US09541432B2

A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.
US09541431B2

An ultrasonic flow meter unit, mounted to a fluid passage through which a measurement target fluid flows, comprises a pair of ultrasonic transducers each including a piezoelectric substrate, and an acoustic matching member; a measuring circuit which measures a flow of a target fluid based on time for which an ultrasonic pulse propagates between the pair of ultrasonic transducers; and an insulating damping member unitarily formed to cover at least a portion of each of a portion of each of the pair of ultrasonic transducers, which portion contacts the fluid passage, the piezoelectric substrate, and the measuring circuit.
US09541421B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing in-premises management of home area networks. An example management includes a network interface device, a processor in communication with the network interface device, and a transceiver device in communication with the processor. The network interface device can establish a paired communication link with a computing device that is in communication with a head-end system. The processor can receive a command originating from the head-end system and communicated to the management device from the computing device via the paired communication link. The processor can identify a terminal device of the home area network that can perform a function in response to the command. The processor can generate a message for the terminal device including the command. The transceiver device can transmit the message from the processor to the terminal device via a wireless communication link of the home area network.
US09541419B2

Systems and methods that allow a user to enhance the experience on their mobile device and provide better information to make decisions based on sharing vehicle health information received from diagnostic systems on the car with applications on their mobile device. The system may receive trip information from a user device and vehicle health information from the vehicle and the user device. The system may generate an interactive map based on the trip information and the vehicle health information. The system may provide one or more notifications for the user based on the trip information and the vehicle health information. The system may receive calendar information and generate interactive maps and notifications based on the vehicle health information and the calendar information.
US09541415B2

A navigation system includes: an image capture unit, configured to capture a gesture; a control unit, coupled to the image capture unit, configured to distinguish between a command motion and a natural motion based on the gesture, an auditory cue, and a contextual information; and generate a command combination for instructing the navigation system based on the command motion and the auditory cue.
US09541414B2

A system for validating a correction to map data for a geographic location, the system comprising: a processing resource; and a navigation device; wherein the processing resource comprises: a user request generator that is configured to generate a user request for transmission to the navigation device; a transmitter for transmitting the generated user request to the navigation device; and a receiver for receiving a user response from said navigation device; and the navigation device comprises: a receiver for receiving the user request transmitted from the processing resource; a user request module configured to present said received user request to a user of the navigation device; a user response module for capturing a user response to said presented user request, and a transmitter for transmitting said captured user response to said processing resource.
US09541407B1

A unified, weighted, and common language mapping system and method for disaster response is described, with the ability to overlay infrastructure damage, responder assets, data source, and weighting factors including the ability to redact such maps for dissemination to media, the public, or the like. The system and method described herein also enable the real-time updating of maps with social media information and the like.
US09541404B2

In one aspect, GPS data, ambient signal data, radio frequency data and/or other types of data are used to determine the location of an entrance to an area or a building. In another aspect, sequential trajectory data is collected and the data is analyzed and/or processed to determine the location of an area of interest.
US09541403B2

A route display device is provided. The device includes an acquirer installed in a movable body and configured to acquire a position and a direction of the movable body. The device also includes a route memory configured to store a route with a plurality of waypoints. The device also includes a display unit including a display screen having a linear route display section and configured to linearly display the route in a vertical axis of the linear route display section and positional relation of either one of the movable body and one or more targets with respect to the route in left-and-right directions of the route in a horizontal axis of the linear route display section. The device also includes a display controller configured to control a display position of either one of the movable body and the target with respect to the route.
US09541400B2

A fiber optic gyroscope sensing coil, with which winding process of optical fiber may be simplified, crosstalk due to winding deficiencies may be reduced, and temperature sensitivity of gyroscope may be reduced.A coil body 13 includes two potted coils 12 having respective windings of optical fiber which are wound in an aligned winding configuration while the same tension is applied to optical fiber and at the same feed speed of optical fiber between the two potted coils and encapsulated within a potting material 16. The potted coils 12 are united together to form the coil body 13 by adhering the potted coils with each other at respective one side faces 12b thereof by using the potting material 16 as adhesive, and the tip ends of respective first fiber end sections 12c of optical fiber 14 of the potted coils 12, which are guided out from respective outermost layers of the windings of the potted coils 12, are connected with each other by fusing to form a continuous length of optical fiber of the coil body 13 wound in one direction.
US09541399B2

A fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) is provided. The FOG comprises a depolarizer that receives light from a light source, a multifunction integrated optic chip (MIOC) and a sensing coil coupled to outputs of the MIOC. The FOG also includes a polarizer coupled between an output of the depolarizer and an input of the MIOC. The polarizer mitigates polarization non-reciprocity (PNR) bias error and enhances the polarization extinction ratio (PER) of the FOG.
US09541397B2

A sensor device includes a mounting board having a first rigid board on which an angular velocity sensor is mounted and a third rigid board on which an angular velocity sensor is mounted, and a pedestal for fixing the mounting board. Further, the pedestal includes a base section having a first fixation surface along an x axis and a y axis, and projecting sections disposed on the base section, and having a second fixation surface along the x axis and a z axis, and a third fixation surface along the y axis and the z axis, each of the rigid boards is supported by at least two of the first fixation surface, the second fixation surface, and the third fixation surface, and the angular velocity sensors have respective detection axes intersecting with each other.
US09541395B2

A sensor comprises a substrate (16) and a sensor element (20) anchored to the substrate (16), the substrate (16) and sensor element (20) being of dissimilar materials and having different coefficients of thermal expansion, the sensor element (20) and substrate (16) each having a generally planar face arranged substantially parallel to one another, the sensor further comprising a spacer (26), the spacer (26) being located so as to space at least part of the sensor element (20) from at least part of the substrate (16), wherein the spacer (26) is of considerably smaller area than the area of the smaller of face of the substrate (16) and that of the sensor element (20).
US09541392B2

Surveying system for measuring the position of a measuring point on the ground is disclosed. The surveying system may include a survey pole with a body having a pointer tip for contacting the measuring point and position giving means for making available the coordinative determination of a referenced position, being placed on the body with a defined spatial relationship relative to the tip. Determination means may be included for repeatedly determining the referenced position of the position giving means. Evaluation means may also be included for deriving the position of the measuring point. In some embodiments, the survey pole may also include an inertial measuring unit placed on the body with a defined spatial relationship relative to the position giving means.
US09541389B2

A center-of-gravity detecting system includes a motion detector for detecting a vertical motion of a travelling object and a horizontal motion of the travelling object, and an arithmetic unit that calculates a center-of-gravity location of the travelling object using the frequency of a vertical motion of the travelling object, a frequency of the horizontal motion of the travelling object, a central angle of the horizontal motion of the travelling object, and the width of the traveling object. The arithmetic unit calculates a center-of-gravity location, using the frequency of the vertical motion, a frequency of the horizontal motion, the center-of-gravity location, and the length of the travelling object in the travel direction.
US09541383B2

A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip.
US09541381B2

Systems and methods for generating 3D representations of shape and color texture of a test surface are described. In one aspect, surface topography interferometers are equipped with a multi-element detector and an illumination system to produce a true-color image of the measured object surface. Color information can be presented as a true-color two-dimensional image or combined with topography information to form a three-dimensional representation of the shape and color texture of the object, effectively creating for a human observer the impression of looking at the actual part.
US09541376B2

Provided is a chromatic confocal sensor including: a light source section that emits a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths; an optical head that includes an objective lens that converges the plurality of light beams at different focal positions and selects, as measurement light, light reflected by an object to be measured at the focal position out of the plurality of light beams; a spectroscope including diffraction gratings that split the selected measurement light into a plurality of diffracted light beams and a sensor that receives two or more of the plurality of diffracted light beams; and a signal processing/control section that calculates a position of the object to be measured based on a difference between light reception positions of the two or more diffracted light beams received by the sensor.
US09541372B2

The invention relates to an inductive angle sensor that includes a measuring element able to be positioned, within an angle measurement range, in different angle-positions about a rotational axis, as well as a coil that is at a distance from said measuring element. The surface of the measuring element is at a different distance from the coil in each angle-position, within said angle measurement range.
US09541365B2

A method and apparatus for sizing ammunition cartridge cases includes a cartridge case trimmer including a cylindrical housing, a mandrel detachably coupled to a longitudinally-oriented opening formed in a first side of the cylindrical housing, the mandrel having a first end including a cutting tool disposed in a slot on the first end and comprising one or more notched cutting surfaces, the mandrel having a second end opposing the first end, the second end protruding from the first side of the cylindrical housing and sized to be received in a chuck, a bearing disposed within the cylindrical housing adjacent to a second side of the cylindrical housing, and an insert comprising a tapered region disposed in an inside diameter of an inner ring of the bearing.
US09541363B2

A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along predetermined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected toward the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation.
US09541359B2

A molded aerodynamically crosswind resistant fletching includes pairs of spaced apart fletchings having distal edges bowed inwardly towards each other thus to deflect crosswinds over the tops of the fletchings.
US09541350B1

Multiple LRSWs are launched to place at least one follower LRSW in a trailing position to at least one lead LRSW in a lead wave. Knowledge of the target space and particularly the primary target gained by the lead LRSWs is transmitted to the follower LRSWs (either directly or via another communication platform such as a satellite or UAV) and incorporated by the follower LRSWs to inform target selection. The follower LRSWs in the following wave trail the lead LRSWs in the lead wave with sufficient spacing in time and distance to inform target selection and with range remaining to maneuver to the selected target. This knowledge may be transmitted back to another follower LRSW (together with any data acquired the initial follower LRSW) and so forth in a “string” of LRSWs to inform target selection and maneuver the LRSWs to the primary target or an alternate target.
US09541344B2

A firearm compensator assembly includes a compensator base that may be mounted to a barrel of a firearm, the base having a contact surface. A cylindrical-shaped compensator body has a bore, an axis, a sidewall, a contact surface, an outer surface and at least one gas discharge port extending through the sidewall between the bore and the outer surface. A spring exerts a biasing force urging the body contact surface into engagement with the base contact surface whereby the body is locked to the base. The gas discharge port is rotatable around the axis by urging the body contact surface away from the base contact surface against the biasing force of the spring.
US09541335B2

In a cooling water circulation device for use in a NOx reduction system where a urea injector 3 is positioned higher than an engine 1, a three-way branching device 10 is arranged at a highest position in a passage of passing cooling water 2 from the engine 1 to the urea injector 3 and returning the same to the engine 1 to add an upward air vent 10a. The air vent 10a is connected through an air-venting connecting pipe 11 to a header tank 9 (water pouring tank) for the cooling water 2 arranged higher than the urea injector 3.
US09541330B2

A method for drying an article with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having anode elements and cathode elements includes capacitively coupling the anode elements, capacitively coupling the cathode elements, capactively coupling an anode element to a cathode element, and energizing the RF applicator to generate an RF field between anode and cathode elements wherein liquid residing within the field will be dielectrically heated.
US09541324B2

A low temperature cooling and dehumidification system uses a reverse airflow arrangement to defrost a frosted cooling coil while not interrupting operation. Automatic air dampers are used to reverse the airflow at the proper time to initiate defrost of that section of frosted cooling coil. This system is useful for low temperature cooling and dehumidification in situations where the inlet air is above freezing, however exiting air below freezing can be supplied if desired. It is advantageous for operation if the coolant flow and temperature internal to the cooling coil are regulated to create the conditions for frost formation to begin closer to the air leaving side of the active cooling coil. The dehumidified generated condensate can be collected and used as grey water and/or potable water.
US09541323B2

An outdoor unit capable of promptly discharging dew condensation water dropped from a heat exchanger to an exterior is provided. A drainage port is formed in a bottom frame of an outdoor unit below a heat exchanger. A base leg of the bottom frame is formed to have a U shape section by upper plates abutted with a lower surface of the bottom frame, lower plates fixed to an installment surface, and standing plates connecting the upper plates and the lower plates, and further includes a first part and a second part with respect to the longitudinal direction. The first part is formed to have a U shape section opening outward in the horizontal direction with the lower plate thereof being fixed to the installment surface. The second part is provided at least at a position corresponding to the drainage port with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base leg, and formed to have a U shape section opening inward in the horizontal direction, the second part having a structure where the upper plate thereof avoids a lower region of the drainage port.
US09541317B2

A container refrigeration system includes a refrigerant circuit configured to perform a refrigeration cycle and including a main circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are connected together in this order, and a hot gas bypass circuit in which compressed refrigerant of the compressor is supplied to the evaporator by bypassing the condenser and the expansion valve; and a compressor control section configured to, in a defrosting operation in which the compressed refrigerant of the compressor returns to the compressor through the hot gas bypass circuit and the evaporator and the evaporator is defrosted, control an operating speed of the compressor such that a pressure of the compressed refrigerant of the compressor reaches a target value.
US09541314B2

A heat exchanger is adapted to be used in a vapor compression system, and includes a shell, a distributing part and a tube bundle. The tube bundle includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged in a plurality of columns extending parallel to each other when viewed along the longitudinal center axis of the shell. The heat transfer tubes has at least one of: an arrangement in which a vertical pitch between adjacent ones of the heat transfer tubes in at least one of the columns is larger in an upper region of the tube bundle than in a lower region of the tube bundle; and an arrangement in which a horizontal pitch between adjacent ones of the columns is larger in an outer region of the tube bundle than in an inner region of the tube bundle.
US09541284B2

Chemical reactors with annularly positioned delivery and removal devices, and associated systems and methods. A reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a light-transmissible surface proximate to a reaction zone, and a movable reactant delivery system positioned within the reactor vessel. The reactor can further include a product removal system positioned within the reactor vessel and positioned annularly inwardly or outwardly from the delivery system. A solar concentrator is positioned to direct solar radiation through the light-transmissible surface to the reaction zone.
US09541283B2

Fuel distribution devices for use with burners are described herein. One embodiment of a fuel distribution device for a burner can include an inlet end having a disc-like annular cover with inlet openings, an outlet end having a disc-like annular support plate with groups of distribution openings, and cylindrical inner and outer walls. These components can define a distribution channel and the device can further include fuel feeding tubes extending from the inlet openings into the distribution channel, and each of the fuel feeding tubes can divide into branch pipes extending through the distribution channel to the annular support plate. Moreover, the branch pipes extending from a same feeding tube can be in communication with distribution openings within a same group, and the branch pipes can be coiled spirally about the inner wall and connected to distribution openings at an inclined angle such fuel ejected therefrom has a tangential velocity.
US09541275B2

The invention provides an apparatus and a method to dissipate heat generated in a LED mounted lighting fixture, comprising an active heat sink with a plurality of integral vents into such active heat sink, wherein the plurality of vents have only two openings, a first opening and a second opening, wherein the active sink is characterized by an induced local air convection current, induced by heat generated at a LED junction in the LED mounted lighting fixture.
US09541274B2

An illumination module may include at least one flexible carrier for a plurality of heat sources, including light sources, wherein the carrier is provided for being bent over at least part of its width.
US09541261B2

Embodiments disclose herein describe systems and methods for a dynamic light fixture. More particularly, embodiments disclose a light fixture with dynamic components that may be moved to change an irradiance distribution of a light pattern.
US09541251B2

A lighting appliance has a flat light guide and multiple light sources radiating light beams and a section for coupling-in light of the flat light guide, wherein the flat light guide has a surface for coupling-in the light beam and a deflecting surface for deflecting the coupled-in light beam toward a main section of the light guide, onto which a surface for coupling-out of light abuts in the light guiding direction, that the main section extends between the section for coupling-in of light and the surface for coupling-out of light has opposing flat sides, on which the coupled-in light beam is fully reflective in direction of the surface for coupling-out of light, wherein the surface for coupling-in of light is embodied so that the coupled-in light beam is directed under a tipping angle relative to a main radiation direction of the light source in the direction of the deflecting surface.
US09541248B2

An automotive lightguide includes a main guide portion with a light entrance surface and a reflective rear edge surface; and an exit lens joined to the main guide portion, the exit lens having an exit surface with an arcuate exit profile. In use, light rays from a light source enter the main guide portion through an entrance surface, travel through the main guide portion and reflect off the rear edge surface to the exit lens which images the reflected light rays as a light beam pattern having a predetermined sharp horizontal cutoff and a predetermined horizontal spread, the arcuate profile of the rear edge surface determining the horizontal cutoff and vertical spread of the light beam pattern with respect to the horizontal optical axis H-H, and the exit profile of the exit lens determining the horizontal spread of the light beam pattern.
US09541245B2

A modular valance fixture includes at least one elongated light fixture including a channel frame having a first end and a second end and to which a plurality of lights are mounted. At least two identical bases each have a distal end and a mounting end that mounts to a wall. At least two identical sleeves each include a slide end that telescopically receives the distal end of one of the bases, a distal end and a tube having a first side and a second side. Each of the at least two identical sleeves are oriented to either act as a left-handed support or as a right-handed support for the at least one elongated light fixture. The first side of each tube of the identical sleeves includes a cutout that faces one of the first and the second ends of the channel frame of the light fixture.
US09541244B1

A multi-purpose portable light includes an elongated body that has a first end and a second end. The elongated body extends from the first end to the second end. A headlight is mounted on the first end of the elongated body and a floodlight panel is located at a front portion of the elongated body. Further, the second end of the elongated body includes a base member. In addition, the elongated member includes one or more of the following elements: a belt clip, one or more magnets, an aperture to attach a fastener, a bottle opener, and a hook mechanism.
US09541242B2

A lighting arrangement (100), comprising a first group of light sources (102) comprising at least one LED providing white light having a first color temperature; a second group of light sources (110) comprising at least one LED providing white light having a second color temperature; and a third group of light sources (116) comprising at least one LED providing a light having a predetermined dominant wavelength; wherein the third group of light sources (116) is configured to receive a light converting device (200, 400) comprising a phosphor (208, 208′, 208″, 208′″, 414), the light converting device (200, 400) configured for converting light from the third group of light sources (116) to white light having a third color temperature, wherein the light converting device (200, 400) is configured to have electrical connection means (120) for providing an electrical connection between one of the first (102) and the second (110) group of light sources and the third group of light sources (116).
US09541237B2

Systems and methods for improving generation of vacuum for a vehicle are disclosed. In one example, an air conditioning compressor bypass valve is selectively activated to improve generation of vacuum by an engine. The systems and methods may reduce the possibility of compressor clutch degradation.
US09541228B2

A housing for receiving a fluid conduit has an internal annular shoulder. A cylindrical first cartridge is positioned in the housing and has an internal annular groove and an outer annular groove. An O-ring in the internal annular groove provides a seal with a fluid conduit. A second O-ring is positioned within the outer annular groove to provide a seal between the first cartridge and the housing. A gripping ring is positioned adjacent and in contact with the first cartridge and has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing. A second cylindrical cartridge is positioned adjacent the gripping ring on a side opposite the first cartridge. The housing includes a lip at one end to engage the second cartridge for holding the first and second cartridges and the gripping ring against the annular shoulder in the housing.
US09541218B2

An indicator post has a head assembly for use with an underground post indicator valve or a wall mounted post indicator valve. The head assembly includes an upper body having a removable cap rotatably supporting an operating stem coupled to an operating rod for engaging the valve. A leading bogie assembly is threadably mated to a threaded sleeve of the operating stem and includes open and shut targets slideably supported on the bogie assembly to allow adjustment of the targets for valves that open and shut with different numbers of revolutions.
US09541208B2

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a check valve that includes a valve body having a bore and a seat along the bore, a fluid inlet at a first end of the bore, and a fluid outlet a second end of the bore, a stopper selectively movable along the bore to contact the seat, the bore being occluded when the stopper is in contact with the seat, a first bias member on a first side of the stopper within the bore, the first bias member providing a first bias force upon the stopper in a first direction, and a second bias member on a second side of the stopper within the bore, the second side being opposite the first side, the second bias member providing a second bias force upon the stopper in a second direction opposite the first direction.
US09541200B2

A ring seal apparatus for high temperature sealing includes a first ring including a pair of radial faces and a second ring including a second pair of radial faces, the second ring adapted to coact with the first ring. The first and second rings together define a pair of coacting mating faces. The mating faces are obliquely angled relative to the radial faces, such that each of the coacting mating faces is adapted to seal an interface of the two rings at an angle relative to their substantially parallel radial faces. The pair of coacting rings is adapted to seal a circumferential gap between a pair of components.
US09541196B2

A hydraulic actuator includes a tubular bladder having first and second ends, an expandable and collapsible sleeve provided on the tubular bladder, a fluid inlet fitting provided in fluid communication with the tubular bladder and at least one mechanical connection provided along the tubular bladder. The hydraulic actuator may have flexibility and an overall diameter of less than about 5 mm.
US09541193B2

A shift control system includes an engine speed detector, a multistage transmission, a gear position detector, a shifting operation detector, and an output controller. The engine speed detector is configured to detect an engine speed. The gear position detector is configured to detect a transmission gear. The shifting operation detector is configured to detect an operation of a shift operating element. The output controller is configured to restrict output of an engine in a case where an up-shifting operation is detected by the shifting operation detector. The output controller is configured to release output restriction of the engine before the gear position detector detects that switching to a next-stage transmission gear by the up-shifting operation of the shift operating element is completed.
US09541191B2

An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow in a motor vehicle transmission. At least one friction engagement device is fluidly coupled to a first pump, and a lubrication and cooling sub-system is normally fluidly coupled to a second pump. Illustratively, when a flow rate of the fluid in the first fluid passageway is less than a threshold fluid flow rate, a temperature of the fluid is greater than a temperature threshold and a fluid flow demand is greater than a fluid flow demand threshold, fluid flow from the second pump to the lubrication and cooling sub-system is blocked and fluid supplied by the second pump is instead directed to the at least one friction engagement device such that fluid is supplied by both the first and second pumps only to the at least one friction engagement device.
US09541189B2

A device for switching an automatic transmission range includes an actuator, a detent mechanism driven by the actuator and engageable with concave portions, and a control unit. The control unit sets first and second positions of the detent mechanism as first and second target values for positions corresponding to first and second transmission ranges. The first position is detected when the detent mechanism is driven to a limit position, is driven by a first predetermined amount, moves toward a valley of a first concave portion without being driven by the actuator, and then stops naturally. The second position is detected when the detent mechanism is driven by a second predetermined amount to move away from the first target value, move toward a valley of a second concave portion without being driven by the actuator, and then stop naturally.
US09541168B2

The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
US09541155B2

A mounting member for use in a vibration damping device equipped with a main rubber elastic body and a bracket, including: a fixing member configured to be fixed to the bracket; an anchoring member made of resin and configured to be anchored to the main rubber elastic body. The anchoring member is anchored to the fixing member and protrudes from the fixing member.
US09541150B2

End members are dimensioned for securement to a flexible wall of a gas spring assembly. The end members can include an end wall, and inner and outer crimp walls that extend from the end wall and are disposed in spaced relation to one another such that gap is formed therebetween. A plurality of connector walls extend between and operatively interconnect the inner and outer crimp walls. Gas spring assemblies including such an end member and suspension systems including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also included.
US09541142B2

In some embodiments, a redundant control system includes first and second control systems, having first and second clutches, and a shared clutch system. The shared clutch system may include a shared shaft configured to receive mechanical energy from a shared power source, a first shared clutch corresponding to the first clutch and configured to receive mechanical energy from the shared shaft, and a second shared clutch corresponding to the second clutch and configured to receive mechanical energy from the shared shaft. A first linkage provides mechanical communication between an output of the first clutch, an output of the first shared clutch, and a first output device in mechanical communication with the rotor system. A second linkage provides mechanical communication between an output of the second clutch, an output of the second shared clutch, and a second output device in mechanical communication with the rotor system.
US09541140B2

A hydraulic section (1) for actuating a vehicle clutch having a master cylinder (3), a slave cylinder (2) and a hydraulic line (4) which connects both cylinders and is divided into two line sections by a ventilating device (5). The line sections of the hydraulic line which act as a siphon (4a) and a riser (4b) are guided together to said ventilating device (5), such that they are spaced apart from one another, in a chamber which is formed from at least one of these ends.
US09541127B1

A spherical roller bearing having an axially extending center axis with an outer ring, an inner ring arranged concentrically with the outer ring, a guide ring arranged concentrically with the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the guide ring has a tapering radial cross-section, one set of cambered rollers on either side of the guide ring and a cage structure arranged to retain the two sets of cambered rollers. The guide ring having two circumferential guide ring sections, an inner guide ring section proximal to the inner ring and an outer guide ring section distal to the inner ring. At least one through-opening extends between two lateral surfaces of the guide ring. The at least one through-opening is arranged in the inner guide ring section and the cambered rollers of each set are distanced from the inner guide ring section and in contact with the outer guide ring section.
US09541125B1

Projection and camera systems may employ a joint locking mechanism that may enable a user to reposition or move structures (arms, lenses, etc.) that are otherwise locked in position. The joint locking mechanism may include a touch-activated presence detector to sense a presence of an extremity of a user. In response to the presence detector sensing the presence, an actuator may unlock a joint or structure to enable movement of the joint or structure while the presence detector continues to sense the presence. In response to a detection of an absence of the extremity, the actuator may return to a locked state to prevent further movement of the joint or structure.
US09541123B2

A sleeve joint for a vehicle with an outer sleeve (3) that extends in an axial direction (8). Two clamp rings (10, 11) are arranged inside the outer sleeve (3) and a ball socket (5) is arranged inside the outer sleeve (3). A ball sleeve (7) is fitted in and able to move in the ball socket (5). An inner sleeve (4) is inserted into the outer sleeve (3) and positioned, in the axial direction, between the clamp rings (10, 11) between which the inner sleeve and the ball socket (5) are fitted.
US09541122B2

In an outboard motor adapted to be mounted on a hull and equipped with an engine having a crankshaft located parallel with a gravity axis and a vertical shaft connected to the crankshaft to be rotated around the gravity axis, an urger is disposed at a position between the crankshaft and the vertical shaft to urge the crankshaft upward in a direction parallel with the gravity axis.
US09541119B2

A fitting has a threaded insert to be tightened within a housing bore. A first lock ring has an anti-rotation structure on an outer peripheral surface to interfit with anti-rotation structure in a housing. The first lock ring has a face extending generally perpendicular to an axis of the insert, with anti-rotation structure included on the first face. A second lock ring has anti-rotation structure on a face which extends perpendicular to an axis of the threaded insert. The anti-rotation structure on the faces of the first and second lock ring interfit to resist relative rotation of the two. An assembly is also disclosed.
US09541118B2

A system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface is provided. The system includes a cap that includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, and pawls on the interior. The system may also include a tooth configured to be associated with the fastener and configured to positively engage the pawls.
US09541111B1

A mechanical connector for securing a dowel rod to a frame of a dowel bar assembly as well as a dowel bar assembly are detailed. Each embodiment of the mechanical connector includes a portion to receive the dowel bar. A second portion of the mechanical connector engages the frame of the dowel bar assembly. A third portion of the mechanical connector engages a separate part of the frame further stabilizing the mechanical connector and frame.
US09541102B2

The invention relates to an actuating device, in particular for a vehicle braking system, having an actuating mechanism, a power-operated actuator, a first travel sensor for sensing the travel of the actuating mechanism, and having an evaluation unit, an additional travel sensor, which can be actuated separately from the first travel sensor, wherein the travel sensors are actuated by way of two elements which can be moved relative to each other and wherein the differential travels and/or differential forces of the travel sensors are measured and evaluated by the evaluation unit. According to the invention an actuating element (103a) is provided which is movably connected to one of the elements which can be moved relative to each other and is movably arranged with respect to the other movable element.
US09541101B2

In a hydraulic drive of a tool, a piston is adapted to be acted upon by a pump via a pressure limiting seat valve and a parallel switching seat valve of a valve arrangement. A restriction is provided in a pressure line upstream of the pressure limiting seat valve which is connected to a tank on the flow-off side. A drain line leads from a working chamber of the piston via the switching seat valve to the tank. A closing side is adapted to be acted upon by pressure and an opening side is adapted to be acted upon by a force generated when the pressure limiting seat valve responds. The pump is adapted to be switched off when the maximum operating pressure has been reached, so that the piston will execute a return stroke. A pressure-increasing restriction is provided on the flow-off side of the pressure limiting seat valve.
US09541093B2

A multi-stage turbocharger arrangement (TLA), having a high-pressure stage, the high-pressure turbine of which has an associated first bypass valve; and having a low-pressure stage which is arranged downstream as viewed in the flow direction of the exhaust gases and which has a low-pressure turbine and a second bypass valve, wherein at least one of the bypass valves is arranged in an associated, cooled housing module.
US09541085B2

An internal gear pump includes a pump rotor (4) in which a meshing point between an inner rotor (2) having n teeth and an outer rotor (3) having (n+1) teeth is located rearward, in a rotational direction of the rotor, relative to an eccentric axis (CL) along which a center (OI) of the inner rotor and a center (OO) of the outer rotor are disposed. A tooth-surface curve of the outer rotor (3) near a meshing section thereof is formed by duplicating thereto a tooth-surface shape of the inner rotor (2) near a meshing section thereof.
US09541084B2

