US09551750B2
An object is to provide, at low costs, a function for determining whether a monitoring section should execute a self-diagnosis. A monitoring system has a monitoring section for acquiring information on the charge and discharge state of an electric storage device and a determination section for determining the charge and discharge state of the electric storage device on the basis of information acquired by the monitoring section. The determination section has an output section for continuously outputting, to the monitoring section, a stepped signal made up of a High signal and a Low signal, and as well, when the charge and discharge state of the electric storage device has been determined to fall within an allowable range on the basis of the information acquired from the monitoring section, outputs a diagnosis permit signal that is a unique stepped signal having a period different from that before the determination, and when the signal received from the determination section has been determined to be the diagnosis permit signal, the monitoring section executes a self-diagnosis for detecting an abnormal event in the monitoring section.
US09551744B2
A method includes characterizing the effects of an electric field on a first set of printed wiring boards (PWBs) by testing the first set of PWBs to generate test data, using the test data to determine a dielectric life curve of the first set of PWBs, and based on the dielectric life curve, defining a screening time and a screening voltage to screen for premature failures in a second set of PWBs due to electric fields.
US09551743B2
Current Voltage and Capacitance Voltage (IV and CV) measurements are critical in measurement of properties of electronic materials especially semiconductors. A semiconductor testing device to accomplish IV and CV measurement supports a semiconductor wafer and provides a probe for contacting a surface on the wafer under control of an atomic Force Microscope or similar probing device for positioning the probe to a desired measurement point on the wafer surface. Detection of contact by the probe on the surface is accomplished and test voltage is supplied to the semiconductor wafer. A first circuit for measuring capacitance sensed by the probe based on the test voltage and a complimentary circuit for measuring Fowler Nordheim current sensed by the probe based on the test voltage are employed with the probe allowing the calculation of characteristics of the semiconductor wafer based on the measured capacitance and Fowler Nordheim current.
US09551737B2
A data collector associated with a grain bin is in communication with a plurality of capacitive moisture cables hanging within the grain bin. Each capacitive moisture cable includes a plurality of sensor nodes positioned along the moisture cable. Each sensor node includes a sensor node microprocessor and a sensor node memory coupled to a temperature sensor, a reference capacitive sensor and a capacitive moisture sensor. A main controller is in communication with the data collector. The main controller memory is configured in a data structure comprising grain type data, temperature data, raw reference capacitance data, raw moisture capacitance data, node identification data, physical node positional data, and a calculated moisture content for each sensor node. A method of determining moisture contents of grain in a grain bin related to such a system is also included.
US09551733B2
A method of detecting an electric current through a main bearing of a rotating system comprising: a hub; a plurality of blades connected to the hub; at least one electrical motor arranged at the hub; a main shaft attached to the hub and enclosing cabling for providing electrical power to the at least one electrical motor; a bearing housing attached to a metallic structure acting as electrical earth; and a main bearing having an inner ring attached to the main shaft and an outer ring attached to the bearing housing, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first measurement device for determining a measure indicative of an electric current in the main shaft at a first location on a side of the main bearing facing the hub; providing a second measurement device for determining a measure indicative of an electric current in the main shaft at a second location on a side of the main bearing facing away from the hub; determining a measure indicative of a difference between a first current flowing through the main shaft at the first location and a second current flowing through the main shaft at the second location, the difference being indicative of the electric current through the main bearing.
US09551732B2
An apparatus for AC physical signals measurement and data acquisition and the method for the same are provided. The apparatus for AC physical signals measurement and data acquisition comprises an analog sampling channel for inputting an AC signal and outputting an analog sampling value; a sampling switch for performing re-sampling to obtain data frequency as required by the receiving side; a register for storing a re-sampling value from the sampling switch; a bus for outputting the re-sampling value in the register to the receiving side; a timing controller for controlling the analog sampling channel and the re-sampling frequency of the sampling switch; and a digital low-pass filter, which has an input connected with the analog sampling value outputted by the analog sampling channel and an output connected with the sampling switch, filters out high frequency components from the sampling value, and has a cut-off frequency that should be lower than 0.5 times the re-sampling frequency of the sampling switch. The apparatus and method for AC physical signals measurement and data acquisition improve accuracy of remote measurement for electric power physical quantities. Not only waveform values are outputted by re-sampling, effective values, steady state values and their fundamental/harmonic wave effective values and steady state values are also outputted. Thus, various requirements by the receiving side on remote measurement data are satisfied.
US09551728B2
A technique is provided for determining a force/acceleration acting on a proof mass of a bistable device. According to an aspect of the invention, the location of a boundary of one of the stable configurations of the device is monitored. The monitored location is compared to a predetermined location of the same boundary, said predetermined location corresponding to a condition in which the force/acceleration is absent, to detect a deviation of said location. The deviation is indicative of the force/acceleration and can be used to determine the force/acceleration. According to another aspect of the invention, the resonance frequency of the proof mass' oscillation in one of the stable regions is monitored, and compared to a predetermined resonance frequency the proof mass' oscillation in the same region corresponding to a condition in which the force/acceleration is absent, to determine a deviation of the resonance frequency due to the presence of force/acceleration. The deviation in the resonance frequency can be used to determine the force/acceleration.
US09551727B2
Motion detection device consisting of a single encoder and a single stationary sensor element, the encoder, which is arranged on a movable part, representing an asymmetrical pattern. The angular velocity or velocity and the direction of motion of a moving part are determined from the sensor signal by measuring the edge steepness or the rise time or fall time, spectrally analyzing the frequency and the phase relation of a harmonic to the phase of the fundamental mode, or evaluating the asymmetries of a sequence of rectangular pulses.
US09551725B2
A system for monitoring cleanliness of a material handling system is disclosed. The system includes a measuring device, a first signal device, a second signal device, and a measuring host. The measuring device installed in the cartridges conduct the cleanliness measurements and obtains the measured result. The first signal device installed in the cartridges transforms the measured results to wireless signals. The second signal device installed in a predetermined location outside of the cartridges receives the wireless signal. The measuring host transforms the received wireless signals back to the measured results. The cartridges of the material handling system are also disclosed. The disclosed cleanliness monitoring system and the cartridge can reduce the cost.
US09551723B2
A liquid reagent of a stabilized thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier, by which a thyroid hormone can be measured easily in a short time and at low cost, is provided. The liquid reagent of a thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier according to the present invention includes: a thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier; and a solvent, and a pH of the solvent containing the thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier is in a range from 8.7 to 11.5. The detection of a thyroid hormone using the liquid reagent of the present invention can be carried out by competitively binding a thyroid hormone in a sample and the thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier in the liquid reagent with an anti-thyroid hormone antibody and detecting a composite of the thyroid hormone-immobilized carrier and the anti-thyroid hormone antibody.
US09551715B1
A device for rapid detection of cerebrospinal fluid in a sample fluid, the device uses a sample pad with sensors for detecting the presence of one or more analytes in the sample fluid and an analyzer operatively connected to the sample pad, for quantitative analysis of one or more analytes. A display unit operably connected to the analyzer, for displaying an output of the analysis may also be a part of the device, wherein the display unit may be able to indicate presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage using an indicator.
US09551712B2
The present invention provides sets of VOCs for breath analysis. Methods of use thereof in diagnosing, monitoring or prognosing breast cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer or colon cancer are disclosed.
US09551709B2
Provided are a single-stranded nucleic acid aptamer simultaneously and specifically binding to various types of microorganisms, and a method of manufacturing the nucleic acid aptamer. For example, provided are a probe that is capable of simultaneously detecting or diagnosing a variety of microorganisms, and a method of manufacturing an aptamer having characteristics of such a probe.
US09551702B2
There is provided a method of monitoring one or more specified reactions in a fluid medium sample using a thermal signature, comprising providing at least one micro-cantilever sensor, said micro-cantilever sensor comprising at least two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, and having a heater and piezo-resistive sensor integrated therein, calibrating the at least one micro-cantilever response to thermal changes to form a calibrated micro-cantilever response characteristic, starting the specified reaction in the fluid medium sample, pulsing the heater with one or more electrical pulses to induce heat generation in the micro-cantilever, sampling the output of the integrated piezo-resistive sensor to characterize a response of the micro-cantilever during the specified reaction in the fluid medium, and subtracting the calibrated micro-cantilever response characteristic from the sampled output to determine a characteristic of the one or more specified reactions in the fluid medium sample. There is also provided a method for measuring at least one thermal property of a fluid medium sample, and a fluid medium sample reaction detection apparatus.
US09551697B2
A method of identifying a molecule is disclosed. A molecule is drawn to a nanopore by applying a first voltage signal to a pair of electrodes during a first period, wherein the first voltage signal causes a first ionic current through the nanopore that is indicative of a property of a portion of the molecule proximate to the nanopore. The molecule is released from the nanopore by applying a second voltage signal to the pair of electrodes during a second period, wherein the second voltage signal causes a second ionic current through the nanopore. The first period and the second period are determined based at least in part on a net ionic current through the nanopore comprising the first ionic current and the second ionic current.
US09551695B2
A personal-sized, portable explosive detection field test kit (ETK) and related methods of use. Embodiments of the disclosed ETK include a case having a closing system featuring three levels of closure which retain the case cover securely in a closed position until ready for use, while being easily opened when necessary. The ETK instructions are permanently attached to the case to prevent loss. The case includes retention features which retain the kit components until needed and protects them against loss or damage. The ETK includes one or more test tubes that are color coded and include abbreviated instructions.
