US09347323B2

An airfoil for a turbine engine includes pressure and suction sides that extend in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a total chord length and a span position and corresponds to a curve that has an increasing total chord length from the 0% span position to a first peak. The first peak occurs in the range of 45-65% span position, and the curve either remains generally constant or has a decreasing total chord length from the first peak to the 100% span position. The total chord length is at the 0% span position in the range of 8.2-10.5 inches (20.8-26.7 cm).
US09347322B2

A sealing band located in opposing seal band receiving slots of adjacent turbine disks to seal an annular gap therebetween. An anti-rotation body including a base portion is located between edges of the sealing band within the annular gap, and a pin portion extends axially from the base portion for engagement with a cut-out portion of at least one of the disks. A pair of spaced projections extend from the base portion and into through openings in the sealing band at a location within the annular gap. The projections define an attachment structure attaching the anti-rotation body to the sealing band.
US09347320B2

Turbine frequency tuning, fluid dynamic efficiency, and performance can be improved using a particular airfoil profile, which can be used to determine a throat between adjacent airfoils. By shaping the throat according to the particular profile, the total pressure at an endwall can be energized, improving performance of the turbine.
US09347316B2

A longitudinally yieldable support for underground roof support includes a first support section with a first elongate outer shell filed with a solid compressible filler material and a second support section filled with a second solid compressible filler material with a second elongate outer shell extending above the first elongate outer shell. The second support section has density that is greater than a density of the first solid compressible filler material. A pair of attachment members are coupled to the second elongate outer shell and are configured for lifting the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell and for securing the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell once lifted.
US09347305B2

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a power source (9) at a rock drilling apparatus, said power source (9) being arranged to drive at least a first load (8, 10, 15) at the rock drilling apparatus, wherein said first load (8, 10, 15), in operation, provides power to a first consumer (11, 21), and where the power that can be delivered by- said first load (8, 10, 15) depends on the rotation speed of the power source. The method includes, by means of a representation of said first consumer (11, 21), determining a power demand of said first consumer (11, 21), and based on said determined power demand, determine a rotation speed demand of said first load (8, 10, 15). The rotation speed of said power source is then controlled based at least on said determined rotation speed demand of said first load (8, 10, 15 ). The invention also relates to a system and a rock drilling apparatus.
US09347302B2

The disclosure concerns methods for heating a subsurface formation using an electrical resistance heater. Preferably, the subsurface formation is an organic-rich rock formation, including, for example, an oil shale formation. The method may include providing an electrically conductive first member in a wellbore in a subsurface fornation, an electrically conductive second member in the wellbore, and an electrically conductive granular material in the wellbore. The granular material is positioned so as to provide an electrical connection between the first member and the second member. An electrical current is established across the first member, the granular material and the second member so as to generate resistive heat within the granular material. The surrounding subsurface formation is thereby conductively heated so as to cause formation hydrocarbons in the formation to be heated, and in some cases, pyrolyzed to form hydrocarbon fluids.
US09347290B2

A fluid saver tool for deploying in a wireline string comprises a main shaft having a concentric seat attached to a lower end of the main shaft and a variable-diameter piston assembly concentrically disposed on the main shaft and seated against the concentric seat. A concentric thrust bushing is installed on the main shaft in contact with an upper end of variable diameter piston opposite from the concentric seat. The tool enables the deployment operation to be accomplished with much less water, lower pump pressures and energy losses, and substantially less time required to complete the operation.
US09347289B2

Blowout preventer systems are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a blowout preventer, a plurality of position sensing mechanisms, a plurality of pressure sensing mechanisms, and a controller configured to receive position data indicating a position of a piston and pressure data indicating the pressure of hydraulic fluid being applied to the piston, and to determine a current stroking pressure signature or fingerprint during a closing cycle, which when compared to a baseline stroking pressure signature or fingerprint, can provide an indication of the health of one or more components of the operator containing the piston. The controller can also determine a backlash of the ram block, and/or to record a position of the ram block, and/or to calculate an instant when a supplemental closing pressure is desired to be applied, and/or to determine when maintenance of a ram locking mechanism is due, and/or to determine when sealing elements are worn.
US09347280B2

An adjustable riser suspension system for suspending a riser under tension including a riser hanger, a mating sleeve rotationally coupled to the riser hanger, a ratchet-latch sleeve located inside the mating sleeve with an external profile configured to engage an internal profile of the mating sleeve and an internal profile configured to engage an externally threaded face of the riser. The riser hanger and mating sleeve are configured to move downward relative to the riser such that the mating sleeve fits over at least a portion of the riser, causing the ratchet-latch device to ratchet over the external threads of the riser. The mating sleeve is configured to rotate relative to the riser, causing the internal and external profiles of ratchet-latch device to lock the riser and the mating sleeve to prevent movement of the riser relative to the mating sleeve.
US09347279B2

This invention relates to a torque control device for a downhole drilling assembly. The torque control device is adapted for connection to a drill bit, and has an outer sleeve and an inner shaft, the outer sleeve being movable longitudinally relative to the inner shaft. The torque control device also has a cylinder, a piston located within the cylinder, and a controller to control the volume of the cylinder. Changing the volume of the cylinder causes relative longitudinal movement between the outer sleeve and the inner shaft. The controller can receive inputs from a torque sensor and/or an accelerometer in order to determine if a threshold torque has been exceeded. Alternatively the controller can comprise a rotary valve which automatically responds to torque in the assembly.
US09347270B2

Systems and methods contain fluids discharged from a subsea well or at the surface by capping the well blowout with a pre-positioned capping device and diverting flow of hydrocarbons to a secondary location for disposal/handling in situations where casing integrity is compromised preventing ability to close in the flow of the hydrocarbons. The capping device includes at least one blind shear ram and is separate from a blowout preventer. Different personnel offsite of a rig drilling the well may have access and control to operate the device.
US09347264B2

An apparatus to secure a ladder to a ferromagnetic support such as an exposed ferromagnetic support comprises a pair of bracket clamping assemblies removably attached to a rung on a ladder. The brackets are pivotally bolted to magnet mounts, which each hold a permanent magnet that releasably holds the ladder in place against the support. The apparatus prevents the ladder from slipping, and further serves to hold the ladder at the proper angle for safe use. The apparatus finds particular application where exposed ferromagnetic metal beams are available in the workspace but tying a ladder for safety would be impractical.
US09347262B1

A gate for use in closing the opening in a fence may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars separated by open spaces, with at least some of the horizontal bars being formed of hollow tubing having a primary perimeter wall with an interior surface defining an interior lumen. A plurality of vertical elements may connect the horizontal bars, and at least one reinforcement member may be inserted into the interior lumen of one of the horizontal bars. The at least one reinforcement member may have an exterior surface with locations on the exterior surface in snug contact with the interior surface of the primary perimeter wall.
US09347259B2

A portable arrangement is provided for ensuring privacy during use of a public toilet. The arrangement includes a screen in the form of a generally rectangular or square piece of sheet material with an embedded suction cup or other attachment means at each corner. Secured to the screen is a smaller pouch into which the screen can be folded for transport.
US09347252B2

A foot-operated door opener, with a foot-operated actuator element is located in the lower region of a door for opening the door, and the foot-operated actuator element has a one foot tread element which, when actuated by a foot, at least partially pivots downwards and inwards. The foot tread element is also guided in a forcibly guided manner by way of a forcibly guided element and one forcibly-guided moving element. The foot tread element is connected rotatably to an articulated element and rotatably connected to the forcibly-guided moving element in such a manner that, upon actuation by a foot, the foot tread element both executes a movement downwards and is also moved as a whole at least partially outwards.
US09347250B1

A universal hinge alignment fixture for mounting different types of hinges to a cabinet have a cabinet box opening is disclosed comprising a fixture plate and a grip for holding the fixture plate during use. A detachable hinge plate mount is carried by the fixture plate for affixing different types of hinge plates to the fixture plate to operate with different types of hinges. A face plate is carried by the fixture plate for engaging a face of the cabinet surrounding the cabinet box opening and spacing the door and cabinet for alignment and attachment.
US09347244B2

An electronic device can include a housing, a printed circuit board received in the housing, a key, and an adjusting member. The housing defines a through hole. The key is coupled to the housing and partially received in the through hole. The adjusting member is across the through hole. The adjusting member is movably coupled to the housing and contact the key.
US09347236B2

The invention relates to a tower or a tower segment of a wind turbine, having a door for entering the inside of the tower, comprising a door frame, which has a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf. The Invention further relates to a door frame for a door of a tower of a wind turbine, said frame having a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf, and to a wind turbine having a tower, a door provided for entering the inside of the tower, and a staircase leading to the door on the outside of the tower, preferably of a tower described above. The underlying object of the invention is to provide an air passage opening in at least one advantageous location. This object is achieved according to the invention in that the door frame has at least one air passage opening, particularly an air inlet opening.
US09347234B2

An improved pool skimmer basket assembly with skimmer vent tower adapter for mounting a skimmer vent tower on a pool skimmer basket allows for the existing design of a skimmer vent tower to be retrofitted with any pool skimmer basket and/or any pool skimmer. The adapter is reversibly secured between any pool skimmer basket available on the market and the skimmer vent tower without requiring modifications to either part. Applicant's assembly utilizes the substantially centrally positioned skimmer vent tower of an existing design to provide a means by which water is vented through the basket, even when the strainer orifices are clogged. When the user requires a different size of basket and/or a new basket, he can easily remove the adapter attached to the inner bottom portion of the basket and place it on another basket without forgoing the use of the skimmer vent tower altogether. Ease of removing the adapter and either attaching it to a new basket of the same or a differing size not only prevents additional expense but takes advantage of the skimmer vent tower and, ultimately, all advantages offered by it.
US09347232B1

A lifting and leveling assembly configured to be embedded in a precast concrete slab for lifting a leveling a precast concrete slab includes a base plate, a threaded sleeve, an anchor plate, a thread protecting sleeve, a threaded lifting bolt and an end cap. Rotating the threaded lifting bolt in a first direction positions a bolt head on the threaded lifting bolt above a top surface of a precast concrete slab to accommodate the attachment of a lifting device. Rotating the threaded lifting bolt in a second direction positions the bolt head beneath the top surface of the concrete slab and causes the threaded shaft to exert a force on the base plate to level the precast concrete slab.
US09347214B2

Masonry tie is provided having a base and a retainer plate. The base has back plate and a shaft extending from the back plate. The shaft has a plurality of teeth. The retainer plate has a receiving opening configured to receive the shaft. The retainer plate has a locking arm adjacent the receiving opening. The locking arm is biased to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth when the at least one of the plurality of teeth is adjacent the locking arm to releasably prevent the retainer plate from moving away from the back plate. A distal end of the shaft has a masonry anchor aperture.
US09347212B2

A means for the rehabilitation of a connecting portion between a main pipe-line and a branch pipeline with a main pipe section and a branch pipe section, wherein the main pipe section has a connecting region, wherein the branch pipe section is connected at its first end portion to the connecting region of the main pipe section, wherein the branch pipe section is closed at its second end portion and wherein at least one contactless sensor is disposed within the means.
US09347194B2

A lightweight concrete composition is mixed from cement, sand, water, and organic material, and placed on an area of soil, proximal a body of water, to protect the soil from erosion and the like due to water action. Preferably, the organic material comes from the area in which the soil is being stabilized, and may include soil, leafy matter, and ground up wood, forming a particulate organic material. Preferably, the final density of the resulting lightweight concrete composition is greater than the density of the water in the body of water, and less than the density of the soil being stabilized. A representative density range is between 62.43 pounds per cubic foot and 100.00 pounds per cubic foot.
US09347189B2

A caution tape holder for removable attaching a length of caution tape to a prior art safety cone. The caution tape holder is comprised of a top portion and a body portion, wherein said top portion extends at least partially out of an opening in a safety cone and has an opening therein for receipt of a length of caution tape. The caution tape holder of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a variety of different sized safety cones and will not damage the safety cone or the length of caution tape used therewith, nor does it necessitate the threading of the tape through a narrow opening. Additionally, the caution tape holder will not unduly interfere with the stacking and storage of prior art safety cones in a nesting fashion.
US09347187B2

A pavement repair system utilizes solid phase auto regenerative cohesion and homogenization by liquid asphalt oligopolymerization technologies. The system is suitable for use in repairing asphalt pavement, including pavement exhibiting a high degree of deterioration (as manifested in the presence of potholes, cracks, ruts, or the like) as well as pavement that has been subject to previous repair and may comprise a substantial amount of dirt and other debris (e.g., chipped road paint or other damaged or disturbed surfacing materials). A system utilizing homogenization by liquid asphalt oligopolymerization is suitable for rejuvenating or repairing aged asphalt, thereby improving properties of the paving material.
US09347186B2

A machine and method for pre-filling an auger chamber is disclosed. The machine may comprise a frame, a screed assembly, a conveyor, an auger disposed in the auger chamber, and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the transporting of material on the conveyor to the auger chamber, stop the conveyor if a fill period has expired, cause the auger to move a portion of the material toward an end of the auger, and stop the auger if either the auger run period has expired or the material disposed at the end of the auger has reached an auger material height threshold.
US09347185B2

An apparatus includes a multidirectional positioning system, a scanner, a filling head and a scrubbing head. The scanner scans the volume of a three-dimensional road damage, and the scanner is attached to the multidirectional positioning system. The scrubbing head prepares the surface of the three-dimensional road damage, and the scrubbing head is affixed to the multidirectional positioning system. A processor receives volume data of the three-dimensional road damage and stores the volume data in a data storage memory. The filling head is attached to the multidirectional positioning system, and the filling head is controlled to move with respect to a shape of the three-dimensional road damage based on the volume data stored in the processor so as to fill in the three-dimensional road damage with a filling material.
US09347182B2

An improved processes for making fluff pulp sheets mechanically eliminates many of the unwanted fiber-to-fiber bonding (fiber bundles) which may be contained in the sheet to produce consistent and uniform quality fluff pulp. Pulp slurry is deposited on a moving bottom forming wire to form a stock web. Pulp slurry is brought into contact with a moving top forming wire. The stock web is subjected to up and down dewatering creating separately formed layers to reduce fiber-to-fiber bonding. The stock web can be subjected to strong pulsating shear forces as it is being advanced along the bottom forming wire to break a majority of fiber bundles contained in the web. The pulp slurry can be deposited on the bottom forming wire utilizing a headbox with dilution control to selectively adjust the concentration of the pulp slurry. A shoe press can be used to dewater the web after it is subjected to the pulsating shear forces. The web can be dried utilizing conventional drying equipment, such as cylindrical driers.
US09347173B1

A method of manufacturing a damper of a loudspeaker includes the steps of: immersing a fiber cloth with a resinous solution containing resin and formaldehyde catching agent, wherein the resin comprises formaldehyde while the formaldehyde catching agent reduces the amount of formaldehyde in the resin; drying the immersed fiber cloth; forming the dried fiber cloth to a configuration similar to a shape of the damper; and cutting the dried fiber cloth along the shape of the damper, thereby obtaining the damper having low formaldehyde content.
US09347168B2

A reception (RX) node using mutual resonance includes a target resonator configured to receive power via mutual resonance with a source resonator; a controller configured to wake up in response to the received power, determine a point in time at which the controller woke up to be a point in time at which synchronization with other RX nodes is performed, and generate a data packet, and a sensor configured to wake up in response to the received power, sense information.
US09347158B2

The present invention concerns an elongate self-closing sleeve for protecting elongated members, said sleeve having internal and external opposite faces. Said sleeve comprises a warp knitted textile 1 having first 2 and second 3 longitudinal opposite free edges biased toward each other in order to define an internal space wherein said elongate members could be placed therein. Said warp knitted textile 1 comprises a first monofilament yarn 4 and a second monofilament yarn 5 both forming laying-in stitches extending in the same direction between said free edges on at least two wales 6 and a third yarn 12 forming chain stitches or tricot stitches, said first 4 and second 5 yarns being in plastic material(s).
US09347157B2

This invention relates to warp knit fabric having a locknit pattern comprising polytrimethylene terephthalate yarn and elastic yarn having a weight ratio of from 70:30 to 90:10. The fabrics have a soft hand feel, better colorfastness after chlorine exposure and UV radiation as compared to other performance wear fabrics containing elastic yarn polyethylene terephthalate yarn.
US09347154B2

The present invention relates to a drawn PET fiber which has good dimensional stability, thereby increases the high speed driving performance of a tire, a PET tire cord, their preparation methods, and a tire including the same. The drawn PET fiber may includes 90 mol % or more of PET and may be a fiber of which a creep rate is 5.5% or less when the drawn PET fiber is fixed under the initial load of 0.01 g/d and is kept for 24 hours under the load of 0.791 g/d and the temperature of 100° C. Furthermore, the PET tire cord may be a cord of which a creep rate is 4.0% or less when the PET tire cord is fixed under the initial load of 0.01 g/d and is kept for 24 hours under the load of 0.791 g/d and the temperature of 100° C.
US09347149B2

A method for growing epitaxial diamond is provided here. A metallic layer is deposited on a diamond substrate and is followed by an epitaxial diamond film deposited on top of the metallic layer. As a buffer layer, the metallic layer relieves stress accumulated in the thin film of the epitaxial diamond to prevent cracks. In consequence, diamond epitaxial layers with desired thickness and good quality can be obtained.
US09347142B1

A hydrogen generation system includes a signal generation system configured to generate a driver signal. A signal processing system is configured to process the driver signal and generate a chamber excitation signal. A hydrogen generation chamber is configured to receive the chamber excitation signal and generate hydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogen generation chamber. The signal processing system includes a feedback circuit that is configured to couple a cathode of the hydrogen generation chamber to an anode of the hydrogen generation chamber.
US09347122B2

This high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet contains, in mass %, C: 0.02% to 0.20%; Si: 0.001% to 2.5%; Mn: 0.01% to 4.0%; P: 0.001% to 0.15%; S: 0.0005% to 0.03%; Al: 0.001% to 2.0%; N: 0.0005% to 0.01%; and O: 0.0005% to 0.01%; in which Si+Al is limited to less than 1.0%, and a balance being composed of iron and inevitable impurities, in which an area ratio of bainite in a metal structure is 95% or more, at a sheet thickness center portion being a range of ⅝ to ⅜ in sheet thickness from the surface of the steel sheet, an average value of pole densities of the {100}<011> to {223}<110> orientation group is 4.0 or less, and a pole density of the {332}<113> crystal orientation is 5.0 or less, and a mean volume diameter of crystal grains in the metal structure is 7 μm or less.
US09347121B2

An austenitic alloy may generally comprise, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: up to 0.2 carbon; up to 20 manganese; 0.1 to 1.0 silicon; 14.0 to 28.0 chromium; 15.0 to 38.0 nickel; 2.0 to 9.0 molybdenum; 0.1 to 3.0 copper; 0.08 to 0.9 nitrogen; 0.1 to 5.0 tungsten; 0.5 to 5.0 cobalt; up to 1.0 titanium; up to 0.05 boron; up to 0.05 phosphorus; up to 0.05 sulfur; iron; and incidental impurities.
US09347118B2

A molybdenum based alloy composition including between 15% and 20% niobium and 0.05% and 0.25% carbon.
US09347116B2

The present invention relates to a process of separating and purifying thorium by solvent extraction, comprising: 1) mixing a thorium enrichment with an inorganic acid to produce a feed; 2) mixing a neutral phosphorus extractant with an organic solvent to obtain an organic phase; 3) extracting from the feed with the organic phase to obtain a loaded organic phase; 4) scrubbing the loaded organic phase with a scrubbing solution and then back-extracting thorium with a stripping solution to obtain a thorium solution; 5) mixing the thorium solution with an oxalate to obtain a precipitate, which is then sintered to obtain thorium oxide. The present process allows to increase the purity of thorium from 80%-99% to 99.99% or more with a yield of more than 98%.
US09347111B2

Hydrometallurgical systems, methods, and compositions are described in which organic amine-based lixiviants are utilized in the selective recovery of alkaline earth elements. The lixiviant can be regenerated and recycled for use in subsequent iterations of the process. Multiple alkaline earth elements can be recovered from a sample in parallel or in serial applications of the disclosed methods.
US09347109B2

An improved method and apparatus for pretreatment of solid lump feed material for gas and pellet/lump-based direct reduction processes, by initially storing the lump feed in stockpiles for stress release, followed by pre-drying the feed material prior to charging into the reduction furnace and finally increasing the average temperature of the reduction furnace, in order to reduce the amount of reduction at low temperatures, thereby minimizing the formation of fines within the furnace.
US09347094B2

A method of characterizing telomere length. A template may be synthesized in a bulk phase reaction mixture containing genomic DNA. Partitions may be formed after synthesizing the template in the bulk phase reaction mixture, with only a subset of the partitions containing at least one copy of the template. At least a region of the template may be amplified in partitions. Amplification data may be collected from partitions. A measure of telomere length may be determined for the genomic DNA based on the amplification data. In some embodiments, the bulk phase reaction mixture may be thermally cycled for at least two cycles, and heated to a denaturation temperature and cooled to an annealing temperature in each cycle.
US09347089B2

The present invention encompasses the finding that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate certain key proteins involved in DNA repair. In some embodiments, a miRNA suppresses levels and/or activity of one or more DNA repair proteins. In some such embodiments, such suppression renders cells hypersensitive to certain DNA damage agents (e.g., γ-irradiation and genotoxic drugs, among others). The present invention provides various reagents and methods associated with these findings including, among other things, strategies for treating cell proliferative disorders, certain diagnostic systems, etc.
US09347087B2

Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for the isolation of exosomes from biological fluids and tissues. Volume-excluding polymers are used to precipitate exosomes from biological samples thereby allowing exosome isolation by low-speed (benchtop) centrifugation or filtration. Further fractionation of exosomes after precipitation is also described.
US09347080B2

A method for fermenting a microorganism, producing a compound of interest, in a culture medium comprising: adding a browned glucose solution to the culture medium, wherein the browned glucose solution is a glucose solution that has been acid treated and heated to a temperature of at least 90 degrees Celsius, and wherein the glucose solution has a concentration of at least 500 g/l.
US09347077B2

The subject invention pertains to overexpression of a putative oxidoreductase (ucpA) for increasing furfural tolerance in genetically modified microorganisms. Genetically modified microorganisms capable of overexpressing UcpA are also provided. Increased expression of ucpA was shown to increase furfural tolerance by 50%, and to permit the fermentation of sugars to products in the presence of 15 mM furfural.
US09347070B2

Inbred corn line designated CB18 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CB18, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CB18 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line CB18 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line CB18 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line CB18.
US09347068B2

The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the protein AMT. The invention provides genomic sequence for the AMT gene. AMT is responsible for controlling nitrogen utilization efficiency in plants.
US09347067B2

The present invention relates to recombinant cells, particularly recombinant plant cells, which are capable of producing dihydrosterculic acid and/or derivatives thereof. The present invention also relates to methods of producing oil comprising dihydrosterculic acid and/or derivatives thereof.
US09347066B2

This invention is in the field of plant molecular biology. More specifically, this invention pertains to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding proteins with similarity to bacterial 2,4-dihydroxy-hept-2-ene-1,7-dioic acid class II-like aldolase proteins in plants and seeds and the use of such fragments to modulate expression of a gene encoding proteins with similarity to bacterial 2,4-dihydroxy-hept-2-ene-1,7-dioic acid class II-like aldolase proteins in a transformed host cell.
US09347062B2

The invention provides a delivery system comprising a cell penetrating peptide, 10 histidines, and an interfering RNA molecule. The system can be used for delivering interfering RNA molecules into a cell in vivo or in vitro. Therapeutic uses for the delivery system are also provided.
US09347056B2

A nucleic acid extraction device includes a tube that is internally provided with, in the following order, a first plug composed of a first oil, a second plug composed of a first washing liquid, which is phase-separated from an oil and is used for washing a nucleic acid-binding solid-phase carrier having nucleic acids bound thereto, a third plug composed of a second oil, a fourth plug composed of a reverse transcription reaction solution, which is phase-separated from an oil and is used for performing a reverse transcription reaction, a fifth plug composed of a third oil, a sixth plug composed of an eluent, which is phase-separated from an oil and is used for eluting the nucleic acids from the nucleic acid-binding solid-phase carrier having nucleic acids bound thereto, and a seventh plug composed of a fourth oil.
US09347050B2

The invention provides mannosidases capable of uncapping mannose-1-phospho-6-mannose moieties and demannosylating phosphorylated N-glycans, methods of using such mannosidases, glycoproteins produced using the methods, as well as methods of facilitating mammalian cellular uptake of glycoproteins.
US09347049B2

The present invention relates to nucleic acids derived from Sphaeroforma arctica. The invention also relates to the individual coding sequences and to proteins encoded by these sequences in combination with other sequences as well as to a process for converting oleic acid to linoleic acid to linoleic acid and the production of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and/or docosahexaenoic acid in a plant.
US09347032B2

A composter comprising a container for receiving material to be composted, an aerator within the container having at least one opening for allowing air to pass from the aerator into the container, a base structure defining a floor on which the composting material sits above a leachate tank located under the floor, an air flow path through the base structure for providing air from outside the composter to the aerator and to openings located in the floor above the leachate tank to facilitate aerobic decomposition of the composting material.
US09347028B2

Process for extracting unwanted acidic compounds from a drinkable liquid which includes: arranging, in a first tank (2), a liquid (L) has at least one unwanted acidic compound; conveying the liquid (L) to a membrane separation unit (3); separating, in the membrane unit (3), the liquid (L) into a retentate (R) and a permeate (P) mainly containing the unwanted acidic compound; adjusting the conductivity of the permeate (P) at a minimum threshold value greater than 200 μS susceptible to dissociate at least a fraction of the unwanted acidic compound into corresponding ions; flowing the permeate (P) through an electrodialysis unit (6), extracting at least part of said ions, to obtain one concentrate (C), containing the aforesaid ions, and one deacidified permeate (Pd) substantially without such ions; mixing the deacidified permeate (Pd) with the retentate (R) to obtain the deacidified final drinkable liquid.
US09347027B2

Described are dishwashing detergents, comprising a builder, a surfactant, and a polymer comprising units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated aminocarboxylate monomer having Formula (I): wherein m is 1, 2, or 3, n is, independently at each occurrence, 1, 2, or 3, R1 is H or C1-C4 alkyl, R2 is H2 or ═O, X is, independently, H, K+, Na+, or NH4+, and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from (meth)acrylic acid.
US09347024B2

This invention relates to compositions which are capable of sequestering calcium ions and are derived in part from renewable carbohydrate feedstocks. The calcium sequestering compositions are mixtures containing one or more hydroxycarboxylic acid salts, one or more oxoacid anion salts, and one or more citric acid salts.
US09347017B2

A sump-lubricated, spark-ignited engine is lubricated by supplying thereto a lubricant which comprises (a) an oil of lubricating viscosity; (b) a polyether; and (c) a metal-containing detergent. The lubricant has a total phosphorus content of less than 0.075 percent by weight.
US09347008B2

With a device for influencing the flow, particularly in a horizontal connecting pipe (1) between a coal gasification reactor and a gas cooler/purifier, a solution is supposed to be created, whose task consists in being able to reduce or shut off the gas stream of a hot synthesis gas, if necessary, without being exposed to the great stresses caused by the corrosiveness and the high temperatures, while avoiding complicated valves or regulation devices.This is achieved by means of a Venturi constriction in the flow path of the gas in the pipe (1), as well as a flow cone (4a) positioned on a push rod (4) that is disposed centrally, whereby a connecting rod system (4b) that is guided to the outside is provided to move the push rod (4), whereby the connecting rod system (4b) that moves the push rod (4) is formed by a connecting rod arm guided in a dummy connector and a connecting rod arm guided out of the dummy connector (8) by way of a packed gland (6).
US09346995B2

An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of a rheology additive of the invention comprising fatty dimer diamines or dimer diamines and an organic acid or ester of the acid. A nonlimiting example of such a rheology additive comprises a C36 fatty dimer diamine and adipic acid or dimethyl adipate.
US09346991B2

This disclosure relates generally to thermally conductive polymer composites and particularly to thermal interface materials.
US09346977B2

The polishing agent of the invention comprises water, an abrasive grain containing a hydroxide of a tetravalent metal element, and a specific glycerin compound.
US09346975B2

Described herein is a method of making silsesquioxane-like particles using polyhydrosiloxanes and a water soluble base. The silsesquioxane-like particles have an average particle diameter of less than 100 micrometers and are substantially free of —OH bonds. In one embodiment, the silsesquioxane-like particles may be used in films.
US09346958B2

Reactive dyes of, for example, formula (101) especially suitable for dyeing synthetic polyamide fibre materials and which yield dyeings or prints having good wet-fastness properties, and a process for their preparation.
US09346952B2