A capacity modulation assembly is provided and may include a control valve and a first line extending between the control valve and a suction pressure region disposed within a compressor shell, whereby the suction pressure region is in communication with a suction inlet gas fitting extending through a shell of a compressor. The capacity modulation assembly may additionally include a second line extending between the control valve and an intermediate pressure region disposed within the compressor shell, whereby the intermediate pressure region is in communication with compression pockets defined between an orbiting scroll and a non-orbiting scroll.
US09541083B2

A scroll compressor is provided. The scroll compressor may include a communication hole formed in a fixed scroll for communicating a discharge space and a thrust bearing surface with each other. This may reduce frictional loss between the fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. Further, if a high vacuum state is about to occur during operation of the compressor, refrigerant in the discharge space may be introduced into the compression chambers through the communication hole. This may prevent the occurrence of a high vacuum state to thereby prevent damage to the compressor. Additionally, when the compressor is stopped, a pressure equilibrium operation may be performed through the communication hole.
US09541081B2

A staged peristaltic pump system and related methods are disclosed. The system may be configured such that the working fluid pressure differential across any individual stage of the system is smaller than the pressure across the entire system. In some embodiments certain components of each stage may be sealed from fluid communication with an external environment, though working fluid may be configured to cross the boundary of the seal. In some embodiments, stages may be pressurized with respect to an external environment.
US09541070B2

The invention provides a plant for production of energy, comprising any type of heat or energy source including but not limited to solar power sources, nuclear reactors, fossil fuel plants, wind power plants, tidal power plants, waste heat power plants and geothermal sources, operatively arranged at an input side of the plant, and heat delivery or energy production means such as turbine-electric generator sets, operatively arranged at a delivery side of the plant. The plant is distinctive in that it further comprises a thermal energy storage with integrated heat exchanger, comprising a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, wherein: the storage comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material is arranged around the heat transfer container, the heat transfer container contains the heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, so that all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container, the thermal energy storage with heat exchanger has been arranged inside thermal insulation, and the solid state thermal energy storage with heat exchanger, has been arranged between the input side and delivery side of the plant for storage and heat exchange of thermal energy, the storage is coupled directly or via an additional heat exchanger to the source and the storage is coupled directly or via an additional heat exchanger to the delivery side of the plant.
US09541068B2

A method for making a wind turbine member wherein a plurality Of components are arranged in a mold. The inner side of the mold determines a surface of the wind turbine member. The components are connected to one another. At least one of the components is a prefabricated structural element which has a fixed geometry with an outer surface. The prefabricated structural element has a positioning projection protruding out of the outer surface and the mold has, on its inner side, a positioning receptacle. The positioning projection is inserted positively into the positioning receptacle to determine the disposition of the prefabricated structural element in the mold.
US09541062B2

A method of operating a wind park having a plurality of wind turbines is provided. The method includes determining a grid condition indicator indicative of the condition of a grid into which the wind park feeds; determining a first maximum power value of the wind park on the basis of the grid condition indicator; determining an operating margin on the basis of the grid condition indicator, for a grid condition indicator indicative of a weak grid; determining a second maximum power value on the basis of the operating margin; and curtailing the active power output of the wind park according to a maximum power value. A computer program product for carrying out the steps of such a method; an active power controller adapted for use in operating a wind turbine of a wind park; a wind turbine; and a wind park are also provided.
US09541061B2

A wind turbine blade (60) damped by viscoelastic material (54, 54A-F) sandwiched between stiffer load-bearing sublayers (52A, 52B, 56A, 56B) in portions of the blade effective to damp oscillations (38) of the blade. The viscoelastic material may be located in one or more of: a forward portion (54A) of the shell, an aft portion (54D) of the shell, pressure and suction side end caps (54B) of an internal spar, internal webbing walls (54C, 54E), and a trailing edge core (54F).
US09541059B2

The invention relates to a tower part for a wind turbine including at least one wall segment and at least one aperture segment including at least one aperture. The wall segment and the aperture segment are connected and the aperture segment is of a substantially uniform thickness and is thicker than the thickness of the wall segment. The invention further related to an aperture cover system for covering at least one aperture in a tower part for a wind turbine including cover plates and attachments for attaching the system to the tower part, wherein the attachments do not affect the fatigue limit of the tower part. Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wind turbine tower part and uses thereof.
US09541051B2

An ignition control device for an engine provided with ignition plugs for each cylinder. The ignition control device includes a sensor that detects a signal that determines whether the engine is in an idling state or not, and an ignition control unit that determines whether the engine is in the idling state on the basis of a signal from the sensor and controls the ignition plugs to be simultaneously ignited if the engine is in the idling state, and controls part of the ignition plugs to be ignited if the engine is in a state other than the idling state.
US09541047B2

A system, which is used in particular as a fuel injection system for the high-pressure injection in internal combustion engines, includes a fuel distributor and a plurality of fuel injectors. Each fuel injector is situated on a cup of the fuel distributor. At least one of the fuel injectors is fastened to the associated cup by a holding element, which has a supporting surface. The cup has a contact surface on an underside, by way of which the cup is supported at the supporting surface of the holding element by a damping layer. The holding element is attached to the cup. In addition, the fuel injector has a collar, which is braced on the holding element. Because of the damping layer, vibrations are able to be dampened, and the noise transmissions is able to be reduced.
US09541031B2

A modulator device for modulating a gas ejection section, includes a shutter member for partially shutting a nozzle throat, a control guide of the shutter member, a main piston, and a primer piston. The control guide is movable between a retraction position for retracting the partial shutter element relative to the nozzle throat and a shutting position in which the partial shutter element is in contact with the nozzle throat. The primer piston is movable between a rest position and a priming position for priming the main piston when the pressure in the modulator device reaches a first predetermined value. The main piston is movable between a first position for locking the control guide against movement in its retraction position, and a second position for locking the control guide when the pressure in the modulator device reaches a second predetermined value less than the first predetermined value.
US09541026B2

A novel heat exchange device to provide sufficient amounts of heat within a manifold including a working fluid within heating coils to generate electricity through an external combustion steam engine and electrical generator is provided. Such a novel heat exchanger includes coils that surround a central heating compartment thereby exposing such coils to gradually increasing temperatures such that the working fluid is first vaporized and then is ultimately superheated to a “dry” steam upon the point of egress of the heat exchanger leading to the engine portion. In this manner, greater efficiency in heating of the working fluid is accomplished with all of the fluid converted to a gas under pressure to effectuate the necessary engine, etc., movement for energy production.
US09541025B2

In a sealing structure, a seal ring stands between an outer peripheral member and an inner peripheral member installed thereto. A taper-like outer peripheral surface having smaller diameter toward an inserting direction of the inner peripheral member and an installation portion outer peripheral surface extending from the small diameter end portion are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral member. A stepped surface positioned closer to the inserting direction side and directed to an opposite direction to the inserting direction, and an installation portion inner peripheral surface extending from an outer diameter end of the stepped surface in the opposite direction are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member. The seal ring is arranged in a compressed state between the taper-like outer peripheral surface and the installation portion outer peripheral surface, and the stepped surface and the installation portion inner peripheral surface.
US09541015B2

A apparatus for an engine, and the apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU is configured to (i) perform a feedback control such that the engine speed converges to a target speed by correcting ignition timing during the feedback control, (ii) make a determination that fuel supplied to the engine is a heavy fuel when an ignition fulfillment rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined period after the engine is started, the ignition fulfillment rate is a ratio of the advance correction amount of the ignition timing to a maximum ignition correction range, the maximum ignition correction range is a maximum range in which the ignition timing is corrected during the feedback control, and (iii) set the threshold value to a value that depends on a temperature representative value of the engine, the temperature representative value is correlated with the engine temperature.
US09541014B2

Various systems and methods are described for controlling pre-ignition in a boosted engine in a newly manufactured vehicle. One method comprises, during a pre-delivery phase of the vehicle, operating the boosted engine in a pre-delivery calibration with a first, higher enrichment, in response to a pre-ignition event. The pre-delivery calibration is deactivated during a post-delivery phase and the boosted engine is operated with a second, lower enrichment in response to a pre-ignition event.
US09541012B2

In a turbocharged internal combustion engine, an amount of cylinder suction air is calculated with sufficiently high accuracy to suitably control the internal combustion engine in consideration of influences of an exhaust pressure on a volumetric efficiency equivalent value without requiring a huge memory capacity, in fewer adaptive man hours, and under a low operation load. A correction calculation parameter is calculated using an exhaust pressure, an exhaust pressure for pre-correction volumetric efficiency equivalent value, and an intake manifold pressure, and a post-corrected volumetric efficiency equivalent value is calculated by correcting a pre-correction volumetric efficiency equivalent value using the correction calculation parameter. An amount of air entering a cylinder from an intake manifold is calculated on the basis of the post-correction volumetric efficiency equivalent value.
US09541006B2

An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first module, a second module, and a flow discourager. The second module is connected to the first module along a joint. The flow discourager is connected to the first module and extends to be received in a notch in the second module. The flow discourager acts to direct an ingestion gas flow away from the joint between the first module and the second module.
US09541003B2

A gas turbine engine is disclosed having a particle separator and an ejector disposed downstream of the particle separator and structured to entrain a dirty flow from the separator. A container of working fluid can be placed in flow communication with the ejector to provide an ejector flow to entrain the dirty flow from the particle separator. Alternatively and/or additionally, the ejector can be configured to use a flow of working fluid from the gas turbine engine as an ejector flow.
US09541000B2

A method for reducing emissions from an engine includes generating a light hydrocarbon fuel fraction and combusting the light hydrocarbon fuel fraction in place of the fuel. The light hydrocarbon fuel fraction is generated by heating the fuel and flowing the fuel through a plurality of hollow fiber superhydrophobic membranes in a membrane module. Each hollow superhydrophobic membrane comprises a porous support and a superhydrophobic layer free of pores that extend from one side of the superhydrophobic layer to the other. Vapor from the fuel permeates the superhydrophobic membranes and enters a distillate collection chamber, producing a distilled fuel in the distillate collection chamber and a residual fuel within the hollow fiber superhydrophobic membranes. The residual fuel is removed from the membrane module and cooled to produce a cooled residual fuel. The cooled residual fuel flows through a plurality of hollow tubes in the membrane module and the distilled fuel is removed from the distillate collection chamber to produce the light hydrocarbon fuel fraction.
US09540999B2

A dual cycle system for generating shaft power using a supercritical fluid and a fossil fuel. The first cycle is an open, air breathing Brayton cycle. The second cycle is a closed, supercritical fluid Brayton cycle. After compression of air in the first cycle, the compressed air flows through a first cross cycle heat exchanger through which the supercritical fluid from the second cycle flows after it has been compressed and then expanded in a turbine. In the first cross cycle heat exchanger, the compressed air is heated and the expanded supercritical fluid is cooled. Prior to expansion in a turbine, the compressed supercritical fluid flows through a second cross cycle heat exchanger through which also flows combustion gas, produced by burning a fossil fuel in the compressed air in the first cycle. In the second cross cycle heat exchanger, the combustion gas is cooled and the compressed supercritical fluid is heated.
US09540993B2

A hand-held power tool may include a housing, a power unit disposed within the housing and configured to operate at least in part in response to actuation of a trigger, a working assembly powered responsive to operation of the power unit, and an activation lever having an integrated lockout member. The activation lever may selectively engage a first fuel enrichment mode associated with startup of the power unit in a first range of ambient temperatures and a second fuel enrichment mode associated with startup of the power unit in a second range of ambient temperatures based on a position of the activation lever. Selective engagement of the first fuel enrichment mode or the second fuel enrichment mode may be enabled responsive to actuation of at least the lockout member and positioning of the activation lever.
US09540991B1

Combustion charge compositions comprised of a gasoline-like fuel and air for use in spark ignited internal combustion engines and methods to reduce global warming are described.
US09540988B2

A cover structure of an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle includes an engine that is mounted on a motorcycle and includes a cooling device for cooling the engine. The cover structure includes a sprocket cover portion that covers from the width direction of the vehicle. The cover structure also includes a pipe cover portion that covers from the width direction of vehicle a discharge side hose and an intake side hose of the cooling device. The cover structure further includes a side surface cover that includes a joining portion which is vertically arranged from the sprocket cover portion towards the pipe cover portion so as to be in parallel with the discharge side hose. The intake side hose is arranged side by side in the width direction of the vehicle and integrally joins the sprocket cover portion with the pipe cover portion.
US09540987B2

A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a coolant valve, a valve control module, and a fault diagnostic module. The coolant valve includes a first valve chamber, a second valve chamber, and a partition disposed between the first and second valve chambers. The coolant valve further includes a first end stop disposed on a first outer perimeter surface of the first valve chamber and a second end stop disposed on a second outer perimeter surface of the second valve chamber. The valve control module rotates the coolant valve in a first direction and in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction. The fault diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the coolant valve based on a measured position of the coolant valve as the coolant valve is rotated in the first and second directions.
US09540977B2

This particulate filter 200 has a columnar ceramic honeycomb structure 201 including first flow channels 210 and second flow channels 220. Adjacently to each of the first flow channels 210, the second flow channel 220 and the other first flow channel 210 are arranged through a partition wall portion forming each of the first flow channels 210. A sum total of areas of the inner faces of the first flow channels 210 per apparent unit volume of the ceramic honeycomb structure 201 is 1.5 to 2.5 m2/L; a number density of a total of the first flow channels 210 and the second flow channels 220 is 150 to 350 per unit square inch in a cross section perpendicular to an axis of the ceramic honeycomb structure 201; and a hydraulic diameter of each of the first flow channels 210 is 0.5 to 1.0 mm.
US09540970B2

A method for operating an internal combustion engine with a sliding cam valve train that has a cam part (2) with three adjacent cams of different lifts (H, M, L) and a groove-shaped connecting link path with two path sections (S1, S2) that lift in both axial directions of the cam part and are arranged completely one behind the other around the circumference is provided. An actuator (10) selectively couples two actuator pins (7, 8) in the connecting link path, in order to move the cam part. The base position of the cam part should be moved into a desired axial position during the operation of the internal combustion engine through successive coupling of the actuator pins in the connecting link path.
US09540965B2

A positioning pin 31 is inserted in a pin insertion hole 30 penetrating through a rotor 3 in an axial direction, and has both end portions held by a housing 1 and a cover 12 to prevent falling out thereof. A protrusion 31a of the positioning pin 31 protruding toward an inner side of a camshaft fitting recess 3g is engaged with a pin engagement groove 110 recessed on an outer circumference surface of an intake side camshaft 100, whereby the rotor 3 and the intake side camshaft 100 are positioned in a rotation direction.
US09540960B2

A low energy nuclear thermoelectric system for a vehicle which provides a cost-effective and sustainable means of transportation for long operation range with zero emission using an onboard low energy nuclear reaction thermal generator. The present invention generally includes a thermal generator within a thermal enclosure case, an energy conversion system linked with the thermal generator, an energy storage system linked with the energy conversion system, a cooling system and a central control system. The thermal generator reacts nickel powder with hydrogen within a reactor chamber to produce heat. The heat is then transferred to the energy conversion system to be converted into electricity for storage in the energy storage system. The cooling system provides cooling for the various components of the present invention and the control system regulates its overall operation. The present invention may be utilized to power a vehicle in an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective manner.
US09540958B2

An ORC system for generation of energy by Organic Rankine Cycle comprises a turbo-expander (40) of a radial centrifugal type formed by a single rotor disc (108) and provided with an auxiliary opening (40c). The auxiliary opening (40c) is interposed between an inlet (40a) and an outlet (40b) of the turbine (40) and is in fluid connection with an auxiliary circuit (1000, 2000), such as to extract from the turbo-expander (40) or inject into the turbo-expander (40) the organic working fluid at an intermediate pressure between an injection pressure and a discharge pressure.
US09540956B2

An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.
US09540955B2

A stator assembly or a stator stage is disclosed. The stator assembly includes an endless case that is coupled to or includes at least one lug for engaging an anti-rotation stator segment. The anti-rotator segment includes one curved side edge and one straight or linear side edge. The case also accommodates a plurality of middle stator segments, each having curved side edges on both sides. Finally, a third type of stator segment is a “neighbor” stator segment with one curved side edge and one linear side edge that abuttingly engages the linear side edge of the anti-rotation stator segment. The straight or linear side edges of the anti-rotation stator segments and the neighbor stator segments enable an endless case to be loaded with stator segments from an axial direction. None of the stator segments need to be installed from a radial direction.
US09540941B2

A seal assembly is provided for a turbine engine and includes an annular labyrinth seal holder supported on a radially inner end of vanes A plurality of radially extending labyrinth seal elements are supported on the labyrinth seal holder, and a brush seal assembly is supported to the labyrinth seal holder downstream from the labyrinth seal elements. The brush seal assembly includes a brush seal holder and a brush seal located adjacent to an axially rearward one of the rotor arms. The brush seal holder is attached to an axially facing surface of the labyrinth seal holder. A seal plate defining a detachable labyrinth seal element extends radially inward from the axially facing surface of the labyrinth seal holder to the rearward rotor arm at a location upstream of the brush seal.
US09540938B2

A disclosed fan section of a gas turbine engine includes a fan rotor having a plurality of fan blades and a duct defining a passageway aft of the fan rotor. A fan exit guide vane is disposed within the duct downstream of the fan blades. The fan exit guide vane includes a plurality of exit guide vanes positioned downstream of the fan rotor with at least two of the plurality of exit guide vanes including different aft geometries for guiding airflow through the passage to reduce pressure distortions at the fan blades.
US09540929B2

The present invention relates to a method of storing waste material in a subterranean formation, the method including digging a mine shaft to reach the subterranean formation; constructing a ventilated underground control center wherein the center includes a computerized control panel; providing a drill head, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movements of the drill head; providing a hollow drill pipe; providing a movable hydraulic shield; providing a movable resin roof bolting machine; providing a movable waste extrusion device; operating the computerized control panel to advance the drill head into the subterranean formation to obtain a mined-out space; and extruding waste material into the mined-out space of the subterranean formation.
US09540928B2

Described herein is a method and system for characterizing in-ground rock types from measurement-while-drilling data in a mining environment. The method includes the steps of drilling holes at a plurality of selected locations within a region of interest; collecting measurements while drilling to obtain an array of data samples (162) indicative of rock hardness at various drilling depths in the drill hole locations; obtaining a characteristic measure (163) of the array of data samples; performing Gaussian Process regression (164) on the characteristic measure; and applying boundary detection (166) to the rock hardness output data obtained from the Gaussian process model to identify the distribution (280) of at least one cluster of rock type within the region of interest.
US09540927B2

Continuous measurement indicia between casing collars of a pipe segment of a well bore casing is obtained from signals obtained by sensing innate, persistent and unaltered characteristics, e.g. magnetic permeability, of the pipe segment along its length, and using the signals to perform a downhole function, e.g. a gravity measurement, at an indicated location.
US09540923B2

A downhole energy transmission system is described. The system can include a casing string having a number of casing pipe disposed within a wellbore, where the casing string has at least one wall forming a cavity. The system can also include a remote electrical device disposed within the cavity of the casing string at a first location. The system can further include a first stripline cable disposed on an outer surface of the casing string, where the first stripline cable transmits a first energy received from an energy source. The system can also include a second stripline cable disposed adjacent to the first stripline cable at the first location, where the second stripline cable is electrically coupled to the remote electrical device.
US09540916B2

Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods and apparatus for recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. In one embodiment, a completion string for an enhanced oil recovery system is provided. The completion string includes an umbilical device having a plurality of conduits disposed therein, a downhole steam generator coupled to the umbilical device by a connect/disconnect device, and a conduit extending from the downhole steam generator through a packer.
US09540912B2

A wireless actuation system comprises a transmitter, an actuation system comprising a receiving antenna, and one or more sliding members transitional from a first position to a second position. The transmitter is configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal, and the sliding member prevents a route of fluid communication via one or more ports of a housing when the sliding member is in the first position. The sliding member allows fluid communication via the one or more ports of the housing when the sliding member is in the second position, and the actuation system is configured to allow the sliding member to transition from the first position to the second position in response to recognition of the electromagnetic signal by the receiving antenna.
US09540905B2

An injection device for use in injecting a fluid into a target location comprises a housing and a valve assembly located within the housing. The housing defines an inlet for communicating with an injection line, an outlet for communicating with a target location, and an injection fluid flow path extending between the inlet and outlet. The valve assembly located is configured to control the flow of injection fluid along the flow path and comprises first and second valve members both arranged to move within the housing, wherein in an open configuration to permit flow the first and second members are disengaged, and in a closed configuration to prevent flow the first and second members are engaged and the first valve member is biased against the second member by inlet fluid pressure to assist sealing therebetween.
US09540903B2

An emulsion is mixed with fibers while the emulsion is moving through a surface tubing using a venturi. The fiber/emulsion mixture is injected into a pressurized tank and the pressurized fiber/emulsion mixture is injected from the pressurized tank into a desired location in a wellbore. Pumps and pressure boosters may be used to move the fluid. Alternatively, an emulsion and a fiber suspension is provided and a first downhole tubing disposed in a wellbore conveys the emulsion downhole while a second downhole tubing disposed in the wellbore and circumferentially enclosing all or part of the first downhole tubing conveys the fiber suspension downhole. The first downhole tubing has nozzles through which the emulsion passes into the second downhole tubing and the emulsion and the fiber suspension mix. The mixture exits the second downhole tubing through ports at a desired location in the wellbore.
US09540900B2

A sealing element comprises two distinct materials of different melting points. An outer shell material has a higher melting point than an inner core material. The core material can be a relatively low melting point metal, plastic or polymer. The seal is positioned in the wellbore and, in response to heating to a selected temperature, such as a bottom hole static temperature, the core material melts or softens. Upon melting or softening of the inner material, the outer shell's elastic modulus decreases, allowing longitudinal compression and radial expansion of the sealing element. The inner material can also thermally expand and thereby assist or cause radial expansion of the outer shell. The sealing element can provide a metal-to-metal seal with a casing or tubing. The cross-sectional shape of the outer shell can take various shapes to promote controlled compression, expansion and sealing.
US09540896B2

A coring assembly comprises an outer barrel coupled to a coring bit. An inner barrel is disposed within the outer barrel. An inner sleeve is disposed within the inner barrel and includes at least one frangible region that allows the inner sleeve to break so that coring operations can continue after the occurrence of a core jam.
US09540895B2

A friction reduction assembly for a downhole tubular. The friction reduction assembly includes an electrically activated friction reduction sub. The sub includes a flowbore fluidically connected to a flowbore of the tubular and remaining open for fluid flow therethrough during both activated and non-activated states of the friction reduction sub. A friction reducer responsive to an indication of lockup of the tubular, wherein friction between the tubular and surrounding casing or borehole is reduced in an electrically activated state of the friction reduction sub. A method of reducing friction in a downhole tubular is also included.
US09540891B2

A device for handling drill string components for a drill rig. A slide is arranged displaceable on a longitudinal guide. A grip unit is swingable between a first position for receiving and delivering of drill string components beside the drill rig and a second position for assembling and disassembling of drill string components in the drill rig. The grip unit includes a rotator unit for rotation of a gripped drill string component. A rotational actuator supported by the slide has a rotational axis forming an angle with the length guide. A swing unit includes a first link portion that is connected to the rotational axis. A second link portion is connected to the grip unit and a swing joint portion.
US09540890B1

Improved methods and systems for connecting a riser tensioner system to a riser are disclosed. A system for coupling a tensioner cylinder to a riser includes a top pin connection disposed at a first distal end of the tensioner cylinder. The top pin connection couples the tensioner cylinder to a platform. The tensioner cylinder includes an extension rod and a bottom pin connection is disposed at a second distal end of the tensioner cylinder on the extension rod. A tension ring is coupled to the riser. An adjustable linkage system is coupled to the tensioner cylinder and includes an attachment mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The adjustable linkage system is operable to couple the tensioner cylinder to the tension ring.
US09540883B2

Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion.
US09540876B2

A levelling stabilizer for a ladder and the like comprising a transverse brace (1) adapted for bridging the bottom stiles (2) of said ladder, two leg portions (3) pivotally fitted to said brace and an adjustment arm (7) acting between said brace and said leg portions to allow each said leg portion to be independently moved between a first fully retracted position aligned longitudinally with its respective stile and a second fully extended position at an angle normal to said stile.
US09540873B1

A roller shade may be retracted and extended. In various implementations, when a roller shade is extended it may be laterally repositioned. The roller shade may include a track and a travelling member.
US09540863B2

An insulated glass unit (IGU) comprises a first pane of a transparent material and a second pane of a transparent material. The second pane is spaced apart from the first pane to define a cavity therebetween. At least one of a spacer and an array of stand-off members is disposed between the first and second panes to maintain separation therebetween. A first adhesive layer forms at least a portion of a gas-tight connection between the first pane and the second pane. A highly gas-restrictive coating is disposed over the adhesive layer, where the coating is an inorganic layer.
US09540856B2

A thin pivotal apparatus includes a holding seat, an arc-shaped driven member and at least one torsional force generation member. The holding seat includes a base, a housing space and a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion that are located on the base corresponding to two opposite sides of the housing space. The arc-shaped driven member is located in the housing space and includes an operational portion, a curved portion connected to the operational portion and a driving portion extended from the curved portion toward the operational portion to couple with the first assembly portion to form a pivotal relationship. Each torsional force generation member includes a first connection portion located on the second assembly portion, a second connection portion connected to the junction of the driving portion and the curved portion, and a hydraulic portion connected to the first connection portion and the second connection portion.
US09540850B2

A vehicle door handle device, which is mounted on a side of a vehicle door facing a passenger compartment, includes: a door lock knob provided on a base member such that the door lock knob is pivotable between a locking position for placing the door in a locked state and an unlocking position for placing the door in an unlocked position; and a stopper provided on the base member between the locking position and the unlocking position for limiting pivoting movement of the door lock knob. The stopper has an elastic section, and the door lock knob has a locking surface section for abutting against the elastic section of the stopper when the door lock knob is in the locking position and an unlocking surface section for abutting against the elastic section of the stopper when the door lock knob is in the unlocking position.
US09540847B2

The magnetic anti-tampering system of the magnetically enhanced key and lock system provides a mechanical and magnetic security system. It utilizes a modified paracentric key and a locking assembly affixed to a component inside of a paracentric lock. The magnetically enhanced key and lock system increases the security of a pair centric lock by defeating the unauthorized operation of pair centric locks by unauthorized users, such as inmates, who have fabricated copies of the authentic, paracentric keys. Paracentric locks and keys are the most common type of locks used in jails, state prisons, and detention facilities. The locking system requires that both the teeth of the key and the magnetic pairs of the key and locking dog combine to open the lock.
US09540844B2

A lock re-pinning assembly including two or more housings and a mounting block. Each housing is configured for use with a corresponding one of a plurality of lock cylinder shells. Each of the housings includes a cylindrical chamber and a channel. The chamber is configured to receive the body of the corresponding shell, and the channel is configured to receive the tower of the corresponding shell. The mounting block includes a mounting block having two or more sections. Each section is configured for use with a corresponding one of a plurality of lock cylinder plugs. Each section includes a cavity configured to receive an end of at least one of the housings, and a cylindrical follower bar having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the corresponding plug. Each of the housings is releasably engageable with the mounting block at each of the plurality of sections.
US09540843B2

A rotatable lock pin that inhibits forced entry into a container through a closure by securing the lock pin to the container. A lock pin has a pin cylinder with a curvature of rotation that engages with a rotation facilitator. The path of the curvature of rotation and the engagement of the rotation facilitator therewith causes the lock pin to rotate in a pre-determined fashion, so that structures on the lock pin can engage or attach to some part of the container to secure the position of the lock pin and hold the closure door in place. Lock pins of the subject invention utilized with safes can inhibit forced entry through the door by side punching or prying of the door.
US09540836B2

An apparatus captures and evacuates air from an area above a body of liquid, particularly a swimming pool. The apparatus exhausts the contaminants and water vapor to an area outside of an enclosure housing the swimming pool. A perimeter deck drain assembly extends around the pool and is connected to at least one conduit for collecting and draining deck water, at least one tray for directing the water in the conduit to a drain, a grating system for receiving water from the pool deck, at least one exhaust conduit, and at least one exhaust apparatus for directing the contaminants and water vapor to a desired area. The evacuation apparatus may be in the form of a bench positioned on a floor or deck surrounding a pool. The invention also provides an associated method for evacuating contaminants.
US09540835B1

The umbrella pool cover includes a frame assembly that is specially designed for use in covering a pool. The frame assembly includes a tubular member coupled to a pool. The tubular member extends toward a center of the pool. A central dome is coupled to the tubular member. The dome is supported above the pool. A cover is positionable on the tubular member and the dome so the cover may cover the pool.
US09540833B2

