbon composition comprising a mesoporous carbon scaffold having mesopores in which polyvinyl polymer grafts are covalently attached, wherein said mesopores have a size of at least 2 nm and up to 50 nm. Also described is a method for producing the functionalized mesoporous composition, wherein a reaction medium comprising a precursor mesoporous carbon, vinyl monomer, initiator, and solvent is subjected to sonication of sufficient power to result in grafting and polymerization of the vinyl monomer into mesopores of the precursor mesoporous carbon. Also described are methods for using the functionalized mesoporous carbon, particularly in extracting metal ions from metal-containing solutions.
US09249240B2

Graft polymers whose grafting base is selected from the group consisting of polymers having vinylamine units, polyamines, polyamidoamines and polymers of ethylenically unsaturated acids and which comprise exclusively oligoalkylenimine side chains as side chains, process for the preparation of graft polymers having oligoalkylenimine side chains, at least one oligoalkylenimine which comprises a terminal aziridine group being grafted onto one of said grafting bases, and the use of the graft polymers thus obtainable as process chemicals in the production of paper, as antimicrobial coating materials, as builders in detergents and for the treatment of metal surfaces.
US09249239B2

This invention relates to a novel group 2, 3 or 4 transition metal metallocene catalyst compound that is asymmetric having two non-identical indenyl ligands with substitution at R2 having a branched or unbranched C1-C20 alkyl group substituted with a cyclic group or a cyclic group, R8 is an alkyl group and R4 and R10 are substituted phenyl groups.
US09249232B2

The present invention relates to improved methods for the selection of appropriate human acceptor framework regions for non-human (donor) antibodies and methods for obtaining humanized antibodies of high affinity using such acceptor frameworks.
US09249221B2

Provided is a humanized and affinity-matured anti-c-Met antibody, a pharmaceutical composition including the antibody, and a method of preventing and/or treating c-Met-related disease using the antibody.
US09249218B2

A method for purifying a polypeptide by ion exchange chromatography is described which involves changing the conductivity and/or pH of buffers in order to resolve a polypeptide of interest from one or more contaminants.
US09249217B2

We have constructed bispecific antibody engaging molecules which have one arm that specifically engages a tumor cell which expresses the human EGFRvIII mutant protein on its surface, and a second arm that specifically engages T cell activation ligand CD3. The engaging molecules are highly cytotoxic and antigen-specific.
US09249211B2

The present invention relates to binding fusion protein compositions comprising targeting moieties linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), binding fusion protein-drug conjugate compositions, and XTEN-drug conjugate compositions, isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of using such compositions in treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions.
US09249209B2

The invention concerns glycosylated proteins having human factor VIII activity. In a preferred embodiment, the protein is glycosylated with oligosaccharides that include an alpha-(2,6)-linked sialic acid and a bisecting GlcNAc linked to a core beta-mannose.
US09249208B2

The invention relates to novel citrulline peptides derived from fibrin α and β chains which are recognizable by specific citrulline antiprotein autoantibodies (AAPC) of a rheumatoid arthritis (PR) and to the use thereof for detecting the presence of said specific PR AAPC in a biological sample.
US09249201B2

The invention concerns the field of recombinant gene engineering. It concerns novel introns and compositions comprising such introns as well as a method to improve expression of polypeptides from nucleic acids such as cloned genes with heterologous introns, especially genes encoding antibodies and antibody derived fragments, and the production of various polypeptides in eukaryotic host cells using said novel intron sequences as heterologous introns.
US09249194B2

The invention demonstrates that, contrary to apoptotic rabies virus G proteins, certain non-apoptotic rabies virus G proteins, such as the G protein of the CVS-NIV strain, have a neurite outgrowth promoting effect. The invention further demonstrates that this neurite outgrowth promoting effect is due to the cytoplasmic tail of the non-apoptotic rabies virus G proteins, more particularly to their PDZ-BS, which shows a single-point mutation compared to the one of apoptotic rabies virus G proteins. The invention provides methods for inducing and/or stimulating neurite outgrowth, which are useful in inducing neuron differentiation, for example for the treatment of a neoplasm of the nervous system, as well as in regenerating impaired neurons, for example for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, disorder or condition or in the treatment of a microbial infection, or in protecting neurons from neurotoxic agents or oxidative stress.
US09249193B2

The present invention relates to a truncated L1 protein of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Type 33, a sequence encoding the same, a method for preparing the same, and a virus-like particle comprising the same, wherein the protein and the virus-like particle are useful for preventing HPV (particularly HPV33) infection, and a disease caused by HPV (particularly HPV33) infection, such as cervical cancer. The invention also relates to the use of the protein and the virus-like particle in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition or a vaccine for preventing HPV (particularly HPV33) infection, and a disease caused by HPV (particularly HPV33) infection, such as cervical cancer.
US09249191B2

The present invention provides a particle comprising a polypeptide and at least one antigen, and a composition comprising thereof.
US09249188B2

The present Invention relates to nanopeptides isolated from mammalian colostrums with vaccine like antiviral and immunodulator activity via building body's own immune system and attachment inhibition on the cell surface receptors.
US09249185B2

The present invention relates to a peptide promoting angiogenesis and novel use thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to peptides promoting angiogenesis, and the use of the peptide for promoting angiogenesis and preventing or treating angiogenesis-related disease. The peptide of the present invention have an excellent effect on promoting angiogenesis. Accordingly, it is useful for preventing or treating angiogenesis-related disease and for preparing regeneration of skin flap, wound and burn healing, implantation of artificial-skin and preparation of blood vessels for transplantation.
US09249184B2

The present invention relates to Cardiac Targeting Peptides or CTPs that are able to transduce cardiomyocytes specifically in culture and in vivo, and to methods for using such peptides and their derivatives to deliver peptides, proteins or nucleic acids specifically to the heart. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the peptide APWHLSSQYSRT (SEQ ID NO:1) functioned as a cardiac-specific protein targeting peptide and was successful in delivering a number of different cargoes to cardiac muscle cells in vitro and in vivo.
US09249183B2

Method for identifying a modulator of Sirt6, PfSir2a, or Sirt7 deacylase activity, wherein a fatty-acylated substrate containing an acyl-lysine moiety and an indicator moiety is contacted with Sirt6, PfSir2a, or Sirt7 in the presence of a candidate compound under conditions for Sirt6, PfSir2a, or Sirt7 to deacylate the substrate, wherein the acyl is a hydrophobic fatty acyl group containing a hydrocarbon group having at least three carbon atoms connected by carbon-carbon bonds; contacting the deacylated substrate with a cleavage agent that cleaves the linkage between the lysine and indicator moiety to generate a detectable signal; and correlating a quantified Sirt6, PfSir2a, or Sirt7 deacylase activity therefrom. Modulating compounds of Sirt6, PfSir2a, or Sirt7 deacylase activity are also described, as are pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of treatment by administration of the modulating compounds, and kits for practicing the method.
US09249178B2

The present invention provides novel tricyclic nucleosides and oligomeric compounds prepared therefrom. Incorporation of one or more of the tricyclic nucleosides into an oligomeric compound is expected to enhance one or more properties of the oligomeric compound. Such oligomeric compounds can also be included in double stranded compositions. In certain embodiments, the oligomeric compounds provided herein are expected to hybridize to a portion of a target RNA resulting in loss of normal function of the target RNA.
US09249177B2

The invention is directed to processes of preparing phosphonate nucleosides comprising a phosphonalkoxy-substituted five-membered, saturated or unsaturated, oxygen-containing ring coupled to a heterocyclic nucleobase such as a pyrimidine or purine base. These compounds can be described by the general formula (XIX)
US09249176B2

The present disclosure relates to the compound of Formula I: Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula I, methods of using the compound of Formula I and/or compositions comprising the compound of Formula I for the treatment of HCV.
US09249175B2

The present invention is directed to RNA monomers comprising O-acetal levulinyl protecting groups at the 2′ and/or the 5′-hydroxy functionalities of the ribose moiety. Said monomers may be incorporated into oligoribonucleotides or RNA polynucleotides. Furthermore, the invention is directed to methods for the synthesis of said RNA monomers, oligoribonucleotides and RNA polynucleotides, as well as methods for their deprotection and methods for the use of said compounds and compositions comprising said compounds. In particular, such compounds and compositions comprising them are used in methods for light-directed synthesis of RNA microarrays.
US09249171B2

A process for making the compound of Formula I utilizes the starting compound, together with sulfilimine and sulfoxide process steps later on.
US09249166B1

A hydrothermal synthesis method of making a delaminated titanate is disclosed. The delaminated titanate has a unique structure or morphology. The delaminated titanate is first formed by forming at a low temperature a layered sodium nonatitanate (SNT), which may be referred to as layered sodium titanate. The layered SNT has a unique morphology. The layered SNT is then synthesized into a delaminated titanate having a unique morphology.
US09249164B2

A process for preparing an acryloyloxysilane, the process comprising reacting a metal salt of a carboxylic acid having the formula [CR22═CR1COO−]aMa+ (I), with a haloorganoalkoxysilane having the formula XR3Si(OR4)nR53—n (II) in the presence of mineral spirits and a phase transfer catalyst at a temperature of from 50 to 160° C. to form a mixture comprising an acryloyloxysilane and a metal halide having the formula Ma+X−a (III), wherein R1 is H or C1-C6 hydrocarbyl, each R2 is independently R1 or [COO−]aMa+, Ma+ is an alkali metal cation or alkaline earth metal cation, a is 1 or 2, X is halo, R3 is C1-C6 hydrocarbylene, each R4 is independently C1-C10 Q hydrocarbyl, each R5 is independently R1 and n is an integer from 1 to 3.
US09249153B2

Disclosed are a method for treating an aging-related disease and a method for screening a therapeutic agent for an aging-related disease. The method for treating an aging-related disease includes administering to a subject a progerin expression inhibitor as an active ingredient. The method for screening a therapeutic agent for an aging-related disease includes selecting a candidate drug inhibitory of progerin expression.
US09249151B2

This invention relates to bis-amido pyridines of general formula (I) their use as SMAC mimetics, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use as a medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation and associated conditions such as cancer. The groups R1 to R4 have the meanings given in the claims and in the specification.
US09249149B2

The present invention in one embodiment provides a compound of Formula A: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound; and methods of treating the indications disclosed herein.
US09249148B2

The present invention relates to new tri(hetero)aryl pyrazoles, methods for their preparation, their use for treating and/or preventing diseases as well as their use in the preparation of drugs for treating and/or preventing diseases, in particular retroviral diseases in humans and/or animals.
US09249147B2

Provided are compounds of the formula (I): or a stereoisomer, tautomer, salt, hydrate or prodrug thereof that modulate tyrosine kinase activity, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of their use.
US09249144B2

This application discloses a novel process to synthesize 8-[{1-(3,5-Bis-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-ethoxy}-methyl]-8-phenyl-1,7-diaza-spiro[4.5]decan-2-one compounds, which may be used, for example, as NK-1 inhibitor compounds in pharmaceutical preparations, intermediates useful in said process, and processes for preparing said intermediates; also disclosed is a process for removal of metals from N-heterocyclic carbine metal complexes.
US09249139B2

The present invention provides compounds of general formula A useful as potential phosphodiesterase3 (PDE3) inhibitory agents and a process for the preparation thereof. The derivatives of formula A can be employed as therapeutics in human and veterinary medicine, where they can be used, for example, for the treatment and prophylaxis of the following diseases: heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, platelet inhibitors, cancer and obstructive pulmonary diseases.
US09249110B2

Described herein are kinase inhibitors represented by Formula I: and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for use in the treatment of cancer.
US09249106B2

The invention relates to substituted hydrazide compounds as shown by general formula I, including geometrical isomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates or prodrugs thereof, and use of the same, wherein the substitutents Ar and R have the same meanings as given in the Description. The invention further relates to the use of compounds of general formula I in the preparation of medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer and other proliferative diseases.
US09249105B2

The invention provides crystalline salt forms of 4′-{2-ethoxy-4-ethyl-5-[((S)-2-mercapto-4-methylpentanoylamino)methyl]-imidazol-1-ylmethyl}-3′-fluorobiphenyl-2-carboxylic acid. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds, and methods of using the crystalline compounds to treat diseases such as hypertension.
US09249103B2

Compounds, compositions and methods useful for treating infectious diseases are provided. In particular, 3-aryl quinoline compounds, their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of treating infectious diseases such as malaria, are disclosed.
US09249095B2

Compounds of Formula (I) are disclosed herein and their use in inhibiting quorum sensing in bacteria.
US09249085B2

The present invention relates to aniline derivatives of formula (I), to their preparation and to their therapeutic application, for example in treating glaucoma: Formula (I), R1a represents H, an halogen, a (C1-C6)alkyl or a CN; R1b represents H, an halogen or a (C1-C6)alkyl; R1c represents H or a (C1-C6)alkyl; R2 represents H, an halogen, an OH, an O—(C1-C6)alkyl or (C1-C6)alkyl; R3 represents H, an halogen, a (C1-C6)alkyl, an OH, an O—(C1-C6)alkyl, a CONH2 or CN; R4 represents H, an halogen or a (C1-C6)alkyl; R5 represents H or F: R7 represents H or F; R8 represents H or F; R9 represents H or (C1-C6)alkyl, or one of its enantiomers.
US09249084B2

The present invention relates to a (2R,3R)-3-(3-substituted phenyl)-2-methyl n-pentanamide compounds as shown in the formula I and the preparation method thereof, wherein, the substituents are as defined in the specification, the present invention further relates to a use of the above compounds for the preparation of tapentadol II or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, and the intermediates involved in the preparation process.
US09249080B2

In this invention, a portion of the products from a pyrolysis reactor are reacted in a process to form one or more chemical intermediates.
US09249077B2

In a process for the dehydrogenation of at least one dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon, at least one dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon selected from an oxygen-containing six-membered carbon ring compound is supplied to a first dehydrogenation reaction zone together with at least one stabilizing compound selected from a non-oxygen-containing six membered carbon ring compound to the first dehydrogenation reaction zone, such that the weight ratio of the stabilizing compound to the dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon supplied to the first dehydrogenation reaction zone is in the range of from 1:200 to 200:1. The dehydrogenation feed stream and the at least one stabilizing compound are contacted with a first dehydrogenation catalyst in the first dehydrogenation reaction zone under dehydrogenation conditions to convert at least a portion of the dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon into an unsaturated six-membered carbon ring compound and hydrogen.
US09249063B2

The main subject of the present invention is solid pyrotechnic gas generator compounds, the composition of which contains: guanidine nitrate, basic copper nitrate, and at least one inorganic titanate, the melting point of which is above 2100 K. Said compounds are perfectly suitable for use in frontal airbags.
US09249061B2

The present invention relates to a fertilizer comprising at least one microbe selected from the group consisting of Trichoderma viride (NRRL B-50520), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (NRRL B-50521), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (NRRL B-50522), and combinations thereof, and a substrate which is acted upon by the at least one microbe to release nitrogen. The invention also relates to a fertilizer comprising at least one microbe selected from a keratin degrading microorganism and a keratin substrate which is acted upon by the at least one microbe to release nitrogen. The invention further relates to a method for enhancing growth of plants with the fertilizer, and methods of making a fertilizer. The invention further relates to an isolated Trichoderma viride strain (NRRL B-50520) and two isolated Scopulariopsis brevicaulis strains (NRRL B-50521, NRRL B-50522).
US09249055B2

One embodiment of the present invention is a unique prosthetic implant and method for making a prosthetic implant. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for prosthetic implants. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US09249047B2

Disclosed is an ultraviolet and infrared absorptive glass characterized by that its coloring component contains, based on mass of the ultraviolet and infrared absorptive glass, 0.05-0.9 mass % of CeO2, 0.50-1.20 mass % of of total iron oxide in terms of Fe2O3, 0.08-0.30 mass % of FeO, 0.1-1.5 mass % of TiO2, 10-25 mass ppm of CoO, and 0.1-50 mass ppm of Cr2O3, that mass ratio (Fe2+/Fe3+) of divalent iron to trivalent iron is 0.20-0.45, and that dominant wavelength measured by using illuminant D65 of JIS Z 8701 is 510-560 nm. This glass has satisfactory optical characteristics, even though the content of CeO2 has been reduced.
US09249043B2

A refractory object can include at least approximately 10 wt % Al2O3 and at least approximately 1 wt % SiO2. In an embodiment, the refractory object can include an additive. In a particular embodiment, the additive can include TiO2, Y2O3, SrO, BaO, CaO, Ta2O5, Fe2O3, ZnO, or MgO. The refractory object can include at least approximately 3 wt % of the additive. In an additional embodiment, the refractory object can include no greater than approximately 8 wt % of the additive. In a further embodiment, the creep rate of the refractory object can be at least approximately 1×10−6 h−1. In another embodiment, the creep rate of the refractory object can be no greater than approximately 5×10−5 h−1. In an illustrative embodiment, the refractory object can include a glass overflow trough or a forming block.
US09249040B2

A sludge treatment plant includes an extended floor with a work surface for receiving a mass of spread-out sludge and a movable carriage positioned transversely above the work surface. The movable carriage includes a displacement tool designed to carry the sludge towards a terminal part of the work surface. A withdrawal tool transfers the sludge towards an outlet channel. The outlet channel includes a screw conveyor associated with a rotational drive system and equipped with a heating element. A controller adjusts the temperature in this screw conveyor to a predetermined value between 90° C. and 100° C., while adjusting the rotational drive of the screw conveyor in order to obtain a residence time of the sludge within this screw conveyor to a predetermined value of greater than 4 hours.
US09249037B2

The invention pertains to a method for continuous treatment of water. According to the invention, such a method comprises a step of biological treatment of water followed by a step of filtration, characterized in that it comprises a step of enzymatic treatment planned between said step of biological treatment and said step of filtration, said step of enzymatic treatment being carried out by enzymes fixed on at least one three-dimensional support, said enzymes being capable of degrading at least a part of the organic matter contained in the water coming from said step of biological treatment.
US09249032B2

An amorphous oxide thin film containing amorphous oxide is exposed to an oxygen plasma generated by exciting an oxygen-containing gas in high frequency. The oxygen plasma is preferably generated under the condition that applied frequency is 1 kHz or more and 300 MHz or less and pressure is 5 Pa or more. The amorphous oxide thin film is preferably exposed by a sputtering method, ion-plating method, vacuum deposition method, sol-gel method or fine particle application method.
US09249030B2

A method of making sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate is disclosed in which carbon dioxide gas is reacted with an aqueous solution sodium hydroxide solution in the presence of a compound of the formula (I): Na+[X—O]− where X is Cl, Br, or I.
US09249028B2

The present invention is directed to a method of making metal oxide and mixed metal oxide particles. The method includes treating a mixture formed from a metal source, such as metal alkoxide, a surfactant, and a first alcohol in an aqueous media at a very high metal oxide yield. The mixture is reacted using a catalyst to form metal oxide particles having a desired particle size in said mixture. By washing the particles with an aprotic solvent, the residual carbon content of the particles can be significantly reduced. The method is particularly suitable for forming silica particles. The metal oxide particles can then be heat treated to form synthetic fused metal oxides such as, for example, synthetic fused silica.
US09249021B2

An organic particular material and a method for producing the material is disclosed, as well as multiple uses of the material produced by the same method for use as soil improver, combating the Iberia snail, fire resisting absorption of flammable liquids as well as fire extinguisher.
US09249017B2

Nanorod and nanowire compositions are disclosed comprising copper indium selenide, copper indium gallium selenide, copper indium sulfide, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are photovoltaic devices comprising the nanorod and/or nanowire compositions. Also disclosed are methods for producing the nanorod and nanowire compositions, and photovoltaic devices described herein.
US09249016B2

This disclosure relates to structures for the conversion of light into energy. More specifically, the disclosure describes devices for conversion of light to electricity using photovoltaic cells comprising graphene.
US09249011B2

There are provided a process for fabricating MEMS device that includes a plurality of through-holes capable being arranged at a high density, the through-holes having a tapered end portion. Through-holes having vertical side surfaces and tapered bottoms are provided by a processing method including the steps of: disposing quadrilateral patterning having desired dimensions on a silicon substrate having a flat surface of a crystal plane, etching the substrate to a desired depth by dry etching that can realize a high aspect ratio etching, and anisotropic wet etching the dry etched substrate with a KOH aqueous solution containing isopropyl alcohol mixed thereinto.
US09249008B2

A MEMS device with a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode is disclosed. These electrodes are disposed on a substrate in such a manner that (1) a pointing direction of the first electrode is in parallel with a normal direction of the substrate, (2) a pointing direction of the third electrode is perpendicular to the pointing direction of the first electrode, (3) the second electrode includes a sensing portion and a stationary portion, (4) the first electrode and the sensing portion are configured to define a sensing capacitor, and (5) the third electrode and the stationary portion are configured to define a reference capacitor. This arrangement facilitates the MEMS device such as a differential pressure sensor, differential barometer, differential microphone and decoupling capacitor to be miniaturized.
US09249002B2

A lift platform includes a base unit (4), a lifting mechanism (8) and an operator cage (14) attached to the lifting mechanism, a set of wheels (16) and a set of static support elements (18). The base unit (4) is constructed and arranged for conversion between a static configuration in which it is supported by the static support elements (18) and a mobile configuration in which it is supported by the wheels (16).
US09248999B2

