US09303957B2

A roller assembly for applying force to the ground is disclosed. The assembly includes a body adapted to be mounted to a vehicle for moving the assembly, and supports including a first support member supporting a plurality of rollers for applying force to the ground, and a respective piston connected to each roller, the rollers connected via a respective pressure chamber to the corresponding first support member to resist movement of the pistons towards the first support member. The first support member pivotably connected to the body via a first axis such that pivoting movement of the first support member about the first axis as a result of a first torque about an axis has a component about an axis transverse to the direction of travel such that engagement of the rollers with the ground causes a second torque on the first support member opposing the first torque.
US09303954B2

Provided is a firing weapon simulation system simulating leading firing. The firing weapon simulation system is configured to include laser firing apparatus mounted on a firing weapon and a target sensing apparatus attached to a target. The laser firing apparatus includes a first control unit, a firing switch which is driven cooperatively with firing of the firing weapon, an image processing unit which measuring a leading angle from an image including the moving target, a first GPS receiver, a laser beam firer, and a motor assembly which rotates the laser beam firer. When the firing switch is switched on, the first control unit generates the firing data, allows the motor assembly to reversely rotate the laser beam firer by a measured value of the leading angle, and allows the laser beam firer to emit the laser beam carrying the firing data. The target sensing apparatus includes a second control unit, a sensing circuit unit which extracts firing data from the laser beam, a second GPS receiver, and a hitting situation indicator which indicates hitting result according to a driving signal transmitted from the second control unit. The second control unit solves simultaneous equations of the trajectory equation of the firing weapon and the equation of motion of the target to determine whether or not the target is hit and outputs a result of the determination to the hitting situation indicator.
US09303948B2

An extended cartridge magazine longer than a pistol grip length needs to have the gap between the base plate of the magazine and the butt end of the grip filled. The present invention provides a sleeve to fill this gap that can be easily slid on and off the magazine by applying simple pressure to the ends of the sleeve.
US09303942B2

Throwing devices are described. In one embodiment, a throwing device includes a spring-actuated throwing arm wherein a cup member is disposed at an end of the throwing arm and is adapted to allow a user to pick up an object to be thrown by the throwing device without touching the object. In another embodiment, a throwing device includes a tension adjustment member, by which a user can adjust the tension applied to the launching spring, thereby adjusting the launch range of the throwing device.
US09303941B2

A laser training shooting device adaptable for use in varying caliber barrels of a firearm insertable in said barrels simulating firing of the firearm without actuation of a trigger or a firing pin of the firearm. The laser device consisting of: a laser module composed of a transmitting assembly and optics package; a spud adapter in communication with the laser module, said spud adapter having contact beads for frictional engagement and alignment within said firearm barrel; and, an electrical lead having a means of attachment at a first end to the laser module and a micro-switch disposed within a trigger ring or a trigger hook at a second end positioned at the trigger of said firearm. The laser device being activated by pressing the micro-switch causing the emission of a laser light from the laser module.
US09303935B2

A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed on or in a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether security data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun key devices are provided to transmit security data and gun control signals to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to the gun control signals transmitted by one of the gun key devices to lock or unlock the gun, respectively, when the received security data and the security data stored in memory are substantially similar. The logic device also automatically locks the gun when the gun is located more than a prescribed distance from the gun key device. In case of emergency the gun security feature can be bypassed (overridden) by transmitting a gun control command to either lock or unlock the gun.
US09303932B1

A firearm including a barrel, a bolt, a piston, a connecting arm, a rear gas port, a rear piston area, a forward gas port having a greater diameter than the rear gas port, a forward piston area, and an ammunition cartridge including a primer, powder and a bullet; the propellant gas from the explosion of the cartridge first exerting pressure from the rear piston area to keep the bolt in a forward position after firing of the bullet; when the bullet approaching the barrel exit, the forward gas port's larger diameter in comparison to the rear gas port allowing the propellant gas pressure from the forward piston area to overpower the propellant gas pressure from the rear piston area, forcing the piston and the bolt rearward, the bolt in its rearward movement functioning to extract and eject the empty cartridge from the firearm after barrel pressure returns to near ambient.
US09303931B2

A firearm operating system for self-loading firearms includes a bolt body having a forward bolt bearing, a piston and an aft bolt bearing arranged around the bolt body; a bolt carrier slidingly receiving the bolt body in a longitudinally-oriented cylinder, the cylinder extending from a forward end of the bolt carrier into the bolt carrier a predetermined distance, the bolt carrier having a tubular aft carrier bearing, wherein the bolt is slidingly captured in the cylinder of the bolt carrier and borne on the two bearings of the bolt body, wherein the forward bearing of the bolt body is borne on the cylinder of the bolt carrier, wherein the aft bearing of the bolt body is borne on the aft bolt carrier bearing, wherein a gap is formed between the piston and the cylinder, and wherein the piston and the cylinder do not contact each other.
US09303930B2

An air conditioner control device controls a plurality of air conditioners installed at different positions in a predetermined living room space. A memory unit manages presence and absence data on people who are in a room air-conditioned by each of the air conditioners. Based on the managed presence and absence data, a number-of-people-in-the-room calculation unit calculates, on a per-air-conditioner basis, the number of people who are in the room air-conditioned by each of the air conditioners. A control time determination unit increases or decreases the control time during which an energy saving control of each of the air conditioners is executed, depending on the calculated number of people in the room. A control execution unit repeatedly executes the energy saving control of each of the air conditioners, according to the determined control time.
US09303928B2

The present invention relates to relay thermal conductor made of material having better thermal conductivity coefficient, wherein which is thermal conductively coupled with heating or cooling first thermal body at one end or face thereof, and is coupled with interface thermal conductor having higher specific heat capacity at the other end or face thereof; the relay thermal conductor directly performs thermal conduction with second thermal body at another part thereof; and the interface thermal conductor having higher specific heat capacity is the thermal conducting carrier between the relay thermal conductor and the second thermal body.
US09303916B2

The present invention relates to a built-in household appliance (1) comprising a body (2) placed into the furniture, a door (3) providing access into the body (2), a decorative panel (4) mounted on the outer surface of the door (3), at least two adjustment mechanisms (6, 106) fixed on the door (3), providing the decorative panel (4) to be moved with respect to the door (3) by being rotated around its axis and having two positioning screws (5, 105) for the two mutually perpendicular directions, and wherein one of the adjustment mechanisms (6, 106) has a third positioning screw (205), of which the rotational axis extends in the direction the decorative panel (4) is moved.
US09303912B1

A container system may comprise a container, a refrigerant tray, and refrigerant. The container may have a container interior. The refrigerant tray may be mountable within the container interior and may include a sublimation port. The refrigerant may be mounted within the refrigerant tray. The refrigerant may produce a cold gas upon sublimation of the refrigerant. The cold gas may pass through the sublimation port and enter into the container interior.
US09303910B2

An apparatus for forming a frozen liquid product into a predetermined shape, such as a spherical or ball-shape, includes a body (or “housing”) comprising first and second sections relatively disposable into an open or closed orientation, through connection by an attachment assembly. A securing structure is associated with the attachment assembly and operative to maintain the first and second sections in the closed orientation concurrently to the securing structure being disposed in fluid sealing disposition to a hollow interior of the body. A single use connector removably connects the securing structure into the fluid sealing relation as it maintains the first and second sections in the closed orientation.
US09303907B2

An electric valve is provided in a supply pipe. A flow rate control unit controls the degree of opening of the electric valve such that the flow rate in the supply pipe lies within a predetermined range, on the basis of a pressure difference between pressure of refrigerant supplied to the supply pipe and the pressure of refrigerant on the suction side of a compressor. An outdoor air temperature sensor detects outdoor air temperature; and a low-pressure side pressure sensor detects refrigerant pressure on the suction side of the compressor. The pressure difference is a difference between a saturation pressure corresponding to the outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor and refrigerant pressure detected by the low-pressure side pressure sensor.
US09303906B2

To reduce pressure loss of refrigerant while suppressing a cost increase.[Solution] In an air-conditioning apparatus 100 having a compressor 201, a radiator 204 (301), an expansion device 302, and an evaporator 301 (204), which are connected by a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigeration cycle, at least a part of the refrigerant pipe (207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212) that connects from the suction side of the compressor 201 to the evaporator 301 (204) is configured by a plurality of pipes connected in parallel, and a refrigerant that flows through the refrigeration cycle is a tetrafluoropropene-based refrigerant or a refrigerant mixture having tetrafluoropropene as a main component.
US09303905B2

A cryogenic system to remove energy includes a heat engine to store content at a predetermined temperature; one or more fans to deliver air flow through the heat engine; a cryogenic storage unit to store cryogen and having one or more insulated pipes thermally coupled to the heat engine to cool the heat engine; one or more reuse pipes coupled to one or more insulated pipes to send a portion of cryogen gas flow back to the cryogenic storage for reuse; a controller to maintain the predetermined temperature; and an on-board power generator to supply operating power to the controller and the one or more fans.
US09303901B2

A method for controlling a vapor compression system, such as a refrigeration system, preferably an air condition system, comprising at least two evaporators. While monitoring a superheat (SH) at a common outlet for the evaporators, the amount of available refrigerant is controlled in response to the SH and in order to obtain an optimum SH value. The available refrigerant is distributed among the evaporators in accordance with a distribution key. The distribution key is preferably obtained while taking individual consideration to operating conditions for each of the evaporators into account. Thereby the vapor compression system can be operated in such a way that each of the evaporators is operated in an optimal manner, and in such a way that the system in general is operated in an optimal manner.
US09303896B2

A water heater, particularly but not exclusively for domestic use, is herein described and having removably secured thereto an external modulating gas power burner to heat the water in a separate tank portion. The two are easily separable from one another for service, repair or interchange. The hot water or a mixture thereof from the burner is circulated in a heat exchanger to transfer the heat to the tank water circulated from the water tank through the heat exchanger.
US09303894B2

An air filter (1) which is intended for an air conditioning system, includes a disc type filter element (2) and a power unit (3), preferably an electric motor, which is connected to the filter element for rotating the same. The filter element is arranged in connection with a ventilation duct (4), such that it is placed outside an aperture (4a) of the ventilation duct (4) at a first distance therefrom, and such that it is concentric with the ventilation duct. The ventilation duct is supplied by way of the aperture with air (A) cleaned by the air filter. The air filter further includes a ring type collar (5), which is arranged outside the aperture of the ventilation duct at a second distance therefrom concentrically with the ventilation duct. The collar is adapted to widen towards the aperture (4a) and is most preferably in the shape of a truncated cone.
US09303893B2

A casing 10 is included. The casing 10 includes a left side face panel 4 constituting one side face portion of the casing 10 and a part of a front face portion of the casing 10 adjacent to the side face portion, a front face left side panel 2 constituting the front face portion of the casing 10 together with the left side face panel 4, and the top face panel 7 constituting a top face portion of the casing 10. The front face left side panel 2 includes a temporary fixing stop portion 2a at an upper end portion. The temporary fixing stop portion 2a projects toward a back side of the casing 10. The left side face panel 4 includes a temporary fixing rectangular hole 4a at an upper end portion of a front face side. The temporary fixing stop portion 2a is inserted into the temporary fixing rectangular hole 4a. The front face left side panel 2 and the left side face panel 4 are fixed on the front face side of the casing 10. The temporary fixing stop portion 2a and the temporary fixing rectangular hole 4a are covered by the top face panel 7.
US09303890B2

Intelligent HVAC register is an HVAC register outlet which can control the temperature in a space by operating independently. The Intelligent HVAC register works in network with other vents within the system using low power wireless technology and a smart application so that the temperature of multiple individual spaces can be controlled while operating on a single HVAC system. Intelligent HVAC register uses a solar strip to charge the battery which runs each vent's hardware. This enables more efficient use of energy as airflow to unused spaces can be blocked therefore keeping air pressure and efficiency higher in the spaces where temperature adjustments are necessary. Intelligent HVAC register can be controlled using a learning application on a smart device. By setting the time & temperature needed in each space the Intelligent HVAC smart vane will automatically open or close to keep the room at the desired temperature.
US09303889B2

An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.
US09303886B2

The present invention provides a backlight module and a display device for solving the problem of energy waste due to insufficient use of heat generated by a backlight module in the prior art. In this case, the backlight module comprises a light source arranged at a light-incident side of a display panel to provide light for the display panel, and a hollow humidifying container arranged at the back of the light source.
US09303885B1

A system and method for controlling the humidity of an indoor space is disclosed. The system features a desiccant wheel which rotates sequentially through a plurality of distinct process air streams in order to optimize desiccant moisture adsorption at the process side of the desiccant wheel. This moisture is then deposited on the regeneration side of the wheel upstream of a cooling coil, increasing the dew point of the air entering the coil. The latent capacity and operational temperature of the coiling coil will be increased as a result, thus enhancing the dehumidification performance of the cooling coil and the overall efficiency of the system.
US09303879B2

A jet plate for directing a flow of air in a cooking chamber of an oven may include a body and a plurality of air delivery orifices. The body may be configured to be disposed along a sidewall of the cooking chamber proximate to a rack or pan support. The air delivery orifices may pass through the body. The air delivery orifices may be disposed to extend transversely across the body and may be distributed along a longitudinal length of the body such that a density of air delivery orifices proximate to one portion of the jet plate is higher than a density of air delivery orifices at another portion of the jet plate.
US09303878B2

An appliance includes an oven cavity; a gas burner disposed within the oven cavity; an electrical heating element disposed within the oven cavity; and a controller in operative communication with the gas burner and the electrical heating element, the controller being configured to receive a signal indicative of a current state of an associated utility, and to selectively activate at least one of the gas burner and the electrical heating element based upon the signal.
US09303876B2

An air and fuel injection system for the back of a turbomachine's annular combustion chamber, including a central injector and a peripheral annular fuel injector including at least one fuel injection aperture made in an annular wall and emerging in a peripheral annular channel separated from a central channel by the annular wall and having an annular space of admission of air. The system also includes multiple air ejection apertures made in the annular wall downstream from the fuel ejection aperture or apertures in reference to the flow of the air stream, for an additional injection of air into the channel.
US09303863B2

Integrated light and microphone systems are provided that include a microphone with directionality and a lighting device that emits a light beam. The light beam may be emitted in a direction substantially the same as the directionality of the microphone. The lighting device and the microphone can share a common interference tube to assist in aligning the directionalities of the microphone and the lighting device. The systems may be adjusted to enable visual calibration of the microphone to optimally detect sound from an audio source. The audio source can be simultaneously illuminated. The systems may be unobtrusive and more easily used to meet the aesthetic needs of an environment. Multiple integrated light and microphone systems can be in communication with an audio mixer to optimally detect sounds from multiple audio sources and create a desired audio mix that emphasizes a target audio source and suppresses other audio sources.
US09303858B2

A cooling system is provided. The cooling system includes an enclosure. The enclosure is defined by walls among which at least one is movable. The enclosure further includes at least one aperture on at least one wall. The system further includes an amplification element that is coupled with at least one walls of the enclosure. Further, the cooling system includes an actuation unit mechanically coupled with the amplification element. The actuation unit includes at least one actuation signal triggered actuator configured to cause a displacement the amplification element. In the cooling system, the amplification element is configured to amplify the actuator caused displacement through to the at least one wall of the enclosure such that fluid enters and exits the enclosure from the at least one aperture.
US09303855B2

A lighting apparatus including at least one light-emitting element mounted on a first surface of a substrate, a heat conducting layer disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, and one or more holes extending from the first surface to the second surface of the substrate. A heat conductive and electrically non-conducting material covers an inner surface of the one or more holes, and is thermally connected to the heat conductive layer.
US09303850B2

The present invention discloses a backlight frame, a backlight structure and an LCD display device, the backlight frame comprises: a frame body and a plurality of limiting structures disposed outside the frame body, one end of the limiting structure is connected to the frame body detachably, the other end of the limiting structure is provided with a limiting portion, a limiting face of the limiting portion and a side surface of the frame body are coplanar, and the limiting face of the limiting portion is disposed above the side surface of the frame body. By detachably disposing limiting structure on frame body of backlight frame and limiting display element formed on frame body with limiting structure when assembling, contraposition installation can be achieved accurately, operator operation can be facilitated. Limiting structure is disposed detachably, thereby width of frame body is not increased, and it satisfies narrow bezel design requirement.
US09303841B2

Provided is a compact ultraviolet irradiation apparatus using ultraviolet light-emitting devices such as ultraviolet LEDs that can irradiate high intensity ultraviolet rays. This ultraviolet irradiation apparatus including a light source for emitting ultraviolet rays; and a light condenser for condensing the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source, the light source is a modularized rod-like light source (110) where a plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting devices is disposed on a side surface of a cylindrical or polygonal columnar base such that a light axis of each ultraviolet light-emitting device passes through a center axis of the cylindrical or polygonal columnar base to emit the ultraviolet rays radially to the center axis, the rod-like light source is disposed on a focal axis (121) of a long elliptical reflective mirror (120) to condense ultraviolet rays radially emitted from the rod-like light source, and the condensed ultraviolet rays are irradiated.
US09303833B2

A lighting device includes a substrate and a planar light source portion including a plurality of LED chips arrayed on the substrate. The planar light source portion faces an illumination space (space to be illuminated) by a predetermined opening area. The plurality of LED chips are arrayed on the substrate such that the mounting density with respect to the opening area is not less than 3/cm2, and accordingly, a planar light source is formed.
US09303828B2

This invention is directed to a polymer thick film white reflective flexible dielectric composition comprising urethane resin, thermoplastic phenoxy resin, and white reflective powder. Dielectrics made from the composition can be used in various electronic applications to protect electrical elements and particularly to reflect light in 3D circuits containing LED's.
US09303826B2

Backlit video display systems where the backlights (for example, LED backlights) are controlled based at least in part on the content of the video signal of the video that is being displayed by the backlit video display system. The system can provide specific control of the three primary colors (for example, red, green and blue LEDs). The system can provide content-based control in a spatial mode. The system is a smart backlighting system with content-based controls at the following levels: (i) spectral, (ii) spatial, and (iii) temporal control. Also, some embodiments may provide a novel way of providing a backlit video display system with night vision (NV) capability through a unique four LED chip architecture.
US09303821B2

An air-cooled lamp bulb includes a central tube and a circular light wall. The circular light wall is formed by a plurality of light units surrounding the central tube and emitting light beams in a direction away from the central tube. A top frame supports the circular light wall on top. A top opening is formed in the top frame. A bottom gap is formed between a bottom of the central tube and a bottom of the circular light wall. An air passage is formed between the central tube and the circular light wall. The air passage connects the top opening and the bottom gap for allowing air flow through the air-cooled lamp bulb.
US09303820B2

This invention relates to a stable, highly visible, multiple use, chemiluminescent composition of matter and aerosol system capable of articulating, communicating, displaying or marking, night-time chemiluminescent messages, in the form of written text, numerics, alpha-numerics, figures, drawings, emergency messages, trail markings, lanterns or distress calls, directly onto various substrates and surfaces, including dark or non-reflective objects and outdoor natural surfaces such as grass, trees or land. The invention functions by co-dispensing two vessels, each of which is pressurized by means of a non-flammable liquid or gaseous propellant. The chemical ingredients from each vessel are combined upon contact with the surface or by means of a mixing valve or upon attached to the actuators of each vessel, which simultaneously eject the contents of both vessels and produce a chemiluminescent aerosol spray.
US09303817B2

A method for a pressurized gas system includes: a collecting step wherein condensate is collected over a duration; a detection step terminating the collecting step and detecting condensate in a region with a sensor; a discharge step over a duration, where condensate is discharged if detected in the region. When condensate is first detected, the collecting duration of the subsequent collecting steps is shortened and/or the discharge duration of the following discharge steps is lengthened and/or a degree of opening of the drainage valve in the following discharge steps is increased. When condensate is not detected, the collecting duration of the following collecting steps is lengthened and/or the discharge duration of the following discharge steps is shortened and/or a degree of opening of the drainage valve in the following discharge steps is decreased.
US09303809B2

An apparatus, a system and a method secures, attaches and/or detaches a device to a fixture. A post with an interior secures a retractable reel. The retractable reel has a cable that attaches, connects and/or secures the device to the fixture. The cable extends from the retractable reel and/or extends through the post. A head unit attaches to the device and has a fastening mechanism for connecting and/or for disconnecting the cable to the device. The post has a recession for receiving a head unit and/or for aligning the head unit and/or the device. A fastener and/or an adhesive connects, secures and/or attaches the device to the head unit. A key disconnects the cable from the head unit.
US09303803B2

A pipe joint is disclosed that includes an outer sleeve or housing wherein the housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first end located along the longitudinal axis that defines a first aperture that is at least partially decreasing in size along the longitudinal axis, the first aperture being further defined by a surface found inside of the housing, and a second end along the longitudinal axis that defines a second aperture. The joint further comprises a seal, a gripping member, and a draw member that is operatively associated with the housing and seal.
US09303798B2

An apparatus for providing a thermal insulation layer in a flexible pipe includes one or more encapsulated regions of aerogel material disposed in a layer of flexible pipe body and a helically wound tape layer having a valley region and hook region that interlock adjacent windings. In addition, a method of manufacturing flexible pipe body includes providing one or more encapsulated regions of thermally insulating aerogel material.
US09303790B2

A cable anchoring device which is coupled to a bracket may be provided that includes: a cap which includes an insertion portion including a thin portion and a thick portion which are integrally formed with each other; a groove socket which includes an insertion groove into which the insertion portion is inserted and a bracket anchoring part in which a bracket anchoring groove in which the bracket is anchored is formed; and a pressing member which presses such that the thick portion is located in the bracket anchoring groove.
US09303783B1

An anti-freeze faucet includes a receptacle having a valve seat, a housing engaged onto the receptacle and having a mouth piece, a cap attached to the mouth piece and having a non-circular inner peripheral portion, a stem rotatably engaged in the cap and having a threaded shank, a non-circular follower engaged in the cap and slidably engaged with the non-circular inner peripheral portion of the cap for guiding and limiting the follower to move longitudinally relative to the cap only and for preventing the follower from being rotated relative to the cap, and the follower includes an inner thread for threading with the threaded shank of the stem, a rod and a valve piece are attached to the follower for engaging with the valve seat of the receptacle.
US09303777B2

The pressure limiting valve has a low pressure gauge configured to measure the operability of a backflow prevention device having a line pressure relatively higher than the maximum PSI rating of the low pressure gauge. The valve body has an inlet statically coupled to a pressurized fluid source and an outlet coupled to the low pressure gauge. Upper and lower chambers fluidly coupled via a conduit are formed from an interior portion of the valve body and generally separated by a flexible diaphragm. A spring actuable via movement of the flexible diaphragm in response to pressure changes in the valve body biases a closure seat in an open position relative to the outlet when the valve body is not under pressure, and compresses under pressure to permit the closure seat to seal the outlet when pressure in the valve body reaches a maximum PSI rating of the low pressure gauge.
US09303776B2

A pressure relief valve includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and defining a first fluid path fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet of the valve; a valve member axially moveable between a first position and a second position, the valve member configured to close the fluid path in the first position and thereby restrict flow between the inlet and the outlet, the valve member configured to open the fluid path in the second position and thereby allow flow between the inlet and the outlet; a biasing element configured to bias the valve member in the first position; and a friction element resiliently biased laterally against an axially extending surface of the valve member to provide frictional resistance to movement of the valve member and thereby cause hysteresis in axial movement of the valve member between the first position and the second position.
US09303769B2

A mechanical seal comprising; a. a sleeve which is for sealing engagement with a rotating shaft; b. one or more primary or secondary sealing faces urged toward one another via a plurality of spring members; c. a gland which is for detachable attachment to a housing of within which the seal is to be situated: d. a clamp ring wherein set screws reside to provide drive between said sleeve, clamp ring and shaft; and e. one or more setting members which are detachably attached to said clamping ring to restrict axial movement and make the internal dimensions independent of tolerances and assembly accuracy.
US09303764B2

A transmission apparatus includes a plurality of cam grooves on a peripheral surface to move shift forks, a shift cam configured to change a rotation position from a neutral position to a maximum speed position through a first speed position, and a shift mechanism configured to intermittently rotate the shift cam in response to a transmission operation and to hold the shift cam at each position from the neutral position and the first speed position to the maximum speed position. The shift mechanism holds the shift cam at a rotation position in which a rotation angle between the neutral position and the first speed position is the same as a rotation angle between the first speed position and a second speed position, wherein a rotation angle between the maximum speed position and the neutral position is smaller than the rotation angle between the neutral position and the first speed position.
US09303763B2

A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a linkage and a motor unit. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The linkage includes an outer link pivotally connected to the base member about a first pivot axis and pivotally connected to the movable member about a second pivot axis, and an inner link pivotally connected the base member and the movable member. The motor unit includes an output shaft having a rotational axis being parallel to one of the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis. The output shaft of the motor unit drives the outer link to move the movable member with respect to the base member. The inner link moves in response to movement of the outer link.
US09303760B2

A method of shifting a transmission of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: initiating a shift from a first gear to a second gear in the transmission; disengaging a first clutch associated with the first gear; engaging a second clutch associated with the second gear; and actively modifying a pump displacement and/or a motor displacement while the disengaging step or the engaging step are carried out. The motor is drivingly coupled to the transmission.
US09303759B2

A method and a system of controlling shift for a vehicle may include an accelerator pedal position sensor detecting a position of an accelerator pedal, a vehicle speed sensor detecting vehicle speed, a navigation device configured to provide road information including gradient and radius of curvature of a road, and a controller receiving information on input variables including the position of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle speed from the accelerator pedal position sensor and the vehicle speed sensor, determining a short term driving tendency factor of a driver and target shift-speed based on the information, receiving information on the radius of curvature of a front road from the navigation device, determining adjusted shift-speed based on the short term driving tendency factor, the radius of curvature of the front road, and the target shift-speed, and controlling the shift to the adjusted shift-speed.
US09303747B2

A lock-up device includes a clutch portion and a damper mechanism. The clutch portion includes a clutch output member, a clutch plate, an oil chamber plate having a disc shape and a piston. The oil chamber plate is disposed between a front cover and an inner peripheral part of a turbine, while being axially immovable with respect to the front cover. The piston is disposed between the front cover and the oil chamber plate while being axially movable. The piston forms a first oil chamber for lock-up actuation together with the oil chamber plate, and forms a second oil chamber for lock-up releasing together with the front cover.
US09303744B2

A torsional vibration damping arrangement, particularly for a drivetrain with an automatic transmission, includes an input region and an output region, wherein a first torque transmission path and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths are provided between the input region and the output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement further includes at least in the first torque transmission path a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.
US09303741B2

The linear-to-rotary actuator includes an elongated drive member constrained to linear movement, and a rotary member constrained to rotary movement. The elongated drive member has a coupling end and an engaging member that projects from the coupling end. The rotary member has a track defining an Archimedean spiral. The track is adapted to receive the engaging member. The engaging member is constrained to slide in the track such that linear movement of the elongated member effects rotation of the rotary member. The track may be a slot, a groove, or other guide. Alternatively, instead of a track defined directly in the rotary member, the actuator may include a linking member (such as a disk or rectangular bracket) attached to the rotary member, the linking member having a track defining an Archimedean spiral defined therein, the engaging member being slidable in the track to convert linear motion into rotary motion.
US09303739B2

An electromotive linear drive, in particular for adjusting movably mounted parts of lounging and seating furniture, has a drive motor, a threaded spindle, a speed-reducing gear unit arranged between the drive motor and the threaded spindle, and a spindle nut (9) located on the threaded spindle. The spindle nut is optionally lockable in the direction of rotation and movable in the axial direction of the threaded spindle, depending on the direction of rotation of the threaded spindle. A lifting element can be driven by the axial movement of the spindle nut to adjust the movable furniture parts. Such a linear drive has a simple design, is easy to assemble and operate, and guarantee a robust mounting arrangement for the drive parts.
US09303734B2

A belt transmission comprising a housing, a first belt trained between a first shaft and a first intermediate shaft, a second belt trained between the first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft, a third belt trained between the second intermediate shaft and a second shaft, a first tensioner and second tensioner each engaged with the housing and each engaged about the first intermediate shaft whereby each tensioner exerts a force upon the first intermediate shaft which thereby imparts a tension to the first belt and to the second belt, and a third tensioner and fourth tensioner each engaged with the housing and each engaged about the second intermediate shaft whereby each tensioner exerts a force upon the second intermediate shaft which thereby imparts a tension to the second belt and to the third belt.
US09303725B2

A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate, a first inner link plate, and a first link pin. The first outer link plate comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first intermediate portion. The first end portion includes a first opening having a first center axis. A first outer-link distance is defined from the first center axis to a first end edge. The first inner link plate comprises a third end portion, a fourth end portion, and a second intermediate portion. The third end portion includes a third opening having a third center axis. A first inner-link distance is defined from the third center axis to a third end edge. A second inner-link distance is defined from the third center axis to a third end edge. The first inner-link distance is larger than the second inner-link distance and the first outer-link distance.
US09303722B2

A friction transmission belt includes a belt body made of a rubber composition and wrapped around pulleys to transmit power. A thermoplastic resin film(s) adheres to a pulley contact-side surface of the belt body, and friction coefficient reduction powder particles dispersively adhere to the pulley contact-side surface of the belt body.
US09303721B2