What is described is the use of a polyamide moulding composition for the production of a stain-resistant article, the staining tendency (ST) of the article being at least 2. Here, the composition contains 30-100% by weight of a polyamide or a polyamide mixture, consisting of 50-100% by weight of at least one amorphous and/or microcrystalline polyamide having a glass transition temperature of at least 100° C., based on: 20-100 mol % of at least one cycloaliphatic diamine; and 0-80 mol % of at least one other aliphatic and/or aromatic diamine; and also aromatic and/or aliphatic dicarboxylic acids comprising at least 6 carbon atoms, and 0-50% by weight of at least one semi-aromatic polyamide. In addition, 0-70% by weight of fibrous fillers (B1) and/or particulate fillers (B2), 0-30% by weight of impact toughness modifier and/or polymers different from (A), 0-25% by weight of a flame retardant, and 0-3% by weight of additives may also be contained.
US09346942B2

A thermoplastic resin composition includes a thermoplastic resin including a polycarbonate resin; a siloxane compound represented by Formula 1; and surface-modified hydrophobic silica: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each independently C1 to C5 alkyl; R3 and R4 are the same or different and are each independently C2 to C10 alkylene; A1 and A2 are the same or different and are each independently a glycidoxy group, an epoxy group, an amine group, a hydroxyl group, a hydrogen atom, a vinyl group, a (meth)acryloyl group, or an aryl group; and n is an integer from 2 to 80. The thermoplastic resin composition can exhibit excellent properties in terms of impact resistance, heat resistance, scratch resistance, surface gloss, mar resistance, and the like.
US09346939B2

A flexible compound comprising PVC or its co-polymers; greater than 10 to 200 parts by weight of at least one bio-based primary plasticizer comprising epoxidized fatty acid esters, wherein the fatty acids are derived from natural oils and animal fats, based on 100 parts by weight of PVC or its co-polymers; and 0.001 to 10 parts by weight of a mixed metal stabilizer comprising a zinc compound and at least one metal compound where the metal is selected from Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Cd, Al, La, Ce or rare earth metals, based on 100 parts by weight of PVC or its co-polymers, wherein an atomic ratio of metal/Zn for the mixed metal stabilizer is less than 1.0.
US09346938B1

Poly(acrylic acid) polymer blends comprising poly(acrylic acid) and glycerol, the glycerol content being 25-75% by weight based on the weight of the poly(acrylic acid). The polymer blends are miscible; they retain the ability to absorb large volumes of liquids and also exhibit rubber viscoelasticity. The incorporation of glycerol reduces the glass transition temperature of the blends dramatically. The process of preparing the poly(acrylic acid) polymer blends by solution casting is described. Methods of measuring the glass transition temperature and the tensile strength of the polymer blends are also provided.
US09346935B2

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to thermoplastic polymer compositions that comprise a thermoplastic and nucleating agents, such as silica-containing nucleating agents. The polymer compositions provide improved properties relating to processing, dimensional and thermal stability, improved crystalline structure, and flame retardant properties. The thermoplastic polymer compositions are useful, for example, for carpet backing applications. It is a further feature of the embodiments to provide carpet backing compositions and carpet tiles prepared using the thermoplastic polymer composition, as well as methods of making the carpet tiles.
US09346933B2

Polymer compositions are described containing a white pigment for increasing the reflectance properties of the resulting material. In this regard, the material is well suited for being used as a reflector, such as a reflector for light-emitting diode assemblies. In accordance with the present disclosure, the white pigment comprises chalk resistance particles. The particles can also display a basic pH when placed in distilled water.
US09346931B2

It is provided a self-healing polymer network comprising transition metal thiolates, particularly thiolates of a transition metal that is able to self-assemble by metallophilic attractions, and more particularly Au(I), Ag(I), Cu(I) thiolates, or a mixture thereof, and, optionally, disulfide bonds, thiol and other thiolate groups. It is also provided several processes for the preparation of the self-healing polymer networks of the invention, as well as uses thereof.
US09346930B2

The present technology generally relates to phase change material (PCM) pellets consisting essentially of a mixture of paraffin, a polymer, and optionally a thermal conductivity improver, a nucleating agent, an anti-oxidant, or a combination of any two or more thereof; wherein the paraffin is at least about 60 wt % of the PCM pellet; and the polymer is uncrosslinked high density polyethylene (HDPE) that has a melt flow index between about 0.1 g/10 min and about 50 g/10 min.
US09346925B2

The present invention relates to an aqueous epoxy resin blend dispersion of a high mw epoxy resin and a liquid epoxy resin with a dispersant having an interfacial tension such that a drop of the mixture of the dispersant in a melt of the epoxy resin blend against water is less than 2 dynes/cm, preferably less than 1 dyne/cm, and a process for preparing this epoxy resin blend dispersion. Specifically, the process is a solvent free melt kneading or shearing dispersion process wherein the dispersion is processed at from 50 to 150° C., and the resulting dispersion is stable.
US09346923B2

Providing a method for producing a compound represented by formula (1) from a compound represented by formula (2), by which the additive amount of an aryl (C1-C8) alkyl alcohol which may have a substituent and the amount of residual carboxyl groups of pAsp (polyaspartic acid) are controlled.A production method including obtaining a compound represented by formula (1) by allowing a compound represented by formula (2) to react with an aryl (C1-C8) alkyl alcohol which may have a substituent, and a carbodiimide-based compound in an amount of 2(x+y) equivalents or more relative to the amount of carboxyl groups in formula (2) (sum of x and y), in a solvent at 15° C. to 30° C. for 2 hours to 48 hours, is used.
US09346917B2

The invention provides for preparing a polymer-active agent conjugate, the method comprising the steps of reacting an amino acid derivative with a biologically active agent under conditions to form a polymer-active agent conjugate.
US09346913B2

Methods of preparing monodispersed polydopamine nano- or microspheres are provided. The methods comprise providing a solvent system comprising water and at least one alcohol having the formula R—OH, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted C2-C6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C2-C6 alkynyl, optionally substituted C3-C6 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C3-C6 cycloalkenyl, and optionally substituted C6-C7 aryl; adding dopamine to said solvent system to form a reaction mixture; and agitating said reaction mixture for a time period of 1 to 10 days to form said monodispersed polydopamine nano- or microspheres. Methods of preparing carbon and hollow metal or metal oxide nano- or microspheres using the polydopamine nano- or microspheres are also provided.
US09346886B2

The present invention relates to humanized antibodies against human CDCP1 (anti-CDCP1 antibody), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.
US09346884B2

The present invention relates to biological materials related to c-Met possibly in combination with VEGF and/or EGFR, and more in particular to polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; to compositions and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides, for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Methods and kits for assessing the responsiveness of a patient to c-Met therapy are also described and provided.
US09346882B2

The present invention relates to binding compounds specific for BTLA and uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to fully human antibodies that recognize human BTLA and modulate its activity in cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders.
US09346879B2

The instant invention relates to the field of protein production and purification, and in particular to compositions and processes for controlling the amount of charge variants, aggregates, and fragments of a protein of interest, as well as host cell proteins, present in purified preparations by applying particular chromatography conditions during such protein purification.
US09346873B2

The invention provides knock-in non-human cells and mammals having a genome encoding chimeric antibodies and methods of producing knock-in cells and mammals. Certain aspects of the invention include chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions and kits. Certain aspects of the invention also relate to diagnostic and treatment methods using the antibodies of the invention.
US09346867B2

Cancer-associated O-glycopeptide combination epitopes derived from the VNTR of MUC1 are disclosed. Autoantibodies present in human sera target the combination epitopes and are reduced or absent in cancer patients. The epitopes are useful as therapeutic and immunoprophylactic cancer vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies directed against the epitopes are also useful as immunotherapeutics for treatment and prevention of cancer. Diagnostic methods using the epitopes and antibodies are also disclosed.
US09346863B2

The present invention relates to a fish protein hydrolysate having a biological activity of interest, in particular an effect on the stimulation and maintenance of bone. The fish protein hydrolysate is characterized in that it is obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of at least one protein source selected from the fish species Micromesistius poutassou, Clupea harengus, Scomber scombrus, Sardina pilchardus, Trisopterus esmarki, Trachurus spp, Gadus morhua, Pollachius virens, Melanogrammus aeglefinus and Coryphaenoides rupestris, and the species of fish belonging to the order Siluriformes, said enzymatic hydrolysis being carried out by means of an endopeptidase enzyme derived from Bacillus subtilis. The protein hydrolysate according to the invention makes it possible to maintain the bone mass or to stimulate bone growth through stimulation of osteoblast cell growth and inhibition of osteoclast cell growth.
US09346855B2

Described herein are modifications and adaptations of iron storage proteins for a novel photo-initiated approach to cancer therapy whereby cells are killed via production of iron-generated hydroxyl radicals. The iron is photo-released from a protein scaffold that includes tumor-targeting peptides and/or proteins fused to the exterior surface of the protein scaffold. One or more photosensitizers are coupled to the protein shell. The multiple tumor-targeting peptides and/or proteins will bind to specific hyperexpressed receptors on the cancer cells. After binding of the photosensitizer-iron-loaded protein to the cancer cells, photochemical excitation of the photosensitizers with tissue-penetrating near-infrared light triggers release of “free” ferrous iron, which in oxic or mildly hypoxic intracellular environments generates toxic hydroxyl radicals via Fenton chemistry. This light-triggered release of “free” iron overwhelms the cancer cells' defenses against free radicals. The combination of tumor-targeting peptides and photo-triggered release of iron ensures that non-cancerous cells are not bombarded with iron.
US09346853B2

The invention relates to synthetic routes for preparing telaprevir and boceprevir, and its intermediates as well as peptides other than telaprevir. The synthetic routes are based on a Mukaiyama aldol addition reaction of a silyl enol ether or an enolate with an imine. The invention also refers to novel intermediates for preparing telaprevir/boceprevir or other peptides.
US09346849B2

Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition containing as an active ingredient a compound represented by formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, and a method for treating cancer, the method including administering the compound represented by formula (I) or the physiologically acceptable salt thereof.
US09346844B2

The present invention provides novel processes for the preparation of Fondaparinux sodium by using the compound of formula ABC5 In some embodiments, the intermediates for the synthesis of Fondaparinux sodium, are also provided.
US09346843B2

The present invention relates to a process for generating glucose and glucose derivatives from the direct contacting of cellulose, hemicelluloses and/or polysaccharides with a mixed super critical fluid system of alcohol and water whereby the partial pressure of the system provides for both alcoholysis and hydrolysis of the material to generate primarily glucose, and glucose derivatives.
US09346842B2

The present invention relates generally to substituted benzofurans, benzothiophenes, and indoles and their use as tubulin polymerization inhibitors.
US09346820B2

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to, among other things, compounds and methods of using those compounds to treat an HIV infection. The compounds of the various embodiments of the present invention provide, among other things, therapeutic agents having enhanced penetration capability across the blood-brain barrier, such that they can enter the CNS to treat an HIV-1 infection in the CNS.
US09346815B2

Compounds of Formula (00A) and methods of use as Janus kinase inhibitors are described herein.
US09346805B2

The present invention provides compounds of Formula I including tautomers, resolved enantiomers, resolved diastereomers, solvates, metabolites, salts and pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs thereof. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of this invention as Akt protein kinase inhibitors and for the treatment of Akt-mediated diseases, for example, hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.
US09346803B2

Provided are compositions for inhibiting a biological activity of an aldoketo reductase family 1, member C3 (AKR1 C3) polypeptide. In some embodiments, the compositions are indomethacin derivatives that are AKR1 C3-specific inhibitors. Also provided are methods for producing disclosed indomethacin derivatives that substantially lack cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity but that have AKR1C3 inhibitory activity, methods for inhibiting AKR1C3 polypeptide biological activities, and methods for treating prostate tumors in subjects.
US09346802B2

Provided herein are compounds of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof; wherein X, R1, R2a, R2b, R2c, R2d, are as defined herein, and Ring HET is a 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring system of formula: wherein L2, R13, G8, G10, G11, and G12 are as defined herein. Compounds of the present invention are useful for inhibiting CARM1 activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating CARM1-mediated disorders are also described.
US09346800B2

The present invention relates to new pharmaceutical compositions comprising benzoquinoline compounds, and methods to inhibit vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) activity in a subject for the treatment of chronic hyperkinetic movement disorders.
US09346789B2

The invention provides a combination of a) a compound of Formula (Ia): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and b) abiraterone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a hyperproliferative disorder, such as cancer.
US09346785B2

Efficient processes for making HCV protease inhibitors are described. In one embodiment, the process uses novel idazolide derivatives of vinyl-ACCA. In another embodiment, the process comprises reacting with to form In still another embodiment, the process comprises coupling with to form
US09346784B2

Disclosed are compounds and methods of using them to treat a disorder selected from the group consisting of addiction, pain, obesity, schizophrenia, epilepsy, mania and manic depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, learning deficit, cognition deficit, attention deficit, memory loss, Lewy Body Dementia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammation, stroke, spinal cord injury, dyskinesias, obsessive compulsive disorder, chemical substance abuse, alcoholism, memory deficit, pseudodementia, Ganser's syndrome, migraine pain, bulimia, premenstrual syndrome or late luteal phase syndrome, tobacco abuse, post-traumatic syndrome, social phobia, chronic fatigue syndrome, premature ejaculation, erectile difficulty, anorexia nervosa, autism, mutism, trichotillomania, hypothermia, and disorders of sleep.
US09346783B2

A method of producing an oxidized compound is disclosed. An electric potential is measured of an oxidation reaction solution for producing an oxidized compound by an oxidation reaction, and an end point is determined of the oxidation reaction on the basis of a predefined decrease of the electric potential. Preferably, after the electric potential of the oxidation reaction solution is reached to a highest electric potential, a point is determined where the amount of an electric potential dropped from the highest electric potential reaches the predefined amount of an electric potential as the end point of the oxidation reaction. The method also may introduce an oxidation reaction terminating agent to the oxidation reaction solution immediately after determining the end point of the oxidation reaction.
US09346782B2

The present invention comprises compounds of Formula I. wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 are defined in the specification. The invention also comprises a method of treating or ameliorating a syndrome, disorder or disease, wherein said syndrome, disorder or disease is rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. The invention also comprises a method of modulating RORγt activity in a mammal by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 1.
US09346781B2

The invention provides compounds useful as anti-cancer agents.
US09346780B2

Disclosed is a process for preparing dihydro-2H-pyran derivatives of formula I: wherein R1 and R2 are defined herein. The process of the invention provides the compound of formula I in concise cascade reactions and in one pot. The compound of formulae I prepared by the process of the invention and its further transformed derivatives are useful for making pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of proliferative diseases.
US09346779B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing dehydro rose oxide by reacting isoprenol and prenal in the presence of at least one sulfonic acid of formula R1—SO3H as catalyst, wherein R1 is selected from phenyl which carries 2 or 3 C1-C4-alkyl substituents, phenyl which carries one C8-C20-alkyl substituent and optionally also 1 or 2 C1-C4-alkyl substituents, and naphthyl which optionally carries 1 or 2 C1-C4-alkyl substituents.
US09346777B2

The invention is directed to a compound of formula I, as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of formula I, a method of treatment of a disorder or condition that may be treated by administration of the compound, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound of formula I as described above, and a method of treatment of a disorder or condition selected from the group consisting of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease, Leishmaniasis and malaria, the method comprising administering to a mammal, including a human, in need of such treatment a compound of formula I as described above.
US09346761B2

Described herein are compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Compounds described herein are useful for inhibiting arginine methyltransferase activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating arginine methyltransferase-mediated disorders are also described.
US09346758B2

A compound which is a compound of formula (I) or any salt thereof: wherein R1 is a Ci-C6 alkyl group, R2 is H or a Ci-C6 alkyl group, R3 is H or a Ci-C6 alkyl group, and n is an integer from 0 to 5.
US09346749B2

Disclosed are 1,3-Dioxoindene derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or enantiomers, a preparation method thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of viral diseases, comprising the same as an active ingredient. The 1,3-Dioxoindene derivatives have excellent inhibitory activity against picornaviruses including coxsackie-, entero-, echo-, Polio-, and rhinoviruses, as well as exhibiting low cytotoxicity, so that they can be useful as an active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of viral diseases including poliomyelitis, paralysis, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, viral meningitis, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, vesicular disease, hepatitis A, myositis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, diabetes, epidemic myalgia, encephalitis, flu, herpangina, foot-and-mouth disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sinusitis or otitis media.
US09346744B2

An improved, cost effective process for the preparation of Lacosamide is disclosed. A novel intermediate of formula (IV) and a process for preparation of the novel intermediate is also disclosed. wherein, X is halogen.
US09346741B2

Disclosed herein are di-substituted aryl polyamine compounds and methods of making and using the same. The di-substituted polyamine compounds act as PTS targeting agents, which selectively target the polyamine transport system (PTS) with high efficacy and have improved stability in the presence of amine oxidases.
US09346736B2

A process utilizing nitric acid and oxygen as co-oxidants to oxidize aldehydes, alcohols, polyols, preferably carbohydrates, specifically reducing sugars to produce the corresponding carboxylic acids.
US09346734B2

The invention relates to processes for removing aromatics from the reactants that are fed to a carbonylation reactor. The aromatics are removed using a guard bed that comprises an adsorbent.
US09346728B2

The invention relates to a process for converting hydrocarbons into products containing aldehydes and/or alcohols. The invention also relates to producing olefins from the aldehyde and alcohol, to polymerizing the olefins, and to equipment useful for these processes.
US09346725B2

Process for production of a higher alcohol product from an alcohol synthesis gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and lower alcohols, comprising a carbon dioxide and optional alkane removal step. Use a stripper using synthesis gas as stripping gas to purify the liquid phase containing the lower and highers alcohols, in order to strip the lower alcohol from the alcohol stream. Synthesis gas used for stripping is used as recycle stream in the reactor.
US09346724B2

A method for preparing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, including: a) heating and vaporizing hydrogen fluoride and 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (TCP), and introducing hydrogen fluoride and TCP to a first reactor for reaction in the presence of an A-type catalyst to yield a first product mixture including 2,3-dichloro-3,3-difluoropropene (“HCFO-1232xf”), where the mole ratio between hydrogen fluoride and TCP is between 5:1 and 60:1, the reaction temperature is between 200 and 500° C., and the space velocity is between 200 and 2000 h−1; b) preheating the first product mixture including HCFO-1232xf, introducing the first product mixture including HCFO-1232xf to a second reactor for reaction in the presence of a B-type catalyst to yield a second product mixture including HFO-1234yf, where the temperature of the preheated first product mixture including HCFO-1232xf is higher than the reaction temperature of the first reactor and lower than the reaction temperature of the second reactor.
US09346719B2

A hydrogenation catalyst system is provided. The catalyst system includes a metal complex of Formula (I), an organic lithium compound and an organic compound having a cyclic structure including at least one double bond. In Formula (I), M is transition metals. R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different, including hydrogen, C1-8 alkyl, and C1-8 alkoxy, or two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are linked together to form a ring. X1, X2 and X3 are a cyclic group, hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, alkyl or alkoxy, wherein when one of X1, X2 and X3 is a cyclic group, and the others are the same or different, including hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, alkyl or alkoxy. The invention also provides a selective hydrogenation process utilizing the catalyst system.
US09346718B2

Industrial demand for hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) is often lower than the amount produced from fluoride recycling processes. One alternative for using this surplus is manufacturing a soil conditioner by neutralizing the hexafluorosilicic acid with calcium oxide (CaO) inside an open, Kullman type reactor. The reaction ensures alkalinity to the soil conditioner having a pH of about 10, moisture less than about 40%, phosphorus (P2O5) at about 2.5%, calcium at about 22%, about 0.5% magnesium, about 10% silicon (about 30% to 40% water-soluble), about 18% fluoride, neutralization power of about 5% to 15%, and total neutralization power of about 5% to 12%. The resulting product, called AgroSiCa, is easily manageable with very high contents of Ca and Si (total and soluble), and also contains Mg, P, Fe, Zn, and F. When applied to soil, it contributes to the supply of nutrients, provides a better root growth and improves the plants development.
US09346712B2

A mortar contains cement, one or more than one mineral additive, superplasticizer, aggregates, a hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose and water, wherein the hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose is characterized by the sum of its hydroxyethyl molecular substitution and methyl degree of substitution is 1.90 or higher and 2.30 or lower and its viscosity as a 2 weight-percent aqueous solution that is below 30,000 milliPascals*seconds.
US09346710B2

Methods of forming a sheet glass product comprising a plurality of growth-limited glass bump spacers. According to the methods, a glass pane of the sheet glass product is irradiated with laser radiation to locally heat the glass pane at a plurality of spacer localities and induce growth of a plurality of glass bump spacers in the glass pane. The growth of the plurality of glass bump spacers is limited by utilizing a growth-limiting plate comprising a scattering surface portion. The scattering surface portion of the growth-limiting plate mitigates damage to the growth-limiting plate and may also mitigate damage to the glass pane. Vacuum insulated glass products and systems for forming a growth-limited sheet glass product are also provided.
US09346705B2

Intermediate to high CTE glass compositions and laminates formed from the same are described. The glasses described herein have properties, such as liquidus viscosity or liquidus temperature, which make them particularly well suited for use in fusion forming processes, such as the fusion down draw process and/or the fusion lamination process. Further, the glass composition may be used in a laminated glass article, such as a laminated glass article formed by a fusion laminate process, to provide strengthened laminates via clad compression as a result of CTE mismatch between the core glass and clad glass.
US09346689B2

A method of water discharge management in a water processing system is provided. The method includes providing a supply of a first solution, providing a supply of a second solution, and selectively supplying the first solution to a water processing system and the second solution to the water processing system. The method further includes controllably and selectively directing discharge water formed in the water processing system through a first multi-way valve to a waste outlet during a period in which the discharge water satisfies a first selected criteria, and to a second multi-way valve during a period in which the discharge water satisfies a second selected criteria. The method also includes controllably and selectively directing the discharge water through the second multi-way valve to a first storage container connected to the second multi-way valve during a period in which the discharge water satisfies a third selected criteria, and to a third multi-way valve during a period in which the discharge water satisfies a fourth selected criteria. In addition, the method includes controllably and selectively directing the discharge water through the third multi-way valve to a second storage container during a period in which the discharge water satisfies a fifth selected criteria, and the discharge water as a solution to the supply of first solution during a period in which the discharge water satisfies a sixth selected criteria.
US09346684B2

This invention is directed to decreasing the CO2 concentration. The invention makes use of fluids and apparatuses for diminishing CO2 concentrations of fluids.
US09346669B2

Self-supported MEMS structure and method for its formation are disclosed. An exemplary method includes forming a polymer layer over a MEMS plate over a substrate, forming a via collar along sidewalls of a first portion of a trench over the polymer layer, and forming a second portion of the trench within the polymer layer. The method also includes forming an oxide liner in the trench lining sidewalls of the via collar and sidewalls of the second portion of the trench, depositing a metallic filler in the trench to form a via, and forming a metal cap layer over the via collar and the metallic filler. The method further includes removing a portion of the metal cap layer to form a via cap, and removing the polymer layer such that the via is supported only on a bottom thereof by the substrate. An exemplary structure formed by the disclosed method is also disclosed.
US09346667B2

A sensor structure is disclosed. The sensor structure may include a lead frame for supporting a MEMS sensor, a recess in a surface of the lead frame, and a MEMS sensor coupled to the surface of the lead frame and arranged over the recess to form a chamber. Alternatively, the lead frame may have a perforation formed through it and the MEMS sensor may be coupled to the surface of the lead frame and arranged over an opening of the perforation.
US09346665B2

A MEMS vibrator includes an insulating portion, a first electrode provided on one surface of the insulating portion, a fixed portion, and a function portion, a second electrode provided so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the first electrode at a distance therefrom. The second electrode comes into contact with the function portion and extends from the fixed portion.
US09346658B2

A unitary funnel which is injection-molded is used for dispensing a flowable product, such as a fuel additive, into a receptacle provided with a normally-closed capless fitment. The funnel includes an inlet portion for receiving the flowable product, an inserting end portion for insertion into the capless fitment and a body portion having a tapered hollow interior and extending between the inlet portion and the inserting end portion. The inserting end portion includes a skirt which is constructed and arranged for proper engagement with the normally-closed capless fitment so as to open that capless fitment and allow the flowable product to be dispensed into the receptacle.
US09346657B2

A funnel apparatus for storage inside of a container lid. The funnel apparatus includes a circular planar sheet having a centered circular shaped pop-out member with perforated lines therearound to facilitate the removal thereof. The funnel apparatus provides an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein the inner edge is formed after removal of the pop-out member. The device can be removed from a container lid by use of a pull tab that extends from the outer edge thereof. A slit that extends from the inner edge to the outer edge of the planar sheet, wherein the user can separate the device via separating the slit in order to form ends. The device can be formed into a conical shape having a flared open upper and a tapered open bottom, wherein the open bottom is placed into the open upper of a bottle to enable the pouring of liquids and powders therein.
US09346653B1

A cord retractor includes a support member, a first length of electrical cord, a spool, and a second length of electrical cord. The spool includes a helical groove on an outer surface of the spool. The helical groove has a width corresponding to a cross-sectional width of the first length of electrical cord, and the spool is rotatably mounted on the support member. The second length of electrical cord is electrically coupled to the first length of electrical cord. A first portion of the second length of electrical cord is secured at a rotating location, and a second portion of the second length of electrical cord is secured at a stationary location. The first length of electrical cord is selectively extendable from and retractable on the spool, and the second cord flexes to accommodate the movement of the rotating location with respect to the stationary location.
US09346652B2

A film winding core (10) of the present invention includes a bearing portion (12), a plurality of blade portions 13, and a plurality of film supporting portions (14). The bearing portion (12) constitutes a tubular portion into which a shaft used to rotate the film winding core (10) is to be inserted. The plurality of blade portions (13) are provided respectively at a plurality of positions in a rotational direction of the bearing portion (12) and respectively extending outwardly from the bearing portion (12) so as to partition a space around the bearing portion (12) in the rotational direction. The plurality of film supporting portions (14) are respectively provided at positions outward from leading edges of the blade portions (13), and has an outwardly protruding shape so that a film (18) is supported away from the film winding core (10) between the film supporting portions (14) that are adjacent to each other in the rotational direction.
US09346645B2

An apparatus for driving a pair of nip rollers at a rotational velocity that varies within each revolution is provided. A first nip roller and a second nip roller form a nip therebetween for moving a sheet or signature. A drive configured and arranged to drive a drive shaft at a constant rotational speed. A pair of variable rotational speed couplings each have an input coupled to the drive, and an output connected to a respective one of the first and second nip rollers. Each coupling rotates its respective nip roller at a rotational speed that varies within each revolution.
US09346639B2

A medium storage box is provided. The medium storage box includes a first supporting plate for storing first medium, a second supporting plate spaced apart from the first supporting plate, for storing second medium, and a pickup roller, disposed between the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate, for selectively picking up one of the first medium and the second medium.
US09346632B2

A surface treatment system includes a surface treatment tank, a first guide rail and a second guide rail that extend at a position offset from a position over the upper opening of the surface treatment tank, and a plurality of transfer jigs that respectively hold a workpiece and are supported by the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The transfer jig includes a horizontal arm section, a first guide target section that is guided by the first guide rail, a second guide target section that is guided by the second guide rail, and a vertical arm section that is suspended from the horizontal arm section at a position between the first guide target section and the second guide target section, and holds the workpiece.
US09346630B2

A robot system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a robot, and a controller. The first conveyor conveys a plurality of kinds of workpieces. The second conveyor conveys workpiece groups each including a combination of the workpieces. The controller controls the robot, and includes a situation acquirer, a determiner, and an instructor. The situation acquirer acquires a situation in a predetermined monitor area on the first and second conveyors. The monitor area is set based on a movable range of the robot. Based on the situation, the determiner determines whether one of the workpieces on the first conveyor in the monitor area is a missing workpiece of one of the workpiece groups in the monitor area. The instructor instructs the robot to hold the one workpiece and to transfer the one workpiece from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.
US09346619B1

An inventory system has inventory pods that are freely and independently moved about a facility and include inventory holders having dynamically reconfigurable storage bins. For various operating scenarios, the components of the inventory system are directed to dynamically reconfigure the storage bins, thereby maintaining efficient product density amongst the inventory holders and permitting the use of automated equipment to manipulate inventory items stored in the inventory pods. One or more inventory pods may be used with lifting modules and picking modules to dynamically reconfigure the storage bins as inventory items are added to and removed from the inventory holders.
US09346612B2