The present invention relates to a self filling cover device for covering a surface of a liquid, having a shell (2) defining inner cavity, and the inner cavity is to be filled at least partly with liquid, so that the inner cavity is divided in at least two chambers (3,4) by a separating means (5,51,52), and one of the chambers (4) is provided by at least one opening (6) formed in the shell (2).
US09540832B2

An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.
US09540831B2

A seating system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another. Further, at least one of the plurality of seating risers is a powered seating riser configured to deploy and retract the plurality of seating risers. The powered seating riser includes a belt drive system. Additionally, the plurality of seating risers are adjustable between a lowered position and a raised position.
US09540827B2

A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.
US09540825B2

A floating floor system and a floor panel and method for use with the same that includes an improved mechanical interlock system. The mechanical interlock system allows laterally adjacent floor panels that are mechanically interlocked to slide relative to one another a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction, while prohibiting relative translation in the vertical and transverse directions. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance eliminates the need for precision cuts during installation, thereby making installation fast and easy. In a further embodiment, the invention optimizes the floor panels (and floating floor system.) to balance ease of installation and horizontal locking strength between laterally adjacent floor panels.
US09540818B2

A technique for installing a skylight at the ridge of the roof is used to redirect water away from the skylight by using a flashing member. Side rails containing a notch in the upper end are configured to receive a flashing member proximate the ridge of the roof. The flashing member redirects water away from the skylight without the use or installation of a diverter to reroute the water.
US09540799B2

The invention provides systems, associated component parts, and assemblies of the pre-filtration systems, that are useful for treating storm water entering underground storm water management systems. The invention further provides methods to pre-filter storm water prior to entering underground water management systems. The invention reduces pollutant loading in storm water runoff with minimal footprint, flexibility of use and ease of maintenance.
US09540782B2

The invention relates to an apparatus for collecting a lighter fraction floatable liquid from a heavier fraction liquid, such as a lighter fraction floating oil from a heavier fraction water, the apparatus comprising: a floatable collecting container and a cover placed above the collecting container leaving a continuous passage slot free; wherein the opening of the passage slot is adjustable by an inlet adjustment ring. The invention also provides a method to operate such an apparatus.
US09540775B2

A concrete tie is provided for joining together adjacent slabs of concrete. The tie includes a flat center portion which sits upon the subgrade, and opposite end portions which are inclined upwardly to extend into the concrete when the concrete is poured. The ties are made of a non-corrosive material to eliminate concrete spalling. The ties are formed as a continuous loop, with curved opposite ends.
US09540767B2

A method for bleaching pulp is provided. In the method at least one tertiary amine compound is introduced into a process stage of bleaching. This process stage is a stage which comprises mixing pulp and a chlorine compound capable of bleaching.
US09540759B2

A method and apparatus for drying textile material with a radio frequency (RF) applicator and a controller, the method includes energizing the RF applicator to generate a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field), measuring a parameter related to the energization of the RF applicator, determining a drying cycle of operation in the controller based on the measured parameter, and controlling the energization of the RF applicator according to the determination of the drying cycle of operation, wherein the textile material is dried.
US09540748B2

A method and an apparatus for separating sewing threads from pieces of carbon fiber mats or bundles of carbon fibers using rollers covered with card clothing. The mat pieces or fiber agglomerates are broken up and separated using the different mechanical properties of the fibers.
US09540744B2

An apparatus for fabricating an ingot according to the embodiment comprises a crucible for receiving a raw material; and a filter part for selectively filtering a specific component in the crucible, wherein the filter part comprises a polymer.
US09540741B2

This disclosure relates to photovoltaic and photoelectrosynthetic cells, devices, methods of making and using the same.
US09540730B2

A method comprises contacting a compound having formulae (1) with a compound having formula MLo to form a metal: [M(SiR3)m(L1)p]n  (1) wherein M is Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, a second row transition metal or a third row transition metal; R are each independently H, C1-C6 alkyl or —Si(R″)3; R″ are each independently H or C1-C6 alkyl; m is an integer from 1 to 3; n is a number representing the formation of aggregates or polymeric material; L1 is a neutral donor ligand; L is a ligand; p is an integer from 0 to 6; and o is an integer representing the number of ligands bonded to MLo.
US09540724B2

Provided is a sputtering target for a magnetic recording film. The sputtering target has a peak intensity ratio (IG/ID) of a G-band to a D-band of 5.0 or more in Raman scattering spectrometry. It is an object of the present invention to produce a magnetic thin film having a granular structure without using a high cost co-sputtering apparatus and to provide a sputtering target, in particular, an Fe—Pt-based sputtering target for a magnetic recording film, where carbon particles are dispersed in the target. Since carbon is a material which is not susceptible to being sintered and is susceptible to form aggregates, a conventional carbon-containing sputtering target has the problem that detachment of carbon lumps occurs during sputtering to result in generation of a large number of particles on the film. The present invention also addresses the problem of providing a high density sputtering target that can overcome the disadvantages.
US09540721B2

A method of carburizing ferrous metal parts that includes the steps of providing a furnace for heating the metal parts and a process chamber, purging the air atmosphere from the process chamber and heating said process chamber to a temperature of at least 1100° F., feeding a gas to the process chamber and a source of air at a constant flow rate to the process chamber, boosting the process chamber by feeding an enriching gas to the process chamber to create a carbon potential of at least 0.5%, and more preferably of at least 1.4%, cleaning the process chamber by decreasing the flow of enriching gas to the process chamber to create a carbon potential of less than about 0.25%, repeating the boosting step after performing said cleaning step, and repeating the cleaning step after performing said boosting step.
US09540717B2

A steel material containing 0.01% to 0.07% C, 0.40% or less Si, 0.5% to 1.4% Mn, 0.1% or less Al, 0.01% to 0.15% Nb, 0.1% or less V, 0.03% or less Ti, and 0.008% or less N on a mass basis, Nb, V, and Ti satisfying Nb+V+Ti<0.15, Cm satisfying 0.12 or less, is heated to a heating temperature of 1,100° C. to 1,250° C., finish-rolled in such a way that the accumulative rolling reduction at a temperature of 930° C. or lower is 40% to 85% and the finished rolling temperature is 760° C. to 870° C., cooled to a cooling stop temperature of 500° C. or lower in terms of surface temperature at an average cooling rate of 30° C./s to 200° C./s in terms of thickness-wise center temperature, naturally cooled for more than 10 s after cooling is stopped, and coiled at a coiling temperature of 400° C. to 620° C.
US09540709B2

A vacuum refining furnace, including a furnace body, a graphite heater, an electrode, and a sealed furnace housing. The furnace body includes an evaporation laminate, a graphite condensing casing, and a graphite insulating casing. The evaporation laminate includes a plurality of evaporators. The evaporation laminate is nested within the graphite insulating casing, and the graphite insulating casing includes a plurality of through holes. At least two graphite condensing casings having different diameters are provided. The graphite insulating casing is nested within the graphite condensing casing having a smallest diameter, and the graphite condensing casing having a relatively small diameter is nested within the graphite condensing casing having a relatively large diameter. All the graphite condensing casings except for the graphite condensing casing having the largest diameter include a plurality of through holes.
US09540707B2

Iron and molybdenum containing agglomerates and a process for producing the agglomerates are disclosed. A green agglomerate is produced from mixing an iron containing powder, a molybdenum oxide powder, and a carbonaceous powder. The green agglomerates can be reduced at a temperature in the range of 400-1500° C.
US09540706B2

This invention relates to a hydrometallurgical process for extracting platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, silver and base metals from a flotation concentrate (10) containing sulphide minerals such as pentlandite and chalcopyrite, along with pyrite and pyrrohotite. The process includes a modified pressure oxidation step (12) to selectively separate base metals into sulphate medium (14), from the PGMs. The modified pressure oxidation step (12) partially or completely oxidizes sulphide minerals to produce a product slurry (14) containing base metal sulphates in solution and a solid residue containing PGMs along with sulphate and elemental sulphur. The solid residue is subjected to a thermal treatment (18) to remove sulphate and elemental sulphur from the solid residue, and to condition the PGMs to be soluble in chloride medium. The treated solid residue is the subjected to PGM recovery by leaching in chloride leaching medium (20) to recover the PGMs.
US09540705B2

The present invention resides in a method of manufacturing a bearing ring (101) for a rolling element bearing, wherein the bearing ring comprises a bearing race (102) made of a bearing grade steel and an overmolded part (106) that is preferably made of a lightweight metal such as aluminum or a thermoplastic material such as polyamide. According to the invention, the method comprises a step of hardening at least a raceway surface (103) of the bearing race prior to a step of joining the overmolded part (106) to the bearing race (102) in a molding process. In a further development, the method comprises a step of temperature control, to ensure that the temperature of the raceway surface (103) is kept below a predetermined value during the molding process.
US09540697B2

The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel genomic regions (biomarker) and the identification and selection of novel genomic region combinations which are hypermethylated in subjects with prostate cancer compared to subjects without prostate cancer. Nucleic acids which selectively hybridize to the genomic regions and products thereof are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as are compositions and kits containing said nucleic acids and nucleic acids for use in diagnosing prostate cancer. Further encompassed by the invention is the use of nucleic acids which selectively hybridize to one of the genomic regions or products thereof to monitor disease regression in a patient and the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.
US09540691B2

Disclosed herein are novel assays, systems and kits for selecting a treatment regimen for a subject with depression by identifying at least one nucleic acid polymorphism, e.g., but not limited to, at the MTHFR, MTR, or MTRR locus, and/or determining expression levels of peripheral biomarkers (e.g., SAM, SAH, and 4-HNE) in a test sample from a human subject. These biomarkers can be used to determine the effectiveness of treating a depressed subject with a folate-containing compound (alone or as an adjunct to an antidepressant). Additionally, these biomarkers can be used to select an appropriate treatment regimen for subjects with treatment-resistant depression (e.g., resistant to at least one selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Methods and compositions for treating a subject with depression and/or determining or improving the effectiveness of an antidepressant drug taken by a subject are also provided herein.
US09540683B2

We provide a sensor array device for the measurement of mixtures of organic compounds comprising an assembly of sensor half elements which have been functionalized through sensor compounds before the assembly. Each individual sensor of the array contains two sensor compounds which are bound at opposite sensor half elements. The molecular recognition is bi-functional. While the amount of sensor compounds increases linearly, the individual sensors increase with the second power.
US09540674B2

The present invention provides methods of determining cell sensitivity to a therapeutic agent.
US09540673B2

Genetically engineered host animal cells capable of producing glycoproteins having modified glycosylation patterns, e.g., defucosylation and/or monoglycosylation. Such host animal cells can be engineered to express fucosidase, endoglycosidase or both.
US09540668B2

A reduced sugar syrup having an advantageously low viscosity is prepared by hydrolysis of starch or starchy material using a particular type of alpha amylase enzyme which yields a saccharide distribution having a low DP1-2 and low DP11+ content. The DP4 content of the syrup may be favorably increased by using a maltotetragenic alpha amylase enzyme in combination with the aforementioned alpha amylase enzyme. The syrup is useful in the production of food, beverage, animal feed, animal health and nutrition, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic compositions and may be combined with a high intensity sweetener to provide a composition capable of being substituted for conventional corn syrups.
US09540660B2

The invention relates to vectors comprising two or more homologous nucleotide sequences and methods for generating them. The invention concerns substituting bases in the homologous nucleotide sequences with different bases that do not alter the encoded amino acid sequence. The invention allows for the reduction of intramolecular recombination between homologous nucleotide sequences, in particular in mammalian cells. The invention further relates to nucleotide sequences containing substituted bases.
US09540657B2

Some embodiments herein provide compositions and methods for expressing secreted and cell-surface-bound polypeptides in a single cell. In some embodiments, secreted and cell-surface polypeptide are produced from a single polynucleotide. The polynucleotide can comprise a sequence (or sequence encoding a polypeptide) that mediates separation of a membrane anchor from the polypeptide. In some embodiments, a desired ratio of secreted to surface-bound polypeptide is obtained by selecting a sequence that mediates a desired level of separation of the membrane anchor from the polypeptide.
US09540655B2

This invention relates in part to soybean event pDAB8264.44.06.1 and includes a novel expression cassettes and transgenic inserts comprising multiple traits conferring resistance to glyphosate, aryloxyalkanoate, and glufosinate herbicides. This invention also relates in part to methods of controlling resistant weeds, plant breeding and herbicide tolerant plants. In some embodiments, the event sequence can be “stacked” with other traits, including, for example, other herbicide tolerance gene(s) and/or insect-inhibitory proteins. This invention further relates in part to endpoint TaqMan PCR assays for the detection of Event pDAB8264.44.06.1 in soybeans and related plant material. Some embodiments can perform high throughput zygosity analysis of plant material and other embodiments can be used to uniquely identify the zygosity of and breed soybean lines comprising the event of the subject invention. Kits and conditions useful in conducting these assays are also provided.
US09540638B2

The present invention provides a lipid particle which has low cytotoxicity, can stably hold a nucleic acid molecule outside a cell (in blood), and can escape from an endosome and rapidly release the nucleic acid in the cytoplasm; a nucleic acid transfer carrier; a compound for manufacturing a nucleic acid transfer carrier; a method for manufacturing a lipid particle; and a gene transfer method. The lipid particle contains, as constituents, a phospholipid having one or more amino groups and one or more nitrogen-containing heterocyclic groups, a neutral lipid not containing a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, a sterol, and a nucleic acid.
US09540632B2

Methods, devices and kits for the physical separation of plankton into its component parts utilizing phototactic behavior are described. The methods utilize positive phototactic behavior and negative contrast orientation of the zooplankton for maximal in situ separation of phytoplankton and zooplankton for use in further studies and evaluation of separation efficiency. The devices provide effective conditions for use in the separation of plankton into component parts.
US09540629B2

Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.
US09540628B2

Inflammatory and other cellular response-modulating compositions are provided comprising aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides, including active fragments and/or variants thereof. Also provided are methods of using such compositions in the treatment of conditions that benefit from the modulation of inflammation, such as inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US09540627B2

The present invention relates compositions and methods for identifying, isolating, and characterizing herbicide tolerant mutations in monocot plastidic acetyl-CoA carboxylases using a model system.
US09540625B2

An isolated polypeptide having carbonic anhydrase activity, the sequence of which corresponds to modified human carbonic anhydrase II is described. The isolated polypeptide comprises the mutations A23C, S99C, L202C, C205S and V241C and the polypeptide has increased physical stability compared to wild type carbonic anhydrase II. Further, the polypeptide comprises disulfide bridges between C23 and C202 and/or between C99 and C241.
US09540620B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating G-alpha-q activity and methods of screening of test substances for the ability to modulate G-alpha-q activity.
US09540619B2

Methods for inhibiting growth or proliferation of breast cancer cells are provided. The methods include administering to a subject in need thereof in an amount that is effective to inhibit growth or proliferation of the breast cancer cells a MELK inhibitor, wherein the breast cancer cells are estrogen receptor (ER) negative. In some aspects, the methods include administering to a subject in need thereof in an amount that is effective to inhibit growth or proliferation of the breast cancer cells a MELK inhibitor, a FoxM1 inhibitor or a MELK inhibitor and a FoxM1 inhibitor, wherein the breast cancer cells are estrogen receptor (ER) negative. Methods of treatment for breast cancer and methods of identifying patients having cancer that are likely to benefit from treatment with a MELK inhibitor, a FoxM1 inhibitor or a MELK inhibitor and a FoxM1 inhibitor are also provided.
US09540613B2

A method of culturing human pluripotent stem cells to produce pancreatic lineage, the method comprising the steps of (a) culturing the stem cells in the presence of a chemically defined medium comprising an effective amount of FGF, Activin A, and BMP; (b) culturing the cells from step (a) in the presence of a chemically defined medium comprising an effective amount of insulin, transferrin, and selenium (ITS), and FGF; (c) culturing the cells from step (b) in the presence of a chemically defined medium comprising an effective amount of insulin, transferrin, and selenium (ITS), and Noggin-Nicotinamide-Retinoic acid; and (d) culturing the cells from step (c) in the presence of a serum free chemically defined medium (ITSFINE and Noggin) comprising an effective amount of ITS, FGF7, islet neogenesis associated peptide (INGAP), nicotinamide, and Exendin-4, wherein pancreatic lineage cells are produced, wherein the pancreatic lineage cells are insulin+ cells.
US09540606B2

A method of mixing a fluid includes positioning a flexible bag into the chamber of a support housing, the support housing having a plurality of baffles positioned so that the bag folds around the baffles. A fluid is delivered into a compartment of the flexible bag. A mixing element, such as an impeller, is moved within the compartment of the flexible bag so as to mix the fluid therein.
US09540604B2

A method includes identifying a chlorophyll concentration/optical density (CCpOD) value using a chlorophyll concentration measurement of an autotroph culture and an optical density measurement of the autotroph culture. The method also includes identifying a change in the autotroph culture using the CCpOD value. The change in the autotroph culture can be identified by determining whether the CCpOD value falls outside upper and lower control limits. The upper and lower control limits can be identified using a specified number of previously-determined CCpOD values, which can be calculated when the autotroph culture is in a known healthy state. Multiple CCpOD values can be calculated, and an alarm can be generated if a specified number of the CCpOD values (such as one or more) fall outside the upper and lower control limits.
US09540601B2

Composition comprising a benefit agent and an aprotic solvent, wherein the benefit agent comprises at least one hydrolytically unstable bond, or at least one nucleophilically unstable bond, or a mixture thereof. Methods of making such compositions.
US09540598B2

The present invention relates to novel combined laundry detergent, bleach, and antimicrobial composition incorporating novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds used in compositions of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Compositions of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, a solid, or a gel. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds useful in preparing compositions of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials.
US09540590B2

A process and a system for producing a fatty acid alkyl ester from an alcohol and a feedstock containing transesterifiable lipids are provided.
US09540584B2

There is provided an ultraviolet curable resin composition for a self-lubricating liner. The composition includes a first (meth)acrylate compound having an isocyanuric acid ring represented by the following formula (1); a second (meth)acrylate compound different from the first (meth)acrylate compound; a first polytetrafluoroethylene resin with an average particle size in the range of 75 μm to 180 μm; and a second polytetrafluoroethylene resin with an average particle size in the range of 1 μm to 15 μm, wherein the total amount of the first polytetrafluoroethylene resin and the second polytetrafluoroethylene resin is in the range of 30% by weight to 50% by weight with respect to the entire amount of the ultraviolet curable resin composition; and the second polytetrafluoroethylene resin is contained in an amount of 20% by weight to 75% by weight with respect to the total amount of the first and second polytetrafluoroethylene resins.
US09540583B2

Concentrates containing specific functionalized diblock copolymers serve as effective additives for improving the cold flow behavior of fuels and oils, the copolymers being derived from a terminally-unsaturated intermediate polymer obtained via a metallocene process involving hydrogen.
US09540582B2

The invention provides a method of lubricating a mechanical device by supplying a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a compound having 2 to 20 hydroxy-carboxylic acid residues. The invention further relates to the use of the compound in a driveline device to provide at least one of antiwear performance, friction modification (particularly for enhancing fuel economy).
US09540576B2

A compound useful for reducing fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process is provided. A method for preparing the compound includes hydrohalogenating a polymer having a vinyl chain end to obtain a halogen-containing terminal group, and reacting the terminal group with a polyamine. Methods of using the compound and compositions thereof are also provided.
US09540572B2

An oxidative treatment system, e.g., oxidative desulfurization or denitrification, is provided in which the oxidant is produced in-situ using an aromatic-rich portion of the original liquid hydrocarbon feedstock. The process reduces or replaces the need for the separate introduction of liquid oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, organic peroxide and organic hydroperoxide in an oxidative treatment process.
US09540571B2

An in-line system uses a simple static emulsifier to thoroughly mix salt-containing fuel oil with water, thereby to draw the salt from the fuel oil into the water preferentially, and then the de-salted fuel oil is separated from the salt-containing water.
US09540568B1

In an example, a process includes combining a methyl methacrylate monomer, a butadiene monomer, a styrene monomer, and an organophosphate monomer. The process includes initiating a polymerization reaction to form a flame-retardant copolymer.
US09540567B2

A polymerizable liquid crystal composition contains a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having good solubility, and is well-aligned without dissolving a substrate or a base material when coated onto the substrate. Moreover, the polymerizable liquid crystal composition causes no coating film unevenness during coating so that a smooth optically anisotropic body can be obtained. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition contains at least one kind of polymerizable liquid crystal compound having one or more polymerizable functional groups in one molecule, and a solvent, wherein the solvent includes a diacetate solvent and a ketone solvent.
US09540564B2

The present invention provides a quantum rod including a core including zinc compound; and a shell covering the core and including ZnS. The quantum rod emits the short wavelength light.
US09540563B2

A coated phosphor includes a sulfide phosphor coated with silicon dioxide film. The silicon dioxide film includes a metal oxide powder. The metal oxide powder includes a zinc oxide powder such that less than 20 parts by mass of the zinc oxide powder relative to 100 parts by mass of the sulfide phosphor is blended therein.
US09540561B2

Methods of propping subterranean fractures using swellable particulates. Some methods alternate the placement into a fracture of proppant and swellable particulates. Other methods alternate the placement into a fracture of proppant-free fluid and swellable particulates. Still other methods combine proppant and swellable particulates into a single fluid and place that fluid into a subterranean fracture. The methods are useful for treatment of low closure stress formations.
US09540551B2

A heat-curable polyorganosiloxane composition which includes (A) an alkenyl group-containing linear polyorganosiloxane of the formula (I) below, wherein Ra represents a C2-C6 alkenyl and Rb represents a C1-C6 alkyl or a phenyl; (B1) a linear polyorganohydrogensiloxane of the formula (II) below, wherein Rc is hydrogen and Rd represents a C1-C6 alkyl or a phenyl; (B2) a cyclic polyorganohydrogensiloxane including Re2HSiO1/2, wherein Re represents a hydrogen atom or C1-C6 alkyl group, and SiO4/2, and having three or more hydrogen atoms bonded to a silicon atom in one molecule; (C) a platinum series catalyst; and (D) an adhesion promoter, wherein the formula (I) and the formula (II) are as follows:
US09540549B2

A semiconductor device bonded by an anisotropic conductive film and an anisotropic conductive film composition, the anisotropic conductive film including a reactive monomer having an epoxy equivalent weight of about 120 to about 180 g/eq; a hydrogenated epoxy resin; and a sulfonium cation curing catalyst.
US09540545B2

Methods for improving adhesion or bonding between materials used in forming components of directional drilling assemblies, such as rotors and stators, are provided. A surface of a component may be treated, such as through cleaning, etching and/or activating a surface. The use of plasma treatment may enhance the adhesion between the surfaces and/or materials to be bonded, thereby reducing the degradation or mechanical failure of these materials in oilfield applications.
US09540538B2

The invention relates to an alkyd resin composition comprising components: (A) at least an auto-oxidisable alkyd resin component comprising unsaturated fatty acid or its derivative, selected from: (i) alpha, beta-unsaturated ester-functional alkyd resin; (ii) combination of a alpha, beta-unsaturated ester functional material and an alkyd resin; and (iii) mixture of components (i) and (ii); Wherein the alkyd has an oil length of at least 20% unsaturated fatty acids; (B) a daylight photoinitiator; (C) a metal drier; and (D) optionally a liquid medium selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, water, non-volatile diluent and mixtures thereof; wherein if the liquid medium is present and is: a) substantially based on organic solvent and/or diluent then the VOC is <300 g/l, or b) substantially based on water then the VOC is <100 g/l.
US09540524B2

Process for the preparation of stable suspensions and dispersions of carbon nanotubes, and dispersions prepared by the process.
US09540522B2

The present invention relates to a composition for producing a coating having antifouling properties on a component of a turbomachine. The composition comprises a binder comprising at least one silicon-organic constituent, ceramic particles and a solvent, the ceramic particles comprising at least silicon dioxide and the silicon-organic constituent comprising at least alkoxysilane. In addition, the present invention relates to a process for producing a coating using such a composition and also a correspondingly produced coating and a component provided therewith.
US09540517B2

A method for preparing a composition including silicate mineral particles that have coloring properties in which a talcose composition, including phyllosilicate mineral particles chosen from the group formed: from the particles having the chemical formula: ((SixGe1-x)4 M3O10 (OH)2, the particles having at least one interlayer space and having the chemical formula: (SixGe1-x)4 M3-ε O10 (OH)2, (M′m+)ε′.nH2O: -M having the formula Mgy(1)Coy(2)Zny(3)Cuy(4)Mny(5) Fey(6)Niy(7)Cry(8); -M′m+ designating at least one interlayer cation, the silicate mineral particles having a thickness of less than 100 nm and of which the largest dimension is less than 10 μπι, is brought into contact with a dye solution, including dye cations, of at least one element chosen from the transition metals, the lanthanides and the actinides. The composition obtained by this method is also described.
US09540515B2

Disclosed is a group of azo quencher compositions useful as fluorescence quenchers having the general structure of formula 1, methods of making or using the compositions, and kits comprising the composition.
US09540510B2

A stabilized, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising dispersed dynamically vulcanized particles of at least one first elastomer or rubber comprising halogenated isobutylene-containing elastomer and dispersed particles of at least one second elastomer or rubber comprising at least one functional group capable of reacting with and grafting to a polyamide, the particles of the at least one first and at least one second elastomers dispersed in a continuous thermoplastic polyamide or nylon resin matrix comprising at least one nylon homopolymer, nylon copolymer or mixture thereof, the composition or the at least one first elastomer further comprising at least one stabilizer against degradation induced by exposure to actinic, particularly ultraviolet, radiation. The compositions are preferably produced in a mixing extruder and are suitable for producing durable, flexible, thermoplastic elastomer fluid barrier films or layers useful in industrial articles such as vehicle tire innerliners and hoses.
US09540509B2

A pre-impregnated yarn including a bundle of reinforcing fiber filaments having a bundle interior and a bundle outer side, a first resin composition, and a second resin composition. The first resin composition includes at least one urethane resin, H1, produced from a reaction of a bifunctional aromatic epoxy compound based on bisphenol A, an aromatic polyisocyanate, and a polyalkylene glycol; an oxyalkylated bisphenol A resin, H2; and aromatic polyhydroxy ether P1. The filaments are impregnated with and at least partially connected via the first resin composition. The first resin composition is present in a concentration of 0.1 to 4 wt % relative to a total weight of the pre-impregnated yarn. The second resin composition is on the bundle outer side in the form of particles or drops adhering to the filaments, and is in a concentration of 0.5 to 14 wt % relative to the total weight of the pre-impregnated yarn.
US09540501B2

A water swellable rubber composition comprising (a) a non-water swellable base rubber, (b) an ethylene oxide based hydrophilic elastomer having from zero up to 20 mole % of a crosslinkable curable functional group, and (c) a water swellable non-elastomeric material. The composition has excellent water swell characteristics under prolonged exposure to high temperature and various electrolyte solutions and is suitable for oil field applications. When (b) has from zero to less than 5 mole % of crosslinkable functional group, the amount of (b) is between about 30 parts and 300 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of (a) and the amount of (c) is between about 20 parts and 200 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of (a), the composition is characterized by good shape retention after undergoing constrained swell, and a high degree of constrained swell at elevated temperatures in different saline concentrations.
US09540500B2

Processes for producing polyether siloxanes are provided in which unsaturated polyethers are reacted with one or more SiH-functional siloxanes in the presence of Pt(0) compounds and tertiary amines Also, provided is the use of Pt(0) compounds and tertiary amines for producing polyether siloxanes and to the use of the polyether siloxanes thus obtained.
US09540493B2

The present invention aims to provide a method for surface-modifying a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer, which is capable of cost-effectively imparting a variety of functions, such as sliding properties and biocompatibility, according to the applications. The present invention relates to a surface modification method for surface-modifying an object of a rubber vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer, the method including: step 1 of forming polymerization initiation points A on a surface of the object; step 2 of radically polymerizing a non-functional monomer, starting from the polymerization initiation points A, to grow non-functional polymer chains; step 3 of forming polymerization initiation points B on the surface of the object where the non-functional polymer chains are formed; and step 4 of radically polymerizing a functional monomer, starting from the polymerization initiation points B, to grow functional polymer chains.
US09540491B2

An organic-inorganic composite of the present invention includes metal oxide particles and an organic polymer compound including a monomer containing organic ligands and a vinyl-based monomer having organic ligands which are bonded to a polymer chain through covalent bonds and the organic polymer compound is bonded to the metal oxide particles by the organic ligands forming a complex with metal atoms on the surface of the metal oxide particles. According to the organic-inorganic composite, the metal oxide particles and the organic polymer compound containing the organic ligands can be chemically bonded, therefore, light emission characteristics such as light emission intensity or stabilization of light emission wavelength can be improved, and transparency and mechanical characteristics such as thermal stability or hardness can also be improved.
US09540486B2