A high speed flywheel system, including a flywheel mounted on a shaft, the flywheel being located within an evacuated chamber within a housing, wherein the chamber is sealed by seals including a cavity containing sealing fluid, wherein the seal cavity can be topped up with sealing fluid from a reservoir, the reservoir having an aperture open to the atmosphere for pressure equalization, the flywheel housing being mounted on the shaft via a bearing arrangement including at least one bearing situated externally to the chamber.
US09303720B2

An internal combustion engine having: a crankshaft; camshafts that activate intake and exhaust valves; an auxiliary shaft, which rotates in an opposite direction with respect to the crankshaft and is unbalanced so as to act as balancing countershaft; and a mechanical transmission, which receives the movement from the crankshaft and controls the timing by causing the rotation of the camshafts and, at the same time, causes the rotation of the auxiliary shaft.
US09303716B2

A damping device for use with a rotatably-mounted steering shaft. The damping device comprises a magnetorheological material that can be embedded in an open-network carrier and is directly or indirectly in contact with the steering shaft, a coil arranged in effective proximity to the magnetorheological material, and a body indirectly in contact with the steering shaft through the magnetorheological material, which does not rotate with the steering shaft. A voltage can be applied the coil to activate the magnetorheological material, increasing a viscosity of the magnetorheological material to inhibit relative rotation of the steering shaft and the body.
US09303711B2

A damper includes: an inner cylinder defining an inner chamber, having a slidable contact piston; an outer cylinder outside the inner cylinder and defining a reservoir chamber between the inner outer cylinders; and a damping-force control device controlling damping force by controlling a flow rate of an operating oil between the inner reservoir chambers. The control device includes a valve seat externally, projecting from the outer cylinder, having an opening for a first communicating channel connected to the inner chamber and an opening for a second communicating channel connected to the reservoir chamber, a valve element opening and closing on the valve seat by electromagnetic force, and a cap defining a variable pressure chamber between the cap and the valve element, and integrally holds the valve element and the valve seat. The variable pressure chamber can be connected to the first and the second communicating channels.
US09303707B2

An apparatus for raising and lowering a window shade having: a clutch assembly with a clutch core having a shaft; springs having pairs of load bearing members, the springs being circumferentially positioned along a length of the shaft, the pairs of load bearing members being circumferentially spaced around the shaft such that there are no two orthogonal planes along a longitudinal axis of the shaft about which a load applied to a load bearing member of each pair is symmetrically distributed; a pulley defining openings, each of the openings being configured to receive at least one pair of load bearing members; and a housing comprising a plurality of keys, each key being configured to fit between at least one pair of load bearing members received by the openings.
US09303684B2

A swivel mount for solar tracker shafts having a clamp having an inner surface with a spherical shape and first and second parts forming a brace adapted to hold a solar tracker shaft, wherein the brace formed by the first and second parts has an external surface having a spherical shape, such that the solar tracker shaft is axially retained by the clamp and can be oriented in any required spatial position.
US09303677B2

A checker nut for locking a threaded body to a threaded rod comprises a main body portion having a top bearing surface for engaging a threaded body and radial projections extending from the main body portion. The main body portion includes a central opening with a female thread, the thread for cooperating with threads on a threaded rod. The projections extend beyond the outer periphery of a threaded body to be locked by the checker nut on a threaded rod, the projections providing leverage to a user to tighten the top bearing surface against the threaded body.
US09303673B2

The invention relates to a device for fastening at least a first component having a through-opening on at least a second component also having a through-opening, comprising a fastening bushing with a sleeve section which is designed to be inserted through the through-openings of the components and with a sleeve head, wherein the sleeve section comprises at least one locking section and at least two recesses extending in an axial direction in its wall, and wherein the sleeve head comprises a through-opening aligned with the sleeve section, a fastening pin with a pin section and with a pin head, wherein the pin head comprises at least one locking section and wherein stop means are provided between the fastening pin and the fastening bushing, wherein the pin section is inserted through the sleeve section and the through-opening of the sleeve head until reaching the stop provided by the stop means, wherein the pin head engages with the free end of the sleeve section being opposite to the sleeve head, and a water-tight sheath, which surrounds the sleeve section and the pin head engaging the sleeve section, wherein the fastening pin is designed to be pulled further through the through-opening of the sleeve head until the locking section of the pin head locks with the locking section of the sleeve section, and wherein the walls of the sleeve section and the sheath spread, whereby the sleeve section and the sheath reduce in length.
US09303670B2

A device and method for the protection of a first member and second member from corrosion by utilizing a connector that bonds the members without allowing direct contact of the members.
US09303669B2

Overcoming all typical limitations of fasteners, disclosed is a fully-reusable, non-deforming, precise position, drywall fastener for heavy-weight items that works by anchoring to outside of a drywall panel using a drywall hole reinforced hollow cutter bar and a precise-fit pin wall body with outside rims, while fastener anchors beneath drywall panel by a manual pivoting of fastener locking arms hinged to pin wall body. Advancement of a threaded locking bolt through a center hole of pin wall body reversibly wedges apart shoulders of locking arms to cause their lateral pivoting and then locking without over-tightening fastener parts or damaging drywall.
US09303665B2

A fastening assembly is configured to secure a first component to a second component through a range of connection angles. The fastening assembly may include a female fastening member having at least one retention stud, and a male fastening member having an internal opening configured to pivotally retain the at least one retention stud. The retention stud(s) is configured to be pivotally adjusted within the internal opening in order to securely connect the female fastening member to the male fastening member through the range of connection angles.
US09303661B2

A control arrangement for use in a hydraulic control system including a control valve having at least two movable elements, such as spools or poppets, that is adapted to control a main flow through the control valve. The control arrangement further includes a control unit. In an embodiment the control arrangement is adapted to control the operation of the control valve in accordance with a first control scheme, monitor an operating parameter of the control system, and control the operation of the control valve in accordance with a second control scheme in the event that the value of the operating parameter falls outside of a predetermined range.
US09303650B2

Methods and systems are provided for injecting exhaust gases from an exhaust gas recirculation system proximate to a trailing edge of a compressor wheel of a compressor. In one example, a compressor of a turbocharger may include an exhaust gas recirculation inlet volute within a casting of the compressor. The exhaust gas recirculation inlet volute may include an injection port positioned downstream of the trailing edge of the compressor wheel for injecting exhaust gases into intake air flow.
US09303649B2

A cross flow fan including an impeller having at least two rings arranged with intervals in a fan rotation axis O direction and a plurality of blades that are arranged, between correlated rings, with intervals in a circumferential direction of the rings, in which the blade is divided into plural areas in the fan rotation axis O direction, and both ends adjacent to the rings are denoted as the blade-ring proximate sections and the center portion of the blade is denoted as the inter-blade-ring center section. The blade is formed such that the thickness of the inner peripheral blade end of the blade that is the inner peripheral end of the impeller is smaller in the inter-blade-ring center section than in the blade-ring proximate section.
US09303647B2

A priming system for preventing air-locking for use on a centrifugal pump having a priming system with a two piece detachable design. This permits the upper portion of the priming system to be removed for routine maintenance. The lower portion of the priming system includes a plurality of primary stationary vanes located longitudinally in the flow path of multi-phase fluids (air and water) which permit the removal of trapped air. Additional removable secondary vanes are located in the flow path after the primary stationary vanes and prior to the intake structure of the centrifugal pump housing. Such multiple vane structure allows the centrifugal pump to pump multi-phase fluids during a wide variety of conditions without air-locking and without requiring any modifications to the centrifugal pump impeller.
US09303629B2

A hybrid geothermal power system is discussed. The system includes a geothermal system including power plant (101) and pumping station (102) and a nuclear plant (103). Pumping station (102) is used to inject fluid from reservoir (104) through an injection well (105) into the bedrock (106) (also referred to as the hot dry rock HDR zone) and extracted via a secondary bore (extraction well) usually coupled to the power plant (101). In the present example however the injection well is linked to the extraction well (107). As fluid is injected into the bedrock a drop in temperature occurs due to heat transfer to the fluid. Nuclear plant (103) is utilized to combat this drop, the plant (103) has the fissionable components (1091, 1092, 1093) of the reactor positioned within bores (1081, 1082, 1083) within the HDR zone.
US09303627B2

Systems and devices are described for measuring tension in a guide wire in a tower service lift for ascending and descending wind turbine generator towers. The present disclosure also describes methods for measuring the tension in the guide wire as well as installing a device for measuring the tension in the guide wire.
US09303623B2

A vertical axis wind turbine comprises upper and lower rotor blades and upper and lower bearing assemblies. Horizontal members connect the upper rotor blades to the upper bearing assembly and the lower blades connect the upper rotor blades to the lower bearing assembly. The upper rotor blades can be arranged vertically or non-vertically. In non-vertical arrangements, the upper rotor blades can be twisted or swept back in a straight manner. Sweeping jet actuators are incorporated into the rotor blades to deliver oscillating air jets to surfaces of the rotor blades to delay occurrence of dynamic stall. Conduits in the blades can deliver pressurized flow of air to the actuators. The turbine can be supported by a structure that can exerts only horizontal and/or lifting forces on the rotor blade assembly to reduce the load on the lower bearing.
US09303619B2

The hydrokinetic energy conversion system uses, in one embodiment, a perpendicular turbine coupled to an electrical generator and a laminar water flow shroud. The ballast and buoyancy system includes hydrofoils defining lateral sides of the shroud mounted on upper and lower decks. Ballast chambers are defined in some or all of the foils and each has a gas intake port and a water ballast output port. The shroud carries a source of compressed air, valves for control of air flow into the ballast chambers. The ballast and buoyancy system includes a control system with sensors for depth, pitch, yaw and roll of the shroud which generates valve control commands. Another embodiment utilizes an inline turbine and a radial water flow shroud with a plurality of circumferential hydrofoils. Struts mount the turbine near the primary hydrofoil and braces attach ring hydrofoils together. Alternatively, ballast chambers are defined in outboard-mounted ballast pods.
US09303613B2

A vehicle includes an engine, an electrical load and a stop/start system. The stop/start system selectively auto stops the engine when a speed of the vehicle is approximately zero, and in response to a request to activate the electrical load while the engine is auto stopped, auto starts the engine prior to activating the electrical load.
US09303611B2

A starting device for an internal combustion engine includes a pulley mounted rotatably in a housing which can be set in rotation by a tension means to produce a drive torque for a motor shaft by a starter handle and which is connected to an engaging member by a damping spring. The drive torque is transmitted to the motor shaft to start the internal combustion engine, whereby under torsion of the damping spring, a twisting of the pulley against the engaging member is rendered possible until a stop element impacts against a counter-stop to delimit the twisting, which enables a high operational readiness of the starting device. In the case of a defect of the damping spring, the stop element and/or the counter-stop is formed from a material which has a higher strength than the material of the engaging member and/or the material of the pulley.
US09303606B2

The present invention refers to a fuel rail made of plastic material with a heating system (10,100). The said rail is applied, mainly, in the form of devices for aiding the cold start of engines which consume fuels whose specific vaporization heat is high, for example, alcohol. The fuel rail made of plastic material with a heating system presents reduced cost and weight and the same functional characteristics if compared to the fuel rails known by the state of the art, which are usually made of metal. Furthermore, the said fuel rail made of plastic material with a heating system presents internal compartments configured in such a manner that the sliders containing slide pins (51, 52, 53) of the injection mold can be easily removed, since there is no formation of negative faces.
US09303604B2

An asymmetrical orifice for bypass control in a clean fuel module may include a body having first and second end surfaces and an inner surface defining a bore through the body extending from a first opening through the first end surface to a second opening through the second end surface. The first opening has a first opening inner diameter and the second opening has a second opening inner diameter that is less than the first opening inner diameter. The asymmetrical orifice also includes a flow control contour in the second end surface surrounding the second opening of the bore. The configuration may give the asymmetrical orifice a first discharge coefficient for fluid flowing from the first opening to the second opening that is greater than a second discharge coefficient for fluid flowing in a second direction from the second opening to the first opening.
US09303603B2

A combustion engine mounted on a motorcycle includes an engine rotary shaft extending in a vehicle widthwise direction and a supercharger disposed rearwardly of a cylinder block. The combustion engine also includes an air intake duct through which an incoming wind flowing forwardly of a traveling direction with respect to the combustion engine is introduced into the supercharger. The air intake duct is fluid connected with an air intake port of the supercharger after having passed laterally of the combustion engine.
US09303600B2

A fuel vapor leakage detection device performs a fuel vapor leakage detection method to detect a clogging of passages in an evaporated fuel processing system by (i) switching a switching valve after measuring a first reference pressure, (ii) determining whether a detected pressure equals atmospheric pressure after opening a purge valve, (iii) recording the detected pressure after closing the purge valve, and (iv) switching the switching valve to depressurize an atmospheric system and to determine whether a current detection value of the pressure sensor is the same as the first reference pressure. Then, a second reference pressure is measured for comparison with the first reference pressure, to determine whether the evaporation system is clogged. In such manner, leakage and the clogging of the passages in an evaporated fuel processing system may be detected.
US09303598B2

The invention relates to a device for aeration and ventilation of a fuel system of a motor vehicle, with a pipe union for connecting the device to the fuel system, the pipe union being connected via a connecting element to a three-way valve via which the pipe union can be fluid-connected alternately to an air inlet opening or an air outlet opening of the device. Furthermore, there is a filter element which is located in the flow path between the air inlet opening and the three-way valve. The filter element, the three-way valve, and the connecting element are accommodated in a common housing. An especially compact and space-saving device is devised by the integration of the three-way valve, connecting element, and filter element into one unit.
US09303597B2

An engine assembly includes an engine block defining a cylinder, an exhaust system, and an exhaust gas recirculation system. A first cam-actuated exhaust valve is configured to control the flow of fluid from the cylinder to the exhaust system. A second cam-actuated exhaust valve configured to control the flow of fluid from the cylinder to the exhaust gas recirculation system. The timing of the second valve is adjustable independently of the timing of the first valve, thereby enabling control of EGR flow through manipulation of exhaust valve timing.
US09303591B2

Disclosed is a propulsion system and a rocket having the same. The propulsion system includes: a combustion tube having a propellant therein; a nozzle installed at a rear end of the combustion tube, and configured to discharge combustion gas generated when the propellant is ignited; and a nozzle separation unit coupled to the combustion tube and the nozzle, respectively, and configured to mount the nozzle to the combustion tube, and configured to separate the nozzle from the combustion tube as at least part thereof melts when reaching a preset temperature.
US09303589B2

A fan for a turbofan gas turbine engine, the fan comprising a rotor hub and a plurality of radially extending fan blades integral with the hub to form an integrally bladed rotor. Each fan blade defines a leading edge. A hub radius (RHUB) is the radius of the leading edge at the hub relative to a centerline of the fan. A tip radius (RTIP) is the radius of the leading edge at a tip of the fan blade relative to the centerline of the fan. The ratio of the hub radius to the tip radius (RHUB/RTIP) is at least less than 0.29. In a particular embodiment, this ratio is between 0.25 and 0.29. In another particular embodiment, this ratio is less than or equal to 0.25.
US09303586B2

A boat propulsion device includes an engine, a first bracket, and a first electric component. The engine includes a crankshaft extending in an up-and-down direction. The first bracket is fixed to the engine. The first electric component is attached to the first bracket. The first bracket includes a first support portion and a second support portion. The first support portion includes a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. The first electric component is attached to the first lateral surface. The second lateral surface is arranged opposite to the first lateral surface. The second support portion is connected to the second lateral surface in a position spaced away from both ends of the second lateral surface in a top view. The second support portion includes a first coupling portion coupled to the engine.
US09303578B2

A single point fuel injection throttle body assembly including an idle air control circuit having an port opening into main intake bores downstream of the point of fuel distribution into the air stream. When the idle air control circuit is open, an air/fuel mixture, rather than simply air, is drawn into the into the intake manifold, thereby reducing the tendency for a lean fuel mixture at idle. A unique engine control unit “feed forward” algorithm controls the fuel injection as a function of the position of the idle air control motor so that as the idle air control circuit is opened, the pulse widths of the fuel injector signals are increased. This feature allows the initial open-loop-based fuel mixture supplied by system to be more accurate and eliminates rough unstable idle associated with closed-loop control lag times.
US09303575B2

Systems and methods for continuous automatic adjustment of a control set point of an air-fuel ratio controller of a rich burn engine so as to maintain emissions within a desired range. In an embodiment, a NOx sensor is placed in the exhaust outlet from an exhaust catalyst and the NOx exhaust sensor output is continuously monitored while adjusting the control set point between rich and lean in order to minimize the output from the NOx sensor. Corrections may be continuously made to the set point during operation of the engine to compensate for changes in environmental conditions, engine loads, and other factors.
US09303574B2

An engine with a supercharger includes a low pressure loop EGR apparatus. An EGR passage having an inlet connected to an exhaust passage downstream of a turbine and an outlet connected to an intake passage upstream of a compressor. An intake bypass passage is provided to bypass the intake passage downstream of the compressor and the intake passage upstream of the compressor, with an ABV in the intake bypass passage. A throttle valve is closed during stop or deceleration operation of the engine. An electronic control unit (ECU) is configured such that, when the ECU determines based on an operation state of the engine that the EGR valve is in a valve-opened state and the engine is in deceleration operation from a supercharging region, the ECU controls an EGR valve to close and the ABV to open from a valve-closed state delayed from start of closing the EGR valve.
US09303567B2

An improved throttle body includes an offset axis drum valve and shaped throat. The offset axis and shaped throat provide gradual initial opening for better throttle control and the drum valve includes a lower face matching the profile of the air path through the throttle body when rotated to a fully open throttle position, providing an optimal flow at full throttle. The offset axis drum further includes a slightly decreasing radius. As the drum opens, the surface of the drum retreats from the throttle body wall providing clearance for dusty environments and reducing tolerances for reduced manufacturing cost. A fuel injector pocket position provides a spray pattern aligned with an initial air flow as the throttle body opens providing better mixing at part throttle. The throttle body further creates a cavity under the drum in the closed position providing an increased volume in the intake tract which improves throttle response.
US09303566B2

A method optimizing fuel-injection control with driving speeds of apparatuses adjusted by controlling a turbine speed according to power, and optimizing control of a free turbine power package of an aircraft, including a low-pressure body, supplying power to apparatuses and linked to a high-pressure body. The method varies the low-pressure body speed to obtain a minimum speed for the high-pressure body, so power supplied by the apparatuses remains constant. Power supplied by the apparatuses is dependent upon the apparatuses driven speed by the low-pressure body, and a speed set point of the low-pressure body is dependent upon a maximum value of minimum speeds of the apparatuses, enabling required power to be optimized, upon a positive or zero incrementation added to the speed set point of the low-pressure body to minimize speed of the high-pressure body to the apparatuses power supply.
US09303558B2

A system and method for providing a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system can include a frame affixed to the engine crankcase and a complementary frame affixed to the block/cylinder head assembly. The system can further comprise an actuating system to enable the block/head assembly to be moved up and down with respect to the crankcase, varying the compression ratio of the engine. A number of mechanisms can be used to achieve this movement, including a rack and pinion, a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, and a gear drive. The compression ratio can be varied continuously during use. The frames substantially limit movement of the engine components to the y-axis, thus reducing, or eliminating, unwanted movement and stresses in other directions.
US09303541B2

An exhaust system for a motorcycle having a catalyzer casing that is accommodated in an exhaust muffler. The exhaust muffler is provided at opposite sides thereof in the vehicle width direction with lateral walls that are inclined so as to come closer to each other as they extend downward. A bent section is formed in an intermediate portion, within the exhaust muffler, of an exhaust gas conduit passing through a front end wall of the exhaust muffler and changes the flow direction of exhaust gas from the forward and rearward direction of the vehicle to the vehicle width direction. The catalyzer casing has one end connected to a downstream end portion of the exhaust gas conduit and is arranged in an inclined condition to be lowered as it approaches one side of the muffler in the vehicle width direction.
US09303526B2

A cooling system is provided for cooling a turbine of a gas turbine engine. The system has first and second flow paths for guiding cooling air received from the compressor of the engine. The routes of both flow paths bypass the combustor of the engine. The system also has a preswirler for receiving the cooling air at the ends of the two flow paths, swirling the cooling air tangentially to the engine axis, and delivering the swirled cooling air to a rotor of the turbine. The first flow path is routed through a heat exchanger which cools the cooling air guided by the first flow path relative to the cooling air guided by the second flow path.
US09303523B2

A sensor communication system includes an electromagnetic waveguide disposed adjacent to at least one component of a machine. The electromagnetic waveguide can be configured to convey a fluid within the machine. The sensor communication system can also include a sensor assembly, which includes a sensor operable to sense at least one condition and a transmitter at least partially positioned in the electromagnetic waveguide. The transmitter can be operatively coupled to the sensor and be operable to emit a signal corresponding to the at least one condition sensed by the sensor. The sensor communication system can also include a receiver at least partially positioned in the electromagnetic waveguide and operable to wirelessly receive the signal emitted by the transmitter.
US09303522B2

A method for repairing run-in coatings is provided. The method includes the steps of filling a damaged site of the run-in coating with a filling material having a material composition that corresponds to a material composition of the run-in coating or is comparable to the material composition of the run-in coating or having material properties that are comparable to material properties of the run-in coating; drying the filling material that has been filled into the damaged site; depositing a donor diffusion layer over an area of the damaged site and onto the dried filling material; and thermally treating the run-in coating at least in the area of the damaged site to locally diffuse at least one metallic element from the donor diffusion layer into the filling material.
US09303520B2

The assembly has a first guide vane having a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and a second guide vane having a first end, a second end opposed to its first end. A first end structure spans between the first guide vane first end and the second guide vane first end. A second end structure spans between the first guide vane second end and the second guide vane second end. The first guide vane, the second guide vane, the first end structure, and the second end structure are integrally formed together to form a double vane with a continuous outer surface, and a continuous inner surface.
US09303519B2

A damper for a turbine rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine may include a forward plate including a forward face and an aft face, and an aft plate including a forward face and an aft face. The aft face of the forward plate may be connected to the forward face of the aft plate with a longitudinal structure. An area of the aft plate in a plane transverse to the longitudinal structure may be larger than an area of the forward plate in the plane transverse to the longitudinal structure. The damper may also include a nub projecting from a lower portion of the aft face of the aft plate.
US09303514B2

A fluid working apparatus (130) includes a housing structure (130) with an inlet (132), an outlet (133), an outer housing member (134) defining a tubular portion with an inner surface and an inner housing member (138) within the outer housing member (130) and having an outer surface spaced from the inner surface such that a working flow chamber (141) is defined between the radially inner most portions of the outer and inner surfaces and a return chamber (140) is defined between the radially outer most portions of the outer and inner surfaces. A working assembly is positioned in the housing with a rotor (114) thereof rotatably supported in the housing structure (130) and extending into the working flow chamber (141). At least one return assembly (140, 142) is positioned within the tubular portion and configured to return fluid flow from an outlet side to an inlet side of the working assembly (141). A method of defining a re-circulating working fluid apparatus is also provided.
US09303507B2

This present invention generally relates to the issue of signal obstruction in down hole applications. This invention relates to conformal coatings and down hole transmission systems to aid in transmission of wireless signals down hole. The conformal coating includes a substrate material that has an array of rods embedded therein. These embedded rods are made of a Mie Resonance based dielectric material.
US09303489B2

The present invention relates to subsea control modules (SCMs). According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a subsea control module (10) comprising a hydraulic manifold (12) and two separately retrievable subsea electronic modules (24a, 24b). The present invention also relates to a method of maintaining a subsea control module, and to a method of modifying an existing subsea control module.
US09303488B2

A method for removing hydrate plugs in a hydrocarbon production station, the method comprising: fluidically isolating the production station; diverting production flow to a bypass line; and adjusting the pressure in the production station to a level sufficient to melt the hydrate plugs.
US09303474B2

A composition, for use in treating oil wells, comprises fibers, hot melt adhesives and particulate solids. This composition has a wide range of applications including preventing or lessening lost circulation, wellbore strengthening or consolidation, controlling fluid loss, producing a “stress cage” effect, gravel packing, acting as an aid to cementing, and for proppant backflow control.
US09303473B2

A crane control system for determining a suitable real-time operating regime for a crane arranged to lift cargo from a marine vessel, the system includes an imaging means associated with the crane, a processing means, and a memory means. The imaging means is arranged to capture images of the vessel when it is located generally below the crane and within the operational range of the crane. The processing means is operable to calculate from the captured images movement parameters characterizing the movement of the vessel relative to the crane. The memory contains performance data representative of the performance characteristics of the crane and cargo data representative of the weight of individual items of said cargo. The processing means is further configured to compare the calculated movement parameters to the performance data and the cargo data and to determine from said comparison a safe operating regime for the crane.
US09303468B2

A system for storing one or more tubulars comprises a drilling deck including a hole offset from a wellbore centerline. In addition, the system comprises a rack unit coupled to the drilling deck and extending downward from the hole in the drilling deck. The rack unit comprises a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, an upper end, and a lower end opposite the upper end. The rack unit also comprises a first rack disposed within the body, wherein the first rack is moveably coupled to the body.
US09303465B2

A mule shoe assembly for use in directional drilling which advantageously has releasable locking means to free the directional orienting tool from engagement with the outer mule shoe in situations where the drill bit may become stuck. The releasable locking means comprises a moveable pin which engages an aperture. A first configuration utilizes detent means and spring biasing of the pin. In a second configuration, the pin is adapted for locking engagement by pressurized downhole drilling mud, and may be disengaged from the aperture when pressure from drilling mud ceases. In a preferred embodiment the pin both has detent means and is spring biased, and also relies on drilling mud pressure to remain in locking engagement. The pin may be disengaged upon removal of drilling mud pressure and application of a positive separation force between the directional measurement tool and associated inner tool member, and outer mule shoe member.
US09303456B1

A power ice screw system including an ice screw and screw adapter configured to engage the ice screw, thus enabling use of a power drill to install the ice screw in an ice feature, is described. The ice screw includes a drive head configured to engage the screw adapter. The screw adapter includes clearing ports that enable the adapter to expel ice that enters the adapter from within the ice screw hollow core. The ice screw core extends through the drive head to permit ice to flow through the ice screw and into the adapter. A cutting member resides within the screw adapter, typically disposed between two clearing ports. The cutting member can be flanked by two flanges configured to direct ice that has been disrupted by the cutting member outwardly through the clearing ports. The power drill is typically a lightweight battery powered electric driver.
US09303449B2

The disclosed invention prevents damage to a hood and its contents. In a preferred embodiment, a first and second support member are mounted on either side of an access opening. A cross member is slidably retained in a protective, starting position within the support members. The cross member is preferably positioned above the access opening in front of a coiling door hood such that a striking force directed at the hood first encounters the cross member. When struck, the cross member slidably retracts against a force assembly to dissipate the striking force and upon withdrawal of the striking force the cross member returns without human intervention to the protective, starting position.
US09303445B2

Apparatuses and methods are provided for visual inspection across a barrier such as a fire door. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first movable partition is disposed adjacent, and laterally spaced from, a second movable partition. A first vision panel is disposed in the first partition and a second vision panel is disposed in the second partition in substantial alignment with the first vision panel. The position of the first vision panel is substantially constrained with respect to the position of the second vision panel along a first longitudinal direction. The first vision panel and the second vision panel are enabled to exhibit a desired amount of lateral displacement relative to each other.
US09303444B1

A door rail system for mounting a pane includes a clamp housing having a tapered projection and a pair of clamps having a recess. A screw fastens the clamps together from a side of the clamp housing so that the recesses and tapered projection are configured to form a secure dovetail joint for holding a pane. The recesses (and clamps) are symmetrical and the tapered projection is at the center so that a pane can be securely held at the center without being tilted. The door rail system includes an accessory channel and first and second mounting members. The first and second mounting members are slidably attached to each other by a sliding dovetail joint so that each mounting member can slide against the other mounting member.
US09303443B2

A folding façade or folding awning arrangement includes at least two façade or awning elements, wherein a first façade or awning element is fixed on a building so that it can pivot about an axis, and wherein a second façade or awning element is pivotally held about a second displaceable axis and can be displaced along guides by way of a drive member, and wherein further a first collapsing edge of the first façade or awning element is pivotally connected to a second collapsing edge of the second façade and awning element to form a collapsing joint and can be moved in a manner released from the guides, collapsing transversely to the façade. The arrangement further includes at least one collapsible/fold-out and/or locking arrangement. Safe operation is achieved in that at least one pivoting actuating element is provided in the form of a collapsing/fold-out, pulling/drawing, and/or locking arrangement.
US09303440B2

Improved door assemblies and related methods of use are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of door assemblies configured to mount with respect to a mounting structure associated with a rack or the like. The present disclosure provides for mechanisms for mounting, opening, closing and releasing a door assembly relative to a mounting structure. The present disclosure provides for a rack-mounted door assembly having alternative pivoting axes. Exemplary door assemblies of the present disclosure are configured so as to be simultaneously hinged at the left and at the right, and to permit easy opening from either the right or left, as well as to allow for the complete removal of the door from its mounting structure.
US09303435B2