The present invention is a collapsible liner for use in a bulk container. The liner comprises a first flexible panel, a second flexible panel, a first seal, a second seal, and a tab. The first flexible panel includes a first longitudinal edge. The second flexible panel includes a second longitudinal edge. The first seal joins the first and second panels near the first and second longitudinal edges and runs generally parallel to the first and second edges. The second seal joins the first and second panels and is generally oblique to the first seal. At least one of the panels extends across at least one of the seals to form the tab, which includes an attachment feature. The attachment feature may be a piece of tape affixed to the tab. The attachment feature may be a strip of fabric or other reinforcement material melted into the tab, sealed within the tab or affixed to the tab via an adhesive. The attachment feature may be a hole with sealed or unsealed edges. The attachment feature may be a grommet or a loop for receiving a hook.
US09346605B2

An insulative container includes a wall and a floor. The wall is formed from an insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material having an area of plastic deformation. There are no fractures in the insulative cellular non-aromatic polymeric material so that a predetermined insulative characteristic is maintained in the material.
US09346604B2

A method for preparing a custom flavored snack food includes the provision of a quantity of a snack food that is at least partially cooked and at least one seasoning powder. The snack food is placed in a coating container with the at least one seasoning powder. The snack food is then coated with the at least one seasoning powder. The snack food coated with the at least one seasoning powder is subsequently heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time to form the custom flavored snack food. The method may be practiced with a kit having the snack food, the at least one seasoning powder, the coating container, and the heating container. The heating container may have a removable panel that, when removed, provides access to a heating cavity for receiving and heating the coated snack food to form the custom flavored snack food.
US09346592B2

A container includes a sealing system coupled to an interior surface of the container's lid or cover. The sealing system includes a rotatable latch that, when rotated, cooperates with a number of gears to and a cam assembly formed in the lid to actuate a number of arms or links. In one embodiment, some of the arms extend approximately radially from a driven gear and operate to move an engagement member of the sealing assembly into contact with a complementary engagement member coupled to a base portion of the container. This engagement, in turn, compresses a seal or gasket located between the lid portion and the base portion of the container.
US09346590B2

A screw lid for a food container comprises a series of radially extending asymmetric protrusions arranged around a peripheral edge region, wherein the asymmetric protrusions facilitate enhanced gripping when the lid is turned in an opening direction as compared to the gripping facilitated when the lid is turned in a closing direction.
US09346583B2

A cargo rack includes a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end portion has a base with a floor providing a load holding position. A tank module that is supported with the frame during use, the lower end portion of the tank module resting upon the load holding position of the base. The frame includes a plurality of side walls that attach to and extend upwardly from the base frame. Each side wall has a pair of corner columns, a central plate, and a plurality of diagonal members, each diagonal member connected to a corner column and a central plate. The frame can include at least one horizontally extending beam connecting between each pair of corner columns. The diagonal members include an upper pair that can form an obtuse angle and a lower pair that can form an acute angle.
US09346580B2

A carton decasing system for removing stacks of cartons or carton blanks from cases or containers includes a case infeed conveyor on which the cases with the cartons or carton blanks stacked therein are moved to an inverting assembly. The inverting assembly reorients the cases and places the cases with the cartons stacked therein on a decasing assembly which removes the cases from the stacks of cartons. The stacks of cartons are thereafter conveyed along a magazine conveyor with the stacks of cartons supported by a stack pusher assembly as the cartons are moved to a discharge point at the distal end of the magazine conveyor.
US09346576B2

The invention relates to a tray sealer comprising a sealing station for sealing trays with a cover film, and a conveyor system for conveying the trays along a conveying path, wherein the conveyor system includes a plurality of pushers each configured for carrying along at least one tray and movable along an endless pusher path. The invention is characterized in that the pushers are movable independently of one another along the pusher path.
US09346568B2

Rotary packaging machine and method for filling open-mouth bags with multiple filling units disposed over the circumference and rotating along, each of which having a filling spout with a bottom filling opening, wherein the open-mouth bags can be appended by way of a motion oriented upwardly relative to the filling spout. A transfer device for transferring the open-mouth bags intended for filling to the filling units is provided. The transfer device comprises a gripping arm including a gripping unit provided thereat. The gripping arm is rotatingly disposed at the transfer device. A longitudinal speed of the longitudinal motion of the gripping arm is temporarily adapted to a peripheral speed of the circumferential motion of the filling spouts.
US09346566B2

A directionally-controlled roll-out elastically deployable solar array structure is disclosed. The structure includes one or more longitudinal elastic roll out booms that may be closed section or open section to allow for efficient rolled packaging onto a lateral mandrel. A flexible photovoltaic blanket is attached to a tip structure and to a lateral base support structure, but remains uncoupled from the longitudinal booms. The solar array system may be stowed simultaneously into a rolled package comprised of the roll out booms and the flexible planar blanket together, or onto independent rolls. Alternatively, the system may be stowed by rolling the booms, and accordion Z-folding the hinged flexible photovoltaic blanket into a flat stack. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the roll out booms, and several methods of deployment direction control are provided to ensure a known, controlled, and unidirectional deployment path of the elastically unrolling booms.
US09346564B1

A system and method for controlling de-orbit of a spacecraft is presented. Embedded command modules are commanded directly from a central command and telemetry module. Latch valves, thruster valves, and solar wing drive of the spacecraft are operated in response to inputs to the embedded command modules. The spacecraft is maneuvered to a safe disposal orbit in response to commands from the central command and telemetry unit.
US09346556B2

A method for providing one or more aircraft with weather data during flight includes generating a weather model using a source of weather data. The weather model incorporates flight operations information and performance requirements. The method includes generating a weather message from the weather model. The weather message is generated in a format that is compatible with the aircraft. The method also includes transmitting the weather message to the aircraft during flight of the aircraft.
US09346555B2

An on board inert gas generation system receives cabin air, or air from another relatively low pressure source, passing a portion thereof through an energy recovery turbine to ambient to extract power which is used to provide all, or part of, the energy required to drive a positive displacement compressor to compress another portion of cabin air to increase the pressure thereof to be suitable for supply to an air separation module.
US09346550B2

A method for deicing an aerostructure includes driving a sensing current through a heater element coated to an aerostructure, the heater element having a resistance that is temperature dependent. A resistance of the heater element is monitored. It is determined whether there is icing at the heater element using the monitored resistance of the heater element. A melting current is driven through the heater element when it is determined that there is icing at the heater element.
US09346549B2

A method of regulating the de-icing of a leading edge of an aircraft includes regulating the flow of air used for de-icing by at least a first regulator valve in accordance with two regulation levels, a first regulation level corresponding to the regulated position of the first regulator valve and a second regulation level corresponding to the fully open position of the first regulator valve. A de-icing device enables implementation of the regulation method.
US09346543B2

One variation of a method for imaging an area of interest includes: within a user interface, receiving a selection for a set of interest points on a digital map of a physical area and receiving a selection for a resolution of a geospatial map; identifying a ground area corresponding to the set of interest points for imaging during a mission; generating a flight path over the ground area for execution by an unmanned aerial vehicle during the mission; setting an altitude for the unmanned aerial vehicle along the flight path based on the selection for the resolution of the geospatial map and an optical system arranged within the unmanned aerial vehicle; setting a geospatial accuracy requirement for the mission based on the selection for the mission type; and assembling a set of images captured by the unmanned aerial vehicle during the mission into the geospatial map.
US09346542B2

An aerial vehicle includes at least one wing, a plurality of thrust producing elements on the at least one wing, a plurality of electric motors equal to the number of thrust producing elements for individually driving each of the thrust producing elements, at least one battery for providing power to the motors, and a flight control system to control the operation of the vehicle. The aerial vehicle may include a fuselage configuration to facilitate takeoffs and landings in horizontal, vertical and transient orientations, redundant control and thrust elements to improve reliability and means of controlling the orientation stability of the vehicle in low power and multiple loss of propulsion system situations. Method of flying an aerial vehicle includes the variation of the rotational speed of the thrust producing elements to achieve active vehicle control.
US09346535B1

A new ring cam and ring cam assembly, developed for providing more diverse dynamic pitching schedules for cyclorotor blades, particularly for providing both cyclic and collective pitch control, can be used for any apparatus where dynamic variation of cam controlled movement is needed. The new ring cam has its cam surface on the inside of a ring, the cam surface defining a plurality of different cam profiles which can be dynamically chosen and applied according to need. The different cam profiles are provided by different configurations and by combinations of those configurations. One configuration uses a plurality of adjacent different cam profiles across the inside width of the ring, so that a cam follower follows different cam profiles as it moves across or relative to the cam surface. Another configuration moves a center axis of the ring in relation to the axis of rotation of the cyclorotor, or other rotating device, to dynamically change the effective cam profile. Still another configuration rotates the ring to dynamically change the effective cam profile. The new ring cam assembly includes a cam follower which, for its originally developed use, is operatively interconnected with a cyclorotor blade.
US09346532B1

A system for filling balloons with lift gas is provided. The system includes apparatus for use with a balloon envelope of a balloon. This apparatus includes a main body having first and second portions. The first portion has a fill port and a hollow tube portion in communication with the fill port. The second portion has a surface and is insertable into a predefined opening in the balloon envelope. The surface of the second portion is configured to attach to an inner portion of the balloon envelope when the second portion is inserted in the predefined opening.
US09346531B1

A control system for terminating flight of a balloon having a balloon envelope is provided. The control system includes a shuttle that has one or more cutting blades. The cutting blades are configured to cut open the balloon envelope. A tubular track is attached to a section of the balloon envelope. This tubular track has a guiding portion arranged to receive and guide the shuttle along the track. The control system includes a type of releasable ballast attached to the shuttle. When the ballast is released, the ballast is configured to move the shuttle along the tubular track in order to cause at least one of the cutting blades to cut open a portion of the balloon envelope. This allows lift gas to escape from the balloon envelope.
US09346522B2

A frame of a water jet propulsion unit arranged to be installed and sealed into an installation opening of a boat. The water-jet propulsion unit includes an impeller and the boat has a counter-sealing surface to which the frame is attached. The frame includes a flow channel to guide water to the impeller. The flow channel has a top with a maintenance opening. The maintenance opening is positioned to permit servicing the impeller. A first sealing surface forms a first closed loop to attach the water-jet propulsion unit tightly to the counter-sealing surface of the boat. A second sealing surface forms a second closed loop arranged to attach the water-jet propulsion unit to the boat. The first and second closed loops permit the maintenance opening of the frame to be alternatively locatable respectively outside or inside the stern of the boat in dependence on alternative configurations of the installation opening of the boat.
US09346516B2

Disclosed herein are an electric bicycle and a control method thereof. The electric bicycle includes a hub motor including a motor housing configured to rotate with a wheel, a sprocket connected to a chain so as to rotate by receiving rider pedaling force through the chain, a first speed detector to detect a speed of the hub motor, a second speed detector to detect a speed of the sprocket, a motor driving unit to drive the hub motor, and an electronic control unit to compare the speed of the hub motor with the speed of the sprocket and control the motor driving unit to perform speed control of the hub motor according to a comparison result, wherein the second speed detector includes a magnet provided at the motor housing and disposed adjacent to teeth formed at an outer peripheral surface of the sprocket, a magnetic substance disposed apart from the magnet at a distance corresponding to a gap between the teeth of the sprocket or more gaps, a magnetic substance assembly connected with the magnetic substance and configured to rotate with the motor housing when the motor housing rotates, a PCB substrate fixed to a shaft of the hub motor, and a hall sensor provided at the PCB substrate in order to detect a change of a magnetic field of the magnetic substance assembly.
US09346510B2

An attitude controller eliminates a skid motion of a banked vehicle when travelling through a curve. The attitude controller includes a lateral acceleration sensor that obtains lateral acceleration, as rightward or leftward accelerations, acting on a vehicle of a motorcycle, a bank angle detector that detects a bank angle of the vehicle, and a longitudinal force controller that decreases, independently of each of the wheels, an absolute value of a longitudinal force as the sum of forward and backward forces acting on front and rear wheels based on the obtained lateral acceleration and the detected bank angle.
US09346504B2

A seat support and a method for obtaining same includes a support body made from polymeric materials derived from castor oil, a padding positioned on said body, and a coating that covers the padding. The padding includes at least one layer of foam made at least in part from a component derived from renewable sources and/or of natural origin like palm oil, castor oil, soybean oil, colza oil, or in general a vegetable oil, and it can include a layer and/or insert made from gel obtained by adding in dispersion with a polyolic and or isocyanic component, possible particles of cork and possible compatibilizing agents to maintain the continuity of the polymeric characteristics with the coating and promote sticking. The coating includes a polymer formed from castor oil. The seat support according to the present invention is therefore environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, easy to recycle and/or dispose of.
US09346500B2

A sprocket wheel and drive track assembly of a tracked vehicle includes at least one drive sprocket having a sprocket wheel. A plurality of internal teeth extending laterally therefrom is distributed in a circumferential direction on a periphery thereof at a sprocket pitch from each other. A belt in contact with the at least one drive sprocket has an inner side, an outer side, a longitudinal and a lateral direction. At least two of a plurality of internal lugs distributed on the inner side thereof are engaged by at least two of the plurality of internal teeth of the at least one drive sprocket. The plurality of internal lugs is disposed to form at least one longitudinal row. At least two consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a first pitch from each other. The first pitch is longer than an arc length corresponding to the sprocket pitch.
US09346498B2

A gooseneck and towing module are used in conjunction with a turntable, pedestal, apron and lower lugs to tow a disabled haul truck. The towing module is designed to fit and connect to the disabled haul truck at the more substantial section of the frame by means of cables and shackles and/or pinned connections. With the end of the towing module locked in place, the main lift cylinders on the gooseneck can then be extended to cause the front portion of the towing module to seat against the bumper of the disabled haul truck. With continued extension of the main lift cylinders, the disabled haul truck will be lifted into the towing position, lifting the front tires off the ground.
US09346495B2

A cabin is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The cabin may have a floor and a roof. The cabin may also have at least one A-post located at a leading end relative to a forward travel direction of the mobile machine, and a C-post located at a trailing end opposite the at least one A-post. The C-post may have two terminal ends located at the floor, and a single terminal end located at the roof.
US09346489B2

A steering system with magnetic torque overlay of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a hydraulic valve and differential-pressure transducer that monitors pressure created by the valve due to torque exerted by a driver of the vehicle in various directions on a steering wheel thereof. The transducer is fastened to a recirculating ball steering gear. A magnetic actuator generates an output of torque required from the steering gear for a maneuver of the steering wheel and applies the torque to the valve independently of input by the driver. A permanent magnet is located proximate the actuator. A control module calculates an appropriate amount of electric current and sends it to the actuator to generate the output torque. The torque is added to or subtracted from the system in any of the directions independently of the driver input by the pressure-monitoring and inputs from the vehicle into the control module.
US09346484B2

In a device for releasing a securing screw for a unit in a housing, in particular a pinion unit in a steering gear of a motor vehicle, the securing screw is connected via an external thread to an internal thread in the housing, wherein the securing screw is provided with a latching device, which has latching levers disposed distributed on the circumference of the securing screw, each of which said latching levers is provided with latching lugs disposed on the free ends of the latching levers. The latching lugs latch into teething gaps of a teething geometry of the housing. The latching devices can be connected to a tool in order to release the latching levers having the latching lugs from the latched position by means of a radially inwardly directed movement of the latching levers.
US09346479B1

A foldable stroller frame having right and left front, right and left rear legs, and right and left handle supports joined at a right and left folding joints in a manner permitting folding movement about a folding axis between deployed and folded positions. A seat panel connects the front legs and includes a movable portion being movable between first and second positions. A seat back frame is connected to the movable portion at a seat back pivot. Spacing between the seat back pivot and the folding axis is dependent upon the position of the movable portion. When in the first position, the spacing is greatest and precludes frame folding due to interference between the seat back frame and a transverse element between the handle supports. When in the second position, spacing is minimized and frame folding is permissible without interference between the seat back frame and the transverse element.
US09346476B2

A track-data verification vehicle and method for verifying positive train control (PTC) track data. The vehicle includes a 360° camera and a precision positioning system co-located on a vertical axis on the vehicle. The 360° camera provides a video image with indicators that are useable to align an asset with the positioning system. A second video camera is positioned interior to the vehicle to capture an image of a monitor associated with a train management control (TMC) unit and of operator inputs to the TMC unit; the TMC unit executes a PTC track-data verification application. The process of verifying asset locations is thus recorded and can be reviewed and approved by a Federal Railroad Administration representative without requiring the representative to be physically present within the vehicle during track-data verification.
US09346474B2

A travel device includes a bogie frame (11) configured to support an axle (5) to which a wheel (3) is attached, a suspension frame (15) disposed close to a center of a vehicle body (1) with respect to the bogie frame (11) and having a support section (16) extending downward from the vehicle body (1), and an upper link (14a) and a lower link (14b) configured to connect the support section (16) and the bogie frame (11) to relatively move the bogie frame (11) with respect to the support section (16) in a vertical direction. In the lower link (14b), a position (11b) at which the lower link (14b) and the bogie frame (11) are connected by pin coupling is disposed lower than a position (15b) at which the lower link (14b) and the support section (16) are connected by pin coupling. In addition, even in the upper link (14a), similar to the lower link, a position (11a) at which the upper link (14a) and the bogie frame (11) are connected by pin coupling is disposed lower than a position (15a) at which the upper link (14a) and the support section (16) are connected by pin coupling. Thus, the lower link (14b) and the upper link (14a) are installed parallel to each other.
US09346465B2

A method of determining the category of action of an active device of a vehicle comprises repeatedly measuring a vehicle parameter indicative of a change of vehicle state, determining a rate of change of the vehicle parameter and determining a modified vehicle parameter by reference to the rate of change. A threshold is applied to the modified vehicle parameter and a trigger signal is generated for an active device of the vehicle in response to the threshold being reached and in accordance with a severity of the vehicle parameter, which may be vehicle speed related.
US09346464B2

An apparatus comprising an engine, a power take-off to be driven by the engine, one or more load services to be driven by the engine, a PTO modulator coupled to the power-takeoff output port and operable to selectively engage the power take-off to the engine to provide output rotational power, one or more load-service modulators coupled to the one or more load services and operable to selectively engage the one or more load services to the engine to provide service outputs, and a load controller configured to selectively operate the PTO modulator and the one or more load-service modulators to change the output from the power take-off or the one or more load services based on a condition of the engine and a load priority assigned to the power take-off or the one or more load services.
US09346461B2

A switching vehicle speed determination section (21) judges a traveling mode requested by a driver on the basis of switch position information of a traveling mode switch operated by the driver and determines a switching vehicle speed for switching a hybrid type from a series mode to a parallel mode. A series/parallel modes switching determination section (22) determines switching between the series mode and the parallel mode on the basis of the switching vehicle speed set for the traveling mode determined by the switching vehicle speed determination section (21) and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor. A clutch control section (23) controls engagement/disengagement of a clutch on the basis of a determination result of the series/parallel modes switching determination section (22).
US09346456B2

A transmission control system can include a main transmission. The transmission control system can also include a sub transmission that has two forward transmission gears mechanically shiftable in response to a shift operation. The transmission control system can further include a controller that shifts the transmission gears of the main transmission by activating a shift control motor, and control the clutches configured to enable and disable transmission of a rotational driving force of an engine. When one forward transmission gear of the sub transmission is shifted to the other forward transmission gear in response to the shift operation, the controller can relax engagement of the clutch if an engine speed exceeds a clutch release speed.
US09346455B2

A control method for a vehicle transmission includes, in a TCU, receiving the rpm of an engine from an rpm sensor and determining whether to perform shifting of gears depending on the received rpm, when the shifting of gears is determined, allowing the TCU to control an ECU to cut off fuel supplied to the engine combustion chamber and to release a clutch connecting the engine and the transmission, after the control action is performed, monitoring a change in pressure of engine cylinders and allowing engine braking action to be activated, and when the rpm is reduced to a predefined value or less after the engine braking action, performing a shifting action.
US09346454B1

The reusable concrete form device especially provides for extreme portability due to light weight, easily assembled components, and tools used repetitively in the application of the forms, flexible forms, braces, and pegs of the device. The device further provides for exact positioning and for maintaining that positioning until desired removal. The sliding dovetail joints of the forms and braces provide this feature. The pegs are located into a surface such as ground, then selectively locked in position relative to each brace via pivot head lock screws disposed within each brace. The headed pegs removably pass through chambers within the braces and are locked in position via pivot headed lock screws. Concrete poured is thereby poured exactly as needed. Joiners with tails are used to also form sliding dovetail joints and to joint forms and flexible forms together.
US09346450B2

A method and system for controlling an engine clutch of a hybrid vehicle that may effectively select an engagement way of the engine clutch according to a state of the hybrid vehicle and a running state includes: detecting driver's demand torque; calculating sync speed torque that the motor outputs at a predetermined target speed for the sync engagement; detecting a state of charge (SOC) of a battery of the hybrid vehicle; calculate charging torque of an integrated starter-generator (ISG) operated by power of the engine; performing the sync engagement when speed of the motor is greater than the predetermined target speed for the sync engagement; and performing the sync engagement or the launch slip engagement based on the driver's demand torque, the sync speed torque of the motor, the SOC, and the charging torque when speed of the motor is less than the predetermined target speed for the sync engagement.
US09346437B2

A wiper blade assembly configured to facilitate coupling of a wiper arm and a connector member is provided to remove a space in which a U-shaped wiper arm moves forward or backward to couple with a connector member. The wiper blade assembly includes a wiper connector part. The wiper connector part comprises a connector member (130) and a connector receiving part (140). A wiper arm (150) is coupled to the connector member. The connector member is received in the connector receiving part. The connector receiving part comprises a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft.
US09346435B2

Theft-deterrence devices and methods adapted to assist in theft deterrence/prevention of machinery, for example, a man lift, whose controls include a joystick. Such a device includes an enclosure having an interior cavity defined by and between oppositely-disposed first and second ends of the enclosure, and an opening in the second end that communicates with the cavity and sized to enable a joystick to pass therethrough into the cavity. The cavity accommodates at least a portion of the joystick sufficient to prevent operation thereof. The device further includes an arm having a first portion permanently attached to the enclosure, a third portion comprising a through-hole that enables a shackle of a locking device to pass therethrough, and a second portion that permanently joins the first and third portions.
US09346432B2

[Object] To provide an airbag unit smaller in size and lighter in weight, and capable of being rapidly expanded, and a method of folding an airbag.[Solution] An airbag unit 20, configured to cover at least a part of a windshield 6 and a front pillar 2 outside of a vehicle 1, includes an airbag 10 formed in a U-shape including a bottom portion and a pair of projecting portions respectively projecting from the bottom portion, a gas generator 22 that ejects gas into the airbag 10, a lower cover unit 21 that accommodates therein the unexpanded airbag 10 and the gas generator 22, and an upper cover unit 24 that covers the lower cover unit 21 containing therein the airbag 10. The airbag 10 is expanded by the gas ejected from the gas generator 22 through between a hood 4 the windshield 6 of the vehicle 1.
US09346428B2

A system and method for determining when to deploy a vehicle safety system includes a processor and inertial sensor. The inertial sensor has a filtered output and an unfiltered or lightly filtered output. The unfiltered or lightly filtered output is in communication with the processor and provides inertial information relating to the vehicle. The filtered output of the inertial sensor is in communication with a vehicle stability control system. The processor is further configured to monitor the unfiltered or lightly filtered output of the inertial sensor and determine if the inertial information indicates that the vehicle has been involved in a collision. If the vehicle has been involved in a collision, the processor is configured to deploy a vehicle safety system.
US09346410B2

A spoiler for a vehicle, the vehicle having a cabin defining a cabin outer surface and a bed located behind the cabin, the spoiler being usable with an object, the spoiler comprising: a main portion and a utility portion extending from the main portion; the main portion being mountable to the cabin and defining substantially opposed main portion top and bottom surfaces; the utility portion being configured and sized for supporting at least part of the object; the main and utility portions being together configured and sized for deflecting air to reduce turbulence when the spoiler is operatively mounted to the cabin and the vehicle moves forward.
US09346407B2

A vehicle console includes a first console member, a second console member and a snap-fit mechanism that secures the first console member and the second console member together in a self-supporting structure. The console members define a portion of a storage compartment.
US09346405B2

A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold, interior, or roof of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may provide clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Finally, the vehicle step may be configured into at least two different arrangements for attachment to a vehicle utilizing the same components.
US09346399B2

A method and device for setting at least one parameter of at least one light source, wherein the light source is disposed in a vehicle, wherein the at least one parameter of the at least one light source and at least one parameter of at least one audio source are set by means of activation of a first functional profile, wherein the at least one audio source is disposed in the vehicle.
US09346395B2

A headlamp (1) includes a semiconductor laser (3); a light-emitting element (7) that emits light in response to laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser (3); a heat-conducting member (13) that receives heat generated by the light-emitting element (7) through a light-emitting-element facing surface (13a); and a gap layer (15) that is disposed between the light-emitting element (7) and the light-emitting-element facing surface (13a) and that conducts the heat generated by the light-emitting element (7) to the light-emitting-element facing surface (13a). The gap layer (15) contains at least an inorganic amorphous material.
US09346393B2

A saddle-ride vehicle blinker device includes an elastic support member elastically supports the blinker main body at a blinker support part provided on a vehicle body. An electric wire outlet port is disposed at or in a vicinity of the elastic support member. The electric wire is drawn from the electric wire outlet port. A water avoiding part is to cover the electric wire outlet port. A hinge part couples the water avoiding part and the elastic support member both of which are molded integrally with the hinge part. The water avoiding part includes an engagement part which is configured to engage with at least one of a part of the blinker main body, the electric wire, and the blinker support part to maintain the water avoiding part in a position to cover the electric wire outlet port while the hinge part is bent.
US09346389B2

A cargo handling system includes a guide assembly, a lower extendable assembly, and an upper extendable assembly. The cargo handling system can be placed on a cargo bed of a transport vehicle. The cargo handling system allows a vehicle operator easy access to portions of a cargo bed that are difficult to reach, and facilitates unloading of cargo.
US09346387B2

A cup holder assembly includes a housing having a track member, wherein an insert, having first and second sides, is adjustably received on the track member in a vertical manner. The insert is adapted to be positioned within the housing in either an upright or inverted position. The insert thereby provides first and second storage configurations relative to the upright and inverted configuration of the insert within the housing.
US09346384B2

The present teachings relate to a ventilating apparatus for a body supporting means, comprising: at least one air conveying means, at least one air guiding means, and at least one outlet opening in an area of the body supporting means, which is associated with the neck of a user.
US09346375B2

A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor and a pair of opposing cargo trim panels supported above the load floor at opposite sides of the load floor within the interior of the vehicle is provided. The load floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core of cellulose-based material positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The trim panels are compression-molded, composite cargo trim panels supported above the vehicle load floor at opposite sides of the load floor. Each panel includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. Each coverstock sheet provides its respective trim panel with a wood grain finish.
US09346368B2

A motor vehicle charging inlet structure includes: a first charging socket disposed in a recess portion of a vehicle body and connected to an electricity storage unit of a motor vehicle, the first charging socket being configured to be connected to a charging connector which supplies electric power from an external power supply to the electricity storage unit; a lid configured to open and close the recess portion; and a lock member configured to, when the lid is closed, come into engagement with the lid to fix the lid in a closed state and configured to, when the charging connector is connected to the first charging socket in a state in which the engagement of the lock member with the lid is released, come into press-contact with the charging connector to fix the charging connector in a connected state.
US09346366B2

A charge/discharge system is mounted on an electric vehicle using a motor as a driving source, which is driven by electric power charged in a battery, and controls at least one of charge from the outside of the vehicle to the battery and discharge from the battery to the outside of the vehicle. The charge/discharge system comprises a power supply unit for controlling power supply to supply power only to a unit contributing charge/discharge among units connected to a wiring system of driving power for the motor when charge/discharge to/from the battery from/to the outside of the vehicle is performed.
US09346363B2

A first power converter connected to a plurality of motors is configured to operate as a DC/AC converter or an AC/DC converter. A second power converter connected to a generator is configured to operate as a DC/AC converter or the AC/DC converter. A control device is configured to cause the first power converter to supply alternating-current power from the first power converter to at least one motor among the motors and cause the second power converter to supply alternating-current power from the second power converter to a motor other than the motor to which the alternating-current power from the first power converter is supplied.
US09346358B2

In a vehicle control apparatus, a display device displays a vehicle image showing a vehicle shape viewed from a virtual view point, and a user interface accepts a user's operation. When the user interface accepts the user's operation that issues an instruction for changing the vehicle image, a display control unit causes the display device to display the vehicle image after the changing of the virtual view point. Simultaneously, the display control unit causes the display device to display command buttons corresponding to portions of the vehicle shown by the vehicle image after the changing of the virtual view point.
US09346355B2