The present invention relates to a composition containing a particulate solid, a polar or non-polar organic medium, and a polymer chain having at least one fused aromatic imide pendant group. The invention further provides compositions for coatings, inks, toners, plastic materials (such as thermoplastics), plasticizers, plastisols, crude grinding and flush.
US09540482B2

The present invention relates to a polymerizable composition comprising a cycloaliphatic epoxide compound, a monovalent alcohol, a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the molar ratio of the epoxide groups of the cycloaliphatic epoxide to the hydroxyl groups of the monovalent alcohol is 0.9:1.0 to 4.0:1.0 and the hydroxyl functionality of all organic compounds of the polymerizable composition having OH group(s) is in the range of 1.0 to 1.25.
US09540476B2

Polymeric reaction products of certain aromatic alcohols with certain aromatic aldehydes are useful as underlayers in semiconductor manufacturing processes.
US09540463B2

A method for preparing a coupled polymer, the method comprising the steps of (i) polymerizing monomer to form a reactive polymer, and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with an imide compound containing an oxiranyl group.
US09540460B2

Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are provided. The catalyst systems can include a plurality of silica particles and a metallocene catalyst and an activator supported on the plurality of silica particles. The polymerization catalysts have a particle size distribution in which about 10% of the particles have a size less than about 17 to about 23 micrometers, about 50% of the particles have a size less than about 40 to about 45 micrometers, and about 90% of the particles have a size less than about 72 to about 77 micrometers.
US09540452B2

Genetically modified mice are provided that express human λ variable (hVλ) sequences, including mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse λ light chain locus, mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse κ light chain locus, and mice that express hVλ sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hVλ sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human λ variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human λ variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided.
US09540441B2

The present invention provides an antibody to human IL-3Rα chain, which does not inhibit IL-3 signaling and binds to B domain of the human IL-3Rα chain but does not bind to C domain of the human IL-3Rα chain; a composition for preventing or treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood of a subject, which comprises the antibody to human IL-3Rα as an active ingredient; and a method for treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood, which comprises administering, to a subject, a composition comprising the IL-3Rα antibody as an active ingredient.
US09540438B2

The present disclosure provides aldehyde-tagged immunoglobulin (Ig) polypeptides that can be converted by a formylglycine-generating enzyme to produce a 2-formylglycine (FGly)-modified Ig polypeptide. An FGly-modified Ig polypeptide can be covalently and site-specifically bound to a moiety of interest to provide an Ig conjugate. The disclosure also encompasses methods of production of such aldehyde-tagged Ig polypeptides, FGly-modified Ig polypeptides, and Ig conjugates, as well as methods of use of same.
US09540431B2

The present invention relates to inhibitors of the CD95 signaling pathway for the use in the treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrom (MDS) wherein the MDS is selected from the IPSS low risk MDS subgroup and/or the IPSS intermediate-1 (int-1) risk MDS subgroup as well as a method for the diagnosis of MDS.
US09540426B2

The present invention describes methods and processes for the production of proteins, particularly glycoproteins, by animal cell or mammalian cell culture, preferably, but not limited to, fed-batch cell cultures. In one aspect, the methods comprise the addition of glucocorticoid compound during the culturing period. The addition of glucocorticoid compound sustain a high viability of the cultured cells, and can yield an increased end titer of protein product, and a high quality of protein product, as determined, e.g., by sialic acid content of the produced protein.
US09540418B2

The present invention provides a polypeptide able to specifically bind to rare-earth nanoparticles and the use thereof. The polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence shown by SEQ ID NO: 1 or analogs thereof. The present invention further provides a method for screening a polypeptide having the capacity of specifically binding to rare-earth nanoparticles. The present invention further provides a method for regulating and controlling the in vivo and in vitro autophagy and toxicity of the rare-earth upconversionnanophosphor material, comprising mixing and incubating the polypeptide specifically binding to rare-earth nanoparticles with rare-earth upconversion nanophosphor material, such that the polypeptide specifically binds to the nanophosphor material, wherein the rare-earth upconversion nanophosphor material comprises the rare earth, and the polypeptide specifically binding to rare-earth nanoparticles comprises the amino acid sequence shown by CTARSPWIC (RE-0, SEQ ID NO: 1) or analogs thereof.
US09540414B2

The invention relates to compounds of Formula A: or a salt, solvate, or hydrate thereof. The compounds of formula A are TGR5 modulators useful for the treatment of disease.
US09540412B2

The present invention provides methods of preparing an oligonucleotide, nucleoside or nucleoside analog for selective introduction into a subject's cells, the method comprising (1) selecting a targeted aptamer, internalizing nucleic acid or tumor-homing nucleic acid via iterative rounds of selection, and (i) hybridizing it to an oligonucleotide, (ii) replacing one or more nucleotide with a nucleoside or nucleoside analog, or (iii) synthesizing the it with one or more nucleoside or nucleoside analogs; or (2) preparing a naive combinatorial aptamer, internalizing nucleic acid or tumor-homing nucleic acid prodrug library, and running iterative rounds of selection for the cells. The present invention also provides the agent, the pharmaceutical composition, and methods of treating or preventing cancer and/or viral infection, the method comprising administration of the oligonucleotide, nucleoside or nucleoside analog for selective introduction into a subject's cells.
US09540409B2

The invention provides amphiphilic compounds and methods for manipulating membrane proteins. Compounds of the invention, for example, the compounds of Formulas I-XIX, can be prepared from readily available starting materials. The amphiphilic compounds can manipulate membrane protein at relatively low concentrations compared to many known detergents. The compounds can be used to aid the isolation of membrane proteins, for example, to aid their solubilization and/or purification. The compounds can also be used to aid the functional and structural determination of membrane proteins, including their stabilization and crystallization.
US09540391B2

The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (I), wherein R1, R11, R12 and X have the meanings indicated in the claims. The compounds of formula I are valuable pharmacologically active compounds. They are highly potent and selective soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors and are suitable, for example, for the therapy and prophylaxis of renal failure, diabetic nephropathy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammation or could show beneficial effects in pain, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula (I), their use, in particular as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparations comprising them.
US09540390B2

The present invention relates to a process for the manufacturing of pure and substantially oligomers-free 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol di(alkyl carbonate)s which comprises the steps of: a) Preparing a reaction mixture consisting of at least one dianhydrohexitol, at least 2 molar equivalents with respect to the amount of dianhydrohexitol present, of at least one dialkyl carbonate of formula R—O—C(═O)—O—R, where R has the same meaning indicated above, and from 0.01 to less than 0.1 molar equivalents of a transesterification catalyst with respect to the amount of dianhydrohexitol present; and b) Heating the reaction mixture up to its reflux temperature in a reactor preferably equipped with a rectification column comprising a number of theoretical distillation plates sufficient to separate continuously from the reaction mixture by fractional distillation the alcohol obtained or the azeotrope which the alcohol forms with the dialkyl carbonate present in the reaction mixture. The process comprises further recovering the transesterification catalyst from the reaction mixture and isolating the 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol di(alkyl carbonate).
US09540385B2

Disclosed herein are pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. In addition, reversible inhibitors of Btk are also described. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US09540381B2

Disclosed are an anti-abnormal proliferation of angiogenesis compound represented by formula I, use and intermediate thereof. The compound has good effect against abnormal proliferation of angiogenesis, and the activity of the compound is produced by inhibiting VEGFR2. The compound can be used for treating diseases, such as wet macular degeneration, inflammation, malignant tumor and the like, caused by abnormity of angiogenesis and protein kinases such as VEGFR2, FGFR2 and the like.
US09540380B2

The present invention provides imidazotriazinone compounds which are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 9. The present invention further provides processes, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical preparations and pharmaceutical use of the compounds in the treatment of PDE9 associated diseases or disorders in mammals, including humans.
US09540379B2

The invention relates to (1,2,4)triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline derivatives which are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 2 and/or 10, useful in treating central nervous system diseases.
US09540374B2

The present invention provides a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound and an organic electronic device including the same.
US09540372B2

The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds for treating proliferative disorders, cancer, etc., and more specifically to certain pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-8-substituted compounds, as described herein, which, inter alia, inhibit RAF (e.g.,B-RAF) activity. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit RAF (e.g., BRAF) activity, to inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity, to inhibit cell proliferation, and in the treatment of diseases and disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of RAF, RTK, etc., proliferative disorders such as cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, melanoma), etc.
US09540369B2

Methods of using certain kinase inhibitors for treating Gram positive bacterial infections are disclosed. When co-administered with a β-lactam antibiotic, the disclosed compounds increase the susceptibility of infectious Gram positive bacteria to the β-lactam antibiotic.The disclosed kinase inhibitors have either of the general formulas: or the specific formula:
US09540368B2

The present invention relates to substituted pyrrolopyridinones and substituted pyrazolopyridinones which are inhibitors of BET proteins such as BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRD-t and are useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09540363B2

The present disclosure relates to crystalline form of (S)—N—((S)-1-cyclohexyl-2-{(S)-2-[4-(4-fluoro-benzoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-2-oxo-ethyl)-2-methylamino-propionamide, salts and hydrates thereof. This disclosure also relates to solid oral formulation of (S)—N—((S)-1-cyclohexyl-2-{(S)-2-[4-(4-fluoro-benzoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-2-oxo-ethyl)-2-methylamino-propionamide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates (including hydrates) thereof, as well as methods of treatment using the same.
US09540362B2

The present invention relates to novel compounds of Formula 1 as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonists which can be effectively used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, a method for preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same as an active component. The compounds according to the present invention are effective on extensive autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and can also be used for treating or preventing immunoregulation disorders.
US09540356B2

The present invention concerns a new family of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one compounds of general formula (I), and the use thereof as inhibitors of the toxic effects of toxins with intracellular activity, such as ricin or Shiga toxin, for example, using retrograde transport to intoxicate cells.
US09540354B2

Methods of inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes are provided that can be used for improving the treatment of diseases by preventing degradation of drugs or other molecules by cytochrome P450. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided that can act as boosters to improve the pharmacokinetics, enhance the bioavailability, and enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs that undergo in vivo degradation by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
US09540352B2

The present invention provides, in part, compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; processes for the preparation of; intermediates used in the preparation of; and compositions containing such compounds or salts, and their uses for treating D1-mediated (or D1-associated) disorders including, e.g., schizophrenia (e.g., its cognitive and negative symptoms), schizotypal personality disorder, cognitive impairment (e.g., cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia, AD, PD, or pharmacotherapy therapy), ADHD, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, and depression.
US09540349B2

The invention relates to novel substituted pyrimidine compounds of general formula (I) in which the chemical groupings, substituents, variables and indices are as defined in the description, and to their use as medicaments, in particular as medicaments for the treatment of conditions and diseases that can be treated by inhibition of the PDE4 enzyme.
US09540348B2

The present invention relates to a novel imidazole-1-yl pyrimidine derivative, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutic composition comprising the same. Since the imidazole-1-yl pyrimidine derivative according to the present invention shows the inhibition activity selectively to BRAF, BRAF mutants, or CRAF, it can be used to a pharmaceutic composition for preventing or treating cancer.
US09540347B2

The present disclosure describes pyridineamine compounds, as well as their compositions and methods of use. The compounds inhibit the activity of the Pim kinases, and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of Pim kinases including, e.g., cancer and other diseases.
US09540339B2

A resist composition containing a compound represented by the general formula (1) or (2), a method for forming a resist pattern using the composition, a polyphenolic compound for use in the composition, and an alcoholic compound that can be derived therefrom are described.
US09540329B2

Heteroleptic complexes having at least one diarylamino or carbazole group, as shown in Formula (I), are provided: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 each represent mono, di, tri, tetra, or penta substitutions or no substitution; wherein Z is a single bond connecting the two phenyl rings, or is absent, wherein when Z is absent, the positions on the phenyl rings may be substituted by R5 or R6; wherein any two adjacent substituents are optionally joined together to form a ring, which may be further substituted; wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is independently selected from various substituents; and wherein m is 1 or 2. Devices, such as organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) that comprise phosphorescent light emitting materials are also provided.
US09540322B2

The invention provides novel heterocyclic compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment that modulate levels of MIF expression and treat disorders associated with high or low levels of MIF expression.
US09540319B2

The present invention relates to an improved method for purifying a sulfonated aromatic monomer. The method is an economical method capable of providing a highly pure sulfonated aromatic monomer, in which a salt precipitation step and a recrystallization step are simplified while maintaining the reaction conditions used in a conventional method for synthesizing the sulfonated aromatic monomer, and a purification process is carried out using an easily available and stable chemical substance. The sulfonated aromatic monomer obtained by the purification method will be useful for the preparation of a polymer for a polymer electrolyte membrane and will be advantageous to synthesize polymer with high molecular weight.
US09540316B2

Provided are amine-containing hydrofluoroether compounds represented by the following general formula (I), wherein (I) Y is a single bond or CF2 and wherein (i) Rf.1 and Rf2 are independently linear or branched perfluoroalkyl groups having with 1-8 carbon atoms and optionally comprise at least one catenated heteroatom, or (ii) Rf1 and Rf2 are bonded together to form a ring structure having 4-6 carbon atoms and optionally comprise one or more catenated heteroatoms; with the proviso that if Rf1 and Rf2 are bonded together to form a ring structure comprising a nitrogen heteroatom, said nitrogen heteroatom is tertiary and is bonded to a perfluoroalkyl group having 1-3 carbon atoms.
US09540312B2

Provided herein are functionally substituted fluoropolymers suitable for use in liquid and solid non-flammable electrolyte compositions. The functionally substituted fluoropolymers include perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) having high ionic conductivity. Also provided are non-flammable electrolyte compositions including functionally substituted PFPEs and alkali-metal ion batteries including the non-flammable electrolyte compositions.
US09540307B2

The present invention relates to novel statin derivatives of omega-3 fatty acids, and their use in treating hypercholesterolemia, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases, and Alzheimer's disease.
US09540294B2

A metal organic framework Fe2(bdp)3 (BDP2−=1,4-benzenedipyrazolate) with triangular channels is particularly suited for C5-C7 separations of alkanes according to the number of branches in the molecule rather than by carbon number. The metal-organic framework can offer pore geometries that is unavailable in zeolites or other porous media, facilitating distinct types of shape-based molecular separations.
US09540275B2

A conductive paste including (A) conductive particles, (B) a glass frit containing substantially no lead, arsenic, tellurium, and antimony, and (C) a solvent. The glass frit (B) has a remelting temperature of 320 to 360° C., wherein the remelting temperature is indicated by a peak top of at least one endothermic peak having an endotherm of 20 J/g or more in a DSC curve as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter. The conductive paste can also include at least one metal oxide (D) selected from the group consisting of tin oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, and copper oxide. The glass frit (B) can further include (B-1) Ag2O, (B-2) V2O5, and (B-3) MoO3. The conductive paste can achieve binding at a relatively low temperature (such as 370° C. or lower) and maintains a bond strength at a relatively high temperature (such as 300 to 360° C.).
US09540274B2

Glasses comprising Bi203, ZnO B203 and optionally a colorant including an oxide of a metal such as iron, cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper and chromium are suitable to form hermetic seals in solar cell modules, architectural glass windows and MEMS devices. Glass frit and paste compositions suitable for flow and bonding to various substrates—glass, metal, silicon, in the temperature range of 400-500 degrees Centigrade. The broad compositional range in mole % is 25-70% Bi203, up to 65% ZnO, and 1-70% B203. Such glasses do not have batched in alumina or silica. Such glasses lack alumina and silica.
US09540273B2

The present invention relates to a non-alkali glass having a strain point of from 710° C. to lower than 725° C., an average thermal expansion coefficient at from 50 to 300° C. of from 30×10−7 to 43×10−7/° C., a temperature T2 at which glass viscosity reaches 102 dPa·s of 1710° C. or lower, a temperature T4 at which the glass viscosity reaches 104 dPa·s of 1320° C. or lower, and containing, indicated by mol % on the basis of oxides, SiO2 66 to 70, Al2O3 12 to 14, B2O3 exceeding 0 to 1.5, MgO exceeding 9.5 to 13 (or 5 to 9.5), CaO 4 to 9 (or 4 to 11), SrO 0.5 to 4.5, BaO 0 to 0.5 and ZrO 0 to 2.
US09540271B2

A blank made of titanium-doped silica glass for a mirror substrate for use in EUV lithography is provided. The blank includes a surface portion to be provided with a reflective film and having an optically used area (CA) over which a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) has a two-dimensional inhomogeneity (dCTE) distribution profile averaged over a thickness of the blank. A maximum inhomogeneity (dCTEmax) of less than 5 ppb/K is defined as a difference between a CTE maximum value and a CTE minimum value. The dCTEmax is at least 0.5 ppb/K. The CA forms a non-circular area having a centroid. The dCTE distribution profile is not rotation-symmetrical and is defined over the CA, such that straight profile sections normalized to a unit length and extending through the centroid of the area yield a dCTE family of curves forming a curve band with a bandwidth of less than 0.5×dCTEmax.
US09540266B2

Moving bed media serving as a growth surface for bacteria that remove soluble carbonaceous BOD, soluble inorganic ammonia nitrogen, phosphorous, nitrate nitrogen or nitrite nitrogen from wastewater are contained in a variable liquid depth, variable volume, hydraulic flow equalization basin. The equalization basin can be divided into different treatment sections by installing separator screens. Fat accumulation on the moving media, which could cause the media to float or in some other way cause the media to be ineffective, can be prevented by a fat, oil, and grease removal process in a dissolved air flotation cell upstream of the flow equalization basin containing the moving bed media. The moving bed media are retained in the basin by a suitable media screen as the liquid level and volume increases or decreases in the basin depending upon the effluent pumping rate vs. the influent flow rate.
US09540263B2

An apparatus of creating multi-vibrational, frequency-based, electromagnetic fields, which are independent but may work simultaneously can be used in many applications, especially in industrial applications such as cooling towers and related pipes and plumbing. The apparatus eliminates calcium based hard water deposits and prohibits bacteria build-up in cooling towers. The apparatus also helps reduce soap usage in industrial laundry, reduce salt usage in water softeners, reduce chemical use in pools, inhibit algae growth and increase water clarity. The apparatus restructures calcium carbonate and other mineral deposits to prevent mineral buildup. The apparatus may be formed from a plurality of coil assemblies staggered within a circular pipe or undulated within a flat plate and connected to a power supply. The plurality of coil assemblies may be encased in flexible epoxy coating. As a result of the apparatus, waste water is reduced, water costs is kept low, and water is conserved.
US09540258B2

An apparatus and method for separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass from a microalgae solution by destabilization thereof with addition of kinetic energy thereto is disclosed. The method to overcome the energetic barrier preventing a fluid-solid separation comprises injecting the microalgae solution in an electrolytic system comprising an electrocoagulation reactor generally comprising an anode module and a cathode module, the anodes and the cathode(s) being adapted to be electrically connected to perform electrolysis, thus separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass. Such process is generally achieved by providing a DC electric current, between the anodes and the cathode(s), to perform the separation of the biomass in the solution, in preparation the following process steps of for liquid/solid separation and primary dewatering.
US09540256B2

The present disclosure provides a liquid treatment device, a liquid treatment method, and a plasma treatment liquid each capable of efficiently generating plasma and treating a liquid in a short time period. A liquid treatment device according to the present disclosure includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed in a liquid to be treated, an insulator disposed around the first electrode with a space between the first electrode and the insulator, the insulator has an opening portion in a position in contact with the liquid to be treated, a power supply that applies voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a supply device supplying a liquid to the space before the power source applies the voltage.
US09540252B1

Embodiments of the invention include an elongate chamber. A UV source includes a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device including an active layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The active layer emits radiation having a peak wavelength in a UV range. The semiconductor device is positioned on a wall of the elongate chamber. An inner surface of the elongate chamber is reflective.
US09540251B2

Nanoparticle-treated particle packs, such as sand beds, may effectively filter and purify liquids such as waste water. When tiny contaminant particles in waste water flow through the particle pack, the nanoparticles will capture and hold the tiny contaminant particles within the pack due to the nanoparticles' surface forces, including, but not necessarily limited to van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Coating agents such as alcohols, glycols, polyols, vegetable oil, and mineral oils may help apply the nanoparticles to the particle surfaces in the filter beds or packs.
US09540244B2

Embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter include methods for synthesizing carbon nanomaterials from a lignin and/or source thereof. Exemplary methods comprise a process of thermal treating a lignin and/or source thereof in the presence of a catalyst to synthesize graphene nanosheets.
US09540240B2

Soot formation in the partial oxidation of carbonaceous feed is controlled by controlling the momentum of the oxidant stream relative to the momentum of the carbonaceous feed stream.
US09540237B2

Disclosed herein is a gas generator that contains a liquid reactant that reacts to produce a gas in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is contained in a carrier that is buoyant in the liquid reactant. The gas generator also has at least one carrier movement restraining member adapted to selectively control the location of the carrier, and at least one compressible body containing a volume of gas. In a first configuration, when an internal pressure of the gas generator is lower than an internal pressure of the compressible body, the compressible body increases in volume, and in a second configuration when the internal pressure of the gas generator is higher than the internal pressure of the compressible body, the compressible body decreases in volume. The carrier movement restraining member restricts the carrier's movement in the first configuration.
US09540234B2

A nanogap device which may include a first insulation layer having a nanopore formed therein, a first channel layer which may be on the first insulation layer, a first source electrode and a first drain electrode which may be respectively in contact with both ends of the first channel layer, a second insulation layer which may cover the first channel layer, the first source electrode, and the first drain electrode, and a first nanogap electrode which may be on the second insulation layer and may be divided into two parts with a nanogap, which faces the nanopore, interposed between the two parts.
US09540233B2

Electrochemical fabrication processes and apparatus for producing single layer or multi-layer structures where each layer includes the deposition of at least two materials and wherein the formation of at least some layers includes operations for reducing stress and/or curvature distortion when the structure is released from a sacrificial material which surrounded it during formation and possibly when released from a substrate on which it was formed. Six primary groups of embodiments are presented which are divide into eleven primary embodiments. Some embodiments attempt to remove stress to minimize distortion while others attempt to balance stress to minimize distortion.
US09540231B2

Embodiments of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a cap structure. The cap structure includes: a first bonding layer and a cap substrate, and the first bonding layer is embedded in the cap substrate. The semiconductor device structure also includes a substrate structure. The substrate structure includes a substrate and a second bonding layer formed on the substrate. The substrate includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) substrate or a semiconductor substrate. The cap structure is bonded to the substrate structure by bonding the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer.
US09540227B2

A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a structural layer having a top surface. The top surface includes surface regions that are generally parallel to one another but are offset relative to one another such that a stress concentration location is formed between them. Laterally propagating shallow surface cracks have a tendency to form in the structural layer, especially near the joints between the surface regions. A method entails fabricating the MEMS device and forming trenchesin the top surface of the structural layer of the MEMS device. The trenches act as a crack inhibition feature to largely prevent the formation of deep cracks in structural layer which might otherwise result in MEMS device failure.
US09540226B2

According to an embodiment, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer includes a first electrode, a second electrode fixed to an anchor at a perimeter of the second electrode, and a mechanical support separate from the anchor at the perimeter of the second electrode and mechanically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The mechanical support is fixed to a portion of the second electrode such that, during operation, a maximum deflection of the second electrode occurs between the mechanical structure and the perimeter of the second electrode.
US09540225B2

The present invention provides a discharge mechanism has a drive unit that moves a rod reciprocally, and a discharge unit including a liquid chamber allowing the rod to pass therein and a valve seat communicated with a nozzle, the nozzle discharging a liquid mixed with solid particles with an operation of moving the valve seat and a tip of the rod relatively away from each other. The discharge unit includes an inflow path through which the liquid mixed with the solid particles flows into the liquid chamber, and an outflow path through which the liquid mixed with the solid particles in the liquid chamber flows out. The inflow path and the outflow path are connected in a V-shape, the liquid chamber is disposed in a valley portion of the V-shape, and the valve seat is disposed at a lower end of the V-shape.
US09540224B2

The invention relates to a fluid meter (27) comprising a housing (28) defining at least one crankcase (29) and two cylinders (25, 26), a crankshaft (11) disposed in the crankcase (29), two pistons (3, 4) respectively mounted in the cylinders (25, 26) for reciprocal movement, a first connecting rod (12) connected to one of the pistons (3) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the one piston (3), and a second connecting rod (13) connected to the other piston (4) and to the crankshaft (11) for rotating the crankshaft (11) in response to the movement of the other piston (4), wherein the first and second connecting rods (12, 13) have yoke slots (16, 17) for receiving a crank pin (19) radially offset from the crankshaft (11). The invention is characterized in that the first connecting rod (12) has a guiding rod (20) extending in a longitudinal direction of the cylinders, the guiding rod (20) being adapted to engage a corresponding cavity (22) in the second connecting rod (13) to support and guide the connecting rods (12, 13) in relation to each other during movement. The invention further relates to a multiple fluid meter assembly (61) comprising at least two fluid meters (27) as defined above, and to a fuel dispensing unit comprising a fluid meter (27) or a multiple fluid meter (61) as defined above.
US09540223B2

A pressure dispensing container containing a liquid and closed by a closure having a first aperture offset with respect to the centroid of the closure's base is disclosed. The container is mounted on a dispensing appliance including a first tube to be inserted into the corresponding first, offset aperture of the closure. The closure further having a crenellation in its lower rim mating a crenellation in a structure for receiving the closure of the container. A closure holding structure is located in the holding portion of the appliance and is suitable for receiving in mating relationship the closure of the container such that the first offset aperture of the closure is in direct engaging relationship with the first tube of the appliance.
US09540222B2

A tool-less adjustable torque setting assembly for a bottle capping headset wherein there is a witness mark and a push button. The operator pushes in the button and a tooth on the button's inside surface of the housing disengages with the inside wall of the housing where there are a series of mating teeth. The assembly is rotated to the desired setting and released. The button, which is spring loaded, will return to the seated position in the series of teeth within the housing. No tools are required to adjust the torque setting.
US09540213B2

A system is described for controlling the engagement of a rotating drive, such as a drive for a hose reel. A power source provides rotational power to a first rotating member. A power-transfer device extends between the first rotating member and an input portion of a second rotating member. A control member linked to the first rotating member moves between first and second orientations to move the first rotating member between engaged and disengaged positions. In the engaged position, the power-transfer device is engaged to allow transfer of rotational power from the power source to the second rotating member. In the disengaged position, the power-transfer device is disengaged such that rotational power is not transferred from the power source to the second rotating member.
US09540212B2

A bobbin includes a bobbin main body including flanges at both ends of a bobbin winder spindle for winding the bobbin thread and an outer flange attached to one of the flanges (a second flange) of the bobbin main body. A gap in which a thread end of the bobbin thread is housed is provided between the outer flange and the flange of the bobbin main body.
US09540207B1

A tape applicator having an edge folding structure includes a main body and an edge folding block. The edge folding block is provided with a transverse press board, a longitudinal reverse folding block, a longitudinal reverse folding reinforcement block, and a longitudinal flattening board. A distance is defined between the flattening board and the reverse folding reinforcement block. An outer side of the reverse folding block is pivotally connected with a folding post. The tape applicator has a simple structure and can be assembled easily with the folding post to be pivoted to the outer side of the reverse folding block. The tape applicator enables the tape to form a nonstick side edge exactly for the user to tear off the tape from a packing.
US09540206B2

An image forming apparatus, having a housing, a flapper swingable relatively to the housing between a first position and a second position; a pressure link swingable relatively to the housing and the flapper, a first contact surface arranged on the housing, a first urging member to urge the flapper to swing relatively to the pressure link toward the first contact surface, a second urging member to urge the pressure link to act on the flapper to tend toward staying in the first position, and a flapper switcher having a pressure applier movable between a pressing position and a separated position, is provided. The flapper is swingable relatively to the pressure link against an urging force from the first urging member, after the pressure applier presses the pressure link to move the flapper from the first position to the second position and when the flapper contacts the first contact surface.
US09540191B2

Systems and methods for processing stackable articles, such as, frozen hamburgers or compact disks, are provided. The systems include mechanisms for determining the number of articles in a stack of articles, a transfer device adapted to transfer the articles when the number of articles equals a predetermined number of articles, a gripping device adapted to receive the stacks of articles from the transfer device, an automated manipulator adapted to transfer the gripping device with the stacks of articles, and a mechanism for discharging the stacks of articles from the gripping device to, for example, a container. The systems and methods may also provide staging areas adapted to receive the stack of articles and then transfer the stack of articles to the gripping device. Though aspects of the invention may be uniquely adapted to handle food items, aspects of the invention may also be used for non-food items.
US09540190B2

Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of portable receptacles within a materials handling facility are described. The materials handling facility utilizes at least one linear induction motor (LIM) to move the portable receptacles having conductive elements from a first location to a second location within the facility. The LIMs may be configured such that most, if not all, of the movement of the receptacles is controlled by the application of energy from the LIMs to the conductive elements of the receptacles. This energy may cause the receptacles to move from one LIM to another LIM, where each LIM in sequence can apply force to the receptacle to pass it to the next LIM in the sequence. In some implementations, the portable receptacles are configured such that at least a base portion of the receptacle includes a conductive element to interact with the LIMs, while maintaining an overall light-weight configuration.
US09540181B2

A pallet for conveying pieces or components in assembly lines. The pallet includes a base structure, a rotatable platform above the base structure, a pair of vertical uprights, a pair of vertical columns respectively supported within said vertical uprights and an arch-shaped cross-member selectively engageable with the vertical columns. The arch cross-member selectively connected to an assembly component whereby the component may selectively be positioned at different heights and angular orientations to the platform and base for ease of access to the component by a user.
US09540164B1

A time-delay actuator assembly is disclosed that can dispense chemicals from an aerosol container. The time-delay actuator assembly is mountable to the aerosol container and includes an inner cap, an outer cap adjacent the inner cap, a retainer coupled to the outer cap, a biasing member, and a time-delay member between the inner cap and the outer cap that resists essentially axial movement between the inner cap and the outer cap when the outer cap has been rotated to align a guide member with an essentially axial section of a guide track, thereby causing a time-delay between when the guide member is aligned with the essentially axial section and when chemicals are dispensed from the aerosol container.
US09540161B2

A flexible package including a package body including a first side-surface film and a second side-surface film sealed in a peripheral portion. The package body has sealed portions formed in side edge portions such that a non-sealed portion is formed in at least one of the sealed portions. The non-sealed portion has a gas injection portion containing a gas which has a specific heat at constant volume of 0.67 kJ/kg·deg or higher at 0° C. and 1 atm. The gas injection portion has a diameter of from 3 to 50 mm and is formed such that a repelling force is from 4 to 30 N at 23° C. and 1 atm when an entire gas injection portion is nipped from both sides of the first and second side-surface films and squeezed until a nipped gas injection portion has a width equal to a half of the diameter of the gas injection portion.
US09540160B2

In a packaging for filler materials, in particular a bag or pouch made of a plastic film, with a packaging wall enclosing the filler material, which is formed by means of at least one front and rear wall (2, 3, 22, 23), wherein the front and rear wall are joined to one another in the base region (5, 25) via a stand base (4, 24), which is formed from at least two inner layers of an in-fold of a tubular web section folded at least on one side in the longitudinal direction; the front and rear walls (2, 3, 22, 23) each have a fold-over (7, 8, 27, 28) in the header region (6, 26) of the packaging (1, 21), wherein the upper wall section of one of the walls (2, 23) is folded over upon itself so as to form a multi-layer region (16, 40), and wherein the upper wall section of the other wall (3, 22) is folded over with its inner face onto the multi-layer region (16, 40) so as to form an overlap region (17, 41), and in the overlap region (17, 41) at least one joining seam (9, 29) is provided, by means of which certain layers of the walls (2, 3, 22, 23) of the packaging (1, 21) are at least partially joined together to form a closure.
US09540158B1

A base for supporting a component of an appliance and a method of assembling the same, is formed from a single sheet having four opposing sides and a top of the base when erected. Two of the opposing sides include inner and outer panels that are affixed to one another to maintain the base in the erected configuration, and define an internal cavity therein for receiving the appliance component. When a force is applied to the appliance, the erected base supports the component, which may be the motor of a washing machine, within the internal cavity to inhibit movement of the component.
US09540150B1

A stopper for use with a container containing liquids, solids, or gases. The stopper includes a main body. The main body includes an upper portion. The upper portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of an opening of the container. The stopper also includes a flexible sheath affixed to the stopper. The sheath can be rolled down an exterior surface of the container to facilitate a seal of the container. In addition, the main body includes an annular groove sized and shaped to retain the sheath when rolled up. In one embodiment the present invention may include a lower portion having a plug sized and shaped to fit within the opening of the container to prevent liquids, solids, or gases contained in the container from exiting the opening.
US09540148B2

A single-dose container for storing and dispensing products, the container comprises a flexible body defining an interior cavity and having an end sealable by joining a first inner side of the inner surface of the body to an opposite inner side of the inner surface of the body, a second end of the body having a shoulder and a protuberance with the protuberance defining a dispensing orifice and having a sealing edge, a seal membrane shaped to overlie the sealing edge and to cover the dispensing orifice, a tab portion extending from the seal membrane, and wherein the seal membrane is removable affixed to the sealing edge.
US09540145B2

A storage bag includes first and second sidewalls that are directly connected without a pleat between the sidewalls at a bottom of the bag. The bag includes a plurality of shift regions at bottom portions of the sidewalls. The bag can be moved about the shift regions such that the bag is shiftable between a flat configuration with the first and second sidewalls positioned adjacent to each other and a stand-up configuration with the first and second sidewalls separated from each other. In the stand-up configuration, the bag is shifted about the shift regions such that a substantially flat base is formed for the bag. The stand-up configuration is thereby achieved without a pleat being provided between the sidewalls at a bottom of the bag. The bag further includes a cuff region that is disposed below the top of the bag for cuffing of the top of the bag.
US09540138B2

The invention relates to a plastic collapsible storage and transport container comprising a bottom part (2) with four collapsible sidewalls (3, 4) arranged in an articulated manner on the bottom part (2). Two opposing first sidewalls can be detachably engaged with the two other opposing second sidewalls (4) The container (1) also comprises a cover (5) and means for sealing (56) the cover to the container in a fixed manner. The bottom part (2) formed by a bottom frame (15) and a bottom plate (16) comprises at least two inwardly open and outwardly closed recesses (19) along each frame side (17, 18), said recesses having lateral boreholes extending parallel to the frame sides (17, 18) of the bottom frame (15). Said recesses (19) are used to receive molded parts (21) formed on the first and second sidewalls (3, 4), provided with lugs (22) extending parallel to the lower edges of the sidewalls (3, 4). Said lugs (22) can be inserted into the lateral boreholes (20) of the recess (19) and rotated therein in such a way that they form a hinge-type connection between the bottom part (2) and the sidewalls (3, 4). The cover is formed by two cover halves (5) connected to opposite sidewalls (4) of the container (1) by means of cover hinges (7).
US09540123B2

A packaging machine and method for filling bags with a supporting structure to which at least one filling box is fastened which includes a conveyor element and to which a weighing device and a filling spout are assigned. A control device is provided. The filling box is retained non-communicating with the supporting structure and the assigned filling box and is weighed separately by the assigned weighing device to discharge from the filling box a predefined quantity of intended fill product by way of differential weighing and to fill it into the bag through the filling spout. The control device controls the strength of a volume flow into the bag over the time of the filling process so that the intended fill product is maintained at a high fill height while overflow is simultaneously prevented.
US09540120B2

A drop test device includes a suspension frame, a delay roller which is placed and mounted on the suspension frame, and at least one suspension cable, a first end of which is connected in a stationary manner to an attachment point on the outer surface of the delay roller and a second end of which includes a mounting which can be releasably or fixedly connected to a drop object.
US09540105B2

An aircraft for distributing granular material on a target area is provided. The aircraft includes an electric sifter, which includes a motor to distribute the granular material on the target area and a screen on the bottom surface of the electric sifter. The screen allows the granular material to pass through the screen to the target area. The aircraft also includes a circuit to activate the motor, one or more power sources to power the motor and the circuit, and an interface for an operator to control the circuit. The granular material is stored in the electric sifter. The operator manipulates the interface to signal the circuit to activate the motor. The electric sifter distributes the granular material when the motor is activated.
US09540103B2

A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes rotors that provide vertical and horizontal thrust. During forward motion, the vertical lift system is inactive. A lift fan mechanism positions the fan blades of the aircraft in a collapsed configuration when the vertical lift system is inactive and positions the fan blades of the aircraft in a deployed configuration when the vertical lift system is active.
US09540097B2

A multifunction device for an undercarriage. The device comprises at least a first shaft rotatably mounted on the aircraft to rotate about an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to a hinge axis hinging the undercarriage to the aircraft, and a telescopic second shaft rotatably mounted in the undercarriage and extending down along the undercarriage to the proximity of wheels carried thereby. A motor is adapted to cause the first shaft to rotate. The telescopic second shaft is a single shaft that extends inside the undercarriage to the proximity of an axle carrying the wheels of the undercarriage. The second shaft is connected to a differential connected to the wheels via drive shafts extending inside the axle.
US09540095B2

There is described an aerodynamic surface drive mechanism (20) containing at least a drive combination (50, 50′), each drive combination (50, 50′) comprising a fixed element (21) associated to a fixed aircraft structure and a first mobile component (22) connected pivotably by a first end to the fixed element (21) by way of an articulation axis (E) and associated to an actuator (30) by an opposite end, the aerodynamic surface drive mechanism (20) further comprises a second mobile component (23) rotationally associated to the first mobile component (22) by way of primary swivel joints (24, 24′) linearly disposed along a vertical axis (Y) and rotationally connected to the aerodynamic surface (40) by way of secondary swivel joints (25, 25′) linearly disposed along a horizontal axis (Z); the first mobile component (22) and the second mobile component (23) simultaneously moving the aerodynamic surface (40) linearly and rotatively by means of the actuator (30) and of the primary swivel joints (24, 24′) and secondary swivel joints (25, 25′).
US09540094B2

Enriching and balancing the acoustic spectrum radiated by a propeller by introducing a differential pitch angle on certain blades of the propeller. Modifying the acoustic spectrum makes it possible to render the propeller noise more pleasant to the human ear.
US09540088B1

An outboard engine has a bracket. A drive unit mounted thereto is pivotable about a steering axis with respect thereto by a steering actuator. A motor operatively connected to the steering actuator is mounted to the bracket and rotationally fixed with respect thereto about the steering axis. A control module includes a motor drive electrically connected to the motor and configured to be connected to a power source. An electrically conductive thermal element is electrically connected to the motor. A temperature of the thermal element is indicative of a temperature of the motor. A controller is configured to obtain the temperature of the thermal element and to control power delivered to the motor via the motor drive based at least in part on the temperature of the thermal element. The controller and the thermal element are mounted to the drive unit and pivotable therewith about the steering axis.
US09540087B2

The invention relates to vessel (1) comprising a hull (3) and a deck (2), a substantially cylindrical rotor (6) having a peripheral wall (8) rotatable with respect to the deck (2) around a longitudinal center line (20), the rotor (6) being mounted on the deck (2) in such a manner that in an operational state the rotor (6) is substantially vertically oriented, characterized in that a flap (18) is arranged near the rotor (6) extending substantially in a plane which is parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor (6), and the length of the flap chord (Rfc) is between 20%-90% of the rotor (6) diameter (Dr), wherein the position of the flap (18) can be adjusted with reference to the longitudinal center line (20).
US09540073B1

A substantially circular watercraft has a buoyant, generally toroidal hull supporting a rigid deck with an outer periphery in substantial conformance with the perimeter of the hull. The deck has an opening located above the central opening of the hull to permit placement of power means to drive and steer the watercraft. The hull is made of a substantially rigid material and in a preferred embodiment the hull and deck are formed from a molded plastic. The leading edge of the watercraft is equipped with a “Carolina flare” which provides greater ease of movement through the water.
US09540071B2

The invention provides a wireless control system for a bicycle, including at least one shift actuator generating an input signal when actuated and a master control unit transmitting a shift signal responsive to the input signal. At least one electromechanical gear changer is provided and includes a gear changer control unit. The gear changer control unit receives the shift signal from the master control unit and controls the at least one electromechanical gear changer corresponding to the received shift signal. The gear changer control unit listens for the shift signal during a part of an awake mode cycle time, the master control unit transmitting the shift signal for a message duration time which is greater than the awake mode cycle time.
US09540069B2

A vehicle, particularly a bicycle, including a crank drive that is to be actuated by muscular force and that is disconnectably drive-connected to at least one driven wheel, and also including an electrical auxiliary drive for assisting the crank drive. The vehicle can be driven solely by the auxiliary drive when the drive connection between the crank drive and the wheel is disconnected. In addition, a control device for the auxiliary drive is preferably connected to a sensor which detects the crank rotational speed.
US09540059B2

A safety device for use with a fifth wheel trailer hitch. The safety device is mounted to a first and second rail, these rails secure both the fifth wheel hitch and the safety device to the frame of a vehicle. The safety device is generally U-shaped and extends rearwardly of the fifth wheel hitch to a catch. The catch is defined as the base of the “U” and serves to catch the king pin of a trailer in case the king pin is loosed from the fifth wheel hitch.
US09540056B2

A mobile deflector device of a curved vehicle shield, comprising a central deflector and two lateral deflectors, essentially forming three chords distributed over the entire length of the shield. Each of the three deflectors is mounted such as to be able to pivot between a folded position and a second unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the first position.
US09540055B2

An underbody unit for a motor vehicle body has a floor body (12) connectable to the motor vehicle body for dissipating static and/or dynamic loads. Reinforcing ribs (14) protrude up from the floor body (12). The reinforcing ribs (14) together with the floor body (12) delimit receiving pockets (16) for receiving battery cell units (18) of a traction battery for driving the motor vehicle. First and second connections (34, 36) supply and remove a liquid cooling medium for cooling the floor body (12). The battery cell units (18) are above the floor body (12) and can be inserted into the underbody unit (10). Thus, the underbody unit (10), the reinforcing ribs (14) and the connections (34, 36) for the coolant define a supporting plate that can support the heavy battery cell units (18), form armor plating for protection and a heat exchanger for active and/or passive cooling.
US09540052B2

A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame assembly supported by the plurality of ground-engaging members, and a powertrain assembly. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a body generally surrounding the frame assembly and including a hood, dashboard assembly, and a side panel.
US09540051B2

A tailgate of a type used in pickup trucks and other vehicles, and a method of operating such a tailgate. The tailgate includes a front/interior side, an oppositely-disposed rear/exterior side, lateral ends, and hinges disposed at the lateral ends and configured for pivotably coupling the tailgate to a vehicle. The tailgate further includes at least a first seat integrated into the tailgate between the front/interior side, the rear/exterior side, and the lateral ends. The seat comprises a seat back defined by a first rotatable portion of the front/interior side, and a seat cushion that is recessed into an interior region of the tailgate between the front/interior and rear/exterior sides. The seat cushion is exposed by rotating the seat back from a closed position in which the seat back is aligned with the front/interior side to an open position in which the seat back is deployed away from the front/interior side.
US09540046B2

The invention relates to a subframe for a motor vehicle, comprising two front node elements (1) for connecting to a vehicle body, which node elements are spaced from each other in a vehicle transverse direction (y) and are connected to each other by means of a front subframe cross member (3), and comprising at least one functional part (28), in particular a rotary actuator, which extends adjacently to the subframe cross member (3) in a vehicle transverse direction (y), by means of which functional part a torsion can be applied to torsion springs that act on the vehicle wheel suspension. According to the invention, the subframe cross member (3) has an opening, which provides an additional installation space, in which the functional part (28) at least partially protrudes.
US09540041B2

After a Hall IC sensor is set in a connector in such a manner that the Hall IC sensor and a harness are electrically connected to each other, the connector and the Hall IC sensor are inserted from an opposite side of a connector insertion hole in a radial direction toward one side of the connection insertion hole in the radial direction, and a first magnetism collection ring and a second magnetism collection ring are inserted into a torque sensor container portion from a first opening portion in such a manner that the Hall IC sensor is situated between the first magnetism collection ring and the second magnetism collection ring in the radial direction.
US09540035B2

A control apparatus controls a motor of an electric power steering system including: an input shaft connected to a steering member; a column shaft connected to the input shaft; a turning device that includes a rack and pinion mechanism, and turns a wheel; and the motor. The control apparatus includes a reliability computation portion that computes a reliability according to an abnormality detection state regarding at least one of a current sensor, a torque sensor, and a rotational angle sensor; a steering-shaft load estimation portion that estimates a steering shaft load using a current corresponding value, a torque corresponding value, and a rotational angle corresponding value; and a weight changing portion that changes a weighting of the current corresponding value, the torque corresponding value, or the rotational angle corresponding value according to the reliability.
US09540033B2

A steering column for a vehicle having an anti-rotation feature is provided. The steering column includes a lower jacket and an upper jacket configured for telescopic movement relative to the lower jacket. A telescope drive bracket is coupled to the upper jacket. A telescope actuator is operably coupled to the telescope drive bracket and configured to telescopically move the upper jacket relative to the lower jacket.
US09540008B2

A traveling stop control device for a transport vehicle includes: a torque command value setting module that sets a torque command value for the transport vehicle based on a target speed and an actual speed of the transport vehicle; a threshold value setting module that sets an upper limit threshold value for the torque command value based on information regarding the state of the transport vehicle; and a traveling stop determination module that determines the traveling stop of the transport vehicle. The traveling stop determination module determines the traveling stop of the transfer vehicle on condition that the torque command value exceeds the upper limit threshold value and that the actual speed of the transport vehicle is zero or close to zero.
US09540004B2

A vehicle control system is provided. The vehicle control system is applied to a vehicle having a clutch device adapted to selectively connect and disconnect a power transmission route between a prime mover and drive wheels. The vehicle control system disconnects the power transmission route during running to allow the vehicle to coast. The vehicle control system is comprised of: a means detecting a vehicle speed; a means detecting an operation of an accelerator by a driver; a means detecting a braking operation of the driver; an execution means executing a coasting control when an operating amount of the accelerator is reduced to be smaller than a predetermined value during running, by bringing the clutch device into disengagement to disconnect the power transmission route so as to allow the vehicle to coast; a determination means determining whether or not a deceleration demand of the driver is larger than a predetermined value during execution of the coasting control based on the vehicle speed and the braking operation; and a termination means determining a fact that the deceleration demand is strong if the deceleration demand is larger than the predetermined value, and that terminates the coasting control by bringing the clutch device into engagement to connect the power transmission route.
US09540003B2

In order to reliably assist a driver in emergency detour steering without causing a jerking forward motion of the vehicle during normal operation, a vehicle motion control device includes: a risk potential estimator that estimates a risk potential of a vehicle based on input external information and vehicle information; a vehicle longitudinal motion controller that generates a longitudinal motion control command of the vehicle based on a vehicle lateral jerk and a predetermined gain; and a gain adjustor that adjusts the gain, in which the gain adjustor adjusts the gain based on the risk potential estimated by the risk potential estimator.
US09540001B2

A parking assistance device includes: a route information storage unit storing in advance route information indicating a travel route at the time of parking, the route information being stored according to the forward start position; an inclination calculation unit configured to calculate a current inclination of a vehicle length direction of the vehicle with respect to the target parking position; an offset amount setting unit configured to set an offset amount in the interval direction of the forward route between the current vehicle position and the position at which the vehicle length direction is parallel with the forward route; and a guiding unit configured to guide the vehicle to the target parking position based on a travel route adjacent to the position at which the vehicle length direction is parallel with the forward route.
US09539996B2

A drive-home button is provided in the dashboard of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The driver presses this button when heading home or to other predetermined destination at which charging is routinely performed. The actual route, the driving style, and other relevant vehicle/road information during the trip home are stored to build up a statistical database. During a present trip home, a highly probably route is predicted based on prior trips and an energy management profile is calculated. The commands to the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are selected to cause the vehicle's battery to be substantially discharged upon arriving at home based on actual data of energy usage by the operator of the vehicle during prior trips. By using actual data, the prediction of energy usage is more accurate allowing more complete discharge of the battery.
US09539995B2

A wheel chock system includes a chock, a sensor disposed within the chock to sense the proximity to the tire, an outside light box, and an inside control panel. Lamps on the outside light box provide a visual indication as to when the chock is in close proximity to the wheel. Lights on the inside control panel provide a visual indication of the loading dock safety status. The wheel chock system further includes a controller coupled to the inside control panel, programmed to change visual indications of both the outside light signal box and the inside control panel, based at least on the sensor and a loading dock door sensor. The wheel chock system further includes a camera positioned to view the tire and the chock and convey an image of the tire and the chock to a display on or near the inside control panel.
US09539992B2

A method is provided for operating an electromechanical vehicle brake system having an ESP module and at least two brake circuits, each brake circuit comprising high and low pressure switching valves, a low pressure storage device, and two wheel brakes. The method comprises, in advance of a possible breaking procedure and based on a trigger factor, filling the low pressure storage device with an amount of brake fluid at a first pre-pressure. Subsequently, an ESP pump is used to fill the vehicle brake system, including the low pressure storage device, with an adjustable amount of final pre-pressure. All valves are closed when the final pre-pressure is achieved. The method further comprises, during a braking procedure, opening respective inlet valves of the wheel brakes and supplying at least a part of the final pre-pressure to at least one wheel brake of the vehicle brake system.
US09539978B2

A curtain airbag for a vehicle includes a main chamber shaped in such a way that, in the position being mounted on the vehicle, in the inflated state the main chamber covers an inner side structure of the vehicle. The curtain airbag further includes an additional chamber which, in the mounting position, is located on the in driving direction of the vehicle front portion of the main chamber, and deploys in the direction of the interior of the vehicle when the curtain airbag is inflated. An extended section connects the additional chamber and the main chamber at a rim section at the same side and limits movement of the additional chamber during the inflation process.
US09539977B2

An airbag apparatus includes a cylindrical-shaped inflator that generates gas, an airbag that is inflated by the gas generated by the inflator, a retainer body to which the inflator is attached and fixed and including an insertion hole into which the inflator can be inserted, a flange member that is caulked or press-fitted to the inflator and that constrains the inflator from moving toward one end side in an axial direction and includes an insertion hole into which the inflator can be inserted and a flange surface extending outward in a radial direction, and a retaining member that constrains the inflator from moving toward another end side in the axial direction. The inflator is attached and fixed to the retainer body by bolting the retainer body and the flange member.
US09539976B2

A head protecting airbag device includes: an airbag configured to cover a window of a vehicle; a winding band wound around a folded body which is formed by folding the airbag, the winding band including: an attachment portion being pressed and locked to an attachment target portion; a band body wound around the folded body; an engaging claw portion formed at one end of the band body; and an engaging target portion disposed at the other end of the band body; and a pressing portion, having a pressing operation surface configured to press-fit the engaging claw portion into an engaging concave portion, disposed at a claw-side end of the band body, wherein the attachment portion is disposed at a concave-side end of the band body so that the press-fit direction to the attachment target portion at the time of locking is substantially perpendicular to the pressing operation surface.
US09539973B2

A floor portion structure that serves as a right foot protecting structure has a tibia pad that is provided at a portion, where a right foot of a vehicle occupant is placed, at a dash panel of a vehicle. In a case in which the tibia pad receives compressive load from the right foot at a time of a vehicle collision, the tibia pad is deformed in a shape that is inclined downwardly to the right such that a right side portion in a vehicle transverse direction at a region of contact with the right foot becomes lower than a left side portion, or is deformed such that the left side portion in the vehicle transverse direction at the region of contact with the right foot generates greater reaction force than the right side portion.
US09539972B2

A method for operating a trigger device for an occupant protection unit includes: activating a first switch (high side) of the trigger device for occupant protection units; activating a second switch (low side) of the trigger device for occupant protection units; detecting an output voltage at the second switch (low side); and deactivating the second switch (low side) as a function of the output voltage.
US09539961B2

The present invention provides an autonomous emergency braking system of a vehicle including a sensor module which radiates a signal when the vehicle is being driven to the front of the vehicle to detect an object in front of the vehicle, an autonomous control module which determines whether the object collides with the vehicle and when it is determined that the object collides with the vehicle, puts the brake on the vehicle, and a sensor control module that when the vehicle puts on the brakes and is forwardly inclined, adjusts a signal radiating direction of the sensor module to control the sensor module to detect the object.
US09539958B2

An assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel having first and second outer layers of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material is provided. The core has first and second portions positioned between the outer layers. The second outer layer is bonded to the core by the second sheet by press molding. The first outer layer includes a first portion bonded to the first portion of the core by the first sheet by press molding and a second portion bonded to the second portion of the core to form a mounting flange pivotally connected to the first portion of the first outer layer. A component is mounted to the flange to pivot with the flange. A living hinge allows the flange and the mounted component to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the first outer layer.
US09539957B2

A vehicle tool box assembly includes a storage area disposed in a vehicle cargo space and a tool box disposed in the storage area. The tool box includes a body having opposite first and second end walls and an upper surface extending between upper ends of the first and second end walls. A plurality of cut-outs is formed in the upper surface and configured to receive tools. A first lip extends upwardly from the upper surface at the first end wall. A second lip extends upwardly from the upper surface at the second end wall. A cover member is received by the tool box. The cover member includes a first recess received by the first lip and a second recess received by the second lip, thereby substantially preventing movement of the cover member relative to the tool box.
US09539956B2

An accessory system for a vehicle includes a bracket having a windshield-facing side and a cabin-facing side. The windshield-facing side of the bracket is configured to be bonded by an adhesive at a first windshield location to an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. The cabin-facing side of the bracket includes first structure. An accessory module is configured to mount to the bracket. A housing of the accessory module has second structure that directly engages the first structure of the bracket when mounting the housing to the bracket. An electronic device and circuitry are housed by the housing. With the accessory module mounted to the bracket attached to the vehicle windshield, the circuitry may be in communication with a vehicle bus system of the vehicle.
US09539949B2

A hanger assembly for suspending items from a seat in a vehicle includes a hanging unit that may be removably coupled to the seat. The hanging unit may have a plurality of items supported thereon such that the items are suspended from the seat. The hanging unit comprises a mount coupled to the seat. A plurality of hooks is movably coupled to the mount and each of the hooks may have the items suspended thereon.
US09539946B2

A vehicle mirror assembly has a mirror retention plate having two parallel free edges and a replaceable mirror plate having a first surface to which the mirror is attached and a second surface opposite said first surface. The second surface has two parallel edges which includes projections on one of said edges able to retain one of said edges of the retention plate. On the second edge of said second surface of the mirror plate is a releasable locking mechanisms engageable with the other of said free edges of the retention plate. This allows the mirror plate to be simply snapped into position and released by triggering the release mechanism.
US09539944B2

A vehicle apparatus includes a seat and a transducer configured to vibrate such that a vibration is felt by a person sitting in the seat. A transducer control signal that is transmitted to the transducer is based on output from a sensor of the apparatus configured to measure data including parameters indicative of at least one of a vehicle system function, a vehicle environment, and driver state, or on output from the vehicle system indicating parameters related to the vehicle system, vehicle environment, or driver state.
US09539942B2

A method of controlling an ambient light feature of a cup holder assembly having one or more cup holders includes providing a light source having a light output of varying luminous intensity, sensing an amount of light reflected from an object received in one of the cup holders using a light sensor, and controlling the luminous intensity of the light output based on the amount of light reflected and the distance between the object and a sidewall of the cup holder assembly. In this method, a change in the amount of light reflected from an object received in one of the cup holders correlates to a change in the luminous intensity provided by the light source, and a change in the distance between the object received the cup holder and the sidewall of the cup holders correlates to a change in the luminous intensity provided by the light source.
US09539935B2

The invention relates to a screw connection (1) in ha headlight of a motor vehicle, which has a threaded element (10) with a screw shaft (11) that is screwed into a screw-in opening (12) of a headlight component (13). According to the invention, a protective sleeve (14) has been provided and mounted on at least a portion of the screw shaft (11) in such a way that the protective sleeve (14) covers the screw-in opening (12).
US09539927B2

A seed cart includes first and second mating frames. The hopper is mounted on the first frame for holding seed and has an outlet to discharge the seed. A conveyor is mounted on the second frame for movement between seed loading and unloading positions. A plurality of cylinders with extendible and retractable arms control the desired position of the conveyor. A plurality of load cells are mounted on the second frame and support the first frame. The weigh scales weigh the first frame, the hopper, and the seed in the hopper, without weighing the conveyor. Therefore, an accurate amount of seed can be dispensed from the hopper via the conveyor. Wheels and a hitch tongue can be detachably mounted on the second frame to convert the cart from a stationary unit to a mobile unit.
US09539926B2

A hinge mechanism includes a resin base member, and a support rotatably and pivotally mounted to the base member. The base member is formed by blow molding so as to be hollowed. The base member integrally includes a hinge member for rotatably and pivotally mounting the support to the base member. The hinge member is set in a molding die for clamping at the time of the blow molding of the base member, so as to be molded integrally with the base member.
US09539918B2

An adjustable vehicle seat (1) has a seat part (2) and a backrest part (3) which is pivotable relative to the seat part about a backrest pivot axis (6) and is lockable in a design position (the backrest is approximately upright) and in a table position (the backrest rests on the seat part). Two locking devices (90) are kinematically assigned to the seat part and an unlocking unit (10) is kinematically assigned to the backrest, for unlocking the locking devices (90). The unlocking unit (10) is connected to the locking devices (90) by two Bowden cables (83, 84). A passage element (80), that is approximately cylindrical, is fastened to the seat part with a cylinder axis aligned with the backrest pivot axis (6) and with a first Bowden cable passage opening (81) and a second Bowden cable passage opening (82) arranged at a same distance from the backrest pivot axis.
US09539914B2