US09551686B1
A method and apparatus for non-invasive, real time analysis of physical and chemical properties of a medium employs electromagnetic waves induced by an excitation transducer within longitudinally magnetized strips of ferromagnetic film serving as a waveguide. A physical medium juxtaposed to the wave guide induces a charge center encountered by the pulsed electromagnetic waves. The characteristics of changes induced by the physical medium within the pulsed electromagnetic wave, such as permittivity and permeability effects, boundary oscillations and phase changes are read by detection transducers and transmitted to software for analysis of the characteristics of the physical medium.
US09551682B2
Various embodiments provide devices, methods, and systems for high throughput biomolecule detection using transducer arrays. In one embodiment, a transducer array made up of transducer elements may be used to detect byproducts from chemical reactions that involve redox genic tags. Each transducer element may include at least a reaction chamber and a fingerprinting region, configured to flow a fluid from the reaction chamber through the fingerprinting region. The reaction chamber can include a molecule attachment region and the fingerprinting region can include at least one set of electrodes separated by a nanogap for conducting redox cycling reactions. In embodiments, by flowing the chamber content obtained from a reaction of a latent redox tagged probe molecule, a catalyst, and a target molecule in the reaction chamber through the fingerprinting region, the redox cycling reactions can be detected to identify redox-tagged biomolecules.
US09551665B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting mitochondria alterations, which comprises the following steps: (A) providing a separation element and a sample; (B) mixing the separation element and the sample, wherein a detecting sample is obtained through the binding of a DNA fragment on the separation element to mitochondrial DNA in the sample; (C) dividing the detecting sample into a comparison group and a detection group; (D) adding an amplification solution into the comparison group and the detection group respectively to begin a DNA amplified reaction, and further adding a restriction enzyme into the detection group, wherein the amplification solution comprises a labeling reagent and a primer pair; and (E) detecting amounts of the labeling reagent in the comparison group and the detection group respectively after the DNA amplified reaction.
US09551662B2
A surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device may be provided to accurately detect a specific substance even in the case in which a well member is used and achieving a simpler structure and a lower manufacturing cost, and a fluorescence detection method using the surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device.
US09551661B2
An assay chip includes fluidic-channel member composed of a light-transmissive lower member and an upper member, forming a fluidic-channel therebetween, and a cover member fitted with the fluidic-channel member from the upper-member-side thereof. An inlet for injecting a sample solution into the fluidic-channel and a suction opening for sucking, from the downstream side, the injected sample solution, both communicating with the fluidic-channel, are formed on the upper surface of the upper member. A pot for carrying out predetermined pre-processing on the sample solution, a pot for first-reaction processing to bind a photoresponsive labeling substance to an analyte in the sample solution, an inlet insertion-hole for inserting the inlet, and a suction-opening insertion-hole for inserting the suction opening are linearly arranged on the upper surface of the cover member.
US09551655B2
A sensor platform is provided for interrogating a sample with an electromagnetic (EM) wave. The platform includes: a dielectric material having opposing first and second planar surfaces; a first array of loop elements embedded in the first planar surface of the dielectric material, wherein slots are formed between the loop elements in the first array of loop elements and configured to host a sample material therein; and a second array of loop elements embedded in the second planar surface of the dielectric material and formed symmetrically with respect to the first array of loop elements, wherein slots are also formed between the loop elements of the second array of loop elements. The loop elements in the first array and the second array are comprised of a conductive material.
US09551652B2
A measuring apparatus is capable of measuring chlorine dioxide gas concentration by correcting for changes in light emission of an LED due to heating and passage of time, and applying the correction to the optical absorption rate of chlorine dioxide gas at a photodetector. The measuring apparatus includes a main body with a measuring passage surrounded by a pair of transparent bodies, into which specimen gas or fresh air is fed and then discharged, and a comparing passage arranged in the vicinity of the measuring passage, into which no specimen gas is fed, first and second LEDs for emitting ultraviolet light which both have identical properties and are mounted at one end of the measuring passage and at one end of the comparing passage, respectively, and first and second photodetectors for receiving light respectively from the first and second LEDs and detecting a light emission amount thereof.
US09551651B2
A handheld moisture sensing device for use in determining the moisture content of biological material, such as animal feed. Adapted to be pressed against biological material to be analyzed, the device includes a sensor assembly, including a housing with an end structure including a grate adapted to engage the material to be examined, a near infrared (NIR) LED, an NIR light sensor, a glass mounted in the housing adjacent the light source so that light from the light source passes through the glass, a glass heater positioned adjacent the glass for heating the glass, a lens mounted in the housing adjacent the NIR sensor so that the NIR light reflected off the biological material passes through the glass and is focused by the lens onto the NIR sensor, and a controller connected to the NIR sensor and receiving a signal related to the reflected NIR light received by the NIR sensor.
US09551642B2
A method includes forming a mixed vapor supply stream (MVSS) including measured amounts of water vapor, hydrocarbon vapor, and a carrier gas. For multiple target temperatures, the method includes (i) cooling the MVSS to form a first liquid stream and a mixed vapor outlet stream (MVOS), (ii) cooling the MVOS to condense vapor and form a second liquid stream, (iii) measuring an amount of a selected component in the second liquid stream, and (iv) calculating an amount of the selected component in the first liquid stream as the difference between the measured amounts of the selected component in the MVSS and the second liquid stream. The amount of the selected component as a function of the target temperature is analyzed to identify a lowest temperature at which the first liquid stream is expected to contain none of the selected component other than an amount soluble in the first liquid stream.
US09551641B2
Disclosed herein is an exchangeable needle cartridge for a drilling measuring device with a guiding device for a drilling needle. The guiding device includes a telescopic tube with a plurality of telescopic tube sections which extends between a working end, at which a retainer for retaining the drilling needle in a rotationally fixed manner is arranged, and a docking end, at which a docking device for coupling the telescopic tube to a driving device of the drilling measuring device is arranged. Also disclosed is a docking device comprising a coupling device for transmitting torque from the driving device of the drilling resistance measuring device to the telescopic tube, a transmission device for converting the rotational motion of the driving device of the drilling measuring device into a linear motion of the telescopic tube, and furthermore structure for detachably fastening the exchangeable needle cartridge to the drilling measuring device.
US09551629B2
A method and a system for acquiring a vibratory signal for troubleshooting a rotary motor, including: an input receiving a temporal vibratory signal of the motor and at least one current rotational speed of at least one shaft of the motor, and a sampling mechanism sampling the temporal vibratory signal in real time with at least one sampling signal synchronised with the at least one current rotational speed thus generating a corresponding synchronous vibratory signal.
US09551625B2
A pressure measurement system for use in blood circuits comprised of a pressure sensing pod and a force measurement device. The pressure sensing pod can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A mechanical engagement member of the force measurement device engages with a mechanical engagement feature of the diaphragm, and the engagement member is operative to move in concert with movement of the engagement feature of the diaphragm based on pressure variations with the pressure sensing pod. The force measurement device generates and outputs to a processor a signal based on detected force associated with movement of the engagement member.
US09551622B2
Disclosed is a rotor for a torque sensor configured to improve a mechanical coupling force with respect to a jig in a process of adjusting a torque center, thus enabling a fine adjustment, the rotor including a rotor body having a sleeve coupled to a rotating shaft and a yoke protruding from an outer circumference of the sleeve, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to an outer circumference of the yoke, and an anti-slip structure formed on the rotor body and partially coming into contact with a jig during a rotating process for adjusting a torque center, thus inhibiting slipping between the rotor body and the jig when a rotating force is transmitted, so that slipping between the jig and the rotor body is inhibited to enable precise transmission of the rotating force whereby accuracy is improved during fine adjustment of the torque center.
US09551619B1
A pulsed emitter of electromagnetic radiation having a frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz is described. The pulsed emitter includes an electromagnetic radiation gain medium and a pulse inducing element. The electromagnetic radiation gain medium is for generating electromagnetic radiation having the frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz. The pulse inducing element is configured to induce an electromagnetic radiation pulse in the gain medium.
US09551614B2
Devices, methods, and systems for cavity-enhanced spectroscopy are described herein. One system includes an optical frequency comb (OFC) coupled to a laser source, and a cavity coupled to the OFC comprising a number of mirrors, wherein at least one of the number of mirrors is coupled to a piezo-transducer configured to alter a position of the at least one of the number of mirrors.
US09551593B2
A method of displaying power consumption by receiving information regarding Real Time Pricing (RTP) in which a power rate varies according to time; receiving power consumption amounts; and displaying predetermined visual displaying means based on the RTP information and the received power consumption amounts.
US09551591B2
A user equipment (UE) provides driving assistance based on road infrastructure information. The UE may include a wireless interface which communicates over a wireless channel, a position determination system configured to determine a position of the UE, a memory configured to store instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory. The processor may be configured to transmit a request for road infrastructure data which may include the position of the UE, receive road infrastructure data associated with road infrastructure element(s) within a proximity to the UE, where a boundary of the proximity exceeds a line of sight of the UE. The processor may also generate a graphical representation of the road infrastructure element(s) along with information associated with the road infrastructure data, and provide the graphical representation to a display. The graphical representation may convey status of, or information provided by, the road infrastructure element(s).
US09551589B2
Natural navigational guidance provides enhanced guidance instructions that take advantage of unique geographic features along a navigated route to specify maneuver points. Guidance points are clearly visible, unambiguous, and locally unique features in the geography of the maneuver area that can be used to aid the user in discovering the place where the maneuver point is. Within a guidance point selection area, a specific guidance point type has a more strict area within which it can be used. A natural guidance point selection area for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is determined, and a unique geographic feature within the determined natural guidance point selection area is selected as a natural guidance point for navigation of the upcoming maneuver. A turn-type natural guidance point for an upcoming maneuver to be navigated is generated when the user device is within the natural guidance point selection area.