The present invention relates to an improved level wind arm for a winch drum assembly, and a winch drum assembly incorporating such a level wind arm. The level wind arm includes a cross member adapted to bias against an outwardly extending portion of rope, the cross member being concave so that more force is required for the rope spindle associated with the cross member to “climb” the slope of the cross member, causing a momentary pause in motion of the spindle after it reaches the end of wind stroke. This momentary pause allows for rope being wound onto the drum to rise up the end wall of the drum to create a new layer which is aligned and consistent with the layer below, without causing gaps in the rope or other circumstances which could lead to the rope accumulating at any one point, or becoming tangled. The present invention also includes means of ensuring that tension is maintained in the rope, and that the rope does not jump off the reel and, for example, into the clutch mechanism.
US09248998B2

A method of lifting device load hazard avoidance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a three dimensional position of a load hazard avoidance sensor unit coupled with a load line of a lifting device, the determining performed by a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver coupled with a housing of the load hazard avoidance sensor unit, monitoring for a load related hazard in a vicinity of a load coupled with the load line, the monitoring performed by a load monitor coupled with the housing and initiating at least one load related hazard avoidance action in response to a monitored occurrence of the load related hazard.
US09248997B2

The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic system for a crane with at least one hydraulic circuit, which comprises at least one hydraulic consumer, and a constant pressure network, wherein the at least one hydraulic circuit is coupled with the constant pressure network via at least one pressure reducer, whereby a higher volume flow with low pressure as compared to the constant pressure network can be generated in the hydraulic circuit.
US09248993B2

An elevator installation has at least one shaft door and a monitoring device for monitoring movements for opening the shaft door, the monitoring device has a first, energy-autonomous counting device for counting the movements, which independently of an intact power supply increments a first count value in the case of one of these movements, and a second counting device for counting the movements, which when the power supply is intact increments a second count value in the case of one of these movements, and a comparison circuit which calls up and compares the first and second count values and can generate a signal based on the comparison of the count values.
US09248989B2

A web-guiding system for guiding a web of media travelling from upstream to downstream along a transport path in an in-track direction, including a web-guiding structure and an air source. The web-guiding structure includes an exterior surface having a pattern of recesses formed into the exterior surface, wherein the web of media travels past the web-guiding structure with a first side of the web of media contacting at least some non-recessed portions of the exterior surface of the web-guiding structure. The air source provides an air flow between the first side of the web of media and the exterior surface of the web-guiding structure thereby providing a lifting force to lift portions of the web of media overlying the recesses away from the exterior surface of the web-guiding structure.
US09248988B2

A paper sheet material dispenser selectively operable to dispense paper toweling or other paper sheet material from a roll of paper sheet material employing a plurality of alternative operational modes.
US09248974B2

Devices for removing particulate from surfaces may include at least one belt coupled with at least one guide to rotate the belt(s) about the guide(s). A vacuum cavity may be disposed around a portion of the belt(s) to remove captured particulate therefrom when a negative pressure is introduced in the vacuum cavity. A surface may be cleaned by rotating a dry belt about a guide and positioning a portion of the dry belt on the surface to capture and collect particulate. A portion of the dry belt can pass into a vacuum cavity, and collected particulate may be removed from the dry belt into the vacuum cavity. A cleaning apparatus may be formed by coupling a belt to a guide so the belt can rotate around the guide. A vacuum cavity can be disposed to encompass a portion of the belt. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.
US09248972B2

The invention relates to a belt run control device of an endless belt (2) revolving over at least one cylindrical roller (1), wherein the rollers (1) are each designed as deflection rollers around which the belt (2) is wrapped, and wherein for the purpose of tensioning the belt (2) at least one cylindrical roller (1) is preloaded on both sides by way of elastic elements (3) designed to be equally acting in order to center the belt (2) relative to the roller (1), and wherein a position measuring device is provided in the region of the belt (2), wherein an adjusting element (5) that can be actuated using a pneumatic piston-cylinder unit (4) is disposed on at least one side of the roller (1), characterized in that the adjusting element (5) is designed to apply a force that acts additively or subtractively with respect to the preloading force of at least one of the elastic elements (3).
US09248966B2

A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.
US09248962B2

A trash container for holding trash may include a flexible first sidewall, a flexible second sidewall opposed and in a spaced relationship to the first sidewall to define a cavity, a bottom rigid wall connected to the flexible first sidewall and the flexible second sidewall to seal the cavity, and a top ring connected to the flexible first sidewall and the flexible second sidewall to seal the cavity.
US09248957B2

A height adjustable column for a shipping container building structure. The height adjustable column has an upper sleeve portion, a middle sleeve portion and a lower sleeve. When the column is in the non-extended position the middle sleeve portion is fully slid within the lower and upper sleeve portions and a substantive length of the upper sleeve portion is slid within the lower sleeve portion such that ISO apertures in the middle sleeves are aligned whereby the height of the column is at a reduced height compared to that that of a standard shipping container. When the column is in the extended position locking means on the middle sleeve portion engage and lock with the corresponding slotted apertures on the lower and upper sleeve portions as to support and retain the column at a height equal to or greater than the height of a standard shipping container.
US09248950B2

A dispenser includes a body, the body including a product housing defining an interior for housing a plurality of products. The product housing has a dispensing portion defining a dispensing opening configured to permit the removal of at least one of the plurality of products from the interior. The body further includes a plunger movably engaged with the product housing and including a product support that moves within the interior to move the plurality of products towards the dispensing opening, the dispenser comprising a moisture tight seal between the plunger and the product housing.
US09248948B2

A dispensing device is disclosed having a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder and moveable in priming and dispensing directions, including a spring device biasing the piston to move in the priming direction at a predetermined rate, and an operating plunger connectable to the piston and moveable along a path to move the piston in the dispensing direction. The operating plunger has an engagement device and is moveable between an engaged position in which the engagement device is connected to the piston and movement of the plunger along the path is transmitted to the piston, and a disengaged position in which the engagement device is disconnected from the piston and movement of the plunger along the path is independent of the piston. The engagement device is arranged such that movement of the plunger between the engaged and disengaged positions is of a different kind to movement along the path.
US09248944B2

Provided is a waterproof structure capable of facilitating positioning of a packing. A waterproof structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first case having a groove formed therein, a packing that is disposed in the groove, a second case that pushes the packing and forms a sealed space with the first case. The packing includes a bending part, and the groove includes a guiding part that guides a tip of the bending part to a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the groove in the first case.
US09248941B1

A rack-handling system includes a rack-handling device having a rack-coupling portion and one or more handles. The rack-coupling portion can be coupled with a rack. The handles can be gripped by a user to move the rack from one location to another when the rack-coupling portion is coupled to the rack.
US09248939B2

A semi-rigid sleeve for a bottle that is open at both ends and can be inserted downward onto a freestanding bottle so as to cling thereto as a second skin. The sleeve generally comprises a cylindrical body defined by a resilient sheet of semi-rigid material (preferably high-density plastic) open at both ends and having an axial slit running end-to-end, the body being defined by an inward axial curvature and compression-formed with a shape-memory characteristic to normally retain a smaller (furled) first diameter which can be forcibly expanded by parting along said slit to a larger (unfurled) second diameter. An optional rubber coating may be applied to the interior/exterior of the body for insulation purposes. The smooth semi-rigid exterior surface of the bottle sleeve provides a superior advertising medium and outstanding multi-color graphics can be applied by thermoset printing processes, resulting in far more eyecatching graphics than traditional foam koozies.
US09248936B2

An improved end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure contains a raised bead portion for guiding and directing the opening or lifting motion of a tab portion attached to the end closure. More efficient opening features are enabled by the guided action of the tab and raised bead features.
US09248928B2

Contact lenses comprising an ionic component are packaged with a beneficial cationic agent in a temperature-sensitive packaging solution and/or a low ionic strength packaging solution.
US09248925B2

A medicine supply apparatus that subdivides and supplies medicines is provided. The medicine supply apparatus includes: a cassette unit that is provided movably between a fixed position and a drawn position, and can temporarily retain the medicines in a subdivided manner; a cover provided movably between a closed position to cover the cassette unit from above and an opened position where the cassette unit is exposed; and an association mechanism that associates operations of the cassette unit and the cover, wherein the association mechanism restricts an operation of the cover so as to keep the cover in the closed position when the cassette unit is in the drawn position.
US09248923B2

An apparatus comprises a thermal protection element, a number of washers, a ceramic layer, a number of blind fasteners, and a number of tabs. The thermal protection element has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of sides. The ceramic layer covers at least the plurality of sides of the thermal protection element. The number of tabs is connected to the number of sides by the number of blind fasteners secured to the ceramic layers. The tabs may be part of a frame secured to a groove around the plurality of sides.
US09248921B2

An assembly and method for attaching an engine pylon to an aircraft wing. The method may include attaching a first forward wing-mounted fitting to the pylon at a first side of the pylon between upper and lower spars of the pylon and attaching a second forward wing-mounted fitting to the pylon at a second side of the pylon between the upper and lower spars of the pylon. The second side of the pylon is located opposite of the first side of the pylon. Mechanical attachment devices may be inserted through holes on the sides of the pylon aligned with holes formed through the forward wing-mounted fittings. The mechanical attachment devices may be made of steel and the forward wing-mounted fittings may be made of composite or aluminum material.
US09248920B2

The subject matter disclosed herein includes, inter alia, a method and system which enables to determine the steering-angle between the longitudinal axis of a tractor and the longitudinal axis of an aircraft which is being led by the tractor (referred to herein as “steering-angle” in short). While an aircraft is being led, the steering-angle can be repeatedly calculated and compared to a threshold value defining a mechanical steering limit. In case the comparison complies with one or more predefined conditions (e.g. the steering-angle is equal or smaller the threshold value) a warning can be generated indicating to an operator that the steering-angle has reached (or is about to reach) its limit and should be adjusted accordingly.
US09248917B2

A fire detection system for an aircraft, freight transportation vehicle or freight storage facility comprises one or more RFID tags associated with one or more items of freight being transported or stored. The RFID tag is configured to detect a condition indicative of a fire in or in the vicinity the item of freight, for example a temperature rise or generation of smoke. One or more RFID readers are arranged to read the RFID tags. The RFID reader is connected to or forms part of a control system, the RFID reader or the control determining whether the RFID tag has detected a fire.
US09248916B2

An indication system and method for detecting and displaying the relative position during fuel transfer. The system comprises a first input device configured to be capable of detecting the extended length from the tanker aircraft of elongated hose and to be capable of sending the detected length of elongated hose to the control module. The control module is operably connected to a display and configured to be capable of receiving an input signal from the input device of hose extension, transforming it into a corresponding output signal of the position of the receiver aircraft inside a refueling range of limit positions and sending the corresponding output signal to the display, which is configured to be capable of displaying information indicating the position of the receiver aircraft inside the refueling range of limit positions.
US09248914B2

A method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Data about components for the aircraft is identified. Fuel efficiency of the aircraft is identified using the data about the components for the aircraft and a model of the aircraft. The model of the aircraft identifies fuel use. The aircraft is managed using the fuel efficiency identified for the aircraft.
US09248906B2

A method and apparatus for positioning a tail skid assembly for a maximum rotation angle for an aircraft may be provided. A determination may be made as to whether the tail skid assembly is to be deployed for takeoff or landing. A set of parameters may be identified based on a determination of whether the tail skid assembly is to be deployed for takeoff or landing. A desired maximum rotation angle for the aircraft may be identified using the set of parameters. The tail skid assembly may be deployed to allow the desired maximum rotation angle for the aircraft.
US09248905B2

An aircraft (11) with at least an inflatable device (41) installed in a cavity (21) in its external surface which is equipped with a door (25) for opening/closing said cavity (21) is provided. The inflatable device (41), comprising a cushion (45) and a gas generator is configured for filling the cavity (21) with the cushion (45) when it is inflated with the gas supplied by said gas generator, without protruding from the cavity (21) for reducing the downstream air flow disturbances generated by said cavity (21) when the door (25) is open. The inflatable device (41) includes control means for inflating the cushion (45) in predetermined circumstances, being the door (25) open. The invention is particularly applicable to the cavities of the Main Landing Gear (31) for avoiding power losses to a Ram Air Turbine (51) placed behind it.
US09248899B2

A soundproofing covering (10) having resonators (30). Said covering (10) comprises a trellis (20) provided with at least two resonators (30) and at least one stud (50) for fastening at least two resonators (30) to a panel (5) that is to be treated, each resonator (30) including a blade (31) extending longitudinally in a plane (P1) from one end (32) of the resonator (30) that is fastened to a stud (50) to another end (33) of the resonator (30), said blade (31) having at least one transverse protuberance (35) for oscillating in an elevation direction (D1) perpendicular to said plane (P1), each stud (50) extending in elevation from a face for securing to the panel (5) that is to be treated towards each resonator (30) fastened to the stud (50), at least one stud (50) having damper means (60) interposed between said face and each of the resonators (30) fastened to the stud.
US09248898B1

A system that controls the speed of a marine vessel includes first and second propulsion devices that produce first and second thrusts to propel the marine vessel. A control circuit controls orientation of the first and second propulsion devices about respective steering axes to control directions of the first and second thrusts. A first user input device is moveable between a neutral position and a non-neutral detent position. When a second user input device is actuated while the first user input device is in the detent position, the control circuit does one or more of the following so as to control the speed of the marine vessel: varies a speed of a first engine of the first propulsion device and a speed of a second engine of the second propulsion device; and varies one or more alternative operating conditions of the first and second propulsion devices.
US09248886B1

A rear suspension architecture is provided for coupled rear suspension systems.
US09248884B2

A children's tricycle comprises a body, a front wheel pivotally assembled to the body, a first pedaling assembly assembled to the front wheel, a second pedaling assembly assembled to the front wheel, a screw for making the first pedaling assembly threaded with the second pedaling assembly. A first inserting rod of the first pedaling assembly and a second inserting rod of the second pedaling assembly are connected to the front wheel separately, such that the first and second pedaling assemblies can be assembled to or detached from the front wheel quickly. The first and second pedaling assemblies can be assembled to the tricycle for the child to step on, and can also be detached from the tricycle when the child is learning to walk, such a tricycle is not only money-saving since the parents don't need to buy a special baby walker additionally, but also has high convenience and security.
US09248883B2

The present invention provides a bicycle comprising front and rear wheels, a frame supported on the front and rear wheels and including a front fork. The front fork comprises a steerer tube defining a steering axis, a fork blade coupled to and extending downward relative to the steerer tube, and a fork tip coupled between the fork blade and the front wheel. The fork tip includes a first arm extending at an angle of 40-85 degrees relative to the steering axis, a second arm extending at an angle of 70-120 degrees relative to the steering axis, and an axle support coupled between the second arm and the front wheel. In one embodiment, the first arm and second arm define a gap, and the fork tip further includes a resilient member positioned in the gap.
US09248882B2

A compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
US09248875B2

A driving flipper with a robotic arm and a method for protecting the robotic arm. A robotic platform having a main frame and at least one obstacle climbing flipper with a robotic arm. The robotic arm has a folded mode substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the obstacle climbing flipper. The robotic arm has an operational mode protruding away from the longitudinal axis in an angle of at least 45 degrees.
US09248872B2

A flexible skirt assembly for a trailer, such as a trailer, is provided. The flexible assembly includes a first bracket and a first arm attachable to an underside of a vehicle, and a second bracket and a second arm attachable to the underside of the vehicle. A skirt body may include a first side and a second side. The first side of the skirt body attaches to the first arm and the second side of the skirt body attaches to the second arm. The first arm, second arm, and skirt body may be made of a flexible material.
US09248871B1

A multi-position endgate system includes a storage box wall and a storage box floor. A tailgate is mounted relative to the storage box floor and is pivotal about a tailgate axis. The tailgate is moveable between a fully-closed position proximal to the storage box wall and a fully-open position distal from the storage box wall. A cable mechanism has a first end pivotally attached to the tailgate and a second end pivotally attached to the storage box wall. A channel hook is attached to either the tailgate or the storage box wall at a connector. An arcuate ledge is spaced from the connector, by an arm, and defines a groove. The cable mechanism may be passed or routed through the groove of the arcuate ledge to selectively hold the tailgate in an intermediate position between the fully-closed and fully-open positions.
US09248849B2

First and second crossing predictors communicate with each other, and each predictor transmits signals to instruct downstream adjacent predictors to activate their warning devices at a constant warning time (referred to as DAXing) by using train detection information from the other predictor. The communications between the predictors may be rail based, wireless or wired using conductors other than rails. Multiple predictors may be present between the first and second crossing predictors, and each such predictor may be DAXed by one of the outer predictors based on the train's direction. The predictor also transmits a signal to inform the other predictor of the presence of the train so that the other predictor may determine whether to suppress DAXing. Detecting an incoming train direction at a predictor by utilizing a second receiver attached to the track rails at a location offset from the first receiver.
US09248843B2

A device for transporting freight articles in a ground or rail haul operations comprises a hollow housing including four corner sections, side walls, two center sections defining four openings each disposed between one edge of a center section and an edge of a respective corner section, a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the two center portions are manufactured from see through or clear material. A door is mounted to selectively open and close a respective opening and swinging outwardly and towards a respective corner portion to selectively open the respective opening. Two channels are provided in the bottom portion, each in open communication with opposite sides of the bottom portion. Four feet or wheels are mounted on the bottom portion. Four receptacles are provided in the top portion, each sized and shaped to receive a foot therewithin.
US09248842B1

A computing device and methods for restricting driver interactions with vehicle functions based on a challenging driving environment are disclosed. One example method for restricting driver interactions with vehicle functions based on a challenging driving environment includes identifying a challenging driving environment based at least in part on information regarding a driving condition; and preventing a driver from accessing one or more vehicle functions based on the challenging driving environment exists. Example implementations include identifying a challenging driving environment based on information received from on-vehicle sensors and/or external communication links; identifying a driver's skill level; and selectively blocking vehicle functionality, selectively presenting information to a driver, and selecting available driver interactions based on the driving environment.
US09248838B2

A method and a system for making a one-time change to a primary departure schedule of a battery-electric vehicle for charging or pre-climate operations without affecting the future departure times of the primary departure schedule. The system can be a vehicle including an ECU, a memory, a battery, a charger connected to an external power source, a BMS, an HVAC and a display. The method may include receiving an alternate departure date and time different from the primary departure schedule, deactivating the charging or pre-climate operations based on the primary departure schedule and activating charging or pre-climate operations based on the alternate departure date and time. The method and system may also include receiving an immediate charge mode designation, deactivating the charging or pre-climate operations based on the primary schedule and immediately activating the charging operations without affecting the primary departure schedule.
US09248837B2

A method and system for controlling a speed of a vehicle. Acceleration data comprising acceleration samples of the vehicle on a segment of the road is captured. Jerk energy values associated with the vehicle on the segment is computed based upon the acceleration samples. Median jerk energy of the vehicle on the segment may be determined based upon the jerk energy values. Predictive median jerk energy of the vehicle on the segment is computed using a statistical equation. A score associated with the segment is calculated based upon the median jerk energy, the predictive median jerk energy, and a standard deviation (σ). The segment is classified into one of a first set of categories and a second set of categories based upon the score. A feedback signal indicative of controlling the speed of the vehicle is transmitted to a controller based upon the classification.
US09248831B2

A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: an engine start control portion configured to switch an operating state of the clutch during cranking of the engine to raise its speed for starting the engine. The engine start control portion includes: a first clutch controlling portion configured to place the clutch in one of a released state and an engaged state in which a difference between a first dwelling speed to be established in a first half period of a rise of a speed of the engine and a first resonance speed of a drive line extending from the engine to the first electric motor connected to the first differential mechanism through a torsional damper is larger in the other of the released and engaged states, the first resonance speed corresponding to an explosion 1-order frequency of the engine; and a second clutch controlling portion configured to place the clutch in one of the released and engaged states in which a difference between a second dwelling speed to be established in a second half period of the rise of the speed of the engine and a predetermined second resonance speed of the drive line is larger in the other of the released and engaged states, the predetermined second resonance speed corresponding to a revolution 0.5-order pulsation frequency of the engine.
US09248830B2

The control apparatus of the present invention is applied to a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine that is capable, during operation, of changing over its operational mode to lean combustion or to stoichiometric combustion. The control apparatus preferentially selects an operational mode having high system efficiency in relation to the requested power, and selects the stoichiometric combustion mode (S104) when, under the specific condition that the system efficiency is higher in the lean combustion mode as compared to the EV mode and moreover is lower in the stoichiometric combustion mode as compared to the EV mode, also the temperature (Tnc) of an exhaust purification catalyst is less than or equal to a first predetermined value (Tα) (S101, S102).
US09248827B2

A hybrid vehicle is mounted with a traction motor, a power storage device for storing electric power input to and output from the traction motor, an engine, and a power generation mechanism to generate charging electric power for the power storage device by an output from the engine. An ECU sets charging/discharging electric power of the power storage device to control SOC of the power storage device to be within a predetermined range centered about a SOC control target in a running mode with the engine operating. The output from the engine is set to ensure the charging/discharging electric power. The ECU sets the charging/discharging electric power such that the power storage device is discharged to an extent corresponding to a predetermined SOC higher than the lower limit SOC according to requirement power required for vehicle running, even when the SOC is lower than the SOC control target.
US09248823B2