A motorcycle cruise control system intended for cooperation with a rotary throttle grip of a motorcycle, comprises a clamping device with a stationary clamping part and a movable clamping part which is movable between a clamping position for clamping the throttle grip and maintaining it in a desired rotary position, and a release position allowing a rotation of the throttle grip, an operating mechanism for moving the movable clamping part between its clamping and release positions and a holding arrangement for holding the clamping device substantially stationary with respect to the motorcycle. The operating mechanism comprises an eccentric mechanism with a first arm and a second arm of which respective first ends are pivotably connected to the stationary clamping part and movable clamping part, respectively, and of which the second ends are pivotably connected to each other.
US09346354B2

A driveline component that includes an input member, a differential case, a differential gearset housed in the differential case, a first clutch and a second clutch. The first clutch is configured to selectively transmit rotary power between the input member and the differential case. The second clutch is configured to selectively transmit rotary power between the input member and the differential case. The first clutch has a first engagement time and that is less than a second engagement time of the second clutch.
US09346353B2

A motor vehicle having: a prime mover; first and second groups of one or more wheels; and a driveline to connect the prime mover to the first and second groups of wheels such that the first group of one or more wheels is driven by the prime mover when the driveline is in a first mode of operation and the second group of one or more wheels is additionally driven by the prime mover when the driveline is in a second mode of operation, the driveline including an auxiliary driveline comprising releasable torque transmitting means operable to connect the second group of one or more wheels to the prime mover when the driveline transitions between the first mode and the second mode, wherein when in the first mode the driveline is operable to transition to the second mode responsive to an output of a reactive evaluator and a predictive evaluator.
US09346350B2

An exhaust assembly that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle into an exhaust passage, and a fascia coupled to the vehicle defining the exhaust passage. The exhaust assembly further includes a bezel defining an exhaust opening substantially aligned with the pipe, and a sleeve configured within the exhaust opening, which may define an exhaust plane. The sleeve extends rearward, flush or sub-flush, with the rearmost portion of the exhaust opening or exhaust plane, and substantially parallel to an exit portion of the pipe.
US09346347B2

Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified. The system provides for safe operation of a hydraulic hybrid vehicle that includes an engine pump and drive motor, at least one of which operates over-center. The system optionally provides a displacement control valve that is controlled by feedback from an actuator or displacement position sensor and that on loss of electric power to the displacement control valve will cause the controlled pump/motor to stroke to a zero displacement position.
US09346337B2

A vehicle air conditioner (1A) includes: an external air introduction port (33) for introducing external air into a vehicle interior; and a duct (3) having an inlet port (31) for drawing internal air into the duct and an outlet port (32) for blowing air into the vehicle interior. In the duct (3), a first indoor heat exchanger (12A) and a second indoor heat exchanger (12B) of a heat pump circuit (2A) are disposed. The first indoor heat exchanger (12A) contributes mainly to heating, and the second indoor heat exchanger (12B) contributes mainly to cooling. The duct (3) is provided with at least one of a heating exhaust port (34) for discharging air cooled in the second indoor heat exchanger (12B) to the outside of the vehicle interior in heating operation and a cooling exhaust port (35) for discharging air heated in the first indoor heat exchanger (12A) to the outside of the vehicle interior in cooling operation. With the above configuration, energy required for adjustment of the temperature of air in the vehicle interior can be efficiently used without waste.
US09346329B2

A tire inflation system and a method of control. The tire inflation system may include a damped valve that moves from a closed position to an open position faster than from the open position to the closed position.
US09346328B2

A spare tire body for the tire cavity of run-flat tires comprises: a plurality of circumferentially arranged combining blocks each being a hollow member that has two lateral sides each with a through hole, a bottom, two lengthwise ends on the bottom diagonally formed with projecting portions, and a top formed as an engaging valley; and either a) a C-shaped lining piece and two C-shaped holding pieces or b) a C-shaped lining piece or c) two C-shaped holding pieces or d) a C-shaped lining piece and one C-shaped holding piece. A connecting assembly of two pairs of fine tuning members, an adjusting member, a pressing bolt, a pressing screw bolt, and two reinforcing plates may be provided.
US09346324B2

A pneumatic tire having a tread portion, side wall portions, and bead portions includes at least one row of blocks constituted by a plurality of blocks aligned in a tire circumferential direction formed in a vehicle inner side region and a vehicle outer side region of the tread portion. Sipes extend in a tire width direction in each of the blocks. A pitch count of the blocks constituting the row of blocks in the vehicle inner side region is greater than the pitch count of the blocks constituting the row of blocks in the vehicle outer side region. Sipes formed in the blocks in the vehicle outer side region are provided with a structure extending in a linear manner along the depth direction thereof and sipes formed in the blocks in the vehicle inner side region are provided with a structure extending while curving along the depth direction thereof.
US09346321B2

A pneumatic tire having a carcass and a belt reinforcing structure wherein the belt reinforcing structure is a composite belt structure having at least one radially inner spiral layer and at least one zigzag belt reinforcing structure located radially outward of said spiral layer. The zigzag belt width is preferably narrower than the spiral layer.
US09346317B2

A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.
US09346312B2

A bound component including a first panel and a second panel pivotally coupled together along a hinge. Each panel includes an outer covering and a substrate positioned in the outer covering, wherein the outer covering of the first panel is directly coupled to the outer covering of the second panel to form the hinge. The substrates of the first and second panels are not directly coupled together. The bound component further includes a reinforcement extending over or forming at least part of the hinge.
US09346311B2

A pocket folder with increased document capacity and method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The folder has two cover panels 14-16, joined along a longitudinal joint or score line, a pair of pocket flaps 40a-40b and a top flap 70. Top flap 70 folds along a score line 72a-72b and a midline score 74 and a plurality of parallel scores 78 to accommodate expansion. At the pockets, a v-shaped notch 52 between the pockets prevents bunching and a circular cut away 90a-90b provides greater access to the documents.
US09346304B2

A method for individualizing a security document includes providing a document blank with a lamination body; printing on at least one outer surface of the lamination body with a digital printing device to introduce individualization information into the lamination body. The document blank with the lamination body has an outer layer in an individualization region with an outer material layer adjacent to the at least one outer surface formed with perforation openings penetrating the outer material layer to an information layer. The individualization information is printed onto the outer surface with at least some of the individualization information printed onto the information layer through the perforation openings. A system for individualizing documents is configured to print individualization information onto the information layer through the perforation openings.
US09346291B2

A sheet discriminator includes a sheet loader on which a recording medium is loaded, an information detector to detect information of the recording medium loaded on the sheet loader, and a sheet distinguisher to distinguish a type of the recording medium based on the information detected by the information detector. The information detector detects the information of the recording medium with the recording medium being inserted between the sheet loader and the information detector. An image forming apparatus incorporates the sheet discriminator and an image forming part to form an image on the recording medium.
US09346290B2

A first irradiation section has a light source and an emitting member. The light source generates radiation, and the emitting member is located between a first irradiation point and a virtual plane that extends through the edge of a nozzle surface closest to the first irradiation section tangentially to a curved surface. The radiation generated by the light source goes out through the emitting member. A control section controls a transportation speed in such a manner that ink dots formed at a dot formation point should move to the first irradiation point in a second time period that is equal to or shorter than a first time period. The first time period is the time period from the time immediately after the ink dots are formed to the time when the diameter of the ink dots reaches twice the nozzle pitch.
US09346282B2

An image is printed with an inkjet-printing device using specialty ink (300). The device can use standard cyan ink, standard magenta ink, standard yellow ink, and standard black ink to print full-color images on media. However, the specialty ink is a type of ink other than the types of the standard cyan ink, the standard magenta ink, the standard yellow ink, and the standard black ink. A replacement color ordinarily printed using the standard cyan ink, the standard magenta ink, the standard yellow ink, and/or the standard black ink is determined (306). An image having one or more pixels having the replacement color is printed on the media (316). The pixels that have the replacement color are printed using the specialty ink instead of using the standard cyan ink, the standard magenta ink, the standard yellow ink, and/or the standard black ink.
US09346278B2

For a liquid container provided with a handle portion, some contrivance is necessary with respect to the distribution form from the standpoint of protecting the liquid container against breakage. In a packaging tray for an ink container, the ink container having a flexible ink bag, a supply portion provided in the ink bag, and a handle portion provided in the ink bag and protruding outward therefrom, the packaging tray includes a restricting portion that restricts the handle portion at such a position that a clearance is maintained between the supply portion of the ink container and the packaging tray.
US09346275B2

Many devices, such as printers, work with one or more removable unit. Often, the removable units have an electronic circuit that used to communicate with the device. It may be desirable to provide a replacement unit in these devices. The replacement unit must include an electronic circuit that is able to communicate with the original device. Disclosed is a method and apparatus where a replacement unit is provided with a new electronic circuit and a used electronic circuit. The new electronic circuit is electrically connected to the used electronic circuit and uses the used electronic circuit to facilitate communication with the host device.
US09346272B2

There is provided a recording head unit that includes a recording head main body that drives a piezoelectric element to generate a pressure change in ink filling a pressure generation chamber so as to eject the ink through a nozzle formed in a nozzle plate; a holder to hold the recording head main body; and a fixing plate to which end surfaces, on the nozzle plate side, of the recording head main body and the holder are fixed. In the stated recording head unit, the fixing plate includes a slope section that is arranged in part of a predetermined region of the fixing plate where neither the holder nor the recording head main body is fixed, and that has a free movement portion of which cross section is formed in a mountain-like shape and which is capable of freely moving in a direction intersecting with a surface direction of the fixing plate; the fixing plate further includes a fixing portion with which a base end of the free movement portion is fixed to the holder; and the fixing plate is so configured as to be expanded/contracted in the surface direction of the fixing plate by a force applied in this direction.
US09346270B2

A liquid ejecting head includes a pressure chamber substrate where a plurality of spaces to be a pressure chamber along a Y direction are formed in an X direction, a vibration plate that seals the space by being stacked in the pressure chamber substrate, and a piezoelectric element and a supporting unit that are stacked in the vibration plate on an opposite side to the pressure chamber substrate, in which positions at one end in the Y direction are different from each other in a first space and a second space among the plurality of spaces, and the supporting unit suppresses a vibration of the vibration plate by being formed so as to overlap with at least the one end side portion in the first space in a planar view.
US09346261B1

A gas flow duct for use in redirecting drops of liquid ejected from a printhead in a continuous inkjet printer, including a sump, a first duct portion upstream of the sump, and a second duct portion downstream of the sump. The first duct portion rises from an entrance to an apex and then turns downward and exits into the sump, and the second duct portion rises from the sump toward an exit port. A cross-sectional area of the first duct portion is adapted to produce a gas flow velocity sufficient to transport entrained liquid through the first duct portion past the apex and into the sump. A cross-sectional area of the second duct portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first duct portion and is adapted to produce a gas flow velocity insufficient to transport entrained liquid through the second duct portion.
US09346260B2

A flexographic printing system uses a flexographic printing plate to produce printed patterns on a substrate. An ink recirculation system is used to reduce variability in system performance resulting from ink viscosity changes. A recirculation pump moves ink through an ink recirculation line connected to an ink reservoir. A metering pump adds a controlled flow rate of solvent from a solvent replenishment chamber into the ink recirculation line, thereby providing replenished ink which is returned to the ink reservoir. A control system is used to control the flow rate of solvent provided by the metering pump responsive to feature characteristics determined by analyzing a captured image of the printed pattern.
US09346259B2

A method for closed-loop or open-loop control of ink feed in lithographic offset printing presses having at least one inking unit, a control unit and an operating element for adjusting the ink feed across a predetermined ink feed control range, includes subdividing the predetermined control range into partial ranges in the control unit. At least one adjustment parameter of the inking unit or the printing press is assigned to each partial range in the control unit. The control unit determines the appropriate partial range as a function of the ink feed selected with the operating element and adjusts the selected ink feed in the inking unit with associated adjustment parameters in the inking unit and/or in the printing press.
US09346248B2

The present invention provides a liquid crystal sealant forming device and a display panel assembly apparatus using the same. The display panel assembly apparatus comprises the liquid crystal sealant forming device, an alignment assembly device, a transporting device and a curing device. The liquid crystal sealant forming device comprises a forming substrate; a plurality of liquid crystal dispensing openings formed on one side of the forming substrate for dispensing a liquid crystal on a substrate; and at least one sealant coating opening disposed around the liquid crystal dispensing openings for coating a sealant on the substrate. The present invention can form the liquid crystal and the sealant in the same apparatus.
US09346239B2

A method is used to provide a pattern of a functional material for example on a receiving element. To provide this pattern, a laser-engraveable patternable element is imagewise exposed with laser-engraving radiation. This element has a laser-engraveable layer comprising a thermoplastic elastomeric interpolymer alloy. This interpolymer alloy comprises a non-crosslinked halogenated polymer, a partially crosslinked polyolefin, and a polyester. A laser-engraved patterned element is formed that has a relief image in the laser-engraveable layer, and this relief image can be contacted with a suitable functional material that is then transferred to the receiving element to provide the desired pattern.
US09346228B2

A segmented mold operator includes a main frame fixed to an upper cavity part of a tire press cavity and a control plunger with an axially movable cylinder rod that is configured to apply a squeeze pressure to the tire press cavity. A rotatable lock ring is rotatably coupled about an end of the cylinder rod and axially movable therewith. The lock ring includes a plurality of teeth radially arranged thereon to interface with a mold ring adapter via a bayonet connection. A lock ring frame is independent from the rotatable lock ring and is separated therefrom along the cylinder rod. A locking plunger is configured to selectively engage the rotatable lock ring to thereby prevent rotation of the rotatable lock ring. An electronic lock sensor is configured to electronically sense an axial position of the lock rod.
US09346227B2

A strip of a thermoplastic elastomer to be wound spirally on a cylindrical drum for forming an inner liner for a tire having a shape close to a finished sectional shape is provided. The strip is formed of composite layers of (A) a first layer made of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer and (B) a second layer containing at least one of a styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer and a styrene-isobutylene diblock copolymer. The strip further has a strip main body and ear portions arranged on opposite sides thereof. The strip main body has a thickness (T1) of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. The ear portions have a thickness (T2) thinner than the thickness (T1) of the strip main body and a width (W2) of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. This ribbon-shaped strip reduces unevenness of the surface of a sheet formed by the opposite ends of the strip when manufacturing an inner liner.
US09346222B2

A die and a method for impregnating fiber rovings (142) with a polymer resin (214) are disclosed. The die includes a manifold assembly (220), an impregnation zone, and a gate passage (270). The manifold assembly flows the resin (214) therethrough, and includes a plurality of branched runners (222). The impregnation zone is in fluid communication with the manifold assembly, and is configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The gate passage (270) is between the manifold assembly and the impregnation zone (250), and flows the resin from the manifold assembly such that the resin coats the roving. The method includes flowing a polymer resin through a manifold assembly. The method further includes coating at least one fiber roving with the resin, and traversing the coated roving through an impregnation zone to impregnate the roving with the resin. The roving is under a tension of from about 5 Newtons to about 300 Newtons within the impregnation zone.
US09346218B2

A three dimensional printing apparatus including a base, a tank, a modeling platform, and a plurality of floating units is provided. A liquid forming material is filled in the tank. Each of the floating units connects between the base and the tank, such that the tank is disposed on the base in floating manner. The modeling platform is movably immersed in the liquid forming material. A three dimensional object is formed and adhered between the modeling platform and a bottom of the tank. The modeling platform drives and tilts the tank to move out of the base by the three dimensional object, such that the three dimensional object is released from the bottom of the tank by gravity.
US09346211B2

Process for manufacturing a fuel tank equipped with an internal accessory and having a plastic wall produced from a parison, the process including, in order, the following steps: a) the accessory and the molten parison are introduced into a mould so that the accessory is surrounded by the parison, the mould including cavities equipped with at least one moving part; b) a pressurized gas is introduced inside the parison to carry out a pre-blow moulding of the parison; c) the pre-blow-moulded parison is pressed locally against the accessory using the moving part in order to firmly attach the two without piercing the parison; d) the mould is closed and the final blow moulding of the parison is carried out by flattening it against the mould cavities using the pressurized gas; and e) the tank is removed from the mould.
US09346210B2

A die pre-heating system comprises at least one die oven, a robotic hoist and processing structure in communication with the hoist and the at least one die oven. The processing structure is configured to control the hoist to permit an extrusion die to be loaded into the at least one die oven and to be unloaded from the at least one die oven. The processing structure is also configured to cause the at least one die oven to operate according to a production formula for pre-heating an extrusion die loaded therein.
US09346204B2

An injection molding machine includes a gas feeding mechanism configured to feed gas to a cavity formed between a first mold plate and a second mold plate in a clamped state; an injection apparatus configured to inject a foamable resin into the cavity having an inside pressure thereof increased to be higher than an atmospheric pressure by the gas feeding mechanism; and a gas releasing mechanism configured to release the gas inside the cavity to an atmosphere through a gap formed between an inner wall surface of a through hole formed through one of the first mold plate and the second mold plate and an outer circumferential surface of a mold member inserted into the through hole, during or after the injection of the foamable resin by the injection apparatus.
US09346191B2

The invention relates to a method and device for the direct production of polyester granulate from a highly viscous polyester melt with a polymerization degree of 132 to 165, as well as the granulates formed thereform. In the method, the highly viscous polyester melt is subjected to a pre-drying and drying/degassing after a hot cutting method. Hot cutting is implemented at water temperatures of 70° C. to 95° C. and with a liquid to solid ratio of 8 to 12:1.
US09346183B2

A tool clamping device, in particular an oscillating tool clamping device, includes a clamping unit that has at least one clamping element configured to securely clamp a working tool in an axial direction and at least one clamping head arranged on the clamping element and configured to clamp the working tool at a free end of the clamping unit. The clamping unit further includes a guiding unit configured to guide at least one movement of the working tool along at least one direction of movement that deviates significantly from the axial direction in at least one operating state.
US09346173B2

A robot, includes: a robot arm including: a first frame; and a second frame coupled to the first frame to be turnable about a joint axis; a cable arranged along a side surface of the first frame and a side surface of the second frame; a first fixing member for fixing the cable to the side surface of the first frame; a second fixing member for fixing the cable to the side surface of the second frame; a holding member for holding a part of the cable between the first fixing member and the second fixing member; and a support mechanism for regulating movement of the holding member in an axis direction of the joint axis, the support mechanism supporting the holding member so that the holding member is movable in a direction orthogonal to the axis direction of the joint axis to follow a bending movement of the cable.
US09346167B2

A robotic vehicle may be operated by a learning controller comprising a trainable convolutional network configured to determine control signal based on sensory input. An input network layer may be configured to transfer sensory input into a hidden layer data using a filter convolution operation. Input layer may be configured to transfer sensory input into hidden layer data using a filter convolution. Output layer may convert hidden layer data to a predicted output using data segmentation and a fully connected array of efficacies. During training, efficacy of network connections may be adapted using a measure determined based on a target output provided by a trainer and an output predicted by the network. A combination of the predicted and the target output may be provided to the vehicle to execute a task. The network adaptation may be configured using an error back propagation method. The network may comprise an input reconstruction.
US09346161B2

Provided are a robot and a robot control method in which highly accurate positioning of a link is enabled without losing flexibility of a joint.
US09346157B2

A driving tool may include a driven member holding mechanism configured to hold the driven member at a driving position inside a driver guide until a driver drives the driven member.
US09346156B1

A portable hand-held fastener driving tool of the type which tends to keep the driver element better aligned with the head of the fastener while it's being driven. A biasing spring in the fastener track skews the directional path of the fastener as it is being driven, but the biasing spring does not noticeably affect the path of the driver element, thereby compensating for the slight movement of the tool (and driver) due to the tool's recoil. In an alternative embodiment, a magnet is used rather than a biasing spring, to skew the direction of the fastener as it is being shot by the tool.
US09346149B1

Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having a diamond grain size distribution selected for improving leachability. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween. The diamond grains includes a first amount being about 30 to about 65 volume % of the diamond grains and a second amount being about 18 to about 65 volume % of the diamond grains. The first amount exhibits a first average grain size of about 8 μm to about 22 μm. The second amount exhibits a second average grain size that is greater than the first average grain size and is about 15 μm to about 50 μm. Other embodiments are directed methods of forming PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
US09346146B2

A computer-implemented method includes receiving a sequence of current spectra of reflected light from a substrate; comparing each current spectrum from the sequence of current spectra to a plurality of reference spectra from a reference spectra library to generate a sequence of best-match reference spectra; determining a goodness of fit for the sequence of best-match reference spectra; and determining at least one of whether to adjust a polishing rate or an adjustment for the polishing rate, based on the goodness of fit.
US09346137B2

A machine tool including a tool spindle, to which a tool can be detachably fixed and by means of which the tool can be rotated, and a workpiece support is provided, the tool spindle and the workpiece support being displaceable relative to one another, characterized in that the tool spindle includes a loading device, which acts on a linearly movable rod of a tool fixed to the tool spindle. The tool spindle includes a motor device coupled to the loading device, which drives linear displacement of the rod. The machine tool includes a set of tools by means of which different machining operations can be conducted on a workpiece, wherein the tools can each be fixed to the tool spindle and the tools each have a rod on which the loading device of the tool spindle acts when a tool is fixed to the tool spindle.
US09346136B2

A method for manufacturing a model is disclosed. The disclosed method for manufacturing the model comprises the steps of: a) preparing a plurality of pieces having contours in the shape of cross-sections of an object from specific distances away from a random axis direction; and b) assembling the plurality of pieces according to an integration process of connecting surfaces of adjacent pieces from the plurality of pieces and fixing same to each other so as to form the model which corresponds to the shape of the object.
US09346126B2

A laser cutting apparatus (10) includes a laser processing head (15) that receives a laser beam emitted by a laser oscillator (12) and that uses a spherical lens for converging the laser beam so as to cause the intensity distribution of the laser beam to have a caldera-like shape, in which the intensity of the laser beam is higher in a peripheral area than in a central area, at the position of a workpiece (20). Moreover, the laser processing head (15) radiates the laser beam whose focal position is displaced from the position of the workpiece (20) to the workpiece (20). Therefore, the laser cutting apparatus (10) performs an inversion on the laser beam by using the spherical aberration of the spherical lens. Consequently, with a simple configuration, a laser beam whose inner area and outer area are inverted at the position of the workpiece (2) can be generated, and the processing direction for processing the workpiece (20) is not limited.
US09346125B2

An oxide dispersion strengthening (ODS) method of a metallic material using a laser is provided, which includes melting a surface of a metallic matrix placed on a movable stage by irradiating a laser onto the surface (step 1), supplying an oxide dispersion strengthening (ODS) powder at a site of the matrix surface which is melt at step 1 (step 2), and cooling the matrix in which the ODS powder is supplied at step 2 (step 3). Because oxide particles are directly supplied into previously-made sheet or tube matrix, fabrication process is simplified, fabrication cost is reduced, and end product is fabricated efficiently.
US09346119B2

An assembly configured to modify a surface or feature of a workpiece by hot isostatic pressing. The assembly comprising: a flexible membrane adapted to at least partially form an enclosure around the workpiece; and a former for placement adjacent to the workpiece, the former being configured to modify the surface or feature of the workpiece. A method of modifying a surface or feature of a workpiece, the workpiece having been previously formed by an additive manufacturing technique, by hot isostatic pressing. The method comprising: placing the previously-formed workpiece adjacent to a former adapted to modify the surface or feature of the workpiece; enclosing the workpiece in an enclosure at least partially formed by a membrane; and performing a hot isostatic pressing process on the workpiece.
US09346115B2

A semi-automatic brazing apparatus having a brazing wire feeding apparatus containing a brazing wire feed mechanism, a controller, and a user input device. The brazing wire from a brazing wire source is continuously drawn from the source through the apparatus via the feeding mechanism and is directed towards a brazing gun for a semi-automatic brazing operation.
US09346113B1

An electrical discharge machining (EDM) system and method including (a) an electrode supported by a spindle, (b) a spindle support, (c) a workpiece holder, (d) a gap voltage measurement device, and (d) a single integrated controller. The single integrated controller is responsive to the measured gap voltage to control all of the spindle, the spindle support, and the workpiece holder, providing improved speed, accuracy, and part quality.
US09346110B2

An indexable cutting insert (1) for a side milling cutter (11) includes two insert surfaces facing away from each other. Both insert surfaces include a relief-like profile (6).
US09346107B1

A drill bit jig includes an elongate member, two jig securing elements and a drill bit guide. The drill bit guide includes a plurality of through holes where the axes of the through holes are parallel to the axis of the elongate member. Each of the plurality of through holes in the drill bit guide has a different diameter for accommodating drill bits of different thicknesses. The jig securing elements each include an L-shaped bolt and a door protecting material encasing one of the straight sections of the bolt. The drill bit jig also includes a core check to determine if a hole being drilled along the width of the door is straight.
US09346103B2

A tool for machining a workpiece is presented. The tool has a cutting insert with at least one cutting edge, a holder having a shank, and a cutting insert receptacle, wherein the cutting insert receptacle is arranged in a region of a workpiece-side end face of the shank, and the cutting insert is disposed in the cutting insert receptacle. The holder has a coolant bore, which opens out into a plurality of coolant outlets. The plurality of coolant outlets are arranged on the workpiece-side end face of the shank, alongside the cutting insert receptacle, and are oriented such that coolant is discharged towards the cutting insert. At least some of the coolant outlets lie in a coolant outlet plane which runs parallel to and offset from a cutting insert plane running through the cutting insert receptacle, where the coolant outlet plane and the cutting insert plane run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shank.
US09346100B2

The invention relates to a method for producing a toothed wheel (1) in net shape or near-net shape quality, in particular a chain wheel, for a VVT system from a powder, with the toothed wheel (1) having an at least approximately cylindrically shaped housing (2) which is delimited in axial direction by one respective end face (6, 7) and which has an outside surface (3), and at the outside surface (3), a toothing (8) having teeth (9) and tooth roots (10) between the teeth (9) is embodied at a distance to both of the end faces (6, 7), and the toothing (8) has a tooth root circle (25) having a tooth root circle diameter, and the powder is filled into a mold (28) and pressed by means of at least one punch, and protrusions (11, 20) are embodied at least in the region of the teeth (9) at the outside surface (3) of the housing (2) and projecting over the latter in radial direction.
US09346099B2

Various embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for containing the molten materials within a melt zone during melting. The apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein and an induction coil with unevenly spaced turns along its length. Induction coil can have a series of turns acting as a first (e.g., load) induction coil and a series of turns acting as a second (e.g., containment) induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated and contained by the separated turns of the induction coil. A plunger can also assist in containing material during melting. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold using the plunger.
US09346095B2

A die cushion drive includes a first pump, operated by a first electrical machine and at least one hydraulic cylinder having first and second chambers, with the first chamber in fluid communication with the first pump. A die cushion mechanically connected to the hydraulic cylinder. During a controlled movement of the die cushion, a pressure regulation and a preliminary control are active, with a second pump being coupled to a second electrical machine. During preliminary control, the second electrical machine is operated as a generator, with a first valve being used as an adjustment element of the pressure regulation.
US09346088B2

Trouble-free operation of an installation for rolling plates or sheets that have lost their rectangular form and have the form of a parallelogram is ensured by preventing the plate from meandering as it enters a rolling stand. A first rolling pass is carried out and, when the plate runs out from the rolling stand, it is determined whether the side faces of the plate are offset in relation to one another in the rolling direction. If the side faces of the plate are offset in relation to one another in the rolling direction, i.e. if the plate is parallelogram-shaped and has an oblique end, in a second rolling pass guiding elements of the rolling stand are set asymmetrically with respect to a center line. A first guiding element for the side face, which is the first to enter the rolling stand in the second rolling pass, is thereby adjusted further away from the center line than the second guiding element.
US09346086B2

A machine and a method for the continuous removal of labels from plastic containers made of recyclable material are described. The machine comprises a fixed treatment chamber in which an agitator provided with a plurality of vanes is rotated. Toothed plates are mounted in a removable way on at least one of the flat surfaces of each of the vanes.
US09346085B2

The various embodiments herein provide a mechanism for cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes/tubes. The mechanism comprises a power transfer shaft, a power generator, a power transmission means attached to the power generation means and the power transfer shaft, an electrical valve and pump, an electrical unit to generate a dynamic force, a controller for remote force controlling, a liquid guidance system integrated to the power transfer shaft, a movement conditioner for the power transfer shaft; and at least one cleaning tool removably attached to the power transfer shaft. The at least one cleaning tool includes a predefined structure to convert a turning movement of the cleaning tool into a rotational movement of the power transfer shaft for cleaning of the deposits in the pipe/tubes without any damage to an internal body of the pipe & tube.
US09346082B2