US09551583B1
Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and dynamic systems and methods for building a hybrid road network and grid based spatial temporal index to handle big trajectory data. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to satisfy the issue of low indexing and compression rate of big trajectory data, and to improve the efficiency of index queries, while also providing a mechanism to account for missing road links in a map.
US09551582B2
A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events; a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in said memory, to determine a priority thereof.
US09551580B2
Techniques for mixed static and dynamic routing include determining a subset of less than all of a plurality of stopover points of an initial route of ordered stopover points. In the subset, all stopover points are marked as dynamic to indicate that their order is allowed to change. It is also determined whether there are at least two stopover points for which order may be changed. If there are at least two stopover points for which order may be changed, then a computed route is determined in which an order in the computed route of the stopover points of the subset minimizes a metric for the entire route compared to any other allowed order of the stopover points of the subset.
US09551577B2
A gyroscope structure with a specific arrangement of drive and sense structures and coupling spring structures, which allows orthogonally directed motions of larger scale drive and sense structures in a very limited surface area.
US09551573B1
A device includes sensor substantially coplanar with one another in a sensor plane, each sensor generating a sense value that varies according to a physical distance between the sensor and an object. The device also includes control circuits configured to generate a first position value, a second position value, and a third value using the sense values in a first mode to detect a hover or glove operation by the object. The first position value and the second position values identify a two-dimensional position of the object in the sensor plane and the third value varies in response to movement of the object in a Z-direction substantially perpendicular to the sensor plane. The control circuits are also configured to generate a fourth position value and a fifth position value in a second mode to detect a touch operation by the object. The control circuits include a programmable integrated circuit including an analog portion and a digital portion.
US09551567B2
Among other things, a machine based method includes representing a plurality of spectra reflected from one or more substrates at a plurality of different positions on the one or more substrates in the form of a first matrix; decomposing, by one or more computers, the first matrix into products of at least two component matrixes of a first set of component matrixes; reducing dimensions of each of the at least two component matrixes to produce a second set of component matrixes containing the at least two matrixes with reduced dimensions; and generating, by the one or more computers, a second matrix by taking a product of the matrixes of the second set of component matrixes.
US09551557B1
The present invention provides ammunition having a two piece primer insert with a flange, a polymeric middle body extending from the primer insert to a cylindrical middle body coupling region, a polymeric projectile end having a projectile aperture mated to the polymeric middle body, a primer inserted into the primer aperture, a propellant at least partially filling the propellant chamber, and a projectile frictionally fitted in the bullet-end aperture.
US09551555B2
Embodiments of a projectile are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a projectile includes a substantially solid core of a material, and two or more petals attached to the core. The two or more petals can be formed from the same material used to form the core and can include a trocar tip. A cavity can be bound by the core and inner surfaces of the plurality of petals.
US09551547B2
The invention relates to a method for the repeatable initiation of propellent charges in a weapon system, for example in the firing of projectiles from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) in a combustion chamber channel (3) filled with filler gas and comprising a combustion chamber combustion element (30), in which the filler gas in the combustion chamber channel (3) is ionized via a high-voltage potential from at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103), which ionization increases the electrical conductivity in the combustion chamber channel (3) so that an electrical flashover, through electrical discharge via a high-voltage generator (5) between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21), is generated from the rear electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) onward to the front electrode (21), which results in hot ignition gas with plasma-like state being expelled from the combustion chamber channel (3). The invention also relates to a plasma generator for the said method, and to an ammunition unit comprising the said plasma generator.
US09551546B2
There is disclosed herein systems, methods and apparatus relating to a firearm with an electronically operable firing system to fire projectiles from the firearm. A firing mechanism is provided for mechanically and electronically firing a firearm, and a selector mechanism allows for selection of a safe mode, an electronic firing mode or a mechanical firing mode for the firearm. There also includes an electronic controller and shooter interface for controlling firing of a firearm in an electronic mode of firing.
US09551543B2
A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed on or in a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether security data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the saris, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun key devices are provided to transmit security data and gun control signals to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to the gun control signals transmitted by one of the gun key devices to lock or unlock the gun, respectively, when the received security data and the security data stored in memory are substantially similar. The logic device also automatically locks the gun when the gun is located more than a prescribed distance from the gun key device.
US09551535B2
An apparatus and method for cooling water in a swimming pool includes a heat exchanger coupled to a withdrawal conduit and a skimmer conduit of the pool filtering system. The heat exchanger is buried in the ground at a depth at which the ground temperature is substantially constant year-round thereby providing a passive heat sink for the heat exchanger. Water from the swimming pool is passed to a three-way valve for directing pool water either directly back to the swimming pool or through the heat exchanger for cooling pool water by heat transfer to the ground heat sink before being returned to the pool. Pool water from the skimmer conduit is selectively directed through the heat exchange while flow of pool water from the withdrawal conduit is prevented. A temperature sensor may control operation of the three-way valve and selective operation of the skimmer and withdrawal conduits.
US09551527B2
Methods and apparatus provide for spray drying a liquid product into a dried powder without applying heat, including: forming a slurry including a liquid solvent, a carrier, and an active ingredient; applying an electrostatic charge to the slurry; atomizing the charged slurry to produce a plurality of electrostatically charged, wet particles; suspending the electrostatically charged, wet particles for a sufficient time to permit repulsive forces induced by the electrostatic charge on at least some wet particles to cause at least some of such particles to divide into wet sub-particles; and continuing the suspending step, without the presence of any heated drying fluids, for a sufficient time to drive off a sufficient amount of the liquid solvent within most of the wet particles to leave a plurality of dried particles (the powder), each dried particle containing the active ingredient encapsulated within the carrier.
US09551518B2
A first expansion valve is provided in a first refrigerant circulation passage through which the refrigerant discharged from a compressor is able to circulate by passing sequentially through an external heat exchanger and an evaporator and returning to the compressor. A second expansion valve is provided in a second refrigerant circulation passage through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is able to circulate by passing sequentially through an auxiliary condenser and the external heat exchanger and returning to the compressor. The second expansion valve regulates the valve opening degree such that the refrigerant state at an inlet side of the compressor during a heating operation is in a range where the dryness of refrigerant is greater than or equal to 0.9 and the superheat of refrigerant is less than or equal to 5° C.
US09551514B2
A heating and cooling system for use in high-rise residential and commercial buildings may include condensing unit having dimensions no greater than 12 inches deep by 40 inches wide by 20 inches tall and a fan coil unit coupled to the condensing unit via refrigeration tubing. The fan coil unit may have dimensions of no greater than 14 inches deep by 43 inches wide by 11 inches tall. The condensing unit may include a condenser water connection, a refrigeration tubing connection, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The fan coil unit may include a filter rack configured to hold a MERV 13 filter, two in-line high-pressure fans, and at least one access panel on a bottom surface of the fan coil unit.
US09551511B2
An ejector (38) has ports (40, 42, 44) for receiving a motive flow and a suction flow and discharging a combined flow. The ejector has a motive flow inlet, a suction flow inlet (42), and an outlet (44). A suction flow flowpath extends from the suction flow inlet. A motive flow flowpath extends from the motive flow inlet to join the suction flow flowpath and form a combined flowpath exiting the outlet. The ejector comprises a plurality of motive flow nozzles (100, 302, 402, 602, 702, 802) along the motive flow flowpath. The motive flow nozzles are oriented to impart a tangential velocity component to the motive flow. A plurality of diffusers (130, 304, 404, 604, 704, 804) are along the combined flowpath and are oriented to recover the tangential velocity from the combined flow.
US09551510B2
Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.
US09551508B2
A ground mounted solar power assembly having at least one solar panel having a support beam connected to the back of the solar panel. A plurality of legs have a bracket at one end that receive the support beam. Finally, an eccentric handle is connected to the bracket to permit selective rotation of the support beam within the bracket.
US09551498B2
An indoor unit of an air conditioner having improved structures of suction, discharge and/or flow passages which may increase operation efficiency, reduce noises and realize a compact size. The indoor unit includes a housing comprising a front panel and a rear panel coupled to a rear portion of the front panel, at least one discharge outlet exposed to a front of the front panel, at least one suction inlet formed in the rear panel at a position corresponding to the discharge outlet, at least one heat exchanger disposed at a front portion of the suction inlet to absorb heat from air introduced through the suction inlet or transfer heat to the air introduced through the suction inlet, and at least one diagonal flow fan disposed between the heat exchanger and the discharge outlet to suction air passing through the heat exchanger and discharge the air through the discharge outlet.
US09551493B2
An over having an improved exhaust structure capable of discharging a fluid of the inside of a cooking chamber at a constant rate, the oven including a cooking chamber cooking food, a machine chamber disposed at an upper side of the cooking chamber and accommodating an electronic component, a cooling fan unit disposed at an inside of the machine chamber to cool the machine chamber, and a flow passage guide communicating with an inside the cooking chamber and an inside of the cooling fan unit such that a fluid of the inside of the cooking chamber is introduced to the inside of the cooling fan unit, wherein the cooling fan unit includes a cooling fan configured to suck a fluid of the inside the machine chamber and blow the fluid to the outside environment.