A system includes a processor configured to receive parking space environmental characteristics, from a vehicle parked in a parking space. The processor is also configured to download weather data for an area in which the parking space is located, covering a time duration for which the vehicle was parked. The processor is further configured to correlate the weather data to the received environmental characteristics to build a parking space environment profile for the duration of time and update a parking space model based on the environment profile.
US09248822B2

A variable control apparatus and method of the amount of regenerative braking of a vehicle using a paddle shift are provided. The method includes sensing, by a controller, positive (+) and negative (−) shifting in a manual mode based on a signal from a shift-operating unit during regenerative braking with a drive (D) gear engaged while the vehicle travels. A regenerative braking torque map that corresponds to a selected gear is selected based on the signal from the shift-operating unit. In addition, regenerative braking of a driving motor is adjusted based on the torque value calculated from the selected regenerative braking torque map.
US09248820B2

A method for shifting a transmission capable of operating in a hydrostatic power transmission mode or a blended hydrostatic and mechanical power transmission mode is provided. The transmission includes a mechanical portion and a hydraulic portion. The method comprises the steps of placing the transmission in the hydrostatic power transmission mode, reducing an amount of engagement of a primary clutch, adjusting a rotational speed of the hydraulic portion, increasing an amount of engagement of a secondary clutch, and engaging the secondary clutch and disengaging the primary clutch. The method for shifting the transmission minimizes torque interruption, increases a fuel efficiency of a vehicle, and increases a range of operating speeds of the vehicle the transmission is incorporated in.
US09248817B2

A vehicle anti-rollaway device includes a first switch responsive to the presence and absence of an operator at a predetermined location in the vehicle for controlling the on/off state of parking brake of the vehicle in the form of either a servo controlled parking brake or a fluid controlled parking brake. The device can also include a speed control responsive to a speed of the vehicle for controlling the on/off state of the parking brake as a function of the speed of the vehicle. The device can also include a second switch operative for controlling the response of the parking brake to the state of the first switch.
US09248815B2

A method for automatically decelerating a vehicle having a first side with a first front wheel brake and a first rear wheel brake and second side with a second front wheel brake and a second rear wheel brake, and in which the vehicle further has a braking system with a pump operable to deliver a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first and second front wheel brakes and to the first and second rear wheel brakes, includes receiving a signal associated with an emergency braking event. The method further includes increasing the hydraulic pressure at the first and second front wheel brakes at a greater rate than at the first and second rear wheel brakes. The method also includes directing hydraulic fluid from the first front wheel brake to the second rear wheel brake upon achieving a targeted level of deceleration or wheel slip.
US09248814B2

A wheel deceleration calculating sections individually calculate, as negative values, wheel decelerations of front and rear wheels. If, at a time when the antilock braking control for at least one of the right and left front wheels is started or at a time when the antilock braking control for at least one of the right and left rear wheels is started, (i) a maximum value of the wheel decelerations calculated by the wheel deceleration calculating sections is equal to or larger than a first predetermined value and (ii) a difference between the wheel decelerations of the right and left front wheels or the right and left rear wheels which are in an antilock braking control state is equal to or larger than a second predetermined value, a split road determining section determines that road surfaces constitute a split road.
US09248810B2

An accelerator pedal operated braking system for an automatic transmission vehicle; said braking system including monitoring of angular data and angular rate of change data of an accelerator pedal of said vehicle; said system further including a control module and an actuator acting on the brake pedal of said vehicle; said braking system responsive to said angular data and angular rate of change data.
US09248800B1

A vehicle includes a B-pillar garnish mounted at a side pillar assembly of the vehicle. The B-pillar garnish includes an airbag jump bracket engaging feature including a hook-shaped engaging portion extending upwardly beyond an end of an outwardly turned flange portion of the airbag jump bracket. The hook-shaped engaging portion includes a stem portion and an enlarged head portion that overhangs the end of the outwardly turned flange portion of the airbag jump bracket that engages the outwardly turned flange portion during an airbag deployment event. The stem portion is located adjacent the end of the outwardly turned flange portion of the airbag jump bracket. The stem portion is arranged to engage the end of the outwardly turned flange portion of the airbag jump bracket to limit movement of an upper end portion of the B-pillar garnish into the occupant compartment of the vehicle.
US09248796B2

A visually-distracted-driving detection device that can detect visually distracted driving with high accuracy. The visually-distracted-driving detection device includes a visually-distracted-driving determination unit that determines that a driver is visually distracted if the direction in which the driver is looking is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle with respect to the front of the driver; and a prohibition unit that, if it is specified that the present position of the vehicle as specified by a present-position specifying unit is within a first predetermined distance from an intersection, prohibits a process that is performed in cases where it is determined that the driver is visually distracted.
US09248792B2

A battery pack locked to a vehicle body for mounting to and detaching from the vehicle body. A battery case is provided with an extension part extending to above a battery cell accommodating part. The extension part includes a handle including a grip part having an orientation set so as to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction when the battery case is mounted on the vehicle. The handle is provided on the battery case in the state of being deviated toward either of vehicle-width-directionally left and right sides. A lock device attached to a main frame of the electric vehicle is provided with a lock pin that is advanced and retracted. The extension part on the battery case side is provided with an engagement hole for accepting the lock pin, the engagement hole being formed in either of side surface portions in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle.
US09248789B2

A key state detector for a vehicle collects a sequence of battery voltage samples and applies a time-domain to frequency-domain transform (TFT) to the collected samples. The results of the TFT are then applied to an artificial neural network (ANN) to determine if they represent a key-on or key-off state. The ANN is trained based on data collected from the vehicle and is periodically retrained so that the detection of key-on and key-off states conforms to the particular vehicle and tracks the aging of vehicle components.
US09248782B2

A number of variations may include a product including a tray comprising at least one face, at least one edge, and at least one female attachment, and a frame comprising an outline comprising a plurality of sides and at least one male attachment, wherein the male attachment of the frame attaches to the female attachment along the edge of the tray, wherein the female attachment comprises a deformable spring assembly constructed and arranged to both rotate the tray about the male attachment, and hold or maintain the tray face in a parallel or perpendicular direction with respect to the outline of the frame.
US09248780B2

There is provided an access apparatus having a deployable step that is biased to move towards a stowed position, wherein in the stowed position, the deployable step restricts opening of a vehicle's door. Abutment of a portion of the vehicle's door controls movement of the deployable step. Wherein, when said vehicle door is closed, the deployable step is arranged in a stowed position and when said vehicle door is fully open, the deployable step is arranged in the deployed position to provide a step. Here, when in the deployed position, abutment of the portion of the vehicle's door with the deployable step, prevents the deployable step from moving towards the stowed position. Consequently, and because the deployable step is biased to move towards the stowed position, the deployable step is automatically opened and closed upon opening and closing of the door. Moreover, the automatic opening and closing relies on a simple mechanical relationship, which reduces the chance of a malfunction and allows the access apparatus to be more easily retrofitted.
US09248776B2

A vehicular lighting unit includes: a first light source in the form of an LED for providing illumination forward or rearward of a vehicle body, the first light source being mounted on one surface of a base plate in an orientation corresponding to the direction of the illumination; a second light source in the form of an LED for providing illumination laterally outward of the vehicle body, the second light source being mounted on another surface of the base plate; and a reflection section provided near the second light source for reflecting light emitted from the second light source laterally outward of the vehicle body.
US09248772B2

A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.
US09248769B2

An injection molded carpet mat includes a flexible base having an upper surface defining a carpet recess, and an opposite lower surface. A carpet sheet is secured in the carpet recess by being integrally formed with the base, and having a napped top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge. The lower base surface having a plurality of spaced ribs supporting the carpet bottom surface adjacent the peripheral edge and defining a track on the lower base surface corresponding to the peripheral edge of the carpet sheet.
US09248768B2

A vehicle seat having a seat part extending in the vehicle lengthwise direction (X) and in the vehicle width direction (Y) and having a backrest part and a seat substructure for cushioning and/or damping at least the seat part with respect to a body of a vehicle, in which the seat substructure comprises at least one horizontal spring device having a first spring part and a second spring part that is movable relative thereto and a deformable fluid spring element for cushioning the seat part with respect to the body in the vehicle lengthwise direction (X) and/or in the vehicle width direction (Y), the deformable fluid spring element being arranged with a first connecting region to the first spring part and a second connecting region to the second spring part, wherein the deformable fluid spring element is arranged between the first and second spring parts so as to be deformed solely by the first and second spring parts upon relative movement of the first and second spring parts relative to each other.
US09248766B2

A headrest stay includes a pair of first stay-composing parts extending in top and bottom directions of a seat back while supported by the seat back, the first stay-composing parts being arranged in different positions in a direction of vehicle width; and a second stay-composing part connecting specific parts of the first stay-composing parts in the direction of the vehicle width, the specific parts extending straight in the top and bottom directions of the seat back. The specific parts face a head of an occupant seated on the seat. A portion of the second stay-composing part, which portion is between the one specific part and the other specific part in the direction of the vehicle width, is not located further forward than the specific parts, and at least part of the portion is located further rearward than the specific parts.
US09248741B2

Disclosed is a torque indicating device including: a first indicating section that indicates a torque transmitted to primary drive wheels of a vehicle; and a second indicating section that indicates a torque transmitted to secondary drive wheels of the vehicle. The second indicating section indicates a quantity that is less than or equal to the quantity indicated by the first indicating section.
US09248729B2

A vehicle door structure includes a panel and a bracket. A window opening in the panel has an edge extending along a lower periphery of the window opening from a first side to a second side of the window opening. The edge defines a seal supporting lip and a glass installation slot. The seal supporting lip extends from the first side of the window opening toward the second side of the window opening to a terminal end of the seal supporting lip. The glass installation slot begins at the terminal end of the seal supporting lip and ends proximate the second side of the window opening. The bracket is removably attached to the panel filling the glass installation slot. The bracket has a lip extension aligned with the seal supporting lip extending from the terminal end of the seal supporting lip to the second side of the window opening.
US09248726B2

A sunroof apparatus for a vehicle includes a movable panel, a guide rail, a support bracket, a first sliding member, a second sliding member, a check mechanism restricting a movement of the movable panel in a front-rear direction of a vehicle to bring the movable panel to a tilt-up state and releasing the restriction of the movement of the movable panel while maintaining the tilt-up state, an engagement and disengagement switching mechanism including a first member and a second member supported by one and the other of the first sliding member and the second sliding member, a holding portion provided at the first sliding member, and a retention portion provided at the second sliding member and held to be non-movable in a vehicle width direction by the holding portion in a case where the first member and the second member are engaged with each other.
US09248721B1

A sun visor assembly is provided incorporating a magnetic detention system. That assembly includes a sun visor body, a ferromagnetic element held in that body and a permanent magnet in a headliner of the vehicle. The permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic element are aligned so that the body is attracted toward the headliner and positively held in a home position adjacent the headliner.
US09248717B2

A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.
US09248715B2

The present invention relates to a suspension bearing device, comprising a rolling bearing forming an axial stop along a main axis and at least one seal adapted for protecting the rolling bearing from ingress of water or of polluting particles. The device is characterized in that it also comprises a bottom cup and a top cup made of plastic, in contact with the rolling bearing, the bottom cup forming a bearing means for a suspension spring, and in that the or each seal is made of thermoplastic overmolded onto a first element between the cups and comprises a base of substantially annular shape from which extends at least one sealing lip in contact with the second element between the cups. The invention also relates to a strut of a motor vehicle, comprising a damper and a suspension bearing device as mentioned above.
US09248704B2

Tire comprising two beads comprising an annular reinforcing structure, a carcass reinforcement anchored in the two beads so as to form a main portion and a wrapped-around portion, each wrapped-around portion extending radially outwards as far as an end situated at a radial distance DEC that is less than or equal to 10% of the radial height H of the tire; each bead comprising an apex made of a rubber composition having an elastic modulus greater than 40 MPa, extending radially as far as a radial distance DEE1 comprised between 10% and 15% of the height H; each bead further comprising an outer strip made of a rubber composition that has an elastic modulus G′ less than or equal to 15 MPa and a viscous modulus G″ such that: G″[MPa]≦0.2·G′[MPa]−0.2 MPa, extending at least between 20% and 25% of the height H, the apex having an axial thickness E(r) that is substantially a linear function of r, r denoting the distance with respect to the radially innermost point of the annular structure, wherein the entity formed by the apex and outer strip has a thickness ET(r) such that, in the range of distances r comprised between 25 and 45% of the height H of the tire, the variation in thickness ∂ ET ⁡ ( r ) ∂ r is negative and has an absolute value that is greater than or equal to 0.25 mm/mm over at least 4% of the height H; and wherein said annular structure has a maximum axial width DE such that the ratio ET ⁡ ( r ) max - DE ET ⁡ ( r ) max , where ET(r)max is the maximum value of the thickness ET(r), is less than 10%.
US09248698B2

A method of assembling a wheel rotatable about a main axis and having a plurality of peripheral rollers mounted on peripheral axles aligned tangentially about the wheel and radially spaced from the main axis, each peripheral axle joined to adjacent other peripheral axles to form a continuous ring comprising the peripheral axles, the method including the steps of: molding each peripheral axle in a die having a cylindrical cycle for forming the axle shaft of the peripheral axle without longitudinal separation tines, the peripheral axles each having a receiving head portion for receiving a free end of the axle shaft of an adjacent peripheral axle; mounting a roller on each axle shaft; joining the peripheral axles together to form a continuous ring of peripheral axles; and molding a wheel body including a support structure around the continuous ring.
US09248690B2

A nib assembly for a writing instrument comprises a ferrule having a first end and a second end. The ferrule includes an inner ferrule wall and an outer ferrule wall, the inner ferrule wall and the outer ferrule wall being separated by a well having an opening. A cap has a first end, a second end, and a first cap wall. The first cap wall is sized and shaped to be at least partially received within the well, the first cap wall being disposed at least partially within the well, between the inner ferrule wall and the outer ferrule wall, when the cap is coupled to the ferrule.
US09248689B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing a security element (1), to a security element (1) obtainable by the method according to the invention, to transfer materials having the security elements according to the invention, and to objects of value secured with the security elements according to the invention. The security element (1) according to the invention has two functional layers (12, 22) which are bonded together by means of a resist layer (30). The resist layer (30) has a pattern which is employed to generate a congruent pattern in the first functional layer (12). Then the pattern of the resist layer (30), and thus also of the first functional layer (12), is exactly reproduced in the second functional layer (22). This is achieved by bonding the second functional layer (22) in the form of the pattern of the resist layer (30). The non-bonded areas of the second functional layer (22) are removed, thereby forming negative writing.
US09248688B1

The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.
US09248685B2

The present invention concerns a print medium and a method of producing such a print medium. In particular, the present invention is directed to a print medium comprising a substrate having a first and a reverse side, and at least one coating layer on of the substrate sides.
US09248680B2

Methods and devices are described for securely destroying used ribbon from a document personalization machine in order to render any information retained on the used ribbon as unreadable. In one embodiment, the method includes tapering the used ribbon into a used ribbon strand by feeding the used ribbon through a tapering mechanism. The method also includes heating the used ribbon strand to fuse the used ribbon strand into a used ribbon string thereby rendering any data retained on the used ribbon unreadable.
US09248670B2

A conveyor device is disposed opposite to a recording head. The conveyor device includes a conveyor belt and a suction section. The suction section sucks on a recording medium through the conveyor belt. The suction section includes an air flow chamber and a guide member. The air flow chamber is disposed opposite to one surface of the conveyor belt, and negative pressure for sucking the recording medium onto another surface of the conveyor belt is created in the air flow chamber. The guide member covers the air flow chamber and supports the conveyor belt. The air flow chamber includes a partition wall dividing the air flow chamber into first and second spaces. The first space includes a third space overlapping with the recording head with the conveyor belt and the guide member therebetween. Pressure in the first space is less negative than pressure in the second space.
US09248668B2

An inkjet recording apparatus for forming an image by discharging an ink including an ink pigment and a polymerizable compound containing at least an N-vinyl lactam, in which the 90% diameter in cumulative volume distribution of the particle diameters of the ink pigment is equal to or less than 500 nm and the content of N-vinyl lactam is 3% to 24%, from nozzles of an inkjet head, which includes nozzle arrays having nozzles each of which discharges a curable ink cured by applied active energy and which are arranged in the first direction at a pitch P, the nozzle arrays being N (N≧4) nozzle arrays of every color, which respectively discharge thick inks of at least four colors and which nozzle arrays are arranged to be shifted by P/N away from each other in the first direction.
US09248666B2

In an inkjet printing apparatus, heaters are enclosed with a heater casing, achieving accumulation of heated air and efficient performance of heating. A blowing fan blows air to the heaters. The heater casing includes a blowing port configured to narrow and blow warm air heated with the heaters to a transportation path outside the heater casing in a direction along the transportation path. The warm air narrowed at the blowing port obtains an increased air velocity thereof. In addition, uniform air-quantity distribution and uniform heat-quantity are obtainable. Moreover, the heaters face the transportation path. Consequently, the heaters are provided closer to the transportation path than a conventional external heater. This suppresses heat loss.
US09248665B2

A liquid discharge device includes a platen, a head unit and an air blower. The platen is configured and arranged to support a medium. The head unit is configured and arranged to discharge liquid on the medium supported by the platen. The air blower is configured and arranged to send air toward the medium supported by the platen. The air blower is attached to the liquid discharge device such that the air sent by the air blower toward the medium flows in a direction at an angle to a normal line direction of the medium.
US09248661B2

A decoloring device according to an embodiment comprises a decoloring unit configured to erase a first image formed with erasable colorant on a first side of a sheet and a second image formed with erasable colorant on a second side of the sheet, and a reading unit configured to read the first and second sides of the sheet and determine whether the first side and the second side are reusable. The decoloring device further comprises a single-side reusable paper tray configured to stack the sheet if the reading unit determines that only one of the first and second sides is reusable, and a reversing unit configured to reverse the sheet and discharge the sheet to the single-side reusable paper tray so that the one of the first and second side determined to be reusable is stacked on the single-side reusable paper tray in a predetermined orientation.
US09248657B2

A fluid storage container enables the easy removal of recovered fluid and reuse of the container without incurring the added costs of disassembly and replacing an absorbent material. In one exemplary embodiment, an ink cartridge 17 can have an ink storage unit 45 that stores waste ink, an ink inlet/outlet 55 disposed in a frame part 52 that can be the outside wall of the ink storage unit 45, an ink path 53 of which one end 53a communicates with the ink inlet/outlet 55 and the other end 53b is disposed opening into the ink storage unit, wall parts 54 that divide the ink storage unit 45 into an upper air chamber 61 and a lower fluid chamber 62 that communicate with each other through a communication path 58, and an outside air channel 87, of which one end 87a communicates with the air chamber 61 and the other end 87b enables communication with the outside at a position further from the air chamber 61 than the fluid chamber 62. Other embodiments of fluid storage containers are also disclosed.
US09248647B2

A liquid ejection head includes an electrical wiring substrate and a printing element substrate, wherein the position variation of the printing element substrate due to curing of a sealing agent is eliminated. Specifically, a gap between two support members is covered with the electrical wiring substrate so as to be able to prevent a sealing agent from flowing into the gap. As a result, even in the case where the size of the gap varies due to the variation in the dimensional accuracy and/or the variation in the assembly accuracy, the sealing agent will not enter this gap, and therefore the shape thereof can be made substantially uniform regardless of the positions. This results in a substantially uniform stress in curing and contracting of the sealing agent, and the variation in the mounting position of the printing element substrate can be suppressed.
US09248645B1

A printing device includes an array of printheads, an actuator, and a controller. The actuator is configured to move the printheads between: a first distance from a surface on which an ink image is to be formed that enables the printheads to eject ink and form a portion of the ink image on the surface; and a second distance from the surface that is greater than the first distance. Both the first and second distances are within a print zone of the printing device. The controller is configured to identify at least one printhead that is not used for a portion of a print job, and is further configured to operate the actuator to move the identified printhead to the second distance from the surface.
US09248643B2

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.
US09248631B2

A packaging laminate includes at least one material layer provided with magnetizable particles. A roller can be configured to apply crease line patterns on the packaging laminate while also applying magnetic fields for magnetizing at least some of the magnetizable particles in the packaging laminate. A method of controlling working operations on a packaging laminate in a filling machine involves supplying a packaging laminate to a filling machine, wherein the packaging laminate includes at least one material layer comprising magnetizable particles, with at least some of the magnetizable particles being magnetized particles. The method also involves controlling working operations of the filling machine on the packaging laminate supplied to the filling machine by reading information provided by the magnetized particles.
US09248627B2