A gate latch device to secure a gate in a closed or latched position to a fence or other barrier to close or block a portal formed therein comprising a latch assembly including a lower latch pin and a keeper safety catch mounted to the fence or other barrier adjacent the portal and a keeper assembly including a magnet disposed adjacent a latch pin recess mounted to the gate such that when the gate is closed the magnet attracts the lower latch pin from a normally biased upper or unlatched position to a lower or latched position drawing the lower latch pin downward into the latch pin recess against the force of the bias to prevent the gate from opening and wherein the keeper safety catch selectively engages the keeper assembly to limit the outward movement of the keeper assembly relative to the latch assembly to retain the lower latch pin from becoming dislodged from the latch pin recess to maintain the gate in the latched position.
US09303427B1

A canopy support structure includes first and second hubs coupled to and movable along the pole or first and second hubs of which one is coupled to and movable along a track. The first and second hubs are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure. A plurality of articulating arms is connected directly or indirectly to the first and second hubs. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. At least some of the sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms are connected directly to the first and second hubs and extend outward from the first and secondary hubs during expansion of the canopy support structure.
US09303426B2

A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
US09303415B1

A measuring apparatus is provided for measuring cuts of a working material. The measuring apparatus may include: tracing sheets, one or more pins, or a jig member. The one or more transparent tracing sheets are configured for marking a cut area. The one or more pins are configured to engage the tracing sheets proximal to the cut area. In one embodiment, the jig member includes one or more cylinder mounts and one or more spring clamps. The one or more transparent tracing sheets are configured for receipt within the one or more spring clamps. The one or more pins are configured for receipt within the one or more cylinder mounts. In operation, the pins and jig member engage proximal to a cut area to facilitate marking an outline of the cut area on the tracing sheets which are subsequently cut and used in measuring and cutting of the working material.
US09303414B1

A grain bin bolt cover prevents a shovel, a broom, or other tool from being caught on an exposed bolt in the interior of a grain bin. The cover has a vertical side, an angled side, and a horizontal base. The vertical side contains at least one opening for accommodation of the bolt.
US09303411B2

The invention relates to a surface covering system intended for a surface in the form of a wet room floor, a roof or another substantially flat, delimited surface which is exposed to water and needs drainage, and to methods for preparing such a system. The surface covering system comprises at least one plate with a mark showing a drainage point and a substantially flat lower surface and an upper surface with a first decline towards the mark. The invention is characterized by that the first decline is circular and has a radial slope (α) directed towards the mark from every point on the at least one plate. The decline creates a cavity in the plate in the shape of at least a part of a blunt virtual cone with the apex of the cone directed towards the mark, achieving a modular surface covering system with an even circular decline.
US09303407B2

A cool roofing system includes highly reflective calcined kaolin particles having a solar reflectance of 80% to 92%. When applied to a roofing substrate, the highly reflective kaolin particles produce a roofing system having a solar reflectance greater than or equal to 70%.
US09303405B2

A modular truss system includes an upper chord and a lower chord. Each of the upper and lower chords has a pair of terminal ends and each of the upper and lower chords is arcuate between associated ones of the pair of terminal ends. A plurality of branches is removably attached to and extends between the upper and lower chords. Each of the branches has a first end and a second end comprising a saddle that receives one of the upper or lower chords at a fixed angle with respect to the upper and lower chords. The saddles ensure the branches are properly placed on the upper and lower chords.
US09303399B2

A holder for a concrete anchor to be embedded in concrete, comprises base portion; a first sleeve portion vertically disposed above the base portion; post portions including vertical openings, the post portions including respective top edges for providing a shoulder to engage the nail heads when the nails are installed in the vertical openings. A concrete anchor assembly for being embedded in concrete, the assembly including the holder; and an anchor body held by the holder, the anchor body including a rod portion and a head portion.
US09303398B2

A spring clip system for mounting material to a structure includes: a spring clip, a rail and a starter clip. A first end of the spring clip is threaded through a hole in the rail while a second end of the spring clip is placed over the edge of siding material. A bottom portion of the spring clip holds the top edge of siding board and a top portion is used to hold the bottom of next siding board. The first end of the clip is bent back over the edge of the hole in the rail against the force of the spring action and snapped over the outer edge and into a notch. The starter clip is holds the bottom edge of the first siding board. The starter clip is held in place by a pin and receives the bottom of the first siding board.
US09303389B2

A control valve block is mounted on a bottom plate of a revolving frame through a control valve block mounting plate. In this case, a left support member and a right support member are provided on a back surface of the control valve block mounting plate at two spots with equal distances sandwiching a center position of gravity (G) of the control valve block. The left and right support members are mounted on a support beam provided on the bottom plate of the revolving frame. On the other hand, a weight-reducing part is provided at a part in the bottom plate of the revolving frame away from the support beam. The control valve block which is a heavy article is stably supported on the bottom plate at two spots sandwiching its center position of gravity (G). Moreover, the weight of the revolving frame can be reduced by the weight-reducing part.
US09303385B2

An adjustable clamp for mounting an auxiliary tool onto a loader bucket is provided. The adjustable clamp includes a first clamping member possessing a first clamping surface and a second clamping member possessing a second clamping surface. The second clamping member is slidably connected to the first clamping member such that the second clamping surface is movable along an angled path toward the first clamping surface to clamp the loader bucket between the first and second clamping surfaces. Also provided is a snow plow assembly including a snow plow and an adjustable clamp. A method of mounting a snow plow onto a loader bucket by way of an adjustable clamp is also provided.
US09303383B2

A lift arm cross member may connect a tilt lever support to a pair of lift arms. The lift arm cross member may have a top plate with a generally convex outer surface as the outer surface extends from a first end edge to a second end edge, and a bottom plate having first and second end edges, a first planar portion extending from the second end edge, and a curved portion extending from the first planar portion opposite the second end edge. The first end edge of the bottom plate may be connected to an inner surface of the top plate and the second end edge of the first plate may be connected to an inner surface of the bottom plate. A buffer plate may be provided within the lift arm cross member and extend between the inner surfaces of the top and bottom plates.
US09303380B2

A method and apparatus for the corrosion protection of tank soil side bottoms is achieved by providing equipment to an existing storage tank as by installing a chime delivery system about the perimeter of the storage tank bottom plate, and introducing an appropriate amount of a corrosion inhibitor into the chime delivery system, whereby the corrosion inhibitor is readily admitted into the spaces between the substrate and the tank bottom plate. The system avoids any refurbishment of the tank and allows for easy introduction and replenishment of inhibitor without interruption of tank operations. The system also does not require any renovation of the tank, and does not require any replacement of the tank bottom plate panels.
US09303377B2

A hard link, which is connected to a moldboard of a machine, includes a first range of float capability and a second range of float capability. The second range of float capability may provide a greater float height to the moldboard than the first range of float capability. In another embodiment, a machine includes a moldboard, a jib arm operatively configured to raise and lower the moldboard, and a link attaching the jib arm to the moldboard. The link includes two discrete float capabilities.
US09303364B2

Rail cant measurement tools and associated methods enable users to measure rail cant. The measurement tools comprise a reference assembly, and a cant angle measurement assembly. The reference assembly comprises a track plane reference bar, a rail centerline reference head, and a measurement gauge for measuring rail cant.
US09303361B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing a cationic surface sizing agent, and contains a first step of obtaining a copolymer (A) by solution-polymerizing a monomer mixture which contains a monomer having a tertiary amino group (a) in the amount of 15 to 45% by weight, a (meth)acrylic acid ester (b) in the amount of 15 to 85% by weight, and styrenes (c) in the amount of 0 to 70% by weight in the presence of a chain transfer agent; a second step of obtaining a copolymer (B) by polymerizing the copolymer (A) and a nonionic hydrophilic monomer (d); a third step of obtaining a copolymer (C) by polymerizing the copolymer (B) and a hydrophobic monomer (e) in the absence of a surfactant; and a fourth step of obtaining a quaternary ammonium salt of the copolymer (C) by quaternizing a tertiary amino group present in the copolymer (C).
US09303342B2

A composite fiber having elastomer and method for making the same, and a substrate having the composite fiber and method for making the same are provided. The composite fiber includes a first composition and a second composition. The first composition is thermoplastic non-elastomer, and the second composition is thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The second composition is in an amount of 5 to 70 weight % of the composite fiber. The first composition and the second composition are alternately distributed in a circumference of a cross-section of the composite fiber, and the length of the second composition is less than 50% of the total length of the circumference. The TPE can be dispersed uniformly and increase the adhesion between fibers, and the segmented fiber cross-section thereof further prevents the TPE from becoming too adhesive and affecting the processing during the fabrication of fibers and non-woven fabric substrates. Therefore, the non-woven fabric substrate or artificial leather made from the composite fiber has excellent textile feeling and physical properties.
US09303338B2

The weft-braking device comprises a first annular plate coaxially supported in front of the delivery end of a stationary drum of a yarn feeder, and a second annular plate which is coaxially biased against the first annular plate by driving elements. The yarn is adapted to run between the annular plates in order to receive a braking action by friction. The driving elements comprise at least one piezoelectric actuator, which is deformable in response to a voltage applied thereto and has a movable operative end which is operatively connected to the second annular plate and a stationary operative end which is anchored to a stationary support.
US09303330B2

The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing porous mesh plates for use in ultrasonic mesh nebulizers, and the porous mesh plates manufactured by those methods. Cone-shaped dimples are first drilled in a substrate (e.g. a plate), but do not penetrate the bottom of the substrate. Next, the substrate (e.g. a plate) is subject to an electrochemical process to remove a layer of material from the surface of the substrate. Enough material is removed to allow the dimples to penetrate the substrate, thereby creating holes in the substrate. The size of the holes can be controlled by the conditions of the electrochemical process.
US09303328B2

An electroplating system and method has a needle anode associated with an XYZ or multi-direction positioning device and is configured for plating internal surfaces of holes in metal products. The needle anode is positioned such that an insertion portion of the needle anode is centered over a hole and inserted to a predetermined depth in the hole, with a discharge end located a predetermined distance from the inner end of the hole. Plating solution is supplied to the needle anode and flows continuously during plating from the discharge end of the needle, through a gap between the needle anode and inner surface of the hole, and out of the open end of the hole into a drain. In one example, the metal object is a terminal of an electrical connector and the hole is a solder cup at a terminal end of the connector.
US09303325B2

A system for distributing medium voltage DC electric power from a wind farm to electrolyzer modules requiring low voltage DC power. The system includes one or more of each of central step down DC-DC converters, DC buses, regulated DC-DC converters, respective electrolyzer module controllers, dispatch controllers, alternative loads, and alternative power sources.
US09303321B2

The present disclosure is related to a cladding composition. The cladding composition may include cladding powder particles and flux particles. The flux particles may have an average particle size of less than about 40 μm, and more than about 50% of the flux particles may adhere to the surfaces of the cladding powder particles.
US09303293B2

A fluid composition is prepared by esterification of (a) at least one synthetic alcohol and (b) a mixture of fatty acids, including at least oleic and linoleic acids, and at least one of a mixture comprising a Miristic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Margarinic acid, Margaroleic acid, α-Linoleic acid, Arachidic acid, Eicosenoic Behenic acid, and Erucic acid. The fatty acids can also include at least one of stearic acid and palmitic acid. The composition can be used as, or as part of, a quenching bath for a metal.
US09303291B2

Compositions and methods associated with recurrent MIPOL1-ETV1 genetic rearrangements that are useful for cancer diagnosis and therapy are disclosed.
US09303280B2

The invention relates to a glucose dehydrogenase showing an NADP/NAD activity ratio, namely the value obtained by dividing the enzyme activity value obtained by using NADP as a coenzyme by the enzyme activity value obtained by using NAD as a coenzyme, of not lower than 300, to a gene coding therefor, and to a transformant harboring that gene. The enzyme of the invention is very high in NADP specificity and can be suitably used, for example, for NADPH production, for coenzyme regeneration in enzymatic reduction reactions, and in biosensors for glucose concentration measurements.
US09303273B2

Provided herein are nanolipoprotein particles that comprise a biosynthetic enzyme more particularly an enzyme capable of catalyzing rubber or other rubbers polymerization, and related assemblies, devices, methods and systems.
US09303270B2

Rice is described that is tolerant/resistant to a plurality of herbicides, for example, ACCase and HPPD inhibitors. Use of the rice for weed control and methods of producing tolerant/resistant rice are also described.
US09303258B2

The disclosure provides methods and compositions for modulating inflammation.
US09303244B1

A device including a pressure generating assembly and a chamber for generating hydrostatic pressure in the said chamber. In particular, the device is useful for cell mechanical stimulation and tissue regeneration by generating hydrostatic pressure in a chamber receiving samples such as cell cultures, biological tissues, and cell seeded biomaterial constructs for the purpose of treatment with hydrostatic pressure. The pressure generating assembly of the device comprises a piston and a cylinder generating and relieving pressure by moving the piston in the cylinder using an actuating system for quick placement and removal of the piston in and out of the cylinder. The device is portable and autoclavable and can be hand operated without any tool to generate pressures at high physiological levels up to at least 10 MPa. The device has a venting system allowing vital gasses to reach the samples under treatment when the device is placed in an incubator.
US09303237B2

A solid composition includes a polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and a hydratable salt. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition includes a polysaccharide residue present in an amount from approximately 5% to 90% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition and a residue of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer present in an amount from approximately 10% to 75% by weight of the polysaccharide hybrid polymer composition.
US09303234B2

Aqueous hard surface cleaner compositions derived from metathesized natural oil feedstocks are disclosed. In one aspect, the compositions comprise at least one anionic surfactant derived from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, 5 octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives. In another aspect, aqueous hard surface cleaners comprising at least one nonionic or amphoteric surfactant derived from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives are disclosed. The aqueous cleaners noted above rival or outperform commercial baselines in a Gardner straight-line washability test. Industrial degreasers comprising a C10 or C12 amide solvent and derived from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid are superior to commercial standards.
US09303233B2

A method for producing diesel grade fuel of plant origin by transesterifying a refined vegetable oil with a charge of a C1-C4 alcohol in the presence of a catalyst and at least 0.2 parts by volume, related to unit volume of refined vegetable oil, of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent with a boiling point of −42° C. to 200° C., comprises mixing the oil, alcohol, catalyst and solvent in a single reaction vessel under homogeneous conditions which promote transesterification to 95-98% completion and which suppress reverse glycerolysis, without stopping transesterification to remove by-product polar glycerol, and without subjecting the oil/fuel mixture to a further transesterification step with a fresh charge of alcohol and catalyst.
US09303226B2

A method comprises providing a bio-based feedstock; contacting the bio-based feedstock with a solvent in a hydrolysis reaction to form an intermediate stream comprising carbohydrates; contacting the intermediate stream with an apr catalyst to form a plurality of oxygenated intermediates, wherein a first portion of the oxygenated intermediates are recycled to form the solvent; and processing at least a second portion of the oxygenated intermediates to form a fuel blend.
US09303225B2

Methods for the fermentative production of four carbon alcohols is provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably isobutanol is produced by the fermentative growth of a recombinant bacterium expressing an isobutanol biosynthetic pathway.
US09303215B2

The use of a nondendrimeric hyperbranched polyester and/or a polyesteramide which comprise alkenyl-substituted succinic acid units as a demulsifier for splitting oil-water emulsions. The succinic acid is substituted by at least one alkenyl group containing from 16 to 20 carbon atoms. Particular emulsions suitable for splitting are crude oil emulsions. Also, a nondendrimeric hyperbranched polyester or a polyesteramide which comprises alkenyl-substituted succinic acid units, the alkenyl group having from 16 to 20 carbon atoms. In addition to the alkenyl-substituted succinic acid units, the nondendrimeric hyperbranched polyester contains, as further units, at least trifunctional alcohols having been alkoxylated with an average of from 3 to 12 ethylene oxide units.
US09303212B2

A single solvent method and machine for separating bitumen from oil sand ore are disclosed. The method includes the use of a single light paraffinic solvent, such as propane or butane as the agent to separate the bitumen from mined oil sand ore. Since light paraffinic solvents are vapors at atmospheric pressure and temperatures, the ore is placed in a pressurized container so that the solvent remains in a liquid state. When the container is pressurized, by the addition of the solvent itself, the liquid solvent is mixed with the ore to effect separation. The proposed machine settles more than 80% of the solids out under gravity in a modest period of time. The solvent-bitumen mixture is drained after the cleaning cycle, the container is depressured to a vapor recovery system and the remaining solids dumped out. The fine solids, drained with the liquids, are separated from the liquid mixture with relative ease by the use of current technology in other downstream equipment.
US09303204B2

A planar light source device includes a light guide plate, with its upper surface and lower surface as a first surface and a second surface. At least one light strip is provided with a plurality of light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), and is located on a side of the light guide plate. The LEDs are disposed in the light guide plate to emit light; and a reflective plate is disposed outside the second surface to reflect light a diffusion plate is disposed outside the first surface to scatter light reflected by the reflective plate. When manufacturing the light guide plate, the light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) are placed in a mold in advance, the LEDs and light guide plate form integrally, thereby avoiding loss of light, and raising the efficiency of the planar light source device.
US09303197B2

Disclosed are an antistatic agent which does not impair the appearance and the mechanical strength of a molded article and which provides sufficient permanent antistatic properties to the molded article even when added in a small amount, and an antistatic resin composition containing the same. The antistatic agent (Z) includes: a block polymer (A) containing a block of hydrophobic polymer (a) and a block of hydrophilic polymer (b) as constituent units; and an organic fluorine-modified polyolefin (B). The antistatic resin composition is obtained by containing the antistatic agent in a thermoplastic resin (C).
US09303195B2

Aliphatically modified rosin resins are prepared by reacting rosin esters with aliphatic monomers. These aliphatically modified rosin resins are compatible with metallocene catalyzed polyolefins and other aliphatic base polymers and are used as tackifiers in combination with metallocene catalyzed polyolefins and other aliphatic base polymers to form adhesive compositions for hot melt and pressure sensitive applications.
US09303192B2

A heat curable sheet-like adhesive for an organic EL panel, comprising components (A) to (C), which has tack in the surface of a composition comprising the components (A) to (C) at 25° C.: the component (A): a film forming component having an epoxy equivalent of 7000 to 20000 g/eq and having compatibility with the component (B); the component (B): an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent of 150 to 5000 g/eq and comprising 0 to 20% by weight of a solid epoxy resin at 25° C. with respect to the whole of the component (B); and the component (C): an encapsulated epoxy adduct-type latent curing agent.
US09303191B2

The polishing composition of the present invention is a polishing composition for polishing a tungsten-containing metal layer formed on an insulating layer, the polishing composition comprising: abrasive grains; one or more halogen acids selected from the group consisting of iodic acid, iodous acid, and hypoiodous acid; a strong acid; a hydrogen-ion-supplying agent; and water.
US09303190B2

A chemical mechanical polishing composition for polishing a substrate having a tungsten layer includes a water based liquid carrier, first and second colloidal silica abrasives dispersed in the liquid carrier, and an iron containing accelerator. The first colloidal silica abrasive and the second colloidal silica abrasive each have a permanent positive charge of at least 10 mV. An average particle size of the second silica abrasive is at least 20 nanometers greater than an average particle size of the first silica abrasive. A method for chemical mechanical polishing a substrate including a tungsten layer is further disclosed. The method may include contacting the substrate with the above described polishing composition, moving the polishing composition relative to the substrate, and abrading the substrate to remove a portion of the tungsten from the substrate and thereby polish the substrate.
US09303189B2

A chemical mechanical polishing composition for polishing a substrate having a tungsten layer includes a water based liquid carrier, a colloidal silica abrasive dispersed in the liquid carrier and having a permanent positive charge of at least 6 mV, an amine containing polymer in solution in the liquid carrier, and an iron containing accelerator. A method for chemical mechanical polishing a substrate including a tungsten layer includes contacting the substrate with the above described polishing composition, moving the polishing composition relative to the substrate, and abrading the substrate to remove a portion of the tungsten from the substrate and thereby polish the substrate.
US09303186B1

A coating for an article may be made by applying a powder of a polyhemiaminal (PHA) polymer material to the article in a particulate form and then converting the PHA polymer material to a polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT) polymer material and fusing the particles into a monolithic coating by applying heat to the particles. The method generally includes forming a dilute reaction mixture comprising a formaldehyde reactant, a solvent, a primary aromatic diamine, and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of between about 20° C. and about 120° C. for a short time to form a polymer. A particulate solid is precipitated by adding an excess volume of a non-solvent to the mixture. The powder may be applied to an article and then heated to fuse the powder into a coating and convert the PHA to PHT.
US09303178B2

A suspension for protecting a semiconductor material includes a polymeric matrix as carrier medium, inorganic particles, and at least one of an absorber dye or a plasticizer.
US09303175B2

An ink composition for ink jet recording, containing: a dye; organic solvents; and water, wherein a ratio (S1/S2) of a content (S1) of the first organic solvent and a content (S2) of the second organic solvent being 15.3 or more and 205 or less: and wherein the organic solvents including a first organic solvent satisfying a following property (A) and a second organic solvent not satisfying the property (A), and property (A): when a mixture with polyvinyl alcohol is produced, a cluster having a mass of 70% or more based on a total mass of the mixture is formed and when a load of 5.3 g/mm2 or more and 7.1 g/mm2 or less is applied to the cluster, a cluster having a mass of 90% or more based on a total mass of the cluster is formed.
US09303172B2

A phase change ink composition is disclosed. The phase change ink composition comprises a crystalline component and an amorphous component. At a temperature ranging from about 40° C. to about 80° C., the phase change ink simultaneously exhibits (i) a static force ranging from about 2 N to about 4.5 N, and (ii) a storage modulus ranging from about 300 MPa to about 700 Mpa. The crystalline component is not a wax. A method of predicting spreading performance of a phase change ink is also disclosed.
US09303167B2

Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates, including ferrous substrates, such as cold rolled steel and electrogalvanized steel. The methods include contacting the metal substrates with a conditioning composition including a free fluoride source and then depositing a pretreatment composition including a Group IIIB and/or IVB metal on a portion of the substrate contacted with the conditioning composition. Also disclosed are electrophoretically coated substrates treated by the methods.
US09303160B2

The present invention is a process for preparing a multistage polymer by contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions an acrylic monomer, a sulfur acid monomer, and a phosphorous acid monomer as described herein. The present invention is also a composition comprising a nonionic surfactant and a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles comprising structural units of butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, a sodium vinylbenzenesulfonate, and phosphoethyl methacrylate; wherein the polymer particles have a Tg of less than 10° C. The composition of the present invention is useful as a binder for coatings compositions.
US09303156B2

The invention provides functionalized block composites and crystalline block composites as compatibilizers. In particular, the invention provides compositions of at least three polymers and a compatibilizer. The compatibilizer comprises a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent or a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent.
US09303153B2

The present invention relates to a formulation comprising a medium, one or more stabilizers, and one or more particles comprising nanoparticles included within a host material. In certain embodiments, a stabilizer comprises a HALS stabilizer. In certain embodiments, a stabilizer comprises a UVA stabilizer. In certain embodiments, the formulation includes a HALS stabilizer and a UVA stabilizer. In certain embodiments, nanoparticles have light-emissive properties. Other embodiments relate to a powder obtainable from a formulation of the invention, a composition including a powder of the invention, a coating comprising a formulation of the invention, and products and applications including a particle of the invention. In preferred embodiments, a nanoparticle comprises a semiconductor nanocrystal. In certain embodiments, a host material comprises a polymer. In certain embodiments, a host material comprises an inorganic material. A raw batch formulation and particle obtainable therefrom is also disclosed.
US09303149B2

Disclosed are adhesion promoting adducts containing adhesion promoting groups and metal ligands and compositions such as sealant compositions useful in aerospace applications comprising the adhesion promoting adducts. The adhesion promoting adducts are useful as adhesion promoting additives or as a copolymerizable reactant in polymer compositions.
US09303147B2

An ultraviolet ray curable ink composition is provided. The ultraviolet ray curable ink composition contains a polymerizable compound; and an aluminum pigment subjected to a surface treatment with a phosphate compound. The aluminum pigment subjected to the surface treatment with the phosphate compound is subjected to an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer to obtain an X-ray photoelectron spectrum having a wave form. Thereafter, when a waveform separation was performed by using a Voigt function in such an X-ray photoelectron spectrum, the X-ray photoelectron spectrum has peaks in the rage of 190 eV or more but 192 eV or less. A printed object is also provided. The printed object is produced by applying the ultraviolet ray curable ink composition onto a recording medium, and then irradiating the ultraviolet ray curable ink composition with an ultraviolet ray.
US09303136B2

The present disclosure is directed to a method of increasing optical density by incorporating carbon black in to a colored polyimide composition to obtain a colored polyimide film. The colored polyimide film has 48 to 94 weight percent of a polyimide, 5 to 25 weight percent pigment and 0.05 to 2 weight percent carbon black.
US09303130B2

Provided are a nanocomposite including a layered inorganic material and a random copolymer containing a hydrophobic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer, a polymer composition including the nanocomposite, and a method for preparing the polymer composition. The random copolymer can be prepared at a low cost in a simple process and function as a compatibilizer in small amounts to maintain excellent properties of the nanocomposite including excellent mechanical characteristics such as abrasion resistance, hardness, tensile modulus and tear resistance, excellent thermal characteristics, high liquid and gas permeability, and low flammability.
US09303129B2

The invention provides a method for the manufacture of a gel, said method comprising the steps of: providing a matrix composition comprising a polymeric photoinitiator of the general formula (I): Polymer-[CR2—CHR-Spacer(PI)n]m (I) curing the matrix composition by exposing it to UV radiation and exposing the matrix composition to a swelling medium. The invention also relates to gels obtainable via the above method. The invention provides a hydrophilic gel precursor manufactured from the polymeric photoinitiator of Formula (I). Medical devices comprising the gels and hydrophilic gel precursors of the invention are provided. The invention also provides the use of a polymeric photoinitiator in the manufacture of a gel.
US09303123B2

Provided is an energy ray-curable elastomer composition which can increase the inter-crosslinking point molecular weight without changing the kind of an energy ray-curable compound before cured and which provides an oligomer-cured substance having a braking elongation compatible with a processability, to be specific, an energy ray-curable elastomer composition containing (A) an energy ray-curable compound having a (meth)acryloyl group and (B) a polythiol compound having 2 to 6 mercapto groups in a molecule, wherein a functional group number ratio of the (meth)acryloyl group in the above composition to the mercapto group in the component (B) is 100:0.1 to 100:5n (n is the number of the mercapto group in a molecule of the polythiol compound).
US09303115B2

A thermosetting epoxy resin composition comprising (A) a reaction mixture of a triazine derivative epoxy resin and an acid anhydride at a ratio of the epoxy group equivalent to the acid anhydride equivalent of 0.6 to 2.0; (B) an internal mold release agent; (C) a reflective material; (D) an inorganic filler; and (E) a curing catalyst. The internal mold release agent of component (B) comprises a carboxylate ester represented by: R11—COO—R12  (1) wherein R11 and R12 are CnH2n+1 and n is 1 to 30 and a compound represented by: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are selected from H, —OH, —OR, and —OCOCaHb with the proviso that at least one includes —OCOCaHb; R is CnH2n+1 (wherein n is an integer of 1 to 30), a is 10 to 30, and b is 17 to 61.
US09303110B2

Disclosed herein are catalyst compositions containing boron bridged, bis-indenyl metallocene compounds with an alkenyl substituent. These catalyst compositions can be used for the polymerization of olefins. For example, ethylene copolymers produced using these catalyst compositions can be characterized by a density less than 0.92 g/cm3 and a melt index greater than 25 g/10 min.
US09303108B2

The present invention relates to a propylene-butene-1 random copolymer which has a butene-1 content of 1-6 mol % and a relative dispersity of butene-1, as determined according to NMR method, of greater than 98.5%. The propylene-butene-1 random copolymer of the present invention has a high relative dispersity of butene-1, as well as better transparency and heat resistance, so that it is more suitable for packaging food that may be edible after heating. Moreover, the copolymer has a lower xylene solubles content at room temperature. In addition, the present invention further relates to a method for preparing the copolymer and to a composition and an article comprising the copolymer.
US09303101B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing a high-molecular-weight copolymer of polar group-containing allyl monomers comprising monomer units represented by formulae (3) and (4) (in the formulae, R1 represents a hydrogen atom (H) or hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 represents —OH, —OCOR3 (R3 represents hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms), —N(R4)2 (R4 represents a hydrogen atom or hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms); and n and m are a value representing the molar ratio of each of the monomer units), which has few branches and unsaturated group at the molecular end, by copolymerizing olefin and an allyl compound using a metal complex of group 10 elements in the periodic system represented by formula (I) as a catalyst.The present invention enables providing a high-molecular-weight copolymer of polar group-containing allyl monomers, which copolymer has a novel structure, is available for various applications and has been considered to be difficult to synthesize by other polymerization methods such as radical polymerization; and a method for producing the same.
US09303080B2

The present invention provides for nucleic acids improved for the expression of interleukin-15 (IL-15) in mammalian cells. The invention further provides for methods of expressing IL-15 in mammalian cells by transfecting the cell with a nucleic acid sequence comprising a codon optimized IL-15 sequence. The present invention further provides expression vectors, and IL-15 and IL 15 receptor alpha combinations (nucleic acid and protein) that increase IL-15 stability and potency in vitro and in vivo. The present methods are useful for the increased bioavailability and biological effects of IL-15 after DNA, RNA or protein administration in a subject (e.g. a mammal, a human).
US09303074B2