US09551489B2
An annular combustion chamber for a turbine engine, the chamber including an inner wall and an outer wall forming surfaces of revolution, the walls being connected together by a chamber end wall fitted with a fuel injection mechanism, each of the inner and outer walls including primary holes and dilution holes situated downstream from the primary holes in a gas flow direction, the primary and dilution holes being regularly distributed around the circumference of the inner and outer walls. The outer wall has a greater number of dilution holes than the inner wall.
US09551482B2
A light fixture assembly includes a housing having an interior surface, a ballast mounted on the interior surface of the housing, a first reflector releasably coupled to the interior surface of the housing, the ballast being substantially enclosed between the housing and the first reflector when the first reflector is in a first, closed position and being exposed when the first reflector is in a second, open position spaced from at least a portion of the interior surface, a lens releasably coupled to the housing, the first reflector being substantially enclosed between the lens and the housing when the lens is in a first, closed position and substantially exposed when the lens is in a second, open position. This construction provides relatively easy and quick access to the ballast for replacement and from below the fixture if it is mounted in or on the ceiling.
US09551475B2
Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.
US09551470B2
The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to an electric flameless candle, comprising a body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The electric flameless candle further comprising a light source operably connected to the body and positioned to be generally protruding from an exterior surface of the body, the light source comprising a plurality of illuminators electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates the movement of a real candle's flame.
US09551468B2
A visible light spectrum and light source apparatus are described that provide over 90% of their total radiant power within the 385 nm-530 nm and the 570 nm-820 nm spectral ranges, collectively. The objective of the light spectrum and apparatus is to improve the visibility and shape of a wider range of objects than is practical using conventional LED white light sources at similar radiant power conditions. The new light source can provide good Scotopic or Mesopic at low power levels compared to most other light sources for illumination. One illustrative embodiment of this new spectrum and light source provides a full visible light spectrum with at least 6% of the highest peak radiant power of all wavelengths between 405 nm-730 nm, and another illustrative embodiment provides a similar full spectrum between 440 nm and 730 nm. In both embodiments, the average radiant power in the 475-510 nm cyan spectral region is at least 2-times the average radiant power in the 530-570 nm spectral region.
US09551467B2
The present invention provides a white light source comprising: a blue light emitting diode (blue LED) having a light emission peak wavelength in a range of 421 to 490 nm; and a phosphor layer including phosphor and resin, wherein the white light source satisfies a relational equation of −0.2≦[(P(λ)×V(λ))/(P(λmax1)×V(λmax1))−(Bλ)×V(λ))/(B(λmax2)×V(λmax2))]≦+0.2, assuming that: a light emission spectrum of the white light source is P(λ); a light emission spectrum of black-body radiation having a same color temperature as that of the white light source is B(λ); a spectrum of a spectral luminous efficiency is V(λ); a wavelength at which P(λ)×V(λ) becomes largest is λmax1; and a wavelength at which B(λ)×V(λ) becomes largest is λmax2, and wherein an amount of chromaticity change on CIE chromaticity diagram from a time of initial lighting up of the white light source to a time after the white light source is continuously lighted up for 6000 hours is less than 0.010. According to the above white light source, there can be provided a white light source capable of reproducing the same light emission spectrum as that of natural light.
US09551466B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for producing mixed light in a direct-view luminaire. The luminaire includes a plurality of light sources (132) that, in combination, are configured to generate a plurality of different colors of light, a first light mixing chamber (110) and at least one second light mixing chamber (120) in light communication with the first mixing chamber through at least one opening (134). At least one directly viewable light exit surface (112) is coupled to the first light mixing chamber. The light sources are contained in the second light mixing chamber(s), which is configured to prevent light emitted from the light sources from directly impinging on the light exit surface(s). The first light mixing chamber and the light exit surface(s) are configured to mix the light emitted from the light sources such that all light exiting the light exit surface(s) is substantially uniform in brightness and color.
US09551465B2
An LED lamp or LED lighting assembly includes a light guide having opposed major surfaces configured to propagate light by total internal reflection and a light input edge extending between the major surfaces. A light source is adjacent to the light input edge and is configured to edge light the light guide. In some embodiments, the light source is moveable relative to the light input edge, and the spectrum of the light output from the light guide may be adjusted by movement of the light source relative to the light input edge.
US09551464B2
A low profile LED lamp with high efficient heat dissipation is disclosed. Each of the lead frame unit has a left top metal section, left middle metal section, right top metal section, and a top-down tapered metal section. The top-down tapered metal section is bent inwards to form a lead frame bottom cup which is suitable for fitting in the low profile LED lamp.
US09551454B2
An electronic device holder is provided. In one aspect, a strap or a back plate, such as a molded plastic strap, is provided to facilitate holding an electronic device. In another aspect, a device cradle is provided that can hold an electronic device and facilitate retention and management of associated device cables. In another aspect, the strap or back plate can comprise a set of connector stations that conform to a standardized form-factor, wherein the connector stations are adapted to accept a standardized insert.
US09551450B2
A pipeline pig signal includes sealing means located within a lower end of the trigger cavity of the signal which prevents pipeline debris from entering the trigger cavity. The sealing means moves between a first sealing position and a second sealing position in response to the trigger moving between a non-triggered and triggered position. The sealing means may be a polymer boot, a filter arrangement, a sliding piston arrangement, or a sliding shelf arrangement.
US09551449B2
A method of providing a seal between pipe liners in a pipe, or at the juncture between a main and lateral pipe is provided. A first liner, which has been impregnated or otherwise coated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening, is positioned in a pipe about an area in need of repair. A second liner, also including the resinous material, is place in the same pipe, with a portion of the second liner overlapping a portion of the first liner. A sealing member, such as a hydrophilic or hydrophobic band or material, is placed between the two liners at the overlap to seal the connection of the two liners.
US09551446B2
An annular ductile iron flange of nominal size has a non-threaded inner longitudinal surface defining an inner diameter that exceeds the outer diameter of a corresponding length of hubless ductile iron pipe of nominal thickness. The flange also has a basal surface with both a plurality of evenly spaced bolt holes and an annular counterbore adjacent to the inner longitudinal surface. The counterbore has a longitudinal depth slightly larger than the nominal thickness and a radial depth slightly larger than twice the nominal thickness. The flange is coupled to, and configured to rotate longitudinally around, the length of pipe. The bell end of the pipe is machined to an annular stub configured to recess into the counterbore. A threaded annular ductile-iron flange may be screwed onto the spigot end of the pipe.
US09551443B2
A vehicle fluid line for transporting high and low pressure fluids of an engine includes a rigid pipe having opposing ends configured to fixedly couple with the engine. An adjustable joint divides a length of the rigid tube into first and second segments. The adjustable joint has a cylindrical housing coupled with the first segment and having an inner diameter. A stop feature protrudes from an outer diameter of the second segment and interfaces with the cylindrical housing to prevent disengagement of the second segment from the housing. An elastomeric grommet is seated between the inner and outer diameters and is configured to maintain a fluid seal that allows the second segment to rotate axially, pivot radially, and slide longitudinally within the cylindrical housing.
US09551442B2
An intercooler pipe for a vehicle may include an inlet which is positioned at an upper portion of the intercooler pipe; an upper bellows portion which forms an upper bellows body that protrudes in a rib shape from a surface of a pipe body extended in a direction toward the inlet; an outlet which is positioned at a lower portion of the intercooler pipe; a lower bellows portion which forms a lower bellows body that protrudes in a rib shape from a surface of the pipe body extended in a direction toward the outlet; and an intermediate portion which has the pipe body bent downward from the upper bellows portion and connected to the lower bellows portion, wherein a thickness of the pipe body of the intermediate portion is greater than a thickness of the upper bellows body and a thickness of the lower bellows body.
US09551441B2
A pipe or pipeline for use in the oil and gas industry for conveying lines, collection pipelines and transport pipelines with reduced operating risk and increased lifetime is provided. The pipe contains: a) an external reinforcement layer and b) an internal liner which comprises securely bonded to one another: I) a layer made of a thermoplastic molding composition selected from a polyolefin molding composition and a fluoropolymer molding composition and II) a layer made of a polyamide molding composition, wherein not only the polyamide molding composition but also the molding composition of the layer according to I) in essence comprises no blend component which is composed of another polymer and which has disperse distribution in the molding composition.
US09551426B2
A fluid control valve includes: a valve housing in which a flow path having gas inlet and outlet is formed; a drive device attached to the valve housing; a valve shaft connected to an output shaft of the drive device and moving in an axial direction; and a valve body attached so as to radially extend to an axis of the valve shaft, and opening and closing the flow path by being moved with the valve shaft so that one side surface moves away from or comes into contact with a valve seat formed in the flow path, wherein the valve housing is attached to an attachment target member so that the valve shaft is tilted, and the valve body includes a wall portion corresponding to a portion where a liquid inside the flow path collects due to its weight, within a portion having the valve seat, and formed along an edge portion on the other side surface opposite to one side surface of the valve body.
US09551425B2
In the specification and drawings, a valve is described and shown having a first and second valve seat carrier, a valve seat associated with each valve seat carrier, and a valve ball between the valve seats. The valve further includes a stop mechanism operatively connected to at least a first valve seat, the stop mechanism limiting travel of the first valve seat towards the valve ball such that the valve ball may be push away from a sealing engagement with the first valve seat.