Multilayer films of polyamide and polypropylene which have good layer adhesion and are suitable for a back cover of a solar module are provided. In a first embodiment, the multilayer film contains in the order listed: a) a layer containing at least 35% by weight, of polyamide; c) a layer containing at least 35% by weight of a polypropylene; and e) a layer containing at least 35% by weight, of polyamide; wherein the layer c) further comprises a polypropylene having acid anhydride groups or a polypropylene compatible functionalized polyolefin having functional groups to adhere the layer c) to each of layers a) and e). In a second embodiment adhesion promoter layers are present between the respective polyamide and polypropylene layers.
US09248624B2

The invention relates to reinforcing fiber scrims, comprising multi-layer, multiaxial scrims, which each comprise individual fibers arranged next to each other in a layer, wherein at least two layers are at an angle to one each other in the layer plane and are connected by a fixing means. To improve the processing of the multiaxial scrims and significantly reduce the processing time, at least two prefabricated MD scrims are arranged at an angle in a layer plane and connected to each other. Thus a reinforcing fiber scrim is provided, which has at least two individual fiber scrims and which, for a 0° position of the individual MD scrims, has six individual fiber scrims. The number of MD scrims arranged one over the other can be arbitrarily increased so that an increased layer structure is already present when the reinforcing fiber scrim is produced.
US09248623B2

An additive three-dimensional fabrication process uses multiple build materials with different optical properties (e.g., color, opacity) at different surface depths to achieve grayscale-rendered images on exterior surfaces thereof.
US09248619B2

A method for forming a three-dimensional structure includes depositing a first pattern of thermoplastic toner particles onto a first surface of a receiver to form a plurality of spaced-apart stacks of toner particles that extend above the first surface of the receiver. The receiver is bent so that non-overlapping first and second portions of the receiver are defined. At least part of a surface of the receiver in the second portion is brought into contact with the deposited stacks of toner particles. The toner particles are fused to bind the second portion to the first portion and provide a selected spacing between the first portion and the second portion.
US09248617B2

A pipe end is expanded by an expander tool (1) comprising a plurality of jaws (10), which are radially movable in relation to a center axis between a retracted position and expanded position. The jaws (10) when retracted are intended to be inserted into the pipe end. The jaws (10) have outer jaw surfaces which are intended for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe end and which lie adjacent to one another in the retracted position of the jaws (10). The tool (1) further comprises a piston (2) or a cone with a tapered end for moving the jaws (10) between said positions and means moving the piston (2) or the cone in a reciprocating manner in the axial direction for expanding the pipe end. The tool (1) further comprises support structures whereby the jaws (10) are supported in a circumferential direction in the expanded position. A method for expanding a pipe using such a tool is also disclosed.
US09248612B2

A containment case comprises a composite core, with an inner and outer surface, at least one puncture resistant layer bonded to the inner surface of the composite core and at least one energy capture layer bonded to the outer surface of the composite core. The puncture resistant layer having a high through-thickness shear strength and high interlaminar toughness at impact. The energy capture layer having a high in-plane tensile strength and low resistance to delamination and fiber-matrix debonding at impact. A method of fabricating a containment case includes the steps of disposing one or more layers of a puncture resistant material on a layup mandrel, disposing one more layers of a structural composite material on an exterior surface of the puncture resistant material, disposing one or more layers of an energy capture material on an exterior surface of the structural material and curing a resin in the plurality of layers.
US09248608B2

A manufacturing method of an absorbent body used for an absorbent article, includes molding the absorbent body by sucking in a gas, mixed with a liquid absorbent fiber and a superabsorbent polymer, using a suction hole at a bottom portion of a mold, and laminating the liquid absorbent fiber and the superabsorbent polymer on the bottom portion, and making a lamination thickness of the absorbent body thin by sucking out gas in the absorbent body placed on a placement surface on which the absorbent body is placed by, after the molding, in a state in which the gas is not supplied, sucking air through the suction hole on the placement surface, and creating an air pressure, in a space in between fibers in the absorbent body while sucking out the air, lower than that in a space in between fibers in the absorbent body while laminating in molding.
US09248603B2

A blow molded synthetic resin bottle has a body and an elongated neck with the body providing a shoulder extending about the base of the neck. The neck has a first collar extending thereabout spaced adjacent the shoulder and at least one additional collar extending thereabout adjacent the upper end of the neck. The resin in the neck is substantially unoriented. To produce the bottle, a synthetic resin preform is injection molded with a generally tubular body and the elongated neck. This preform is placed in a blow mold cavity having a body receiving portion and a neck receiving portion that has a recess extending thereabout seating the first collar therein. The additional collar is disposed outwardly of the mold cavity and is disposed on the upper surface of the mold.
US09248599B2

Multiple poly(vinyl butyral) layer interlayers that can be used in multiple layer glass panel type applications that require a high level of impact protection, for example in hurricane protection applications or in bullet proof glass applications. This effect is achieved by forming a poly(vinyl butyral) interlayer that has a relatively stiff poly(vinyl butyral) inner layer disposed between two relatively soft outer poly(vinyl butyral) layers, where the stiffness difference is achieved by a plasticizer differential that is achieved at least in substantial part by a residual hydroxyl content difference among the poly(vinyl butyral) layers.
US09248596B2

The injection apparatus is provided with a high speed step cylinder, a pressure accumulation part and a coupling mechanism. The high speed step cylinder has a rod and an operating chamber. The coupling mechanism is capable of switching between a coupled state in which the movement of the rod is restricted, and a non-coupled state in which the coupled state is released so as to enable the rod to move due to the operating pressure. The coupling mechanism includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member and a drive source. The coupling mechanism is kept in the coupled state in which the second coupling member is rotated to less than 90°. When the second coupling member is forced to rotate in the coupled state, the first coupling member rotates such that a first contact surface is in contact with a second contact surface.
US09248594B2

A hot runner injection molding apparatus may comprise a machine injection unit with a machine nozzle, a first machine platen adjacent the machine nozzle, and a hot runner system. The first machine platen may include a multi-segment chamber. The hot runner system may include a movable plate, a manifold, a plurality of hot runner nozzles, and one or more actuators. The movable plate may be located in a first segment of the multi-segment chamber. The manifold and the plurality of hot runner nozzles may be located in a second segment of the multi-segment chamber. The one or more actuators may be located in a third segment of the multi-segment chamber. The movable plate may drive the plurality of valve pins and the manifold. The one or more actuators may drive the movable plate.
US09248591B2

A fiber application head for a fiber application machine for the production of parts made of composite materials, comprising a compacting roller, said compacting roller comprising several independent roller segments mounted side by side on an axial rod. Each roller segment comprises a tubular central portion through which said segment is mounted on the axial rod, a tubular peripheral portion having a cylindrical outer surface and one or more curved spring plate arranged between the outer surface (31a) of the central portion and the inner surface of the peripheral portion.
US09248588B2

A meltable crack sealant package that includes a polymeric container and a crack sealant material contained therein. The polymeric container includes a bottom portion including a rigid base and an upwardly extending rigid sidewall that terminates in and define an opening. The rigid base and upwardly extending rigid sidewall cooperate to define a reservoir. A rigid lid portion operatively engages with the bottom portion to close off the opening and thereby seal the crack sealant material within the reservoir in a watertight manner. Methods of making and using the meltable crack sealant package are also disclosed.
US09248587B2

A method of manufacturing a flanged composite component is provided. The method includes coupling a composite structure to s first composite material. The method includes coupling a second composite material to the composite structure and placing a first expansion device within the composite structure. A forming element is coupled to at least one of the first composite material, the composite structure, and the second composite material against the mold. The method includes coupling a pressure element to the forming element to define a space among the mold, the forming element, and the pressure element. The method includes expanding the first expansion device to impart a force to the second composite material to move the second composite material away from the composite structure and into the space to facilitate forming a first flange.
US09248583B2

An abrasive article may include a substrate, a tacking film overlying the substrate, abrasive particles that may include a coating layer bonded to the tacking film such that a bond between the coating layer and the tacking film defines a metallic bonding region, and a bonding layer overlying the abrasive particles and the tacking film.
US09248576B2

A robot arm (50) of the present invention includes, as a direct acting extensible/retractable joint (J3), an arm section (2) constituted by an upper structure group (20) and a lower structure group (21). Groups (20) and (21), having an arrangement in which structures are connected in series, partially engage so as to form a direct rigid combined structure, and are separated so as to release the rigid structure. An arm length can be adjusted arbitrarily. Section (2) can have a plane surface having no gap to prevent entry of a finger/dust. Separation of Groups (20) and (21) allows an upper structure (22) and a lower structure (23) to rotate around their rotational axes, to realize compact storage inside a robot arm supporting member (1). It is thus possible to prevent significantly entry of a finger/dust, and provide a compact direct acting extensible and retractable arm mechanism.
US09248573B2

The invention pertains to a method of calibrating robots without the use of external measurement equipment. The invention furthermore pertains to a method of copying working programs between un-calibrated robots. Both methods utilize the properties of a closed chain and the relative position of the links in the chain in order to update the kinematic models of the robots.
US09248568B2

A substrate transport apparatus comprising a drive section, a controller, an upper arm, forearm and substrate holder. A proximate end of the upper arm being rotatably mounted to the drive section at a shoulder joint. A proximate end of the forearm being rotatably mounted to a distal end of the upper arm at an elbow joint. The substrate holder being rotatably mounted to a distal end of the forearm at a wrist joint. The upper arm and the forearm being unequal in length from joint center to joint center. The substrate transport arm is adapted to transport substrate to and from at least two substrate holding areas with the drive section of the transport apparatus remaining in a fixed position relative to the holding areas. Each of the upper arm, forearm and substrate holder being independently rotatable with respect to each other.
US09248563B2

A machine tool having a drive motor includes an electronic unit and a switch for switching the drive motor on/off. An additional contact module is connected to the electronic unit, the drive motor being electrically connected only to the contact module. Also, the switch is connected to the contact module.
US09248561B2

Disclosed is a tool having a tapered first portion configured to translate a rotational force to the stuck member, a second portion connecting with the first portion and configured to translate the rotational force to the tapered first portion, a planar tip at an end of the first portion and perpendicular to a central axis passing through the first portion and the second portion, a plurality of left-handed splines extending helically around the central axis from the tip toward the second portion, a driver engaged with the second portion and configured to receive a third rotational force from a mechanical manipulator, and a leak seal connected to the driver and configured to form a seal around the stuck member and at least a portion of the driver and prevent gases opposite the stuck member from escaping.
US09248555B2

The locking V hinge tool of this invention comprises three or more pieces. The first two pieces are fundamentally identical and reversed, comprised of three main sections in optional order of, a jaw end, a common axle, and a arc-like cam, assembled together and rotate through the common axle, allowing the jaw ends to open and close. A third pin holding piece holds a pin that rides in and moves, the criss-crossing arc-like slots in the other pieces, at or near an angle aimed at the corners of a diamond like opening where the two arc-like slots intersect. Any external force exerted on the jaw ends, attempt to force the pin in the arc-like slots to rise to an upright position but are blocked by the walls.
US09248554B2

The present invention relates to an adjustable wrench. The adjustable wrench comprises a handle part, a curved jaw part, a linkage part, an adjusting element and a restoring element. The handle part comprises a toothed portion. The curved jaw part is pivotally connected to the handle part. When the adjusting element is pushed by an external force, the adjusting element further moves the linkage part simultaneously, and the linkage part pulls the curved jaw part to rotate so as to adjust a size of an opening between the curved jaw part and the toothed portion. Accordingly, the present invention has advantages and effects of fast and simple adjustment for use and a lever arm thereof being adjustable for labor saving, etc.
US09248553B2

A crimping tool for applying a seal to strap material includes a tool head having pairs of jaws disposed in the tool head and operably mounted thereto, each pair including opposingly oriented jaw elements. Each pair of jaws is spaced from its adjacent pair and includes an upper and lower pivot openings. A shear is positioned between adjacent pairs of jaw elements. The shears extend between the jaw elements and include opposing openings that align with the jaw element upper openings. A pair of handles, each having a terminal end having first openings that align with the jaw element lower openings and are operably connected to one another at respective pivot openings. The tool includes at least one side plate having a pair of upper openings each aligned with the jaw element upper openings and the shear openings. The plate includes a centrally disposed notched opening. A pair of handle pins are disposed in respective handle first openings and jaw element lower openings and a pair of link pins are disposed in respective side plate upper openings and respective jaw element upper openings and a shear opening. A pivot pin is disposed in the side plate notched opening and in the handle pivot openings. The shear can be reversible to accommodate different sizes of seals.
US09248546B1

The present disclosure includes a belt-and-pulley system for a part processing assembly. The part is retained on a spindle assembly of the belt-and-pulley system, and rotation of the spindle assembly is driven by a drive belt of the belt-and-pulley system that travels along a belt path. The belt-and-pulley system includes one or more idler assemblies that permit continuous rotation of the drive belt regardless of whether a part is being processed. As a part is processed, processing material, such as peening material, may be introduced near the belt-and-pulley system and may unintentionally interfere with operation of the belt-and-pulley system. The idler assembly of the belt-and-pulley system includes a vane sweep that is configured to block or prevent introduction of the processing material into the rotational operation of a circular pulley of the idler assembly. The vane sweep includes a top ledge that prevents introduction of peening material into a rotational aperture of the circular pulley and one or more fins that are configured to sweep or brush accumulated processing material away from the circular pulley. The vane sweep further includes an annular sheath that extends away from the circular pulley and surrounds a supporting member that supports or maintains the circular pulley, the annular sheath configured to further prevent processing material from interfering with rotational operation of the circular pulley. The location of the idler assemblies within the belt-and-pulley system may be determined to optimize the number of spindle assemblies that can be used to process parts simultaneously in the part processing assembly.
US09248539B2

A control device for a machine tool including a feed shaft motor for driving a feed shaft and a main shaft motor for driving a main shaft is provided with: a determination unit determining whether an operation of the feed shaft motor satisfies a predetermined determination condition; and an excitation command unit outputting an excitation current command to output excitation current larger than excitation current instructed by a master control unit to the main shaft motor, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined determination condition is satisfied.
US09248535B2

A machine tool is provided which comprises a machine base; a first support provided on a first rotational machine axis, the first rotational axis being mounted on the base in a fixed position relative to the base; a second support provided on a second rotational machine axis, the second rotational axis being mounted on the base in a fixed position relative to the base, wherein the axis of rotation of the second rotational axis is parallel to and spaced laterally from the axis of rotation of the first rotational axis. A mount is carried by a support arm on the second support, with the support arm being moveable relative to the second support about a rotary axis. A control arrangement is operable to control the orientation of the first support relative to the axis of rotation of the first rotational axis, and the orientation of the mount relative to the axis of rotation of the second rotational axis and its rotational position about the rotary axis, so as to govern the position and orientation of the first support and the mount relative to each other. Combination of motion about three rotational axes in this way facilitates versatile and accurate control of the relative orientations of the first support and the mount on the second support. The machine base may include a central support located between the machine axes, with the machine axes mounted onto opposite sides of the support.
US09248532B2

The screw tensioning device comprises a support tube (12), a cylinder member (15) and a piston section (17). The piston section serves for moving a tensioning bolt (20) screwed onto the thread of a threaded bolt (31). Provided according to the invention is a depth measuring device (35), which presents an externally visible indication of the screw-in depth (ET) of the threaded bolt (31). This ensures that, when the threaded bolt (31) undergoes extension under strain, there is a threaded engagement with the tensioning bolt (20) along a sufficiently long distance. This avoids the hazard that the screw tensioning device might break off from the threaded bolt.
US09248527B2

A method of rebuilding a solenoid for use in automatic transmissions is disclosed. In one embodiment, an improvement over the original equipment design allows for increased durability of the solenoid. In another embodiment, a lower cost method is disclosed for reusing an expensive component. In either case, various components within the solenoid are reused, reconditioned or replaced. A preferred process for disassembling the solenoid is also disclosed.
US09248526B2

A method for manufacturing a welding material includes: a compound preparing step in which a compound is prepared by mixing alloy powder containing first alloy powder having a first average particle size and second alloy powder having a second average particle size, a water soluble binder and water; a drying step; an extruding step; a degreasing step in which the extruded formed body is heated to a predetermined temperature of 400° C. or above; a C—O reaction step in which the extruded formed body is heated to a predetermined temperature which falls within a range of 950° C. to 1150° C. under a vacuum atmosphere; and a sintering step in which the extruded formed body is heated to a predetermined temperature which falls within a range of 1200° C. to 1350° C. under a nitrogen gas atmosphere thus forming a welding material.
US09248523B2

A laser machine (1), in particular for drilling, cutting, welding or engraving, comprising at least one laser light source (3,4,5) for generating a laser beam (9) and an optical system (6) to guide and/or manipulate the laser beam (9), whereby the optical system (6) comprises at least one tool (23), in particular an optical lens (24) or a nozzle, which is attached to an interchangeable tool holder (12). It is provided that a guiding system (16) for the tool holder (12) is configured such that the tool holder (12) can only be slid sideways into or out of a tool bay (10) provided by the laser machine (1), the guiding system (16) comprising an operable locking system (37) for restraining the movement of the tool holder (12) in the tool bay (10).
US09248521B2

A method of linear friction welding, the method comprising: a friction phase comprising oscillating a first workpiece (2) relative to a second workpiece (4) with a surface of the first workpiece (2) being forced against a surface of the second workpiece (4), such that a plasticised layer is formed at the interface between the first and second workpieces (2, 4); wherein the friction phase is divided into a plurality of sub-phases, each sub-phase being configured to form a plasticized layer at the interface between the first and second workpieces (2, 4), each plasticized layer comprising a stagnation zone (10a, 10b); wherein the stagnation zone (10a) of one sub-phase is offset from the stagnation zone (10b) of another sub-phase.
US09248514B2

An assembly is provided for forming holes in a workpiece. The assembly includes an arbor, a pin sleeve and a cutting device. The arbor has a nose having at least one threaded portion and at least one unthreaded portions on an external surface thereof. The arbor also has at least one pin passageway extending therethrough. The pin sleeve has at least one pin extending from a main body. The arbor extends through the pin sleeve. The cutting device has a back plate and a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. The back plate has a passageway defined by a wall with at least one threaded portion and at least one unthreaded portion. The at least one threaded portion of the cutting device is capable of engaging with the at least one threaded portion of the nose, and the at least one pin of the pin sleeve is capable of engagement with the at least one pin passageway of the arbor to secure the components together.
US09248511B2

A drilling tool extends in a longitudinal direction and has a drill point and first and second major cutting edges, which extend approximately radially outward. The drill point is arranged eccentrically relative to a central axis, which is the same as the axis of rotation. The second major cutting edge is arranged by a cutting-height difference higher than the first major cutting edge. The first major cutting edge has a shorter radial edge length than the second major cutting edge. A method of utilizing the tool is also disclosed.
US09248507B2

The invention relates to a hand-held power tool with a tool clamping unit and an adjustment ring. The invention provides that the adjustment ring protrudes forwards in an axial direction beyond an axially rear end of the tool clamping unit, at least when the tool clamping unit is completely open. The invention further relates to an adjustment ring for a hand-held power tool.
US09248506B2

The tool shank contains a taper member, a flange member, a holder member, a clamped member, and a number of slits. The taper member has a conic shape extended along an axial direction with a top section and a bottom section. The flange member is beneath the bottom section of the taper member. The holder member is extended downward from a bottom side of the flange member along the axial direction. The clamped member is extended upward from the top section of the taper member. The slits are configured at intervals around the bottom section surrounding the axial direction. Each slit defines a slightly outwardly bulge. The bulges increase the contact area with and avoid gaps to a tapered socket of a spindle. As such, the tool shank is tightly jointed to the spindle during high-speed rotation without causing vibration and damage.
US09248505B2

A boring and facing head, rotatively driven by the mandrel of a machine tool, with a turning tool mounted on a mounting slide, which may be controllably driven transversely of the axis (X) of the head body by a threaded shaft (12) operatively connected to a cylinder body (11), integral with a mandrel (4) and rotatably housing a ring gear (17), operatively connected to a gear wheel (19), driven by a controllable motor (8) and wherein the ring gear (17) comprises a circumferential tooth arrangement engaging with a gear wheel (52), integral with the driving shaft (12).
US09248504B2

There are provided a copper powder for conductive paste, which comprises monodisperse and spherical fine copper particles having a sharp particle size distribution and containing no coarse particles and which can form a thinner electrode film while avoiding a bad influence on electric characteristics thereof, and a method for stably producing such a copper powder for conductive paste. After copper is complexed by adding a complexing agent to an aqueous solution containing copper while blowing air into the solution, the blowing of air is stopped, and then, a reducing agent is added to the solution to deposit copper particles by reduction.
US09248503B2

A method of forming a powder metal forging, which includes the steps of providing a preform including a sintered powder metal composition; inserting the preform in at least one part of a die set having a top die and a bottom die, at least one of the top die and the bottom die defining a helical forge form therewithin; closing the die set wherein the top die is contacting the bottom die; and compressing the preform in the forge form using an upper punch including a core rod and a lower punch, the compressing step occurring after the closing step, the compressing step resulting in a formed part having a helical outer surface. The method and apparatus of the present invention is particularly advantageous when forming a powder metal forging helical outer surface and an inner contour such as a cylindrical inside diameter.
US09248500B2