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09303067B2

A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration of a somatostatin analog salt of aspartate, e.g. mono- or diaspartate, lactate, succinate, e.g. mono- or disuccinate, acetate, glutamate, e.g. mono- or diglutamate or citrate and water forming a gelling depot system after injection in contact with the body fluid.
US09303052B2

The present invention provides a benzoazepine compound represented by following general formula (1): or a salt thereof, wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group optionally protected with a protecting group, etc., R1 represents a hydrogen atom or hydroxy-protecting group, and X represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. The benzoazepine compound of the present invention and salts thereof have high solubility in water, and can be suitably used for injections.
US09303051B2

The disclosure describes methods of synthesis of phosphonate ester derivatives. Preferred methods according to the disclosure allow for large-scale preparation of phosphonate ester compounds having high purity. In some embodiments, preferred methods according to the disclosure also allow for the preparation of phosphonate ester derivatives without the use of chromatographic purification methods and in better yield than previously used methods for preparing such compounds. Also disclosed are morphic forms of phosphonate ester derivatives.
US09303038B2

The invention relates to the compounds of formula I or its pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula I, and methods for the treatment of epilepsy and neurological diseases may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of convulsions, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, migraine, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder.
US09303036B2

Novel crystalline HCl salts of Asenapine, methods of their preparation and related pharmaceuticals and treatments are disclosed.
US09303033B2

The invention provides compounds that inhibit protein kinase CK2 activity (CK2 activity), and compositions containing such compounds. These compounds and compositions are useful for treating proliferative disorders such as cancer, as well as other kinase-associated conditions including inflammation, pain, and certain immunological disorders, and have the following general formula:
US09303032B2

The invention relates to spiro derivative of formula (I), to the use of said derivative in treating diseases and conditions mediated by modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels, to compositions containing said derivative and processes for its preparation.
US09303029B2

The invention relates to new quinoxaline derivative compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, to processes for the preparation of said compounds and to the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer.
US09303027B2

The present invention relates to a series of substituted compounds having the general formula (I), including their stereoisomers and/or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. (I) Wherein A, m, R1s, R2, R3, R4 are as defined herein. This invention also relates to methods of making these compounds including intermediates. The compounds of this invention are effective at the kappa (κ) opioid receptor (KOR) site. Therefore, the compounds of this invention are useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of central nervous system disorders (CNS), including but not limited to acute and chronic pain, and associated disorders, particularly functioning peripherally at the CNS.
US09303022B2

Provided is an industrial method for the preparation of [5-{(2,6-difluorobenzyloxy)methyl}-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(3-methylthiophene-2-yl)-isoxazole](common name: methiozolin) represented by Formula 1 that is a herbicidal substance in high-purity.
US09303021B2

Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient suffering from a cognitive disorder using compounds of Formulas 1 and 2 wherein the variables have the meaning disclosed in the specification.
US09303020B2

The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US09303019B2

Novel amino-pyrrolinic derivatives, their pharmacologically acceptable salts and use thereof in the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic syndrome.
US09303018B2

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 is defined herein. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as inhibitors of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and treating LTA4H related disorders. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I), methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, and processes for preparing these compounds.
US09303017B2

Disclosed are heterocyclic compounds that are ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The compounds are useful for treating a mammal suffering from any one of a range of therapeutic indications, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dyskinesias, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, pain, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, chemical substance abuse, alcoholism, memory deficit, pseudodementia, Ganser's syndrome, migraine pain, bulimia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome or late luteal phase syndrome, tobacco abuse, post-traumatic syndrome, social phobia, chronic fatigue syndrome, premature ejaculation, erectile difficulty, anorexia nervosa, disorders of sleep, autism, mutism, trichotillomania, and hypothermia.
US09303010B2

The present application discloses a compound which is which activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling and thus treats or prevents diseases related to signal transduction, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthropathy; osteogenesis imperfecta, bone defects, bone fractures, periodontal disease, otosclerosis, wound healing, craniofacial defects, oncolytic bone disease, traumatic brain injuries related to the differentiation and development of the central nervous system, comprising Parkinson's disease, strokes, ischemic cerebral disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia; eye diseases such as age related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema or retinitis pigmentosa and diseases related to differentiation and growth of stem cell, comprising hair loss, hematopoiesis related diseases and tissue regeneration related diseases.
US09303009B2

The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US09303007B2

The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US09303005B2

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical product comprising a dibenzofuranone derivative as the active ingredient. The invention further relates to the use of dibenzofuranone derivatives to inhibit kinases, in particular serine/threonine kinases, to the use of dibenzofuranone derivatives for producing drugs and/or medicinal products for treatment, and to the use of dibenzofuranone derivatives as a diagnostic product for analyzing the role of protein kinases, in particular serine/threonine kinases, in particular protein kinase CK2 in cellular processes, the pathogenesis of diseases, ontogenesis and/or other developmental biological phenomena or relationships.
US09303003B2

Provided is glycidyl(meth)acrylate which is reduced in the content of impurities including chlorine. This process comprises reacting epichlorohydrin with an alkali metal (meth)acrylate in the presence of a catalyst to produce glycidyl(meth)acrylate, the process including a step in which the reaction is conducted while making a Bronsted acid present in the reaction system in an amount of 0.0001-0.08 mol per mol of the alkali metal (meth)acrylate.
US09303001B2

The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical chemistry, specifically relates to a statin intermediate having formula I and preparation thereof. The advantages of the method used to prepare the chiral sulfone intermediate having formula I are that a fluorophore is introduced at the beginning of the synthesis, and the intermediates are mostly solid, which enables quality control to be easily carried out.
US09303000B2

The invention generally relates to the field of nuclear transport modulators, e.g., CRM1 inhibitors, and more particularly to new substituted-heterocyclic azole compounds, the synthesis and use of these compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions, e.g., in the treatment, modulation and/or prevention of physiological conditions associated with CRM1 activity such as in treating cancer and other neoplastic disorders, inflammatory diseases, disorders of abnormal tissue growth and fibrosis including cardiomyopathy, pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, glomerulonephritis, and other renal disorders, and for the treatment of viral infections (both acute and chronic).
US09302995B2

This disclosure concerns two novel electrically conducting organic oligomers: oligo(3-amino-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile) or “oligo(AP-CN)” and oligo(4-nitro-1H-pyrazole-3-yl-amine) or “oligo(AP-NO2)”, and methods of making thereof.
US09302994B2

A new process for the preparation of 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazoles of the general formula (I) is described, resulting from the reaction of an olefin of the general formula (II) with hydrazines of the formula (III) R1—NH—NH2  (III), wherein R1 is selected from C1-C6 alkyl, C5-C10 aryl; R2 is a trihalomethyl moiety with at least one fluorine atom; and R3 is selected from C1-C5 haloalkyl, CF3, C2F5, C3F7, CF2CF2Cl, CFClCF3, in the presence of water and a base.
US09302993B2

The present invention describes a method for the treatment of a neurological condition in a subject which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effect amount of a compound of the formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof.
US09302991B2

The present invention relates to arylamide derivatives which have blocking activities of voltage gated sodium channels as the TTX-S channels, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of disorders and diseases in which voltage gated sodium channels are involved. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which voltage gated sodium channels are involved.
US09302987B2

The N-oxide forms, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts and the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein n is 1 or 2; L represents a C1-3alkyl linker optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected from C1-4alkyl, C1-3alkyloxy-C1-4alkyl-, hydroxy-C1-4alkyl, hydroxy, C1-3alkyloxy- or phenyl-C1-4alkyl; M represents a direct bond or a C1-3alkyl linker optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected from hydroxy, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkyloxy; R1 and R2 each independently represent hydrogen, halo, cyano, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl optionally substituted with halo, C1-4alkyloxy- optionally substituted with one or where possible two or three substituents selected from hydroxy, Ar1 and halo; or R1 and R2 taken together with the phenyl ring to which they are attached form naphtyl or 1,3-benzodioxolyl, wherein said naphtyl or 1,3-benzodioxolyl are optionally substituted with halo; R3 represents hydrogen, halo, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkyloxy-, cyano or hydroxy; R4 represents hydrogen, halo, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkyloxy-, cyano or hydroxy; R5 represents hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or Ar2—C1-4alkyl-; R6 represents hydrogen, halo, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkyloxy-; Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent phenyl or naphtyl wherein said phenyl and naphtyl are optionally substituted with C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkyloxy-, or phenyl-C1-4alkyl; for use as a medicine.
US09302979B2

A bis (2-dialkylaminoethyl) ether synthesizing method is disclosed, which includes steps of: 1) synthesizing: wherein N,N-dialkylethanolamine, N,N-dialkylamine and ethyne are mixed at a mole ratio of 4:3:1-2:1:1 as a raw material; and the raw material, catalyst and solvent are added in a high-pressure clave for reaction in a sealed condition; a weight of catalyst accounts for 2.0%-10.5% of the total weight of the raw material; a reaction temperature is 50-120° C. and the reaction time is 3-7 hours; the clave is then opened after reaction and a filtrate is collected by filtering the reaction mixture; and 2) separating: wherein the filtrate obtained in the step 1) is rectified to obtain the bis (2-dialkylaminoethyl) ether as a product. The synthetic method of the bis (2-dialkylaminoethyl) ether in the present invention has many characteristics, such as simple process, high atomic economy, etc.
US09302975B1

A process for producing acetic acid is disclosed in which the methyl iodide concentration is maintained in the vapor product stream formed in a flashing step. The methyl iodide concentration in the vapor product stream ranges from 24 to less than 36 wt. % methyl iodide, based on the weight of the vapor product stream. In addition, the acetaldehyde concentration is maintained within the range from 0.005 to 1 wt. % in the vapor product stream. The vapor product stream is distilled in a first column to obtain an acetic acid product stream comprising acetic acid and up to 300 wppm hydrogen iodide and/or from 0.1 to 6 wt. % methyl iodide and an overhead stream comprising methyl iodide, water and methyl acetate.
US09302973B2

In a reaction vessel for the purification of crude aromatic carboxylic acid, a bed of hydrogenation catalyst having a vapor space is located above the hydrogenation catalyst bed. A packed bed and a holdup section are located within the vapor space and spaced above the catalyst bed. The reaction vessel has means for introducing crude aromatic carboxylic acid and means for introducing hydrogen to the reaction vessel at respective locations such that in use the crude carboxylic acid contacts the hydrogen in the packed bed. The reaction vessel also has means for removing purified aromatic carboxylic acid.
US09302971B2

This invention relates to the production of terephthalic acid by 1) cycloaddition of 2,5 substituted furan (such as 2,5-bis hydroxymethylfuran or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) and ethylene, and 2) the subsequent oxidation of the dehydrated cycloaddition product to terephthalic acid. The invention relates more particularly to overall biobased pathways for making terephthalic acid from carbohydrates such as hexoses (e.g., glucose or fructose).
US09302970B2

The invention provides a simple, efficient, environmentally friendly catalytic system for direct carboxylation reactions using CO2 under mild conditions. A single step heterogeneous catalytic process for preparation of alkynyl carboxylic acids is disclosed.
US09302965B1

The invention provides a process for the preparation of ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol from starting material comprising one or more saccharides, by contacting said starting material with hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst system with catalytic hydrogenation abilities, wherein the process comprises the steps of: i) introducing a first portion of the starting material into the reactor such that the initial concentration of the saccharide in the solvent in the reactor is no more than 2 wt %; ii) allowing at least 90 wt % of the saccharide in the first portion of the starting material to react; iii) subsequently adding further portions of starting material to the reactor over time; and removing reaction product from the reactor.
US09302964B2

To provide a method for efficiently separating 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and chloromethane (R40) from a composition containing HFO-1234yf and R40. A method for separating HFO-1234yf containing substantially no R40, which comprises bringing an azeotropic composition or azeotrope-like composition of H FO-1234yf and R40 into contact with a specific extraction solvent.
US09302951B2

A process for producing dimethylhexanes (DMH) is provided. The DMH can be used to produce p-xylene. The process involves the alkylation of isobutane and 1-butene using an ionic liquid to produce naphtha that is rich in DMH. The DMH is then converted in high selectivity to xylene, including p-xylene, by dehydrocyclization.
US09302943B2

Fused cast refractory product comprising in percentages by weight on the basis of the oxides and for a total of 100%, —ZrO2; balance to 100%, —HfO2: <5% SiO2: 2% to 10%; —Y2O3: 0.4% to 2.0%; —CaO: 4.0% to 8.0%; —B2O3+Na2O+K2O: 0.4% to 3.0% —Al2O3: 0.3% to 2.0%; —P2O5: <0.05%; —Fe2O3+TiO2: <0.55%; —other species: <1.5%. Application in glass melting furnaces.
US09302937B2

A strengthened glass article has opposing first and second compressively stressed surface portions bound to a tensilely stressed core portion, with the first surface portion having a higher level of compressive surface stress than the second surface portion for improved resistance to surface damage, the compressively stressed surface portions being provided by lamination, ion-exchange, thermal tempering, or combinations thereof to control the stress profiles and limit the fracture energies of the articles.
US09302931B2

The invention relates to a method and to a device for ceramizing green glass in a continuous furnace, with the ceramization being carried out directly on rollers.
US09302927B2

A vacuum melting furnace for infrared glass, includes an upper furnace body and a lower furnace body that can be connected with each other or isolated from each other. Vacuum melting of the infrared glass is achieved in the upper furnace body wherein the influence of water in the environment is eliminated. The vacuum negative pressure environments can promote separation of hydroxyl in the structure, which achieves removing of hydroxyl in the glass, and then discharging of the molten infrared glass is conducted at atmospheric pressure in the lower furnace body. By using the vacuum melting furnace for infrared glass, infrared glass with good spectrum transmission performance can be obtained with improved property stability and optical homogeneity, which facilitates the preparation and molding of large sized and special-shaped infrared glass products.
US09302917B2

The object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing low valence titanium oxides in a steady supply manner acceptable in industrial production. The low valence titanium oxides are produced by electrical discharge between two electrodes in an aqueous medium, wherein at least one of the electrodes is a titanium-containing electrode.
US09302916B2

Disclosed is a method for preparing rod-like silica fine particles including carbon, the method including: a first step of preparing a mixed solvent by mixing a surfactant with alcohol, and then preparing a mixed solution by adding water, ethanol, ammonia water and a salt to the mixed solvent; a second step of forming rod-like silica fine particles by adding a silica precursor to the mixed solution; and a third step of carbonizing the rod-like silica fine particles, and through a sol-gel reaction of the silica precursor and a carbonization process thereof.
US09302912B2

Improvements in the supply of high-frequency electrical power to ozone-producing cells can be accomplished using the systems and techniques described herein. Application of a DC-DC converter operating at a switching frequency substantially greater than a load frequency, supports generation of a high-voltage AC for powering such cells, while allowing for reductions in component size and reductions in a quality factor of a load tuning circuit. Controllable power inverters used in obtaining one or more of the switching and load frequencies can be controlled using feedback techniques to provide stable, high-quality power to ozone-producing cells under variations in one or more of externally supplied power and load conditions. An inrush protection circuit can also be provided to selectively introduce a current-limiting resistance until an input DC bus has been sufficiently initialized as determined by measurements obtained from the DC bus. The current limiting resistance can be a positive-temperature coefficient thermistor.
US09302907B2

The present invention discloses a MEMS device with guard ring, and a method for making the MEMS device. The MEMS device comprises a bond pad and a sidewall surrounding and connecting with the bond pad, characterized in that the sidewall forms a guard ring by an etch-resistive material.
US09302906B2

In one embodiment, a method of forming a MEMS device includes providing a silicon wafer with a base layer and an intermediate layer above an upper surface of the base layer. A first electrode is defined in the intermediate layer and an oxide portion is provided above an upper surface of the intermediate layer. A cap layer is provided on an upper surface of the oxide portion and a second electrode is defined in the cap layer. The method further includes etching the oxide portion to form a cavity such that when the second electrode and the cavity are projected onto the intermediate layer, the projected second electrode encompasses the projected cavity.
US09302898B2

A beverage tower having a solid cold block with glycol recirculation, the tap/valve is built into the cold block and is integral and fused thereto, so as to keep the entire beverage tap cold and maintain the beverages in a sanitary condition meeting health codes. The coolant lines within the cold block pass entirely around the tap in the cold block in serpentine fashion or in a coolant chamber, resulting in a tap which remains cooled effectively, while the cold block provides thermal inertia to the system. In particular, the entire valve stem and parts of the tap containing it are integral with and surrounded by the cold block. A method of construction is provided for an improved unitary integrated fused tapped cold block.
US09302892B1

A toilet lifting device facilitates lifting of a toilet when replacing a toilet fixture. The device includes a base and a pair of legs extending from the base. The legs are coplanar with the base and spaced apart wherein the legs are configured for positioning on opposite sides of a foot of a toilet. A jack is coupled to the base on an upper surface of the base. Each of a pair of arms is coupled to and extends from the jack. Thus, the operation of the jack selectively lifts the arms away from the base and the legs.
US09302891B2

A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).
US09302886B2

An elevator door assembly includes car and hoistway door subassemblies. The car door subassembly includes: a car door, a door mover, and first and second vanes supported for movement relative to the car door. The hoistway door subassembly includes: a hoistway door; a locking member that selectively locks the hoistway door; and a coupler member associated with the locking member. When the car door is adjacent the hoistway door: the first vane moves into contact with the coupler member and causes the locking member to move into an unlocked position, prior to movement of the car and hoistway doors; and the second vane is retained in a non-blocking position by the coupler member. When the car door is not adjacent the hoistway door, movement of the car door toward the open position moves the second vane into a blocking position in which further movement of the car door is inhibited.
US09302882B2

A folder superstructure includes a former, a first top of former roll located upstream of the former and having a compressible outer layer and a second top of former roll forming a nip with the first top of former roll. A method for operating a printing press is also provided.
US09302878B2

The present disclosure relates to image forming apparatus capable of preventing damage even when actuator for detecting sheets loaded on sheet tray is rotated beyond acceptable range. A rotation shaft is disposed in the vicinity of a cover rotation portion of a sheet tray that is to be opened and closed. The image forming apparatus includes a connection portion and an actuator rotating in accordance with an amount of loaded sheets. The actuator includes a rotation shaft, a first rotor supported on the rotation shaft, and a second rotor that is rotatably supported by a cylindrical portion coaxial to the rotation shaft. The connection portion is configured to, when the first rotor rotates in a direction away from the sheet placement surface, make contact with, and rotate the second rotor in the same rotation direction, and rotate only the first rotor when the second rotor reaches a predetermined position.
US09302877B2

Provided is a processing device including a shifting member that superimposes recording media during transportation and that places an uppermost recording medium and a lower recording medium on the lower side of the uppermost recording medium in plural superimposed recording media, a butting member that transports the recording media placed on the stack table so that edge portions of the plural recording media superimposed, and a pressing member that is arranged above the stack table and that contacts with the lower recording medium among the plural recording media transported by the butting member to press the edge portion of the lower recording medium against the aligning member, and then contacts with the uppermost recording medium to press the edge portion of the uppermost recording medium against the aligning member.
US09302869B2

A method of manufacturing a composite core can include: wrapping a mandrel in a mandrel wrapping process by securing a mandrel with a winding jig; orienting the composite material at a wrap angle to the mandrel; and depositing the composite material around a circumference of the mandrel. The method can further include assembling the wrapped mandrels in a tool and applying a pressure to the composite material during a curing cycle.
US09302864B2

An image forming apparatus includes first and second sheet feed cassettes and the like. When a lift plate and sheets thereon are raised in the first sheet feed cassette, causing a pick-up roller to move upward, an arm member is inclined upward from a holder side toward a lever member side. The lever member is raised by the arm member on a second flat plate portion to be in a horizontal attitude, and a vertical wall faces a vertical wall portion of the first sheet feed cassette across a predetermined gap. As a result, when the first sheet feed cassette is pulled out to a certain extent, the vertical wall of the lever member abuts on the vertical wall portion of the first sheet feed cassette, and a conveyance unit is pulled out together with the first sheet feed cassette.
US09302854B2

A conveyor system with an endless loop tubular system has an inlet provided for permitting material to be introduced into the tubular system. An endless loop flexible member extends through the tubular system and has inserts disposed thereon for moving material along the endless loop tubular system. A drive mechanism is provided for causing the endless loop flexible member and inserts to move in at least one direction through the endless loop tubular system. A novel outlet valve disposed in the endless loop tubular system is provided for selectively permitting the material to fall out of the endless loop tubular system by gravity, the outlet valve having an opening with an insert entry end and a insert exit end, a first side and a second side and wherein the insert entry end is larger than the insert exit end.
US09302833B1

The present invention relates to a bottle pouring film. Specifically, a film is provided on a face of a bottle or on the neck thereof, having a shape, the shape of which can be curled into a pouring spout that may be placed within the neck of a bottle to aid in pouring fluids out of the same without spillage. The film may preferably be provided over the label of the bottle, and may be peeled from the same for use as a pour spout. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.
US09302832B2

A compostable container has a top frame with a top frame opening, a base, an elongate connector coupling the top frame with the base, and a wall. The top end of the wall is coupled to the top frame, the bottom end of the wall is coupled to the base, the first side end of the wall is coupled to the elongate connector, and the second side end of the wall is coupled to the elongate connector, in such a way as to prevent direct exposure of the edges of the wall to the interior volume of the container and any water-based liquid substance contained within the container. The wall is formed of a water-permeable, biodegradable, and compostable material coated with a biodegradable, water-impermeable coating that forms a lining across the interior facing wall surface of the wall.
US09302821B2

An exemplary reclosable bag includes a first ply joined to a second ply to define a main bag portion having a compartment and a product receiving opening. A reclosing flap is connected to the main bag portion and is spaced apart from the product receiving opening. A reclosing material and a release material are applied to the bag and are arranged such that the reclosing material releasably adheres to the release material. The reclosing flap is movable between a passive position and an active position. A bag opening zone formed in the main bag portion proximate the reclosing flap may be opened to create a product retrieval opening for retrieving a product from the compartment. The product is returned to the compartment through the product retrieval opening, and the compartment is reclosed by moving the reclosing flap from the passive position to the active position.
US09302814B2

A method for providing custom information to a user of a reversible child resistant closure includes maintaining a supply of closures, each closure including a first section configured to be applied to the container in a non-child resistant mode, a second section configured to be applied to the container in a child resistant mode, and a divider for forming a first section cavity and a second section cavity. One of the closures of the supply is configured to include printed information by inserting a first liner having indicia printed thereon in the first section cavity such that the indicia of the first liner is visible when the closure is installed in the child resistant mode and inserting a second liner having indicia printed thereon in the second section cavity such that the indicia of the second liner is visible when the closure is installed in the non-child resistant mode.
US09302800B2

A fluid management and dispensing system and method. The system is used to at least partially fill containers with fluids according to a recipe. The filled containers may then be used in conjunction with, for example, “vaping” devices (e.g., electronic cigarette devices) to provide desired flavors to a consumer. The system includes a rotatable turret assembly with nozzles, a rotational motor, and a linear actuator. A container to be filled is positioned at a delivery station. The system can actuate the rotational motor to rotate the turret assembly to a desired circumferential location. The system can actuate the linear actuator to translate the turret assembly to a desired lateral location. After a particular nozzle of the turret assembly is aligned with a container, the fluid can be dispensed into the container. The dispensing system may be connected to a network, which may provide recipes for the fluid mixtures.
US09302791B2

A transport landing vehicle for transferring an astronaut to and from an extraterrestrial mass such as a moon, asteroid, or small planet is disclosed. The transport landing vehicle has a cage that is substantially open to the outside environment.
US09302790B2

An orbit attitude control device includes a plurality of nozzles for injecting combustion gas supplied from a combustion chamber, and a control section configured to calculate nozzle opening degree correction values so that a deviation between a detection value of the pressure of the combustion chamber and a command value becomes smaller. The control section is configured to calculate a total correction value so that the deviation between the detection value and the command values becomes smaller. A total value T1 for first group nozzles and a total value T2 for second group nozzles are calculated. The total correction value is distributed to the opening degree correction values for the first group nozzles with a ratio of T2/(T1+T2) and to the opening degree correction values for the second group nozzles with a ratio of T1/(T1+T2).
US09302788B2

The present invention is a stratospheric-airship-assisted orbital payload launching system that features with high reusability ratio, low cost, short launch-preparation time and robust reliability. The system consists of an airship-based stratospheric launch platform (1), a stratospheric-launched suborbital shuttle (2, SLSS) and an upper stage (3, a modified version of conventional upper stage or a spaceplane). The airship-based stratospheric launch platform (1) employs hydrogen and helium to provide buoyancy in its ascent and high-altitude cruise stages. Given the substantially lower ambient pressure, the usage of hydrogen at high altitude is much safer than on the ground. The SLSS (2) is mounted beneath the platform (1), and an assembly of payload (4) and upper stage (3) is loaded in the cargo bay (2B) of SLSS (2). In a typical orbital payload launching mission, the airship-based stratospheric launch platform (1) ascends to a predetermined altitude in stratosphere, where the air density is much lower than the sea level and wind is relatively slow and steady comparing with the upper troposhere, and then launches the SLSS (2) in a predetermined position and time. After the SLSS (2) is launched, the platform (1) vents hydrogen lifting gas to swiftly unload the extra buoyancy. Subsequently, the platform (1) descends and returns to its ground base. Meanwhile, the SLSS (2) rockets to a predetermined velocity and altitude (above the atmosphere), opens its cargo bay doors (2D) and releases its cargo (i.e., the assembly of upper stage (3) and payload (4)). The upper stage (3) ignites and propels the payload to a predetermined space orbit. At the same time, the SLSS (2) re-enters, and decelerates via aerobraking. It is finally recovered via a conventional wheel landing.
US09302787B2

Devices for enabling navigation of a crawler vehicle along an airfoil-shaped body, such as a helicopter blade, in a low-cost fashion with high reliability, especially for swept configuration blades. Using the natural tendency of vacuum adherence devices to adhere to changing surface contours, the crawler vehicle can adhere itself to airfoil-shaped structures in a way that allows the crawler vehicle to easily translate along an airfoil-shaped body while accommodating extreme variations along the surface of the airfoil-shaped body. The crawler vehicle can be designed to eliminate any trailing edge follower wheel, which simplifies the crawler's ability to accommodate trailing edge protrusions, such as trim tabs.
US09302786B2

Device for cleaning aeronautical parts after machining or piercing includes an element for spraying a liquid on the part to be cleaned and an element for aspirating the oil-soiled liquid, chips and/or dust.
US09302776B2

A ram outlet header includes a ram outlet header body. A ram air fan mounting neck and a ram air fan mounting flange are configured to couple the ram outlet header to a ram air fan housing. A heat exchanger mounting flange is configured to couple the ram outlet header to a heat exchanger assembly. A lower face includes a first stiffener. A mid-section includes a second stiffener, a third stiffener, and a fourth stiffener. The ram air fan mounting flange is positioned between the lower face and the mid-section. A ratio of thickness of the second stiffener to the third stiffener is between 1.04 and 1.16, and a ratio of thickness of the fourth stiffener to the third stiffener is between 1.04 and 1.16.
US09302772B2

An internal wall in an aircraft cabin separates a lavatory and a galley of the aircraft. The internal wall has an intermediate notch that increases a lateral width dimension of the lavatory above the notch and thereby improves the spatial environment of the lavatory.
US09302771B2

Emergency lighting for an aircraft has a primary power source for light units provided by the normal aircraft power supply and a secondary power source provided by power supply units operable to back-up the primary power source. Each light unit may have its own power supply unit operable to power the light unit in an emergency if the normal aircraft power supply fails or is otherwise unable to power the emergency lighting. Each power supply unit includes one or more electric double layer capacitors that are charged whenever the normal aircraft power supply is operational to provide the primary power source. The useful life of the electric double layer capacitors may be prolonged by reducing the capacitor voltage when the emergency lighting is switched off.
US09302764B2

A blade (1) provided with a fitting (2) for fastening to a hub and with an airfoil element (10) having a spar (20) extending spanwise from an attachment zone (21) towards a distal zone (22), said attachment zone (21) surrounding a centrifugal force transmission bushing (31) that is connected to said fitting (2) by a through pin (3). The blade comprises a twisting force transmission member (40) provided with a first half-shell (41) and with a second half-shell (42) that together surround said attachment zone (21), each half-shell (41, 42) having a perforated first portion (43′, 43″) giving visual access to said bushing (31) when said airfoil element is removed from the fitting, and a second portion (44′, 44″) co-operating with a torsion box (50) surrounding said distal zone (22), said transmission member (40) being secured to said fitting in rotation about a torsion axis (AX) of the blade (1).
US09302762B2

A pitching stabilization means has at least one stationary stabilization surface extending in a thickness direction from a bottom face to a top face and in a transverse direction from a leading edge towards a trailing edge. The stabilization surface has at least one slot passing through the thickness of the stabilization surface from the top face to the bottom face. The slot is arranged within the stabilization surface between the leading edge and the trailing edge so as to allow a flow of air coming from a rotor to pass from the top face towards the bottom face.
US09302761B2