An apparatus, method, and system are provided for separating material. In some embodiments the separator may include a deck. The deck may accept the material to be separated at a feed end and may provide separated output material at a discharge end. The flow of the material along the deck from the feed end to the discharge end may define a feed direction. The deck may be subject to a vibration or conveyance aligned with the feed direction. The deck may include riffles or corrugations. The riffles may be oriented at an angle relative to a direction of the vibration or conveyance, or at an angle relative to the feed direction. The deck may be subjected to an end-to-end elevation or slope. The end-to-end slope may be positive/downhill, negative/uphill, or zero.
US09346078B2

A mask frame assembly for thin film deposition includes a mask frame having an opening, and a mask configured to be coupled to the mask frame and including a first surface for facing a deposition substrate, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a deformation prevention part having varying thicknesses.
US09346077B2

A quick fit adjustment mechanism may include a housing having one end that attaches to a pole and another end that attaches to an insert mounted to a paint accessory. A lever may be used to cause an actuator pin to extend from the housing into the insert to secure the housing to the insert and thus to secure the paint accessory to the pole.
US09346072B2

A precision liquid applicator is disclosed for dispensing an applicator liquid from a container onto a surface. The precision liquid applicator comprises a closure defining a terminal orifice and a valve seat. A valve comprises a precision applicator tip extending through the terminal orifice and comprises a valve seal for sealing with the valve seat. A depression of the precision applicator tip onto the surface displaces the valve seal from the sealing surface for providing an annular passageway between the precision applicator tip and the terminal orifice to enable the flow of the applicator liquid onto the surface. A valve stop cooperates with a stop wall for limiting movement of the valve to control a cross-sectional area of the passageway between the precision applicator tip and the terminal orifice and for ensuring the precision applicator tip extends beyond the second end of the closure. The precision liquid applicator is suitable for applying paint into a scratch within a painted surface without excessive application of paint outside of the scratch.
US09346068B2

The invention relates to dispensers for fluid products, particularly oral dosing of medicines. The dispenser is a pump dispenser and has a separate nozzle attachment. The nozzle and dispenser may be uncoupled in a holding position or coupled position. A child resistance feature is disclosed which prevents unauthorized coupling of the dispenser and nozzle, thereby preventing unauthorized dispensing of product. The child resistance feature only allows coupling of the dispenser and nozzle when a coupling control element is triggered and then maintains this coupling with additional features. A protective cover for the dispenser is also disclosed, which covers the nozzle attachment and pump plunger button.
US09346066B2

A method of making a non-woven polymer fiber mat that includes one or more polymer fibers and particles intermingled with the one or more polymer fibers is disclosed. The method, more specifically, includes simultaneously electrospinning the one or more polymer fibers and spraying the particles onto a collection face of a collector substrate. Once formed, the non-woven polymer fiber mat may be incorporated into an electrochemical battery cell of a lithium ion battery.
US09346064B2

A rotary atomizing applicator includes a shaping air system having first orifices discharging air against the outer surface of the bell cup, with the air following the bell cup and being released from the bell cup at the forward edge of the bell cup. A terminal portion of the outer surface of the bell cup directs the flow of air to shape the pattern of coating released from the bell cup. A second pattern of air is directed from outwardly and behind the bell cup inwardly toward the forward edge of the bell cup.
US09346062B2

The present invention relates to flotation of sulfidic copper- molybdenum- and gold-containing minerals. More specifically, the invention relates to sulfoxy reagent-assisted flotation for separating of sulfides of copper, molybdenum and gold from pyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, and other gangue minerals following aerating by an oxidizing gas and contacting by a sulfoxy reagent. To promote collection and flotation the feed mineral materials are preferably not contacted with an externally generated non-oxidizing gas to lower the dissolved molecular oxygen content prior to flotation.
US09346059B2

A shredder includes a shredding mechanism and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations generated by the shredding mechanism. The shredder includes a controller configured to regulate operation of the shredder's motor in response to the detected vibrations. The controller may regulate operation of the shredder so as to keep the detected vibrations below a predetermined vibration level during operation of the shredder. The controller may modify operation of the shredder (e.g., turn the shredder off, conduct an autocorrect sequence, increase or decrease the shredder's speed, display an error message) in response to the detected vibrations having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency and/or amplitude within a predetermined range, a characteristic that indicates a material/paper jam or misfeed). The controller may change the predetermined characteristics over the life of the shredder to account for gradual changes to the shredder's baseline vibration characteristics as components wear in and out.
US09346058B2

Provided is a unit which is capable of readily grinding and collecting a small amount of a sample which is difficult to be ground. The unit for grinding a sample comprises a club-shaped pestle and a mortar into which the pestle can be inserted, wherein the pestle comprises a roughened taper located at at least one end of its pestle body, wherein the mortar is a tube with an inverted frustoconical bottom, and the surface of the mortar where the taper of the pestle contacts the inverted frustoconical bottom when the pestle is inserted into the mortar is roughened, and wherein the angle of the taper with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the pestle is substantially equal to the angle of the inner wall of the inverted frustoconical bottom with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the mortar. The roughened taper and surface improve grinding efficiency.
US09346040B2

The present invention relates to an organotemplate-free synthetic process for the production of a zeolitic material having a BEA framework structure comprising YO2 and optionally comprising X2O3, wherein said process comprises the steps of (1) preparing a mixture comprising seed crystals and at least one source for YO2; and (2) crystallizing the mixture; wherein Y is a tetravalent element, and X is a trivalent element, wherein the zeolitic material optionally comprises at least one alkali metal M, wherein when the BEA framework additionally comprises X2O3, the mixture according to step (1) comprises at least one source for X2O3, and wherein the seed crystals comprise zeolitic material having a BEA framework structure, preferably zeolite Beta.
US09346038B2

A method is described for preparing a catalyst precursor suitable for use in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons including 10 to 40% by weight of cobalt oxide crystallites and 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of a precious metal promoter, dispersed over the surface of a porous transition alumina wherein the surface of the transition alumina has been modified by inclusion of 0.25 to 3.5% wt magnesium, including the steps of: (a) forming a modified catalyst support by impregnating a transition alumina with a magnesium compound, drying and calcining the impregnated alumina in a first calcination at a temperature ≦600° C. to convert the magnesium compound into oxidic form, and (b) forming a catalyst precursor by impregnating the modified catalyst support with a cobalt compound and precious metal promoter compound, drying and calcining the impregnated catalyst support in a second calcination to convert the cobalt compound to cobalt oxide.
US09346034B2

The invention concerns new catalysts for the reduction of oxygen suitable for PEM fuel cells, the process for their preparation and their use in other electrolytic processes.
US09346032B2

A hydrogen generating fuel cartridge includes a case having a perforated opening layer. A hydrogen producing fuel is disposed within the case. A hydrogen permeable membrane is disposed between the hydrogen producing fuel and the perforated opening layer in the case. A spring loaded slideable valve plate is positioned adjacent the perforated opening layer such that the slideable valve plate and perforated opening form a valve that is biased in a closed position to prevent hydrogen from escaping from the fuel cartridge.
US09346030B2

The device for producing carbon black from waste rubber has a pyrolysis reactor, a solid product discharge system, a pyrolysis gas emission means, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a solid pyrolysis product receiver, a pyrolysis gas condenser, and a flue gas output means. The shell and tube heat exchanger has a burner linked to the tubes. The space between the tubes of the heat exchanger is filled with a disperse material having a particle size of 3-10 cm. The inlet of the pyrolysis gas emission means is linked to the pyrolysis reactor, and the outlet is linked to the space between the tubes of the heat exchanger. The inlet of the condenser is linked to the casing of the pyrolysis reactor, which is linked to the tubes of the heat exchanger.
US09346027B2

A planetary mixer has stirring blades that undergo planetary motion within a tank in close proximity to an inner wall of the tank for stirring solid/liquid type treatment materials received by the tank. Each of the stirring blades includes a vertical side portion having two slope faces slanting toward the inner wall of the tank, an edge face connecting outward front ends of the slope faces, and an inner face connecting inward front ends of the slope faces. The outward front ends are disposed closer to the tank inner wall than are the inward front ends, with a distance between the inward front ends being greater than a distance between the outward front ends. The inner face is formed in the shape of an arc having a center located at an intersection of a line interconnecting the inward front ends and centerline running through a center of the edge face.
US09346022B2

The present invention provides an antibiofouling composition, an antibiofouling membrane and a method for forming the same. The antibiofouling composition comprises a copolymer and at least one solvent. The copolymer comprises at least one hydrophobic segment and at least one antibiofouling segment where the hydrophobic segment comprises a plurality of hydrophobic moieties and the antibiofouling segment comprises a plurality of antibiofouling moieties. The molar ratio of the total of hydrophobic moieties to the total of the antibiofouling moieties is 0.5˜6.0.
US09346008B2

A method and an apparatus for removing acid compounds (sweetening) and moisture (dehydration) from a hydrocarbon gas, in particular from a natural gas or from a refinery gas fraction or a gas of synthesis, by subsequent absorption operations using a sweetening liquid and a dehydration liquid. The method comprises a step of prearranging a sweetening chamber (51) and a dehydration chamber (52) within a vertical elongated container (50), each chamber defined by an inner partition wall (68) of said vertical elongated container (50), is wherein a gas transfer passageway (14) is provided between an upper outlet port of the sweetening chamber (51) and an inlet port of the dehydration chamber (52); the method also comprises steps of feeding the absorption liquid from the above into the two chambers and of feeding the gas from below into the sweetening chamber. The apparatus and the method according to the invention make it possible to reduce the overall dimensions of the treatment unit with respect to the prior art units, which is particularly relevant for off-shore installations.
US09346005B2

An apparatus for treating a gas stream includes a plasma abatement device that has a reaction chamber and a plasma torch for generating a plasma stream for injection into the chamber for treating the gas stream. A first inlet conveys a gas stream into the plasma abatement device for treatment, and a second inlet, in a normal condition of the apparatus, is in flow communication with a source of reagent for conveying a reagent into the plasma device for improving the efficiency of the treatment. In a back-up condition of the apparatus, the second inlet is in flow communication with a gas stream source for conveying a gas stream into the device for treatment.
US09346002B2

Crankcase ventilation filter assemblies, components thereof, features thereof, and methods of assembly and use are described. An example assembly is characterized in which the assembly includes a housing having an access cover and a base, and a filter cartridge is configured to sealingly engage both the access cover and the base, in preferred manners.
US09345998B2

In this process, a gas stream containing the oil to be separated is circulated between an inlet zone and an outlet zone, and a calm vacuum zone is created where the oil is recovered and evacuated, after having been captured. According to the invention, the gas stream is passed in contact with a porous media, one face of which is in contact with the calm vacuum zone. The drops of oil are thus captured by the porous media and sucked through this media to arrive in the calm zone. This process is applicable to decanters of oil at impacters and also to cyclone separators, in particular in the automotive field.
US09345997B2

A polymer includes at least one pendant dioxirane moiety represented by Formula III or IV: In Formulas III and IV, R1 is absent or is alkylene, perhaloalkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclylene, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, alkylcarboxy, carboxyalkyl or alkylcarboxyalkyl; R2 is an electron withdrawing group; R8 is —N+R4R5 or alkylene; R9 is —N+R4R5 or alkylene; each R4 is independently H, alkyl, or cycloalkyl; and each R5 is independently H, alkyl, or cycloalkyl.
US09345994B2

A method of increasing efficiency of a Y strainer and Y strainer modified in accordance with the method. The Y strainer is of the type that has a filter cartridge receiving inflow through one end and outflow through apertures in a peripheral sidewall. The method involves slowing a velocity of fluids entering the filter cartridge of the Y strainer by having the fluids pass from a first bore of a first diameter into a second bore of a second diameter which is at least 50% larger than the first diameter prior to entering the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge also has the second diameter. This modification has been found to dramatically improve the performance of the Y strainer.
US09345990B2

A flow separation system for separating multicomponent fluids into components having different buoyancies. The system can deaerate fluids, and segregate solid particles into a channel for removal or real time particle analysis. The system can have, positioned axially within a housing, a cup shaped first member having an axial passageway and a concave inner surface, a second member with a surface that forms a gap with the first member, the gap directing the flow into at least one helical channel. The flow exits the helical channel into a separation chamber positioned between the second member and a third member and separates into spinning heavier flow portion and a more buoyant portion that is driven toward the central axis. The third member has central fluid passageway that collects the higher buoyancy fluid and least one other fluid passageway for carrying lower buoyancy fluid, with an inlet positioned radially outward of the central fluid passageway.
US09345985B2

Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus or process for devolatilization of flowable materials (such as molten polymers with entrained or dissolved solvent or unreacted monomers or comonomers) using a plate heater having heating channels, the design or operation of which heating channels maintains the flowable material above its bubble point pressure during passage through a larger first zone and then induces flashing in, or downstream of, a smaller second zone of the heating channel. The apparatus enables a higher throughput per heating channel while achieving equivalent or better devolatilization, as compared to current devolatilization apparatus.
US09345972B2

An information storage medium that stores a program, the program causing a computer to function as a moving object control section that controls movement of a moving object in a virtual three-dimensional space based on an operation input, a virtual camera control section that controls a setting of the virtual camera, and an image generation section that generates an image of the virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the virtual camera. The virtual camera control section includes a first camera control section that performs a first camera control process based on camera control data that defines a moving route of the virtual camera as a change in at least one of a relative position and a relative direction of the virtual camera with respect to the moving object, and at least one of a position and a direction of the moving object in the virtual three-dimensional space. The virtual camera control section disposes the virtual camera in the virtual three-dimensional space based on a first setting value obtained by the first control process.
US09345966B2

A method for sharing recorded gameplay to a social graph is provided. Video of a user's gameplay is recorded during an active state of a gameplay session. A command is received to initiate a sharing operation during the active state of the gameplay session. In response to receiving the command, a paused state of the gameplay session is entered and a sharing interface is presented. Input received via the sharing interface is processed to determine a user-defined selection of the recorded video. The user-defined selection of the recorded video is shared to a social graph of the user, and the active state of the gameplay session is resumed.
US09345954B2

A cribbage board having illuminating peg holes includes a discrete upper piece and a discrete lower piece. The top side of the upper piece includes a playing surface which is defined by a plurality of holes arranged as a first track and a second track, with each track including a continuous series of holes. The bottom side of the upper piece includes a plurality of distinct hollow channels, each running underneath a separate track of holes. In the hollow channels are a plurality of colored LEDs which illuminate when provided with electrical power. The LEDs are configured to illuminate underneath the first track of holes in a distinct color from the LEDs disposed underneath the second track of holes, so as to enable the different tracks of holes to be readily distinguished in a dark environment.
US09345949B2

Disclosed herein is a novel game that utilizes virtual or physical trading cards as game components. In one aspect of the game, game components/cards are used to build an army of minion, leader, and army cards, and further forming a perimeter comprising at least one of a barrier or fort card to protect a throne card. The goal is to destroy at least one of the barrier or fort cards by reducing the points of each to zero, thus capturing the opponent's throne card. The game involves strategy and chance, during which players create a deck for use against the deck(s) of one or more opposing players. The game may be played on various media, including, but not limited to, electronic game consoles, computers, and interactive and social media networks accessed using computers, cellular devices, tablets, etc.
US09345948B2

A web-based platform and method for personalizing the training regimen of an athlete. The platform includes a processor and a training log server for maintaining an athlete profile that includes a training record updatable by the athlete and a training plan supplied by a coach.
US09345946B2

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.
US09345942B2

There is described a carrier, such as a backpack, waist bag or bum bag, which includes a retractable towing belt assembly, suitable for towing children along a ski slope.
US09345935B2

A golf club gc includes a head hd, a shaft sf, a sleeve sv, and a screw sc. The sleeve sv is secured to a tip part of the shaft sf. The sleeve sv includes a plurality of engaging projections sv6 and non-engaging surfaces sv7, each of the non-engaging surfaces sv7 positioned between the engaging projections sv6 adjacent to each other. A hosel 10 of the head hd includes an engaging recess 10a extending downward from a hosel end face 10b, and a hosel hole h1. Rotation of the sleeve sv to the head hd is regulated by engagement between the engaging projection sv6 and the engaging recess 10a. A space is formed between an inner surface of the hosel hole h1 and the non-engaging surface sv7 in the connected state.
US09345933B2

A multi-piece golf ball excellent in resilience and controllability includes a core composed of a center and an envelope layer covering the center and at least one cover covering the core, wherein the center is formed from a center composition containing (A) at least one resin component selected from the group consisting of (a-1) a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, (a-2) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of the binary copolymer, (a-3) a ternary copolymer composed of the binary copolymer components and an β,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, and (a-4) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of the ternary copolymer components and (B) a basic metal salt of a fatty acid, and wherein the envelope layer is formed from a rubber composition.
US09345927B2

The present invention is to provide a feet stretching device, which includes a base placed on the ground; an extendable rod having an end fixed at a front edge of the base and the other end extended upward; a control device having a control panel fixed at the other end of the extendable rod, two control handles disposed at two sides of the control panel for being held by user's hands, and a control circuit for generating different output signals selected by the user; and a driving mechanism having an end pivotally linked with the base at a position near a back edge of the base and the other end movably and reciprocatingly mounted on a support plate, so as to dynamically kept the angle between the support plate and the base according to the output signal for performing a stretching exercise on user's feet standing on the support plate.
US09345926B2

There is provided an exercise machine including a frame, a wheel assembly rotatably mounted to the frame and an actuating assembly operatively connected to the wheel assembly, the actuating assembly being operable by a user to urge rotation of the wheel assembly. The frame includes a wheel mounting member having a central opening defined therein for mounting the wheel assembly to the frame. A central mounting plate is sized and shaped for engaging the central opening, the central mounting portion having a concave indent defined therein for rotatable receiving a wheel axle part of the wheel assembly.
US09345924B2

A preacher curl exercise machine with an air filled bladder or other resilient member which provides a support surface for a user exercising thereon. The preacher curl exercise machine providing many of the benefits of a traditional weight bench, while also providing the potential upside of incorporating an instability thereby engaging the user's core during exercise. A resilient member can be shaped according to the needs of the exercise to be performed. The resilient nature of the cushion limits bottoming out providing a true cushion support rather than laying on a hard surface.
US09345921B2

A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.
US09345918B2

A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
US09345916B1

An autonomous, stand alone fire detection and suppression apparatus has a fire suppression pack that is imbedded or positioned at the center of a three-dimensional array stack of boxes and a plurality of radio-frequency identification transponders on each box of the stack of boxes. The transponders are operable to sense an undesirable event, for example a fire in the stack of boxes and communicate with the fire suppression pack at the center of the stack of boxes causing the fire suppression pack to eject a fire suppressant into the stack of boxes surrounding each box, separating adjacent boxes from each other and other stacks of boxes and from the shipping container containing the boxes.
US09345901B2

Systems and methods for providing controllable pulse parameter magnetic stimulation are described. One aspect is directed to a magnetic stimulation system for inducing approximately rectangular electric field pulses in a body organ, comprising an electrical energy storage device, a stimulating coil, and a switching means for electrically coupling said electrical energy storage device to said stimulating coil to produce current pulses in said stimulating coil which generates, in response to the current pulses, magnetic field pulses that can induce approximately rectangular electric field pulses in the body organ.
US09345898B2

In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.
US09345896B2

Implantable medical devices include elongated conductor bodies and related features including an attachment to the medical device at one end and a connector that receives a medical lead at the other end. The connector may have various features such as a modular design whereby the connector is constructed from a series of stacked contact modules. Other features of the connector include electrical contacts that are relatively thin conductors or the order of 0.040 inches or less and that may include radial protrusions to establish contact with the electrical connectors of the lead. Furthermore, electrical contacts may be mounted within the connector in a floating manner so that radial movement of the electrical contact may occur during lead insertion. Additional features include a feedthrough where conductors exposed beyond a housing of the implantable medical device make direct electrical connection to conductors present within the elongated body.
US09345893B2

Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header core includes an electronic connection feature electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container, the electronic connection feature configured to engage with a lead. In some examples, the header core includes a tag holder configured to locate an identification tag in a selected position with respect to the header core. In some examples, the header core includes an antenna attachment feature configured to locate an antenna in a selected position with respect to the header core. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container.
US09345892B2

This disclosure describes an operational mode of a telemetry module. A device, such as a programming device, operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure determines that a transceiver of an implantable medical device is operating in a duty cycled operational mode that includes at least one interval during which the transceiver is powered down interleaved with intervals during which the transceiver is powered up, e.g., for transmitting or receiving communications over an established communication session. The programming device is configured to transmit information during the at least one interval in which the transceiver of the implantable medical device is powered down. Doing so ensures that the channel over which the programmer and implantable medical device communicate will not be usurped by another device.
US09345887B2

Systems and methods for determining pacing timing intervals based on the temporal relationship between the timing of local and non-local cardiac signal features are described. A device includes a plurality of implantable electrodes electrically coupled to the heart and configured to sense local and non-local cardiac signals. Sense circuitry coupled to first and second electrode pairs senses a local cardiac signal via a first electrode pair and a non-local cardiac signal via a second electrode pair. Detection circuitry is used to detect a feature of the local signal associated with activation of a heart chamber and to detect a feature of the non-local signal associated with activation of the heart chamber. A control processor times delivery of one or more pacing pulses based on a temporal relationship between timing of the local signal feature and timing of the non-local signal feature.
US09345886B2

Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
US09345884B2

A method and system is described for ensuring a state of an active implantable medical device based on the presence and persistence of a magnetic field. The output of a magnetic field sensor is monitored. The active implantable medical device is maintained in a first state, for so long as the presence of a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor, until a first interval is surpassed. If the first interval is surpassed, then a determination is made as to whether a second interval has been surpassed. If it is determined that the second interval has not been surpassed, then the active implantable medical device is transitioned into a second state. If it is determined that the second interval has been surpassed, then it is ensured that the active implantable medical device is in a predetermined one of the first and second states.
US09345882B2

An RF protection circuit mitigates potentially adverse effects that may otherwise result from electromagnetic interference (e.g., due to MRI scanning of a patient having an implanted medical device). The RF protection circuit may comprise a voltage divider that is deployed across a pair of cardiac electrodes that are coupled to internal circuitry of the implantable medical device. Each leg of the voltage divider may be referenced to a ground of the internal circuit, whereby the different legs are deployed in parallel across different circuits of the internal circuitry. In this way, when an EMI-induced (e.g., MRI-induced) signal appears across the cardiac electrodes, the voltages appearing across these circuits and the currents flowing through these circuits may be reduced. The RF protection circuit may be used in an implantable medical device that employs a relatively low capacitance feedthrough to reduce EMI-induced (e.g., MRI-induced) current flow in a cardiac lead.
US09345873B2

Described is a medical device lead including a lead body having a conductor lumen including an inner surface. The lead also includes a conductor assembly extending through the conductor lumen; the conductor assembly comprising a conductor member and an outer insulative layer; and an electrode coupled to the conductor cable. The outer insulative layer includes a textured external surface that reduces the coefficient of friction between the outer insulative layer and the inner surface of the conductor lumen through which the conductor assembly extends. Methods of forming the conductor assembly are also described.
US09345870B2

An in-dwelling port for providing repeated entry to a body during and/or after an operation is described. The port may include an external portion secured to a body outside an incision and a collapsible insertion portion that is inserted through the incision. The collapsible portion collapses when no instrument or lumen is present to permits the body to return to substantially a normal profile around the incision.
US09345868B2

The present invention provides an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial treated soft ointment applicator that is used to apply ointment or cream on babies. The ointment applicator with a soft and flexible tapered tip in the present invention can be applied along the curvature of a baby's body without causing harm to baby's sensitive and delicate skin. The present invention provides an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial treated ointment applicator either coated with, or homogeneously manufactured with, such anti-microbial or anti-bacterial protection. In addition, the present invention includes a reservoir filled with a cleaning solution where the ointment applicator is cleaned and stored sterile. Therefore, the present invention helps not only with easy application of ointments or creams on the delicate skin, but also to protect the babies' skin from infection, microbial or bacterial contamination, or any further skin irritations caused from cross contamination between the applicator, ointment or cream, and the babies' skin.
US09345867B2

A device implantable in tissue of a prostate gland or a bladder is described. The device includes a device body, a retrieval portion, a medicament, and a medicament carrier. The device body includes a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. The first end has a sharp tip adapted for penetrating the tissue. The retrieval portion connected to the second end of the device body. The medicament is applied to the device to therapeutically treat the prostate gland or the bladder. The carrier is a hydrogel, a silicone based material, an elastomer, a proteinaceous material, a polyethylene glycol material, a carbohydrate material, or a polysaccharide carbohydrate material that provides controlled delivery of the medicament over a duration of time.
US09345864B2

A method comprises providing a balloon catheter device; locating a balloon portion within a paranasal sinus ostium while the balloon portion is in the first position such that a distal end of the balloon portion is at a distal end of a paranasal sinus ostium; inflating the balloon portion while the balloon portion is located in the paranasal sinus ostium such that at least a portion of the paranasal sinus ostium is dilated; sliding the balloon portion back to a second position while leaving the distal end of a guide member at the distal end of the paranasal sinus ostium; and viewing an image provided by a camera to determine whether an entirety of the paranasal sinus ostium has been dilated.
US09345859B2

A combined hemostasis valve and drive mechanism is provided. The hemostasis valve has a valve body with a first and second leg. The first leg has a proximal port, a distal port and a lumen extending between the proximal port and the distal port. At least one valve is located in the lumen adjacent the proximal port to permit an interventional device to be passed therethrough. The second leg extends at an angle relative to the first leg and is in fluid communication with the first leg. A rotating male luer lock connector is rotatably connected to the first leg proximate to the distal port. It is configured to secure a guide catheter and has a driven member. The drive mechanism has a drive member removably interfacing with the driven member and a motor operatively connected to the drive member. The motor rotates the guide catheter about its longitudinal axis in a first direction and opposing second direction in response to rotation of the motor in a first direction about an axis of the motor and an opposing second direction about the axis of the motor, through rotation of the drive member, driven member and rotating male luer lock connector.
US09345858B2

A system of catheter devices and methods for forming channels or passageways between a luminal anatomical structure (e.g., a blood vessel) and a target location (e.g., another blood vessel, an organ, a mass of tissue, etc.) for the purpose of rerouting blood flow or for delivering a substance or instrument, etc. to the target location.
US09345852B2

A float tent can include: a frame having a pool frame portion with a tent frame portion thereof over the pool frame portion; a tent having the tent frame portion, the tent having a closable opening; and a pool having the pool frame portion, the pool having pool sides dimensioned to hold at least 8 inches of water and having a pool base dimension sufficient for a person to lay in the pool without touching pool sides. The tent can include tent walls having an angle that inhibits condensation drip, the angle being with respect to the pool base, such as at least 4.5 degrees. The tent can include a material that is opaque. The float tent can include a heater configured to heat the water to skin temperature of the person. The float tent can include a water circulation pump and filter.
US09345846B1

A molding assembly for molding a syringe with a needle embedded therein includes a first mold portion and a second mold portion. The second mold portion includes a molding block, an end plate and a needle holding block configured to hold the needle. The assembly moves between an opened position in which the first mold portion is displaced from the second mold portion, and a closed position in which the molding block and the end plate define a molding cavity configured to form a body portion of the syringe, and the first mold portion contacts the second mold portion to hold the needle holding block adjacent to the molding cavity, such that the needle is partially positioned within the molding cavity.
US09345843B2

A needle safety lock comprising a needle guard supporting member (14), and a needle guard (16) comprising an elongate member coupled to said needle guard supporting member and axially slideable with respect to the needle guard supporting member, and a cylindrical guard (20) having two open ends to enclose at least a portion of a needle; wherein the needle guard comprises a locking means to selectively secure the needle guard in a first locking position that is releasable or a second locking position that is non-releasable; and wherein when the needle guard is in the first or second locking position free axial movement of the needle guard is prevented.
US09345836B2

Extension rods of a telescoping assembly (TSA) may be assembled in a single direction. The rods may optionally be threaded together from a reverse extended configuration. The rods may optionally resist disattachement during extension. The inner rod may optionally included a leading fastener and/or the outer rod may optionally include a rear fastener. Each rod may optionally be molded as a single piece. End caps may optionally be added to the TSA after extension of the rods. An end cap may optionally include a rotation stopper. In some embodiments the TSA may include a supporting shoulder.
US09345830B2

A pumping device that can be used with currently-available pressure bag infusers is disclosed. The pumping device is hand-held and lightweight. The device is controlled by a microprocessor. Thus constant pressure to the bag is maintained through automatic adjustment of pumping and venting functions. In addition, a novel, new pressure bag infuser and a modified Luer Lock fitting for use with the pumping device are described.
US09345829B2

The present invention is a device and system to permit the isolation of two fluid compounds to be delivered to a patient without intermingling the two fluid compounds, yet permitting the labor saving activity of permitting a nurse or other medical staff member to hang two IV bags simultaneously. Fluid from the first IV bag inflates the barrier pressure valve and seals the system against the intrusion of the second fluid from the second IV bag until the first fluid has been fully delivered. The barrier pressure valve then unseals the system to permit the flow of fluid from the second IV bag to the patient. This implementation permits this isolation and separate delivery of two fluids without using electronics or other technology that would require a battery backup or other uninterruptible power source.
US09345822B2