The Brushless Multiphase Self-Commutation Controller or BMSCC is an adjustable speed drive for reliable, contact-less and stable self-commutation control of electric apparatus, including electric motors and generators. BMSCC transforms multiphase electrical excitation from one frequency to variable frequency that is automatically synchronized to the movement of the electric apparatus without traditional estimation methods of commutation and frequency synthesis using derivatives of electronic, electro-mechanical, and field-oriented-control. Instead, BMSCC comprises an analog electromagnetic computer with synchronous modulation techniques to first establish magnetic energy and then dynamically share packets of magnetic energy between phase windings of a multiphase, position dependent flux, high frequency transformer by direct AC-to-AC conversion without an intermediate DC conversion stage.
US09539912B2

Hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles include a traction battery comprised of many cells. Controlling a battery system may require that a battery state of charge and a battery capacity be known. The state of charge and battery capacity values may be derived from estimated traction battery model parameters. The accuracy of the estimated model parameters depends on the signal richness and convergence properties of the estimation scheme. Accurate model parameters may be estimated when a persistent excitation condition and an estimation convergence condition are met. If the conditions are not met, active excitation of the battery may be performed to improve the chances of meeting the conditions.
US09539906B2

The earth's magnetic field has not been mined as a source of energy. With average field strength of 0.5×10−4 Tesla around the world it is easy to understand why. A disruptive technology is needed to mine the earth's magnetic field. Such a technology, graphene, is now at an early stage of development with excellent properties in the form of high conductivity, low resistivity, durable, light weight, low cost sheets. Multiple sheets of graphene provide a significant multiplier to earth's magnetic field yielding a feasible source of ecologically clean power. Graphene based EcoCharge units can be driven by electric motors putting graphene in motion to mine the earth's magnetic field. Estimates show that for a Solar Impulse 2 like electric plane, eight EcoCharge units weighing 64 lbs generate 60 kW RMS continuously replacing 3,000 lbs of photovoltaic cells generating 50 kW RMS during the day only.
US09539904B2

A method of controlling a battery electric vehicle includes displaying an energy consumption parameter to a vehicle operator. The energy consumption parameter is based on a filtered energy usage rate. The filtered energy usage rate is defined by a weighted incremental energy consumption rate measured over a first distance and an average energy consumption rate learned over a second distance. The second distance exceeds the first distance.
US09539894B2

A fuel tank includes a tank body having an outer wall formed of a synthetic resin layer having a multilayer structure. The tank body has at least an inner body layer (an inner adhesive layer and an inner base layer) and an outer body layer (a skin layer, an outer base layer, and an outer adhesive layer) between which a barrier layer is interposed. A structure having an air layer therein is attached to the outer side of the skin layer of the outer body layer.
US09539892B2

The transmission includes an input shaft rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and a countershaft arranged substantially parallel with the input shaft and rotatable about a second axis of rotation. An output member is operatively connected to rotate in unison with the countershaft. Multiple pairs of intermeshing gears are included, each having a respective synchronizable gear that rotates about one of the input shaft and the countershaft, and a respective fixed gear mounted to the other one of the input shaft and the countershaft to rotate in unison therewith. An electric motor has a rotor concentric with and rotatable about the first axis of rotation. A first synchronizer is selectively engageable to synchronize rotation of the rotor with the input shaft. A second synchronizer is selectively engageable to synchronize rotation of the rotor with one of the synchronizable gears that rotates about the input shaft.
US09539891B2

A hybrid vehicle driving apparatus includes: an engine; a first rotator; a second rotator; a first differential mechanism configured to transmit a rotation of the engine to a driving wheel side; and a switching device configured to shift the first differential mechanism. The first rotator is coaxially disposed with the engine, the second rotator is disposed with the engine, the second rotator is disposed on a different axis from an axis of the engine to constitute a multiple-axis system, the first differential mechanism is coaxially disposed with and between the engine and the first rotator, and the switching device is disposed at an opposite side from the engine with respect to the first rotator.
US09539883B2

A window assembly includes an outer window panel, an inner window panel, a conductive layer disposed at an inner surface of the inner window panel, a spacer element, and a roller shade disposed within an interpane cavity established between the inner and outer window panels by the spacer element. The roller shade has an end fixedly attached at an anchor stop along a perimeter portion of the spacer element. A dielectric layer is disposed between the roller shade and the conductive layer. The roller shade is electrically deployable to coil and uncoil between a coiled light transmitting condition and an at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition. The roller shade is electrically operable via applying a voltage at the transparent conductive layer and at the anchor stop to uncoil the roller shade from the coiled light transmitting condition to the at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition.
US09539863B2

In a pneumatic tire, a single block includes a first sipe and a second sipe each extending in a tire width direction and disposed at a predetermined pitch in a tire circumferential direction. The first sipe and the second sipe include a first sipe portion that has a linear form when the block is viewed planarly, and a second sipe portion that has a zigzag shape when the block is viewed planarly and that connects to the first sipe portion. The first sipe portion includes a pair of sipe wall faces that face each other and have a linear form when viewed as a cross-section from a direction perpendicular to a sipe length direction, and includes a protrusion disposed on a first face of the sipe wall faces and a recess disposed on a second face of the sipe wall faces so as to mate with the protrusion.
US09539856B2

The wheel is all-metal, and is suitable for use on the moon. The wheel includes tread-plates mounted on leaf-springs, which deflect to permit suspension movement. The leaf-springs are flexible, light, and thin, yet are made strong enough to cope with heavy traction forces by the provision of hoop-cables, which link all the tread-plates together.
US09539841B2

An image erasing apparatus comprises a reading unit configured to read a sheet having an image printed thereon with decolorable colorant and an owner information image printed thereon with decolorable colorant, and to identify a first owner information based on the owner information image. The apparatus further comprises a decoloring unit configured to decolor the sheet read by the reading unit and an authenticating unit configured to receive a second owner information. The apparatus further comprises a determining unit configured to determine a correlation between a user corresponding to the first owner information and a user corresponding to the second owner information, and an erasing controller configured to selectively control the decoloring unit to decolor the image and the owner information image based on the correlation.
US09539839B2

In order to obtain a ribbon feeding shaft capable of accurately adjusting a position of a regulating member and preventing a positional deviation, a long sheet material holding device includes a pair of first locking groove trains (91c and 91d) arranged in parallel with each other along the axial direction of the holding shaft (91), the pair of first locking groove trains (91c and 91d) having a series of grooves (61c and 61d) respectively, the series of grooves (61c and 61d) extending across the axial direction of the holding shaft (91), each of the series of grooves (61c and 61d) being provided with slope surfaces (71c, 71d) sloped along the axial direction of the holding shaft (91) and oppositely to each other and perpendicular surfaces (81c, 81d) perpendicular to the axial direction of the holding shaft (91), and a pair of second locking groove trains (92c, 92d) formed in a pair of locking members (92x, 92y) provided in the regulating member 92 inserted into the holding shaft (91), to match the surfaces of the pair of first locking groove trains (91c and 91d).
US09539837B2

A tape cassette includes a generally rectangular housing, a tape, an opening, and a roller. The housing has a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall includes a top surface, a lower surface and a connection portion connecting. The housing defines first, second, third, and fourth corner portions. The lower surface includes a first portion between the connection portion and a side of the second corner portion and a second portion between the connection portion and a rear of the second corner portion with a space between the first portion and the second portion. An intersection of the connection portion and the lower surface includes a third portion that is a part of an edge forming the space between the first portion and the second portion.
US09539835B2

A calibration apparatus is disclosed herein. An example includes a printing mechanism, a media control mechanism, a sensor, and a processor. The processor controls the printing mechanism to print a first pattern of first elements on a print medium and a second pattern of second elements on the print medium that are interleaved with the first elements. The processor also actuates the media control mechanism to advance the print medium, determines a centroid of at least one of the first elements based on a first measured reflectance by the sensor, and determines a centroid of at least one of the second elements based on a second measured reflectance by the sensor. The processor also determines a print medium advance error based on the at least one determined centroid of the first elements and the at least one determined centroid of the interleaved second elements.
US09539827B2

A transportation apparatus includes a first velocity sensor that detects a first measure of the transportation velocity of a medium that is transported, and a second velocity sensor that detects a second measure of the transportation velocity of the medium. The first and second velocity sensors are positioned offset from each other in an intersecting direction that intercepts a transportation direction of the medium. A skew detection section calculates a velocity difference from the first and second measures of the transportation velocities, and determines a skew state of the medium on the basis of the velocity difference.
US09539822B2

A digital printing system includes components to apply an ink layer on a substrate, and a deinking applicator. The deinking applicator includes a reservoir and a roller. The reservoir is to contain a deinking solution. The roller is positioned to receive the deinking solution from the reservoir and to coat the substrate with the deinking solution prior to the application of the ink layer or subsequent to the application of the ink layer.
US09539820B2

A tank unit includes two or more liquid accommodating containers disposed in a row. Each of the liquid accommodating containers includes a main body having a concave shape defining a side opening and a film that blocks the side opening. The main body and the film at least partially define a liquid accommodating chamber for accommodating a liquid. The main body includes a facing wall that faces the film across the liquid accommodating chamber and has a wall larger than the side opening. The liquid accommodating containers are disposed such that the film of at least one of the liquid accommodating containers is covered by the facing wall of an adjacent one of the liquid accommodating containers.
US09539811B2

Inkjet head comprising a substrate having pressure chambers, which contain ink, communicate with respective nozzles from which the ink is ejected in a predetermined direction. A spacer substrate is disposed on an opposite side of a diaphragm from the predetermined direction. The diaphragm forms one surface of each of the pressure chambers, which is on an opposite side of the each of the pressure chambers from the predetermined direction. A wiring substrate is disposed on an opposite side of the spacer substrate from the predetermined direction. Actuators are in contact with the diaphragm in a space formed by the spacer substrate between the wiring substrate and the diaphragm, the actuators being electrically connected to respective wires of the wiring substrate. Differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between the pressure-chamber substrate, the diaphragm, the spacer substrate, and the wiring substrate are equal to or less than a predetermined value.
US09539802B2

An apparatus for depositing nanocomposite material comprising a nanocomposite-ink factory and inkjet printer. The nanocomposite-ink factory producing nanocomposite-ink and the inkjet printer receiving the nanocomposite-ink. The inkjet printer having a printhead and a positioning mechanism. The printhead having one or more nozzles to dispense nanocomposite-ink droplets.
US09539798B2

A composite structure comprising a parent structure having a hole, an insert in the hole, and a first patch bonded by adhesive to one side of the parent structure and one side of the insert. The first patch comprises a first multiplicity of pre-stressed members arranged in side-by-side relationship around a perimeter of the first patch. Each pre-stressed member is capable of returning to an unflexed curved state in the event that a strength of the bond between that pre-stressed member and an opposing portion of the parent structure becomes zero. The composite structure may further comprise a second patch bonded by adhesive to another side of the parent structure and another side of the insert. In one application, the composite structure is part of an aerial vehicle, e.g., a fuselage of an aircraft.
US09539793B2

The invention relates to a multilayer film comprising at least a tri-layer structure, said tri-layer structure being made up of a core polymer layer interposed between two covering polymer layers that each comprise polyethylene, wherein the core polymer layer comprises a melt blend of polyethylene, thermoplastic starch, and ethylene acrylic acid copolymer.
US09539792B2

A vulcanization-adhered laminate is constituted by a structure where a fluororubber layer and a synthetic rubber-containing layer are tightly adhered by vulcanization by vulcanization, and the synthetic rubber layer prior to the vulcanization-adhesion includes organic peroxide, silica, organic phosphonium salt, maleic anhydride-modified polybutadiene, and magnesium oxide.
US09539791B2

A metallic and magnetorheological multi-panel, which is constituted in a sandwich structure that consists of a core (2) that consists of a viscoelastic resin (2) of adhesive nature, in which are found, distributed in an isotropic or anisotropic manner with a proportion in volume of more than 5%; and Magnetorheological particles of ferromagnetic material and with sizes between 10 nm and 10μ, said core (1) being arranged between a first skin (11) of metallic non-magnetic nature and a second skin (12) of metallic non-magnetic nature equal to or different from the first skin. The ratio of the thickness (Hn) of the core with respect to any of the thicknesses (H1), (H2) of the first (11) and second (12) skins is less than 0.1 and more than 0.01.
US09539783B2

A removable conformal liner for a beverage container is described. When the liner is inserted into an internal cavity of a beverage container, the body of the liner substantially conforms to the interior cavity. The container liner is adapted to provide snug cuffing over the lip portion of the beverage container. In one embodiment a container liner is configured for heat shrink cuffing. In another embodiment a container liner is configured for stretch cuffing. A system for manual, mechanized and a combination of mechanized and manual installation of the removable conformal liner is disclosed.
US09539775B2

Disclosed are a device and a method for bonding an auxiliary secondary barrier for an LNG storage tank. The device for bonding an auxiliary secondary barrier includes: a frame; a driving unit, a portion of which is arranged in the frame, and which enables the frame to move on an upper heat insulation board corresponding to an exposed portion of a main secondary barrier; an adhesive applying unit arranged in the frame to apply an adhesive on the exposed portion; an auxiliary secondary barrier supply unit arranged in the frame to supply an auxiliary secondary barrier on the adhesive applied on the exposed portion; and one or more heating unit arranged in the frame to heat at least one of the exposed portion to which the adhesive contained in the adhesive applying unit is to be applied and the auxiliary secondary barrier to be supplied on the applied adhesive.
US09539768B2

A high-speed stack molding device utilizing a rotary multi-mould, including a base having a moving rail formed on an upper surface thereof; a mould-rotating unit disposed on the base and supporting both ends of a multi-mould to selectively rotate the multi-mould; a movable driving frame including vertical frames extending upward from slide-coupling parts, which are moved forward and rearward along the moving rail and an upper frame connecting upper end portions of the vertical frames to cover an upper portion of the multi-mould; a fiber-reinforced resin supplying unit connected to the movable driving frame and supplying a fiber discharged from a supplying roller to the upper frame through pressure rollers; and a stacking head provided at an end portion of an articulated robot arm connected operably to the upper frame for pressurizing and stacking the fiber-reinforced resin.
US09539761B2

The present invention relates to a process and to a device for manufacturing a hybrid contact lens (7, 21), from a composite part formed of a rigid central portion connected to a soft peripheral portion (9, 23) by an adhesive material (10, 24), to such a part and to such a lens. Starting from an oxygen-permeable rigid disc (2) and from a previously hydrated hydrophilic soft disc (3), a composite part (1) comprising three superposed layers is formed by bonding one disc to the other, said composite part (1) is dried for a defined time sufficient to allow the dehydration of the soft disc, then said composite part is dry cut with a machining tool by presenting the face of the hydrophilic soft portion (3) toward the tool in order to obtain the hybrid lens, by making a release strip (26) on the outer circumference (27) of the rigid peripheral portion.
US09539754B2

The present relates to a method of manufacturing a product by the steps of i) injecting a sufficiently heated thermoplastic material into a 1st cavity to form a preliminary product comprising a collar having a connecting feature located on the inner surface thereof, then ii) optionally cooling the preliminary product of step i), then iii) blow molding the preliminary product in a 2nd cavity to form a void volume, wherein steps i) to iii) are performed in a single molding unit, then iv) removing the finished product produced in step iii) from the single molding unit.
US09539751B2

Disclosed herein, amongst other things is a component (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) of a molding system (402) (e.g. mold component, post-mold component, etc.) having a heat dissipater (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030) that is configured to impart a profiled heat removal rate on a selected portion of a molded article (120, 220, 320, 420) that generally matches a heat distribution therein.
US09539750B2

The toothbrush has a handle, a neck and a head. In the handle there is a first hard component which has a metallic covering. At least in regions, the metallic covering has a covering of a second hard component.
US09539748B2

An injection-molding press for overmolding a second part onto a first part (8) includes a movable portion and a fixed portion, with a first mold element (11, 12) on one of the press portions and a second mold element (20) on the other press portion so as to form a cavity (C) between the mold portions when the press is closed. The first mold portion (11, 12) has a first support surface (125a) movable in the first mold portion and the second mold portion (20) has a second support surface (22a). In the closed position of the press with a first part (8) in the first mold portion and the first support surface (125a) advanced in the working position, at least a portion (8b) of the front end of the first part (8) is clamped between the two support surfaces (125a, 22a), forming a tight seal for the cavity (C).
US09539744B2

A semiconductive roller (1) is produced by: preparing a rubber composition containing a rubber component including an NBR and an EPDM in a mass ratio of NBR/EPDM=70/30 to 30/70, at least one selected from the group consisting of SAF, ISAF and HAF, sulfur, a peroxide crosslinking agent and a sulfenamide accelerating agent; extruding the rubber composition into a tubular body; crosslinking the tubular body in a vulcanization can or with the use of a continuous crosslinking apparatus; and forming an oxide film (5) in an outer peripheral surface (4) of the tubular body by irradiation with ultraviolet radiation with a shaft (3) inserted through the tubular body.
US09539741B2

The invention at hand relates to a rotor disk (1) to be inserted into a receptacle (2) for the treatment of polymers, having a disk body (3) on whose top side (4) mixing and/or comminuting tools (5) are providable and on whose opposite underside (6) a number of conveying ribs (7) extending from the interior to the exterior are provided with which during operation polymer particles are transportable towards the exterior or, respectively, that during operation exert a force directed from the center (8) of the rotor disk (1) towards the exterior on the polymer particles grasped by the conveying ribs (7). In accordance with the invention it is provided that the conveying ribs (7) are curved concavely in the direction of rotation or, respectively, of movement.
US09539737B2

Cutting device for cutting a reinforcing ply (N) formed of a set of portions of thread, of given length, coated in a rubber compound, laid parallel to one another and making a given theoretical angle (a) with the longitudinal direction of the ply, characterized in that it includes a first element able, without proceeding to cut the said ply (N), to estimate the actual angle of the threads with the longitudinal direction (XX′) of the device and a second element able to cut the ply (N) at the actual angle (a+da) estimated by the first element.
US09539735B2

A variable interference anvil and knife combination is provided to selectively sever elastics in a laminate and preferably not sever the nonwoven portions of the laminate. The distance between the anvil and the knife can be programmatically altered to provide for smaller or larger gaps as processing speeds are changed.
US09539732B2

A cutting tool (1), and a method of exchanging an interchangeable blade as well as a cutting tool housing, in particular for severing flat and/or strand-form materials. The cutting tool (1) includes a housing (2), at least one interchangeable blade (8) arranged at a holding portion (6) of the housing (2), and a locking member (40) arranged movably on the housing (2) for locking the blade (8) to the housing (2). The housing (2) has first positively locking elements (23, 24, 26, 28) and the locking member (40) has second positively locking elements (42) which jointly lock the blade (8) in a given position to the housing (2).
US09539730B2

A holding apparatus for a fuel cell electrolyte membrane includes a support having a flat surface part which supports an electrolyte membrane on which catalyst layers are disposed, and which constitutes a membrane electrode assembly. The flat surface part has a frame-shaped recess positioned outside an outer circumference of the catalyst layers, and the recess is connected to an air-sucking section, and attracts the electrolyte membrane by sucking air in the recess.
US09539728B2

A robot hand includes a finger unit that includes a first knuckle section that is supported to a predetermined base section and a second knuckle section that is supported to the first knuckle section; a drive section that includes a male screw that is rotatable around a predetermined screw axis by a predetermined drive source and a female screw that is screw-coupled with the male screw and moves in an axial direction of the screw axis according to rotation of the male screw, in which the female screw and the first knuckle section are connected to each other so that the first knuckle section moves in association with movement of the female screw; and a link section that connects the first knuckle section and the second knuckle section so that the second knuckle section moves in association with movement of the first knuckle section.
US09539722B2

A tool storage device and a tool box. The device may include flexible walls cooperating to define a storage area, and a rigid frame supported in the storage area and including a central portion extending in a direction from a bottom wall toward a top wall, one base portion extending from one side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward one side wall, and another base portion extending from an opposite side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward an opposite side wall. The tool box may include a body defining a storage compartment; a lid defining a groove in its outer surface to support an elongated work piece; and a handle engageable with a work piece supported in the groove. The lid may be attachable to the top of the body in a closed position and to the bottom in a stowed position.
US09539708B2

A hand-held power tool has a motor, a tool holder, and a percussion mechanism disposed between the motor and the tool holder in the drive train. The percussion mechanism includes a first shaft and a second shaft. A magnetically conductive ring gear is connected to the first shaft. An inner wall of the ring gear is eccentric to an axis of the second shaft. A magnetically conductive impeller is connected to the second shaft and is arranged to rotate within the ring gear. The impeller is spaced from the ring gear by a first air gap in a first position while being spaced from the ring gear by a second air gap in a second position, the first air gap being smaller than the second one. A magnet array is arranged coaxially to the second shaft. A magnetorheological fluid fills a cavity between the ring gear and the impeller.
US09539707B2

An adjustable wrench with strength enhancing structural design includes a body including a grip end and a driving head. The driving head includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw engages and is operably movable in a groove. The groove includes two lateral walls facing oppositely and spacing from each other. Each of the two lateral walls includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surfaces of the two lateral walls face oppositely and are separated by a space. The first and second surfaces of each of the two lateral walls have a common edge and an included angle less than 90 degrees. The movable jaw includes two slopped surfaces corresponding to and abutting against the second surfaces of the two lateral walls.
US09539702B2

The abrasive grinding wheel includes an annular abrasive grain layer formed by a diamond abrasive grain or CBN abrasive grain and fixed to an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical grinding wheel core by an adhesive agent. The abrasive grinding wheel further includes a waterproof agent applied on both side end surfaces and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical grinding wheel core in order to prevent any water ingress into the inside of the core.
US09539696B2

A retainer ring configured to be attachable, at a first side thereof, to a polish head of a polish apparatus configured to polish a polish object by depressing the polish object against a polish pad is disclosed. The retainer ring is configured to depress the polish pad at a second side thereof. The retainer ring includes a contact surface contacting the polish pad. The contact surface applies depressing force on the polish pad. The depressing force is directed from a polish head side and is applied so as to be centered on an imaginary circle of pressure center having a radius falling substantially in a middle of an inner radius of the retainer ring and an outer radius of the retainer ring. An area of the contact surface is greater in a first region inside the circle of pressure center than in a second region outside the circle of pressure center.
US09539692B2

A material-removing machine for removing material from a cone section of a medical balloon includes a material-removing element operatively connected to a prime mover such that operation of the prime mover imparts rotation to the material-removing element about a rotational axis. The material-removing element includes an interior surface defining a generally conical-shaped cavity extending along the rotational axis and adapted to receive at least a longitudinal portion of a cone section of an expanded medical balloon for removing material from the longitudinal portion of the cone section to reduce a wall thickness of the cone section. Material may be removed continuously around a 360-degree exterior perimeter of the longitudinal portion of the cone section of the medical balloon to reduce the thickness of the balloon wall defining the cone section.
US09539688B2

A work-machine splash guard for enclosing a space for machining a workpiece, and preventing the spraying of chips and machining fluid, is equipped with: a front-surface door for opening and closing in the horizontal direction via an arc-shaped movement, and positioned on the front-surface side of the work machine; a side-surface door for opening and closing by performing an arc-shaped movement that is concentric with the front-surface door, and overlapping with the front-surface door; and door-locking switches for selectively allowing the opening/closing of the front-surface door and the side-surface door according to an opening/closing pattern.
US09539683B2

A positive feed tool that includes a spindle that is axially moved along a feed path to perform work on a workpiece. The tool includes a gear head with a plurality of gears configured to rotate and axially move the spindle. The gear head is designed to change the changing gears within the gear head to change feed rates on the spindle. The gears can be interchanged without a complete disassembly of the gear head.
US09539682B2

A power tool includes a clamp shaft for clamping a tool accessory to the power tool and a clamp shaft holding mechanism for selectively locking the clamp shaft to hold the clamp shaft in a position that secures the tool accessory on the power tool. The power tool also includes a lever for shifting the clamp shaft holding mechanism between clamped and unclamped states. The lever is configured such that when an operator grasps the lever and moves it toward a position for releasing the tool accessory, the lever and the operator's hand move away from the tool accessory.
US09539678B2

A system and method for manufacturing a top mount for a vehicle suspension includes loading a top mount body, a journal, and a plurality of knurled studs into a lower die assembly. The lower die assembly includes a stationary die base, a floating die top, and a pusher shaft. A pusher head assembly applies a downward pressure to insert the knurled studs into the top mount body, while the pusher shaft substantially simultaneously applies an upward pressure to insert the journal into the top mount body. The floating die top and the pusher head assembly are raised in tandem to eject the top mount from the stationary die base. The floating die top and the pusher head assembly then retract so that the top mount can be removed from the system.
US09539676B2

In a method for the production of a heat exchanger, a turbulator insert is placed into a heat exchanging tube, with the turbulator insert having a solder applied thereon in at least one region. Weld spots using resistance welding are formed on an inner surface of the heat exchanging tube with the turbulator insert, and the inner surface of the heat exchanging tube is interlinked with the turbulator insert through brazing.
US09539671B2

A precious metal paste which does not cause contamination of a member, which can be uniformly coated to a member to be bonded, and which is in good condition after bonding is provided. The present invention relates to a precious metal paste for bonding a semiconductor element, of the paste including a precious metal powder and an organic solvent, in which the precious metal powder has a purity of 99.9 mass % or more and an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 0.5 μm, the organic solvent has a boiling point of 200 to 350° C., and a thixotropy index (TI) value calculated from a measurement value of a viscosity at a shear rate of 4/s with respect to a viscosity at a shear rate of 40/s at 23° C. by means of a rotational viscometer is 6.0 or more.
US09539668B2

A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a laser beam emitting head that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the laser beam emitting head emits a laser beam to remove the coating.
US09539665B2

A feed-through, for example a battery feed-through for a lithium-ion battery or a lithium ion accumulator, has at least one base body which has at least one opening through which at least one conductor, for example a pin-shaped conductor, embedded in a glass material is guided. The base body contains a low melting material, for example a light metal, such as aluminum, magnesium, AlSiC, an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, titanium, titanium alloy or steel, in particular special steel, stainless steel or tool steel. The glass material consists of the following in mole percent: 35-50% P2O5, for example 39-48%; 0-14% Al2O3, for example 2-12%; 2-10% B2O3, for example 4-8%; 0-30% Na2O, for example 0-20%; 0-20% M2O, for example 12-20%, wherein M is K, Cs or Rb; 0-10% PbO, for example 0-9%; 0-45% Li2O, for example 0-40% or 17-40%; 0-20% BaO, for example 5-20%; 0-10% Bi2O3, for example 1-5% or 2-5%.
US09539662B2

A method of controlling a welding system includes controlling a weld current supplied to an electrode at a current ramp rate and determining an arc length based at least in part on the controlled weld current and a changing arc voltage. The arc length includes a distance between the electrode and a workpiece, and the arc voltage includes a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece.
US09539661B2

A power supply for welding, cutting and similar operations includes one or more power converters that are controlled by PWM signals applied by control circuitry. The signals may be applied for a period greater than 50% duty cycle. The duty cycle may be determined by monitoring power or current draw by a welding or cutting operation load. Where more than one converters is used, each may have the same or different duty cycles, and each may be extended beyond a 50% maximum.
US09539660B2

There is provided a tool for efficiently cutting a face gear to be meshed with a helical gear. When a circular tooth thickness of a tooth tip of a cutting edge portion is represented as SatSC, a circular tooth thickness on a virtual outside diameter of a tooth profile of the helical gear in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to an axis is represented as Sat, a helix angle on the virtual outside diameter of the tooth profile of the helical gear in a cross-sectional view by a plane perpendicular to the axis is represented as βa, and a face width of the cutting edge portion is represented as bsc, b SC ≦ s at - s atSC tan ⁢ ⁢ β a is satisfied.
US09539659B2

A gear machining apparatus causes a machining tool and a workpiece to rotate at a high speed in synchronization with each other to machine a highly accurate gear through cutting. The machining tool is manufactured such that each of pitches between tool blades of the machining tool is an integer multiple of a pitch between teeth of the gear, the integer multiple being equal to or larger than double. By using the machining tool for cutting performed by the gear machining apparatus, the number of the tool blades of the machining tool, which are brought into contact with the workpiece at the same time, is reduced. Thus, it is possible to suppress occurrence of self-excited vibrations during cutting by reducing the cutting resistance. Thus, it is possible to enhance the tooth trace accuracy of the gear.
US09539658B2

A reaming tool, having a rotationally drivable main body (16) and at least one cutting body (18) fastened thereto. The at least one cutting body has at least one reaming blade (26) at the edge of a rake face (28). A chip-forming step (32) and/or chip-breaking elements (34) are formed in the rake face (28) and the reaming blade (26) has a ground cutting edge (40, 42, 44).
US09539648B2