A high-lift device of a flight vehicle includes: a flap main body provided at a trailing edge portion of a main wing of the flight vehicle so as to be extracted from and be retracted in the trailing edge portion and extending in a wing span direction of the main wing; and a vortex suppressing portion provided at a tip end portion of the flap main body in a wing span direction of the flap main body and configured to suppress a vortex rolling up from a lower surface of a tip end portion of the flap main body to an upper surface of the tip end portion.
US09302759B2

A composite frame includes a plurality of truss elements covered by a cap. The truss elements are flexibly coupled with each other and with the cap. The frame flexes to conform to a contoured surface to which it is attached. Once attached, the installed frame provides the required rigidity to the structure.
US09302754B2

Provided is a vehicle control device for an amphibious vehicle that can travel with a stable orientation even when the edge of the water consists of uneven terrain or terrain having an inclined surface along a different direction than the direction of travel. A vehicle control device for an amphibious vehicle capable of traveling on land, navigating on the water, and traveling on the edge of the water comprises a jet direction adjuster (15) for adjusting the direction of a jet created by a propeller (11), an orientation detector (31) for detecting the orientation of an amphibious vehicle (1), and a control device (30) for controlling the jet direction adjuster (15) and/or the propeller (11) on the basis of the orientation of the amphibious vehicle (1) detected by the orientation detector (31) when an edge-of-water travel mode is selected.
US09302753B2

An underwater personal mobility device is provided. The underwater personal mobility device can include a lower section rotatably connected to a main body comprised of an observation chamber. The device may have at least two configurations, including a folded configuration, to enable ease of transport and storage of the device.
US09302749B1

A non-self-propelled, floatable structure for supporting people, animals, machinery or other loads is disclosed, having a floatable body designed to float on water, and a retention skirt that protrudes downwardly from a peripheral edge of the floatable body. The retention skirt is designed to extend underwater, delimiting an internal space between the retention skirt, the floatable body, and the water. The retention skirt is airtight, preventing air passing through the skirt and towards said internal space. Thus, when a downward force is applied on an edge of the floatable body causing the opposite edge to start rising from the water, skirt airtightness beneath the rising edge creates a vacuum effect that stops the edge from rising and prevents the floating structure from swaying excessively and eventually turning over or capsizing. The retention skirt also limits or prevents lateral and transverse motion across the water surface.
US09302748B2

A deck arrangement for a vessel or platform (1) configured for performing subsea operations, the vessel or platform having a main deck (2) and a working station (4a) and facilities (9b, 6; 28) for supporting activities in the working station, the working station further comprising a working area (4b). One or more deck elements (14a,b, 15) are arranged at an elevation different from than of the main deck (2) and at an elevation where upper surfaces of the deck elements (14a,b, 15) and the upper surface of the working area (4b) are on the same, or substantially same, level. Preferably, the deck elements are arranged above the main deck (2) and above one or more of the facilities (9b, 6, 28). The facilities may be a riser storage compartment, a BOP area and/or a pipe deck.
US09302746B2

During an offloading operation between a first and a second body, an operating envelope of an offloading system can be displaced to compensate for a drifting movement of one of the bodies. By appropriately displacing the operating envelope, offloading operation can continue under safe conditions even though the working limit of the original operating envelope is breached due to the drifting movement of one of the bodies.
US09302737B2

A bicycle gear changing apparatus is basically provided with a controller including memory with a first prescribed shift route for upshifting and a second prescribed shift route for downshifting. The first prescribed shift route defines an order of actuation of at least one of a first gear changing device and a second gear changing device that is different from an order of actuation of at least one of the first and second gear changing devices that is defined by the second prescribed shift route. The controller controls a shifting operation of at least one of the first and second gear changing devices in response to a shift signal and in accordance with one of the first and second prescribed shift routes. The first prescribed shift route includes a least one user settable synchro-upshift point. The second prescribed shift route includes at least one user settable synchro-downshift point.
US09302735B2

A bicycle power source holder is provided that basically has a holder main body part and a frame attaching part. The holder main body part is configured to retain a power source. The frame attaching part is configured to movably mount the holder main body part to a bicycle frame so that the holder main body part is movably mounted in a lateral direction of a bicycle.
US09302734B2

A drive device for an electric bicycle with a drive housing in which a hollow shaft is mounted which is connected to a chain wheel of a chain drive of the electric bicycle, a pedal crankshaft arranged coaxial to the hollow shaft and is couplable thereto, which crankshaft is connected to pedal cranks on each of its two ends and an electric motor the output of which can be coupled to the hollow shaft via a traction mechanism drive which drive means comprises a belt drive with a flexible traction mechanism in the form of a toothed belt, a flat belt, or a V-belt, or said drive means comprises a chain drive with a flexible traction mechanism in the form of a single or double roller chain.
US09302732B2

A rear suspension bicycle in which a lower linkage member between the front triangle and the rear wheel swingarm includes a flexible portion of material rather than a discrete pivot point.
US09302730B2

A two-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a steering section 6 which steers a front wheel 4. The steering section includes a steering shaft link 13 which turns about a first steering axis 10 together with a second steering axis 11, a front-wheel support section 14 which turns the front wheel 4 about the second steering axis 11, and a first motor 15 which causes the steering shaft link 13 to turn. A caster angle θ based on the first steering axis 10 is positive or 0. A trail t1 based on the second steering axis 11 is positive. When the two-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a basic posture state on a ground surface 12, the intersection point P3 of the second steering axis 11 and the ground surface 12 lies in front of the intersection point P2 of the first steering axis 10 and the ground surface 12.
US09302721B1

An assembly that is configured to receive a cab assembly is described. The assembly includes an undercarriage that is configured to hold hydraulic oil. One or more utility arms are coupled to the undercarriage frame for lifting and lowering attachments coupled to the one or more utility arms. A hydraulic pump is coupled to the undercarriage frame and is configured to operate the one or more utility arms.
US09302718B2

A pickup truck having an access door in a side panel of the truck bed is provided. The access door pivots between a closed positioned and an open position. The access door defines an opening in the side wall, the opening being created by the access door being moved from the closed position to the open position. The pickup truck has a cap member, the cap member releasably coupling to the side walls of the pickup bed and having a gap in one side portion thereof, the gap being positioned above the opening, such that the gap and the opening communicate with one another. The pickup truck has an extension body that releasably couples to the access door and pivots with the access door. The extension body is configured to functionally engage the gap in the cap member under the condition that the access door is in the closed position.
US09302715B2

A vehicle including a side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a cross member extending transverse to the side support, and a reinforcement gusset coupled to the side support and the cross member, where the cross member and the reinforcement gusset define an interrupted interface in which one of the cross member or the reinforcement gusset includes a recessed portion and the opposite of the cross member or the reinforcement gusset includes an extended portion, and the recessed portion and the extended portion have complementary shapes and are detached from one another.
US09302707B2

The invention relates to a crossmember, in particular the rear crossmember of a motor vehicle, for a multi-link suspension of the wheel, characterized in that the crossmember has a respective receiving arrangement for the drive of each of the wheels.
US09302705B2

A steering force controller has a first detection unit that detects a steering angular velocity of a vehicle, a second detection unit that detects a steering angle of the vehicle, a third detection unit that detects a vehicle speed of the vehicle, a main control matrix in which a first output value is set based on the steering angular velocity and the vehicle speed, a subsidiary control matrix in which a second output value is set based on the steering angle and the vehicle speed, a control quantity operation unit that obtains a control quantity for steering assistance by multiplying the first output value by the second output value and a steering assist force control unit that generates a steering assist force in a steering system based on the control quantity obtained by the control quantity operation unit.
US09302700B2

Torque sensor has: magnetic member; first yoke member having (a) first nail portions arranged concentrically to face the magnetic member in radial direction and (b) first ring portion; second yoke member having (c) second nail portions arranged concentrically so that the first and second nail portions are circumferentially alternately arranged and the second nail portions face the magnetic member in radial direction and (d) second ring portion; first magnetic flux concentration ring provided between the first and second ring portions; second magnetic flux concentration ring provided between the second ring portion and the first magnetic flux concentration ring; and magnetic sensor. The first and second magnetic flux concentration rings and the first and second ring portions are arranged in layers in radial direction. A part or all of axial direction area of the first and second magnetic flux concentration rings is surrounded and shielded by the second ring portion.
US09302688B2

A drum truck for handling a drum has a base. A wheel assembly is removably attached to the base. A post is removably attached to the base. The post has a handle. A breakover member is removably and operatively coupled to the base. The breakover member is configured to allow application of a foot pressure to break over the drum truck from a standing vertical position to an angled position. At least one pair of toes is removably attached to the base and configured to support the drum. A drum restraint is removably attached to the post and configured to releasably secure the drum to the post.
US09302673B2

In an apparatus for controlling a vehicle to track another vehicle, a controller causes the controlled vehicle to track one of other vehicles as a target vehicle if one of the other vehicles meets a target-vehicle selecting condition. The target-vehicle selecting condition is required for selecting one of the other vehicles as the target vehicle. The controller recognizes an environment of a predicted travel road on which the controlled vehicle is predicted to travel using conditions of the predicted travel lane. The controller determines whether the predicted travel road allows lane changes based on the recognized environment of the predicted travel road. The controller adjusts the target-vehicle selecting condition based on a result of the determination.
US09302671B2

A control device for a vehicle includes a relay adapted to switch whether a first battery electrically connected to a motor generator and a second battery electrically connected to an electric load of the vehicle are to be electrically connected or not by turning on/off the relay. The relay is turned off during a power operation of the motor generator to disconnect an electric connection between the first battery and the second battery. The relay is turned on during a regenerative operation of the motor generator to electrically connect the first battery and the second battery. In a case where an on-fixation failure of the relay is detected, the power operation of the motor generator is prohibited.
US09302667B2

A method and arrangement is provided for controlling a motor vehicle drive train equipped with at least one drive motor, a torque converter, an automatic transmission and at least one electronic drive control device. In the drive control device, a function module is implemented for carrying out a creep control. This creep control can be activated independently of a brake actuation, when the actual rotational speed of the driving motor is greater than a defined desired rotational speed of the driving motor, and when the actual rotational speed of the driving motor cannot be reduced because of at least one defined condition as the minimally possible rotational speed of the driving motor.
US09302660B2

In a method for controlling braking torque in a two-wheeled vehicle traveling in an inclined position, the driver specifies a desired braking torque, which is divided into wheel braking torques at the front wheel and at the rear wheel in such a manner, that a steering torque resulting from the wheel braking torques is less than a limiting value.
US09302659B2

An Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system for a vehicle is disclosed. An electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to reduce vehicle lateral skidding by reducing differences between an intended vehicle direction and/or yaw rate and an actual vehicle direction and/or yaw rate by applying modifications to operation of the vehicle brakes and/or throttle. The ESC system receives inputs from wheel speed sensors, a steering wheel position sensor, a yaw rate sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor. The ESC system also receives input that indicates at least a property of the road upon which the vehicle is located, wherein the road upon which the vehicle is located is determined from a positioning system that uses a map database and the property is determined from the map database. The ESC system incorporates the road property information in determining when and/or how to modify operation of the vehicle to reduce vehicle skidding.
US09302655B2

A drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a parking lock for selectively locking the drivetrain, and having an electric motor and a power axle, which is permanently drive-coupled to the electric motor and which via a disconnect clutch can be selectively drive-coupled to at least one wheel of the motor vehicle. The parking lock and the disconnect clutch can be actuated by a common actuator.
US09302644B2

A seat belt system for a vehicle that is reversible between a 3-point arrangement and a 4-point arrangement is provided. The seat and seat belt arrangement includes a seat having a centerline, a seat back and a seat base. The seat and seat belt arrangement further includes a pair of shoulder belts, a pair of moveable shoulder belt guides and associated moveable retractors. A pair of lap belts is also provided. A buckle assembly is also provided to which the shoulder belts and lap belts are attached. Lap belt retractors are provided. One of the retractors is selectively movable between a retracted position in which the buckle assembly is to one side of the centerline and non-retracted position in which the buckle assembly is generally on the centerline. In the retracted position the moveable guides are moved away from the centerline while in the non-retracted position the moveable guides are moved toward the centerline.
US09302642B2

A roof rail assembly for a vehicle that includes a body side outer and an interior trim piece connected to the body side outer. The body side outer and the interior trim piece define a cavity. A roof rail is positioned within the cavity, and a side curtain air bag is positioned below the roof rail. The interior trim piece is assembled about a lower surface of the roof rail in a spaced relationship relative to the curtain air bag to increase visibility around the roof rail assembly.
US09302639B2

A vehicle shield is provided according to the invention. The vehicle shield is constructed to avoid excessive hood flutter. The shield includes a vehicle shield region and an attachment region. The vehicle shield region is constructed for extending across at least a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The attachment region is constructed for attaching the vehicle shield region to a vehicle. Also provided is a method of installing the shield to a motor vehicle.
US09302638B2

An energy absorbing assembly can comprise: a support structure having a first wall and an outer wall that extend in an x direction from a first end to a second end; an energy absorber that extends across the first wall of the support structure, the energy absorber comprising a plurality of crushable members are configured to crush and absorb energy upon impact, a first crash can; and a second crash can, wherein the first and second crash cans extend from the first and second ends of the support structure. The energy absorbing assembly is an in situ formed single element. A method of making an energy absorbing assembly can comprise: introducing molten thermoplastic material to a mold to in situ form the energy absorbing assembly and removing the energy absorbing assembly from the mold by moving the mold in a y direction.
US09302637B2

One embodiment provides a vehicle voltage supply having a vehicle battery, a load with two voltage supply connections, a fuse in a path between the vehicle battery and one of the voltage supply connections of the load, and a clamping circuit transistor. The clamping circuit transistor can be switched in such a manner that the clamping circuit transistor produces a short circuit between voltage supply connections of the load in order to activate the fuse. An energy store is set up to store the energy needed to drive the clamping circuit transistor when producing the short circuit, and a charging circuit is set up to charge the energy store at least during the time in which the clamping circuit transistor does not produce a short circuit.
US09302636B2

An electrical system for an aircraft is provided. The system comprises an inverter for transforming a first alternating current from an on-board network having a variable frequency into a second alternating current, and at least a first electrical load and at least a second electrical load, which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the second alternating current.
US09302631B2

A serviceable safety clip for retaining an automotive trim panel to an inner panel. The serviceable safety clip includes a pin secured to the trim panel, wherein the pin includes a plurality of blades that each include a low retention detent and a high retention detent. The serviceable safety clip also includes a receiver that is secured to the inner panel, wherein the receiver includes an angled face to facilitate insertion of the pin detents and a holding face that retains the pin detents. Insertion of the blades into the receiver includes pushing the pin to flex the blades inward and thereby move the high retention detent beyond the holding face and pushing the pin further to again flex the blades inward and to move the low retention detent into engagement with the holding face.
US09302630B2

A steering wheel system for a vehicle includes a first microphone mounted in a steering wheel and a second microphone mounted in the vehicle. The first and second microphones are each configured to receive an audible input. The audible input includes an oral command component and a noise component. The steering wheel system also includes a controller configured to identify the noise component by determining that the noise component received at the first microphone is out of phase with the noise component received at the second microphone. The controller is configured to cancel the noise component from the audible input.
US09302629B1

An integrated tray table is provided for a motor vehicle. The tray table includes a support that extends in a first plane and a retention panel that includes a pivot connecting the retention panel to the support. The retention panel is pivotally displaceable about the pivot between a home position wherein the retention panel extends in second plane substantially parallel to or the same as the first plane and a deployed position wherein the retention panel rests within a third plane in an angle to the second plane.
US09302621B2

A system for capturing image data for gestures from a passenger or a driver in a vehicle with a dynamic illumination level comprises a low-lux sensor equipped to capture image data in an environment with an illumination level below an illumination threshold, a high-lux sensor equipped to capture image data in the environment with the illumination level above the illumination threshold, and an object recognition module for activating the sensors. The object recognition module determines the illumination level of the environment and activates the low-lux sensor if the illumination level is below the illumination threshold. If the illumination level is above the threshold, the object recognition module activates the high-lux sensor.
US09302620B2

A monitoring device of power line and camera mounted on a vehicle comprises single power line integrated power supply and signal that simplify the complexity of wiring for easy installation and maintenance, reducing costs. When a camera captures an image signal, the power line generates carrier wave for the image signal as a radio frequency signal being transmitted to a wired cable line and then to the screen host.
US09302614B2

A system for detecting vehicle deceleration having an accelerometer, a processing arrangement, and a deceleration indicator. The processing unit samples data from the accelerometer, and based on that data, determines if the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating. If the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating in excess of a threshold, the deceleration indicator is activated.
US09302608B1

A roof-mountable retractable cargo securing system for cargo positioned in an open bed of a pick-up truck, the system may include two roof-mountable base tubes interconnected with a connecting plate so that longitudinal axes of the base tubes are separated by a distance that exceeds a width of the cargo to be secured. Securing members concentric with and slidably engaged with the base tubes may be selectively enclosed within the base tubes or partially extended from the base tubes to positions at sides of the cargo to be secured. Contact arms may be pivotally coupled to ends of the securing members and rotationally positionable to interconnect the securing members with the cargo to be secured.
US09302601B2

A vehicle seat having at least one cushion element including a foam layer (1, 1′), a cover (2) and a massage device (3), wherein the massage device (3) includes one or more fluid fillable, hollow elements (3a) that are located in open recesses (1a, 1a′) of the cushion elements (1, 1′) facing the cover (2) and are designed such that when filled with fluid, the mechanical expansion of the hollow elements (3) that effect the massaging force on the vehicle seat occupant expands toward the cover (2) and is supported by a support element (4) in a direction that faces away from the cover (2), and wherein the support element (4) is arranged such that it introduces the mechanical force resulting from the expansion of the hollow element (3a) and pointing away from the cover (2) into the at least one (1) and/or both the cushion elements (1, 1′).
US09302600B2

A seat assembly comprises a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement between an upright seating position and a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion. A support bracket is coupled to the seat cushion for mounting the seat assembly to the floor of a vehicle. A pair of front legs extends between a first end pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and an opposite second end pivotally coupled to the support bracket. A pair of rear legs extends between a first end pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and an opposite second end pivotally coupled to the support bracket. A linkage mechanism is operatively coupled between the front legs and the rear legs for actuating rotation of the seat assembly between a seating position spaced above the vehicle floor and a stow position recessed within below the floor.
US09302590B2

The present invention answers the need for the existence of a network for charging electric vehicles (EV), particularly with regard to the so-called fast charging (20 to 30 minutes). Therefore, this station is intended for, inter alia, parking areas of public and private buildings, and fossil fuels service stations, such places where the slow charging is not very viable, since this type of charging (6 to 8 hours) will be done mostly at night. The present invention envisages the charging of EVs within a short period of time and with the particularity of being renewable energy produced on site, being possible to produce in one place the electrical energy necessary do power the EVs, since it includes structures of photovoltaic panels and equipment for the transformation of energy and the fast charging of the existing DC batteries in the EVs.
US09302588B2

A vehicle is provided with an electric machine and a storage device. The electric machine is configured to provide drive torque and the storage device is configured to supply power to the electric machine. The vehicle includes a variable voltage converter (VVC) that is connected between the storage device and the electric machine. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to receive input indicative of a VVC input current and a VVC output voltage. The controller is further configured to selectively disable drive torque responsive to the input.
US09302587B2

An instrumentation gauge for a vehicle includes a single piece light guide divided into multiple sections by an opaque light guide insert. The single piece light guide includes at least one telltale graphic printed on a surface of the light guide in each of the light guide sections. When light is communicated into a given section of the light guide, the light scatters on the telltale graphic causing the graphic to be illuminated and distinguishable from a same or similar colored background.
US09302584B2

A user device may be used to prevent a driver of a vehicle from driving while drowsy. The user device may create a driver profile for the driver and collect driving data while the driver is driving the vehicle. The driver profile may include information regarding the driver's propensity to drive while drowsy and the driving data may include information regarding whether the driver is exhibiting drowsy behaviors and how long the driver has been driving continuously. The user device may determine whether the driver is drowsy based on the driver profile and the driving data, and may respond in one or more ways, such as by altering the driver with an audio signal, providing the driver with a map to a nearby rest area, activating a braking system of the vehicle, warning nearby drivers about the driver being drowsy, contacting a parent or guardian of the driver, etc.
US09302582B2

A display system for a work vehicle includes a rotation speed display section for selectively displaying an engine rotation speed or a PTO rotation speed in a same display area, a display selection switch for outputting a display selection command, a discrimination display section for displaying a discrimination object for discriminating which of the engine rotation speed and the PTO rotation speed is being displayed and a display control section for selectively providing an engine rotation speed display signal or a PTO rotation speed display signal to the rotation speed display section based on the display selection command and providing the discrimination display section with a display signal for the discrimination object based on the display selection command.
US09302573B2

A vehicle is provided including a battery pack with an exhaust port, an air extractor spaced away from the exhaust port, and other vehicle components. A cargo tub and one or more trim panels are arranged to define a duct spanning from the exhaust port, across the vehicle and to an air extractor spaced away from the exhaust port. Air flows along the duct en route to outside the vehicle via the air extractor. The vehicle may also include a cabin and an inlet to the cabin spaced away from the exhaust port. The cargo tub and one or more trim panels may also be arranged to define a recirculation path from the duct to the inlet such that a portion of the air exiting the exhaust port flows along the recirculation path to the cabin via the inlet.
US09302572B2

The present invention includes a durable, weather resistant, and light weight apparatus for covering a vehicle and providing protection from objects that might strike and damage the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. The object of this invention is to provide a vehicle cover which covers both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of a vehicle, which can deployed by a single person, folded for easy deployment, retrieval and storage, and which can be stretched or compressed to fit various sizes of automobiles while maintaining its protective effectiveness.
US09302571B2

A vehicle sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel adapted to open and close an opening formed on a roof of a vehicle; a guide rail disposed in each edge portion of the opening in a width direction and extending in a longitudinal direction; a slide member linked to each edge portion of the movable panel, being movable along the guide rail, and driven to move by an electrical driving source; a check mechanism regulating a movement of the movable panel; a first member supported by one of each edge portion of the movable panel in the width direction and the slide member; and a second member supported by the other of each edge portion of the movable panel in the width direction and the slide member so as to be pivotally movable around an axis extending in the longitudinal direction.
US09302560B2

A stabilizer link apparatus may include ball studs having balls at terminals thereof, a link having ball sockets at upper and lower ends thereof, the balls being rotatably accommodated in the ball sockets, dust covers assembled between circumferences of the ball sockets and middle sections of the ball studs, the dust covers preventing impurities from invading the ball sockets, and friction-providing unit engaged between the ball stud and the link, wherein the friction-providing unit provide predetermined amounts of rotating frictional resistance to the ball studs when the ball studs rotate with respect to the link such that the rotating frictional resistance of the ball stud at the lower end of the link is greater than the rotating frictional resistance of the ball stud at the upper end of the link.
US09302558B2

An adjustment device of an auxiliary carry device connected to a baby stroller includes an expanding unit and a folding unit. The folding unit is connected to a board. The expanding unit has two cables, two links and a base. The two cables are connected to the baby stroller, and the two links are connected between the cables and the base connected to the board. The expanding unit makes the two links simultaneously be pivoted away from or toward each other. The folding unit is connected between the board and the expanding unit to pivot the base. The board is pivoted relative to the baby stroller to save space, and the cables provide cushion feature to the board.
US09302556B2

An air maintenance tire and air pump assembly includes a sidewall and a tire cavity for maintaining pressure; an elongate tubular air passageway enclosed within a flexing region of the sidewall, air passageway, the air passageway operably closing segment by segment in reaction to induced forces from the tire flexing region as the flexing region of the tire wall rotates adjacent a rolling tire footprint, the elongate air passageway having at least one check valve device seated within the axial air passageway; and a relief valve assembly comprising a chamber body, a valve, a piston, and a silicone ring, the valve having a valve body and a valve head, the valve head, deforming to release over-pressurized air from the tire cavity to atmosphere.
US09302555B2

Provided are a tire pressure detecting module that simply identifies a position of a tire detecting module to automatically assign the position of the tire detecting module and a tire pressure detecting system including the same. The tire pressure detecting module includes a phase angle sensor detecting a phase angle of a wheel, a pressure detecting sensor detecting a pressure and temperature of a tire, a pressure detecting control unit selecting one transmission pattern of a plurality of transmission patterns, in which phase angle numbers are arranged, to calculate a standby time taken until a phase angle number of the selected transmission pattern and the detected phase angle of the wheel match each other, and a pressure detecting transmission part transmitting tire information including the pressure or temperature detected according to the selected transmission pattern, transmission pattern information that is information with respect to the selected transmission pattern, and the standby time.
US09302553B2

A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion provided with a pair of center main grooves and a pair of shoulder main grooves to define a center portion, a pair of middle portions, and a pair of shoulder portions. The shoulder main grooves extend in a trapezoid wave manner that includes a circumferentially extending axially outer part, an axially inner part arranged axially inwardly of the axially outer part, and an inclined part connecting between the axially outer and inner parts. The shoulder portion is provided with shoulder lateral grooves extending from the shoulder main groove to a tread edge to define a plurality of shoulder blocks. Each shoulder lateral groove has its axially inner end connected to the axially outer part of the shoulder main groove so as to include an outer corner point between the axially outer part and the inclined part.
US09302548B2

A pneumatic tire comprises an asymmetric tread pattern with a designated install direction to a vehicle having an outboard tread edges, the tread pattern having an outboard tread portion between the outboard tread edge and a tire equator and provided with an outer main groove, the outer main groove having a cross section comprising a bottom with a depth of 5.5 to 6.5 mm, and axially inner and outer groove walls each extending from the bottom to a tread contact surface, respectively, at least one of groove walls having a stepwise shape comprising a radially inner portion extending from the bottom with a height of 2.0 to 4.0 mm, an axially extending stepped portion extending from the radially inner portion with a length of 0.75 to 1.25 mm, and a radially outer portion between the stepped portion and the tread contact surface.
US09302547B2

A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion divided by three circumferentially continuously extending main grooves into two crown land portions and two shoulder land portions. The axial width W2 of the shoulder land portion is 1.15 to 2.0 times the axial width W1 of the crown land portion. Crown axial grooves disposed in the crown land portions have a groove width of at most 2 mm and are inclined to the opposite direction to the inclining direction of the radially outermost belt ply cords. Shoulder axial grooves disposed in the shoulder land portions are inclined to the same direction as the inclining direction of the radially outermost belt ply cords. Each of the shoulder axial grooves is not connected to the main groove or alternatively connected to the main groove through a narrow part having a width of 1.2 mm or less.
US09302542B2

A quick attachment arm for securing to an elevated and structurally supporting location. A multi-sided and compressible band is constructed of a spring-loaded material. The band is open at its outer end and adapted to permit the band to be attached around a perimeter of the supporting location. An elongated arm is pivotally supported to and extending from the band, the arm adapted to supporting a weighted article placed thereupon.
US09302539B2

A wheel assembly including a rigid wheel having a radially outer rim wall presenting a polygonal shape with a plurality of outermost vertices connecting a plurality of planar faces, and a flexible tire mounted on the outer rim wall. The planar faces of the rigid wheel each have a spacer positioned thereon. The tire is supported by the vertices of the rim wall and is separated from the rim faces by a space, portions of the tire located between the vertices being configured to flex inwardly when subject to ground engaging pressure, the spacers configured to limit the amount of inward flex of the portions of the tire between the vertices.
US09302537B2

A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rim having a noise suppression device. The rim includes an outer radial surface that is concentrically disposed about a central axis. A tire is mounted to the rim to define a tire cavity between the outer radial surface of the rim and an interior surface of the tire. The noise suppression device includes a device wall that defines at least one resonator chamber, and includes a plurality of apertures allowing fluid communication between the tire cavity and the resonator chamber, with each of the plurality of apertures defining an opening area between the range of 0.03 mm2 and 0.8 mm2.
US09302532B2

A spoked wheel includes a rim, at least one spoke and at least one sealing sticker. The rim includes a spoke bed wall with at least one spoke hole therein, a pair of tire-holding flanges extending from opposite edges of the spoke bed wall, a base wall located radially inboard from the spoke bed wall and connected to the flanges. The base wall has an opening corresponding to the spoke hole of the spoke bed wall. The spoke has a nipple portion inserted in the spoke hole of the spoke bed wall of the rim, and a shank portion extending from the nipple portion and through the opening of the base wall of the rim. The sealing sticker is provided to seal the opening of the base wall of the rim and close any gap between the opening of the base wall and the shank portion of the spoke.
US09302527B2

A reversible notebook combines the features of accordion-folded pages and unique string binding. The accordion-folded pages allow for the continuous presentation of text or images with no area lost to bound margins. This is ideal for small presentations such as a portfolio of business cards. As another advantage, the notebook has uniform thickness rather than being thicker at one spine than the other. The string binding allows the notebook to be opened at either spine while the other spine remains secured closed. In conjunction with the accordion fold, this allows for presentation of two different sequences of content. The notebook may be large enough to use as a journal or album. For larger implementations, magnets or locks may be used to further secure one or both spines.
US09302525B2