A method for protecting powder metallurgy alloy elements from oxidation and/or hydrolyzation during sintering. The method includes (1) coating the admixed alloy elements in an inert (e.g., nitrogen) atmosphere with a hydrophobic lubricant that is capable of becoming mobile during pressing, the amount of lubricant being at least 45% of the total volume of all components to be added to the base metal powder; (2) mixing the lubricant-coated admixed alloy elements with the base metal powder to form a mixture; (3) pressing the mixture to form a pre-sintered part having a green density that is from about 95% to about 98% of a calculated pore-free density; and (4) sintering the part.
US09248498B2

A method for controlling the respective input voltages transmitted to a servomotor that tilts the ladle such that the molten metal that flows from the ladle drops accurately into the pouring gate in the mold, a servomotor that moves the ladle back and forth, and a servomotor that moves the ladle up and down, by using a computer. In the method, a mathematical model of the area on which the molten metal that flows from the ladle will drop is produced, and then the inverse problem of the produced mathematical model is solved. In view of the effect of a contracted flow, the position on which molten metal drops is estimated by the estimating device for estimating the pouring rate and the estimating device for estimating the position on which molten metal will drop.
US09248490B2

In a method of making a tubular structural part for a motor vehicle, a metal plate is contoured and preformed in at least one shaping step into a tubular body. Subsequently, the tubular body is end-formed into the structural part by internal high-pressure application while free contact regions snugly bear upon one another. The structural part is at least partially heated and quenched in a holding tool acted upon with a coolant.
US09248486B2

A roller leveler is provided having a substantially uniform pitch of leveling rolls arranged in a zigzag manner. The roller leveler has a first roll group with first leveling rolls at a pitch “P1”, a second roll group with second leveling rolls at the pitch “P1”, a first retract mechanism for retracting the middle first leveling rolls, and second retract mechanisms for retracting pairs of end second leveling rolls. The second roll group also has third leveling rolls at the pitch “P1” with respect to the outermost second leveling rolls.
US09248484B2

An apparatus and method for moving a wire along its own axis against a high resistance to its motion causing a substantial uniaxial compression stress in the wire without allowing it to buckle. The apparatus consists of a wire gripping and moving drive wheel and guide rollers for transporting the moving wire away from the drive wheel. Wire is pressed into a peripheral groove in a relatively large diameter, rotating drive wheel by a set of small diameter rollers arranged along part of the periphery causing the wire to be gripped by the groove. The drive wheel can have a smooth peripheral surface and a groove or grooves parallel in the outer surface of small diameter rollers.
US09248483B2

A device for the optimized circulation of mandrels includes a presentation and/or cooling table for mandrel rods, a lubricating station for the mandrel rods, optionally an additional drying station for the lubricant applied to the mandrels, and associated roller conveyors. An additional secondary rod circulation of is arranged upstream of the standard rod circulation and includes two redundantly operating transfer tables connected to the presentation and/or cooling table by a third roller conveyor or the first roller conveyor for the discharge of no longer needed rods from the standard rod circulation. The third roller conveyor either forms the continuation of the first roller conveyor or is arranged parallel thereto with an offset. A fourth roller conveyor for accommodating mandrel rods or passing mandrel rods intermittently into the standard circulation via an intermediate buffer is arranged on the opposite side of the transfer tables parallel to the first roller conveyor.
US09248480B2

A method and a plant for preventing contamination of a fluid in a fluid storage tank with a liquid cooling or heating medium is provided. In a method of controlling a temperature of a fluid in a fluid storage tank under a predetermined pressure by allowing a liquid cooling or heating medium to flow in an enclosed pressure-resistant jacket provided around the outer wall of the fluid storage tank, said method comprises allowing the cooling or heating medium to flow in the enclosed pressure-resistant jacket at a pressure not higher than the pressure x (atm) applied within the fluid storage tank, preferably lower than x (atm), whereby preventing contamination of said fluid with said cooling or heating medium. A plant for the method is also provided.
US09248479B2

Provided is a cleaning device for cleaning optical lenses positioned in a tray. The cleaning device includes a supporting base for supporting the tray, two sliding members, a connecting plate, and a magnetic member. The supporting base includes a bottom plate and two parallel rails formed on a surface of the bottom plate. The sliding members are spatially corresponding to the rails, and each sliding member is slidably mounted on a corresponding one of the rails. The connecting plate is fixedly supported on the sliding members. The magnetic member is attached on a surface of the connecting plate facing toward the bottom plate.
US09248477B2

A pipeline pig signal includes sealing means located within a lower end of the trigger cavity of the signal which prevents pipeline debris from entering the trigger cavity. The sealing means moves between a first sealing position and a second sealing position in response to the trigger moving between a non-triggered and triggered position. The sealing means may be a polymer boot, a filter arrangement, a sliding piston arrangement, or a sliding shelf arrangement.
US09248476B2

A device for cleaning and polishing jewelry having a housing and a motor in the housing. A first gear is operatively engaged with the motor and has a drive shaft extending from the gear. The first gear is driven by the drive gear at a first speed. A second gear has a hole therein with the drive shaft extending therethrough. The second gear is operatively driven by the drive gear at a second speed and the hole.
US09248472B2

Disclosed are construction granules surmounted by at least one thin film having substantial reflectance of near-infrared radiation, substantial transmittal of radiation in the visible light range, and substantial emissivity in the medium-infrared range to render the granules energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Also disclosed are related methods for fabrication of the construction granules.
US09248470B2

A colorized retroreflective materials for use on clothing are colorized by including a substantially transparent colorizing overlayer composition applied to a retroreflective layer, the overlayer further comprising an amount of a suitable pigmented ink; an amount of at least one species of polyurethane material; and an amount of a silane material.
US09248459B2

A sprinkler head nozzle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle housing with an inlet for pressurized water and an outlet downstream of the inlet, a rotatable arc of coverage adjustment ring mounted on the housing such that rotation of the arc of coverage adjustment ring extends and reduces an arcuate exit opening, a range adjustment ring, or upstream flow area adjustment ring is also provided with an upstream flow area throttling element that increases or decreases the flow area as the range adjustment ring is rotated.
US09248456B2

A centrifugal separator includes a separation barrel with an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, and a cylindrical wall defining a separation chamber. A spin plate extends substantially across the separation chamber adjacent to the lower end thereof. A post including a central passage extends from the spin plate along the central axis of the separation barrel. The post includes at least one opening for fluid to flow from the central passage of the post to the separation chamber. An inlet in fluid communication with the separation chamber allows solids-laden fluid to flow into the separation chamber. An outlet in fluid communication with the separation chamber allows substantially-clean fluid to flow out of the separation chamber and out of the device.
US09248455B2

The present invention provides a method and apparatus using a meltable filter medium for separating a mixture to be separated (liquid-solid or liquid-liquid mixture). The mixture to be separated is separated into a liquid passing through a filter layer of the filter medium and a captured material captured in the filter layer. The filter medium and the captured material are separated by melting the filter medium.
US09248454B2

A device for recovering magnetic particles trapped on a magnetic plug, which includes a supporting end and a magnetized element for retaining the magnetic particles in a liquid resulting from the wear of parts with which the liquid has been in contact, the recovery device including a magnetization device and an enclosure having an opening, the enclosure to receive the magnetic plug via the opening such that the magnetized element is located inside the enclosure and the supporting end is located outside the enclosure. The opening is sized such that the supporting end blocks the opening. The device also includes an injection nozzle to inject a gaseous fluid inside the enclosure, the nozzle being oriented such that the flow of gaseous fluid expels the magnetic particles retained on the magnetized element toward the bottom of the enclosure. The magnetization device traps the particles urged toward the bottom of the enclosure.
US09248453B2

A cutting tooth for a rotary cutter that has a mounting bore arranged such that when a fastener disposed in the mounting bore is used to attach the cutting tooth to a tooth holder, the cutting tooth is attached into the holder so as to pull both a rear trailing surface and a bottom radially inner surface into tight contact with abutting surfaces of the tooth holder.
US09248451B2

The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder for holding a reagent container for containing a reagent to be used for analyzing a sample; a measurement unit for measuring a value representing an amount of the reagent in the reagent container held by the reagent container holder; an instruction receiver for receiving an instruction to obtain a remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container; a measurement controller for controlling the measurement unit so as to measure the value representing the amount of the reagent in the reagent container, when the instruction receiver has received the instruction; and a remaining reagent amount obtainer for obtaining remaining reagent amount information indicating the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container, based on a measurement result by the measurement unit.
US09248449B2

System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.
US09248448B2

A bionanochip cartridge for analysis of multiple samples or analytes is provided herein, and the cartridge is dimensioned to take advantage of existing robotic microtiter plate handling equipment. Fluidics are specially designed to provide a small footprint and to prevent cross contamination.
US09248447B2

Contemplated compositions and methods allow for in-situ formation of a rigid seal layer in a blood collection tube between a cell-depleted phase and a cell-enriched phase. Preferably, the seal layer is formed upon brief UV irradiation and comprises an acrylate, a methacrylate, an epoxy, a urethane, and/or a thiol-ene polymer.
US09248442B2

A porous carbon and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, which can inhibit metal particles from being oxidized and can keep the effect obtained by adding the metal particles for a long period of time by allowing the metal particles to disperse sufficiently.The method is characterized by comprising the steps of: mixing a polyamic acid resin varnish 1 as a carbon precursor, magnesium oxide 2 as template particles, and chloroplatinic acid 6 as a metal salt; heat-treating the mixture in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1000° C. for 1 hour to reduce the chloroplatinic acid into platinum and thermally decomposing the polyamic acid resin to prepare a carbon 3 containing the platinum particles 7; and washing the resulting carbon 3 with a sulfuric acid solution added at a concentration of 1 mol/L to completely dissolve MgO away.
US09248434B2

This invention relates to a catalyst containing from about 2 up to about 8% by wt. of copper, zero up to about 0.6 moles/kg of one or more alkali metal(s), from about 0.08 up about 0.85 moles/kg of one or more alkaline earth metals and from about 0.09 up to about 0.9 moles/kg of one or more transition metals selected from the group consisting of Mn, Re and mixtures thereof, where all the metals are impregnated in form of their chlorides or other water soluble salts on a fluidizable support with a BET surface area of from about 80 up to about 220 m2/g. A process for the oxychlorination of ethylene to form 1,2-dichloroethane using such a catalyst having good activity, good selectivity and low tendency to stickiness in fluidized bed oxychlorination reactions.
US09248431B2

The present invention relates to a stepwise hydrogenation of specific isoprenoids of formula using a specific catalyst.
US09248430B2

A method for synthesis of 1-decene oligomer is provided, wherein 1-decene is polymerized at 80-120° C., 0.8-1.4 MPa in the presence of aluminum trichloride catalyst supported on gamma-alumina and n-hexane solvent where the volume ratio of 1-decene to n-hexane is 3:8-4:1. The catalyst is treated as follows: impregnating gamma-alumina carrier in 0.5-2.0 M of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or mixtures thereof, then vacuum drying at 80-100° C. and calcining at 400-800° C.; dissolving 5-10 g of anhydrous aluminum trichloride in 100 ml of tetrachloromethane, trichloromethane or dichloromethane solvent; adding the obtained solution into 10-20 g of activated alumina carrier and obtaining the catalyst after vacuum drying. The conversion of 1-decene is 50 wt % or more. The oligomer has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 6.0-25 mm2/s and a viscosity index of 160-262.
US09248416B2

A device for the pressurization and evacuation of a gas in a bottle, in order to approximate the unopened (ambient) conditions of a previous gaseous state in said bottle. Two units comprise this system, namely a charging unit and a sealing-valve unit. When the charging unit is coupled to the sealing-valve unit three functions can be performed. The first is a priming function where the bottle is partially evacuated of its ambient air and replaced with a gas from a cartridge. The second is a charging function where the primed bottle is pressurized with the same gas type or mixture from the pressurized gas cartridge. The third is an evacuating function where the charged bottle can be bled of gas to achieve the approximate ambient condition of an unopened bottle. This function is used when a bottle is overcharged and a lower pressure is desired.
US09248415B2

An apparatus and method for maximizing the dissolved concentration of ozone in a liquid. The apparatus includes a dissolution tank having a pressure vessel configured to contain a treated fluid and at least one gas in a head space above the treated fluid, an inlet configured to permit passage of an untreated fluid into the head space, and an outlet configured to permit passage of the treated fluid out of the vessel; a gas supply system configured to transport the at least one gas to the head space; a fluid supply system configured to provide the untreated fluid to the tank; a bleed-off system for removing gas from the head space so as to maximize the dissolved concentration of the ozone gas in the liquid; and a discharge device configured to pass the treated fluid from the tank into the target liquid.
US09248405B2

Separation processes using engineered osmosis are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources.
US09248400B2

Certain embodiments are directed to processes for fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) membranes. These ZIF membranes can be used in separating C2− hydrocarbons from C3+ hydrocarbons and propylene/propane mixtures.
US09248399B2

Provided is a CO2 recovery system including: a high-pressure absorption tower; a high-pressure regeneration tower that partially regenerates a CO2 absorption solution from the absorption tower through a first liquid feed line; a second liquid feed line that extracts a semi-lean solution having a heat resistance temperature thereof or lower from the high-pressure regeneration tower and introduces a portion of the semi-lean solution into a middle stage of the high-pressure absorption tower; a branch line that introduces a rest of the semi-lean solution into a flash drum; a third liquid feed line that introduces a lean solution after adding pressure thereto into a top of the high-pressure absorption tower; a high-pressure CO2 compression device where high-pressure CO2 gas from the high-pressure regeneration tower is introduced; and a low-pressure CO2 compression device where low-pressure CO2 from the flash drum is introduced.
US09248398B2

CO2 is removed from high-pressure feed gas in configurations and methods according to the inventive subject matter by contacting feed gas with cooled semi-rich solvent to form a two-phase mixture that is flashed into the bottom section of an absorber. Rich solvent from the absorber is then reduced in pressure to generate refrigeration for the semi-rich solvent and lean solvent countercurrently contacts the partially treated feed gas in the absorber to produce the semi-rich solvent. Among other advantages, cooling of the feed gas and semi-rich solvent by the pressure reduced rich solvent heats the rich solvent to allow enhanced regeneration of the solvent, and external refrigeration and heating of the solvent can be entirely avoided.
US09248394B2

An air scoop-cyclone filter assembly having an air scoop for guiding untreated air, which including an inlet opening, a deflection area for deflecting untreated air and an outlet opening, and having a cyclone filter for cleaning untreated air, which is connected downstream of the air scoop in the flow direction and is connected in an airtight manner to the air scoop A perforated plate is arranged in the cyclone filter as a filter inlet opening. The perforated plate has a first passage area having a high number of holes, a second passage area having a low number of holes at the geodetically deepest point, and a baffle plate. The baffle plate distributes the untreated air flow through the first and second passage area and, with the outer wall of the air scoop, forms a collecting chamber that stabilizes the flow.
US09248393B2

A cup-shaped housing assembly for a device for separating liquid from air has a cup-shaped housing body having an interior. At least one annular filter element for separating liquid from air is arranged in the housing body. A housing cover closes off an end face of the housing body. The housing cover has an inner side that is facing the interior and an outer side that is facing away from the interior. The housing cover has at least one raw air inlet through which raw air is supplied to the interior. The housing cover has at least one clean air opening though which filtered clean air is discharged from the interior. For sealing the raw air inlet relative to the clean air opening, at least one sealing surface is arranged at the outer side of the housing cover across sections thereof.
US09248389B2

Cloth retention apparatus for retaining the edges of a filter cloth comprises an edge strip having a bead, which can engage with a channel in a frame member, and be retained therein by a wedging member. The wedging member may be separate or attached to the bead, or incorporated therein. The wedging member may be a spring member.
US09248388B1

A skimming apparatus with a pivot arm and a drive follower on the pivot arm that guides a belting to facilitate precise placement of the belting for efficient skimming.
US09248385B2

A centrifuge separator for different specific gravity fluid separation. Gas enriched influent is then fed into a rotary impeller, where rotational energy of the impeller is transferred to the incoming fluid creating a forced vortex. Centripetal force exerted on the fluid particles help to separate the fluid/solids to rotate at different radius. Solids are moved towards a periphery of the tube where a cone collector facilitates to collect the solids. The conical shape allows the solids to slide into an annulus. The lighter specific gravity fluids are forced to segregate into two different rotating vortexes by virtue of the rotary motion of the impeller. The gas bubbles mixed with the influent help to accelerate the separation of two different specific gravity fluids.
US09248384B2

Methods and devices for treating lipoaspirate for use in fat grafting procedures are provided and generally include a canister for containing lipoaspirate, a separation mechanism structured to separate both oils and other materials from cellular components of lipoaspirate contained in the canister. The separation mechanism includes filters having different filtering capacities, for example, different pore sizes.
US09248380B1

A programmable dancing figurine visually representative of a religious or biblical figure, and a method of conducting a dance routine with the programmable dancing figurine are presented herein. The method includes selecting a song or biblical verse and defining a dance portion of the song, which may begin on the first lyric and end on the last lyric of the song. Utilizing a remote control disposed in a communicative relation with the figurine, the user will pre-program one or more dance routes by consecutively selecting a particular button mode and a button corresponding to a dance maneuver. During the performance, the user must synchronize or time the execution of the dance routine with the dance portion of the song, wherein the collective time it takes to perform the pre-programmed dance routine(s) must be substantially equal to the time of the dance portion of the song.
US09248378B2

A system includes a processor configured to communicate with a remote server to provide and obtain vehicle performance information, wherein the processor is further configured to receive and present a list of one or more available race opponents respond to the server with an opponent selection present a countdown timer and measure and report to the server one or more vehicle statistics relating to a race beginning at the end of the countdown timer.
US09248375B2

A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for representing a resource object in a virtual environment are presented. To begin, a graphical user interface may be provided to a player. The graphical user interface may display a virtual environment that includes the resource object and a game object. A resource production event may be detected. The resource production event may be generated based on a resource production attribute that specifies that a quantity of resource units have been generated. Based on the detected resource production event, at least some portion of the quantity of generated resource units is allocated to the resource pool. Then, responsive to detecting a user initiated game action being applied to the game object, a determinable amount of resource units is removed from the resource pool.
US09248373B2

A computer implemented method includes receiving, through at least one input device, an indication of an activity by a first user on a first gaming user account from a first computer implemented gaming system. A communication can be sent to a computer implemented social network system causing the computer implemented social network system to display a notification based on the indication of the activity by the first user in the first computer implemented gaming system. The communication can include information enabling the computer implemented social network system to affiliate the indication of the activity by the first user with a first social network user account belonging to the first user. The first gaming user account and the first social network user account can be different user accounts.
US09248367B2

The present disclosure provides advantageous skateboard assemblies (e.g., advantageous skateboard guard assemblies). More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous guard/noseguard assemblies for skateboards and related methods of use. The present disclosure provides for mountable, interchangeable and/or removable guard/noseguard assemblies for skateboards. The skateboard guard assemblies typically include a contoured or shaped top surface, each contoured/shaped top surface configured and dimensioned to provide the user/rider at least one advantageous surface that a user/rider can position a foot onto/over during use (e.g., a surface that a user/rider can utilize to place or position a foot directly onto/above, with the bottom side of the user's foot contacting the top surface of the guard assembly). Exemplary guard/noseguard assemblies of the present disclosure also provide protection purposes for the skateboard deck, and/or modify the bottom surface angle of the board kicktail to change the point of contact (e.g., during an Ollie or the like).
US09248363B1

A miniaturized hockey game having a wall structure and a floor structure configured to represent a hockey rink along with hockey sticks and a puck. The wall structure is removable from the floor structure. To that end the floor structure include recessed grooves for receiving and supporting the wall structure. A faceoff platform is on top of a dividing wall of the wall structure. The wall structure includes scoring apertures for simulating nets and center apertures for providing obstacles to increase the difficulty of play. In use players stand along the perimeter of the hockey game and manipulate a puck using their hockey sticks to cause the puck to pass through the scoring apertures to score points.
US09248358B2

A cognitive stimulation system for assessing, profiling, training, and improving performance of athletes and other populations is provided. A sensory semantic language is established with an athlete for relating semantic meaning of a number of sensory signals to corresponding possible actions, the sensory semantic language being essentially new to the athlete. The athlete is instructed to perform an athletic exercise involving skills and full body movement. During the exercise sensory signals are provided to the athlete to require rapid discernment by the athlete of the semantic meaning of the sensory signal to correctly choose one possible action. Whether the athlete correctly responds to the selected sensory signal during said exercise is determined. The system simulates sports scenarios during real sports actions by stimulating different perceptive-cognitive and motor mechanisms typically experienced by athletes during real competition. The cognitive stimulation provided elicits both low and high level cognitive processing.
US09248357B2

An adapter for modifying a cornhole platform. The adapter may include an insert that may fit within the opening of the cornhole platform. Attached to the insert may be at least one barrier including sidewalls that may rest on the surface of the cornhole platform when the insert is within the opening. The barrier may include multiple rings attached to the insert.
US09248355B2