A chuck device in which a rotary sleeve provided to a main body is rotated, and by rotation of an annular rotary body which rotates together with the rotary sleeve, jaws screwed together with the rotary body are expanded, contracted, advanced, and retracted, and a tool is gripped by the jaws; the chuck device comprising a retaining engaging body for engaging with the rotary body and preventing the rotary sleeve from coming out of the rotary body; wherein the retaining engaging body is provided to be fixed to a proximal end side of the rotary sleeve; a rotation transmission part for directly or indirectly transmitting the rotation of the rotary sleeve to the rotary body is provided to the retaining engaging body; and the rotation of the rotary sleeve is transmitted to the rotary body via the retaining engaging body, and the rotary body rotates together with the rotary sleeve.
US09539644B2

A tailstock includes a main body, a lathe center unit arranged in a hollow hole of the main body, a sliding base coupled with the main body and having a slider configured at a side thereof for pairing a slide rail, and a clamping unit configured in the sliding base. The clamping unit for increasing clamping force of the tailstock further includes a connection plate having at least one positioning hole to connect the main body, at least one hydraulic rod bridging the slider and the main body, a plurality of loading devices ring-set about the hydraulic rod, and a plurality of sleeves ring-set with the corresponding loading devices.
US09539639B2

A ceramic core is obtained by firing a mixture that contains 0.1-15.0% by mass of alumina and 0.005-0.1% by mass of potassium and/or sodium with the balance made up of silica and unavoidable impurities. Not less than 90% by mass of amorphous silica is contained in 100% by mass of the silica. A method for producing a ceramic core, wherein: a blended material is obtained by blending 25-45% by volume of a binder into 55-75% by volume of a mixture that is obtained by mixing alumina, potassium and/or sodium, and silica so as to have the above-mentioned composition; the blended material is injected into a die so as to obtain a molded body; and the molded body is degreased at 500-600° C. for 1-10 hours, and then fired at 1,200-1,400° C. for 1-10 hours.
US09539635B2

The invention relates to a gripping head for grasping devices for manipulating a long workpiece in a horizontal arrangement. A gripping head with two clamping jaws which can be adjusted independently of one another can be used. In addition, a device for feeding long workpieces into a processing machine, and discharging them therefrom is proposed. At least one of the grasping devices may have a gripping head for gripping in a frictionally locking fashion one end of the workpiece which is conveyed here by the horizontal conveying means, and drive means for pulling the workpiece to be straightened into the processing section and for pushing the straightened workpiece out onto the at least one horizontal conveying means by means of the gripping head.
US09539616B2

The infrasound generating device based on a displacement-feedback type vibration exciter comprises a displacement-feedback type vibration exciter system, an infrasound generating chamber (3) and a laser vibrometer (1); the displacement feedback mechanism is adopted in the vibration exciter (2). The piston (31) is driven by the vibration exciter to move in a sinusoidal manner in the cavity (35) of the airtight infrasound generating chamber (3) and the standard infrasonic pressure signal with low harmonic distortion can be achieved. The displacement of the moving part (22) of the vibration exciter (2) can be measured by the laser vibrometer (1) through the measurement beam (15) injecting into the vibration exciter (2) through the optical channel running through the vibration exciter and the standard infrasonic pressure can also be obtained. The value of the standard sound pressure produced by the infrasound generating chamber is calculated. Such value is used as the calibration reference for the infrasound sensors (4) to be calibrated in order to achieve the primary calibration of the infrasound sensors. The standard infrasonic sensor can be installed inside the infrasound generating chamber (3) and the output of the standard infrasonic sensor can be used as the reference for the infrasonic sensor (4) to be calibrated in order to achieve the secondary calibration of the infrasound sensors. This invention has the advantages of technical maturity, high feasibility, easy to realize, high calibration accuracy and so on.
US09539615B2

An apparatus is described for coating a flexible substrate with at least a first organic layer and a first inorganic layer. The apparatus comprises a first and a second chamber and an atmosphere decoupling slot between the first and the second chamber. A printing facility is arranged in the first chamber, for printing the flexible substrate with a mixture comprising at least one precursor for a polymer, oligomer or a polymer network and a polymerization initiator. A curing facility is arranged in the first chamber, for curing the deposited mixture, therewith forming the at least first organic layer. A vapor deposition facility is arranged in the second chamber, for depositing the at least first inorganic layer at the substrate provided with the at least first organic layer. The apparatus comprises a facility for guiding the flexible substrate along the printing facility, along the curing facility and via the atmosphere decoupling slot along the vapor deposition facility.
US09539612B2

A method includes coating a substrate to provide a flame resistant substrate. In an embodiment, the method includes exposing the substrate to a cationic solution to produce a cationic layer deposited on the substrate. The cationic solution comprises cationic materials. The cationic materials comprise a polymer, a colloidal particle, a nanoparticle, a nitrogen-rich molecule, or any combinations thereof. The method further includes exposing the cationic layer to an anionic solution to produce an anionic layer deposited on the cationic layer to produce a layer comprising the anionic layer and the cationic layer. The anionic solution comprises a layerable material.
US09539592B2

An oscillating sprinkler includes a hollow tube having a groove defined axially therein so as to receive a nozzle unit therein. The nozzle unit has flexible nozzles which extend through holes in the inner bottom of the groove. The hollow tube has first paths and second paths defined radially in the outside thereof. The distance between any two adjacent first paths is smaller than the distance between any two of the adjacent second paths. A resilient wire is formed with continuous S-shaped portions, and each S-shaped portion has two adjustment slots opening toward opposite directions. The nozzles are movable in the adjustment slots. The hollow tube is received between a top member and a bottom member. The resilient wire is moved with the movement of the top member. The nozzles are pulled and pushed by the S-shaped portions to have different patterns of sprinkling.
US09539589B2

A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit, an injection unit that injects droplets of a processing liquid from a plurality of injection ports respectively toward a plurality of collision positions on the substrate, and a liquid film forming unit. The liquid film forming unit discharges a protective liquid from a plurality of discharge ports toward a plurality of liquid contact positions that respectively cover different collision positions. The plurality of injection ports and the plurality of discharge ports may be formed in a nozzle. A nozzle moving unit may be provided, to move the nozzle along the substrate.
US09539587B1

The present invention discloses polythiol compositions containing monothiotricyclodecenes, dithiotricyclodecanes, and intermolecular sulfide compounds, as well as mining chemical collector compositions containing such polythiol compositions. Flotation processes for recovering metals, such as copper and molybdenum, from ores using the mining chemical collector compositions also are disclosed.
US09539582B2

A system and method are disclosed for observing a change of mass inside a grinding unit as a part of a grinding process with a storing unit. The change of mass is derived from a mass balance for the grinding unit and a mass balance for the storing unit.
US09539576B2

A system for thermocycling biological samples within detection chambers comprising: a set of heater-sensor dies, each heater-sensor die comprising a heating surface configured to interface with a detection chamber and a second surface, inferior to the heating surface, including a first connection point; an electronics substrate, comprising a first substrate surface coupled to the second surface of each heater-sensor die, an aperture providing access through the electronics substrate to at least one heater-sensor die, and a second substrate surface inferior to the first substrate surface, wherein the electronics substrate comprises a set of substrate connection points at least at one of the first substrate surface, an aperture surface defined within the aperture, and the second substrate surface, and wherein the electronics substrate is configured to couple heating elements and sensing elements of the set of heater-sensor dies to a controller; and a set of wire bonds, including a wire bond coupled between the first connection point of at least one of the set of heater-sensor dies and one of the set of substrate connection points.
US09539567B2

A method of preparing a modified catalyst support comprises contacting a catalyst support material with a modifying component precursor in an impregnating liquid medium. The impregnating liquid medium comprises a mixture of water and an organic liquid solvent for the modifying component precursor. The mixture contains less than 17% by volume water based on the total volume of the impregnating liquid medium. The modifying component precursor comprises a compound of a modifying component selected from the group consisting of Si, Zr, Co, Ti, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ba, Ni, Al, Fe, V, Hf, Th, Ce, Ta, W, La and mixtures of two or more thereof. A modifying component containing catalyst support material is thus obtained. Optionally, the modifying component containing catalyst support material is calcined at a temperature above 100° C. to obtain a modified catalyst support.
US09539560B2

A method for manufacturing a photocatalyst, based on titanium dioxide containing carbon or metal, in a pulsation reactor, where a raw material mixture, consisting of nanoparticulate titanium oxyhydrate and an aqueous solution or suspension, containing at least one organic, carbon-containing compound or metal ions, is fed into the pulsating hot-gas stream of the pulsation reactor and the titanium dioxide particles containing carbon or metal are formed. The hot-gas stream has a temperature of ≧450° C. following addition of the material and contains an excess of oxygen. In contrast to the known manufacturing methods, the method according to the invention allows reproducibly good product qualities to be achieved.
US09539559B2

Disclosed herein are metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and uses thereof, including those comprising a repeat unit of the formula [Cu3(L1)2(H2O)3] or [Cu3(L2)2(H2O)3], wherein L1 is a ligand of the formula: (structurally represented), and where L2 is a ligand of the formula: (structurally represented). These are useful for many applications, including in the purification of hydrogen gas from production byproducts CH4 and CO2, sensing, heterogeneous catalysis, drug delivery, lithium sulfide battery, membrane and analytical devices.
US09539556B2

The present invention is directed to a process for polymerizing olefins in gas phase in a fluidized bed reactor having a vertical body, a generally conical downwards tapering bottom zone, a generally cylindrical middle zone above the bottom zone, and a generally conical upwards tapering top zone above the middle zone. The fluidization gas is withdrawn from the top zone of the reactor, compressed and cooled so that a part of the fluidization gas condenses and then introduced to the bottom zone of the reactor. The bed is thus cooled upon evaporation of the liquid. There is no fluidization grid in the reactor.
US09539553B2

The present invention provides a corona-core microgel emulsifying agent composed of a copolymer obtained by polymerizing polyethylene oxide macromonomers, hydrophobic monomers, and cross-linking monomers under specific conditions as well as an oil-in-water emulsified composition characteristically using said emulsifying agent for emulsification.The object of the present invention is to provide a new corona-core microgel emulsifying agent to be used to prepare an oil-in-water emulsified composition that manifests superior emulsification stability, stability over time, and low skin irritation, and is free of stickiness at the time of application, manifests dewy freshness, is free of powdery sensation and/or squeakiness, and is superior in durability of fragrance, as well as an oil-in-water emulsified composition emulsified with said emulsifying agent.
US09539552B2

A device for enhancing the mobility of a standard mixer, the device including a housing attached to a mixer, the housing having at least one shoulder attached thereto, the at least one shoulder having at least one nodule jutting out therefrom, a lever pivotally connected to the housing, a rod pivotally connected to the lever, a plate mounted to the rod, the plate having at least one finger that protrudes therefrom and a retractable member having at least one transfer ball attached thereto for rolling on a surface, the retractable member slidably engaged to the at least one finger, the retractable member having at least one groove thereon for fitting the at least one finger therein, the at least one groove having at least one bar fitted therein for permitting the first side of the at least one finger to slide over the at least one bar.
US09539546B2

An exhaust gas processing device includes a NOx detection sensor, a first catalyst provided to a first branch pipe, a second catalyst provided to a second branch pipe, a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor which are arranged on the upstream side of the first catalyst and the second catalyst and which detect pressures in the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, and a control device that obtains flow rates of exhaust gas flowing through the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe based on detection values of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor and obtains amounts of reducing agent to be given to the first catalyst and the second catalyst from the obtained flow rates and a concentration of NOx of the exhaust gas.
US09539544B1

An exhaust gas purification catalyst apparatus, which is superior in oxidation performance of, in particular, nitrogen monoxide, among hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate components such as soot, included in exhaust gas from a lean burn engine, and combustion performance of light oil. The exhaust gas purification apparatus arranged with an oxidation catalyst (DOC) comprising a noble metal component for oxidizing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, in particular, nitrogen monoxide among nitrogen oxides, and for combusting light oil, a catalyzed soot filter (CSF) including a noble metal component for collecting a particulate component such as soot and removing by combustion (oxidation). The oxidation catalyst (DOC) has a catalyst layer where platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and barium oxide (BaO) are supported on alumina (Al2O3) having a pore size of 12 to 120 nm, and ratio of platinum and palladium is 1:1 to 11:2 in weight equivalent.
US09539540B2

A rotary moving bed and process for separating a carbon dioxide from a gas stream is disclosed. The rotary moving bed can have a rotational assembly rotating on a vertical axis, and a plurality of sorbent cells positioned horizontally to the axis of rotation that fills a vertical space in the moving bed, where the sorbent cells adsorb the carbon dioxide by concentration swing adsorption and adsorptive displacement. The sorbent can be regenerated and the carbon dioxide recaptured by desorbing the carbon dioxide from the sorbent using concentration swing adsorption and desorptive displacement with steam. The gas flows in the system flow in a direction horizontal to the axis of rotation and in a direction opposite the rotational movement of the sorbent cells.
US09539538B2

A multi-functional composition of matter that is useful for injection into a flue gas stream to rapidly and efficiently remove mercury from the flue gas stream. The multi-functional composition of matter may include a fixed carbon sorbent and minerals, halogens in the form of halide salts, as well as other physical and chemical properties to enhance (1) the oxidation reaction kinetics for the oxidation of mercury species and (2) the mass diffusion kinetics of the mercury species.
US09539530B2

A pressure differential indicator that eliminates the risk of providing a false positive due to fluid contamination. The invention has an electrically insulated barrier between the “hot” pin and the grounded housing without the need for a hermetic seal. The indicator can be manufactured at a greater efficiency and lower cost than is found with prior art pressure differential indicators. It has a piston that can be easily oriented to yield either a normally closed or normally open position. The indicator has at least one protrusion on a plastic overmold to engage the swage collar and resist axial rotation of the pin. A pressure seal interrupting the plastic overmold sections and exposing the underlying metal to allow for an O-ring seal with no potential leak path between plastic and metal. Finally, the pressure differential indicator has all moving components contained within a single cavity.
US09539529B2

A method for reclaiming and reusing a substantial portion of the waste water creating during the backwashing of a pool filter. The system uses a separate floating debris filter to remove solids before pumping the waste water into a sediment retention tank. The waste water is stored in the sediment retention tank for about a day, during which time the suspended solids settle to the bottom. The water in the sediment retention tank is then pumped back into the circulating pool system.
US09539523B2

An integrated waste catalyst cleaning apparatus includes a reaction unit, an organic solvent unit, an organic acid unit, a drying unit, a condensation unit, a heating band, and control valves formed at transfer paths. The waste catalyst is injected into the reactor. The organic solvent stored in the organic solvent unit is to first-clean the waste catalyst. The organic solvent is discharged after cleaning. The waste catalyst is dehydrated and dried by the drying unit. The organic acid stored in the organic acid unit is to second-clean the waste catalyst. The organic acid is discharged after cleaning. The waste catalyst is dehydrated and dried by the drying unit.
US09539521B2

The present invention relates to a method for reprocessing aircraft de-icing agents comprising glycol, in which (1) the used aircraft de-icing agent, which is possibly contaminated with runway de-icing agents, is collected in a suitable device, (2) the used aircraft de-icing agent collected in this manner is subsequently brought to a glycol content of between 50 and 75% by weight without or after only course prior separation of solid or suspended impurities by expelling water (3) and the concentrate obtained in this manner is separated into a water/glycol mixture and residue by means of a thin-film evaporator, and (4) the water/glycol mixture is collected.
US09539518B2

In an approach, one or more player characters controllable by a first player account perform an action in an instance of a game world. In the event that the action meets one or more conditions for creating a nemesis, a computer system controlling the game instance selects a second player account to be invaded by a nemesis. When the second player account plays the game in the same or a different game instance, the computer system determines whether second one or more characters of the selected account meet one or more invasion conditions. If the invasion conditions are met, the computer system generates computer-controlled enemy NPCs for second one or more characters of the second player account to defeat. If the second account defeats the nemesis invasion, rewards are generated for the first and second player accounts. Otherwise, the computer system chooses a third player account for nemesis invasion.
US09539517B2

A social game and the like that can increase the fun and amusement of a team battle and enhance players' motivation to participate in or continue a game by suppressing an occurrence of any non-participation team not participating in the battle are provided. A guild status determination unit determines, for each guild, whether the guild is in an inactive state or an active state, based on a result of detecting a login state of each player. A guild integrated control unit forcibly disbands a guild (i.e. an inactive guild) determined to be in the inactive state, based on guild activity information notified from the status determination unit. A disbandment notification unit notifies each player belonging to the inactive guild, of the disbandment of the guild.
US09539516B2

A method for providing an activity involving a plurality of users in a plurality of virtual communities is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) creating the plurality of virtual communities based on the resources accessed or actions taken by the plurality of users, (b) keeping track of each of the plurality of user's resources accessed or actions performed, and (c) enabling the activity based on the resources visited and actions performed by each of the plurality of users.
US09539512B1

A system and method for facilitating player interaction with sets of virtual tiles in a game space are disclosed. A set of virtual tiles may be provided for player interaction such that a player may be enabled to engage the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the individual tiles in the set of virtual tiles using a set of resources granted to the player. The player may be enabled to allocate a subset of the granted resources to engage a given tile in the set. An outcome of the engagement may be determined stochastically or quasi-stochastically. The player may be enabled to interact with the next tile in the set upon defeating the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the previous tile. Upon the player defeating the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the last tile in the set, a prize may be awarded to the player.
US09539505B2

A game device having a touch panel to accept an input by a flick operation according to a contact operation and a slide operation on the touch panel, instructs a flick operation by displaying on the touch panel a screen that instructs a flick operation from a predetermined position in a predetermined direction on the touch panel at a predetermined timing, detects a contact start position on the touch panel by the flick operation, detects the slide direction from the contact start position on the touch panel by the flick operation, detects the contact timing on the touch panel by the flick operation and determines whether to accept or reject the flick operation based on a comparison between the detected contact start position and the predetermined position, a comparison between the detected slide direction and the predetermined direction, and a comparison between the detected contact timing and the predetermined timing.
US09539504B2

An example of a game device accepts inputs from a plurality of players to allow a game to progress. First, the game device accepts a first rhythm input by a first player. A model rhythm is generated and presented based on the first rhythm input. The game device accepts a second rhythm input by a second player. Then, the game device evaluates the second rhythm input using as a reference the model rhythm. Thus, by generating a model rhythm based on a rhythm which is input by a player, it is possible to provide a game with a high playability having an increased degree of freedom for the model rhythm.
US09539498B1

Computer-implemented methods and systems for mapping real world actions to a virtual world associated with a parallel reality game are provided. The virtual world has experiences that relate to real world actions. The method includes accessing a data source associated with one or more real world actions; and modifying game data associated with the parallel reality game to generate experiences in the virtual world based at least in part on the data associated with the one or more real world actions. Generating experiences in the virtual world based on data associated with real world actions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
US09539497B1

The disclosure relates to systems and methods for communicating a primary display comprising information that facilitates visual presentation of a view of a game space and general audio to a primary client device and facilitating communication of individualized audio through a secondary client device such as a user's smartphone. The system may include a computing device that allows a user to play a video game through a primary client device, and send or receive individualized audio through a secondary client device while playing the video game. The system may include a set top box or other media device configured to provide general audio to a display device and individualized audio through a user's secondary client device. The individualized audio may include audio tracks, voice communications (e.g., verbal utterances from a user to another user), and/or other sounds intended for a particular user and/or group of users.
US09539496B1

An arcade game is disclosed having a modified three dimensional control of an acquisition device using three motors, pulleys, and belts that maneuver the acquisition device in three directions. Each belt is located in a pair of pulley wheels that have a “grooved section that allows the belt to slip when the motor reaches an end of its cycle, eliminating the need for switches and clutches.
US09539482B2

A practice device for use with a bat in batting sports to instruct a batter on proper swing technique and form. It is a batter assist power trainer for sports exercise. This relates to an exercise method and apparatus for improving performance in sports that include swinging of a device such as a bat. It is a batter assist power trainer device made of an airtight airfoil structure made of flexible and durable material and a method or way for connecting the structure to a bat so that the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball. Other configurations include structures made with end sections, with reinforcing splines; and a various ways to connect the device to the bat.
US09539472B2

Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.
US09539471B2

A spherical compressible ball having an RFID tag is described. The ball comprises an RFID integrated circuit, an encapsulating material, a first antenna contact, a first conductive wire, a molded compressible core, and a molded shell. The RFID integrated circuit includes a memory that stores a unique identifier. The encapsulating material encapsulates the RFID integrated circuit. The first antenna contact is electrically coupled to the encapsulated RFID integrated circuit. The first conductive wire is electrically coupled to the first antenna contact. The molded compressible core includes a molded impression that receives the encapsulated RFID integrated circuit and the conductive wire. The molded shell further encapsulates the molded compressible core that receives the encapsulated RFID integrated circuit and antenna.
US09539466B1

A system comprising structures connected to the rider of human-powered vehicles improves the force a rider may apply to the vehicle. The elements are primarily connected to the lower body and legs of the rider, with attachment to the rider's shoes, whereby a two-dimensional four-bar linkage is formed. Use of the system may permit a rider to go faster or farther with less effort. An optional novel shoe may be used with or without the other elements of the system.
US09539464B1

An exercise device comprises a frame, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, two pedals, a resistance device, two cranks, two link rods, a lever bracket, two rock rods, and an adjusting device. Each first swing arm has a first end coupling with the frame and a second end coupling with a first end of one second swing arm, which has a second end coupling with one pedal. Each crank has a first end coupling with the resistance device and a second end coupling with a first end of one link rod, which has a second end coupling with one second swing arm. The lever bracket pivotally couples with the frame and has two fulcrums. Each rock rod has a first end coupling with one fulcrum and a second end coupling with one second swing arm. The adjusting device adjusts the distance between the fulcrums and an axle.
US09539455B2

The present invention is directed to a method for irradiating of solids containing petroleum or petroleum derived compounds (PPDCs), such as soils, oily sludge, drill cuttings, sediments, and non-commercial petroleum industry products, with electron beams in order to physically and/or chemically alter the composition of the PPDCs. The method includes the step of separating PPDC gas and liquids in the presence of a gas driver. Optionally, the method includes the steps of treating off-gases and applying one or more amendments to PPCD-impacted solid material pre-irradiation, post-irradiation, or during electron beam irradiation.
US09539451B1

A fire sprinkler valve trigger has a body or capsule segmented into opposite segments joined together at a joint by a fusible material with a predetermined and selected melting temperature less than a melting temperature of the opposite segments. An exterior of the body or capsule comprises a layer added to the exterior, and comprising a preselected color corresponding to and designating the melting temperature of the fusible material. The body or capsule, including the joint and the fusible material, being exposed and visible so that the layer on the exterior of the body or capsule is exposed and visible.
US09539450B2

A fire extinguishing system prevents fires or other emergency conditions on a heating device, such as a stove. The system uses sensors to detect the emergency and alert an operator. The system dumps fire suppressant material onto the heating device. The system also may shut-off power to the heating device. An alarm circuit and associated functionality assures the system is in working order by using diagnostic tests and other checks.
US09539432B2

A system is provided for driving an implantable neurostimulator lead, the lead having an associated plurality of electrodes disposed in at least one array on the lead. The system comprises an implantable pulse generator (IPG), the IPG including an electrode driver, a load system for determining load requirements, an IPG power coupler, and an IPG communication system. The system also includes an external unit, which includes an external variable power generator, an external power coupler, an external communication system, and a controller for varying the power level of the variable power generator.
US09539422B2

In various examples, an apparatus includes a neurostimulation interconnection apparatus including an elongate lead body including a lead proximal end and a lead distal end. The lead proximal end includes a first connector portion. A stimulation device includes a header. The header includes a second connector portion including a shape complementary to a shape of the first connector portion. The first connector portion is mateably engageable with the second connector portion, wherein one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion includes a plurality of pins and the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion includes a plurality of sockets. There are an equal number of sockets and pins, wherein, with the first connector portion mateably engaged with the second connector portion, the pins align and electrically couple with the sockets.
US09539418B2

A microneedle array is provided which has (1) the strength to withstand insertion into the skin surface layer and/or stratum corneum, (2) the fineness and flexibility to cause no pain or bleeding in the skin surface layer and/or stratum corneum at the insertion site of the microneedles, and (3) solubility or biodegradability of the microneedle portions under the skin. The microneedle array is produced by forming microneedles using proteoglycan as a base material.
US09539411B2

An endoluminal device comprises a tubular member and a reinforcement member that is separable from, or together with, a wall of the tubular member, and removable in-situ.
US09539406B2

An interface device for supplying a gas flow for breathing is disclosed herein. The device includes at least one socket for detachably connecting an apparatus for supplying anesthetic agent, at least one gas output opening for delivering the fresh gas to the apparatus, and at least one gas input opening for receiving the fresh gas mixed with anesthetic agent. The device also includes a connection valve and at least four ports in flow communication with the valve, a first port receiving the gas, a second port providing a communication with the output opening, a third port providing a communication with the input opening, and a fourth port providing a communication for breathing, the valve having a first operational state disconnecting communication between the first and second port, and to second operational state providing communication between the first and second port, but also between the third and fourth port.
US09539400B2

A dry inhaler system includes a vibrating mechanism. A supply of a dry powder is operatively coupled to the vibrating mechanism. A power source communicates with the vibrating mechanism. A sensor communicates with the vibrating mechanism. A feedback control communicates with the sensor and the power source. The feedback control controls power delivered to the vibrating mechanism relative to information provided by the sensor about the performance of the vibrating mechanism.
US09539398B2

A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub having a needle cannula extending therefrom. At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the needle. The shield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle. The binding member includes at least one drag inducing member that engages the inner needle during slidable receipt to create a drag force. The drag force facilitates rotation of the binding member such that the binding surfaces engage the inner needle to prevent slidable movement. The shield and/or hub includes a retention element engageable between the shield and hub and a sheath retention element. The hub includes a magnifier for viewing fluid flashback.
US09539394B2

A method of making a syringe assembly includes providing a first syringe component defining a first sliding surface that is substantially free of lubricant. The first sliding surface is contacted with water. The first sliding surface and the water in contact with the first sliding surface are heated at a temperature of at least 121° C. The first sliding surface is dried.
US09539392B2

The invention relates to a front-end device of an auto-injector (A) for administering a dose of a liquid medicament, comprising of a support sleeve with a first screw thread adapted to engage a housing of a back-end device of the auto-injector (A) to attach the front-end device to the back-end device and an outer sleeve mounted onto a support sleeve of the front-end device by a second screw thread, wherein the front-end device is adapted to receive a syringe with an injection needle and a barrel containing the dose of the medicament and wherein the direction of rotation of the first screw thread is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second screw thread.
US09539390B2

A medical instrument includes a multilayer wiring board having first, second and third wirings, a fourth wiring formed in a first wiring layer, and a fifth wiring formed in a second wiring layer. A first via conductor electrically connects the third and fifth wirings. A second via conductor electrically connects the fourth and fifth wirings. The medical instrument further includes first and second transistors, a second transistor, and a capacitor mounted on the first wiring layer side of the multilayer wiring board. The drain and source electrodes of the first transistor are electrically connected to the first and second wirings, respectively. The drain electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring. The source electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. The first and second electrodes of the capacitor are electrically connected to the first and fourth wirings, respectively.
US09539378B2

A percutaneous system, method and related devices are provided. More particularly, a percutaneous system comprises one or more of an intracorporeal connector for fluid communication between two anatomical compartments, through an anatomical wall, an intracorporeal device for regulating the flow of fluid between the two anatomical compartments, and a percutaneous insertion device.
US09539376B2

Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.
US09539370B2

A medical article having neutralized sulfonic acid groups on its surface, is disclosed. The article has reduced interaction with biological fluids such as insulin, human growth hormone and human serum albumin.
US09539369B2

The invention relates to balloon catheters having a polymer-free coating on the balloon surface, said coating comprising at least one limus substance in crystalline form, and to methods for the polymer-free coating of balloon surfaces, in particular balloon catheters, with crystalline limus substances.
US09539368B2

Elongate, flexible catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therein. The shaft has an inner layer comprising an amorphous polyamide having a Shore D durometer value of greater than 78, and an outer layer comprising a semi-crystalline polyamide or copolyamide having a Shore D durometer value of less than 76. The outer layer is thinner than the inner layer. The shaft has an increased resistance to kinking as compared to a similar shaft of a single layer of the amorphous polyamide having a Shore D durometer value of greater than 78.
US09539364B2

The invention provides a method for delivering cells across the surface of a tissue, the method comprising distributing the cells on and/or within a sheet of biomaterial to form a cell bandage and applying the cell bandage to the surface, wherein, after application of the cell bandage to the surface of the tissue, the cells are released from the cell bandage. Further provided is a method for bonding two or more tissues, the method comprising providing a cell bandage in intimate contact with the surfaces to be joined, wherein the cell bandage comprises a sheet of biomaterial, said biomaterial having cells distributed on and/or within it. Also provided is a cell bandage for use in the methods of the invention.
US09539356B2