A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure, or space between it and the surface of a patient, by forming an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer. The collection material may comprise a material and/or a configuration that permits length changes based upon the length of the corresponding surgical wound or incision.
US09345815B2

A medical assembly is disclosed comprises a stent and a catheter having a balloon, wherein the coefficient of friction and/or the adhesion at the stent/balloon interface are reduced.
US09345814B2

A polymer of hydrophobic monomers and hydrophilic monomers is provided. It is also provided a polymer blend that contains the polymer and another biocompatible polymer. The polymer or polymer blend and optionally a biobeneficial material and/or a bioactive agent can form a coating on an implantable device such as a drug delivery stent. The implantable device can be used for treating or preventing a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, patent foramen ovale, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.
US09345812B2

Medical tubing (T), such as a guidewire, a stent, a catheter or a hollow needle, made of a kinked rigid-rod polyarylene exhibiting a outstanding characteristics including high torqueability, high pushability and high flexibility and which can be easily thin-wall extruded under especially harsh conditions.
US09345809B2

Compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS via an addition reaction. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. In certain of these embodiments, a PEG is linked to the CPS by way of an ether linkage, and in other embodiments, a PEG is linked to the CPS by way of an ester linkage, and in still further embodiments, PEG molecule(s) can be attached to CPS molecule(s) by way of both ether and ester linkages. Additional embodiments include PEG/CMC compositions where the PEG is a multi-branch PEG and/or a multi-arm PEG. PEG/CMC compositions can be made with desired viscoelastic properties, and such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, for drug delivery vehicles or for lubrication of tissues and medical instruments.
US09345800B2

Base structures for use with a scent warmer may include a support structure configured to receive thereon an at least substantially hollow member defining a cavity. An electrical connector may extend from the support structure. A power cord connector extending from the support structure may be electrically connected to the electrical connector using a rigid electrical connection and configured to physically secure and electrically communicate with a power cord. Methods of making a base structure for use with a scent warmer may involve configuring a support structure to receive thereon an at least substantially hollow member defining a cavity. An electrical connector that extends from the support structure may be formed. A power cord connector configured to physically secure and electrically communicate with a power cord may be electrically connected with the electrical connector using a rigid electrical connection.
US09345789B2

Compounds which specifically inhibit legumain, also known as asparaginyl endopeptidase are provided. The compounds have an epoxide or N-Michael acceptor warhead, and have an asparagine side chain attached to a nitrogen atom in the backbone adjacent the warhead. The compounds also preferably comprise a proline residue adjacent the asparagine, and the compound may also contain a third residue and/or a label for cellular or in vivo imaging of active legumain.
US09345788B2

A reconstituted human breast tumor model is disclosed. The model, which is incorporated into mice, provides actual tumors that arise spontaneously, thereby mimicking naturally occurring breast cancer. The tumors are genetically human, because they arise from human mammary tissues that develop from human mammary epithelial cells implanted into host mice. Prior to implantation, the mammary epithelial cells are genetically modified to contain a recombinant human oncogene and an SV40 early region.
US09345775B2

The present invention is directed compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to hepatocytes in vivo. Targeted RNAi polynucleotides are administered together with co-targeted delivery polymers. Delivery polymers provide membrane penetration function for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness to the delivery polymers.
US09345773B2

Provided herein are phenylboronate containing co-polymers (PCC), compositions containing PCC and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), such compositions further including proteins, methods of making these compositions by water in oil polymerization, and methods of using the protein containing compositions for releasing proteins. Such phenylboronate containing co-polymers are of Formula I: where m, n, p, x, R1-R5, L, X1 and X2 are defined in the application.
US09345770B2

Immunogenic peptides from tumor associated stromal cell antigens, including combinations of such peptides, are disclosed herein. In some examples the peptides are useful for methods of eliciting an immune response. In additional examples the peptides are useful for methods of treating cancer. Methods for decreasing vascularization of a tumor using a Protein Delta Homolog 1 (DLK1) protein or a nucleic acid encoding the protein are also disclosed.
US09345768B2

The present invention relates to nanoparticles, wherein at least one therapeutically active substance is bound to said nanoparticle and wherein the separation of the at least one therapeutically active substance from the nanoparticle is caused or initiated by an alternating magnetic filed. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, in particular to injection solutions containing the nanoparticles as well as to the use thereof for the treatment of cancer.
US09345766B2

Disclosed are methods and compositions for inhibiting the growth of a tumor (e.g., a malignant tumor) in a subject. In particular, combination therapies for treating a tumor in a subject by co-administering an agent selected from i) an effective amount of an anti-estrogen agent; ii) an effective amount of a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor; iii) an effective amount of a MEK/PI3 kinase/AKT inhibitor; iv) an effective amount of MM-151; v) an effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor; and/or vi) an effective amount of trastuzumab or TMD1, and/or combinations thereof; and an effective amount of a bispecific anti-ErbB2/anti-ErbB3 antibody. Also disclosed is a bispecific anti-ErbB2/anti-ErbB3 antibody for use in the therapy of a tumor in combination with an agent selected from i) an effective amount of an anti-estrogen agent; ii) an effective amount of a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor; iii) an effective amount of a MEK/PI3 kinase/AKT inhibitor; iv) an effective amount of MM-151; v) an effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor; and/or vi) an effective amount of trastuzumab or TMD1, and/or combinations thereof.
US09345765B2

The present application provides compositions and methods for modulating the activity and quantity of platelets and preventing and treating disorders or diseases associated with abnormal activity and quantity of platelets.
US09345763B2

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of diagnosing eosinophilic gastritis (EG), or remission therefrom in a subject, wherein the methods include applying a sample from the subject to a diagnostic panel that contains selected markers for EG, analyzing the results thereof, and making a determination as to the EG status of the subject. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to methods of monitoring the pathological development or medical prognosis of EG in a subject. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to use of CDH26 as a marker for EG, eosinophilic esophagitis, or allergic inflammatory conditions. Embodiments of the invention also relate to the use of anti-CDH26-based therapeutics to treat allergic inflammatory conditions.
US09345759B2

The present invention encompasses BTV vaccines or compositions. The vaccine or composition may be a vaccine or composition containing BTV antigens. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing BTV antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals, such as ovines, bovines, or caprines, against BTV.
US09345757B2

A vaccine comprising a chimeric protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1 containing immunogenic epitopes of conservative Streptococcus pneumoniae proteins PspA, Spr1895, PsaA, as well as flagellin components, connected via flexible links, wherein the flagellin components function as adjuvant.
US09345755B2

The present invention encompasses novel peptides useful for preventing and treating cancer, particularly melanoma. Multiple sequences of interest are provided and these sequences have been incorporated into other peptides to obtain a series of peptides of about 30 amino acid residues in length wherein the properties of each combine to yield an effective cocktail for treating melanoma, which surpasses the use of single peptides as immunogens, as well as shorter peptides as immunogens.
US09345747B2

The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one protein extract of hibiscus and/or at least one beta glucan or a salt thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of said composition for the treatment of anal rhagades.
US09345743B2

A peptide dimer comprising a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a peptide consisting of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 4, wherein the peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the peptide consisting of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 4 are bound through a disulfide bond between a cysteine residue of each peptide is used as an active ingredient of an agent for promoting proliferation of one or more bacterium selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium breve.
US09345741B2

The present disclosure relates to nutritional compositions including a protein equivalent source that includes a peptide component comprising selected peptides. The protein equivalent source may further include intact protein, hydrolyzed protein, including partially hydrolyzed protein, or combinations thereof. The disclosure further relates to methods of promoting healthy body weight in a target subject by stimulating adiponectin levels by providing the nutritional compositions disclosed herein to a target subject, which includes a pediatric subject.
US09345737B2

Topical compositions are provided useful for treating keratosis. The compositions comprise an extract of the plant Hamelia patens and are applied topically to skin having radiation dermatitis to relieve symptoms thereof.
US09345732B2

The invention discloses phytochemical agents derived from Holoptelea integrifolia and novel composition(s) comprising at least one component selected from the extract(s), fraction(s) and active compound(s) for the protection and alleviation of Metabolic Syndrome, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes and other disease conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. The invention also discloses the amelioration of certain biomarker molecules such as Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), Adipose Differentiation Related Protein (ADRP), CD36, Adipocyte Fatty-acid-Binding Protein (aP2/FABP-4/A-FABP), beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor (β3AR), Leptin, Perilipin and Adiponectin by using the phytochemical components derived from Holoptelea integrifolia.
US09345727B2

The present disclosure relates to nutritional compositions including a protein equivalent source including a peptide component comprising selected peptides from Tables 1 and 2 disclosed herein. The protein equivalent source may further include intact protein, hydrolyzed protein, including partially hydrolyzed protein, or combinations thereof. The disclosure further relates to methods of reducing the incidence of autoimmune disease and/or diabetes mellitus by providing said nutritional compositions to a target subject, which includes a pediatric subject.
US09345723B2

It is disclosed Guanosine 5′-Diphosphate (GDP) crosslinked chitosan sponge or gelling composition which is used as a scaffold for tissue regeneration applications such as neural, cardiac, cartilage and bone regeneration. In addition, the sponge acts as a drug delivery system to provide local controlled drug release, such as delivering anti-cancer drugs locally at the tumor site.
US09345718B1

The present invention is directed to therapeutic compounds capable of targeting cancer cells and cancer stem cells. The present invention is further directed to compositions comprising these therapeutic compounds and methods of treating cancer comprising administering these therapeutic compounds.
US09345713B2

The present invention provides a method of treating acute heart failure by administering a compound of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09345709B2

The present invention directs a compound represented by formula (I).
US09345705B2

The instant invention provides a method of treating a cancer, selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer, by administering a combination of a WEE1 inhibitor and a CHK1 inhibitor, wherein the WEE1 inhibitor is MK-1775 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or MK-3652 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and the CHK1 inhibitor is MK-8776 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or SCH900444 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09345704B2

Germline mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene cause Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by plexiform neurofibroma development. Using adoptive transfer of hematopoietic cells, we establish that NF1 heterozygosity of bone marrow derived cells in the tumor microenvironment is sufficient to allow neurofibroma progression in the context of Schwann cell nullizygosity. Further, genetic or pharmacologic attenuation of the c-kit signaling pathway in hematopoietic cells greatly diminishes neurofibroma initiation and progression. These studies identify haploinsufficient hematopoietic cells and the c-kit receptor as therapeutic targets for preventing plexiform neurofibromas and implicate mast cells as critical mediators of tumor initiation. Administering therapeutically effective doses of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor such as the compound imatinib mesylate to a patient in need thereof to treat tumors in a human patient afflicted with plexiform neurofibroma.
US09345703B2

The present invention is a selective kappa opioid receptor effector, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, useful for treating ethanol use disorder withdrawal, anxiety and/or depression, schizophrenia, mania or post-traumatic stress disorder.
US09345699B2

The invention provides isoquinoline, quinoline, and quinazoline derivatives to treat a variety of disorders, diseases and pathologic conditions, and more specifically to the use of isoquinoline, quinoline, and quinazoline derivatives to inhibit the hedgehog signaling pathway and to the use of those compounds to the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases and pathologic angiogenesis.
US09345697B2

Described herein are methods of treating a mammal in need of treatment for non-histaminic pruritus by administering to the mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of RS-norketotifen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, thereby reducing the desire to scratch in the mammal. Non-histaminergic types of pruritus are resistant to treatment with selective histamine H-1-, H-2- and H-4-receptor inhibitors. In certain aspects, the non-histaminergic pruritus is associated with a dermal disorder, a psychological disorder, a mental disorder, a nerve disorder, or a systemic disorder.
US09345692B2

Pharmaceutical formulations containing salts of (5S,8S)-8-[{(1R)-1-(3,5-Bis-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-ethoxy}-methyl]-8-phenyl-1,7-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one, represented by Formula I, are disclosed. Disclosed also are methods of treatment utilizing such dosage forms.
US09345679B2

Disclosed are high loading, controlled-release dosage forms for oral administration of magnesium salts. For example, an oral dosage form can comprise from about 80% to about 95% magnesium lactate and one or more components. As another example, an oral dosage form can comprise at least about 50% magnesium salt and exhibit a controlled release dissolution profile. Also disclosed are methods for making controlled release dosage forms for oral administration of a therapeutically effective amount of magnesium salt to a mammal. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disorder characterized by magnesium deficiency and methods for preventing or alleviating low magnesium levels.
US09345672B2

The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of delivery of CoQ that is reduced in the presence of lipoic acid and, optionally a fatty acid and/or optionally in a monoterpene. The compositions that include the reduced CoQ can be formulated in soft gel capsules.
US09345671B2

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for enhancement of adiponectin production, treatment or prevention of hypoadiponectinemia, and the like, comprising as an active ingredient an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
US09345668B2

The present invention provides an implantable device having a coating including a slow dissolving polymer or material and the methods of making and using the same.
US09345667B2

A process for preparing particles having a hydrophobic material therein is disclosed. The process comprises providing a multiple emulsion comprising a first emulsion dispersed in a hydrophobic medium, said first emulsion comprising a hydrophobic phase dispersed in a hydrophilic phase, wherein the hydrophobic phase comprises the hydrophobic material and the hydrophilic phase comprises a precursor which is capable of reacting to form a non-fluid matrix and reacting the precursor in the multiple emulsion to form the matrix in the form of the particles having the hydrophobic material therein wherein the precursor is added prior to formation of the multiple emulsion. Also disclosed are particles having a hydrophobic material therein, which may be releasable, as well as particles having a hydrophobic material therein, which may be releasable, made by the process and methods of using the particles.
US09345666B1

A foamable pharmaceutical composition and a method of treating corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the skin are disclosed. The foamable pharmaceutical composition comprises a corticosteroid compound as an active ingredient; a quick-break foaming agent including an aliphatic alcohol, water, a fatty alcohol and a surface active agent; a buffering agent; and a propellant. The foamable composition is disposed within a pressurizable container that comprises an aerosol valve assembly including a dip tube communicating with a valve orifice through which the foamable composition is dispensed and an actuator to start and stop dispensation. The valve assembly dispenses a conically-shaped spray at a rate of about 2 to about 0.3 g/sec and provides a foam having a density of about 0.12 to about 0.25 when sprayed at a distance of about 5 to about 10 cm from the valve orifice onto a glass surface that is at ambient room temperature.
US09345654B2

The invention relates to a hair dye product, in particular to a hair dye product comprising at least two natural dye substances, and the use of the at least two natural dye substances in human or animal hair dyeing or in preparation of hair dye product for human or animal, wherein at least one of the natural dye substances displays yellow or yellowish brown color series; preferably, the natural dye substance displaying the yellow or yellowish brown color series is selected from quercetin or a derivative thereof, or an extract containing the quercetin or the derivative thereof, or a mixture thereof. The at least two natural dye substances of the invention are combined as dyeing ingredient, compared with those used alone, the range of the color is very different, and the color of the dyed hair is natural, which is yellowish black and consistent with human real hair, moreover, the hair dyeing effect is stable and the color is not easy to fade.
US09345652B2

The invention relates to a process for dyeing and/or lightening keratin fibers such as the hair, using i) at least one direct dye bearing a disulfide, thiol or protected-thiol function and ii) at least one sparingly or non-ethoxylated fatty alcohol, iii) at least one cationic surfactant, iv) at least one alkaline agent, and v) at least one reducing agent. The invention also relates to a composition comprising the ingredients i) to v), to the use of the combination of i), ii), iii), iv) and v) for the dyeing and/or lightening of keratin fibers, and to a multi-compartment kit comprising the ingredients i) to v). The dyeing process and the composition according to the invention especially afford a long-lasting coloration on keratin fibers, which is strong, chromatic and/or homogeneous, with or without the use of an oxidizing agent.
US09345645B1

A medication dispenser for coordinating the treatment plan and treatment regimen for a medication (what medication(s), what dosage(s), what time(s), what interval(s)), that presumes errors, emergencies, and changes will happen and must be handled; and so rather than seeking perfect compliance at every level of provisioning, handling, and taking of the medication, examines and as possible corrects and then records as correct or deviating, actual use, and so tracks the experienced regimen.
US09345643B2

A first male member (110) and a tubular portion (30) are in communication via first to third holes (21 to 23). A liquid channel (211) and a gas channel (212) of the second male member (210) are in communication with the tubular portion. First to third channels (41 to 43) are formed in a stopcock (40). The stopcock can switch between a first rotation position at which the first channel puts the first hole and a syringe connection portion (32) of the tubular portion in communication, and a second rotation position at which the first channel puts the liquid channel and the syringe connection portion in communication. When the stopcock is at the second rotation position, the second hole and the gas channel are in communication via the second channel, and the first male member and an inner cavity (45) of the stopcock are in communication via the third hole and the third channel. A first hydrophobic filter (50a) is provided in the channel that connects the first male member and the gas channel when the stopcock is at the second rotation position, and a second hydrophobic filter (50b) is provided in the channel that connects the first male member and the air supplying member (410) that is connected to the stopcock when the stopcock is at the second rotation position.
US09345639B2

Delivery cups may be provided to facilitate preparation of medication doses and may include color bands extending about at least a portion of an exterior of each delivery cup. Each color band may correspond to a predetermined volumetric measurement or dosage of medication. Each delivery cup may provide a height that may be proportional to at least one of a maximum volume and a maximum volumetric measurement. Further, each delivery cup may provide one or more additional color bands that may represent volumetric measurements that may be less than that associated with the first color band. Each delivery cup may further provide a portion of the delivery cup that may be provided to fit inside of a medicine bottle and may be provided to a seal an opening of the medicine bottle. Each delivery cup may also provide a handle for dispensing fluid from the delivery cup.
US09345638B2

A system for facilitating preparation of medication doses comprising a container for receiving a quantity of medication, the container having color bands extending circumferentially therearound to facilitate preparing medication doses, each color band corresponding to a predetermined dosage of medication.
US09345636B2

A system and processes for automating and verifying medication order fulfillment and medication administration compliance. A medication package is formed from a package back pane and blister housing, and filled in accordance to a prescription order. The package back pane has a medication housing color pattern that contrasts medication colorings of a prescribed medication, such that a number of empty medication blisters can be determined from a package image matrix generated by analyzing the medication housing color pattern, the medication colorings, and a plurality of reference marks on the package back pane from a captured image of the medication package. The package image matrix is compared to a previous package image matrix in order to determine if the prescribed medication has been administered properly. A unique prescription code of the medication package can program a processor with a scheduling profile, medication order information, and the package image matrix.
US09345633B2

A portable battery power operated chiropractic adjusting instrument, manipulator or thruster for applying a selectable adjustment energy impulse to a patient through a plunger having a resilient or cushioned head with the energy impulse applied to the plunger being supplied by a solenoid. The adjusting instrument can have annunciators or indicators for preload, readiness to operate, level of energy impulse and the like. The power source can be an internal rechargeable battery or removable rechargeable battery pack.
US09345630B2

An upper frame swingable between an inclined posture and a substantially horizontal posture along a trajectory of movement of a four-bar linkage is held in the substantially horizontal posture by a simple operation when necessary. A front link mechanism control gives an external force for pushing down an operation member to thereby control a front link mechanism so as to displace the upper frame rearward while lowering a front side of the upper frame. Since a displacement direction for bringing the upper frame into the substantially horizontal posture and an operation direction for locking the front link mechanism or a rear link mechanism by the operation of the operation member are substantially the same direction, it is possible to perform two movements, the displacement movements to the substantially horizontal posture and the locking movements, only by operating the operation member in a predetermined direction.
US09345623B2

A device for spraying a biological substance onto a biocompatible implant. The device includes a housing that defines a sterile chamber. A spray head is within the chamber and proximate to a first end. A first conduit is configured to direct the biological substance into the chamber through a first spray tip of the spray head. A second conduit is configured to direct an activator into the chamber through a second spray tip of the spray head. A third conduit is configured to direct compressed air to the chamber through a third spray tip of the spay head. The spray head is configured to direct a coating of the biological substance as activated by the activator to the implant seated within the chamber at a second end that is opposite to the first end.
US09345612B2

Ostomy appliance components for cleaning and related maintenance of a surgical stoma. Components take the form of attachments, inserted elements, and/or separate parts in contact with ostomy ports, wafers, and/or other connecting components.
US09345605B2

A hinge for an orthopedic device includes an upper hinge component, a lower hinge component, a first plate pivotally connected at a first location point to the upper hinge component and connected at a second location point to the lower hinge component, and a second plate pivotally connected at the first location point to the upper hinge component and at the second location point to the lower hinge component. A first rotation stop is connected at a third location point to the first and second plates. A center link is pivotally attached at a fourth location point to the upper hinge component and at a fifth location point to the lower hinge component. The center link has a first stop surface arranged to directly abut the first rotation stop. The hinge components and the center link are arranged between the first plate and the second plate.
US09345592B2

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
US09345587B2

A process for inserting a pivotable interbody spacer including an insertion instrument configured to manipulate a pivotable interbody spacer during insertion, wherein the insertion instrument includes means for coupling the interbody spacer and a means for fixing the angular position of the interbody spacer. According to one method for inserting an interbody spacer in a spinal disk space, the interbody spacer is grasped by the insertion instrument and fixed at a first angular position. The interbody spacer is next inserted into a surgical site. Next, the interbody spacer is released from a first angular position. Then, the insertion instrument is pivoted about a coupling of the interbody spacer such that the interbody spacer is in a second angular position. The angular position of the interbody spacer is then fixed in the second angular position. This insertion process continues until the interbody spacer is positioned in the desired location.
US09345585B2

An acetabular cup shell insertion system is provided for a shell having a threaded central opening and a part-spherical inner surface. The system includes an impactor having a strike plate at a first end and a first connection element at a second end. Also provided is a longitudinally extending adapter having a threaded first end adapted to threadably engage the threaded central opening in the acetabular cup. A second end of the adapter has a second connection element for engaging the impactor first connection element. An impaction flange extends radially outwardly of a longitudinal axis of the adapter. The flange has a first contact surface facing the second end of the adapter. A second contact surface surrounding the threaded first end of the adapter contacts the part-spherical inner surface of the acetabular cup surrounding the threaded central opening.
US09345581B2

The present teachings provide a modular glenoid prosthesis for replacing a portion of the anatomy. The prosthesis can comprise a platform having a coupling portion, a base and a central bore that extends from the coupling portion through the base. The central bore can define a tapered region, and the coupling portion can include a plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenoid component having a plurality of pegs. Each of the plurality of pegs can be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenosphere including a tapered stem couplable to the tapered region. The glenoid component and the glenosphere are selectively couplable to the platform for replacing the portion of the anatomy.
US09345567B2

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical soft tissue repair device includes a snare assembly coupled to a soft anchor in which the soft anchor has a first, unstressed configuration that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and a second, anchoring configuration that can be used to fixate the anchor in the bone. The snare assembly can be configured to actuate the anchor from the first configuration to the second configuration, and it can also be used to engage and approximate tissue by drawing the tissue closer to the anchor fixated in the bone. The snare assembly can be used in conjunction with a number of different anchor configurations, and other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.
US09345560B2

A one-piece, angled metal pillar for dental implants, includes a lower base with a threaded shank, a smooth cylindrical segment having one end connected with one end of the lower base, a bevel shaped as a frustoconical support base having one end connected to an opposite end of the smooth cylindrical segment, and an upper inclined segment connected to an opposite end of the support base, the upper inclined segment including an upper lateral opening in the form of a shaft for insertion of a wrench.
US09345556B1

A method of forming a user conformable dental guard includes obtaining a storage case with a handle, and inserting a dental guard and an impression tray in which the dental guard is positioned into the storage case. The method includes filling the storage case with water and placing the storage case and its contents into a microwave oven. The storage case and its contents are then subjected to microwave energy for a period of time sufficient to soften the dental guard. The method includes removing the storage case from the microwave over, flushing the storage case with water to slightly cool the dental guard, removing the dental guard and impression tray from the storage case and inserting the dental guard and impression tray into the user's mouth. The dental guard is molded by application of force by the user's teeth.
US09345551B2

A method for anatomical analysis and joint implant design. Embodiments provide users with the ability to anatomically analyze a single bone or a series of bones that exist in a database, evaluate surgical landmarks and axes, identify differences among specific characteristics of a given population, and modify existing implants or create new implant designs based on anatomical analyses.
US09345541B2

The invention provides a cartridge assembly to couple a tissue treatment device with an electrosurgical unit, with the cartridge assembly operable with a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit. The invention also provides an electrosurgical unit comprising a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus operable with the cartridge assembly and a system thereof.
US09345536B2

A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a bifurcated proximal flange extending therefrom defining first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a second engagement portion. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A guide member is configured for positioning between the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The guide member includes a tab extending transversely therefrom that is configured to operably engaged one of the first and second engagement portions to retain the jaw members in engagement with one another.
US09345535B2

The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a handle assembly including a movable handle and one or more shafts. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A solenoid is in operative communication with the movable handle and operatively couples to a drive rod operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members for causing movement thereof. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more teeth configured to engage one or more teeth located on the drive rod such that rotation of the solenoid imparts one of longitudinal and rotational movement of the drive rod such that at least one of the first and second jaw members moves between the open and closed positions.
US09345534B2

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft. An end effector is coupled to a distal end of the elongated shaft. A handle assembly includes a movable handle movable relative to a fixed handle for effecting movement of the jaw members from a first position to a second position. Each jaw member is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A switch is disposed on the fixed handle and configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a switch engaging surface disposed on the movable handle. The first position of the switch causes the relay of information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue grasped between the jaw members and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy.
US09345531B2

RF energy for skin conditioning with a non-ablative electrode is applied with a handpiece incorporating means to prevent electrical shock to the patient when the energized electrode surface makes or breaks contact with the skin. In a preferred embodiment, switch means are incorporated in the handpiece and configured such that the active electrode surface is not energized until it is in actual contact with the patient's skin, and remains energized only while the active electrode surface remains in contact with the patient's skin, so that no voltage is present on the electrode, when an air gap whose dielectric breakdown can cause an electrical shock to the patient arises, immediately before or immediately after skin contact during a skin conditioning procedure. In another preferred embodiment, the electrode to skin impedance change as the electrode touches the skin is used to activate a switch that transfers RF to the electrode.
US09345530B2

The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.
US09345521B2

Example embodiments relate to systems and apparatuses for securing surgically implantable implantation rods, comprising a first body having a recessed portion formed by a first surface of the first body, a second body having a recessed portion formed by a first surface of the second body, and a connecting member having an elongated body defining a common longitudinal axis for the first body and the second body, the connecting member receivable in the recessed portion of the first body and the recessed portion of the second body. The connecting member is operable to cooperate with the first body to restrict movement of the first body relative to the second body about the common longitudinal axis when engaged in a substantially locked position, and the first body is moveable relative to the second body when disengaged from the substantially locked position.
US09345509B2

Devices and methods are disclosed for widening a channel in a treatment site, the channel containing a guide-wire. The channel is widened by advancing an elongated dilation device, which is configured to fit tightly over the guide-wire at the distal tip of the dilation device and to provide a distal dilating surface, over the guide-wire and at least partially through the treatment site. The dilation device comprises a tubular metallic shaft, typically a metal inner tube, for providing sufficient stiffness and column strength for the dilator to be advanced at least partially through the channel, and a flexible sleeve providing a tapered distal tip. The distal end of the dilator defines a leading surface that is shaped to force away portions of a lesion surrounding the guide-wire away from the guide-wire as the distal end is advanced over the guide-wire through the lesion, whereby a channel through the lesion is at least partially dilated.
US09345502B2

Stomach tissue is manipulated to form, for example, a restored flap of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The manipulation includes gripping stomach tissue from within the stomach while the stomach is inflated to promote visualization and stabilization of the gripped stomach tissue. Once the stomach tissue is gripped, the stomach is deflated and pulled into a mold. The molded tissue is then fastened with at least one fastener. The stomach is inflated to a first pressure during visualization and then to a second higher pressure during the stomach tissue gripping.
US09345497B2

The jig is formed based on a three-dimensional reconstruction of the bone elements of the joint from tomodensitometric data; the marking of points on the humerus being used as a basis for the positioning of the considered prosthetic element. The jig includes: a support base cooperating with the humeral head according to a single position, one portion of the base cooperating with the intertubercular sulcus or bicipital groove; a gripping portion; and a breakable area temporarily receiving a cutting block to allow its fixation to the humeral bone before enabling to perform the humeral resection.
US09345492B2