US09551419B2
A sliding element, such as a piston ring, including a substrate, base coating, and relatively thin sliding coating is provided. The base coating is typically applied to a running surface of the substrate by PVD, CVD, galvanic deposition, electrodeposition, or a thermal spray process. The sliding coating includes a polymer matrix and hard particles disposed throughout the matrix. The sliding coating is applied to the base coating when the base coating is still in its as-applied condition and has a surface roughness of at least 4.0 μm. During use of the sliding element, the thin sliding coating acts as a sacrificial run-in layer. In addition, as the polymer matrix of the sliding coating wears away, the hard particles polish the rough surface of the base coating. Thus, polishing or lapping of the as-applied base coating prior to use of the sliding element is not required.
US09551418B1
Methods and systems are disclosed for reducing engine flywheel power reduction of an engine while protecting a drivetrain. The method includes monitoring transmission gear selection; determining reduction in flywheel power to protect the drivetrain; and monitoring engine power consumption by other engine power loads. When other engine power loads consume less power than the reduction in flywheel power to protect the drivetrain, the method includes reducing flywheel power by the power difference. When other engine power loads consume the same or more power than the reduction in flywheel power to protect the drivetrain, the method includes not reducing the flywheel power. Engine power can be consumed by both on-vehicle and off-vehicle power loads. Engine power can be consumed by an electric generator and/or a plurality of inverters, and their power consumption can be monitored. Information and commands can be communicated over a controller area network (CAN) bus.
US09551412B1
A gearbox housing assembly includes a base plate, a metal inner gearbox housing coupled to the base plate and a polymer outer gearbox housing on the base plate and surrounding the inner housing.
US09551410B2
A method for assuring that a signal, for damping drive train vibrations, is overlaid during the same time period as the drive train vibration, and not delayed by one time period. The method comprises the steps of continuously calculating a correction torque for the vibration damping, determining, through a parallel signal path, whether the vibration damping is to be activated or deactivated, and overlaying the correction torque to the drive train vibration, if the necessity arises for activation of the vibration damping.
US09551408B2
A mechanical system comprising: a tappet, including a body; an insert mounted in the body; a pin extending along a first axis; and a roller element movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis. The insert supports the pin, while the body supports the insert, along at least one first direction parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The mechanical system can be integrated into an injection pump and/or a valve actuator.
US09551388B2
Disclosed is a disk brake caliper assembly where a second seal is positioned in a second annular groove to eliminate the seizure of the piston cylinder that commonly occurs on trailer brakes that are immersed in water. The second seal is slightly deformable and designed to frictionally engage the piston. The second seal functions as both a wiper to keep dirt and contaminants out of the cylinder assembly and to prevent water ingress. The use of the secondary seal can compliment or eliminate the need for a dust boot.
US09551387B2
A vehicle disc brake assembly comprises a brake caliper and an anchor bracket. The brake caliper has a lug, a bore, an opening, a fastener, and a guide pin. The lug has first and second side faces. The bore extends from the first side face to the second side face. The opening is to the bore at the first side face. The fastener has a transition portion between a bolt stem and a bolt head. The transition portion is fitted to the opening. The guide pin is attached to the fastener. The anchor bracket is supported on the guide pin.
US09551356B2
This disclosure relates generally to fan shrouds for machine fans, and, more particularly, to the structure and design of double bell mouth shrouds and placement of double bell mouth shrouds relative to a machine fan. In some examples, a fan shroud encircling a circular fan having a plurality of fan blades can be provided. Some example fan shrouds can include an inlet adapted to receive air and an outlet adapted to outlet air. The inlet can include an inlet radius, and the outlet can include an outlet radius. In some examples, the outlet radius can each be about 10% of the fan diameter.
US09551346B2
A fan includes a first motor portion, a first impeller fixed to a first rotating portion of the first motor portion, a second motor portion arranged along a central axis of the first motor portion, a second impeller fixed to a second rotating portion of the second motor portion, a tubular wind channel portion arranged to surround the first and second impellers, and support ribs arranged to join the wind channel portion to the first and second motor portions. The first impeller includes first blades arranged in a circumferential direction about the central axis and the second impeller includes second blades arranged in the circumferential direction, a rotation direction of the second impeller is opposite to a rotation direction of the first impeller. A surface of each first blade which faces the second impeller is concave. A surface of each second blade which faces the first impeller is concave.
US09551342B2
A shunt pulsation trap for a scroll compressor reduces gas pulsations, NVH and improves off-design efficiency. Generally, a scroll compressor with the shunt pulsation trap has a pair of orbiting and stationary scrolls for forming a compression chamber that moves gas pockets from a suction port to a discharge port with internal compression. The shunt pulsation trap is configured to trap and attenuate as pulsations before the discharge port and comprises a pulsation trap chamber adjacent to the compression chamber, therein housed various gas pulsation dampening means or gas pulsation containment means, at least one trap inlet port branching off from the compression chamber into the pulsation trap chamber and a trap outlet port communicating with the compressor discharge chamber after the discharge port.
US09551337B2
An electromagnetic pump including a piston, an electromagnetic portion that moves the piston forward, and a spring that moves the piston backward. The piston including a discharge check valve built in the piston. The piston is formed with a hollow portion that opens in an inner peripheral portion of an end surface of the piston, and a spring receiving surface formed on an outer peripheral portion of the end surface to receive the spring. The discharge check valve is fixed through plastic deformation of the piston by inserting the discharge check valve into the hollow portion from an opening of the piston, and partially pressing a portion of the spring receiving surface of the piston on an inner peripheral side after the insertion to recess the spring receiving surface and elevate an inner peripheral surface of the piston surrounding the hollow portion.
US09551336B2
In a compressor that changes a discharge capacity by using an actuator, a variable displacement swash plate type compressor capable of realizing reduction in manufacture cost is provided.In the compressor of the present invention, a ring groove is formed in a movable body, and the ring groove is provided with an annular member. The annular member has a joint gap formed by a first to a third cutouts, and the third cutout is an aperture. In this compressor, the annular member moves in the ring groove based on a pressure difference between a control pressure chamber and a swash plate chamber. Thereby, in the compressor, a pressure in the control pressure chamber is regulated by regulating a flow of a refrigerant that flows to the swash plate chamber from the control pressure chamber.
US09551329B2
Described are a method and system for diluting a sample in a liquid chromatography system. A sample flowing at a first flow rate is combined for a predetermined time with a diluent flowing at a second flow rate to generate a volume of diluted sample. The diluted sample has a dilution ratio determined according to the two flow rates. A portion of the volume is loaded into a sample loop of an injection valve and subsequently injected into a mobile phase flowing to a chromatography column. The method eliminates the need to have a technician available to perform dilutions or to transfer the sample to a remote location for dilution. Advantageously, manufacturing or processing downtime to perform the dilution is not required and the amount of sample flowing to waste is reduced.
US09551325B2
A wind turbine flange connection between a hub and a nacelle of the wind turbine, a wind turbine, a wind turbine hub and a wind turbine nacelle is provided. The hub of the wind turbine comprises a first flange and the nacelle of the wind turbine comprises a second flange. The first flange and the second flange are connected to each other by a number of connection means, to transfer forces between the first flange and the second flange. The first flange comprises a plurality of holes and the second flange comprises a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes in the first flange. Shear pins are arranged in the holes in the flanges to transfer rotational forces between the hub and the nacelle.
US09551318B2
A hybrid, vertical axis helical turbine assembly capable of providing unidirectional rotation under an omni-directional low speed obverse fluid flow (gas or liquid), respectively gas flow is disclosed. The assembly comprises a minimum (but not limited to) of three hybrid (airfoil enhanced helical vane profile) wings, which are substantially spaced from the vertical axis (Z) and circumferentially spaced from one another. Each hybrid wing is fixed to the center hub in a rigid position by two or more arms, which are symmetrically located from each other in conjunction with the hub's horizontal axis (X). The hybrid, vertical axis helical turbine assembly provides high torque at very low wind speed because of the absolute symmetric airfoil enhanced helical vane profile wing, which design maintain adaptive lift to drag ratio over the one rotational revolution time line in coincidence of the upwind direction. These characteristics make the hybrid, vertical axis helical turbine assembly suitable for urban off grid and grid tie applications in low wind speed areas and areas of reputable wind turbulence.
US09551315B2
An apparatus and method for igniting combustible materials in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine using corona discharge plasma from a quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A tapered quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is adapted to mate with the combustion chamber. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is coupled with an energy shaping means, or waveform generator, that develops the appropriate waveform for triggering radio frequency oscillations in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A loop coupling is angularly positioned within the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator to match impedances between the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and the energy shaping means, or waveform generator. Radio frequency oscillations produce a standing wave in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and a corona discharge plasma develops near the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma developed near the center conductor ignites the combustible materials in the combustion chamber of the combustion engine.
US09551307B1
An engine cover system for joining a cover with an intake manifold body. A plurality of structural ribs project from an external surface of the body including a pair of parallel ribs. Each parallel rib carries an integrally-molded U-shaped receiver strip extending transversely from the parallel ribs to form slots having closed ends proximate a first edge of the body and slot openings defined by respective edges of the receiver strips. The engine cover is comprised of a shroud, first and second radial arms, and first and second hinge pins projecting from the first and second radial arms, respectively. The hinge pins are configured to slide into the slots via the slot openings into the closed ends. First and second elastomeric ferrules are installed on the first and second hinge pins, respectively, configured to be compressed by the receiver strips when captured at the closed ends.