A sporting-good implement, such as a ball bat or a lacrosse stick, includes a first handle section rotatably connected to a second handle section. The second handle section may be attached to or integral with a tapered region or barrel region of a ball bat, or with a shaft section or head of a lacrosse stick, or with another sporting-good feature. This rotatable engagement allows the relative position of the user's hands to change during the course of a swing, shot, or pass, ideally placing the user's hands in a position to generate improved power or control.
US09248353B1

Apparatuses, methods, and systems for tracking movements of golf clubs and alerting a golfer when one or more golf clubs are misplaced from a group of golf clubs. A peripheral unit is associated with and affixed to each of a number of golf clubs, and transmits signals that are detected and collectively processed by a base unit to determine the status of those clubs. A club may be designated as misplaced based on the sequence and timing of status events, upon which an alarm is activated to alert the golfer. Also the base unit may process signals regarding movement of golf clubs in conjunction with location data from a Global Positioning System device to obtain information regarding the user's golf performance.
US09248352B1

A visual adjustable alignment system for adapting the alignment device according to the particular user. The visual adjustable alignment system includes an implement member for performing a task, an adjustment assembly in communication with the implement member and an alignment member pivotably supported by the adjustment assembly for aligning the implement member relative to an object.
US09248347B2

The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body with a spherical core having one or more layers, an intermediate layer disposed outside the spherical core and a cover disposed outside the intermediate layer and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, and having a friction coefficient calculated using a contact force tester of 0.35 or more and 0.60 or less, wherein the golf ball body has specific plurality of dimples on the surface thereof, at least one layer of the spherical core is a rubber layer having a specific hardness distribution, and the rubber layer has a hardness at the outermost point which is greater than a hardness at the innermost point, and the intermediate layer has a slab hardness (Hm) which is greater than a slab hardness (Hc) of the cover.
US09248334B2

A multi-use exercise device includes a shaft extending between ground-engaging support structures with a pair of arms rotatable around the shaft into a plurality of various angular positions relative to the ground providing a plurality of different exercises with a plurality of different levels of difficulty. The exercise device can be used as a support structure for pushup and planking exercises, as well as shoulder mounted weight support for squats and lunges.
US09248325B2

The invention is designed to be used for the large outdoor fires such as fires on the U.S. Navy's aircraft carriers, in forests and grasslands and at airports and chemical plants. The operators of an “assist unit” should always be behind the firefighters. At long range it can blow fire suppressors into a fire and smother it. The suppressors can be water or chemicals by the firefighters. Soot, ashes, dirt or sand around a fire itself are good suppressors. The “assist unit” will blow them into the fire and it blows away the smoke and fumes as well. There are two versions of the “assist unit”: the ALL MANUAL one and the VEHICLE MOUNTED one.
US09248321B2

Disclosed is a fire evacuation installation. When evacuees are not able to evacuate through an emergency exit or other means of evacuation when a fire occurs, the fire evacuation installation may safely protect the evacuees from flames and poisonous gas until rescue workers arrive. Further, the fire evacuation installation may be prevented from being damaged by exposure to rain, and the fire evacuation installation may have an elegant outer appearance and be more easily installed. In addition, the fire evacuation installation may be selectively moved between the floors of a building.
US09248316B2

Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature.
US09248304B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a defibrillation treatment protocol in an external defibrillator whereby a user may override a CPR-first default protocol. The method includes following steps configured in a defibrillator controller of issuing an inquiry; waiting for a response to the inquiry for a set time; ordering a CPR treatment protocol if no response is received within the set time; analyzing a response; ordering a CPR treatment protocol upon receiving a non-affirmative response to the inquiry; and ordering a shock treatment protocol upon receiving an affirmative response to the inquiry. Upon selecting a shock treatment protocol, the defibrillator performs a shock analysis under the shock treatment protocol, and either orders a CPR treatment protocol if shock treatment is not indicated by the shock analysis or provides a defibrillation shock if shock treatment is indicated by the shock analysis. Queries may be presented to a user in visual, audible, or both visual and audible format.
US09248298B2

In general, the invention is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.
US09248294B2

A cardiac resynchronization pacemaker and a method of adjusting the pacemaker. The method includes deriving a vectorcardiogram from implanted electrodes (D-VCG), analyzing the D-VCG, deriving optimal CRT pacing parameters from the analysis of the D-VCG, and adjusting the CRT pacemaker according to the derived parameters. The pacemaker may include a processor configured to perform the method.
US09248289B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith.
US09248285B2

A device for stimulating nerves adjacent the vagina includes a nerve stimulating element coupled to a main body. The nerve stimulating element is positioned and designed to stimulate the vesical, Frankenhauser's and/or inferior hypogastric plexuses. The device may reside in the vaginal formices. An implant is also provided which has a nerve stimulating element in contact with a uterosacral ligament. The device positioned in the vagina may be used to charge a power source for an implant, which may be a capacitor.
US09248284B2

A stimulation electrode for a stimulation device for stimulating organs in the case of spinal paraplegia, more particularly in the case of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, including an electrode shaft, at one end of which an electrode tip is arranged for emitting a stimulation signal and at the other end of which a connection region is provided for a signal line, and also at least one fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the electrode shaft in the surrounding tissue along the longitudinal axis of the electrode shaft, the fixing mechanism having at least one holding member preventing a withdrawal and at least one holding member preventing an advance.
US09248275B2

One embodiment is a stimulation lead including a lead body comprising a longitudinal surface, a distal end, and a proximal end; and multiple electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead body near the distal end of the lead body. The multiple electrodes include multiple segmented electrodes with each of the segmented electrodes having an exterior surface, an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. At least one of the segmented electrodes includes one or more of a) at least one channel formed in the segmented electrode and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the segmented electrode, b) an arcuate groove formed in at least one of the distal end surface or the proximal end surface, or c) a notch formed in the segmented electrode and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the segmented electrode.
US09248274B2

The present invention relates to an electrode (30,30′) for implantation in contact with a neural tissue, said electrode extending along an axis, said neural tissue being capable of generating one or more action potentials, and said one or more action potentials propagating with a given speed in said neural tissue. The electrode comprises a carrier (31, 31′) of biocompatible electrically insulating material; stimulation electrode contacts (32a; 32′a; 32b; 32′b) deposited on a surface of said carrier (31, 31′) for applying an electrical stimulation to said neural tissue so as to generate, after a given latency time, a compound action potential when stimulated by said electrical stimulation; one or more sensing electrode contacts (33a; 33b; 33c; 33′a; 33′b; 33′c) deposited on said surface of said carrier and provided at a distance from said stimulation electrode contacts, said sensing electrode contacts being adapted to be connected to measuring means (23) having a given inactive period. The invention includes means to reduce the stimulation artifact. The invention also relates to an apparatus (20) and method for using various signals obtained from the stimulation probe itself and used to control the parameters of the current pulses applied to the electrodes.
US09248273B2

A 3D microelectrode device includes a flexible substrate containing poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS). The device may be fabricated in a miniature form factor suitable for attachment to a small organ such as a lateral gastrocnemius muscle of a live rat. In addition to providing a miniaturized, conformable attachment, the device provides an anchoring action via one or more microelectrodes, each having an insertable tip particularly shaped to provide the anchoring action. Furthermore, a base portion of each of the microelectrodes is embedded inside conductive poly-dimethyl siloxane (cPDMS). The cPDMS is contained in a pad that is coupled to a conductive track embedded in the flexible substrate. Embedding of the base portion inside the cPDMS material not only allows the microelectrode to bend in various directions, but also provides good electrical conductivity while eliminating the need for attachment processes using solder or epoxy adhesives.
US09248269B2

An apparatus comprises a flexible substrate including a modular electrode array disposed on the flexible substrate. The modular electrode array includes a plurality of electrode modules, where an electrode module includes a plurality of electrodes. The flexible substrate also includes a spatial separation between the electrode modules of the modular electrode array, and conductive interconnect coupled to the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes.
US09248262B2

A vascular dilator for controlling blood flow in a blood vessel, includes an elongate body for inserting into a blood vessel and a generally tapered distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable members positioned adjacent the distal end portion. The inflatable members are longitudinally spaced from one another by a predetermined distance.
US09248260B2

A catheter strain relief clip includes a body having an upper surface, and a plurality of arm members extending upwardly from the upper surface. Each of the arm members defines an undercut region for receipt of a catheter. The arm members are disposed so as to define a bent path for a catheter threaded under each of the arm members from a first side to an opposite side of the body.
US09248256B2

A medical treatment device enables an injection needle to accurately puncture brain tissue at a prescribed position and a drug solution to be injected into brain tissue, while avoiding damage to the brain tissue as the injection needle is handled. The use of the medical treatment device involves inflating a first balloon located on the outside of a catheter, directing a distal portion of a puncture needle, which is located inside the catheter, to outside the catheter through an opening in the catheter, after which the first balloon is deflated and a second balloon is inflated, and moving the catheter towards the brain tissue located on the opening side so that the injection needle projecting from the opening punctures the brain region.
US09248250B2

A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.
US09248249B2

Various embodiments of a secretion collection and/or sample analysis device are provided for point-of-care collection and/or analysis of secretions collected from the airways of intubated patients. The disclosed embodiments include a variety of placements of the device with respect to a tracheal tube that include in a secretion reservoir, between an evacuation conduit and the secretion reservoir, and connected in series after the evacuation conduit and the secretion reservoir. Certain embodiments may include a lab-on-a-chip device that analyzes secretions via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based DNA sequencing.
US09248238B2

A new syringe design is provided with a safety feature that prevents inadvertent or otherwise unintended release of any contents within the syringe. This safety feature is accomplished by way of an automatic (passive) plunger locking mechanism. The new syringe design also providing for automatic (passive) disengagement of the automatic plunger locking mechanism so as to not inhibit the operating use and function of a syringe.
US09248237B2

The present disclosure concerns an indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, particularly for insulin or other liquid preparations, particularly for multiple injection administration of set doses of a medicine from an exchangeable container, for example for the self-application of insulin by diabetes patients. An indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, having an assembly of at least two barrels movably coupled to each other has an indication barrel mounted on the driving barrel contains only marking on its external surface and is co-axially connected to the pull-push control nut.
US09248233B2

A method of dispensing fluid includes three processes. A first one of these processes includes pumping fluid into a resilient variable-volume dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is in series with a normally present finite fluid impedance and an output. The impedance is sufficient so as to cause expansion of the dispensing chamber as it receives pumped fluid even while some fluid flows through the output. Another one of these processes includes repeatedly measuring a parameter related to volume of the dispensing chamber over time. A third one of these processes includes controlling the pumping of fluid based on repeated measurements of the parameter to produce a desired fluid flow through the output. A corresponding system for dispensing fluid implements these processes.
US09248231B2

The present disclosure presents systems, devices and methods for administration of a therapeutic fluid to the body of a patient at a transient basal delivery profile, and enabling modification of the transient profile. Some embodiments include a user interface enabling input of one or more transient basal related parameters, and a processor having a basal programming application operating thereon. The basal programming application configured for determining a transient basal profile based on at least one or more transient basal related parameters. The transient basal profile comprises a plurality of phases and wherein each of the plurality of phases is characterized by a duration and at least one basal rate. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of phases includes either a basal overshot or a basal undershot. Some embodiments may also include a pump for dispensing the therapeutic fluid from a reservoir to the body of the patient.
US09248226B2

A device and method for detecting recirculation for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus and an apparatus with a device for detecting recirculation are based on targeted haemodilution by administration of a substituate bolus, causing a pressure change in venous and arterial branches of the extracorporeal circuit due to a viscosity change of flowing fluid. Recirculation is detected based on detection of the pressure change. The device includes a control unit cooperating with a device for conveying blood and a device for supplying substituate. The control unit provides an operating mode for detecting recirculation, in which blood flow rate is reduced during administration of a substituate bolus. With simultaneous substituate bolus administration and reduction of blood flow rate, the composition of fluid flow is optimized for detection of recirculation, so that fairly large pressure changes result in venous and arterial branches, thereby improving sensitivity and reliability of the measurement method.
US09248222B2

A vacuum system for draining an open wound from liquids exuded therefrom, comprising an enclosure sealable to the wound circumference, a vacuum pump including a disposable pump unit detachably attachable to a non-disposable drive unit, and a waste container for collection of drained liquids. The enclosure has an outlet connected by means of a tube to an inlet of the pump unit and the waste container is connected to an outlet of the pump unit, such that when the vacuum pump is operated the drained liquids flow through the vacuum pump. The enclosure has one or more bleeding holes provided therethrough or adjacent to its outlet so that ambient air may enter the tube and flow together with the drained liquids. The enclosure and the waste container are disposable so that the drained liquids contact only disposable elements and may be disposed of together with all disposable elements.
US09248215B2

The present invention relates to a biodegradable fibrin based composition for injection into osseous defects or voids, which can be the result of osteoporosis, surgery, bone cysts, tumor removal or traumatic bone injury.
US09248210B2

A package for a refill for dispensing a volatile material is disclosed that includes a wall portion and a cartridge refill removably attached to the wall portion. Attachment means removably attach the cartridge refill to the wall portion. The package in a first state is substantially planar in structure. The cartridge refill may be removed from the package for use in a separate dispenser or the package may be used as a dispenser for the volatile material held within the cartridge refill.
US09248207B1

The present invention relates to an electron microscope plasma cleaner for cleaning an electron microscope by using plasma, the cleaner including a vacuum chamber in which the sample is disposed; an electron gun for producing the electron beam and outputting the produced electron beam to the sample; an electron lens for magnifying the electron beam transmitting the sample and projecting the electron beam onto a fluorescent screen; a radio frequency controller for producing a first signal having radio frequency within a given range; and a plasma head for producing the plasma, receiving the first signal from the radio frequency controller, producing activated oxygen radicals and ions by using the plasma and the first signal, and supplying the activated oxygen radicals and ions to the interior of the vacuum chamber.
US09248206B2

The invention provides a sanitizing composition in the form of a viscous liquid or gel suitable for use as a handwash composition comprising alcohol, water and a thickener wherein the viscous liquid or gel has particles suspended therein, wherein said particles provide the composition with a granular texture and are capable of being worn away when rubbed. The particles may deliver one or more agents to the skin e.g. antimicrobial, antibacterial or antiviral agents, emollients and/or moisturizers, fragrances, colorings or UV markers.
US09248193B2

A pharmaceutical product comprising at least one phenyl uracil-based pharmaceutically active agent or an agent of related structural type and processes for obtaining such product.
US09248190B2

The invention encompasses compounds having formula I-V and the compositions and methods using these compounds in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases, particularly JAK3, may be therapeutically useful.
US09248186B2

A composition and method for treating nosebleed, that is, epistaxis. The composition comprises bismuth subgallate and a vasoconstriction agent, preferably oxymetazoline. The composition is preferably a paste administered intranasally.
US09248164B2

Provided is a growth factor anchoring type bone graft material, wherein a bone graft substrate exposing at least a collagen fiber is bound to a collagen-binding-site-containing growth factor which contains a growth factor receptor agonist peptide and a collagen-binding peptide. The same can be produced by mixing a bone graft substrate and a collagen-binding-site-containing growth factor which contains a growth factor receptor agonist peptide and a collagen-binding peptide, and is also superior in osteogenic ability.
US09248163B2

Methods of treating a tumor in a subject include identifying a subject having, at risk for, or suspected of having a tumor, and administering to the subject an effective amount of an IGFBP7 agent if the tumor has increased Ras-BRAF-MEK-Erk signaling, is dependent for growth and/or survival upon the Ras-BRAF-MEK-Erk signaling pathway, and/or expresses an activated or oncogenic BRAF or RAS.
US09248162B2

The present invention provides a method for preventing or inhibiting allograft rejection by a recipient of that allograft by treating the recipient with a composition comprising Factor H (FH). The invention also encompasses methods in which the recipient is also administered one or more immunosuppressants in addition to the Factor H.
US09248158B2

In one embodiment, the present application provides an herbal supplement and method for treating bloating, constipation and/or weight gain in a human subject comprising orally administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the herbal supplement comprising a red quebracho extract. In other embodiments, the supplement may additionally include a triterpenoid saponin, an anti-spasmodic agent, or both.
US09248156B2

The present invention is directed to the use of extracts or of extract compounds from Piper cubeba L. as active components in a medicament for the treatment of cancer. The invention also relates to a method for the preparation of a dry extract from the fruit of Piper cubeba L.
US09248153B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for tissue regeneration, particularly for treating skin lesions such as wounds. In one aspect, the invention provides wound healing composition characterized by the higher expression levels of phenotypic marker genes such as apolipoprotein D, matrix metalloprotease (2), collagen 3a1 and smooth muscle actin than the housekeeping gene ribosomal protein L32. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful especially for assisting the process of wound healing, particularly chronic open lesions that are slow to heal or resistant to healing.
US09248152B2

The present invention relates to human neural stem cells (NSCs) transfected with a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding human choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and thereby stably expressing the human ChAT, a composition for treating Alzheimer disease or for improving a cognitive disorder comprising the human NSCs expressing a human ChAT. The present human NSCs genetically modified to express human ChAT, when transplanted into the brain of the animal AD model, successfully integrated into the host tissues and differentiated into the normal neuronal cells or glial cells. The instant genetically modified human NSCs stably express ChAT in the brain tissue of AD animal and thereby restore the acetylcholine level, and learning and memory function comparable to normal animal. The present genetically modified human NSCs expressing ChAT can be used for the treatment of AD as well as cognitive disorders due to other brain diseases and aging.
US09248149B2

The invention features methods and selenium-containing compositions for treating a neoplastic disease in a subject. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing sensitivity of a tumor to cancer therapy by treating the tumor with an inorganic selenium-containing (iSe) compound and with a cancer therapy, particularly a cancer therapy that also affects the cellular redox status of a tumor cell (e.g., radiation).
US09248146B2

The invention provides disintegratable adhesive films containing a mixture of high molecular weight and low molecular weight water soluble components; and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically active ingredient. Optionally, the films contain a starch component, a polysaccharide component, a filler, a plasticizer and/or humectant. The films are preferably in the form of an adhesive layer having a thickness sufficient to disintegrate, when exposed to a moist environment and/or a trigger compound, and release the active ingredient. The films can be cut to any desired size or shape to provide conveniently useable unit dosage forms for administration to wet or moist body surfaces for human, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or veterinary applications. The invention further provides various end uses and methods of administering the film compositions.
US09248135B2

Compositions containing a prostaglandin agent and a vasoconstrictor agent for ophthalmic applications are provided as well as methods of treating ophthalmic diseases using the same. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are useful for treating glaucoma without causing conjunctival hyperemia.
US09248130B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating thyroid-related medical conditions. Many thyroid-related medical conditions exist that go undiagnosed and untreated. These conditions may be prevented and treated with reduced folates and vitamin B12. Administration of reduced folates and vitamin B12 will prevent or treat cerebrospinal folate deficiency, which is linked to thyroid-related medical conditions. Administration of reduced folates and vitamin B12 will also prevent or treat conditions associated with masked megaloblastic anemia and hypothyroidism, and other conditions brought upon through improper thyroid function. Additionally, it is commonplace to treat many thyroid conditions with anti-thyroid drugs or thyroid stimulating drugs. This practice alone is also responsible for causing, or not beneficially addressing, adverse conditions that can be prevented or treated through the methods and compositions discussed herein.
US09248128B2

The invention provides a method of treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders characterized by myelin loss or myelin deficiency by inhibiting Gli1 transcription factor. In a related aspect, the invention provides a method for enhancing neuroprotection of a central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS) neuron in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a Gli1 inhibitor. In one embodiment, the subject has a neurological disorder characterized by myelin loss or myelin deficiency.
US09248127B2

Aqueous gel formulations, including an immune response modifier (IRM), such as those chosen from imidazoquinoline amines, tetrahydroimidazoquinoline amines, imidazopyridine amines, 6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine amines, 1,2-bridged imidazoquinoline amines, imidazonaphthyridine amines, imidazotetrahydronaphthyridine amines, oxazoloquinoline amines, thiazoloquinoline amines, oxazolopyridine amines, thiazolopyridine amines, oxazolonaphthyridine amines, thiazolonaphthyridine amines, pyrazolopyridine amines, pyrazoloquinoline amines, tetrahydropyrazoloquinoline amines, pyrazolonaphthyridine amines, tetrahydropyrazolonaphthyridine amines, and 1H-imidazo dimers fused to pyridine amines, quinoline amines, tetrahydroquinoline amines, naphthyridine amines, or tetrahydronaphthyridine amines, are provided. Methods of use and kits are also provided.
US09248123B2

Disclosed are methods of providing weight loss therapy, particularly for patients suffering from major depression.
US09248121B2

The present invention is a medical device for controlling the release of an active agent. The medical device has a supporting structure having a porous body disposed therein. At least one elution rate controlling matrix containing an effective amount of at least one active agent is disposed within the pores of the porous body in a manner that protects the matrix from mechanical damage. The medical device may therefore be used for controlled drug release applications. Additionally, the present invention discloses a method for using the medical device for the treatment and prevention of diseases in mammals. This invention further relates to a method for using the medical device for treating and preventing vascular diseases.
US09248118B2

A method and composition for the treatment of ischemic neuronal reperfusion injury are provided. The composition can include a compound which is a combination of dantrolene and a residue of FMOC-valine. This composition can be used to provide a faster and higher CNS penetration than heretofore experienced with dantrolene. In another form, dantrolene may be formulated as a pro-drug, a pro-pro-drug and the like.
US09248109B2