A measurement system for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a capacitor, a signal generator, a digital counter, counter register, a digital clock, a digital timer, and a data register. The sensor of the measurement system is the capacitor. The measurement system generates a repeating signal having a measurement cycle that corresponds to the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises more than one capacitor mechanically in series. Electrically, the capacitor comprises more than one capacitor in parallel. In one embodiment, the capacitor includes a dielectric layer comprising polyimide. A force, pressure, or load is applied to the capacitor that elastically compresses the device. The capacitor is shielded from parasitic coupling and parasitic capacitance.
US09345490B2

A surgical power tool has an actuation assembly for the actuation-force-dependent control of the tool. The actuation assembly includes a force sensor configured to sense the actuation force and a carrier component for the force sensor which is arranged upstream of the force sensor in a direction of force application and is coupled thereto in a force-transmitting manner. A mechanical damping member is arranged upstream of the carrier component in the direction of force application. The damping member protects the carrier component and the force sensor, for example, from impacts and shocks and the accompanying plastic deformations.
US09345486B2

A hollow fibrous conduit for promoting regeneration of a severed nerve, comprising a first end for coapting the conduit to a first end of a severed nerve and second end for coapting the conduit to a second end of the severed nerve, the hollow fibrous conduit comprising chitosan-poly(caprolactone) fibers. Methods for making the conduit and methods for using the conduit for nerve regeneration.
US09345481B2

In various embodiments, a surgical end effector is disclosed. The surgical end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The staple cartridge is configured to be used to staple tissue within an optimal tissue thickness range. An anvil is movably coupled relative to the staple cartridge. A tissue thickness sensing module is located adjacent to the distal end of the staple cartridge. The tissue thickness sensing module comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to generate a tissue thickness signal indicative of a thickness of the tissue located between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The controller is in signal communication with the sensor. The controller comprises means for identifying a staple cartridge type. The staple cartridge type and the thickness measurement are used to determine if the thickness of the tissue is within the optimal tissue thickness range.
US09345477B2

A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having a hemostatic agent embedded therein.
US09345463B2

The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.
US09345454B2

Techniques for imaging adjusting a cine-loop are described herein. A cine-loop may be generated, and it may be identified whether the cine-loop has a stitching artifact. The cine-loop may be played, and the length of the cine-loop may be adjusted while the cine-loop is playing until the stitching artifact is substantially removed.
US09345450B2

An ultrasound transducer for use in intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems including a single crystal composite (SCC) layer is provided. The transducer has a front electrode on a side of the SCC layer; and a back electrode on the opposite side of the SCC layer. The SCC layer may have a dish shape including pillars made of a single crystal piezo-electric material embedded in a polymer matrix. Also provided is an ultrasound transducer as above, with the back electrode split into two electrodes electrically decoupled from one another. A method of forming an ultrasound transducer as above is also provided. An IVUS imaging system is provided, including an ultrasound transducer rotationally disposed within an elongate member; an actuator; and a control system controlling activation of the ultrasound transducer to facilitate imaging.
US09345449B2

A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component includes electronic circuitry and sensors to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone, and at least one sensor. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. The prosthetic component includes at least on transmissive region. The transmissive region can be located in a region that has exposure to a region outside the joint. The transmissive region can comprise glass. One or more sensors can be used to monitor synovial fluid in proximity to the joint to determine joint health. The transmissive region can be used to support communication between the electronic circuitry and remote system.
US09345447B2

A method for determining the location of a medical device within a body is provided. The method includes transmitting from the medical device an acoustic signal; receiving with the medical device a reflected acoustic signal; advancing the medical device based on a first algorithm, the first algorithm including a first weighting factor and a first feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal; determining a first location of the medical device based on the first algorithm; and moving the medical device to a second location based on a second algorithm, the second algorithm based on the determined first location and including at least one of a second weighting factor and a second feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal. Also disclosed are systems and devices for performing the methods described herein.
US09345446B2

An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processor, an image generator, a detector, and a controller. The processor is configured to acquire two-dimensional or three-dimensional blood flow information in time sequence in a scan range formed of a plurality of scan lines, from two-dimensional or three-dimensional echo data collected through ultrasound transmission/reception performed in the scan range. The image processor is configured to generate blood flow images in time sequence from the two-dimensional or three-dimensional blood flow information in time sequence in the scan range. The detector is configured to detect movement information in time sequence of speckles in a preset two-dimensional or three-dimensional region of interest, among the blood flow images in time sequence. The controller is configured to control a predetermined display to display movement information data that is data based on the movement information in time sequence.
US09345441B2

A system for endoscopic nuclear imaging, a nuclear probe and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a movable endoscopic nuclear probe which comprises a collimator and a detector, the endoscopic nuclear probe having an elongated body with a longitudinal axis (X), wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged on the elongated body, and the collimator having a field of view with an axis (Y) and the axis (Y) is angled with respect to the axis (X) of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; means for determining the position and orientation of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; an evaluation unit including means for computationally determining an actual position and actual orientation of the elongated body of the endoscopic nuclear probe; and a program storage section and means for computing at least one quality parameter of the image.
US09345435B1

An esophageal introducer is provided which facilitates the passage of medical probes into the esophagus or gastric cavity. It consists of an introduced tube 12 made of collapsible elastomeric material 21 with a flexible laminated steel at the bottom 20. The proximal opening is attached to a bite block 10. The distal end continues with an extension of the laminated steel 20a that tapers to a tip with a 45 degree bend 16. This extension is covered with elastomeric material 21a that overlaps the distal tip creating a flat soft end 19. Prior to insertion the introducer body is bended 20-30 degrees 17, the tip is advanced till it makes contact with the posterior pharyngeal wall FIG. 3a. Further pressure will advance the tip effortlessly, sliding on the posterior esophageal wall that is an anatomic continuation of the posterior pharyngeal wall. FIG. 3b, 3c.
US09345433B1

Described herein are methods and apparatuses to mate the object with a cap through a fabric portion of the garment. The methods and apparatuses described herein may address the needs for a safe, secure, and detachable method and apparatus for affixing an object (such as an encased wireless sensor) to a garment worn by a subject.
US09345432B2

A method and an apparatus are disclosed for extending the service life of a battery source by fully utilizing the energy in batteries and/or providing higher energy reserve using multiple batteries. An universal battery bank consists of an ensemble of possibly heterogenous batteries all connected in series to provide a usable operational energy source. For a universal battery bank consists on N batteries, the minimum operational voltage for the individual batteries (Vmin) can be lowered to Vmin/N on average, thereby extending the time interval between battery replacements and draining the individual batteries more efficiently. To exploit this power supply that may vary over a wide voltage range, electronics are designed to monitor the individual batteries, guard against excessive voltage and current, and provide constant current sources and/or constant voltage sources for various appliances.
US09345419B2

This invention relates to the apparatus for the objective detection of auditive disorders, by recording arising potentials of a steady state with simultaneous acoustic stimulation via the bones or the airway to be used in newborns. The apparatus comprises the necessary means for the independent generation of two different sound stimuli presented to the subject simultaneously via osseous, and airway electroacoustic transducers, the synchronous recording of the cerebral electrical activity of the subject, the continuous evaluation of the contact of the electrodes, the interactive measurement of the levels of ambient noise, and the wireless digital transmission of the bioelectric activity towards a computer.
US09345411B2

Devices, and methods for measuring bioimpedance signals are disclosed. One aspect may include a headset apparatus including a retainer and electrodes. The retainer may be configured to position the electrodes on the head of a subject so as to obtain bioimpedance signals indicative of hemodynamic conditions associated with an MCA territory. A processor may be included to measure and analyze the obtained bioimpedance signals, and to output information for predicting hemodynamic conditions associated with an MCA territory.
US09345410B2

An apparatus, such as a cardiac function management system can detect heart sounds following a sensed transition in physical activity level, such as from an elevated physical activity level to rest. A technique can include systems, methods, machine-readable media, or other techniques that can include identifying a physical activity level transition, receiving a heart sound signal, determining characteristics of the heart sound and subject physiologic activity to provide an indication, such as a heart failure status indication.
US09345409B2

A blood pressure measurement apparatus includes a sensor, an input section, and a circuit. The sensor is configured to measure blood flow speed in a target blood vessel. The input section is configured to input blood pressure from a measurement apparatus continuously measuring the blood pressure. The circuit is configured to estimate the blood pressure on the basis of the blood flow speed by referencing a correlation formula that indicates correlation characteristics of the blood pressure from the measurement apparatus and the blood flow speed from the sensor.
US09345399B2

Methods and devices are provided to obtain refractive correction with superior visual acuity (e.g., 20/10) by achieving an astigmatism-free customized refractive correction. The astigmatism-free customized refractive correction involves obtaining an objective and precise measurement of cylindrical power in a resolution between 0.01 D and 0.10 D in an eye using an objective aberrometer, reliably relating the cylindrical axis obtained from the objective aberrometer to that in a phoroptor, determining an optimized focus error of an eye through subjective refraction with a phoroptor, generating a customized refraction by combining the objective measured cylindrical power, the objective measured cylindrical axis, and the subjectively measured focus power, fabricating a custom lens with a tolerance finer than 0.09 D based on the generated customized refraction, and delivering an ophthalmic lens that can provide an astigmatism-free refractive correction for an eye.
US09345390B2

In an endoscope flexible tube and an endoscope device of the present invention, an endoscope flexible tube which exhibits flexibility to be inserted into a body cavity includes a bending portion formed at a distal end side, a first flexible tube portion connected in series to a proximal end of the bending portion, and a second flexible tube portion connected in series to a proximal end of the first flexible tube portion. When the bending portion and the first flexible tube portion pass a flexed portion of the body cavity, a curvature radius of the first flexible tube portion which is passively bent under a predetermined force is set to be larger than a curvature radius of the bending portion in a maximum bent state.
US09345387B2

Collisions between a minimally invasive surgical instrument and patient tissue are prevented in various ways. In one aspect a body cavity is mapped by recording positions of a surgical instrument, and the map is used to insert another surgical instrument. In another aspect, a surgical instrument is inserted into a space vacated by a guide tube. In yet another aspect, a volume is defined in which a control system permits an instrument to move, and the volume is a sum of one volume that is defined by previous movements of the instrument and other volume that is defined by the boundaries of an image capture component. In yet another aspect, a real time image of a surgical site is mosaiced over a previously recorded more distal image of the site. Surgical instruments are visible in the real time image, and representations of the surgical instruments as they would appear in the previously recorded image are generated and displayed on the previously recorded image. Consequently, a person moving the surgical instruments sees a representation of the instruments outside the field of view of an imaging system taking the real time images.
US09345382B2

A domestic dishwasher includes a wire rack that does not include any rolling elements that would otherwise allow the rack to roll between an extended position and a retracted position. Instead of rolling elements, the rack includes sliding surfaces that slide along corresponding surfaces inside the dishwasher and/or on a dishwasher door. The rack may be a lowermost rack.
US09345378B2

A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 mil. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a capillary pressure at 10% saturation by extrusion porosimetry of at least twice that of a like sheet prepared without regenerated independent cellulose microfibers. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
US09345369B2

A waste receiving apparatus such as a toilet has a body having an interior and an upper waste receiving opening. A bagging material storage area holds the bag supply of continuous bag material to receive waste introduced through the waste receiving opening. A motor is provided for rotating accumulated waste relative to the bag supply. A fan is provided for pressurizing and/or depressurizing an interior of the body.
US09345359B2

A device for brewing coffee including a jacketed brewing vessel and a manual siphon element and methods of using the device to brew coffee. The device includes a base having a bowl, a first neck communicatively connected to the bowl, and a second neck communicatively connected to the bowl; a brewing vessel communicatively connected to the first neck; and a siphon element communicatively connected to the second neck. Operating the siphon element results in a reduced pressure within the bowl. When the brewing vessel is full of a first volume of water, the reduced pressure within the bowl results in the volume of water flowing from the brewing vessel into the bowl. A second volume of water may be added to a jacket of the brewing vessel to change the temperature of the first volume of water.
US09345348B2

The present invention comprises serving apparatus which includes a bottom base which is a substantially planar closed surface for resting on a substantially horizontal surface. The apparatus also includes a substantially oval wall extending from the base having inside and outside surfaces that are smooth and uninterrupted between the base and an open top end. The apparatus also has a flange attached at the top end that extends horizontally inward and a pour channel positioned through the flange creating an aperture, wherein the pour channel, the flange, the outside surface of the wall and the inside surface of the wall form a smooth and uninterrupted surface. Furthermore, the flange causes a substance within the serving apparatus to fall back onto an object when the object is slid up the inside surface of the wall and contacts the flange.
US09345343B2

A removable hanging device configured to be retained within one of a lattice fence and a chain-link fence is disclosed, wherein the hanging device includes a retaining element having a substantially square cross-section configured to be received in a square opening formed in a fence, a hanger body configured to allow an article to be supported thereby, and a shaft connecting the retaining element to the hanger body. The retaining element is aligned with and extended through the square opening of the fence prior to being rotated to orient a top surface of the hanger body parallel to a ground surface. The rotation of the hanging device causes the retaining element to be oriented at 45° with respect to the square opening, causing the retaining element to be secured within the fence as the retaining element is unable to be removed from the square opening without first rotating the hanging device.
US09345337B1

A mattress protector includes upper and lower central portions connected respectively to an upper end and a lower end of a peripheral portion. Each of the upper and lower central portions has a TPU lining layer on the inner side. The peripheral portion has a TPU lining layer on the inner side and a PU shell layer on the outer side. The peripheral portion also has a waterproof zipper in its middle section. The contact areas of the two central portions and of the peripheral portion are connected together by a laminator through a hot pressing process to form the hollow mattress protector. The TPU lining layers on the inner side of the mattress protector are fused together to form a sealed and gap-free inner structure.
US09345336B2

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.
US09345321B1

The present invention provides a low profile storage rack that attaches to the rear/interior surface of a kitchen cabinet door. The low profile storage rack includes a rear surface that confronts the rear of the door, a front surface opposite the rear surface, and a plurality of rows of ledges that extend outwardly perpendicularly relative to the storage rack width and height. Optionally, the storage rack has a low profile (thickness) so that it may fit into the unused space between the cabinet door, the cabinet face frame, and the shelves contained therein and is light weight so that the storage rack can be attached to a cabinet door with non-damaging, removable frame/poster hangers or other reusable adhesives.
US09345313B2

The holster securely locks the handheld device, such as a radio within the holster body and allows the radio or device to be readily inserted or removed with a single hand. The holster has a resilient polymer body molded to have an integral pair of retention ears, which hinge to securely lock the device in place and a projection member, which applies an outward force on the device to urge it outward from the holster when the retention ears are manually disengaged.
US09345303B2

A compact having a protrusible and retractable puff includes a lower case having a spring seated therein, an upper case having a seating section and a guide section which extend downward through a central portion, a puff assembly fitted into the seating section and having a puff member fixed to a lower portion, a lift fitted into the guide section, and an inner dish positioned on top of the lift. The lift positioned inside the guide section and pressed downward is subjected to upward repulsive force from the spring positioned under the lift. The puff assembly is coupled to and separated from the upper case. When the puff assembly is separated from the upper case, the lift including the inner dish moves upwards in response to the repulsive force of the spring, causing the puff assembly including the puff member to protrude upwards from the upper case.
US09345296B1

The walking aid with deterrent spray is constructed of a walking cane that includes a deterrent spray member integrated onto a distal end. The deterrent spray member includes a shield that opens to prevent a deterrent spray from reaching an end user. The shield is collapsible when not in use. The walking cane includes a spray nozzle on a distal end, which disperses the deterrent spray in order to temporarily incapacitate a feral animal. The spray nozzle is connected to a replaceable canister that is positioned within the walking cane. A trigger is provided on a handle portion of the walking cane. The trigger is in mechanical connection with the replaceable canister in order to dispense the deterrent spray via the spray nozzle. The shield is actuated via a plurality of extension rods that translate and pivot via a locking collar.
US09345295B2

An outdoor umbrella for electrical appliances includes a supporting frame, an awning frame, and an electro-control panel. The awning frame includes a functional umbrella hub suspendedly supported by the supporting frame for supporting the electrical appliances in position, a plurality of awning frames radially and outwardly extended from the functional umbrella hub, and an awning supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the awning. The electro-control panel includes a control circuitry and a control device. The control circuitry has an input terminal adapted for electrically connecting to a power source, and a plurality of control terminals for selectively connecting to the electrical appliances respectively. The control device is electrically connected to the control circuitry for selectively controlling each of the electrical appliances in an on-and-off manner.
US09345289B2

A fixturing apparatus that includes a housing defining an interior space and having a trapezoidal cross-section, a first end, and an opposing second end, and is formed to include an aperture extending therethrough from the first end to said second end.
US09345287B2

A heel stabilizer for use with human footwear that reduces or eliminates upward movement of the heel within footwear is disclosed herein. The heel stabilizer preferably includes two gripping portions or parts that grip the heel on the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot, preferably above the widest part of the heel. The heel stabilizer may be integrated directly into footwear. Alternatively, the heel stabilizer may be a separate insert that can be inserted into footwear.
US09345286B2

A fluid-filled chamber may be incorporated into footwear and other products. The chamber is formed from a polymer material that defines a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a sidewall surface extending around a periphery of the chamber and between the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of bonds are spaced inward from the sidewall surface and join the first surface and the second surface. The bonds may be distributed to form a regularly-spaced array, such as a hexagonal array. The first surface and the second surface may define elliptically-shaped structures between the bonds. The bonds may be formed to have a slope that is an average of slopes of the first surface and the second surface in areas proximal the bonds.
US09345282B2

An adjustable helmet having first and second shells and a single actuator comprising at least one tooth, the single actuator being moveable between: a first locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a first hollow space; a released position, wherein the at least one tooth no longer retains the first and second shells such that one of the first and second shells is moveable relative to the other of the first and second shells; and a second locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a second hollow space, the second hollow space being different than the first hollow space.
US09345278B2

A glove for meat preparation. A variety of cutting elements are attached to the glove's thumb and fingers and allow the user to cut, care, shred slice or trim hot meat. The glove allows the user to handle the meat and also protects the user's hand from the meat's high temperature after cooking, broiling grilling or smoking.
US09345277B2

A protective shield for protecting a user's hands or feet from harmful ultraviolet rays when a coating composition applied to the user's fingernails or toenails during a manicure or pedicure is cured by an ultraviolet curing system. The protective shield includes a thin elastomeric or polymeric sheet of material impregnated with an ultraviolet blocking composition. The protective shield is provided with five or more slits, allowing the ends of the user's digits to be inserted through separate slits, ensuring that only the user's fingernails or toenails would be subjected to the ultraviolet rays produced by the ultraviolet curing system, while protecting the user's hands or feet from the ultraviolet rays. The protective shield is designed to cover a user's hand or foot while allowing the user's fingernails or toenails to protrude from separate slits provided near the end of the shield, while the slits rest firmly under the cuticles of the user's fingernails or toenails.
US09345275B2

A garment may be formed from a stretchable material. Various portions of the garment may contain imprinted ink. Elasticity of the garment fabric is reduced in the regions onto which the ink has been printed, thereby providing a support and/or a feeling of support to certain muscles and/or muscle groups.
US09345270B2

An article of clothing is coated or impregnated with a coating that contains thermochromic pigment. The pigment is constructed to change color when wet with water, and/or to provide a hyperthermic warning when a person wearing the clothing is over-warm.
US09345267B2

Provided is an oral pouch flavor product with a fibrous flavored wrapper that encloses an inner filling material. Preferably, the fibrous flavored wrapper includes embedded flavorants. The fibrous flavored wrapper may also include a softening agent, colorants, and/or browning inhibitors. The inner material may include non-tobacco, plant material fibers and preferably has a low moisture content so as to prevent the need for preservatives or refrigeration.
US09345266B2

An apparatus for molding and packaging molded tobacco pieces includes a mold having cavities oriented to allow ejection of molded tobacco pieces into a container. The apparatus also includes a knockout for ejecting the molded tobacco pieces, and a cutter having at least two blades for cutting the molded tobacco pieces into vertically aligned slices by passing one or more blades horizontally through the cavities.
US09345257B2

Enhancing the bioavailability of a drug or dietary supplement by administering it concurrently with one or more members of the d-tetrandrine family.
US09345253B2

There are provided a metal soap which is useful as a food additive to be added to various foods for the purposes of improving a fluidity, an anti-bridging property, a low moisture absorption property and feel upon eating of foods, and has a less adverse influence on the foods, as well as a process for producing the metal soap. The metal soap for a food additive is constituted of a fatty acid calcium salt or a fatty acid magnesium salt having 6 to 24 carbon atoms which is obtained by a double decomposition method, and a water dispersion containing the metal soap in an amount of 2% by mass exhibits a pH of not less than 6 but less than 7. The process for producing the metal soap for a food additive includes the steps of reacting 1 mol of a fatty acid having 6 to 24 carbon atoms with not less than 0.9 mol but less than 1 mol of a monovalent basic compound to obtain a fatty acid basic compound salt; and reacting the fatty acid basic compound salt with a calcium salt or a magnesium salt in an aqueous medium.
US09345248B2

Peeling apparatus and cam followers for lowering and raising the finger frames of roller-type peeling apparatus. The cam followers have monolithic hardened stainless steel cam rollers with journals extending outward of central wheels into bronze bushings retained stationarily in holders. The monolithic cam rollers roll on pivoting cams at the four corners of the finger frame to raise and lower the finger frame in synchrony with the back and forth rotation of peeling rollers forming peeling channels. Support rollers supporting the ends of the peeling rollers also rotate in stationary bronze bushings.
US09345245B2

The present invention provides agonist compounds that active ABA receptors, and agricultural formulations comprising the agonist compounds. The agricultural formulations are useful for inducing ABA responses in plant vegetative tissues, reducing abiotic stress in plants, and inhibiting germination of plant seeds. The compounds are also useful for inducing expression of ABA-responsive genes in cells that express endogenous or heterologous ABA receptors.
US09345242B2

An aqueous microbicidal composition having two components. The first component is 0.5-5 wt % of a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one. The second component is 1-10 wt % of a nonionic surfactant comprising a C6-C12 alkyl group, an average of 3-7 moles polymerized units of propylene oxide and an average of 5-12 moles polymerized units of ethylene oxide.
US09345239B2

A manual and localized weeding apparatus including a heat generator which is attached to a rod and wherein the heat generator has a fan and a heating resistor for projecting a hot air jet into an inner volume of a bell of the apparatus and which bell is provided with a free edge for supporting the apparatus on a support surface and wherein the bell is provided with at least one hole for discharging another air jet from the inner volume of the bell and wherein the at least one hole is spaced from the free edge.
US09345236B1

A fishing teaser or lure having a bilateral body comprising two planar pieces in a perpendicular configuration having a fish shaped silhouette. The teaser or lure moves straight and/or laterally through the water when towed. The teaser or lure is particularly suited for deep sea fishing.
US09345228B2

A method of making a pet bed includes providing a rigid base, attaching a support member to the rigid base and attaching a cushion to the rigid base over the support member. The support member is configured to be removable. The cushion is configured to be removable. A tension of the support member is adjustable. The rigid base is washable. The support member is washable. The cushion is reversible. The cushion is washable. The rigid base is stackable. The pet bed includes a sleek, contemporary styling inspired by mid-century modern furnishings. The cushion functions as a crate cushion when traveling, providing the pet with familiar smells and reducing the stress of traveling on the pet. The pet owner adjusts the softness or firmness of the pet bed for the comfort of the individual pet by adjusting the tension of the support member.
US09345227B2

Litter compositions are provided comprising sodium bentonite and various fillers. These litter compositions have substantially the same clumpability properties as a composition consisting of only the sodium bentonite.
US09345223B1

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV010349. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV010349, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV010349 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV010349 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV010349.
US09345217B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046814. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046814. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046814 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046814 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09345211B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046139. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046139. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046139 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046139 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09345209B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01045782. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01045782. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01045782 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01045782 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09345204B2

A working apparatus comprises a working machine, a tool, a boom construction, and a control system. A first end of the boom construction is connected to the working machine. The tool is connected to an opposite second end of the boom construction. The boom construction comprises a first boom and a first actuator controlling the first boom, a second boom articulated to the first boom and a second actuator controlling the second boom, and a third actuator controlling the position of the tool. The control system has a link mode, a parallel mode, and a tool-levelling mode.
US09345203B2

A vine support system includes support posts adjacent each vine trunk with support wires suspended between the support posts. Positioning shafts are mounted vertically extending from the support wires. Pedistular supports are engaged on the positioning shafts for releasably supporting canes extending from each vine trunk, with the pedistular supports vertically positioned on the positioning shafts for pronation by the canes to suspend new growth from the canes in a fruiting zone.
US09345202B2

This invention provides a truncated, ground-embeddable conical irrigation ring having an integral weed-abatement collar. The slight conical nature of the ring allows for nested stacking of the devices. A first embodiment device has an annular collar with a circular outer perimeter. The weed-abatement collar is wide enough to prevent most weeds from beginning growth outside the ring, creeping over the edge thereof, and into the plant growing region within the ring. The ring prevents water that is provided to a plant growing within the ring from seeping outwardly into soil were no plant growth is wanted. A second embodiment has a hexagonally-shaped weed-abatement collar that allows for honeycomb arrangements of multiple devices which completely cover the ground between irrigation rings. A third embodiment also has a hexagonally-shaped weed-abatement collar. Half of the collar perimeter is equipped with a light-blocking underlapping shelf.
US09345201B2

There is provided a plant cultivating apparatus for saving space in an early stage of growth of plants, increases an amount of plants cultivated per unit space to achieve higher space efficiency, and which provides an optimum environment corresponding to the growth of the plants. The plant cultivating apparatus comprises a plurality of cultivation tray storage shelves arrayed in a plurality of tiers and a plurality of rows, each of the plurality of cultivation tray storage shelves being able to store a cultivation tray capable of cultivating a plurality of plant stocks, a cultivation tray transferring mechanism for moving the cultivation tray, and a handling mechanism capable of gripping and moving the plurality of plant stocks individually from the cultivation tray.
US09345195B2

The invention relates to the air blast soft fruit harvesting device comprising an air flow director (1), pulsator (2), distancing channel (3), segmented extension (4) and blower fan (5) assembly. The distancing channel (3) is connected with the segmented extension (4) on the top side and with the pulsator (2) on the bottom side, whereas the pulsator (2) is simultaneously connected with the air flow director (1) on the bottom side, and the segmented extension (4) is connected with the blower fan (5). The blower fan (5) constantly sends air to the director (1), through the segmented extension (4), distancing channel (3) and pulsator (2) directing the air towards a fruit shrub, thus shaking ripe fruits. In the course of the rotation of the pulsator (2) rotor (32), the pulsator (2) alternately sends air, in a single cycle, through the channels (6, 7 and 8), and then through the channels (9, 10 and 11) of the director (1), where the air flow leaving the pulsator (2) varies, achieving its power impact. It is possible to regulate the air blast power and speed over the connecting tube (78) by discharging part of the air which the blower fan (5) sends towards the director (1), into the atmosphere. The regulation is performed manually with the lever (81). Thus, regulation of the air blow power impact on a fruit shrub is obtained. When using the device for harvesting soft fruit, two devices are used simultaneously, positioned in such way that there is a row of shrubs between them.
US09351432B2

A driver device has a rear frame end disposed on an axial end of a motor, a heat sink on which a power module is fastened, and a connector case disposed on an outside of the heat sink having a first connector and a second connector for an external connection. A plate is fastened onto the connector case, with a motor-facing contact face of the plate contacting the rear frame end and a motor-facing-away contact face of the plate contacting the heat sink. Heat conductivity of the plate is equal to or greater than that of the rear frame end and that of the heat sink combined. Thus, a gap between the rear frame end and the heat sink is sealed and heat from the heat sink on which the power module is fastened is appropriately transmitted to the rear frame end.
US09351431B2

An automated multi-fluid cooling system and method are provided for cooling an electronic component(s). The cooling system includes a coolant loop, a coolant tank, multiple valves, and a controller. The coolant loop is at least partially exposed to outdoor ambient air temperature(s) during normal operation, and the coolant tank includes first and second reservoirs containing first and second fluids, respectively. The first fluid freezes at a lower temperature than the second, the second fluid has superior cooling properties compared with the first, and the two fluids are soluble. The multiple valves are controllable to selectively couple the first or second fluid into the coolant in the coolant loop, wherein the coolant includes at least the second fluid. The controller automatically controls the valves to vary first fluid concentration level in the coolant loop based on historical, current, or anticipated outdoor air ambient temperature(s) for a time of year.
US09351428B2