An airflow treatment device configured to be installed inline in the ductwork of an air handling system (e.g., HVAC system) in a manner that is substantially free of obstructing the airflow through the ductwork or requiring any supplemental power to treat the airflow passing by the treatment device. The disclosed airflow treatment device can also be maintained substantially free of any interruptions, disassembly or downtime to the air handling system after initial inline installation of the disclosed device. In one arrangement, the airflow treatment device is capable of accepting a threaded odor neutralizer container at its base. Ductwork need only be disassembled once to attach the disclosed device inline in the airflow path of the ductwork. When the odor neutralizing agent needs replenished, the container can be detached from the device, replenished, and reattached to the device free of disruption to the air flow of the air handling system.
US09539354B2

A fragrance discharge device for discharging at least one fragrance, having a housing through which air can flow, having at least one fragrance cartridge arranged therein, wherein a drawer is provided so it is displaceable in the housing, for accommodating and holding at least one fragrance cartridge, wherein the drawer can be pulled at least partially out of the housing to replace the at least one fragrance cartridge, wherein the fragrance cartridge is connectable to the drawer via a magnetic force.
US09539349B2

A formulation for stabilizing a radiopharmaceutical. The formulation includes a radiopharmaceutical (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), a gas which has oxygen, a stabilizer, and a solvent.
US09539328B2

The present disclosure provides an extended release pharmaceutical composition comprising hydrocodone and acetaminophen that provides a rapid onset of analgesia, and reduced levels of acetaminophen near the end of the dosing interval. Also provided are methods for reducing the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in a subject being treated with an acetaminophen containing composition, as well as methods for treating pain in a subject in need thereof.
US09539322B2

An objective of the present invention is to provide novel therapeutic agents for cancer, which have an excellent antitumor effect in cancer patients by enhancing their immune function. The present inventors discovered that the administration of at IL-6 inhibitor and/or gemcitabine or a salt thereof to tumor-bearing organisms yields an excellent antitumor T cell response-enhancing effect, and completed the present invention. In addition, the present inventors discovered that the T cell response-enhancing effect produces an excellent antitumor effect.
US09539314B2

Provided are methods of enhancing an immune response and methods for reducing the recruitment of monocytes to a lymph node by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an antigen. The invention also provides relate methods for amplifying vaccine immunity by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an vaccine. The invention also provides related methods of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by administering to an individual with cancer an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an anti-tumor preparation. In addition, related compositions comprising an ARB or a compound of Formula (I) and an antigen, vaccine, or anti-tumor preparation are provided.
US09539308B2

The inventors have discovered that both soluble erythropoietin-binding protein and antibodies against the erythropoietin-binding protein, when they are administered to a mammal along with erythropoietin (Epo), prevent or reduce the blood pressure increase normally caused by erythropoietin, while not affecting the hematocrit increase that is the purpose of Epo treatment. The invention provides a method of treating anemia in a mammal involving: administering erythropoietin (Epo) to the mammal; and administering to the mammal an agent selected from a soluble Epo-binding protein (Epo-bp), a recognition protein that binds Epo receptor on an extracellular soluble portion of the Epo receptor, and a combination thereof. The invention also provides a method of reducing hypertension in a mammal receiving Epo, and pharmaceutical compositions containing a soluble Epo-bp and/or a recognition protein that binds Epo receptor on an extracellular soluble portion of the Epo receptor.
US09539307B2

The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, kits, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, kits, methods, and uses for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by decreasing the expression of a cytoplasmic granule toxin in astrocytes of a patient, or by increasing the expression of MHC class I in motor neurons of the patient.
US09539303B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of /?αs-expressing tumors using at least one DAC inhibitor (e.g., romidepsin).
US09539294B2

A composition includes an isolated bacteriophage Str-PAP-1 having the ability to kill Streptococcus parauberis cells specifically by infecting the same, and may be used to prevent and treat Streptococcus parauberis infections. The bacteriophage Str-PAP-1 that is an active ingredient of the composition has the ability to kill Streptococcus parauberis cells and characteristically has the genome represented by nucleotide sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 1.
US09539285B2

Disclosed is a composition for the prophylaxis or therapy of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants comprising mensenchymal stem cells. Functioning to prevent ventricular dilatation and reduce the level of inflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid, the composition comprising mesenchymal stem cells is advantageously useful for the prophylaxis or therapy of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants. Accordingly, the composition is effectively preventive of hydrocephalus which occurs subsequent to intraventricular hemorrhage. In addition, the composition makes not only a histological and biochemical recuperation in the intraventricular hemorrhage-injured brain, but also significantly improves sensory motor functions. Mesenchymal stem cells can be used as an effective therapeutic agent because they are less prone to induce immune rejection responses and are highly likely to secrete proliferative, differentiative, and regulatory factors. Hence, mesenchymal stem cells are expected to play a critical role in the therapy of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.
US09539278B2

It has been found that high amounts of aspartate equivalents in combination with vitamin B12 and/or biotin, especially in relative absence of glutamate equivalents, improve the metabolism of ketobodies and/or lactate in a mammal's body, especially in diseased or traumatic conditions. As a result, levels of ketobodies and lactate can be decreased and unphysicologically high acidity normalised. Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an enteral nutritional or a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of disturbed ketone and lactate metabolism, i.e. elevated concentrations of ketone bodies, lactate and/or other organic acids and/or insufficient pH homeostasis, especially elevated concentrations of ketone bodies and/or lactate, in a mammal's blood, wherein the composition comprises high amounts of aspartate equivalents in combination with vitamin B12 and/or biotin, preferably in relative absence of glutamate equivalents.
US09539274B2

The present invention provides methods, compositions, formulations, and kits related to acadesine, or a prodrug, analog, or salt thereof, and/or a blood clotting inhibitor for preventing or reducing adverse side effects in a patient. The type of patient that may benefit includes a patient with decreased left ventricular function, a patient with a prior myocardial infarction, a patient undergoing non-vascular surgery, or a fetus during labor and delivery.
US09539273B2

The present application discloses a targeting composition that actively targets chitin-like substances, such as those found in fungi, protists, arthropods, Alzheimer's plaques, etc. Methods are disclosed for preparation of chitin-targeted drug delivery vehicles composed of the targeting composition and one or more bioactive compounds.
US09539272B2

This invention provides methods for treating a subject afflicted with cancer, comprising concurrently administering (i) an HDAC 6-selective inhibitor and (ii) a suitable cytotoxic agent such as SAHA, doxorubicin or etoposide. This invention also provides methods for inducing the death of a transformed cell such as a cancer cell, comprising concurrently contacting the cell with (i) an HDAC 6-selective inhibitor and (ii) a suitable cytotoxic agent such as SAHA, doxorubicin or etoposide.
US09539267B2

The present invention relates to methods of treating a cancer and in particular, a B-cell derived cancer, using a lymphocytotoxic but hematopoeitic cell sparing high-dose pulsed amount of an oxazaphosphorine drug, either alone, or in combination with immune therapeutics such as, for example, monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind B-cell specific antigens.
US09539261B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising compounds useful for stimulating neurogenesis. The methods and compositions comprising compounds are also useful for inhibiting neuronal degeneration. Thus, the present invention can be used in the treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by neuronal loss and reduced neurogenesis including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and depression. This invention could also be used for research products including single agents or mixtures of agents to promote, proliferate, differentiate, or maintain neurons from stem or progenitor cells.
US09539258B2

The present invention relates to the use of quinazolines of formula (I), wherein the groups Ra to Rd have the meanings given in the claims and specification, in cancer therapy.
US09539250B2

A crystalline form of a drug, ways to make it, compositions containing it and methods of treatment of diseases and inhibition of adverse physiological events using it are disclosed.
US09539242B2

Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring alcohol dependence and disorders, susceptibility to alcohol dependence disorders, as well as drug related dependence and disorders. The methods include treating patients with an antagonist of the serotonin receptor 5-HT3 for such disorders, wherein the patient's serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 is known to have particular genotypes.
US09539237B2

The disclosure provides rifamycin and rifamycin derivative compositions, including rifabutin and rifabutin derivative compositions able to cause drug-sensitization in a cancer cell or inhibition of a cancer cell. The disclosure also provides methods of administering such compositions to cancer cells to sensitize them to drugs, such as chemotherapeutics, or directly inhibit them. The disclosure also provides methods of administering such compositions to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly superoxides, in cancer cells. The disclosure further provides methods of determining whether a cancer will respond to chemotherapeutics and whether to administer rifamycin or a rifamycin derivative based on ROS levels in cancer cells of a patient.
US09539232B1

Disclosed is the therapeutic potential of Calebin A for osteoporosis (bone loss) caused by aging or chronic disease conditions like cancer. Calebin A is shown to down modulate osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) signalling thereby having therapeutic potential for osteoporosis.
US09539219B2

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a chylomicron and a carotenoid. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a micelle and a carotenoid, suspended in an aqueous solution and suitable for intravenous administration. The bioavailability of the carotenoid of the pharmaceutical composition is higher relative to the bioavailability of free carotenoid.
US09539218B2

The present invention relates to the field of blood coagulation, more specifically it relates to a method of treating a thromboembolic disorder by administering once daily a direct factor Xa inhibitor in oral dosage form to a patient in need thereof, wherein the factor Xa inhibitor has a plasma concentration half life indicative of a bid or tid administration interval, e.g. of 10 hours or less.
US09539215B2

A method for preparing hydro/organo gelators from disaccharide sugars by biocatalysis and their use in enzyme-triggered drug delivery. Controlled delivery of an anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive drug is achieved by an enzyme-triggered drug release mechanism via degradation of encapsulated hydrogels. The hydro- and organo-gelators are synthesized in high yields from renewable resources by using a regioselective enzyme catalysis and a known chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory drug, curcumin, is encapsulated in the gel matrix and released by enzyme triggered delivery. The release of the drug occurs at the physiological temperature and control of the drug release rate is achieved by manipulating the enzyme concentration and temperature. The by-products formed after the gel degradation clearly demonstrated the site specificity of degradation of the gelator by enzyme catalysis. The present invention has applications in developing cost effective, controlled drug delivery vehicles from renewable resources, with a potential impact on pharmaceutical research and molecular design and delivery strategies.
US09539214B2

The present disclosure is directed to a method for delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a patient in need thereof, comprising: administering to said patient a pharmaceutical composition in unit dose form comprising acetylsalicylic acid, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and omeprazole, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09539212B2

The present invention is directed to vaccination composition comprising a particle comprising a polymer matrix incorporating an adjuvant and/or an antigen, to method of making them and use. Particularly, the present invention results in adjuvants and/or antigens, covalently entrapped in or coupled to polymer carriers or polymeric devices, such as micelles, nanoparticles, microspheres and other types of polymer devices for controlled release; the adjuvant and/or antigen are covalently bonded in or to the polymer carriers or polymeric devices.
US09539211B2

The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for pulmonary delivery comprising particles containing a pharmaceutical agent and having a geometric size of greater than about 5 μm and a tap density of less than about 0.075 g/cm3. The invention also provides methods for delivering the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention to the respiratory tract of a patient.
US09539201B2

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of transdermal delivery and more specifically to transdermal patches containing selegiline base for the treatment of depression, Parkinson's disease, and other nervous system conditions.
US09539197B2

The invention relates to specific quaternized hyperbranched polymers having end-groups of formula (I) characterized in that said quaternized hyperbranched polymer is obtainable by preparation of a hyperbranched polymer having dimethylamino end groups by condensation of 2-dodecen-1-ylsuccinic anhydride, diisopropanolamine and N,N-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]amine followed by quaternization of the dimethylamino end-groups to end groups of formula (I). Furthermore, the invention is directed to clear shampoo preparations comprising such quaternized hyperbranched polymers.
US09539196B2

Compositions of the invention comprise 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1) and SIRT6 activating peptide G-A-G-V-S-A-E-NH2. Compositions of the invention exhibit anti-aging effects by promoting the repair of skin cell DNA and/or by protecting skin cell DNA from UV damage.
US09539195B1

The disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions having a synergistic combination of ultraviolet light (UV) filtering agents that provide a high sun protection factor (SPF). Compositions according to the disclosure have high SPF values without requiring high total amounts of UV filtering agents. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to methods of using the described compositions for protecting keratinous substances such as skin and hair from UV radiation.
US09539194B1

The disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions having a synergistic combination of ultraviolet light (UV) filtering agents that provide a high sun protection factor (SPF). Compositions according to the disclosure have high SPF values without requiring high total amounts of UV filtering agents. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to methods of using the described compositions for protecting keratinous substances such as skin and hair from UV radiation.
US09539183B2

Provided are a hair dyeing method which causes a particular portion of hair to attain a different color than the overall color, and hair which is thus manufactured. The method includes steps of (a) applying a first dye to a plurality of hairs, (b) dividing the plurality of hairs, to which the first dye is applied, into specific units of hair, (c) marking a section in the specific unit of hair which will not be dyed, (d) tying the marked section in the specific unit of hair, (e) injecting water into a dyeing apparatus which is to be used in applying a second dye, (f) heating the water which is injected into the dyeing apparatus, (g) injecting a chemical and a dye into the water which is injected into the dyeing apparatus and heated, (h) introducing the specific unit of hair to be mixed with the water which is injected into the dyeing apparatus, (i) gradually raising a temperature of the water which is injected into the dyeing apparatus, (j) when the temperature of the water which is injected into the dyeing apparatus rises to a certain temperature, maintaining the temperature of the water for a certain duration of time, (k) verifying the color of the specific unit of hair, and repeating the step (g) when the color of the specific unit of hair is not a designated color, and (l) when the color of the specific unit of hair is the designated color, stopping the heating of the water which is injected into the dyeing apparatus, and draining the water from the dyeing apparatus.
US09539178B1

Systems, methods, and modes for distribution of medical objects, such as medicines, from a sending station at a pharmacy or a nursing station to one of a plurality of receiving stations located by the patient's bedside via pneumatic tubing without a dedicated carrier. The system is a one-way system configured for allowing the medical object to travel in one direction from a sending station to one of the receiving stations. The pneumatic tube system comprises a sending station, a plurality of receiving stations routably connected to the sending station via the pneumatic tubing, a pump, and a system controller in signal communication with the sending station, the receiving station, and the pump. The system controller receives delivery information from the sending station, identifies an intended receiving station using the delivery information, and sends commands to the pneumatic tube system to control routing of the medical object from the sending station to the identified receiving station in the pneumatic tubing.
US09539176B2

The present invention relates to manufacturing processes for the preparation of a pharmaceutical dosage form comprising nifedipine and candesartan cilexetil and optionally at least one diuretic characterized in that nifedipine is released in the body in a controlled (modified) manner and the candesartan cilexetil is released rapidly (immediate release (IR)) and optionally the diuretic is released rapidly (immediate release (IR)) and the pharmaceutical dosage forms obtainable by these processes.
US09539175B2

A container for mixing an enclosed medical agent with a fluid. The container comprising an inclining bottom seam directed towards a connector. The connector comprising an elongated hollow body having a plurality of interconnected walls defining a first and a second longitudinal flow channel for fluidly connecting an inside and an outside of the container. The first flow channel has a first opening and a second opening, the first opening of the first flow channel is devised to be arranged inside of the container and the second opening of the first flow channel is devised to be arranged outside the container. The first opening of the first flow channel is arranged radially outwards from the first flow channel and directed towards said inclined bottom seam. The second flow channel has a first opening devised to be arranged inside of said container and a second opening devised to be arranged outside the container arranged axially to the first opening of the second flow channel.
US09539166B2

The invention provides a compression device for the limb of a mobile patient. The device includes an inflatable sleeve adapted to surround the limb; a conduit attached to the sleeve for delivering fluid to the sleeve; and a portable, wearable controller attached to the conduit that generates and controls the flow of fluid in the device.
US09539162B2

[Problem to be Solved]The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the load applied to the wearer by correcting a parameter in correspondence with detectivity of biosignals.[Means to Solve Problem]The calibration controlling part 162 of the movement assisting apparatus 10 enables the power amplifying part 158 to apply a driving force of the driving source 140 as a load (input torque) from the load generating part 164 to the wearer 12 when the wearer 12 wears the movement assisting wearing device. Then, the wearer 12 applied with the driving force of the driving source 140 generates power from the skeletal muscles by performing a predetermined calibration operation. Accordingly, the physical phenomenon detecting part 142 detects joint angle along with the calibration operation, and the biosignal detecting part 144 detects myoelectric signals. In the parameter correction part 156, a parameter K is corrected based on the difference between the load (input torque) and the driving force (muscular strength) being calculated by the difference deriving part 154 with respect to the phase identified by the phase identifying part 152.
US09539133B2

A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive implants do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The implants may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the digestive capacity. Additionally, the implants may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Also, a number of implants slow gastric emptying by blocking or otherwise impeding flow through the pyloric sphincter. Other implants delay digestion by providing a duodenal sleeve. A number of implants combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the implants within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the implants through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the implants occurs in the reverse.
US09539131B2

A delivery system for a self-expanding stent includes a catheter having a distal end and being configured to retain a self-expanding stent proximate the distal end. The delivery system also includes an inflatable device provided on the catheter and positioned proximate the distal end. The inflatable device, typically a balloon, is configured to selectively assist the self-expanding stent with radial expansion. The catheter includes a tubular member and an outer member coaxially positioned about the tubular member. The outer member can slide relative to the tubular member in an axial direction. The outer member is configured to retain a self-expanding stent in a radially-compressed position and to release the self-expanding stent to a radially-expanded position.
US09539129B2

An apparatus for deploying and retrieving a self-expanding intravascular stent includes an intravascular delivery wire and floating marker band movably retained over the intravascular stent delivery wire and releasably mounting the self-expanding intravascular stent. The floating marker band is movably retained to a fixed marker band, and a distance between the fixed marker band and the floating marker band is variable and self-adjusting. One or more struts of the self-expanding intravascular stent are releasably constrained between a catheter wall and one or more sides of the floating marker band.
US09539127B2

An endoluminal medical device includes a cannula, the cannula having a proximal end and a distal end; an abrasion member having a series of struts interconnected by a series of bent segments forming a plurality of prongs attached to the cannula, the abrasion member having a first section and a second section; where the prongs of the first section of the abrasion member extend radially outward from the cannula.
US09539122B2

An apparatus for treating vascular aneurysms includes an occlusive support device comprised of one or more support members. The occlusive device has, an end cap member and an anchoring member. The end cap member is comprised of at least one of one or more of the support members. The end cap member has openings and the end cap member comprises a reactive material that is configured to hydrate upon delivery of the device and to reduce the size of said openings. The device is configured so that the occlusive members can be positioned in the blood vessel proximate the neck of a vascular aneurysm, the reactive material hydrates and increases the resistance to blood flow into the aneurysm, and the anchoring member anchors the device in the blood vessel without occluding flow through the blood vessel.
US09539121B2

The present invention provides apparatus and methods for a conduit, such as an implantable conduit for a vessel. The conduit may comprise a main member and a side-branch member. The conduit may be implanted with the side-branch member initially disposed within the main member. When positioned, the side-branch member may then be extended from within the main member and into a vessel side-branch. The materials for the conduit may include circumferentially distensible and/or low recoil materials. The materials for the conduit may be constructed by various techniques and may include materials with enhanced flexibility and kink resistance.
US09539117B2

A model-based neuromechanical controller for a robotic limb having at least one joint includes a finite state machine configured to receive feedback data relating to the state of the robotic limb and to determine the state of the robotic limb, a muscle model processor configured to receive state information from the finite state machine and, using muscle geometry and reflex architecture information and a neuromuscular model, to determine at least one desired joint torque or stiffness command to be sent to the robotic limb, and a joint command processor configured to command the biomimetic torques and stiffnesses determined by the muscle model processor at the robotic limb joint. The feedback data is preferably provided by at least one sensor mounted at each joint of the robotic limb. In a preferred embodiment, the robotic limb is a leg and the finite state machine is synchronized to the leg gait cycle.
US09539116B2

Systems and methods for presenting force information related to a provisional is disclosed. A user interface may be provided for presenting objects on a display related to a knee joint, the user interface including a representation of an area of the knee joint for presentment on the display and a force center indicator for presentment on the display. The user interface providing an indication of when a position of the force center indicator corresponds to a desired position of the force center indicator.
US09539108B2

An expandable fusion device is capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. The fusion device may include a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
US09539102B2

Intervertebral implants for implanting into an intervertebral space are provided. The implants can comprise one or more layers that are operably attached to one another. An implant can comprise a first layer having a first mating surface that mates with a second mating surface of a second layer. The first mating surface and the second mating surface can have features that allow them to complement each other. The implants can include one or more bore holes for receiving a fixation member. The bore holes can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. In some cases, the bore holes will be blind bore holes.
US09539100B2

Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. In some instances, the during-implantation selection method includes monitoring loads and/or pressures applied to the prosthetic device and/or the adjacent anatomy. In some instances, the loads and/or pressures are monitored by a trial prosthetic device comprising one or more sensors. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.
US09539098B2

A scalable modular hip resurfacing arthroplasty system includes (1) an alignment guide for precise guide pin insertion, (2) a modular cannulated cylindrical reamer assembly for accurate femoral head cylindrical reaming and central bone channel drilling, (3) a saw guide for an accurate femoral head osteotomy, (4) a soft tissue protector with a stepped design to shield and retract tissues, (5) a hip retractor that seats onto a prepared femur, (6) an outer hole drill guide aiding drilling of peripheral holes, and (7) a femoral resurfacing implant with a cap portion and central stem adapted for multiple modular attachments including plates. A method for preparing the proximal femur for hip resurfacing with novel stepped cylindrical femoral head osteotomy and central bone channel drilling, leaving an intact collar of cortical bone above the femoral head articular rim.
US09539090B2

A valve insertion device for traversing a wire guide through a valve within an intraluminal passage. A wire guide is positioned near the outflow of a valve within an intraluminal passage. Alongside the wire guide, a pressure sensor is positioned to detect the pressure of the fluid in the intraluminal passage. As the valve opens, the fluid pressure at the outflow of the valve increases. This information is sent from the pressure sensor to a control system. From this information, the control system can determine when the valve will open and can actuate an advancement system to move the wire guide to traverse the open valve. After traversing the valve, various catheters and sheaths may be advanced over the wire guide through the valve.
US09539089B2

A prosthetic valve has a support structure that meets with a plurality of leaflets capable of transitioning between open and closed states. The support structure can include a base frame with a polymer coating and the leaflets can be artificial. The interface between the support structure and each leaflet can be at least partially convex when viewed from an exterior of the support structure along a normal to a plane formed by a central axis of the support structure and a central axis of the leaflet.
US09539085B2

A graft attachment apparatus including at least two separately formed filament loops, and a fixation member comprising at least one opening configured to receive the at least two separately formed filament loops. The at least two separately formed filament loops are continuous loops.
US09539078B2

Disclosed are implants for pelvic floor repair and related uses, and devices, kits, and methods which can be used to deliver the implants. In certain embodiments, the devices are used to deliver extensions of a surgical implant to respective target tissue regions of the levator ani muscle and the sacrospinous ligament.
US09539055B2

A medical device for resecting tissue. The medical device includes a catheter shaft having a proximal portion and two or more distal branch portions. The distal branch portions are moveable between a closed position, and an open position. One or more lumens extend between the proximal portion and through each distal branch portion. An actuation element extends through the lumen of each distal branch portion. A snare loop is connected to each actuation element.
US09539051B2

A system for determining probability of tissue damage includes a plurality of return electrodes adhered to a patient and adapted to couple to an electrosurgical generator configured to generate an electrosurgical current. The system also includes a current monitor and a switching component connected in series with each of the plurality of the return electrodes. The current monitor is configured to measure the electrosurgical current passing therethrough. The system further includes a processor coupled to each of the current monitors and the switching components. The processor is configured to determine the balance of a current load among the plurality of the return electrodes and configured to control each of the switching components to adjust the current passing through each of the return electrodes to balance the current load.
US09539048B2

A method of reducing bronchial constriction in a subject includes delivering energy to create one or more lesions on a main bronchus so as to transect pulmonary nerves sufficiently to reduce bronchial constriction in a lung of the patient distal to the main bronchus.
US09539040B2

A locking and lagging bone screw. The screw includes a head having an outer surface which is at least partially threaded and a shaft which is at least partially threaded having a first end coupled to the head and a second end adapted to be fastened to bone. The head of the screw is able to rotate independently of the shaft. Thus, the head of the screw can be locked to a bone plate by using a first driver (e.g., a torx driver) and the plate can be lagged to the bone by using a second driver (e.g., a hex driver).
US09539039B2

A device includes an elongated body configured to be coupled to a bone stabilization implant so that, when the bone stabilization implant is mounted to a target bone, the body extends away from the bone stabilization implant at an angle selected so that the elongated body passes into a target portion of bone. The body defines a lumen therein extending to an opening in a distal end of the body. The device also includes a deploying member housed within the lumen of body for movement between a first position and a second position. In addition, the device includes a plurality of wires coupled to the deploying member so that movement of the deploying member through the lumen moves the wires between an insertion position and a deployed position in which the distal ends of the wires penetrate a portion of bone adjacent to the distal end of the body.
US09539033B2

Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.
US09539030B2

A multi-axis adjustable splint for treating the fracture of bones includes a rail body that has a longitudinal axis. The splint further includes a fixed clamp assembly coupled to the rail body for securing at least one first bone screw in a first desired orientation. The fixed clamp assembly is translationally fixed relative to the rail body. The adjustable splint further includes a movable clamp assembly movably coupled to the rail body for securing at least one second bone screw in a second desired orientation. The movable clamp assembly is translatable along the longitudinal axis of the rail body. Both the fixed clamp assembly and the movable clamp assembly are each independently adjustable about three axes of rotation relative to the rail body.
US09539025B2

A biopsy assembly for collecting tissue samples by means of a biopsy needle when introduced in a body cavity. The biopsy assembly comprises an elongated member (101), with a longitudinal axis (102), configured with: a first needle guide (203) arranged to guide a needle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (102), and a second needle guide (204, 303) arranged to guide a needle in a direction along the elongated member (101).
US09539020B2

A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The shaft is operable to be selectively coupled and decoupled from the ultrasonic transducer. The apparatus comprises electro-mechanical means for coupling and decoupling the shaft from the ultrasonic transducer, and may further comprise means for preventing movement of the shaft as it is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer.
US09539013B2

A patient-specific alignment guide includes a three-dimensional engagement surface customized in a pre-operating planning stage by computer imaging to closely mate and conform to a corresponding bone portion of a patient's elbow joint. The patient-specific alignment guide defines a first longitudinal guiding bore aligned with a reference axis associated with the elbow joint of patient when the alignment guide is mounted onto the corresponding bone portion.
US09539009B2

The instant invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the repair and/or growth of biological tissue, e.g., tubular biological tissue such as nerves. Specifically, the instant invention provides tissue connection devices and tissue repair devices and methods for using these devices.
US09539008B2

A surgical fastening device includes a handle assembly having a stationary handle and a movable handle and an elongated member extending distally from the handle portion. The elongated member includes a distal end portion. The device also includes a pair of firing rods operably coupled with the movable handle and movable between a proximal position and a distal position. A tool assembly has a plurality of helical fasteners supported therein and includes a pair of opposing jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable in relation to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The jaw members are configured to form a pair of radial channels when the jaw members are in the approximated position. The firing rods are configured to advance helical fasteners through at least one radial channel and into tissue upon movement from the proximal position to the distal position.
US09539000B2

Various devices, systems and methods for knotless suturing of tissue are disclosed. These devices allow sutures to be anchored to bone, and more specifically provide a suture anchor which eliminates the need for knotting the suture. Thus, damaged tissue may be re-attached to a substrate tissue. The anchors have a minimum of moving parts may be suited to being a single molded polymer construction. The anchors will find particular utility in hip and shoulder arthroscopy, e.g. labral re-attachment and similar procedures.
US09538977B2

An X-ray diagnosis apparatus detects X-rays output from an X-ray source and transmitted through a subject, and generates images of the inside of the subject, and comprises a detector, an X-ray intensity distribution data generator, and an entrance dose distribution data generator. The detector detects the intensity of the X-rays output from the X-ray source. The X-ray intensity distribution data generator generates X-ray intensity distribution data showing the X-ray intensity for each of a plurality of subdomains of an X-ray irradiation field from the X-ray source based on the detection outcome by the detector. The entrance dose distribution data generator generates entrance dose distribution data showing the dose of X-rays output from the X-ray source and irradiated onto the subject, based on the X-ray intensity distribution data.
US09538973B2

An imaging method includes calculating a derivative back projection (DBP) result value using a DBP method with respect to a projection image of a field of view (FOV) inside an object, and reconstructing an image of the FOV by applying a regulation function to the FOV while reconstructing the image of the FOV using the DBP result value.
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