The invention provides compositions of novel high penetration compositions (HPC) or high penetration prodrugs (HPP) of peptides and peptide-related compounds, which are capable of crossing biological barriers with higher penetration efficiency comparing to their parent drugs. The HPPs are capable of being converted to parent drugs or drug metabolites after crossing the biological barrier and thus can render treatments for the conditions that the parent drugs or metabolites can. Additionally, the HPPs/HPCs are capable of reaching areas that parent drugs may not be able to access or to render a sufficient concentration at the target areas and therefore render novel treatments. The HPPs/HPCs can be administered to a subject through various administration routes, e.g., locally delivered to an action site of a condition with a high concentration or systematically administered to a biological subject and enter the general circulation with a faster rate.
US09248107B2

Disclosed herein is a formulation capable of enhancing thermostability and shelf-life of a biological product, the formulation comprising: a tertiary amine N-oxide or a derivative thereof represented by the formulae: wherein R1, R2, and R3 may be identical or different and each is a straight or branched lower alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; an inorganic salt; glutamic acid or a salt thereof; a polyol; a physiologically acceptable buffer, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The tertiary amine N-oxide may be trimethylamine-N-oxide, (CH3)3NO. The formulation is useful for vaccine stabilization.
US09248105B2

A novel backing construction for a transdermal drug delivery system is disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a system and method for labeling a transdermal drug delivery system, wherein the backing layer contains a writable medium capable of inkless printing.
US09248093B2

The present invention includes a catheter locking solution having both antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties including a local anesthetic and a viscosifying agent. The local anesthetic of the present invention may be an amino amide; an amino ester; an aminoacylanilide; an aminoalkyl benzoate; an amino carbonate; an N-phenylamidine compound; an N-aminoalkyl amid; an aminoketone, or combinations and mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the local anesthetic is tetracaine or dibucaine.
US09248091B2

A method of making a nail polish comprising using a rotor-stator to prepare a suspension base by mixing dry clay and film forming material in a solvent or solvent mixture to make a clay gel, allowing the resultant clay gel to thicken, and letting the thickened clay gel down in additional solvent, film forming polymer, and plasticizer and then adding pigment paste. The rotor-stator can be used before and/or after adding the pigment paste or can be used to make the pigment paste itself. Nail polish cosmetic compositions, UV curable cosmetic nail gel compositions, and nails coated with the compositions.
US09248078B2

Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools.
US09248072B2

A fixing device for adjusting a telescoping arrangement comprises a seat disposed on an outer telescoping tube, a propelling arrangement disposed on the seat and inserted into limiting slots of an inner telescoping tube, a locking arrangement pivotally disposed on the seat to prop against the propelling arrangement, and a fastening arrangement fixing the locking arrangement to the seat. The movement of the locking arrangement toward the seat pushes the propelling arrangement to position the telescoping tubes, and concurrently an elastic member of the fastening arrangement springs against a fastening member of the fastening arrangement to make a fastening part of the fastening member lock with a fastened member which is disposed on the seat and thus position the locking arrangement, thereby preventing an unexpected slide of the telescoping tubes caused by touching the locking arrangement carelessly and increasing the use safety efficiently.
US09248062B2

A cot can include a support frame that extends between a front end and a back end. A front leg and a back leg can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. A front actuator can be coupled to the front leg and slide the front leg to retract and extend the front leg. A back actuator can be coupled to the back leg and slide the back leg to retract and extend the front leg. One or more processors can execute machine readable instructions to receive signals from one or more sensors indicative of the front end of the cot and the front leg. The one or more processors can actuate the back actuator to extend the back leg to raise the back end of the cot, when the front end of the cot is supported by a surface and the front leg is retracted a predetermined amount.
US09248061B2

A mobile patient bed includes a bench that may be moved vertically via a lifting mechanism. Vertical movement may be effected via a first, electric drive mechanism including a drive device that may be operated when connected to an energy supply. As an alternative, vertical movement may be effected via a second drive mechanism that may be actuated by the operator using a foot pedal. The drive device is a drive motor that is coupled to the lifting mechanism via a motor shaft and is coupled to the second drive mechanism via a clutch. The clutch is closed with no connection to the energy supply and is opened with connection established. The motor shaft may be driven via the second drive mechanism when the clutch is closed.
US09248053B2

A method of manufacturing a composite body of a sheet-like member of an absorbent article, the method includes: holding a first sheet-like member on a holding surface of a holding section; and delivering and attaching the first sheet-like member from the holding surface to a second sheet-like member. The first sheet-like member has a section that is to be delivered first, and a section that is to be delivered subsequently during delivery to the second sheet-like member. The first sheet-like member is held on the holding surface with suction air from a plurality of holes that have been formed on the holding surface. The holding section has at least two suction chambers. A first suction chamber is in communication with holes that suck the section that is to be delivered first, and a second suction chamber is in communication with holes that suck the section that is to be delivered subsequently.
US09248047B2

To protect tissue in the treatment of an eye (3) with a focused pulsed laser beam (21) generated by a laser system (2), e.g. a femtolaser system, operating data which define an operating area operated on by the focus (F) of the laser beam (21) during the treatment are acquired in a device (1). The device (1) comprises a processing module (14) for providing control data for the laser system (2) on the basis of the operating data and taking into consideration the light propagation in the eye. The control data limit the time of the treatment by the focus (F) at positions within the operating area in each case in such a manner that tissue damage resulting from the treatment by the laser beam (21) is essentially prevented in eye structures located outside the operating area. In particular, the control data determine movements of the focus (F) within the operating area and/or the activity of the laser beam (21) in such a manner that the mean irradiation intensity is reduced and the maximum temperatures in the tissue of eye structures located outside the operating area, particularly in the iris and the retina, are reduced.
US09248044B2

An undergarment is provided in the form of a brassiere which includes comfort and stylistic features to assist in post-surgical recovery. In other implementations, a camisole is provided which includes comfort and stylistic features to assist in post-surgical recovery. In one application, the post-surgical undergarment is configured to assist in the recovery of mastectomy patients.
US09248041B2

An orthosis includes a first arm cuff for attachment to a first body portion, a first arm member, a first extension member, a second cuff for attachment to a second body portion, a second arm member, and a second extension member. The orthosis can also include a drive assembly comprising a knob and a shaft. The first cuff and the second cuff may each include at least one cuff strap and at least one loop connector for receiving the at least one cuff strap. A method of using the orthosis includes coupling a first cuff to a first body portion, coupling a second cuff to a second body portion, wherein the second cuff is coupled to the first cuff, and rotating the first and second cuff from a first position to a second position, relative to the second cuff.
US09248033B2

An adjustable socket system is configured to accommodate a residual limb. The adjustable socket system has first and second opposed sides and includes a rigid first component arranged along the first side of the socket. An adjustable second component has a plurality of interconnected vertebrae elements connected to the first component and is arranged along the second side of the socket system. The adjustable prosthetic socket also has a base connector secured to the distal end area of the first component.
US09248032B2

A suspension liner is adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The liner includes an elongate, generally conical body portion, and a volume control pad located along the body portion. The volume control pad is arranged to distend outwardly from the body portion. A resilient seal element is connected to the body portion and protrudes radially from the body portion, and is located in correspondence with the volume control pad.
US09248024B2

A prosthetic ankle assembly including an astragalar component with an upper articular surface that forms part of an ankle joint prosthesis and a lower surface with a shape adapted to engage an upper face of an astragalus. An astragalocalcanean rod is positioned in an astragalocalcanean channel extending from the lower face of the calcaneus to the upper surface of the astragalus. A first end of the astragalocalcanean rod is engage with the lower surface of the astragalar component and a second end of the astragalocalcanean rod is engaged with a lower region of the calcaneus. A distance between the second end of the astragalocalcanean rod is adjustable relative to the lower surface of the astragalar component to adjustably compress the calcaneus against the astragalus.
US09248021B1

A removable orthopedic protective sleeve adapted to be applied over the male Morse taper of modular orthopedic implants thereby preventing contamination of the taper contact surface from blood, body fluid or tissue particles responsible for electrochemical corrosion and fretting at the level of Morse taper. Said sleeve having a conical tube shape and a rim at its upper narrow end. A plurality of vertical grooves situated on the outer surface of the protective sleeve will split open as the female Morse taper of the articular ball is slidingly pushed downward and seated over the male taper. The split sleeve is then removed after the male and female tapers are assembled in-situ.
US09248020B2

Monoblock orthopedic and/or dental implants are disclosed. The monoblock implants include a ceramic articulating surface and an osseointegrative bone-contacting surface. Methods of making such implants also disclosed.
US09248017B2

A support device for implanting stentless valve prostheses, such as biological heart valves, includes a hub and a plurality of support portions for supporting the stentless valve prosthesis. The hub defines a manipulation axis for the device and is flexibly connected to the support portions to allow displacing the manipulation axis for the device between the support portions.
US09248015B2

The invention is directed to methods for preparing artificial heart valves by preconditioning a matrix seeded with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells differentiated from isolated progenitor cells. These cell seeded matrices are exposed to fluid conditions that mimic blood flow through the heart to produce tissue engineered heart valves that are analogous to native heart valves.
US09248005B2

Dental obturator point having an obturation body containing a composite material comprising (a) a polymer and b) a particulate filler, whereby the obturation body has a radio opacity of at least 3 mm/mm Al, characterized in that the composite material has (i) a tensile strength of from 5 to 70 MPA1 (ii) a flexural strength of from 5 to 90 MPA, (iii) a flexural module of from 0.1 to 2.5 GPa, and which has (iv) a 300 rpm drilling coefficient at 37° C. in the range of from −1 to 7.00.
US09247995B2

A method for removing tattoos using two laser beams and a multi-photon process is disclosed. A 0.1 to 100 nsec pulse secondary laser beam focused to 108 W/cm2 creates a temporary channel from the skin surface to the tattoo pigment. A 100 fsec pulse main laser beam is then guided through the channel to the pigment and focused to sufficient intensity, i.e., 1012 W/cm2 or more, to initiate a multi-photon process that breaks up the pigment, disrupting its light reflecting properties. The channel allows the main laser beam unobstructed passage to the pigments, resulting in efficient use of the main laser. The pigment fragments escape through the temporary channel or diffuse into the blood stream. A suitably configured Ti/Sapphire laser beam is split into two components, with an uncompressed component used as the secondary laser beam, and a compressed component as the main laser beam.
US09247994B2

The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.
US09247972B2

Disclosed embodiments relate to a customized assembly of osteosynthesis plates. The customized assembly of osteosynthesis plates is custom-made, for example I-shaped and/or L-shaped and/or cross-shaped and/or crow's-foot-shaped ones which are themselves customized according to the operation to be carried out and the future anatomy of the patient, characterized in that the osteosynthesis plates are connected together by a rod, the rod further comprising two protrusions (4) protruding from the rod towards the nasal orifice (8) of the patient into positions that correspond to the two ends (5, 6) of the base (7) of the nasal orifice (8) of the patient. The invention can be used during dental occlusion operations, for example.
US09247968B2

The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
US09247966B2

Provided is a modular pedicle screw assembly which includes various components that may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, an insert, a rod, and a set screw. The insert may have a uniplanar configuration which allows movement of the insert, prior to final attachment, in a plane of motion. The insert may optionally have a monoaxial configuration which prevents movement of the insert. A method is also provided for securing a rod to a pedicle screw assembly. Also provided is an assembly tool for use in assembling a pedicle screw assembly.
US09247962B2

A surgical hook insertion device includes an elongate body defining a lumen therethrough and an actuation assembly. The elongate body has a retaining portion configured and dimensioned to releasably retain a laminar hook therein. The actuation assembly includes an actuation rod and an actuator member. The actuation rod is slideably disposed within the lumen of the elongate body. The actuator member is operatively coupled with the actuation rod and is slideably mounted on the elongate body, wherein the actuation assembly is transitionable between a first position in which a portion of the actuation rod engages the laminar hook releasably disposed in the retaining portion and a second position in which the actuation rod disengages the laminar hook.
US09247959B2

Among other things, uterine lavage is performed to withdraw at least 50% of in vivo fertilized preimplantation embryos produced after superovulation of a woman and artificial insemination using sperm of her sexual partner. After genetic diagnosis or sex determination or gene therapy, or any combination of any two or more of them, of the recovered embryos and selection of at least one of the embryos to be implanted, the selected embryos are returned to the woman for implantation in her uterus.
US09247957B2

A surgical penetrating system includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula has an outer wall arranged about a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal opening. At least one substantially linear penetrating member is mounted with respect to the outer wall of the cannula and extends in a general longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. The penetrating member is adapted to facilitate passage of the cannula through tissue. Another embodiment of the surgical penetrating system includes a cannula having a longitudinal bore and a penetrating member at least partially and slidably mounted within the longitudinal bore of the cannula. The penetrating member has at least one leg and is axially movable between non-deployed and deployed positions. Moreover, the penetrating member can be mounted for movement relative to the leading end of the cannula and within the longitudinal bore of the cannula between a non-deployed position and a deployed position.
US09247954B2

A safety surgical knife has a blade guard and a knife blade holder. The knife blade is covered when the guard is extended to protect it. When the blade is extended to its full operating position the guard is simultaneously retracted. When the blade is retracted the guard is simultaneously extended to return to its protective position. A shaped knife handle acts as an orientation guide and an anti-roll prop keeps the knife from rolling over when placed on a flat surface.
US09247951B1

A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.
US09247948B2

A change-out handle system is provided for releasably coupling two elongated, axially relatively displaceable functional parts to a medical instrument unit. The change-out handle system includes a first and a second handle part disposed axially relatively displaceably, a first coupler for releasably axially rigidly immovably coupling a first of the two functional parts to the first handle part and a second coupler for releasably, axially rigidly immovably coupling the second of the two functional parts to the second handle part. The second handle part has a pass-through opening for passing at least the first of the two functional parts. The change-out handle system can be used, for example, for medical solids trapping instruments.
US09247946B2

A drill sleeve is provided for guiding a bone drill in alignment with the screw holes and drill guides. The drill sleeve includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The cylindrical body includes a longitudinal bore therethrough that is sized for passage of a bone drill. The drill sleeve also includes a frictional retaining element for exerting a bearing force against the surface of the bone drill, such that the frictional retaining element may support at least the weight of the drill sleeve on the bone drill. The bone drill has graduated indicia, and a portion of the drill sleeve may be referenced relative to the indicia so as to be used as a depth gauge for determining the length of a drilled hole in order to select a screw fastener having the appropriate length.
US09247941B2

Implants include a film layer containing cellulose secured to a surface of the porous layer that also contains cellulose, wherein the film layer is secured to the porous cellulose without the use of an adhesive.
US09247923B2

There is provided a received data processing apparatus of photoacoustic tomography including a minimum constitution unit data composition unit that sequentially reads receiving digital signals from first storage units and composes minimum constitution unit data of the acoustic wave of the minimum constitution units by performing a delay-and-sum processing. A second storage unit stores the minimum constitution unit data of the entire region of the specimen, and an image construction unit constructs an image of the specimen based on the minimum constitution unit data stored in the second storage unit. A control unit sequentially stores the minimum constitution unit data calculated by the minimum constitution unit data composition unit in the second storage unit and reads the stored minimum constitution unit data of the entire region of the specimen to transmit the minimum constitution unit data to the image construction unit.
US09247918B2

Methods for computing hemodynamic quantities include: (a) acquiring angiography data from a patient; (b) calculating a flow and/or calculating a change in pressure in a blood vessel of the patient based on the angiography data; and (c) computing the hemodynamic quantity based on the flow and/or the change in pressure. Systems for computing hemodynamic quantities and computer readable storage media are described.
US09247909B2

A guidewire is disclosed that is constructed using tubular members that create a hollow lumen that runs from the proximal end of the guidewire to a window towards the distal end of the wire. This internal lumen is filled with a fluid that allows pressure exerted at the window to exert pressure at the proximal end of the guide wire proportional to the pressure exerted at the window. This pressure exerted at the proximal end of the guidewire is measured using a pressure transducer external of the guidewire. The pressure transducer converts the measured pressure into an electrical signal that is proportional to the pressure at the window. The electrical signal is manipulated to correct for errors that are due to the pressure signal traveling though the inner lumen of the guidewire to ensure the electrical signal matches the pressure exerted at the window.
US09247903B2

Mental state data is collected as a person interacts with a game machine. Analysis is performed on this data and mental state information and affect are shared across a social network. The affect of a person can be represented to the social network or gaming community in the form of an avatar. Recommendations can be based on the affect of the person. Mental states can be analyzed by web services which may, in turn, modify the game.
US09247902B2

An apparatus and method that allow multiple samples of a liquid in a primary container (here called a ‘pouch’) to be taken with minimal danger of contaminating the liquid in the container during the sampling process are disclosed. In an embodiment, a closed sterile sight chamber is connected with the pouch in a sterile manner to allow fluid to flow into the chamber white at the same time allowing air within the chamber to be displaced through a bacterial fitter to atmosphere. The connection between the sight chamber and the pouch is then terminated (severed or closed), isolating the pouch from the sampling apparatus. Only then are samples of liquid withdrawn from the sight chamber, while allowing air to flow into the chamber through the bacterial filter.
US09247901B2

Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as interfering species, ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, known or unknown sources of mechanical, electrical and/or biochemical noise, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system processes some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently based at least in part on whether the signal artifact event has occurred.
US09247899B2

The Invention comprises a body, an actuator pivotally connected to the body, and a retractable needle adapted to provide fluid communication between a patient and a fluid collection tube, typically a blood collection tube, attachable to the device. A significant feature of the subject device is a retraction cavity disposed inside the actuator that is manually positionable to receive a portion of the needle retraction assembly following removal of the blood collection tube. Retraction is initiated by depressing the forwardly extending end of the actuator relative to the body, thereby causing a retainer clip to release the needle holder, after which the needle holder and a part of the needle are propelled into the retraction cavity by expansion of a compressed spring. The needle is thereby withdrawn from the patient and into the housing, reducing the likelihood of accidental needle sticks and preventing reuse of the device.
US09247898B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide magnetic lancet devices and methods for driving a lancet. For example, a magnetic lancet device may include a driving mechanism having a plurality of magnets and a lancet coupled to the driving mechanism. A magnetic interaction between the plurality of magnets is configured to drive the lancet from an engaged position to a penetrating position.
US09247891B2

Techniques for determining whether a patient will respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) include identifying a plurality of consecutive cardiac beats within a cardiac electrogram of the patient and, for each of the consecutive cardiac beats, measuring a repolarization interval. The techniques also include determining a variability of the measured repolarization intervals. The variability of the measured repolarization intervals indicates whether the patient will respond to CRT. For example, a variability lower than a predetermined threshold may indicate that the patient is a CRT responder, while a variability greater than the predetermined threshold may indicate that the patient is a CRT non-responder.
US09247884B2

A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.
US09247879B2

Disclosed is a method for interpreting image data that represents variations in density of matter inside a subject. A data processing system may receive image data from a scan of a subject. The data processing system automatically discerns one or more bones, one or more arteries, and one or more organs of the subject, based at least in part on the image data. The data processing system may also automatically identify one or more of the discerned bones, arteries, and organs. The data processing system may also automatically discern an outer or inner margin of a body wall of the subject. The data processing system may also produce output that depicts one or more of the identified bones, one or more of the identified arteries, one or more of the identified organs, and/or or the outer or inner margin of the body wall. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09247870B2

A video oculography based neuro-otologic testing and evaluation apparatus and associated method comprises the steps of: Obtaining images of the subject's eyes with a digital camera; Selectively displaying visual stimulus to the subject on a display; Generating each visual stimulus to be displayed from a controller; Receiving and storing data signals from each digital camera in the controller; Calculating eye related data from the digital camera images and visual stimulus; Displaying the eye related data to users; Generating a video synchronization signal by the controller associated with each visual stimulus which identifies when the display is displaying the associated visual stimulus; Receiving and coupling the video synchronization signal with at least the eye data from the digital camera; and Synchronizing calculations based upon the eye data and the visual stimulus by the controller.
US09247868B2

An ophthalmologic apparatus includes: a position control unit configured to control a position changing unit which changes a position of an examination unit, such that fine movement driving of the examination unit is performed in a case where a tilt angle of the operating member is smaller than a first angle, and coarse movement driving of the examination unit is performed in a case where the tilt angle of the operating member is equal to or greater than the first angle; and an angle control unit configured to control an angle changing unit which changes the angle of the operating member such that the tilt angle of the operating member is automatically changed to a second angle which is smaller than the first angle, in accordance with a change from the coarse movement to the fine movement.
US09247865B2

In a three-dimensional image forming device for forming a phantom three-dimensional image in accordance with an image of an inner face of a tubular structure to be observed, luminance information of pixels corresponding to a prescribed range of each frame image of the tubular structure is obtained under prescribed lighting conditions when an imaging device with an optical axis extending to an axial direction of the tubular structure moves, a relative distances in a depth direction between points and an objective lens is calculated in accordance with the luminance information, pixels corresponding to the prescribed range of each frame image in the inner face of the tubular structure is arrayed in reflection of the relative distance, and the arrayed pixels are combined for a plurality of the frame images to form a three-dimensional image of the inner face of the tubular structure.
US09247861B2