An apparatus includes a rigid structure having first and second collars, a quick connect connector having first and second shoulders, and a spring biasing the connector toward an extended position with the first shoulder against the first collar and the second shoulder against the second collar. The first collar and the first shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between, and the second collar and the second shoulder form an inwardly and rearwardly angled contact surface there between. The connector is centered in the first and second collars unless acted upon by a force overcoming the spring and pushing the connector to a retracted position with the first and second shoulders out of contact with the first and second collars. When retracted, the connector may adjust its position longitudinally, vertically, laterally or angularly to facilitate coupling with a mating fixed quick connect connector.
US09351425B2

A container-type data center is provided, which can be transported while having outdoor units of an air conditioning facility installed therein, and having an enhanced cooling effect. A partition panel 10 is provided for separating a container 100 into an IT equipment accommodation chamber 18 and an outdoor unit installation chamber 15, and on both ends of the panel are provided pillar sections 14e and 14f for the partition panel. The length-direction dimension of the outdoor unit installation chamber 15 is within the range of 1.6 to 2 meters, which can be selected arbitrarily according to the size of the outdoor units 6a through 6d. The outdoor units 6a through 6d are arranged so that their air discharge openings face the outer side in the width direction of the container. Regarding the outdoor units 6a through 6d, it is possible to set up an angle steel rack and stack two outdoor units vertically. According to this configuration, the container-type data center can be transported while having the outdoor units installed therein, and can exert sufficient cooling ability, which had been insufficient due to the small number of outdoor units installable in the prior art container-type data center.
US09351421B2

A server housing for accommodating plurality of hard drives includes a shell body and a plurality of cases. The shell body has a bottom wall, a circuit region and a plurality of partition walls parallel to each other. The circuit region and the partition walls are disposed on the bottom wall. The cases are respectively drawably disposed between the partition walls. A plurality of separation boards and a plurality of electrical contacts are disposed in the cases for accommodating the hard drives between the separation boards. Each of the separation boards has a planar face and a pair of abutting walls. A plurality of abutting protrusions is formed on each of the abutting walls and protrudes inward. The abutting protrusions of the abutting walls abut the hard drives between the separation boards. The electrical contacts provide electrical connection between the hard drives and the circuit region.
US09351403B2

Disclosed herein is a portable terminal, including: a case; a first substrate disposed at one side of the case; a second substrate spaced from the first substrate to form a battery installing space; and a connection substrate electrically connecting between the first substrate and the second substrate and disposed in parallel with a side of the case.
US09351400B1

Conductive contacts can be disposed on multiple substrates or on different surfaces of a single substrate. Conductive material is disposed over at least a portion of the two conductive contacts to electrically connect the contacts. The conductive material may be disposed over at least one surface between the conductive contacts. One or more conductive borders can be formed on a surface of a conductive layer. The conductive border or borders can improve signal transmission across the surface of the conductive layer.
US09351399B2

A light-emitting device assembly includes a plurality of light-emitting devices, the plurality of light-emitting devices being provided continuously, the plurality of light-emitting devices each including a substrate, an optical semiconductor element mounted on the surface of the substrate, an encapsulating layer formed on the substrate surface to encapsulate the optical semiconductor element, and an electrode formed on the substrate surface so as to be electrically connected to the optical semiconductor element. The substrate has a fragile region formed to partition off the light-emitting devices that are disposed next to each other.
US09351394B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward techniques and configurations for electrical signal absorption in an interconnect stub. In one instance, a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly may comprise a substrate and an interconnect (such as a via) formed in the substrate to route an electrical signal within the PCB. The interconnect may include a stub formed on the interconnect. At least a portion of the stub may be covered with an absorbing material to at least partially absorb a portion of the electric signal that is reflected by the stub. The absorbing material may be selected such that its dielectric loss tangent is greater than one, for a frequency range of a frequency of the reflected portion of the electric signal. A dielectric constant of the absorbing material may be inversely proportionate to the frequency of the reflected electric signal. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09351390B2

A radiant tube (4) for guiding a charged particle stream (10) has a hollow cylindrical isolation core (6) directly encompassing a beam-guiding hollow volume (8). The isolation core (6) is formed from a dielectrically acting carrier substrate (14) and an electrical conductor (16) held therein. The conductor (16) is divided into a plurality of conductor loops (20) completely encompassing the circumference of the isolation core (6) at different axial positions of the isolation core (6). The conductor loops (20) are galvanically connected to each other.
US09351389B2

There is provided a plasma processing apparatus including a processing chamber having a dielectric window; a substrate holding unit for holding thereon a processing target substrate within the processing chamber; a processing gas supply unit configured to supply a processing gas into the processing chamber in order to perform a plasma process on the substrate; a RF antenna provided outside the dielectric window in order to generate plasma of the processing gas within the processing chamber by inductive coupling; and a high frequency power supply unit configured to supply a high frequency power having a frequency for generating a high frequency electric discharge of the processing gas. Here, the RF antenna includes a plurality of coil segments that are arranged along a loop having a preset shape and a preset size while electrically connected in parallel to each other.
US09351387B2

An x-ray source for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. A method for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. Grid(s) may be used in an x-ray tube for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size. Control circuitry for the grid(s) can be disposed in electrically insulative potting. Light may be used to provide power and control signals to the control circuitry.
US09351381B2

A controller for controlling a plurality of lighting devices configured for wireless communications in a facility includes a data communications interface communicating with at least one of the devices. The controller further includes a control module configured to provide a control signal to the data communications interface for communicating to a transceiver associated with the device and for turning off the device according to an algorithm wherein the control signal is provided based on a time of day and/or a sensed condition relating to use of the facility. The transceiver reports device data to the control module to quantify a reduction in power obtained by controlling the devices according to the algorithm.
US09351378B2

Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.
US09351376B2

An illumination control system includes a signal detection unit for detecting a signal changed depending on an eye state of a person, an opening/closing determination unit for determining an opening/closing state of an eye of the person based on the detected signal, and a sight line detection unit for detecting a person's sight line direction with respect to an illumination device based on the detected signal. The illumination control system further includes a control unit for controlling the illumination device to reduce an illuminance when the opening/closing determination unit determines that the eye of the person is in a closed eye state, and to change an illuminance and a light color based on the sight line direction detected by the sight line detection unit when the opening/closing determination unit determines that the eye of the person is in an open eye state.
US09351371B2

Provided is a light emitting device in which with the general color rendering index Ra and the special color rendering index R9 maintained at high numeric values, the light emission efficiency is prevented from being reduced as much as possible, and the high color rendering and the high efficiency are achieved so as to be usable for general lighting usage. The device includes at least one light emitting element 6 emitting a light having a peak emission wavelength in a near-ultraviolet to blue region, and a phosphor layer 5 containing a green phosphor excited by a primary light emitted from the light emitting element 6 and emitting a light having a peak emission wavelength in a green region, a first red phosphor excited by the primary light and emitting a light having a peak emission wavelength in a red region, and a second red phosphor exited by the primary light and emitting a light having a peak emission wavelength different from that of the first red phosphor in the red region.
US09351370B2

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) controller comprises a first LED driver to generate a first PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) drive signal to turn on or turn off, respectively, a first current through a first LED string. Additionally, the LED controller comprises a compensation circuit to generate the first PWM drive signal responsive to a first duty set signals. The first duty set signal is indicative of a first duty cycle set for the first PWM drive signal. The compensation circuit receives a first feedback signal indicative of the first current, generates a first error signal indicative of a difference between a first predetermined target value and the first feedback signal, and generates the first PWM drive signal to have the first duty cycle corresponding to the first duty set signal and further adjusted by the first error signal.
US09351366B1

An isolation dimmer circuit structure includes a control circuit module having an input end for receiving a sensing signal and an output end for outputting a control signal. An optocoupler is provided between the control circuit module and a light source power supply circuit. The light source power supply circuit is further connected to a light source. A protection circuit includes first and second resistors and first and second diodes. The first resistor is connected in series between the positive terminal of a DC power supply and the anode of the first diode, forming a node A, the cathode of the first diode is connected to a first terminal of a control input end connected to a traditional dimmer circuit to form an overvoltage protection mechanism. The second resistor is provided between the node A and the input end of the control circuit module, and the second diode is provided between the positive terminal of the DC power supply and a second terminal of the control input end to form a reverse voltage protection mechanism.
US09351362B2

The present disclosure relates to dimming circuit and method for LEDs. The dimming circuit obtains a DC voltage from an external AC power supply by using a TRIAC, an electronic transformer, and a rectifier bridge sequentially. The dimming circuit comprises a first power stage circuit, a second power stage, a first control circuit, and a second control circuit. The first power stage circuit has an input terminal configured to receive the DC voltage. The second power stage has an input terminal coupled to an output terminal of the first power stage and an output terminal coupled to an LED load. The first control circuit is configured to generate a first control signal in accordance with a first output voltage generated at the output terminal of the first power stage circuit, a first reference voltage and an upper threshold voltage to maintain an average value of the first output voltage to be consistent with the first reference voltage. The second control circuit is configured to generate a dimming signal in accordance with a first current and the first output voltage to control an operation of the second power stage circuit to maintain an output current of the second power stage circuit to be consistent with an expected driving current represented by the dimming signal. The first current is no less than a holding current of the electronic transformer. An input current of the first power stage circuit is maintained to be consistent with the first current by the first control signal when the first output voltage is in a continuously increasing state and is lower than the upper threshold voltage. The first output voltage decreases continuously and the input current is maintained to be consistent with a second current after the first output voltage reaches the upper threshold voltage.
US09351359B2

An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary side unit (1) and a secondary side unit (6) with a non-conductive barrier (5) therebetween, the primary side unit having a power supply (2), a transmission coil (4) and a controller (12). The secondary side unit has a receiver coil (7), a controller (8) and a load (9). The secondary side controller (8) is configured to detect the voltage in the receiver coil (7) and to transmit to the primary side controller (12) a control signal requesting an increase or decrease in the power transmitted from the primary side according to whether the voltage in the receiver coil (7) is above or below a predetermined value.
US09351349B2

An organic EL device including an organic EL portion, wiring, and an externally-connecting terminal, which are disposed above a substrate having flexibility. The substrate has a first region above which the organic EL portion is disposed, a second region above which the terminal is disposed, and a bend portion between the first and second regions. The bend portion corresponds to a predetermined portion of the organic EL device at which the organic EL device is to be bent. The organic EL portion is covered by an inorganic sealing film, and the inorganic sealing film is covered by a resin sealing film. An end of the inorganic sealing film in a direction of the terminal does not extend over the bend portion towards the terminal, and an end of the resin sealing film in the direction of the terminal extends over the bend portion towards the terminal.
US09351347B2

Radiofrequency energy is applied to a container having an outer housing and an inner housing disposed at least partially within the outer housing. At least a portion of the inner housing is transparent to RF radiation. At least one antenna is configured to apply RF energy to an energy application zone within the inner housing. A processor is configured to control the application of RF energy to the energy application zone by selecting a set of modulation space elements (MSEs), and cause RF energy application at the modulation space elements of the selected set.
US09351346B2

A dielectric heating system which is provided with a high frequency oscillator, a housing which forms part of a waveguide and is provided with a loading opening and unloading opening, first and second conductive closing members which respectively close the loading opening and the unloading opening from the inner side of the housing, and a first position holding member which holds the object to be heated inside the housing, which makes the first conductive closing member slide to open the loading opening and charges the object to be heated into the housing, and which makes the second conductive closing member slide to open the unloading opening and unload the object to outside the housing.
US09351344B2

A ceramic heater is proposed in which in the vicinities of the heating element's terminals where a bolt and a washer are used to fix and effect the electric supply connection to the heating element, the cover layer which covers most of the heating element is flush with an immediately neighboring part of the heating element layer so that the cover layer is not stepped at its edge and thus the washer does not scratch or otherwise damage the cover layer; a preferred embodiment adopts an electrically conductive protective film which is laid on this flush plane covering an area extending from the bolt hole to substantially beyond the line where the cover layer meets with the heating element layer.
US09351343B2

A heater control device includes a current calculating unit (20) which calculates a third value of current based on a first value of current flowing through a first PTC element of a first PTC heater which is in an energized state and a second value of current estimated to flow through a second PTC element of a second PTC heater which is to be newly put into an energized state next, and a switching control unit (21) which maintains a non-energized state of the second PTC element of the second PTC heater until it is determined that the third value of current calculated by the current calculating unit (20) is less than a predetermined maximum allowable value of current and puts the second PTC element of the second PTC heater into an energized state when the third value of current is less than the predetermined maximum allowable value of current.
US09351336B2

A method for supporting communication using two or more heterogeneous radio access technologies (RAT) includes the steps of: the terminal receiving a first message that includes whether to provide support to simultaneous access two or more RATs and parameters requesting that a notification be provided for the supported RAT from a base station in a first RAT network supporting a first RAT; transmitting, to the base station in the first RAT network, a second message including an indicator indicating whether to support simultaneous access to the two or more RAT networks and information on a supported RAT network type in response to the first message, wherein the supported second RAT network type corresponds to a network that is different from the first RAT network.
US09351334B1

According to one embodiment, a mobile phone device includes a generally rectangular-shaped enclosure, the enclosure including a first side on an opposite side of the enclosure from a second side. The first side has a first display that occupies between about 60 percent and about 100 percent of the first side, and the second side has a keypad and a second display. In another embodiment, a method includes outputting data on a first display of a mobile phone device, wherein the first display occupies between about 60 percent and about 100 percent of the first side, detecting a reorientation of the mobile phone, and outputting data on a second display on a second side of the mobile phone device, wherein the first side is opposite the second side, wherein the second side includes a keypad and the second display. Other embodiments are disclosed as well.
US09351327B2

Provided are a communication system capable of causing a communication application to speedily find out whether D2D communication is possible or not. The phonebook server 300 includes a phonebook data acquisition unit 310 configured to acquire first phonebook data containing an identifier of a terminal 400B, a terminal location acquisition unit 320 configured to acquire a location of the terminal 400B contained in the first phonebook data acquired by the phonebook data acquisition unit 310, a phonebook data generation unit 330 configured to generate second phonebook data containing an identifier of a candidate terminal capable of direct communication, based on the location of the terminal 400B acquired by the terminal location acquisition unit 320, and a transmission unit 340 configured to send a terminal 400A the second phonebook data generated by the phonebook data generation unit 330.
US09351321B2

A mobile station (MS) performs a measurement of cells on a plurality of downlink frequencies used for a connection with a base station apparatus. The MS also detects a first indication or a second indication, based on the measurement of each cell designated by the base station apparatus, the first indication indicating a measurement result of a cell becomes lower than a first threshold and the second indication indicating a measurement result of a cell becomes higher than a second threshold. In addition, the MS, in a case where a reconnection procedure is started by expiring a timer corresponding to the each cell, selects a cell, and initiates a random access procedure for requesting a reconnection in the selected cell. Further, the timer is started if the first indication is indicated consecutively for a certain number of times.
US09351313B2

Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of communicating during a Contention-Based-Access-Period (CBAP). For example, a device may include a wireless communication station to transmit a wireless communication transmission over a wireless communication medium upon determining that the wireless communication medium is idle for a predefined time period within a contention-based-access period (CBAP), if a scheduling element allocating the CBAP includes an indication of an identity of the wireless communication station in a predefined field.
US09351311B2

Technology for mapping an enhanced physical downlink control channel to physical resource blocks in a radio frame is disclosed. One method comprises mapping modulated symbols in the ePDCCH to at least one control channel element. The at least one control channel element may be mapped to resource elements located in a plurality of distributed physical resource blocks in a subframe, wherein each resource block is in a distributed resource block group and is separated by at least one additional resource block in the subframe. The mapping may also be to resource elements distributed in a single resource block in the subframe, wherein the control channel element is mapped to be distributed in frequency and time relative to other mapped resource elements in the single resource block and the single resource block belongs to a localized resource block group.
US09351307B2

Reported CSI may not reflect non-cancelable CRS interference received from an interfering cell, such as when the CSI is computed when CRS interference is not received. To address the issue, a user equipment (UE) may determine an interference cancelation/suppression efficiency (CSE) associated with canceling/suppressing interference from interfering cells. In addition, based on the determined CSE, a UE may compute CSI such that the CSI reflects the true cancelation efficiency of the UE with respect to interfering cell signals. When computing the CSI based on the determined CSE, the UE may report that the CSI is worse than it is to reflect the UE's true cancelation efficiency with respect to the interfering cell signals.
US09351305B2

A resource allocation method and an apparatus for mitigating inter-cell interference in the heterogeneous cellular communication system are provided. The method for a first type base station to allocate resource in a wireless communication system including the first and second types base stations according to the present invention includes estimating an available Frequency Assignment (FA) not used by a neighbor second type terminal among FAs used by the first type base station, and allocating sub-channels associated with one of the available FAs not used by the neighbor second type terminal to a first type terminal, wherein the second type base station allocates the sub-channels for uplink and downlink transmissions of the second type terminal over a predetermined time period such that an FA in which sub-channels for the uplink transmissions are allocated and the FA in which sub-channels for the downlink transmissions are allocated are the same.
US09351304B2

Methods, systems, and devices are described for predicting a current random access transmission power detectable by a base station based on historical transmission power information. In one aspect, a mobile device may access a historical transmission power associated with a current state of the mobile device, with the historical transmission power based on mobility patterns of the mobile device. Based at least in part on the accessed historical transmission power, the mobile device may predict a current random access transmission power of the mobile device, where the predicted current random access transmission power is configured to elicit a random access response from a base station. In one aspect, the techniques described herein may reduce a number of power ramp steps taken by the mobile device during a random access procedure, reduce interference from the mobile device during the random access procedure, or both based on the predicted current random access transmission power.
US09351295B2

A control channel transmission/reception method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving control channels using a resource allocation scheme applicable regardless of reference signal transmission or whether the reference signal is transmitted in distributed transmission mode or localized transmission mode are provided. The control channel transmission method includes mapping a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) to Resource Elements (REs) of a Resource Block (RB) for transmitting a control channel, mapping the control channel to the REs numbered with numbers of predetermined number of Resource Element Groups (REGs) in a frequency-first ascending order cyclically, with the exception of the REs to which the DMRS is mapped, and transmitting the DMRS and the control channel.
US09351291B2

A method for transmitting a physical channel in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) communication system capable of carrier aggregation is provided for supporting aggregation of carriers having different TDD configurations. The communication method of a terminal in a TDD radio communication system accomplishing broadband through carrier aggregation of primary and secondary cells, of which aggregated carriers have different TDD Uplink-Downlink (UL-DL) configurations, includes receiving Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) through the secondary cell, and transmitting acknowledgement information corresponding to the PDSCH to a base station, where acknowledgement information is transmitted on a Physical Uplink Control CHannel (PUCCH) of the primary cell.
US09351286B2

In a wireless audio system in which both wireless audio signal transmission and communication using other wireless apparatuses are carried out, the transmitter and the receiver transmit audio packets by the following procedure using a plurality of communication channels shared with other wireless communication. The transmitter and the receiver select the same channel; after detecting that the channel has become idle, the transmitter stands by for only a stand-by time T1 shorter than the shortest packet space stipulated in the procedure of the other wireless communication and then transmits an audio packet; after the reception of the audio packet is completed, the receiver stands by for only a stand-by time T2 shorter than the shortest packet space and then returns a response signal. After the transmission/reception of a predetermined number of audio packets is completed, the transmitter and the receiver switch the communication channel and repeat the procedure.
US09351281B2

A method and apparatus for focused communication is disclosed. The method includes a base transmitter array in communication with at least one client device at the same frequency. The base transmitter array provides a focused data communication to the client device.
US09351268B2

The invention is directed to establishing a channel between an access point (AP) and a contaminating UE. An exemplary method comprises: detecting, by an AP, a contaminating UE, wherein the contaminating UE interferes with communication between the AP and other UEs in communication with the AP; and transmitting, by the AP, data to the contaminating UE on a first channel associated with a data frame, wherein the data frame comprises a downlink (DL) part, an uplink (UL) part, and a header.
US09351263B2

One objective of the present invention is to determine an allowed range of transmission power in relaxation of the transmission power of a user equipment. One aspect of the present invention relates to a user equipment comprising: a transmission power lower bound value calculation unit configured to calculate a lower bound value of transmission power of the user equipment by applying a power relaxation factor for relaxing the transmission power; a transmission power upper bound value calculation unit configured to calculate an upper bound value of the transmission power; an allowed transmission power range determination unit configured to calculate tolerances of the calculated lower bound value and upper bound value to compensate for the applied power relaxation factor and determine an allowed range of the transmission power based on the calculated tolerances; and a transmission power determination unit configured to determine the transmission power within the determined allowed range of transmission power, wherein the allowed transmission power range determination unit determines the allowed range of transmission power to compensate for the applied power relaxation factor.
US09351260B2

A method for transmit power control (TPC) is provided. The method includes obtaining a first channel quality of a pilot channel for a user equipment (UE); performing an interference cancellation on the pilot channel to obtain a second channel quality of the channel; and instructing the UE to adjust the transmit power based on at least the first channel quality.
US09351258B2

To schedule uplink transmission time slots for a collection of mobile communication devices, a set of base station target interference patterns is associated with base stations. A time slot target interference pattern is assigned for each time slot and it repeats after several time slots. The time slot target interference pattern in a given time slot specifies the interference allowed by each time slot to a given base station by any single mobile. A priority index may be determined for each time slot for each mobile associated with the particular base station. The priority index may be based, in part, on a determined correlation between the time-slot target interference patterns and a potential interference profile of a mobile to which a time slot is to be allocated. A mobile's throughput requirement, the throughput already received over a specified past duration, the system fairness requirement, as well as the amount of data available for transmission are also used for evaluating the priority index.
US09351255B2

A portable information processing device includes: a sensor configured to detect physical amount which changes according to a location within predetermined space; a first storage unit configured to store an association between the information of the physical amount and location information; a first processor configured to execute an application program; a second storage unit of which the storage capacity is smaller than that of the first storage unit, configured to store a part of the associations; and a second processor, which is connected to the sensor, configured to acquire the current location from the information of the physical amount detected by the sensor, and the associations stored in the second storage unit; wherein the first processor extracts a part of the associations from the associations stored in the first storage unit according to change in the current location due to movement of the portable information processing device.
US09351237B2

Embodiments are described for displaying charging status on a multi-screen device. In embodiments, a determination is made that the device is connected to a power source for charging the battery. In response to the determination, a battery charging indicator is displayed. In some embodiments, if the device was originally powered off or in a standby mode, after a predetermined period of time, the device will be powered off or returned to the standby mode, and the battery charging indicator will no longer be displayed.
US09351234B2

The present invention relates to a solution for resource allocation and in particular in relation to resolving a gateway. The solution according to the present invention uses an infix in an access point name, comprising a geographical area, in communicating with a domain name server. The infix is chosen from a list comprising unique combinations of selection criteria.
US09351232B2

In embodiments of mesh network commissioning, a border router receives a petition from a commissioning device to become the commissioner for a mesh network, and commission joining devices to join the mesh network. The border router transmits the received petition to a leader device of the mesh network, and receives a response to the petition from the leader device, where the response indicates acceptance or rejection of the petition. In response to receiving the response to the petition from the leader device, the border router transmits an indication of the acceptance or the rejection of the petition to the commissioning device. An acceptance of the petition by the leader device authorizes the commissioning device to be the commissioner for the mesh network and a secure commissioning session is established.
US09351216B2

Two methods of managing the operation mode of a first base station and a second base station are provided. One method uses an operation mode controller that sends respective resource usage status requests to the first and second base stations and receives respective resource usage information reports from the base stations. If the UE resource usage information associated with the first base station and the second base station satisfies a predefined condition, the operation mode controller sends a sleep/wakeup command to the first base station, the sleep command including instructions for the first base station to hand over its UE to the second base station. Next, the operation mode controller notifies the second base station that the first base station is going to enter a predefined sleep or wakeup mode, the wakeup notification including instructions for the second base station to hand over its UE to the first base station. In the other method, a sleep mode request and a corresponding sleep mode response are exchanged directly between a first base station and a second base station. The first base station enters a predefined sleep mode if the second base station responds to the sleep mode request from the first base station.
US09351205B2

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus communicates with a primary serving cell via a first radio, detects a presence of a target cell, sends a first message to the primary serving cell indicating the detected presence of the target cell, receives a command from the primary serving cell to add the target cell as a secondary serving cell, and communicates with at least one of the primary serving cell or the target cell via a second radio to facilitate a handover to the target cell. The first radio and the second radio operate on a same frequency. A downlink control channel of the primary serving cell is not used to schedule a target cell downlink transmission. An uplink control channel to the primary serving cell is not used to provide an acknowledgment of the target cell downlink transmission. The uplink control channel to the primary serving cell is not used to provide channel side information for the target cell downlink transmission.
US09351204B2

Provided is a method for controlling a handover from a first base station to a second base station by a user equipment that performs radio communication over a communication channel formed by aggregating a plurality of component carriers, wherein scheduling information on each component carrier is transmitted to the user equipment according to either of a straight scheduling method and a cross scheduling method, and the method includes at the first base station, commanding first the user equipment to perform a handover from the first base station to the second base station on a second component carrier to be operated according to the straight scheduling method in the second base station, when it is determined that a handover on a first component carrier following the cross scheduling method is to be executed.
US09351203B2

Voice call continuity is provided for calls that are carried over a hybrid network infrastructure in which access connections are distributed over loosely coupled network portions including a backend network such as a core VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service network, one or more cellular mobile networks, and a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”). The calls are routed through the core VoIP network regardless of their points of origination or termination in other network portions so that signaling and call context are anchored in the core VoIP network. The conditions under which user equipment operate are continuously monitored so that when a connection is determined to have been unacceptably degraded or is likely to be interrupted, and/or a more optimal connection is available, a handover of the call to another connection is initiated so that call continuity is maintained using the lowest cost connection that provides acceptable call quality.
US09351198B2

Machine-readable media, methods, apparatus and system for managing an encoder output rate at least partially based upon wireless communication link feedback are described. In some embodiments, a device driver of the system may generate link information indicating quality of a wireless communication link between the system and another system, wherein the link information is generated at least partially based upon at least one of media access layer (MAC) information and physical layer information of the system. A system managing entity of the system may manage an output rate of an encoder of the system at least partially based upon the link information.
US09351193B2

A wireless communication device comprising: one or more network modems enabling the wireless communication device to communicate over a first wireless network; one or more network modems enabling the wireless communication device to communicate with two or more end-point devices over a second wireless network; one or more processors configured to execute one or more instructions; and memory coupled to the one or more processors and configured to provide the one or more processors with the one or more instructions. The one or more instructions, when executed by the processors, cause processors to: establish a first connection between the wireless communication device and a first end-point device; establish a second connection between the wireless communication device and a second end-point device; apply a first control to traffic transmitted by or to the first end-point device; and apply a second control to traffic transmitted by or to the second end-point device.
US09351190B2

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for characterizing interference based on scheduling a transmission mode are provided. One method includes wirelessly communicating, by a base station (BS), with a plurality of user equipment (UE), selecting one or more other base stations (BSs) associated with the BS, scheduling the selected one or more other BSs associated with the BS to transmit according to at least one transmission mode during a scheduled transmission, and characterizing, by at least one of the plurality of UE, interference at the UE during the scheduled transmission.
US09351185B2

An apparatus, method and computer program product comprise controlling cellular network based communication in a primary cell on a frequency band related to the cellular network and by using an uplink and downlink configuration specific to the primary cell; controlling communication in a secondary cell on a frequency band related to a television white space channel and by using an uplink and downlink configuration specific to the secondary cell; measuring radio interference on a temporarily set uplink related carrier on the secondary cell based on information on the temporarily set uplink related carrier received on a downlink related carrier on the primary cell; and reporting results of radio interference measurement via the primary cell.
US09351180B2

A communication system includes a wireless communication apparatus which comprises a wireless communication unit performing wireless communication with a designated wireless apparatus as a communication correspondent; a state storing unit storing state information which indicates a communication state at each point of time in the wireless communication; a failure determination unit using a predetermined determination criterion to determine at each stage of the wireless communication whether or not a communication failure occurs in the wireless communication; a state acquisition unit acquiring from the state storing unit, when it is determined that a communication failure occurs, state information which indicates a communication state at each point of time during a predetermined time period; and a state sending unit sending via wireless communication the state information to a communication correspondent other than the designated wireless apparatus; and a state information receiving apparatus receiving the state information.
US09351179B2

Systems and methods can analyze a present channel estimation and a previous channel estimation and/or two or more prior channel estimations to improve communication performance, sense environmental conditions, and make location and velocity determinations. The methods can include: (a) sending, by a transmitter, a first sounding frame and a second sounding frame to a receiver; (b) receiving, by the transmitter, a first channel estimation response from a receiver responsive to the first sounding frame, and a second channel estimation response from the receiver responsive to the second sounding frame; and (c) detecting, by the transmitter, based at least on the first channel estimation response and the second channel estimation response, if a change in characteristics of a channel between the transmitter and the receiver occurred between the first sounding frame and the second sounding frame.
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