A recording medium including a first resin layer, a porous undercoating layer and a first ink-receiving layer provided in this order on one surface of a base and including a second resin layer and a second ink-receiving layer provided in this order on the other surface of the base, wherein 60° specular glossinesses of a surface of the first resin layer closer to the first ink-receiving layer and a surface of the second resin layer closer to the second ink-receiving layer are each 65% or more, and the porous undercoating layer has a thickness of 3 μm or less.
US09302520B2

A stamp face forming device, including: a stamp face forming unit that forms a stamp face on a stamp material while pressing the stamp material held on a stamp material holder; a conveying unit that causes the stamp material holder to move relative to the stamp face forming unit; and a support unit that supports the stamp material holder in order to prevent tilting of the stamp material holder with respect to a conveyance path for the stamp material holder of the stamp face forming unit, at least when the stamp face is being formed.
US09302516B2

A liquid jetting apparatus includes a casing, a tank formed with a liquid storage chamber which stores liquid, an inlet which allows the liquid to be poured into the liquid storage chamber, and a liquid outflow channel which allows the liquid to flow out from the liquid storage chamber, a conveying mechanism which conveys a recording medium along a conveying path extending in a front-rear direction, a carriage which moves in a left-right direction, and a head mounted on the carriage and having a nozzle which jets the liquid onto the recording medium conveyed by the conveying mechanism. The tank, the conveying path, and the carriage are arranged inside the casing, the tank is arranged outside the conveying path in the left-right direction, and at least a part of the tank is arranged inside both ends of a movement area of the carriage in the left-right direction.
US09302508B2

A print apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a print medium over a plurality of convexities that are arranged along a direction of scanning and the control unit. When one end position of the print medium has been detected by a detection unit, in a case where the one end position is a position that overlaps with position of the convexities stored in a storage unit, the control unit is configured to control a detection of the other end position of the print medium and determine the one end position on the basis of the other end position.
US09302502B2

A recording apparatus has a recording head capable of performing recording by discharging an aqueous ink to a target recording medium, a drying portion which dries the aqueous ink recorded on the target recording medium by the recording head, a collecting portion which collects vapor at least containing water evaporated from the aqueous ink by the drying portion, a heating and compressing portion of heating and compressing the vapor collected by the collecting portion, and an ejecting portion of ejecting the vapor heated and compressed by the heating and compressing portion to the target recording medium on which recording is performed.
US09302500B2

Sealed cards and methods for producing the same are described. An example apparatus includes a first layer including a first side and a second side. The apparatus also includes a second layer an inner portion and an outer portion. The second side of the first layer is coupled to the inner portion of the second layer, the first side covers the inner portion of the second layer, and the first side is to be coupled to a surface to conceal the second layer by the first layer until removal thereof.
US09302492B2

According to one embodiment, a first conveying path to form a conveying path from the sheet supply portion toward the ejector, a reader arranged on the first conveying path to read an image on a surface of the sheet, an erasure to erase the image on the sheet formed with image erasable material, a switching portion arranged on the first conveying path at a downstream side of the reader in a sheet conveying direction to switch the sheet conveying direction to a direction of the ejector or a direction of the erasure, and a second conveying path having the erasure which, at a position where the switching portion is arranged, branches from the first conveying path at the downstream side of the reader and merges with the first conveying path at a meeting point between the sheet supply portion and the reader.
US09302490B2

White-balance is improved when printing on colored media, while minimizing the time and use of costly materials required by present approaches. In an embodiment, the typical solid white fill or background layer is altered by including in the white layer one or more of the other colors already available in the printer to shade this layer. Thus, a small amount of cyan, for example, helps balance a pink-ish (red) media; yellow is used for blue media; and magenta is used for green media; as well as combinations thereof. A combination of transparent process inks and opaque white helps to maintain brightness (luminosity).
US09302482B2

An inkjet printing device allows separation of ink solvent liquefied in an exhaust passage from exhaust gas, and prevents the separated exhaust gas from contaminating the inside of the print head. When ink fed from a container is jetted from a printing nozzle, ink that has not been used for the printing is drawn by a gutter along with air and collected in the container. Air mixed with the ink solvent and collected is discharged as exhaust gas into an exhaust passage from the container. The ink solvent that has been liquefied in the exhaust passage is separated from the gas by retaining the liquid using capillary action in a gas-liquid separator, and the separated liquefied ink solvent is collected. The trace amount of the ink solvent leaking on the exhaust side of the gas-liquid separator is prevented from dripping into the print head by a drip prevention unit.
US09302481B2

A silicon nozzle plate has excellent liquid resistance on an inner surface of a nozzle opening and a discharge surface. A plurality of the nozzle openings are disposed in a silicon substrate of the nozzle plate. A tantalum oxide film formed by atomic layer deposition is disposed on both surfaces of the silicon substrate and the inner surface of the nozzle opening.
US09302472B1

A printer includes a printhead configured to eject high viscosity material and refill a manifold in the printhead with high viscosity material. The printhead includes a layer having an opening to form a reservoir to hold a volume of a high viscosity material and at least one member positioned within the receptacle formed by the opening in the layer. The at least one member has an electroactive element mounted to the member, and an electrical signal generator is electrically connected to the electroactive element. A controller operates the electrical signal generator to activate selectively the electroactive element with a first electrical signal to move the at least one member and thin the high viscosity material adjacent the at least one member to enable the thinned material to move away from the at least one member.
US09302466B2

Provided are an ink composition usable in a solar battery manufacturing process, a method of forming a pattern using the ink composition, an insulation film formed of the ink composition, and an etching mask formed of the ink composition. The ink composition includes: a) a polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond; b) a fluorinated surfactant; and c) a solvent, wherein the ink composition has a solid content of 45 parts by weight to 99.99 parts by weight.
US09302456B2

A method of producing a panel for lining or cladding an aircraft interior, such as an aircraft cargo hold includes arranging at least one resin layer of a thermo-plastic polymer and at least one reinforcement layer of reinforcement fibers upon one another in a stack, wherein each resin layer extends adjacent and/or substantially parallel to each reinforcement layer; and consolidating the stack to form a panel by applying heat and pressure to the stack. The pressure is applied to the stack in a direction substantially perpendicular to a primary plane of the layers. The pressure is applied to the stack in a non-constant distribution over the primary plane. A corresponding panel for lining or cladding an aircraft interior, such as a cargo hold is also described.
US09302449B2

Provided is a hot dip zinc (Zn) alloy plated steel sheet having excellent corrosion resistance and surface qualities, and a method of manufacturing the same. For this purpose, provided is a high corrosion resistant hot dip Zn alloy plated steel sheet which includes an underlying steel sheet and a hot dip Zn alloy plating layer, wherein a composition of the hot dip Zn alloy plating layer includes 1 to 3 wt % of aluminum (Al), 1.5 to 4.0 wt % of magnesium (Mg), and Zn and unavoidable impurities as a remainder, in which Al+Mg is in a range of 2.5 to 7.0 wt % and Al: (Al+Mg) ratio is in a range of 0.38 to 0.48, and a method of manufacturing the high corrosion resistant hot dip Zn alloy plated steel sheet.
US09302444B1

A label folding apparatus and methods for its use are disclosed. Such a label folding apparatus comprises a label folding assembly and a label holding assembly, and may be used to fold a foldable label placed onto the label holding assembly.
US09302442B2

A tab system for a folder (10a), and a method of making same is disclosed. The tab is enlarged to carry more information/indicia. The visual indicia space(16a), i.e. the viewable space on the front (32a, 36a) of the folder which allows viewing of the enlarged tab is achieve without violating the overall size restrictions (40a) of the file folder. Instead, the front of the folder adjacent to the tab on the back panel, is cut away (32a,34a) to expose a greater portion of the back panel (14a) and allow an increase in visual indicia space. The remaining portion of the front panel, not adjacent to the tab may also be cut away (34a) to allow other enlarged tab files, with offset tabs,(22d, 21a) to be viewable behind the present file.
US09302438B2

Method for producing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories and having a wall made of plastic made in a single piece by moulding a split parison or a parison in at least two parts, said method comprising the following steps: a) the parison is introduced in the heat-softened state into a mould comprising dies; b) a core on which the accessories are placed is introduced inside the parison; c) the parison is pressed onto the dies of the mould; d) the accessories are fastened to the parison with the aid of the core in an ideal layout; e) the core is withdrawn and the mould is closed; f) the tank is moulded from the parison; and g) the tank is removed from the mould.
US09302421B2

A blow molding system having a blow molding station with at least one mold assembly and method for forming a filled container therewith. The blow molding station including at least one blow nozzle coupled to a source of blowing medium and configured to discharge the blowing medium into the preform to simultaneously form and fill a container with the blowing medium, wherein the blowing medium is the product to be contained within the container. A blow-off nozzle is provided and oriented in a direction to discharge a stream of cleaning medium at the blow nozzle causing residual blowing medium to be removed from the blow nozzle.
US09302417B2

In an injection molding machine, a control instruction value change unit decreases a control instruction value for each axis when a power outage is detected by a power outage detection unit and returns the control instruction value for each axis to an original value when a power recovery is detected by the power outage detection unit.
US09302415B2

There is provided an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography, comprising a column and end-fittings embedded in a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The system may further comprise an electrospray emitter directly connected with the outlet of the column, wherein a substantial part of the emitter is covered with the polymer material. There is also provided a method by which a separation column along with the accompanying end fittings for connection with adjacent liquid conduits is embedded in a polymer matrix. This configuration e.g. ensures that the factory-made, correct attachment of the fittings to the column is preserved (since the matrix prevents further user intervention, accidental or otherwise). Accordingly, the responsibility for the correct attachment of the fittings is shifted from the end user to the manufacturer.
US09302411B2

A stone saw for sawing drilling samples. The stone saw includes a rotation axle provided with an axial flushing channel. On the rotation axle a circular blade is arranged. On at least one side of the circular blade is a blade flange, which includes several spray openings that are connected to the flushing channel of the rotation axle. Flushing fluid may then be sprayed on a sawing site.
US09302396B2

An apparatus for the automated handling of workpieces comprising an object recognition device for detecting the workpiece and a gripper arranged at a gripping arm for picking the workpieces and a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for track planning and for controlling the gripping arm and the gripper and comprising a compensation unit which allows an evasion movement of the gripper, wherein the compensation unit only allows an evasion movement of the gripper on the exceeding of a predefined first load of the gripping arm and remains rigid below the first load, wherein the first load is larger than a load exerted on the gripping arm solely by the gripper and/or the picked workpiece.
US09302395B2

A robot system according to an aspect of the embodiments includes a plurality of work holding units and a heat insulating member. The work holding units each hold a work to be conveyed on one surface and are arranged vertically one over another in some cases during conveying of the work. The heat insulating member is provided on another surface side of at least one of the work holding units.
US09302393B1

The disclosed Auditory RRC-Humanoid Robot equipped with a verbal-phoneme sound generator is a computer-based system programmed to reach high levels of human-like verbal-AI. Behavioral programming techniques are used to reach human-like levels of identification-AI, recognition-AI, and comprehension-AI of all the words and sentences presented to the robot as verbal input signals. An innovative behavioral speech processing methodology is used to recognize and repeat the acoustic sequential set of phoneme signals that comprise the verbally generated speech of human speakers. The recognized and repeated sequential set of phoneme signals are then mapped onto a unique phonetic structure such as all the words and clauses listed in a 50,000 word lexicon that may then make up the vocabulary of the RRC-Robot. The system is programmed to hear and understand verbal speech with its auditory sensors, and intelligently responds by verbally talking with its verbal-phoneme sound generator.
US09302391B2

An object gripping apparatus includes an image capturing unit for capturing a region including a plurality of works, an obtaining unit for obtaining distance information of the region, a measurement unit for measuring three-dimensional positions/orientations of a plurality of gripping-candidate works out of the plurality of works based on the image and distance information, thereby generating three-dimensional position/orientation information, a selection unit for selecting a gripping-target work based on the three-dimensional position/orientation information, a gripping unit for gripping the gripping-target work, and an updating unit for updating the three-dimensional position/orientation information by measuring three-dimensional positions/orientations of the gripping-candidate works at a time interval during gripping of the gripping-target work. When the gripping ends, the next gripping-target work is selected based on the updated three-dimensional position/orientation information of the gripping-candidate works.
US09302378B2

An assembly tool for inserting a slide ring or counter ring of a slide ring seal, in particular a running gear seal, cooperating with an elastic sealing body into an associated housing part, the assembly tool including a number of clamping elements formed as arcuate segments and an assembly O-ring, wherein the clamping elements engage around the slide ring or counter ring, and around the sealing body and the assembly O-ring in a manner that corresponds to the circumferential length thereof, and the clamping elements are advanceable in the direction of the housing part in order to mount the sealing body within this housing part.
US09302375B2

Rotationally symmetrical force-application means with, as viewed axially, a star-shaped outer contour or inner contour, for connecting elements, wherein the individual arms of the star are designed as pointed arcs, of which the outer points lie on a common outer circle, wherein an associated counterpart, in particular a bit, insert or screw head, has a mating contour which is adapted to the contour of the force-application means such that the radii of the flanks of the force-application means and the counterpart end up butting against one another in such a manner as to achieve a planar pressing surface.
US09302354B2

A process of setting stone in jewelry by using computer aided numerically controlled (CNC) system. Precious metal is cut and bent around stone using CNC machine. The process exploits capability of CNC machine by achieving gradual and consistent bending which results in minimum residual stress in precious metal and eliminates possibility of damage to stone.
US09302348B2

Systems and methods for performing ultrafast laser annealing in a manner that reduces pattern density effects in integrated circuit manufacturing are disclosed. The method includes scanning at least one first laser beam over the patterned surface of a substrate. The at least one first laser beam is configured to heat the patterned surface to a non-melt temperature Tnonmelt that is within about 400° C. of the melt temperature Tmelt. The method also includes scanning at least one second laser beam over the patterned surface and relative to the first laser beam. The at least one second laser beam is pulsed and is configured to heat the patterned surface from the non-melt temperature provided by the at least one first laser beam up to the melt temperature.
US09302343B2

Friction stir spot-welding is performed to join together a stack of a plurality of metal foils and a metal sheet by using a double-acting type rotary tool including a hollow member and a pin member which are movable independently of each other in their axial directions, and a clamp member which is fitted on an outer circumferential surface of the hollow member and which is movable in its axial direction. While an outer annular part of a portion to be friction-stirred is pressed with the clamp member, the pin member is inserted into the above-described portion and the hollow member is retracted, whereby a metal mass is accommodated within a space formed between the above-described portion and the hollow member. Then, the hollow member is advanced to press the metal mass into a hole formed by retraction of the pin member, whereby the hole is filled with the metal mass.
US09302331B1

An inexpensive shop tool attachment for forming a set of precisely aligned holes in a work pierce where the shop tool attachment mounts to and receives power and mobility from the shop tool.
US09302318B2

A device and a method of using the device for construction of baffles that may be used in suppressors or solvent traps for firearms out of metal cups sold as engine block freeze plugs. The device has a bottom die, a top die and an alignment cylinder. The metal cup is transformed into a baffle by placing the metal cup on the bottom die, placing the bottom die inside the alignment cylinder, placing the top die inside the alignment cylinder, and applying compressive forces to the bottom die and top die. A hole may be drilled in the center of the baffle by placing a drill bit into a top die center hole completely penetrating through the top die and coaxial thereto, and drilling through the baffle, the drill bit passing into a bottom die center hole penetrating at least partially into the bottom die and coaxial thereto.
US09302313B2

The structure of a tube expander has a ring and a bearing in the body thereof. An axle goes through the body. A driving head is connected to the axle on the body. The bottom of the axle has a guiding pin and a tapered head. The driving head has an external thread so that it can be rotated into the internal thread of the ring or rotated in the opposite direction out of the internal thread. A compressible elastic element is disposed inside the body and mounted on the axle. The top end of the compressible elastic element urges against the bottom of the ring. The bottom of the compressible elastic element pushes the guiding pin downward so that the external thread becomes idle after being completely rotated out of the internal thread.
US09302308B2

In some aspects, a tool cartridge for detachably holding tool parts includes a cartridge base body, a punch holder configured to detachably hold a processing punch, and a die holder configured to detachably hold a processing die. The punch holder and the die holder project from a front side of the cartridge base body and are arranged one above another to form an intervening space. The cartridge base body is defined along a rear side that is opposite from free ends of the punch holder and the die holder by a base body rear wall. The base body rear wall defines, within the intervening space, a wall opening that is open for receiving a third tool part holder. A base-body-side fastening device is provided on the cartridge base body, by which the third tool part holder received in the wall opening is connected to the cartridge base body.
US09302295B2

A method of sorting mailpieces, in which the mailpieces are sorted automatically in a sorting system with a view to being delivered to a recipient by a mail carrier, and are fed back into a sorting machine for additional sorting in order to re-sequence the mailpieces in a certain classification established by the recipient. This method is characterized by the following steps: the sorting system transmitting to the recipient digital images corresponding to respective ones of the mailpieces to be delivered to said recipient, these digital images being associated in the transmission with the unique mailpiece identifiers (Id tags) generated by the sorting system, with a view to said unique mailpiece identifiers being reorganized relative to one another by the recipient into an order that defines said classification; and controlling the sorting machine so that it performs the additional sorting of said mailpieces on the basis of said unique mailpiece identifiers as reorganized into said classification established by the recipient.
US09302294B2

A cobalt coincidence radioactivity detector is used to separate radioactive concrete dust from uncontaminated dust resulting from dismantling a nuclear power plant. A suction air stream carries the dust through a vacuum line to a cyclone segregator. The dust falls into a smaller first container from the segregator, and the detector detects radioactivity in the filled first container. The dust is transferred from the first container to a second container if the detected radioactivity exceeds a predetermined threshold. The dust is transferred from the first container to a third container if the detected radioactivity does not exceed the predetermined threshold. A filter collects the dust carried past the segregator by the suction air stream. If the radioactivity detected in the dust that collects on the filter exceeds the predetermined threshold, the dust in the first container is transferred to the second container before the first container is allowed to fill.
US09302283B2

A sprayer system having a sprayer assembly adaptable to a variety of sizes and shapes of containers. The sprayer assembly includes a dual venturi in the flow conduit to provide even pressure and consistent flow in the spray volume. A metering device is coupled to the flow conduit for accurate and reliable regulation of mixture ratios. A dip tube, coupled to the fluid conduit, is adaptable to a variety of container orifices. In addition to acting as a conduit for passage of concentrate into the sprayer assembly, the dip tube may also be used as a cutting device to open the container into which it will be inserted. By adapting to a variety of container orifices, the dip tube allows the sprayer assembly to fit to a variety of containers.
US09302279B2

The invention relates to nozzle arrangement (1) for edge strip applying device for supplying hot air to an edge strip (2) which is adhesive-free and heat activateable, with nozzle body (3) with air inlet channel (20, 21) connectable to hot air generator to feed pressurized hot air to nozzle body (3), at least two groups (4a, 4b, 4c) of air outlet openings (40), wherein the air outlet openings (40) are formed on air outlet surface (30) of nozzle body (3) at distance from one another in vertical direction, the outlet surface facing edge strip (2), and fluidically connected to at least one air inlet channel (20, 21) such that two groups (4a, 4b, 4c) are spaced from one another in advancing direction of edge strip (2) and hot air fed to the nozzle body (3) discharges out of the air openings (4) and supplied to edge strip (2) functional layer.
US09302276B2

A particle separation device includes a particle separation member having a plurality of conical cavities each having a narrow open end and a wide open end for separating particles from unclean liquid; a fluid distribution member for distributing the liquid to the cavities; a particle collection member for collecting particles; and a fluid guiding member for guiding cleaned liquid from the particle separation member to an outlet of the device. The particle collection member includes a chamber and a magnet for holding particles inside the chamber. A vortex finder is disposed in each of the cavities. The vortex finder has a skirt portion and a distal end having a reduced wall thickness.
US09302270B2

An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed. The apparatus may take the form of a filter, a conveyor belt or an impeller to be used in a processor to collect mineral particles in the slurry, or in a tailings pond to collect mineral particles in the tailings. The filter, conveyor belt or impeller has a collection area made of or coated with a synthetic material having a functional group, either anionic or cationic to attach to the mineral particles. Alternatively, the synthetic material has hydrophobic molecules to render the collection area hydrophobic. When the mineral particles in the slurry or tailings are combined with collector molecules, the mineral particles also become hydrophobic. The hydrophobic mineral particles are attracted to the hydrophobic collection area. The filter, conveyor belt and impeller may have a plurality of passage ways in order to increase the contacting surfaces.
US09302265B2

An inlet valve charges an inner chamber with liquid and has a first axis and an inlet opening with a tool that automatically recloses. The inlet valve has a valve body with a blocking element, and a pressing part; a valve space enclosing the valve body at least partly; a spring mechanism and a sealing element. An open passage region opens into the liquid passage of the pressing part and into the valve space. The spring mechanism presses a sealing surface of the blocking element against the sealing element in a closed position of the valve body. The valve body of the inlet valve can be brought to an open position by pressing the pressing part against the resistance of the spring mechanism. Chamber systems and sample containers with such inlet valves are also disclosed.
US09302264B2

Methods, devices, systems, and kits useful for the collection and analysis of samples obtained by swabs are disclosed. Swab containers configured for receiving a swab containing a sample; cartridges for holding one or more of: a swab container, a swab, assay units, pipette tips, vessels, transport units, and implements; systems (which may include a sample processing device); kits; and methods for their use are disclosed. A swab container may include an entry port; an assay chamber having an assay port; a conduit comprising an interior channel connecting the entry port; and an interior channel providing fluidic communication between the entry port and assay chamber. An interior channel may be configured to squeeze a portion of a swab placed in or through the conduit. A cartridge may include a cartridge frame configured to receive one or more of swab containers, assay units, transport units, pipette tips, vessels or implements.
US09302263B2

This invention relates to microfluidics apparatus and methods for particle concentration in sensors for sensing biological entities such as cells, spores and the like. We describe a microfluidic sensor for sensing biological particles including a particle concentration device for performing concentration of particles in three dimensions. The sensor device comprises a substrate bearing a microfluidic channel or chamber for carrying a conductive fluid bearing the particles. The channel has: first and second electrodes spaced apart on the channel or chamber for defining an electric field therebetween, and a sensing surface on an inner surface of the channel or chamber. The particle concentration device comprises means for applying an ac voltage across the electrodes to perform simultaneously: i) electrohydrodynamic generation of a convection current flow in the fluid; and ii) 3D concentration of the particles in said fluid by dielectrophoretic attraction or repulsion of the particles towards or away from a region of increased electric field, to increase a concentration of the particles at sensing surface of said sensor.
US09302253B2

Process for the co-production of acetic acid and dimethyl ether products from a mixture of methanol and methyl acetate by contacting the mixture at a temperature from 200 to 260° C., with a catalyst composition containing a zeolite possessing a 2-dimensional channel system. The catalyst system contains at least one channel having a 10-membered ring and a silica:alumina molar ratio of at least 22:1.
US09302252B2

The method of obtaining the CMK-3-type carbon replica, consisting of the introduction of SBA-15-type molecular sieve to a mixture of furfuryl alcohol and a solvent, the subsequent polycondensation of furfuryl alcohol, carbonization of the prepared, composite and removal of the hard template, according to the invention, is characterized in that the reaction of furfuryl alcohol polycondensation is carried out by the precipitation method in a slurry containing SBA-15 silica sieve, water, furfuryl alcohol and concentrated solution of hydrochloric acid in mass ratios, respectively, in the range from 1.00:32.33:1.00:6.65 to 1.00:30.83:2.50:16.64, whereas the ratio of the total mass of furfuryl alcohol and water to the mass of SBA-15 as well as the mass ratio of the concentrated HCl solution to the mass of furfuryl alcohol are kept at the constant value every time.
US09302246B2

Activated carbon having a low contact pH and their use in the purification of water, as well as methods for making such low contact pH activated carbon and filters and methods for purifying water are described herein. The methods for preparing such low contact pH activated carbons provides an effective and less costly means for preparing activated carbons for purification processes.
US09302245B2

The invention relates to an apparatus for continuously carrying out heterogeneously catalyzed chemical reactions, comprising a microwave-transparent tube, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the direction of propagation of the microwaves of a single-mode microwave applicator and which is filled with an open-cell foam that carries or is made of catalytically active species.
US09302243B2

A continuous reaction micro-reactor of modular structure comprises, arranged along a back-to-front stacking axis thereof, a first frame means, a reaction unit, and a second frame means, wherein said reaction unit comprises a process fluid channel system for continuous reaction of a plurality of feeds or reactants flowing into said reaction unit to form at least one product flowing out of said reaction unit, and a heat exchange fluid channel system for adjusting the temperature environment of said process fluid channel system, said first and second frame means are each formed as a flange, and said first and second frame means are alpressed towards each other by a plurality of tensioning means arranged along and within an outer circumference of said first and second frame means and enclosing said reaction unit.
US09302239B2

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a gas-liquid circulating type gas hydrate reactor, includes: a reactor body configured to be supplied with gas and water to generate a gas hydrate; and a bubble generator configured to be disposed around a lower portion of the reactor body, wherein the gas supplied from the lower portion of the reactor body is jetted into the reactor body through the bubble generator. The gas-liquid circulating type gas hydrate reactor in accordance with the present invention makes it possible to jet gas at a high speed by using the bubble generator disposed at the low portion of the reactor body so as to promote the reaction of water and gas which are accommodated in the reactor body while forming a water stream at the lower portion of the reactor body that enables a smooth agitation of the water and the gas.
US09302227B2

A membrane separation assembly that includes an integrated filter element and at least one membrane module housed within a first vessel and a second vessel containing at least one membrane module, which is stacked or aligned adjacent to the first vessel. The first vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the assembly, and gases to flow to and through the membrane modules of the first vessel and the membrane modules of the second vessel, which are ultimately withdrawn from the assembly. The assembly is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.
US09302222B2

Disclosed is a method and system for reducing the nitrogen oxide off-gas concentration in a nitric acid plant operated under pressure and equipped with a residual gas purification first reactor configured to remove nitrogen oxides from the off-gas during steady-state operation of the plant, and a second reactor configured to remove nitrogen oxides from the off-gas during a start-up and/or shut down of the plant. The method includes, during start-up and/or shut-down of the nitric acid plant, passing pressurized nitrogen-oxide-containing off-gas from the nitric acid plant and a gaseous reducing agent for the nitrogen oxides into the second reactor charged with a catalyst, to reduce the NOx content in the off-gas by at least catalytic reduction. Using the process and system, a colorless start-up and shut-down of nitric acid plants is possible and the nitrogen oxide content in the off-gas during start-up and/or shutdown can be substantially lowered.
US09302221B2

The invention relates to a method for upgrading a gas by separation of carbon dioxide therefrom, which method comprises the steps of introducing a stream of gas to a wet bed of ion exchange resin, and desorbing the adsorbed carbon dioxide from the resin by increasing the temperature and/or lowering the pressure in said wet bed.
US09302217B2

The invention is directed to a treatment fluid comprising electrolyzed water and an amine, and methods for producing and using same in the treatment of a gas or liquid containing a contaminant such as an acid gas or a sulphur compound.
US09302208B2

Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.
US09302200B2

We provide alkylation process units, one comprising: a) a hydrogenation reactor that produces a regenerated catalyst effluent; b) a fractionation unit that separates the effluent into gas and light hydrocarbon; c) a connection between the fractionation unit for transmitting the gas to the hydrogenation reactor; and d) a connection between the fractionation unit and an alkylation reactor to transmit the light hydrocarbon to the alkylation reactor. The other comprising: a) a separator, connected between the hydrogenation reactor and a fractionation unit; that separates the effluent into gas and liquid; and wherein the fractionation unit separates a hydrocarbon stream from the liquid into a light hydrocarbon comprising a hydrogen chloride and an extracted conjunct polymer naphtha; b) a connection between the separator and the hydrogenation reactor for transmitting the gas to the hydrogenation reactor; and c) a connection between the fractionation unit and an alkylation reactor to transmit the light hydrocarbon.
US09302199B2

We provide processes, and process units for practicing the processes, comprising a. regenerating a used catalyst comprising an ionic liquid catalyst and a chloride, from an alkylation reactor, in a hydrogenation reactor to produce a regenerated catalyst effluent; b. separating at least a portion of the regenerated catalyst effluent into a gas fraction comprising a hydrogen gas and into a light hydrocarbon fraction comprising a hydrogen chloride; c. recycling at least a part of the gas fraction comprising the hydrogen gas to the hydrogenation reactor; and d. recovering at least an amount of the light hydrocarbon fraction comprising the hydrogen chloride and recycling the at least the amount of the light hydrocarbon fraction to the alkylation reactor. The alkylation process units comprise a hydrogenation reactor, a fractionation unit, and connections for transmitting the gas fraction to the hydrogenation reactor and for transmitting the light hydrocarbon fraction to the alkylation reactor.
US09302198B1

A maze construction system for fire and rescue training exercises includes a plurality of panels that are tensionably supported between a ceiling and floor. Each panel includes a pair of extendable columns that terminate with a pad for contact with a ceiling surface. A flange along at least one vertical edge of the panels permits the panels to align at their edges. The panels are quickly assembled and disassembled, and are easily reconfigured to form new maze paths without requiring additional tools.
US09302197B2