US09551303B2
An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system includes an EGR duct configured to effect fluid communication between an exhaust duct and an intake duct of an internal combustion engine; a heat exchanger having a first flow passage and a second flow passage, the first flow passage being in fluid communication with the EGR duct, the second flow passage being configured to receive a heat transfer medium from a heat transfer medium source; an upstream purge valve in fluid communication with the second flow passage of the heat exchanger, and configured to effect selective fluid communication between a purge fluid source and the second flow passage of the heat exchanger; and a controller operatively coupled to the upstream purge valve. The controller is configured to purge the second flow passage of the heat exchanger by opening the upstream purge valve.
US09551289B2
A method for plausibilizing a rail pressure sensor value of a rail pressure sensor of an internal combustion engine having a common rail system that has a fuel high-pressure piston delivery pump includes acquisition of the beginning of conveying by the piston delivery pump, calculation of the rail pressure from the compression work performed by the piston, and plausibilization of the rail pressure outputted by the rail pressure sensor on the basis of the calculated rail pressure.
US09551281B2
A gas turbine engine comprises a hot section module which includes at least one electric probe assembly surrounded by an immediate environment having a local ambient temperature. The at least one electric probe assembly includes an electric probe having a probe body, and a conduit surrounding at least a portion of the probe body. In operation, the conduit carries a fluid flowing at a temperature lower than the local ambient temperature. The at least portion of the probe body is embedded in the fluid inside the conduit. The fluid thermally insulates the probe body from the local ambient temperature of the immediate environment around the at least one electric probe assembly.
US09551279B2
A system and method are provided for a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system. The system and method may include compressing a process gas with a compressor train to produce a compressed process gas. The compressed process gas may be directed to a compressed gas storage unit and stored therein. The compressed process gas from the compressed gas storage unit may be released to a heat recovery unit via a feed line. The heat recovery unit may heat the compressed process gas and direct the heated compressed process gas to an expansion assembly to generate a power output. Feed water from a feed water source may be heated in the heat recovery unit to produce steam for injection into a combustion turbine assembly. The combustion turbine assembly may heat the heat recovery unit via an exhaust line.
US09551278B2
Hydrogen production process and apparatus using a combined stream of gas turbine exhaust from a gas turbine and combustion air from forced draft fan as combustion oxidant in a steam reforming furnace. A valve assembly for providing draft air is included to quickly provide additional combustion air to the reformer furnace when the gas turbine unexpectedly shuts down.
US09551273B2
A charge air cooler includes a high temperature side heat exchanger and a low temperature side heat exchanger. The high temperature side heat exchanger is provided on a high temperature side cooling flow path through which a first refrigerant cooled by a first heat exchanger (radiator) flows. The low temperature side heat exchanger is provided on a low temperature side cooling flow path through which a second refrigerant cooled cooler than the first refrigerant by a second heat exchanger (sub-radiator) flows. The low temperature side heat exchanger cools, by the second refrigerant, intake air cooled by the high temperature side heat exchanger. According to the above charge air cooler, the second heat exchanger (sub-radiator) can be prevented from becoming big in size, and intake air temperature can be cooled to desired temperature.
US09551267B2
A heat-resistant cast steel includes, based on a total weight of the heat-resistant cast steel, 0.2 to 0.4 wt % carbon; 0.5 to 1.0 wt % silicon; 0.3 to 0.8 wt % manganese; 0.7 to 1.0 wt % nickel; 17 to 23 wt % chromium; 0.5 to 1.0 wt % niobium; 1.5 to 2.0 wt % tungsten; 0.2 to 0.5 wt % vanadium; 0.05 to 0.1 wt % cerium; 0.05 to 0.1 wt % nitrogen; and a balance of iron.
US09551263B2
An internal combustion engine with multiple cylinders and injection valves that are provided for the cylinders and that meter fuel also comprises an exhaust gas tract in which an exhaust gas catalytic converter is arranged. A characteristic value (OSC) of an oxygen storage capacity of the exhaust gas catalytic converter is determined. In accordance with the characteristic value (OSC), a heating measure (HM) for heating the exhaust gas catalytic converter is carried out.
US09551262B1
Methods and systems are provided for determining degradation of a particulate filter in an exhaust conduit. In one example, a method may include diverting exhaust gas to a secondary soot sensor assembly downstream of a first filter, comprising a second filter and determining degradation based on time intervals between subsequent filter regenerations of the second filter in the secondary soot sensor assembly.
US09551260B2
A deterioration diagnosis device for an oxidation catalyst includes: a multi-gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage downstream of an oxidation catalyst, the multi-gas sensor including a NO2 sensor unit and a NOX sensor unit, the NO2 sensor unit directly detecting a NO2 concentration in exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst, and the NOX sensor unit directly detecting a NOX concentration in the exhaust gas; an NO concentration calculation unit configured to calculate an NO concentration in the exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst based on the NO2 concentration and the NOX concentration; and a deterioration judgment unit configured to determine a deterioration degree of the oxidation catalyst from an evaluation value based on the NO concentration calculated by the NO concentration calculation unit.
US09551253B2
The accuracy of the coating concentration when applying a catalytically active coating to suitable carrier bodies can be increased if, following raw coating with a relatively wide fluctuation range in the coating concentration, excessive or insufficient coating applied is if appropriate corrected iteratively. Excessive coating suspension applied is removed, for example by subsequent suction, while the coating is still in the wet state, whereas insufficient coating suspension applied is topped up, for example by spraying on additional coating suspension.
US09551246B2
An electromagnetic actuator device having a core unit (12;50) having a coil means (16), which core unit is constructed for interacting with armature means (34,36,38,32,30) that are movably guided relatively to the core unit, as a reaction to an energizing of the coil means, wherein the armature means have a plurality of tappet units (30, 32), which are spatially spaced from one another and can be driven simultaneously, to which tappet units, permanent magnet means (34) are assigned in the direction towards the core unit, which permanent magnet means have a permanent magnetization along a respective movement longitudinal axis of the tappet units, wherein the plurality of tappet units that can be driven parallel to one another magnetically interacts with an identically poled end face of the core unit and the permanent magnet means have an axially identically directed permanent magnetization.
US09551232B2
A non-contacting seal is provided, including a first sealing face formed on an end of a primary ring and a second sealing face formed on an end of a mating ring. Grooves may be formed in at least one of the first and second sealing faces, such that the grooves extend from one edge of the respective sealing face to an intermediate radius of the respective sealing face. At least one groove may include an entrance edge along the one edge of the respective sealing face and a dam wall opposite the entrance edge. The at least one groove may also include two symmetric side walls extending from the entrance edge to the dam wall. The two symmetric side walls may include a first convex curve extending from the entrance edge to a transition point and a second concave curve extending from the transition point to the dam wall.
US09551224B2
The turbine includes: a shaft body supported rotatably; a plurality of turbine blade members; a casing covering the shaft body and the turbine blade row; an outer ring member that is provided on an inner periphery of the casing and includes an inner peripheral portion in which a cross-section having a uneven shape is continuous in a circumferential direction; a plurality of turbine vane members that each has a shroud fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the outer ring member and a turbine vane main body extending from the shroud to a radially inward side; and a plate member that connects at least some of the plurality of turbine vane members and covers one side of the shrouds in the axial direction, thereby sealing a shroud gap formed between the shrouds adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.
US09551221B1
An internal combustion engine may include an engine block, a cylinder defining a combustion chamber, and a piston in the cylinder. The piston may travel in a first stroke from one end to an opposite end of the cylinder, and may be sized relative to the cylinder to enable an expansion stroke portion of the first stroke while the piston travels under gas expansion pressure, and a momentum stroke portion of the first stroke for the remainder of the first stroke following the expansion stroke portion. A piston rod portion may be connected to the piston and extend from a location within the combustion chamber to an area external to the cylinder. A recess in the piston rod portion may form a passageway to continuously communicate gas flow between the combustion chamber and the area external to the cylinder when the piston is in the momentum stroke portion.
US09551220B2
Open intake and exhaust chamber constructions for an air handling system of an opposed-piston engine
An opposed-piston engine has a cylinder block with a plurality of cylinders arranged inline, with each cylinder including an intake port longitudinally separated from an exhaust port. The engine's air handling system includes open intake and exhaust chambers in the cylinder block. The open chamber constructions eliminate the need for multi-pipe manifolds and smooth the flow of charge air.
US09551212B2
A method has been disclosed for determining a position of a water/cement boundary in an annular area between two concentric pipes in a hydrocarbon well. The method comprises the steps of running a well tool (10) into a central pipe of the well, where the well tool (10) comprises a tool housing (11), a pulse generator (14) and a signal recorder (16) provided within the housing (11); generating an electromagnetic pulse by means of the pulse generator, thereby providing physical vibrations in the central pipe of the well; recording reflected acoustic signals from the well by means of the signal recorder (16); repeating the generating and recording steps for different vertical positions of the pulse generator in the well; organizing the recorded signals in a two-dimensional representation; filtering the organized recorded signals in order to identify, in the two-dimensional representation, a hyperbola (B); and providing an apex of the hyperbola (B) as the determined position of the water/cement boundary.
US09551209B2
According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.
US09551204B2
A method of controlling flow in a well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, and the device having a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from a body. A well system can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, and the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from the body. A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a degradable body, and a plurality of fibers joined to the body, each of the fibers having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body.
US09551188B1
A split tube soil sampling system includes a sample tube having an upper end and a lower end, a drive head attached to the upper end of the sample tube, and a cutting shoe attached to the lower end of the sample tube. The sample tube has a first generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a first pair of longitudinal edges, and a second generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a second pair of longitudinal edges. The first and second tube segments are configured to be joined together along their respective longitudinal edges to form a cylinder having a through bore. The longitudinal edges of the tube segments have interlocking fingers that are mated together to hold the first and second tube segments together.