The present specification provides an apparatus for supporting one or more monitors. The apparatus includes a base stand having one or more wheels for enabling movement of the apparatus; a first rigid frame having a top end and a bottom end attached with the base stand; a second extendable frame having a top end and a bottom end and telescopically movable within the first rigid frame; a monitor arm assembly removably coupled with the top end of the second frame and configured to receive a plurality of monitors. The apparatus is transformable from a first collapsed configuration for transport and storage into a second operational configuration by rotating or removing the monitor arm assembly and by moving the second extendable frame relative to the first rigid frame.
US09247857B2

The invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a cabinet, a door for allowing access to a washing volume inside of the cabinet, and a water tank to be filled with water for washing. According to the invention, the water tank may be positioned within the washing volume inside the cabinet.
US09247850B2

The cooking hob (1) has a support plate (2) made of glass or glass ceramic, a lower magnetic coupling member (5) rotatably arranged below the support plate (2), a drive motor (6) operatively connected for rotating the lower magnetic coupling member (5), and position changing means (33) for moving the lower magnetic coupling member (5) between an operative position, in which the lower magnetic coupling member (5) is close to the support plate (2) and magnetically transmits torque to an upper magnetic coupling member (54) connected to rotary blades (53) installed in a cooking vessel (50) located on the support plate (2), and an inoperative position, in which the lower magnetic coupling member (5) is far enough from the support plate (2) for not magnetically transmitting the torque.
US09247844B2

An infusion unit includes an infusion chamber for coffee or other product where, through water under pressure, flavors are extracted for making a beverage. The infusion chamber includes at least one yielding wall for adjusting a volume of the closed infusion chamber according to the amount of product contained into the infusion chamber. Moreover, a variable volume chamber is provided, which is filled with a liquid and connected to the yielding wall, so that a volume of the variable volume chamber filled with liquid varies according to a position taken by the yielding wall when the infusion chamber is closed. The position of the yielding wall is locked when the infusion chamber is closed, preventing the liquid flow from and into the variable volume chamber filled with liquid.
US09247840B2

A screen assembly for a window comprising a screen supported by an elongate support member adapted to be mounted in an upper region of the window opening, a pair of mounting brackets being provided for attachment to respective sides of the window opening adjacent the top face of the window opening, each end of the elongate support member having means for engaging a respective mounting bracket, whereby the mounting brackets may be attached the sides of a window opening such that the support member may be engaged onto the mounting brackets to mount the support member in the window opening.
US09247839B2

A modular floor tile comprising a substrate having a first land with a support surface and first and second perimeter portions each defining a second land with a surface recessed relative to the support surface, the first and second perimeter portions each defining spaced-apart T-lugs and alternating T-recesses, the T-lugs defining extending abutments and notches, whereby two tiles join together by the T-recesses of a first tile receiving respective T-lugs of a second tile, with each notch receiving a respective one of the abutments and the contacting edges thereof resist separation of adjacent joined tiles during use of the mat.
US09247838B2

Described is a clothing hanger capable of collapsing into an enclosed unit that is easily stored and is convenient for travel. The hanger comprises a hook and a pair of arms rotatable about the hook and adapted to support the shoulders of a garment. The hanger further comprises a first and second pants bar element that are hingeably connected to one another and which are in hinged connection with the hanger arms. The hanger can be collapsed into an enclosed unit by folding the pants bar elements towards one another and into the hollow undersides of the hanger arms. The hook of the hanger is able to rotate so as to be enclosed by the hanger arms. The hanger further includes an elastic cord that can be removably connected to the arms of the hanger and that is adapted to secure garments in place over the pants bar elements.
US09247833B2

A security system includes a display tray, header panel, hook, hook base cover, and hook end cover. The display tray is to display an item. The display tray includes a slot. The header panel has a tab portion and a head portion. The tab portion is configured to mate with the slot. The head portion has one or more prong receiving holes. The hook has one or more prongs. The hook is to receive the item. The one or more prongs are configured to mate with the one or more prong receiving holes. The hook base cover is to secure the hook to the head portion. The hook end cover is configured to lock to an end of the hook. The item received on the hook is secured by locking the hook end cover to the hook.
US09247824B2

A furnishing element with a conditioning function, which includes a base structure having a determinate aesthetic and/or functional conformation for furnishing, and one or more conditioning components, able to carry out a heat exchange with the environment to determine the conditioning thereof. The base structure defines at least a radiant surface and is made by lost mold casting. The mold or core used for casting is destroyed at the end of casting. The conditioning components are constrained to the base structure and are suitably shaped to be disposed in proximity to the radiant surface, so that the radiant surface determines a desired radiation, able to condition a room and/or one or more users.
US09247823B2

A seating unit includes a spring unit mounted in a frame, the spring unit having spring structures with end and middle stacked arches and interconnected to one another by tie bars, the spring unit being mounted in a frame having side rails, bottom slats, a continuous front rail, side rails, reinforcing blocks and brackets formed and arranged as a space frame.
US09247819B2

A tube fixing device has an outer tube, an inner tube, two fixing pins, and a fixing stick. The outer tube has an aligning hole formed through the outer tube. The inner tube is rotatably inserted into the outer tube and has two tapered fixing recesses formed in the inner tube and selectively aligned with the aligning hole. The fixing pins are combined with the inner tube and abut the outer tube at different locations according to the rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The fixing stick is retractably combined with the outer tube and has a stick tube and a tapered insertion stick inserted in one of the fixing recesses. The insertion end, the fixing pins and the inner tube selectively form a three-point contact status.
US09247817B2

A collapsible seat includes a seat bottom, a back support, and armrests, all interconnected for movement between an operative, or set-up, condition and a collapsed, or bundled, condition. The seat bottom comprises first and second portions interconnected together and foldable into generally parallel relationship with one another associated with the collapsed condition of the seat. The back support is pivotally disposed relative to the seat bottom such that, in the seat's set-up condition, the back support extends generally upwardly from a rear portion of the seat bottom and is capable of pivotal movement relative to the seat bottom for collapsing the seat to its collapsed condition. The armrests are located on the outer edges of the seat bottom when the seat is in its set-up condition, and are pivotally connected with the first and second seat bottom portions, respectively, for movement relative thereto during set-up and collapsing of the seat.
US09247816B2

A table having independently adjustable legs. The table includes a tabletop having a bubble level thereon for allowing a user to determine if the tabletop is level. The tabletop may further include adjustable side rails that can be used to help prevent objects from falling off of the side of the tabletop. A plurality of legs extends from the underside of the tabletop, wherein each leg includes an upper section and a lower section movably positioned therein. A foot is pivotally connected to the lower end of each leg to enable the table to be positioned on uneven surfaces. Thus, the table allows a user to maintain the tabletop in a level orientation on uneven or sloped surfaces.
US09247798B2

An epilator (100) comprising an epilating unit (1) for plucking and/or pulling hair (51) out of the skin (50) over an epilating width (E). Such an epilator is disadvantageous in that typically not all of the hairs are detected by the epilating unit (1) and some remain in the skin after the epilation. A subsequent epilation would then be required. In order to solve this problem, the epilator (100) has a hair removal unit (2) following the epilating unit (1) in the direction (B) of use, such that, in at least one operating mode, the hair removal unit (2) removes the hairs (51) that have not been pulled out by the epilating unit (1).
US09247789B2

A buckle assembly (10) includes a frame (12) having a base (66) connected to opposed side walls (68). The frame (12) has a latch chamber (70) between the base (66) and the opposed side walls (68). The buckle assembly (10) also includes a lever (14) pivotally secured with in the latch chamber (70) between the opposed side walls (68), and a latch (16) configured to be secured in the latch chamber (70) by the lever (14). The latch (16) may include a frame-engaging member (30) having an ogived leading end (36). The ogived leading end (36) is configured to self-align the latch (16) within the latch chamber (70) when the latch (16) is mated into the latch chamber (70).
US09247786B2

A fixturing apparatus that includes a base, a housing attached to the base and formed to include a semi-circular arcuate surface in a bottom portion, a circular member comprising a periphery and rotatably attached to said base, wherein a portion of said periphery is disposed adjacent the arcuate surface to create a channel between the housing and the circular member, a plurality of locking teeth disposed around the periphery, a ratchet gear attached to the circular member, and a pawl pivotably attached to the housing.
US09247780B2

An integrated protective accessory for a helmet comprising: a protective element for rigidly attaching to an external shell of the helmet via one or more fasteners; The protective element includes an impact detection device integrated with the protective element via one or more device fasteners such that a portion of the protective element has a compatible fastening element to that of the one or more device fasteners so that the impact detection device is rigidly attached to the protective element, the impact detection device having: a housing; one or more sensors within the housing for sensing an impact event of a wearer when wearing the helmet and for producing sensor data; an alarm element coupled to the housing such that an alarm condition produced by the alarm element is detectable by one or more persons near the wearer; and a processor within the housing for processing the sensor data against an impact threshold and for producing an alarm condition signal for expression by the alarm element as the alarm condition. One or the sensors can be a gyroscope for measuring rotational aspects of G forces from the impacts forces.
US09247769B2

Wrappers for smoking articles are disclosed having reduced ignition proclivity characteristics. The wrappers include discrete areas treated with a reduced ignition composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the amount of burn promoting agents is controlled over the surface of the wrapper in order to, in one embodiment, increase the permeability of the treated areas.
US09247759B2

The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds present in, e.g., coffee. Also, the invention relates to the discovery of specific compounds and compositions containing that function as bitter taste blockers and the use thereof as bitter taste blockers or flavor modulators in, e.g., coffee and coffee flavored foods, beverages and medicaments. Also, the present invention relates to the discovery of a compound that antagonizes numerous different human T2Rs and the use thereof in assays and as a bitter taste blocker in compositions for ingestion by humans and animals.
US09247756B2

The present disclosure relates to a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid substance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that, when assembled, creates a Popsicle®-like frozen confection having a container containing an alcoholic liquid, where the user employs a plunger to drive the alcoholic liquid upward through a lumen in the frozen confection so that the user may simultaneously consume the frozen confection and ingest the alcoholic liquid. The device is a four-piece assembly. The first member is a handle with a plunger disposed at one end. The second member is a flange and a container extending from the flange and receiving at a first end of the container the plunger, the container defining an inner volume to receive and store a fluid substance. The end of the container generally opposite the end receiving the plunger has an orifice. The third member interacts with the second member at the flange. Finally, the fourth member interacts with the orifice of the container.
US09247752B2

A shaping assembly for producing a discrete spiral shaped food product includes a die that defines at least one aperture that is centered on an aperture axis. The at least one aperture extends to an aperture exit and allows for the movement of a stream of food mass through the aperture and out the aperture exit. A shaping tool includes at least one slicing blade that is disposed over at least a portion of the aperture exit to slice the stream of food mass into a plurality of food mass portions. A coupling arrangement engages the shaping tool to facilitate rotation of the slicing blade to spin the plurality of food mass portions into a spiral shaped stream of food mass. The slicing blade simultaneously slices and spins the stream of food mass to create the spiral shaped stream of food mass. A crimper is used to cut the spiral shaped stream of food mass into the discrete spiral shaped food products.
US09247745B2

The present invention relates to hetaryl (thio)carboxamide compounds of formula I, to the tautomers and N-oxides thereof and to the salts thereof: wherein X, R1 and A are as defined in the description. The present invention further relates to a method for controlling invertebrate pests, to a method for protecting plant propagation material and/or the plants which grow therefrom, to plant propagation material, comprising at least one hetaryl (thio)carboxamide compound according to the present invention, to a method for treating or protecting an animal from infestation or infection by parasites and to an agricultural composition containing at least one compound according to the present invention.
US09247740B2

The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), wherein G1 is oxygen; R1 is hydrogen; R2 is group P (P) L is a bond, methylene or ethylene; one of A1 and A2 is S, SO or SO2 and the other is —C(R4)R4—R3 is hydrogen or methyl; each R4 is independently hydrogen or methyl; Y1 is C—R6, CH or nitrogen; Y2 and Y3 are independently CH or nitrogen; wherein no more than two of Y1, Y2 and Y3 are nitrogen and wherein Y2 and Y3 are not both nitrogen; R5 is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, NH2, C1-C2alkyl, C1-C2haloalkyl, C3-C5cycloalkyl, C3-C5halocycloalkyl, C1-C2alkoxy, C1-C2haloalkoxy; R6 together with R5 forms a —CH═CH—CH═CH— bridge; X2 is C—X6 or nitrogen; X1, X3 and X6 are independently hydrogen, halogen or trihalomethyl, wherein at least two of X1, X3 and X6 are not hydrogen; X4 is trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or chlorodifluoromethyl. The invention also provides intermediates useful for the preparation of compounds of formula (I), as well as methods of controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs using the compounds of formula (I).
US09247732B2

Agrochemical compositions are described which contain a carboxylic acid salt of dodecylguanidine and a compatibility agent for slowing down the dissociation reaction of the carboxylic acid salt of dodecylguanidine in an aqueous medium. Also, the formation of anionic dodecylguanidine is suppressed or prevented. The ratio of the dodecylguanidine acetate to that of the compatibility agent in the agricultural compositions is below 5.0, preferably between 3.0 and 0.5, more preferably equals 1.4.
US09247731B2

Herbicide emulsifiable concentrates containing an aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid herbicide and a non-petroleum derived built-in adjuvant such as a plant-derived methylated seed oil or a vegetable oil concentrate are useful for controlling undesirable vegetations, and exhibit improved herbicidal efficacy on weeds, particularly in an aquatic environment such as in flooded rice paddy or field.
US09247727B2

A wildlife hunting and/or observation blind having tiered-ledges and angled windows to provide a natural landscape element. The blind having earthen materials and/or vegetative material applied to the exterior surface, and the ledges at different levels to provide natural vegetation growth. The blind can be manufactured using a mold comprising a plurality of sides separated by a plurality of progressively tiered ledges providing the tiered-ledged hunting blind. The blind may comprise a plurality of layers to provide the structure, including at least one structural layer located between at least one interior rubber layer and at least one exterior gelcoat layer, the earthen material adhered to the exterior most layer of the hunting blind.
US09247722B2

The fishing reel includes a spool 5A rotatably supported between side plates of a reel body 2, and a level wind device 50 with a fishing line guide body 60 configured to thread a fishing line unreeled from the spool 5A and reciprocate between the right and left side plates. The fishing line guide body 60 is supported in front of the spool and switchable between fishing line winding/unwinding states, and includes a fishing line guide section 67 for guiding the fishing line to the spool in the winding state and having a narrow width in the right and left direction, an opening 68 to reduce resistance against unwinding line in the unwinding state and having a wide width in the right and left direction, and a regulator 69 configured to prevent the fishing line from slipping out of the fishing line guide section in the winding state.
US09247712B2

An on-demand feed actuator includes a sealing portion disposed within a feed reservoir and connected to a downwardly extending stem portion protruding a distance past a discharge opening. The sealing portion includes a first component and a second component that are adjustable relative to each other in order to define an overall static dimension of the sealing portion. A spring biases the first and second components away from each other while permitting the first and second components to be compressible relative to each other in response to movement of the actuator by the animal to provide the first and second components with a corresponding combined overall dynamic dimension that is less than the combined overall static dimension.
US09247711B2

A method and an apparatus for transporting animals onboard a vehicle, particularly in the passenger cabin of the vehicle, wherein there is a separate arrangement in the form of an animal carrier for placing the caged animals in the passenger cabin. The animal carrier includes a plurality of features, including but not limited to a ventilation system, a monitoring system, camera surveillance, sound-proofing, filtration etc.
US09247710B2

A portable cat carrier has a sliding floor that momentarily and mildly destabilizes a cat's footing to facilitate transferring the cat in and out of the carrier. The floor is the bottom portion of a movable insert that has a receptacle for receiving the cat. The insert has relatively low side panels to provide the cat with a calming, unrestricted side view. After the cat is lowered into the receptacle, the insert is slid horizontally into an outer housing for containing the cat. When the insert is fully inserted within the housing, a front panel of the insert closes the housing's access opening to prevent the cat from escaping. A back panel of the insert has an elevated impassable rear barrier that prevents the cat from jumping into a trapped area between the insert and the outer housing.
US09247706B2

Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided. The methods comprise introducing into the genome of a tobacco plant a mutation within at least one allele of each of at least three nicotine demethylase genes, wherein the mutation reduces expression of the nicotine demethylase gene, and wherein a first of these nicotine demethylase genes encodes a root-specific nicotine demethylase involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in a tobacco plant or a plant part thereof. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.
US09247703B2

A novel maize variety designated PH1W4Z and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1W4Z with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1W4Z through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1W4Z or a locus conversion of PH1W4Z with another maize variety.
US09247699B1

A novel maize variety designated PH25M7 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH25M7 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25M7 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH25M7 or a locus conversion of PH25M7 with another maize variety.
US09247691B2

A device for pruning plant material includes a frame, a vertical arm extending from the frame, and an angled pruning head extending from the vertical arm. The angled pruning head includes at least one cutting disk attached to a first shaft, and an anvil assembly having at least one anvil pair attached to a second shaft. The first and second shafts are substantially parallel to one another. The at least one cutting disk is aligned to be selectively positionable between the anvils of the at least one anvil pair.
US09247690B1

The combined leaf blower/vacuum includes a nozzle affixed to a housing. A secondary hose extends between the housing and a collection bag. The housing includes a motor and impeller that is in fluid communication with the nozzle and an outlet. The impeller is able to create wind that is expelled via the nozzle. The wind created via the impeller is adapted to blow leaves and lawn debris via the nozzle. Conversely, the motor is able to reverse the direction of the impeller, and upon which shall form a vacuum at the nozzle. A mulching member is located adjacent the motor, and is responsible for mulching up the leaves and lawn debris immediately before exiting the housing, and transferring via the secondary hose to the collection bag.
US09253936B2

A method for mounting connection pins in respective through-holes. Each pin having an anchoring part for insertion into said through-hole, a contact part to extend outside said through-hole and having a contact end for contact with the surface of another module of the electronic assembly, and a flange part to abut against said component carrier and located between said anchoring part and said contact part. A die tool has several similar recesses all adapted to receive a contact end of the contact part of a connection pin. The anchoring part of the pin is inserted in a through-hole of the component carrier, and the pin is anchored in the component carrier by exerting a force on a free end of the anchoring part of the pin while an end surface of the contact end abuts the bottom surface of similar recesses in the die tool.
US09253930B2

The invention generally relates to ventilation methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control method for use in data centers and the like. A method includes a first structural element and a second structural element spaced apart from first structural element to define a space between the first and second structural elements. The method also includes a plurality of partitions moveable into the space between the first and second structural elements and a controller arranged to control movement of the plurality of partitions.
US09253925B1

An electronic assembly can include a support structure, a circuit substrate coupled to a first portion of the support structure, and a composite material panel coupled to a second portion of the support structure. An electronic device can be coupled to a mounting surface of the circuit substrate and disposed within a space enclosed by walls of the support structure. The panel can include contiguous sections inner surfaces of which can be oriented within twenty-five degrees of parallel to said mounting surface. Each section can be significantly more thermally conductive generally parallel to the inner surface of the section than generally perpendicular to the inner surface.
US09253923B2

Methods of fabricating cooling apparatuses and coolant-cooled electronic assemblies are provided which include: coupling a thermal transfer structure configured to one or more sides of an electronics card having one or more electronic components to be cooled, the thermal transfer structure including a thermal spreader coupled to the one side of the electronics card; and disposing a coolant-cooled structure adjacent to the socket of the electronic system, the coolant-cooled structure including one or more low-profile cold rails sized and configured to thermally couple to the thermal spreader along a bottom edge of the thermal spreader with operative docking of the electronics card within the socket, and one or more coolant-carrying channels associated with the low-profile cold rail(s) for removing heat from the low-profile cold rail(s) to coolant flowing through the coolant-carrying channel(s).
US09253922B2

A package includes a base body to which an electronic device is fixed, a lid body that faces the electronic device, and a frame body that encloses at least one of a space between the electronic device and the lid body, and the electronic device. The frame body has a first portion located at a side of an inner edge of the frame body with respect to an outer edge of the base body, and a second portion located at a side of an outer edge of the frame body with respect to the outer edge of the base body, in an X direction from the inner edge of the frame body toward the outer edge of the frame body.
US09253921B2

A method is provided which includes providing a coolant-conditioning unit which includes a facility coolant path, having a facility coolant flow control valve, and a system coolant path accommodating a system coolant, and having a bypass line with a system coolant bypass valve. A heat exchanger is coupled to the facility and system coolant paths to facilitate transfer of heat from the system coolant to facility coolant in the facility coolant path, and the bypass line is disposed in the system coolant path in parallel with the heat exchanger. A controller automatically controls a regulation position of the coolant bypass valve and a regulation position of the facility coolant flow control valve based on a temperature of the system coolant, and automatically adjusts the regulation position of the system coolant bypass valve to facilitate maintaining the facility coolant flow control valve at or above a specified, partially open, minimum regulation position.
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