In one aspect of the present invention, a toy arrangement involving a flickering, animated and/or luminescent toy object will be described. The toy arrangement includes a toy object having a light sensitive layer. A light source is arranged to illuminate the light sensitive layer with a pattern revealing light. The light sensitive layer is arranged to emit colored light in response to exposure to the pattern revealing light. In some implementations, the light source is arranged to vary the intensity of the pattern revealing light, which in turn can cause the colored light emitted from the toy object to fade, brighten and flicker. The toy arrangement may also include a speaker that emits sounds that are synchronized with changes in the colored light.
US09302193B2

A corner booster for accelerating toy vehicles includes an entrance to which a toy vehicle enters the booster, and an exit from which the toy vehicle exits the booster. The entrance and exit are orientated so that the toy vehicle turns when traveling from the entrance to the exit. The corner booster further includes a booster member for applying a force to the toy vehicle. The force applied by the booster member increases the speed of the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle travels from the entrance to the exit. The corner booster includes a cocking mechanism that cocks the booster member with preloaded mechanical energy. The preloaded mechanical energy is used to move the booster member to apply the boosting force to the toy vehicle.
US09302189B2

A water attraction, involving a flowing body of water, for performing board-riding maneuvers is described. A water attraction according to the present invention includes an activity section adjacent a safety chute; opposing sidewalls adjacent to a safety chute; a water delivery section creating water flow towards a safety chute; a water recovery section; and a rideable surface area. The rideable surface area further includes irregularly shaped surfaces with varying angles and elevations to increase difficulty and creativity in board-riding maneuvers.
US09302173B2

A motorized, wheeled personal vehicle and related methods thereof is provided. The motorized, wheeled personal vehicle includes a deck and at least one truck affixed to the deck. A bushing assembly is interfaced between the at least one truck and the deck. An axle and wheel assembly is rotatably connected to the at least one truck. A motor is affixed to the truck, wherein the motor has a gear extending into a cavity within the truck, wherein the gear is operatively connected to the axle and wheel assembly.
US09302171B1

A glove has a palm side and a back side joined at a side edge to form a glove body. The palm side and the back side are constructed from a stretch material. Panels attach to the stretch material on the palm side to form finger parts, palm parts and a back part. The panels are separated from each other by the stretch material to allow relative movement. Elastic bands attached to the panels on the back side adjust the fit. A thumb part has a gusset of the stretch material. Grip surfaces have an embossed texture with indentations.
US09302167B2

A golf club having at least one directional based graphic on the golf club it disclosed. More specifically, the golf club in accordance with the present invention will have at least one directional based graphic that will only be visible when the golf club is oriented in a desirable direction while staying invisible in all other undesirable directions.
US09302164B2

A golf grip for a golf club includes a cap, a body, a tip, and a grip surface. The body includes an under layer, a top layer, and a middle layer. The under layer includes a first color. The top layer includes a second color, different than the first color. The top layer is disposed on the under layer. The middle layer includes a third material. The middle layer is at least partially disposed between the under layer and the top layer. The tip is a portion of the under layer extending beyond the top layer and the middle layer. The grip surface extends between the cap and the tip. The grip surface is the radially outer surface of the body and includes the top layer, a plurality of exposed portions of the under layer, and a plurality of exposed portions of the middle layer.
US09302150B2

A training apparatus includes: a rotation center to be substantially matched with a center axis of a body of a user when the user is in standing posture; pelvis-fixing means capable of moving toward and away from the rotation center; and rotary mechanism support means for supporting the pelvis-fixing means so that the pelvis-fixing means is rotatable about the rotation center and capable of being aligned with a height position of an ilium of the user by causing the pelvis-fixing means to move up and down in parallel with the rotation center. The pelvis-fixing means is arranged so as to be pressed against the height position of the ilium of the user, from front or back side, or is arranged on each of front and back sides of the user so as to sandwich the height position of the ilium of the user from the front and back sides.
US09302147B2

An up and down restoration treading leisure exercise apparatus comprises a rack body, a rear wheel shaft gear, a braking component, an unidirectional flywheel, a spindle component, a chain wheel, a driving belt and a transmission belt. The spindle component is disposed to the rack body. The shaft core of the spindle component is provided for mounting the unidirectional flywheel and the chain wheel. The driving belt is circularly disposed to the unidirectional flywheel to provide unidirectional transmission force. When a user downwardly treads the braking component, the branch bar of the braking component will pull the driving belt and enable the unidirectional flywheel and the chain wheel at the same axis to synchronously rotate. The chain wheel drives the rear wheel shaft gear and the rear wheel through the transmission belt.
US09302145B2

An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable stride length includes a frame, a driving unit, an adjustment unit, and a coupling unit. The driving unit includes two pedals, a pair of handlebars and a pair of wheels. The handlebars and the wheels are correspondingly and respectively mounted to the frame. A crank is interposed between the wheels. Two pedal shafts are pivotally and respectively mounted between each wheel and each handlebar. The adjustment unit includes a stationery member mounted to the frame, a driving member mounted to the stationery member, and a linearly movable coupling member. The coupling unit includes two first shafts pivotally connected to the coupling member, two second shafts respectively and pivotally mounted between each handlebar and each first shaft. Two bars are pivotally and respectively engaged to each second shaft and the crank. Thereby, a stride length of the two pedals can be simultaneously adjusted.
US09302117B2

The present invention relates to a medical neurological instrument which can be used to improve balance, comprising: (A) a control system for managing energy sources of different nature and (B) an emitter of said energy sources, wherein the emitter is configured to simultaneously apply the different types of energy to a patient by means of transducers, wherein the energies employed are: (i) light energy 18 with a wavelength of between 500 and 700 nm, (ii) light energy 19 with a wavelength of between 701 and 1050 nm, (iii) TENS Energy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) 20 with a maximum amplitude of 200 V.
US09302116B2

Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by placing a nanoparticle having a metallic shell on at least a fraction of a surface in a vicinity of a target structure in a subject and applying an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The nanoparticle is configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength λ1, to generate a second wavelength λ2 of radiation having a higher energy than the first wavelength λ1. The methods may further be performed by application of an initiation energy to a subject in situ to activate a pharmaceutical agent directly or via an energy modulation agent, optionally in the presence of one or more plasmonics active agents, thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure. Kits containing products or compositions formulated or configured and systems for use in practicing these methods.
US09302115B2

A method of determining desynchronization between a first implantable medical device and a second implantable medical device. The method includes receiving a synchronization query from the first device at the second device, that is transmitted in response to the first device detecting a predetermined transition of a first clock of the first device, the first clock having a first pulse rate. The method further includes determining a number of pulses of a second clock of the second device occurring between reception of the synchronization query and a predetermined transition of a third clock of the second device, the third clock having the first pulse rate. The second clock has a second pulse rate higher than the first pulse rate. The method further includes determining the desynchronization between the first device and the second device based on the determined number of pulses of the second clock.
US09302112B2

A system of non-linear feedback control for spinal cord stimulation is provided. The system comprises a lead adapted to be implanted within an epidural space of a dorsal column of a patients spine, and a pulse generator (PG) electrically coupled to the lead. The PG is configured to deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy. The system also comprises a sensing circuitry configured to sense an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) response that propagates along the neural pathway. The system also comprises a processor programmed to operation, in response to instructions stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium, to obtain a baseline ECAP response when the lead and spinal cord tissue properties are in baseline states; analyze ECAP responses relative to the baseline ECAP response to obtain an ECAP feedback difference indicative of a change in at least one of the baseline state of the lead and the baseline state of the spinal cord tissue properties. The processor is also programmed to adjust an SCS therapy based on the ECAP feedback.
US09302111B2

A system includes an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required.
US09302098B2

An assembly for an implantable device can be made from PEEK and can incorporate one or more radiopaque agents and one or more elutable drug components into a polymeric lead tip. The assembly can be machined or injection molded and can be configured, for example, as a housing for an active fixation lead or as an electrode base supporting a foil electrode.
US09302094B2

A lead anchor includes a first paddle assembly and a flexible housing. The first paddle assembly includes an assembly housing, an actuator, and at least one pivotable paddle attached to the housing and operably coupled to the actuator. The at least one pivotable paddle is suitably arranged to pivot out of the assembly housing when a user operates the actuator. The lead anchor also includes a flexible housing disposed around the first paddle assembly and defining at least one lead lumen extending adjacent to the first paddle assembly so that the at least one pivotable paddle pivots into a one of the at least one lead lumen to constrain any lead disposed within the one of the at least one lead lumen.
US09302092B2

Devices, systems, and methods for implanting and testing multi-conductor electrical leads are disclosed. An illustrative implant tool for use with an implantable lead includes a main body, a plurality of spring contact members, and a knob mechanism. The main body of the implant tool includes a distal clamping mechanism with an opening adapted to frictionally receive a terminal boot of the implantable lead. The spring contact members are configured to provide an interface for connecting electrical connectors from a Pacing System Analyzer (PSA) or other testing device to the terminal contacts on the implantable lead. A knob mechanism coupled to the main body can be actuated to engage a terminal pin of the implantable lead, allowing an implanting physician to engage a fixation helix into body tissue by rotating the mechanism.
US09302089B2

Tube connector including two conductive elements and a resistor and/or capacitor electrically connected therebetween, the two elements arranged such that an electrical circuit including the two conductive elements and the resistor and/or capacitor will be closed when the tube connector mates with a device connector of a medical device.
US09302083B2

Dilators and sheaths for use in minimally invasive vascular therapy are disclosed. In some embodiments, the dilators include a slot that accesses a guidewire lumen within the dilator. These slots facilitate rapid exchange of one dilator for another. In another embodiment, a dilator is sufficiently stiff to facilitate entry, but also designed to facilitate placement of the dilator along a tortuous path.
US09302080B2

For selective treatment of diseased tissue sections or organ parts, the surface of medical devices entering into contact with areas thereof under pressure is coated with lipophilic substantially water-insoluble medicaments binding to various tissue components with good adherence thereto, said medicaments having an effect thereupon a short time after entering into contact therewith without exerting a harmful influence upon adjacent healthy tissue.
US09302077B2

The present invention discloses a catheter instrument 1000 comprising a needle tip shielding device 100. The needle tip shielding device 100 is comprising a body with a rear side 106, a front side 107, an outer surface 108 connecting the rear side 106 and the front side 107, a hole 102 extending from the rear side 106 to the front side 107, a resilient arm 103 extending at an attachment point 105 from the front side 107 of the body, and a longitudinal arm 112. The resilient arm 103 has a resting state, from which it may be forced to yield free passage through the hole 102 in an axial direction of the body. The resilient arm 103 is adapted for protecting a needle tip 304 of a hollow needle 303 extending through the hole 102 in a direction from the rear side 106 to the front side 07, when the resilient arm 103 is in the resting state. The resilient arm 103 has one external point of contact, the point of contact being a contact with the hollow needle 303 when the hollow needle 303 is in a forward position. The longitudinal arm 112 has one external contact point, the contact point being a contact with the hollow needle 303 when the hollow needle 303 is in a forward position. Any straight imaginary line extending longitudinally through the hole 102 in the axial direction of the body coincides with the resilient arm 103, when the resilient arm 103 is in the resting state.
US09302075B2

Embodiments provide catheter retention devices such as catheter clips that may be used to stabilize a vascular access catheter during a procedure, particularly a radial access procedure. The catheter clips may include a frame that includes a first frame member portion, a second frame member portion hingeably coupled to the first frame member portion, the first and second frame member portions defining a first aperture therebetween, and a base member extending from the second frame member; and an inner gripping membrane that includes a first inner gripping membrane portion coupled to the first frame member portion and a second inner gripping portion coupled to the second frame member portion, wherein the first and second inner gripping portions define a second aperture within the first aperture.
US09302071B2

A medical balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal portion of the catheter shaft. One or more cutting blades are secured to the inflatable balloon by a first polymeric adhesive material forming a mounting pad encasing a base portion of the cutting blade therein, and a second polymeric adhesive material adhesively bonding the mounting pad to a surface of the balloon. The first polymeric adhesive material has a first ductility and the second polymeric adhesive material has a second ductility greater than the first ductility.
US09302064B2

A nasal cannula allows insertion of an upper endoscopy probe, a transesophageal echo probe for exams, or the like. Currently, a nasal cannula is used to measure expired carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen to sedated patients undergoing these procedures. Use of a face mask, such as a non-rebreathing face mask, during these procedures allows increased delivery of oxygen in patients with compromised respiratory function. A side port can be cut into the non-rebreathing face mask to allow insertion of the probes into patient's mouths while allowing delivery of a higher oxygen concentration. The facemask has the ability to easily separate from the nasal cannula, providing for continued use of the nasal cannula during, for example, a recovery period from sedation.
US09302060B2

An apparatus (10) and method to aid in administering inhaled pharmaceutical aerosol to a patient is configured to maintain a tongue in proper position and offset the patients upper and lower jaws during aerosol delivery. An adjustable member (26) is provided adjacent a mouthpiece and at least partially surrounds and moves with respect to the body of the apparatus. The adjustable member has a step structured (32, 34) to impart a selected amount of mandibular advancement to a patient during aerosol delivery. A tongue depressor (40) which may be integrally formed with the adjustable member configured to prevent a tongue from occluding a flow of aerosol is also provided.
US09302058B2

A system for tracing tubing which forms a conduit from a source of infusion liquid to a patient by way of an infusion pump has a vibration generator manually operable by a user to generate vibrations at an origin location along the tubing, wherein the vibrations are propagated by the tubing and have a vibration signature. A vibration sensor arranged at a destination location along the tubing receives the vibrations and generates a digital vibration signal. Signal processing circuitry connected to the vibration sensor processes and evaluates the digital vibration signal to determine a trace status of the tubing between the vibration generator and the vibration sensor. An indicator connected to the signal processing circuitry provides an indication of the determined trace status. Trace status possibilities include clear, cross-over, and null. A likely number of cross-overs may also be indicated.
US09302057B2

Described is a needle assembly reuse prevention mechanism comprising a barrier movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a spring coupled to the barrier, a pin formed on the barrier, and a slot receiving the pin. When in the extended position, the barrier substantially covers an opening of a needle assembly storage compartment. The spring forces the barrier in a first direction. The slot has at least one abutment face for abutting the pin and preventing movement of the barrier in the first direction.
US09302049B2

Described is a catheter patency maintenance device comprising of a flush syringe, an elongate plunger rod with a stopper slidably positioned within the barrel, a cap, disinfectant and a valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve may include a valve stem and/or openings in the valve to permit fluid flow. Methods of using the flush syringe assemblies are also described.
US09302043B2

Anchors for securing a medical device relative to a body portal, wherein the anchors may accommodate most any implantation trajectory through the portal. Such anchors may further secure the device along any such trajectory without imparting undesirable biasing forces that may shift the device from its intended implanted location. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured as a burr hole anchor including a spherical member contained in a socket of the anchor wherein the socket may be collapsed to lock the spherical member along a particular trajectory.
US09302039B2

A dialysis system includes a dialyzer, a sorbent cartridge configured to clean used dialysate from the dialyzer, a dialysate pump actuator configured to pump dialysate to the dialyzer, and a conductivity sensor located adjacent to a temperature sensor. The dialysis system also includes a disposable cassette configured to carry dialysate pumped by the dialysate pump actuator. The disposable cassette includes a combined conductivity and temperature sensor fluid chamber separate from the conductivity sensor and the temperature sensor and located so as to operate with the conductivity sensor and the temperature sensor, respectively, when mounted for operation.
US09302034B2

A wound dressing suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy system includes a cover layer adapted to establish a reservoir over a wound in which a negative pressure may be maintained. The cover layer includes an opening therein through which atmospheric gasses and wound exudates may pass through the cover layer. A vacuum port is affixed to the cover layer, and establishes a substantially fluid tight seal about the opening in the cover layer. The vacuum port includes a hollow interior in fluid communication with the opening in the cover layer and a connector to facilitate connection to a vacuum source. A packing member is affixed to the cover layer, to provide a wound dressing that may be applied in a single step process. The packing member is adapted to fill the wound and support the cover layer when a negative pressure is applied to the reservoir.
US09302028B2

The present invention presents methods for making oxidation-resistant and wear-resistant polyethylenes and medical implants made therefrom. Preferably, the implants are components of prosthetic joints, e.g., a bearing component of an artificial hip or knee joint. The resulting oxidation-resistant and wear-resistant polyethylenes and implants are also disclosed.
US09302027B2

A complex antimicrobial sorption composition possessing the necrolytic effect for treating the purulent wounds, the trophic ulcers, the wounds, and the infiltrates with the significant necrotic and exudative components represents the silica sorbent with the immobilized drug. Fine pyrogenic silica is used as a siliceous sorbent, and serrathiopeptidase as a drug.
US09302021B2

A method of sterilizing articles, using a low-vapor-pressure sterilant in a compact sterilizer, including a pre-pulse injection of sterilant to condition a sterilization chamber.
US09302009B2

Methods and compositions for treating disorders of the nail and nail bed. Such compositions contain a vehicle in which all components of the composition are dissolved, suspended, dispersed, or emulsified, a non-volatile solvent, a wetting agent, and a pharmaceutically active ingredient that is soluble in the non-volatile solvent and/or a mixture of the vehicle and the non-volatile solvent, which composition has a surface tension of 40 dynes/cm or less and has continuing spreadability, and which composition is effective in treating a disorder of the nail or nail bed.
US09302007B2

Iodine-containing germicidal compositions are disclosed that remain physically stable for extended storage periods with little to no iodine complexing agent being present. The compositions employ a mixture of emollients, such as glycerin and ethoxylanolin, to create a composition that in certain embodiments presents a cloudy or emulsion-like appearance.
US09302005B2

This document provides methods and materials involved in treating cancer. For example, methods and materials for identifying a mammal as having an elevated level of PD-1+/CD11ahigh CD8 T cells having the potential to exert anti-cancer effects are provided. In addition, methods and materials for identifying a mammal as having an elevated level of PD-1+/CD11ahigh CD8 T cells and administering a PD-1 inhibitor to such a mammal are provided.
US09301997B2

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising as active substance, at least one compound comprising, or consisting of, a polypeptide which comprises, or consists of, at least 11 contiguous amino acids selected from X1-S-D-I-F-X2-G-E-P-X3-L-X4-P-X5-X6-X7-X8-X9-Q-L (SEQ ID NO: 13).
US09301978B2

A method for preventing the development of or treating GvHD complications in a mammalian patient which comprises administering to the mammal a population of cells enriched for STRO-1bright cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom.
US09301975B2

A method for expanding mesenchymal cells derived from autologous bone marrow in autologous culture medium which can be used in a clinical setting, and a business method for performing such expansions in the future as a service for patients. A method for expanding mesenchymal cells derived from autologous bone marrow in autologous culture medium including a diagnostic kit for the autologous cell therapy to determine whether a patient will respond to the autologous cell therapy for treatment of a disease, in which said kit comprising a system for detecting gene and protein expression comprising at least two isolated DNA molecules wherein each isolated DNA molecule detects expression of a gene that is differentially expressed in the tissue of the patient that is intended to be the source of the autologous cell therapy.
US09301969B2

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting a specific miRNA. In addition, the present invention relates to a kit for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases. A miR-206 target found in the present invention, which is highly expressed in both animal models of Alzheimer's disease and human brain samples, is a substantial treatment target selected without artifact errors. An antisense oligonucleotide of the present invention as an inhibitor for miR-206 suggests a successful result in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by targeting miRNA. The antisense oligonucleotide of the present invention inhibits the function of miR-206 to greatly increase the levels of BDNF and IGF-1 and to increase the regeneration of synapses, thereby treating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
US09301960B2

The invention provides compositions for inhibiting a redox-sensitive GTPase protein, including a Rho or Rab family GTPase, comprising an effective amount of a redox-sensitive purine compound and an effective amount of a redox agent. The invention further provides methods of inhibiting a redox-sensitive GTPase protein, including a Rho or Rab family GTPase, by administering compositions of the invention. Methods of screening for compounds that inhibit a redox-sensitive GTPase protein, including compounds that target and inhibit Rho or Rab family GTPases, are further provided.
US09301958B2

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising tricyclic 3,4-propinoperhydropurines and uses thereof for the treatment of facial wrinkling are provided.
US09301953B2

A compound of formula: where Ar1, Ar2, X, R3, and m are as disclosed herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (a “Cycloheteroalkenyl Compound”); compositions comprising an effective amount of a Cycloheteroalkenyl Compound; and methods for treating or preventing pain, UI, an ulcer, IBD, IBS, an addictive disorder, Parkinson's disease, parkinsonism, anxiety, epilepsy, stroke, a seizure, a pruritic condition, psychosis, a cognitive disorder, a memory deficit, restricted brain function, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, retinopathy, a muscle spasm, a migraine, vomiting, dyskinesia, or depression in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Cycloheteroalkenyl Compound are disclosed herein.
US09301950B2

Provided are compounds that are capable of modulating the activity of the influenza A virus via interaction with the M2 transmembrane protein. Also provided are methods for treating an influenza A-affected disease state or infection comprising administering a composition comprising one or more compounds that have been identified as being capable of interaction with the M2 protein.
US09301947B2

This invention relates to methods of treating T-cell mediated diseases or disorders in human or animal subjects, such as autoimmune diseases and chronic graft versus host disease in humans and animals. In particular, the methods comprise administering to the human or animal patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a ryanodine receptor inhibitor.
US09301944B2

The disclosure provides a method for treating hepatitis C, including: administering an effective amount of a proanthocyanidins oligomer to a subject in need, wherein the structure of the proanthocyanidins oligomer is shown as Formula (I): and in Formula (I), N is an integer of about 1-18.
US09301941B2

The invention provides methods for one or more of preventing or treating sarcopenia and muscle atrophy in animals. The methods comprise administering isoflavones to the animals, preferably in amounts of from about 0.001 to about 10 g/kg/day.
US09301930B2

A refreshment towel with applied solution is an apparatus consisting of a carrying agent, most likely a high quality cotton towel or towelette, that has been saturated with an aqueous solution comprised of various ingredients. The resulting saturated towel can be rubbed on a user's skin such that the aqueous solution that has been absorbed by the towel is transferred. The aqueous solution is compounded specifically to provide cooling, insect repellant, sun protection, freshness, cleansing and other uses. More specifically, the aqueous solution is specially formulated so that desired sensory results take place when the towel comes in contact with the skin.
US09301928B2

The disclosed conformable coating provides a highly durable and resilient film useful for protecting and repairing surfaces such as skin and mucous membranes. The coating comprises 0.1% to 65% wt. of a polymerized cyanoacrylate monomer and at least 35% wt. of an elastomer phase. The conformable coating composition comprises a polymerizable cyanoacrylate monomer, an elastomer, and a volatile liquid. The cyanoacrylate monomer is 0.1 to 65% wt. of the nonvolatile portion, the elastomer in an elastomer phase is at least 35% wt. of the nonvolatile portion, and the volatile liquid is at least 40% wt. of the total composition.
US09301927B2

The present invention provides single sheet and compound para-xylene films for therapeutic uses. For example, the present invention provides single sheet para-xylene films useful as tissue separators and/or adhesion barriers in a subject, where the top and/or bottom surfaces of such films have a water contact angle between 75 and 95 degrees (e.g., to prevent adhesion formation). The present invention also provides compound films composed of at least two para-xylene polymer films with a therapeutic molecule layer in between. Such compound films, when used in vivo (e.g., as a tissue separator and to treat inflammation or atrial fibrillation) allow either therapeutic molecule elution through one of the para-xylene layers, or therapeutic molecule release when the compound film is pierced, such as when it is sutured in place.
US09301922B1

The administration of levoleucovorin is useful as an antidote to drugs which act as folic acid antagonists and in combination chemotherapy with 5-FU. The most often used calcium salt of levoleucovorin has a limited solubility in water and forms almost insoluble degradation products. Therefore aqueous solutions are unstable and precipitates are resulting. Precipitates in injectable products present an unacceptable safety risk to patients. Stable high strength pharmaceutical aqueous compositions containing calcium salts, magnesium or zinc salts of levoleucovorin and one or more of the compounds sodium gluconate, potassium gluconate, glycerophosphate disodium salt or glycerophosphate dipotassium salt are disclosed.
US09301921B2

An edible, gel composition of a PEG and a gel forming agent wherein the composition is prepared by mixing together the PEG with gel forming agent to form the edible gel composition, and the edible gel composition has laxative properties.
US09301918B2

The present disclosure provides an immediate release, abuse deterrent pharmaceutical solid dosage form comprising at least one functional score. In particular, the immediate release, abuse deterrent solid dosage form comprises at least one low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer, at least one high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer, and an effervescent system.
US09301907B2

The invention provides an oral care composition suitable for delivering a temporary whitening effect to the surface of teeth, the composition comprising: a continuous phase comprising water or polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof; a tooth surface whitening agent which is dispersed in the continuous phase, and a deposition aid for the tooth surface whitening agent; characterized in that the tooth surface whitening agent is a pearlescent pigment in an amount of at least 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, the pearlescent pigment being formed by coating one or more metal oxide layers onto particles of an inorganic substrate.
US09301902B2

The present invention relates to a container (1) for preparing of a nutritional composition from a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base, the container (1) comprising: —liquid inlet means (6) designed to be supplied with liquid from liquid dispensing means (20), —an adaptor (4) being provided with engagement means (2) for connecting the container (1) to matching engagement means (20a) of the liquid dispensing means (20), and —a flexible wall portion (31), connected to the liquid inlet means (6) and at least partially defining a compartment (3) for containing a predefined amount of powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) for the preparation of the nutritional composition (5a) upon hydration with the supplied liquid, wherein the flexible wall portion (31) is expandable in a manner that the volume of the compartment increases from a retracted position to an expanded position allowing a sufficient volume of liquid to be supplied into the compartment (3) through said liquid inlet means (6) for the preparation of the nutritional composition.
US09301899B2

An exercise apparatus adapted to hang from an overhead structure used for providing walking and ambulation assistance to users in aid of exercise and physical rehabilitation. The device has a pulley assembly adapted for anchoring directly to an overhead structure or indirectly by a track secured thereto, and includes a hoist line permitting manual force to be used to raise and lower a sling assembly that is secured in the underarms of the user for lifting.
US09301896B2

A rise assisting structure includes a main body, a seat unit, two operation bars, and two support units. The seat unit is pivotally connected, at one side thereof, to the main body. The operation bars are pivotally mounted to the main body. The operation bars are provided at one end thereof with a step board arranged therebetween. The support units are each of an elastic extendable/retractable arrangement. When the step board is treaded down, the operation bars provide a torque in a way similar to a seesaw and the support units provide an elastically-support upward-pushing effect to raise up the seat unit so as to allow a user, with or without the assistance of an attendant person, to rise and stand up easily.
US09301892B2

A low-gear drive system functionally coupled to a wheelchair is provided herein.
US09301891B1

A water resistant protective body cover including a trapezoidal water resistant cover, an air chamber continuously attached to a top edge of the cover, a hand pump attached to the air chamber, and a pair of interconnectable hook and loop fastener strips including a first strip and a second strip. The first strip is continuously disposed on an exterior surface of a right edge of the cover. The second strip is continuously disposed on an interior surface of a left edge of the cover.
US09301888B2

A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the stretch laminate is within about 2.5 N/cm of the tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the film at an engineering strain of about 1.5, and exists independent of mechanical activation. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.
US09301879B2

Anti-fog, interchangeable-lens goggle adapted for use with a battery comprising: a body with a flexible posterior portion for engaging a user's face and an anterior portion; a lens having a resistive anti-fog element thereon, the lens adapted for engaging the anterior portion of the body; an engagement mechanism for releasably interconnecting the lens and the body; an interconnection mechanism depending from the body adapted for detachably interconnecting the heating element of the lens and the battery, the interconnection means operable or integral with the engagement mechanism such that interconnecting the heating element of the lens with the battery also reinforces interconnecting of the lens with the semi-rigid anterior portion of the body; and a strap adapted for holding the goggle on one of a user's head and helmet.
US09301866B2

An inflatable foot cushion to reduce the force amplifications upon the heel of a foot received therein when the body is in a supine position.
US09301860B2

A support structure includes strut members interconnected by rotatable joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.
US09301856B2

An apparatus and a method for removing a hip socket liner from surface attachment to a socket, that includes providing a carrier and multiple penetrators carried to be displaced relative to the carrier, inserting the carrier in the liner so that the penetrators project toward a liner cup-shaped surface, effecting controlling limited forceful displacement of tips defined by the penetrators toward and into said liner cup-shaped surface, and transmitting pushing force acting between the carrier and hip socket whereby the liner is suddenly freed from attachment to the socket.
US09301854B2

A tool assembly includes a universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer for insertion into a disc space between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body and fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion, and a tool for manipulating and inserting the universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer into the disc space between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body to provide fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion.
US09301851B2

An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.
US09301840B2

An introducer sheath has a radially unexpanded and a radially expanded configuration, where the sheath locally expands from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration when a device is advanced through a lumen thereof, and locally contracts back to the unexpanded configuration after the device advances past that location. Embodiments of the introducer sheath include an outer tubular layer comprising a longitudinal cut therethrough, and an inner tubular layer comprising at least one pleat extending through the longitudinal cut to an outside surface of the outer tubular layer. Embodiments of the inner tubular layer are adhered to an inner surface of the outer tubular layer, with the pleat not adhered to an outer surface of the outer tubular layer.
US09301838B2