US09551186B2
Systems, methods, and devices are provided to generate a stable supply of electrical power in a drill string. In one example, a downhole turbine generator includes a turbine, a speed governor, and an alternator. The turbine may transform hydraulic power of a first fluid medium into rotational power of a rotating shaft. The speed governor may reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft in a variable amount that depends on the speed of the rotating shaft. Specifically, weighted arms may shear a second fluid medium more when the speed is higher and less when the speed is lower. The shearing of the second fluid medium may generate a countervailing torque on the rotating shaft to reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft. The alternator then may produce a generally stable supply of electrical power from the rotational power of the rotating shaft.
US09551180B2
A system for controlling noise in a fenestration assembly (e.g., a window) includes a fenestration assembly with at least one glazing and a frame. The at least one glazing has a surface. At least one sensor is coupled to the at least one glazing and is configured to generate noise detection signals. An actuator is positioned on the surface of the at least one glazing and has a plurality of regions. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the actuator and is configured to control each of the regions of the actuator to generate a different frequency based on the noise detection signals. Alternatively, each of the regions may be controlled to generate a frequency with a different phase shift based on the noise detection signals.
US09551169B2
A vacuum based apparatus that will, when activated, inhibit relocation of a computing device. The apparatus includes a first surface of a main body. A suction cup is attached to the main body. The suction cup faces outward from and protrudes from the first surface. The suction cup is connected to a vacuum pump and activation of the vacuum pump generates adhesion between the suction cup and another surface that is in contact with the suction cup. A spacer is attached to and protrudes outward from the first surface. The spacer surrounds at least a part of the suction cup that is protruding from the first surface. A control logic that controls the activation of the vacuum pump.
US09551163B2
A modular system for constructing liquid storage tanks, comprising prefabricated reinforced concrete modular elements designed and adapted to be coupled together to form the tank walls and having means for engaging the bottom slab or foundation. Optionally, the system further comprises elements which mate with the tank wall elements in order to build a covered tank. In one embodiment of the system, the modular wall elements include a prestressing wire or strand embedded in its structure and to which a tensile force is applied to produce a compressive stress in the side of the wall element that is contact with the liquid stored in the tank. Optionally, the constructing system comprises elements to form divisions or cells inside the storage tank.
US09551157B2
The object of the invention is a unit fixing insulation to the wall intended both for styrofoam insulation as well as for mineral wool insulation. A unit fixing insulation to a wall, according to the invention, is formed with the locating sleeve on which a pressing sleeve is slidably mounted, constituting an integral unit with a circular pressing plate provided with slitting teeth arranged along the circumference of a circular plate and the locating sleeve is ended at one end with an expansion zone and at the other end with a circular plate, whereas the locating sleeve houses an expansion element, preferably in the form of a screw. A unit characterised in that the expansion element has a head embedded permanently in the sleeve with an outer thread and a polygonal hole is provided within the sleeve, whereas a pressing plate is ended with a circular flange which houses the insulating cap, while the teeth of the pressing plate have side and front sharp edges.
US09551156B1
A method for converting expended plastic and metal containers into artificial rocks by removing the label from a plastic or metal container, removing the top, stuffing the container with compacted, smaller, expended plastic, beverage bottles, or cleaned, crushed, expended food cans, shaping the filled plastic container by means of a heat gun, or the filled metal container by crimping the ends, burning holes into the filled, shaped plastic container with a soldering iron or drilling holes in the filled shaped metal container with an electric drill. A first layer of wet stucco is troweled onto the shaped container, lightly pressed into the holes, and allowed to dry, whereupon a second layer of stucco is applied over the base layer and allowed to dry, after which a layer of colored cement is applied over the second layer and brushed and rolled while still wet to create different surface textures like those of real rocks and allowed to dry to form the final rock product that looks just like a real rock.
US09551153B2
A scupper door system includes a frame defining a passageway. A door is mounted within the frame at a pivot and is therein rotatable about the pivot within the passageway between a closed position, blocking the passageway, and an open position wherein the passageway is open to permit passage of water therethrough. A latch mechanism is configured to retain the door in the closed position and is triggerable in response to a preset water condition at one side of the passage to release the door from the closed position and allow the door to rotate to the open position.
US09551150B2
Embodiments of the present invention include hot-rolled threaded rebar bolts that have a substantially circular core with semi-continuous threads on opposing sides of the rebar bolts. In some embodiments of the invention the shaft is substantially void of longitudinal ribs along at least a portion of the longitudinal area between the first set of threads and the second set of threads of the shaft. The threaded rebar bolt is manufactured in a continuous hot-rolling process to create a threaded rebar shaft with semi-continuous threads and substantially no longitudinal ribs in the longitudinal areas and no additional machining is required to create the threads after the threaded shaft is created from the hot-rolling process.
US09551149B1
Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for efficiently assembling a structure. In one embodiment, a system includes multiple panels, with each panel having a frame made of multiple members. Each member of the frame has at least two pairs of passageways. Each pair of passageways can include two passageways that intersect each other in a perpendicular manner. Furthermore, each passageway may pass through, and be oriented orthogonal to, the longitudinal axis of the member. The first pair of passageways can be spaced a first distance from the first end of the member, while the second pair of passageways can be spaced a second distance from the second end of the member. In some embodiments, the first and second distances are approximately equal to one another. This consistency allows for maximum interchangeability and compatibility of the members and/or panels.
US09551134B2
The present invention relates to a domestic-water supply and withdrawal system for a washstand (8) with wall-mountable angle valves (16, 18) for cold and hot water and a washstand fitting (10) which is coupled in flow communication with the associated angle valves (16, 18) via pipe or tubing sections (12, 14). The present invention wants to indicate a domestic-water supply and withdrawal system for improving the possibility of taking samples. To this end it is suggested that a sampling valve (2) is arranged between the cold-water and/or hot-water angle valve (16, 18) and the washstand fitting (10).
US09551130B2
A work vehicle may include a chassis, a ground-engaging blade, a sensor, and a controller. The ground-engaging blade may be movably connected to the chassis via a linkage configured to allow the blade to be raised or lowered relative to the chassis. The sensor may be connected to the chassis at a fixed relative position to the chassis and configured to provide a pitch signal indicative of a rotational velocity in a pitch direction. The controller may be configured to receive the pitch signal and send a command to raise or lower the blade, the command based on a first gain and the pitch signal when the pitch signal indicates a rotational velocity in a first direction and based on a second gain and the pitch signal when the pitch signal indicates a rotational velocity in a second direction.
US09551128B2
A system to measure the installation torque of a screw pile is provided. The system includes a rotary drive and a universal joint-type coupler. A load pin, having at least one sensor, is mounted through the universal joint-type coupler as a pivot pin. The load pin is oriented within the universal joint-type coupler so that at least some of the installation torque is transmitted through the load pin and is measurable by the sensor. Preferably, the load pin is provided with a pair of bores, and then a plurality of sensors are mounted within the bores. More preferably, a differential bridge network is used to obtain a measurable signal from the plurality of sensors.
US09551115B2
A system for varying the width of a molded concrete slab on the fly as the slab is being molded. Position and height of the paving machine relative to an external reference system are determined and controlled using at least two 3D stringless reference objects. An additional sensor provides a signal corresponding to a frame width and thus a concrete slab width, and an actuator controls the frame width actively as the paving machine advances.
US09551112B2
Disclosed is a décor paper with a self-dispersing pigment having an isoelectric point of at least about 8, where the inorganic particle is treated sequentially by (a) hydrolyzing an aluminum compound or basic aluminate to deposit a hydrous alumina surface and (b) adding a dual-functional compound. The dual functional compound has an anchoring group that attaches to the pigment surface and a basic amine group. Typically, the inorganic particle is titanium dioxide, TiO2. These décor papers are useful in making paper laminates.
US09551106B2
A steam iron and burn prevention apparatus includes an iron body having a bottom plate opposite a top plate with a side wall extending generally vertically between the bottom and top plates. The apparatus includes an iron guard having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration defining an open bottom and an interior area, the lower portion being movable between a retracted configuration substantially situated inside the interior area and an extended configuration substantially displaced from the interior area. The iron guard includes a plurality of biasing members coupled to the lower portion and extending upwardly into engagement with the upper portion, the plurality of biasing members biasing the upper portion away from the lower portion to the extended configuration.
US09551101B2
A circulation protection device is provided for a conveyor-driven fabric dyeing machine that includes a machine body having a front end in which a fabric circulation detection idler and a fabric movement sensor are mounted and a rear end in which a rear fabric guide and a fabric management device are mounted. Control is conducted with a computer program so that when the fabric circulation detection idler detects the fabric is not in movement, the conveyor is shut down; and when the fabric movement sensor detects the fabric is moving excessively fast or slow or gets jamming and stopped, the conveyor is controlled to automatically adjust the speed thereof or stops operation. When the fabric falls from a dyeing tube down to a conveyor, the rear fabric guide adjusts an entry angle of the fabric and the fabric management device allows the fabric to be orderly deposited on the conveyor.
US09551093B2
A first fabric layer of a down-proof double-layer fabric has a plurality of first warps and a plurality of first wefts. A second fabric layer has a plurality of second warps and a plurality of second wefts. The first fabric layer and the second fabric layer have a plurality of coupling portions. In the coupling portions, the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer pass through each other repeatedly, and the first warps and the second warps are interlaced. The first warps, the first wefts, the second warps, and the second wefts are between 20 denier and 75 denier. The warp densities of the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are between 336 pieces/in and 456 pieces/in, and the weft densities of the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are between 220 pieces/inch2 and 300 pieces/in.