An apparatus for delivering an implanted structure to a desired target site within a body lumen of a patient includes a catheter having a longitudinally extending catheter lumen and adapted to provide access to the body lumen. A framing member has a collapsed condition in which the framing member is adapted for insertion into the body lumen through the catheter lumen and an expanded condition in which the framing member is adapted for placement within the body lumen. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. A holding mechanism is carried by the framing member and is adapted to releasably grasp the implanted structure. At least one target pathway is attached to at least one target point. At least a portion of the target pathway extends through the catheter lumen.
US09301837B2

A prosthetic valve has a support structure that meets with a plurality of leaflets capable of transitioning between open and closed states. The support structure can include a base frame with a polymer coating and the leaflets can be artificial. The interface between the support structure and each leaflet can be at least partially convex when viewed from an exterior of the support structure along a normal to a plane formed by a central axis of the support structure and a central axis of the leaflet.
US09301828B1

A device for retrieving items endovascularly includes a sheath having a first lumen containing a snare that can be deployed out a distal end of the sheath and retracted back into the sheath for pulling an IVC filter into the sheath. The sheath has a second lumen that opens through a sidewall of the sheath proximal of the distal end. The second lumen contains a removal assist device that can be deployed through the sidewall and used to dislodge and/or cut an item to be retrieved from a vein wall. The removal assist device includes a catheter, a cutting head, and a pull wire. The pull wire has a proximal portion protruding from a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end connected to the cutting head. The pull wire is movable within the catheter to selectively extend and retract the cutting head from the distal end of the catheter.
US09301825B2

In one embodiment, an implant includes a body member and an extension member. The body member is formed of a first material and has a first side portion and a second side portion. The extension member is formed of a second material different than the first material. The extension member has a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a mid-portion disposed between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The mid-portion extends from the first side portion of the body member to the second side portion of the body member. The first arm portion extends from the first side portion of the body member along a first axis. The second arm portion extends from the second side portion of the body member along a second axis different than the first axis.
US09301824B2

A totally implantable method for occluding the urethra or bladder neck utilizing an occlusive cuff connected to a control mechanism via a conduit tube. The occlusive cuff is reversibly changed from an activated (occlusive condition) to a de-activated (non-occlusive) condition by depressing a deactivation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric sheath surrounding the control mechanism. The occlusive condition is once again obtained by depressing an activation button also situated within the resilient sheath. In the occlusive condition, a preset tension is applied to a flexible diaphragm through a tensioning suture by a constant force spring contained within the control mechanism. This tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck sufficient to prevent urinary leakage.
US09301821B2

A refill head, and a powered toothbrush including the same, wherein the refill head comprises a head portion including a movable tuft block that is rotated via operable coupling to a primary drive shaft of the handle. The head portion of the refill head is also receives vibrations from an eccentric that is operated by the primary drive shaft.
US09301820B2

A floss dispensing toothpaste cap having a top portion connected to a bottom portion by a hinge region. An enclosure cavity encloses a removable floss spool. A floss cutter and a floss dispenser opening pass through a side of the bottom portion. A region of the top portion reversibly covers the floss dispensing opening and floss cutter. A floss-dispensing toothpaste cap includes a bottom portion having an enclosure with a connector to connect the cap onto a toothpaste tube. A nozzle is on the bottom portion opposing the connector. A floss cutter is on a side of the bottom portion. A removable floss spool is seated over the connector within the enclosure. A top portion is connected to the bottom portion by a hinge region, and has a tab that extends over a side of the bottom cap portion covering the floss cutter in a closed position.
US09301818B2

The invention relates to an angled abutment for a dental-prosthetic arrangement, in which the abutment is divided into a first sub-component and a second sub-component, wherein the first sub-component can be fixed by means of a fixing screw to an implant and has a tool opening through which a tool is able to engage to reach the screw head of the fixing screw. After the first sub-component has been fixed to an implant, the second sub-component can be connected to the first sub-component, preferably via a screwed connection, and at the same time completely covers the tool opening of the first sub-component. A retaining structure facing away from the first sub-component is formed on the second sub-component and interacts with a counter-retaining structure on a prosthesis to provide a releasable connection, which can be produced without tools, between the abutment and the prosthesis.
US09301817B2

A dental prosthesis component which is a member for configuring a dental prosthesis provided with an artificial tooth root, which has a high strength and a good esthetic property. The dental prosthesis component which is a member for configuring a dental prosthesis provided with an artificial tooth root wherein the dental component is made of Zr-14Nb alloy, a surface layer containing ZrO2 as a main constituent and having a thickness of 20 μm or more and less than 80 μm is formed on the dental prosthesis component, and the surface has a brightness of Gy 8.0 or more of the color sheets according to Practical Color Co-ordinate System 201.
US09301800B2

The present invention relates to a flex-knife that enables a technique such as tissue excision to be carried out more easily, and is provided with: a rod-shaped high frequency knife which is endoscopically inserted into a body cavity and is for performing cutting procedures; a wire, the high frequency knife connected to the front end thereof; a sheath consisting of an insulating material, into which the wire is inserted; a main body, the back end of the sheath being connected thereto; and a slider to which the back end of the wire is fixed and which is disposed to the main body to enable sliding in the axial direction; wherein the high frequency knife has a large diameter part at its distal end, the large diameter part having an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the sheath.
US09301797B2

A bipolar forceps includes a shaft extending from a housing and includes an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly has a pair of jaw members movable between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a cutter having a generally circular cross-section. The cutter is configured to cut tissue when the jaw members are in the closed position. One or more electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are disposed on each of the jaw members. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. An actuator is operably coupled to the knife assembly and is configured to selectively reciprocate the cutter relative to the jaw members.
US09301781B2

A method of stimulating bone regeneration in a discontinuous section of a long bone in a subject requiring same, comprising the step of applying to said discontinuous section of the bone an effective vacuum for an effective length of time. A device for carrying out the method consisting of a sealable tubular-shaped sleeve or cuff that fits snugly and sealably around the bone section to be treated and that can be evacuated via a port that is integral to the sleeve or port.
US09301772B2

A surgical instrument includes a body assembly and a selectively coupleable end effector assembly. The end effector assembly may include a transmission assembly, an end effector, and a rotational knob operable to rotate the transmission assembly and the end effector. The body assembly includes a trigger and a casing having a distal aperture configured to receive a portion of the end effector assembly. First and second coupling assembly portions cooperatively couple the end effector assembly to the body assembly for use. An attachment assembly may be used to rotatably couple the first and second coupling assembly portions.
US09301770B2

Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.
US09301766B2

A system for repairing a soft tissue or bone defect can include a C-shaped guide member having a first end and a second end and configured to extend around a condyle area of a femur of a patient. The guide member includes a threaded bore at the first end, and the second end configured to rest on a tibia of the patient. The system includes a cannulated bullet threadably received in the threaded bore and configured to be threadably advanced to secure the guide member relative to the femur. The system also includes a drilling member insertable through the bullet and configured to drill a femoral bore through the femur.
US09301765B2

A total hip femoral prosthesis provides a shortened neck and high porous coating level. Additionally, a means for strengthening the neck may be incorporated to increase stress transfer to the native bone. A method for reducing potential impingement that results from a high neck resection level includes cutting chamfered surfaces into the bone surrounding the proximal end of the implant. Instrumentation and methods of creating chamfered cuts are disclosed.
US09301761B2

Methods and devices are provided for anastomosing tissue in the body. In one exemplary embodiment, an anastomotic device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a body lumen and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal and distal portions can each include a plurality of asymmetrical s-shaped slits and can each be adapted to expand upon rotation to form proximal and distal wings. The proximal and distal wings can extend toward one another to engage tissue therebetween and thereby form a passageway through the tissue.
US09301759B2

Devices and systems are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device by means of a robotic system. In one embodiment, systems and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting.
US09301757B2

A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an end effector assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly is movable relative to the other between open and closed positions. The cartridge assembly is configured to retain a plurality of surgical fasteners therein. A fluid-actuated drive assembly including a distal piston member is configured to oscillate between proximal and distal positions. The distal piston member includes a base and a rack extending distally from the base and slidably disposed within the cartridge assembly. A drive beam is configured for translation through the cartridge assembly to eject the surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly. A pawl assembly couples the drive beam to the rack such that the drive beam is incrementally advanced along the rack and through the cartridge assembly as the distal piston member oscillates between the proximal position and the distal position.
US09301752B2

A tissue thickness compensator can comprise a plurality of layers. Various embodiments are disclosed herein for manufacturing a tissue thickness compensator. In certain embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise at least one medicament tube, capsule, and/or packet contained therein.
US09301748B2

A suture apparatus having a housing, actuator and capture rod, the actuator being engaged to the capture rod to form an actuator-capture rod assembly, an elongated cannula shaft having a lumen that extends through the shaft, and capture rod retraction means, the housing including an internal region that is configured to receive and support the capture rod retraction means, actuator proximal end and actuator rod distal end therein, wherein said capture rod retraction means is in communication with said actuator. The actuator-capture rod assembly and capture rod retraction means being positioned and configured to transition from a retracted position to an extended position when an actuation force is applied to the actuator and return the retracted position by the retraction means when the actuation force is released.
US09301743B2

A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US09301733B2

Systems and methods for ultrasound image rendering are provided. One system includes a user interface having a display configured to display ultrasound images for a volume data set and a content detection module configured to detect an object within the volume data set. The system also includes an image-processing module configured to receive ultrasound signals from a diagnostic probe and process the signals to generate the ultrasound images. The image-processing module is further configured to locally change an opacity function of the displayed ultrasound image based on the detected object to change an opacity of a subset of voxels in the volume data set.
US09301732B2

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: a tomogram constructing means; an elasticity information calculating means; an elasticity image constructing means; a display means; an estimation data generating means configured to generate estimation data for estimating the characteristic of a biomedical tissue on the basis of the elasticity image; an estimation data selecting means configured to select at least one parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic of the biomedical tissue and to make the selected parameter displayed on the display means, an analyzing means configured to analyze the elasticity image using at least one parameter selected by the estimation data selecting means and to make the result of analysis displayed on the display means; wherein the display means displays the parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic and the result of analysis.
US09301730B2

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system (50) includes analog and/or digital components which are configurable by firmware data. An ultrasound probe (10) contains firmware data for configuring the programmable devices of an ultrasound system for operation with the probe. The firmware data is uploaded from the probe and used to configure the analog and/or digital components for operation with the probe at runtime.
US09301726B2

A CT machine for scanning a stationary patient may provide for two-bar linkage articulated arms to move a CT gantry in an arbitrary trajectory. In one embodiment, the gantry may fit within a cavity to expose a central platform, which may support a patient for vertical scans in which the gantry housing rises from the cavity after the patient is so positioned.
US09301725B2

A radiation image capturing system includes a radiation image capturing apparatus, one or more radiation generation apparatuses and a calculation unit. The radiation image capturing apparatus includes a control unit which controls a scan driving unit and a readout integrated circuit of the radiation image capturing apparatus since before start of irradiation of the radiation image capturing apparatus and detects the start of the irradiation when data read out by the readout integrated circuit is equal to or more than a threshold. Before radiation image capturing, the calculation unit calculates a maximum body thickness for each of the radiation generation apparatuses on the basis of the data read out in the radiation image capturing apparatus irradiated by the radiation generation apparatus, the maximum body thickness up to which the control unit can detect the start of the irradiation through a subject.
US09301721B2

A non-resistive contact sensor assembly includes an electric field sensor device, including a dielectric component for receiving an electrical signal from an object of interest and a signal processing component for processing the electrical signal, a voltage regulator for controlling voltage to the dielectric component and the signal processing component, and a common ground reference for the dielectric component and the signal processing component.
US09301715B2

A method for producing an analytical magazine is proposed. The analytical magazine is designed to receive a plurality of analytical aids in a plurality of chambers. The method comprises the following steps: providing at least one first component of the analytical magazine, wherein the first component comprises a plurality of receptacles; providing a plurality of analytical aids, wherein the analytical aids are connected to one another and preferably oriented with respect to one another by at least one holding element; introducing the analytical aids into the receptacles; and separating the analytical aids from the holding element.
US09301708B2

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes at least one controller configured to first acquire at least MRI locator image data for different portions of patient anatomy at each of different imaging stations for a defined multi-station locator sequence. An operator may interface with a respectively corresponding displayed locator image for each imaging station to set diagnostic scan sequence parameters for subsequent diagnostic MRI scans of corresponding portions of patient anatomy. Diagnostic MRI scan data is automatically acquired at each of the imaging stations in a multi-station diagnostic scan sequence that, if desired, can be seamlessly continued without operator interruption once begun.
US09301701B2

Improved tourniquet apparatus for measuring a patient's limb occlusion pressure includes an inflatable tourniquet cuff for encircling a limb at a location and to which a tourniquet instrument is releasably connectable. The instrument includes pressure sensing for producing a cuff pressure signal indicative of the level of pressure in the cuff, a pressure regulation mechanism communicating with the cuff and responsive to the cuff pressure signal for moving fluid into and out of the cuff, thereby regulating the pressure in the cuff, a blood flow transducer for producing a blood flow signal indicative of blood flow past the cuff, and limb occlusion pressure means responsive to the blood flow signal and the cuff pressure signal for increasing the cuff pressure level until blood flow indicated by the blood flow signal decreases to a level less than a minimum detection threshold, and then suspending fluid movement into and out of the cuff to produce a limb occlusion pressure value that is indicative of a pressure in the cuff when the fluid motion is suspended.
US09301699B2

An eavesdropping arrangement for acquiring a measured physiological variable of an individual includes a receiver and a communication interface in a housing separate from the receiver. The communication interface is positioned along a communication link between a first sensor, which is configured to measure aortic blood pressure and to provide a signal representing measured aortic blood pressure, and a central monitoring device configured to monitor the measured aortic blood pressure. The communication interface includes a high impedance connection to the communication link that permits the communication interface to eavesdrop on the signal representing measured aortic blood pressure such that information representing measured aortic blood pressure is sent to the receiver while allowing the central monitoring device to receive and use the signal representing measured aortic blood pressure.
US09301695B2

A method of determining stress includes receiving a data signal including multiple consecutive RR intervals of a subject. The method may also include calculating heart rate variability (HRV) data for the subject from the data signal. The method may also include calculating an RR integral average (RRIA) from the HRV data, the RRIA indicating a stress level of the subject.
US09301683B2

Apparatus and techniques can include using one or more of a portable or fixed optical system to obtain images of a desired anatomical target, such as the fundus region of a human eye. The optical system can include one or more of a laser-based focusing target, a laser-based fixation target, or a removable or adjustable alignment assembly. Such an alignment assembly can provide or allow user alignment based on using anatomical landmarks other than the fundus being imaged. One or more of the apparatus or techniques can be implemented in an optical assembly included as a portion hand-held fundus camera, such as including or using a consumer or commercial digital camera to capture an image.
US09301678B2

The invention is directed to quantification of the effects of drugs on a patient using pupillometric measures. Apparatus and processes for obtaining control and patient measures and deriving relationships from same are provided. The methods of the invention provide doctor quantitative feedback on patient symptoms and on the effects of a drug or dosage of same on a patient, as well as provide assessment capability to patients and law enforcement.
US09301675B2

A method and associated apparatus for validating testing procedure in objective ophthalmic eye testing is implemented for eye evaluation applications requiring subject compliance with eye fixation to a visual target. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a predetermined visual fixation target to the subject in a predetermined location with an automated ophthalmic eye testing device, wherein the testing procedure of the eye evaluation application requires the subject to fixate upon the visual fixation stimulus; tracking the subject's gaze during at least the supplying of the predetermined visual fixation stimulus to the subject throughout the testing procedure of the eye evaluation application with a video based eye tracking system; and validating the testing procedure by at least one of i) indicating to the clinician when the subject's gaze location differs from the predetermined visual fixation stimulus by an amount greater than a predetermined threshold amount, and ii) having the automated ophthalmic eye testing device repeat at least portions of the testing procedures when the subject's gaze location differs from the predetermined visual fixation stimulus by an amount greater than a predetermined threshold amount.
US09301662B2

Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.
US09301659B1

A high efficiency evaporative toilet provides a unique air introduction and exposure/utilization system providing a unique air flow pattern that draws hot air over solids and then over liquids for absorption of moisture in three different technological options. An expansion of the liquid surface exposed to hot air is achieved through the use of wicking in the carousel and microwave applications. An air exhaust system provides a unique exhaust flow system that draws saturated air out of the system and is operated nonstop, using minimal amounts of electricity with the added option of being compatible with the use of solar panels.
US09301651B2

A bathtub assembly includes a tub body and a positionable shelf including a substantially planar platform and a mounting post disposed in a corner portion of the platform. A mount for the positionable shelf defines a socket for the mounting post and includes a flanged, outwardly threaded, hollow tubular portion open at both ends and a flanged sleeve therewithin. The mounting post can be slidably received within the flanged sleeve such that mounting post can rotate relative to the socket. Accordingly, the positionable shelf can rotate relative to the tub body 360 degrees in a horizontal plane.
US09301649B2

A sharpened edge spatula device facilitates food preparation and serving by providing a spatula device having a sharpened edge. The device includes a handle and a head coupled to and extending from the handle. The head has a first edge, a second edge, and a pair of side edges extending between the first edge and the second edge. The side edges taper extending from the first edge to the second edge and the first edge is sharpened.
US09301646B2

The modular grill of the present disclosure contains a plurality of removably connected sub-unit grills, each having their own associated control system. This allows for easy servicing and removal of each sub-unit. In addition, each sub-unit can be set to different cooking parameters if desired, thus allowing for the cooking of different products within the same grill.
US09301644B2

A dry cooking fryer (1) comprising a main body (2) receiving food items that are to be fried, and a stirrer (6) automatically coats the items with a film of fat by mixing the food items with fat. The coated food items are cooked within the fryer without immersion in a cooking fluid.
US09301642B2

A method for operating a hot beverage maker includes the steps of infusing fresh water and storing the resulting beverage in a removable brewed beverage tank. An actuator is engaged for dispensing the brewed beverage from the tank. The tank is placed on a platform in a relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. Accordingly, the hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank until it is dispensed by a user.
US09301634B1

A system and method of fabricating a partition curtain. The partition curtain is made from non-woven synthetic material. The partition curtain is made without sewing. Accordingly, the partition curtain has no seams that can harbor contaminants or initiate tearing. A mesh pattern is cut into the non-woven material. The mesh pattern runs parallel to the top edge and bottom edge of the curtain. The partition curtain is solid both below the mesh section and above the mesh section. Grommets are set into the partition curtain above the mesh section so that the curtain can be hung from a curtain track. Graphics can be printed onto the front and rear surfaces of the partition curtain.
US09301633B2

A multi-piece ceremonial sculpture and a method of assembly. The method of assembling the sculpture is to fasten a heart-shaped outer piece to a base by way of a peg and an indented hole. Once the outer piece has been secured, an inner piece will be inserted within the outer piece and securely fastened within. A topper pin is placed through aligned openings on the top of both the outer and inner pieces. Once assembled, the heart sculpture represents love, unity and commitment between two parties together in a union.
US09301623B2

A portable baby change apparatus (10) may include a first part (20), adapted to be removably suspended from a support structure (110); a second part (30), pivotably attached to the first part (20), and providing at least a portion (32) of a surface for changing a baby; wherein the first and second parts (20, 30) are pivotable relative to each other, between a closed configuration wherein the first part (20) covers said portion (32) of said surface, and an open configuration wherein, when the first part (20) is suspended from a support structure (110), said surface (32) is substantially horizontal. Extension parts (40), coupled to the second part (30), are movable relative to the second part (30) between a first position and a second position wherein, the extension parts (40) provide further portions (42) of said surface.
US09301621B2

A collapsible marsh stool comprises a seat, an anchoring post and a pair of retaining flanges depending from the underside of the seat, in a deployed configuration the anchoring post fitting in an opening in the top end of a telescoping support leg, and the support leg received in the center hole of a mud plate such that the mud plate is slidingly disposed on the leg, upward movement of the mud plate limited by a stop on the leg, and a collapsed configuration in which the mud plate is disposed adjacent the seat's underside with the anchoring post removably received in the mud plate's center hole, the leg removably retained in the apertures of the retaining flanges, and the side edge of the mud plate captured between the leg and the underside of the seat.
US09301614B1

In accordance with one embodiment a marsh duck hunting stool, comprised of unitary construction having no detachable members, provides a compact, lightweight, floatable structure, with simple functionality, primarily used in a duck marsh environment. The stool includes a horizontally oriented seat platform with a single, elongated, vertically oriented support member. The support member comprises two tubular members, one sliding within the other, providing a plurality of seat height settings. A foot and stake assembly is pivotally disposed on the bottom end of the sliding tubular member. The foot and stake assembly limits soft soil penetration and provides fore and aft/side to side stability. The sliding tube rotates within the foot and stake assembly thereby providing 360 degree pivot of the seat platform.
US09301590B2

A retractable cosmetic pencil including a barrel, godet, lower threaded portion and an end cap is disclosed. The godet can be configured to move longitudinally within the barrel. The lower threaded portion can be configured to be coupled to the godet. The end cap can be configured to be coupled to the lower threaded portion. An injection receiving opening can formed in the closed end of the end cap, wherein the injection receiving opening is configured to receive an injection nozzle such that the retractable cosmetic pencil can be backfilled when the godet is in a retracted position relative to the lower threaded portion.
US09301581B1

An umbrella with a canopy rotating function comprises a central shaft, an upper nest assembly, a lower nest assembly, a canopy unit. The upper nest assembly comprises an upper nest body, a fastener and a movable upper nest. The lower nest assembly comprises a pulley seat, a lower nest body and a movable lower nest. Thus, in an opened state, the upper nest body and the lower nest body are connected and positioned, and the canopy unit can link with the movable upper nest and the movable lower nest, so that the movable lower nest and the movable upper nest synchronously rotate relatively to the central shaft.
US09301575B2

A shielding cup is provided for use with a self-fusing member or collapsible heat-concentrating accessory. The shielding cup is attached to a shoe heel as a temporary fix for a worn heel tip. The cup can be attached to the heel by a self-fusing member that binds to itself. The cup can also be attached by using a heat source and collapsible heat-concentrating accessory to concentrate heat on the heat-shrink version of the shielding cup.
US09301571B2

A system and method of manufacturing a customized sole with adjustable sizing is disclosed. The sole includes a fixed region and an adjustable region. The adjustable region is deformable when the sole is heated to a melting point associated with the adjustable region. The shape and size of the sole may be adjusted by deforming the adjustable region.
US09301567B2

An article of footwear includes an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes areas formed using monofilament strands. The monofilament areas may be bounded by multifilament areas. The multifilament areas may be configured to form a welt that includes a tensile element.
US09301565B1

A headwear support system includes a support base having a shape that is generally one-half of a hemisphere. The support base includes a front projection extending outwardly therefrom, a rear connection rib coupled to a top rear of the support base, and two diametrically-opposed apertures on a bottom rear of the support base. The headwear support system further includes a first elastic member having opposed ends, each end configured to be coupled to respective ones of the diametrically-opposed apertures and wherein the first elastic member is configured to selectively secure the headwear to the support base. The headwear support system also includes a second elastic member configured to be coupled to the rear connection rib and configured to be selectively coupled to a button of the headwear. A clip member is also included in the system and is configured to be coupled to the rear connection rib and configured to be selectively coupled to a travelling case.
US09301563B2

An pressure sensing glove in which at least five, preferably at least seven and most preferably at least nine pressure sensors are intrinsic to the glove manufacture, usually sandwiched between layers of the glove. Between five to nine pressure sensors are positioned throughout the glove, and the pressure sensors themselves may be capacitive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, air filled bladder pressure sensors in communication with hollow tubes further connected to electronic pressure sensors, or any other sensor known in the art.
US09301562B1

A glove gun comprising a glove having a hand opening for receiving a hand of the user, a thumb opening, a little finger opening, a ring finger opening, a middle finger opening, and an index finger opening. The glove has a glove top section opposing a palm section. A beam emitter is mounted to the glove on the glove top section. The beam emitter is a game weapon that shoots a beam from the beam emitter. The switch body has a switch. The switch body is attached to the palm section. A target has one or more beam receivers capable of receiving a signal from the beam emitter of the gun.
US09301559B2

A breast protection device that has a shield. The shield has an inner face and an outer face with a cavity formed there between. A fillable bladder is positioned inside of the cavity. The bladder has a valve opening for filling the bladder. A tube is inserted in the valve for filling means bladder. A method for protecting breast tissue using the breast protection device and a garment having the breast protection device incorporated therein.
US09301549B2

An electronic cigarette atomization device includes an atomization bushing, an electric heater coil and an atomization base located in the atomization bushing. The atomization device further includes a liquid supply component inserted into the atomization bushing; the liquid supply component is formed by high temperature resistant fiber free of glass fiber and, a through hole axially extended is defined in the middle portion of the liquid supply component; and the electric heater coil is positioned in the through hole of the liquid supply component and is pressed against an inner wall of the liquid supply component. The liquid supply component of the atomization device is made of high temperature resistant fiber material free of glass fiber, thus making the construction and process simplified, leading to low fabrication cost, and causing no damage to human body.
US09301545B2

The present disclosure relates to an exemplary cigarette case for receiving electronic cigarettes. The cigarette case includes a housing and a cover assembly pivotally coupled to the housing. The housing defines a chamber for receiving the electronic cigarettes, and includes an end surface. The cover assembly is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the end surface between a first position where the chamber is covered by the cover assembly and a second position where the chamber is exposed.
US09301544B2

The present disclosure describes methods of obtaining and/or deriving proteins from plants of the Nicotiana species and methods for incorporation of such proteins into various products. For example, a method for obtaining a protein-enriched material from a plant of the Nicotiana species or portion thereof is provided, comprising: extracting one or more proteins from the plant material into a solvent to form a liquid protein-containing extract; separating a solid extracted plant material from the liquid protein-containing extract; clarifying the liquid protein-containing extract to form a clarified protein-containing extract and a solids fraction; and treating the clarified protein-containing extract so as to provide a protein-enriched material comprising at least about 60% protein by weight.
US09301534B2

An automated casing removal system for removing the casing of encased food products supported on a support frame. An inclined surface on the support frame has a staging area onto which encased food product is loaded. The staging area has a cutting member moveable along a portion of the length of the staging area, and a stop mechanism downstream from the cutting member on the inclined surface. The stop mechanism extends within a plane which intersects the inclined surface to prevent the food product from moving down the inclined surface. The staging area has retaining member upstream of the stop mechanism which retains the casing to unravel the casing from the food product as the food product rolls down the inclined surface when the stop mechanism is removed.
US09301528B2

A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing lenacil and one of 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one or 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.
US09301521B2

Chemical attractants to Osmia lignaria and other bees are provided herein along with methods of using the attractants.
US09301518B1

An electrically swiveled hunter chair device having a chair affixed to a base, a receiver disposed on the base, a cylinder selectively and rotatably disposed within the receiver, a motor drive in operational communication with the chair such that the chair is bidirectionally rotated via a foot pedal, the chair further having folding spikes whereby chair removal provides for anchoring the chair to a ground, the chair height adjustable via a selectively inserted pin, the device selectively mounted to any imaginable surface including various vehicles.
US09301516B2

An agricultural sprayer comprises a pump system for conveying and distributing fluid between fluid sources and consumers. The pump system comprises a centrifugal pump and a multi-inlet ball valve located on a suction side of the pump. The centrifugal pump comprises an impeller that rotates on a pump axis. The ball valve comprises a ball that is rotatable around the pump axis to selectively connect the valve inlets to the pump. The pump comprises a pump casing that is provided together with a portion of a ball valve casing by a unitary casting.
US09301505B1

An animal restraint device restrains an animal and is adjustable to fit the animal as the animal grows. The device includes a flexible strap having a first end, a second end and a medial portion coupled to and extending between the first end and the second end. The medial portion is configured to extend around a neck of an animal to form a first loop around the animal's neck. The medial portion is configured to extend around a midsection and a back of the animal to form a second loop around the animal's back and midsection. A first connector is coupled to the medial portion. A second connector is coupled to the second end. The first connector is removably couplable to the second connector for securing the strap in a restrained position around a body of an animal.
US09301502B2

A system and method are provided for monitoring the movement of an animal. An animal transceiver unit is placed on the animal for transmitting and receiving signals. A base transceiver unit for transmitting and receiving signals relative to the animal transceiver unit is operated to monitor relative movement of the animal transceiver unit and the base transceiver unit. An indication of the relative distance between the base transceiver unit and the animal transceiver unit is provided in response to signal communication between the animal and base transceiver units.
US09301496B2

A treat dispenser is provided for an animal to dispense treats by moving the dispenser. The dispenser includes a central spherical body, and a plurality of peripherally spaced spheres or balls connected to the body by respective branches. Each of the balls has a treat dispensing opening. The body has an opening for charging or loading treats. The device is substantially hollow. As an animal plays with the device, treats are dispensed through the openings. The openings are located at different positions on each of the balls so that treats are likely to be dispensed when the device is placed at various orientations.
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