US09551091B2
There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for production of micro-carbon fibers. The method comprises introducing a selected chemical mixture suitable for creating micro-carbon fibers into a heating chamber and heating the heating chamber using a series of burners. The method further comprises injecting carbon feed stock into a catalyst reaction chamber to initiate a micro-carbon generating chemical process to occur.
US09551089B2
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for growing a sapphire sheet via edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) including an angled heat shield with respect to the a side surface of a die tip. The present disclosure is further directed to an sapphire sheets and batches of such sheets having features such as a particular maximum low spot thickness.
US09551088B2
A method of growing high-quality, group-III nitride, bulk single crystals. The group III-nitride bulk crystal is grown in an autoclave in supercritical ammonia using a source material or nutrient that is a group III-nitride polycrystals or group-III metal having a grain size of at least 10 microns or more and a seed crystal that is a group-III nitride single crystal. The group III-nitride polycrystals may be recycled from previous ammonothermal process after annealing in reducing gas at more then 600° C. The autoclave may include an internal chamber that is filled with ammonia, wherein the ammonia is released from the internal chamber into the autoclave when the ammonia attains a supercritical state after the heating of the autoclave, such that convection of the supercritical ammonia transfers source materials and deposits the transferred source materials onto seed crystals, but undissolved particles of the source materials are prevented from being transferred and deposited on the seed crystals.
US09551086B2
A method of preparing silicon carbide powder is provided, which includes mixing first silicon carbide powder with a liquid silicon carbide precursor, annealing the mixture at a first temperature and converting the silicon carbide precursor to a β-phase silicon carbide particulate material, and annealing the material at a second temperature and grain-growing the first silicon carbide powder to second silicon carbide powder using the β-phase silicon carbide particulate material.
US09551075B2
A CMP method uses a slurry including a first metal oxide or semiconductor oxide particles (first oxide particles) in water. At least one particle feature is selected from (i) first oxide particles having a polydispersity >30%, (ii) a coating on first oxide particles including Group I or Group II ions, transition metal oxide, or organic material, (iii) first oxide particles mixed with fumed oxide particles, (iv) first oxide particles with average primary size >50 nm mixed with fumed oxide particles having average primary size <25 nm, and (v) first oxide particles with a per surface area per unit mass <100 m2/gm mixed with another oxide particle type having an average area per unit mass >150 m2/gm. A substrate having an alumina surface is placed into a CMP apparatus, and CMP is performed with a rotating polishing pad and the slurry to polish the alumina surface.
US09551073B2
The present invention relates to the etching, activation and deposition of a first metal or metal alloy layer onto non-conductive polymers. The non-conductive polymer is etched with an aqueous solution comprising 0.75 to 3.6 g/l permanganate ions in 60 to 80 vol.-% sulfuric acid, activating with a solution comprising a noble metal and depositing a first metal or metal alloy by immersion-type or electroless (autocatalytic) plating. The first metal or metal alloy layer obtained has a high adhesion on the non-conductive polymer and serves as a plating base for electroplating further metal and/or metal alloy layer(s) thereon.
US09551068B2
A film forming method includes supplying a first source gas containing a first metal element onto a substrate, supplying a second source gas containing a second metal element onto the substrate, supplying a reaction gas converted into plasma and containing a nonmetal element reacting with the first metal element and the second metal element to generate a first reaction product and a second reaction product, respectively, to the substrate, to generate a third reaction product containing the first metal element, the second metal element and the nonmetal element. A mixing ratio of the first metal element contained in the third reaction product is higher than that of the second metal element, and a crystallization temperature of the second reaction product is higher than that of the first reaction product.
US09551067B2
The invention relates to a coating method for depositing a layer system formed from hard material layers on a substrate, by depositing at least one contact layer including the evaporation material on the surface of the substrate only by means of a cathodic vacuum arc evaporation source. After the depositing of the contact layer, at least one intermediate layer is deposited in the form of a nano-layer intermediate layer in a hybrid phase or as a nanocomposite layer, including the evaporation material and the discharge material, by parallel operation of a cathodic vacuum arc evaporation source and of a magnetron discharge source.
US09551059B2
A powder comprising rare earth element fluoride particles having an aspect ratio of up to 2, an average particle size of 10-100 μm, a bulk density of 0.8-1.5 g/cm3, and a carbon content of 0.1-0.5 wt % is amenable to atmospheric plasma spraying. An article obtained by spraying the rare earth fluoride spray powder to a substrate undergoes few partial color changes and performs well even when used in a halogen gas plasma.
US09551058B2
Coating methods and a coated substrate are provided. The coating method includes providing a component having an aperture formed in a surface thereof, arranging and disposing a hollow member on a portion of the surface to define a hollow space above the aperture corresponding to a shape of the aperture at the surface, applying at least one coating over the surface of the component and the hollow member to form an applied coating having an applied coating thickness, and removing at least a portion of the hollow member to expose the hollow space through the applied coating. The coated substrate includes a component having an aperture formed in a surface thereof, a hollow member arranged and disposed on the surface to define a hollow space above the aperture, and an applied coating over the surface of the component, the hollow space being exposed through the applied coating.
US09551056B2
A steel sheet shape control method includes, (A) setting a target correction shape of the steel sheet at a position of an electromagnet to a curved shape, (B) measuring a steel sheet shape when electromagnetic correction is performed, (C) calculating the steel sheet shape in a nozzle position based on the steel sheet shape, (D) repeating (B) and (C) by resetting the target correction shape to a curved shape having a smaller amount of warp, (E) when the amount of warp of the steel sheet shape at the position of the nozzle is less than the upper limit value, (F) calculating vibration of the steel sheet at the position of the nozzle, and (G) adjusting a control gain of the electromagnet until amplitude of vibration is less than a second upper limit value when the amplitude of the vibration is equal to or more than the second upper limit value.
US09551052B2
A rare-earth sintered magnet includes 12.0 at % to 15.0 at % of rare-earth element(s), which is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Pr, Gd, Tb, Dy and Ho and at least 50% of which is Nd and/or Pr; 5.5 at % to 8.5 at % of boron (B); a predetermined percentage of additive metal A; and iron (Fe) and inevitably contained impurities as the balance. The predetermined percentage of additive metal A includes at least one of 0.005 at % to 0.30 at % of silver (Ag), 0.005 at % to 0.40 at % of nickel (Ni), and 0.005 at % to 0.20 at % of gold (Au).
US09551043B2
Methods are described for producing sugar from sugar-containing plant material with microbiological control, which includes treating a sugar-containing plant raw material and/or a component derived therefrom, and/or a medium containing the plant raw material and/or the component, with monochloramine. Monochloramine usage in the method can reduce loss of sugar from bacterial consumptions in the processing of sugar-containing plant materials, such as sugar beets, without causing adverse effects on the sugar product, such as the brightness of white sugar.
US09551036B2
Aspects of the invention relate to methods and compositions for characterizing or modulating the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes. In some embodiments, methods for assessing the expression of metabolic mesenchymal genes and related gene signatures are provided that are useful for cancer classification, prognosis, diagnosis, or treatment selection.
US09551034B2
The present disclosure provides gene and gene sets, the expression of which is important in the classification and/or prognosis of cancer, in particular of renal cell carcinoma.
US09551027B2
Methods and compositions for the amplification of nucleic acids and generation of concatemers are disclosed. Amplification methods provided herein may be performed under isothermal conditions. Methods and compositions may include reagents such as nucleic acid polymerases and primers.
US09551025B2
Provided are nucleic acid structures suitable for reproducible Raman spectroscopy, methods of preparing the same, and methods of detecting a target material using the nucleic acid structures, whereby various target materials may be analyzed by using reproducible Raman spectroscopy.
US09551020B2
The present invention pertains to a method of detection, by mass spectrometry, of at least one marker of at least one mechanism of resistance to at least one antimicrobial, resistance of at least one microorganism contained in a sample, characterised in that the antimicrobial is a carbapenem, and said resistance markers are proteins or peptides. Preferably, said proteins or peptides are proteins from said microorganism.
US09551019B2
The present invention relates to recombinant N-glycosylated proteins, comprising one or more introduced N-glycosylated optimized amino acid sequence(s), nucleic acids encoding these proteins as well as corresponding vectors and host cells. In addition, the present invention is directed to the use of said proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for preparing medicaments. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for producing said proteins.
US09551015B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of one or more fermentation product from a sugar composition, comprising the following steps:a) fermentation of the sugar composition in the presence of a yeast belonging to the genera Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Candida, Pichia, Schizosaccharomyces, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Schwanniomyces or Yarrowia,: andb) recovery of the fermentation product,wherein the yeast comprises the genes araA, araB and araD and the sugar composition comprises glucose, galactose and arabinose.
US09551009B2
A transcription unit constituted by a polynucleotide including the hCMVie virus enhancer, the enhancer having the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, or a nucleotide acid having at least 70% sequence identity with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 and essentially having transcription activation properties, and the promoter region of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), the promoter region having the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, or a nucleotide acid having at least 70% sequence identity with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 and essentially having a promoter activity.
US09551005B2
The present invention includes novel soybean derived human thyroglobulin, methods of producing human thyroglobulin in plants such as soybean, and novel diagnostic applications for the detection and stratification of endocrine malignancies including thyroid cancer and thyroiditis. The invention also includes the use of soybean-derived human thyroglobulin in affinity matrices to remove autoreactive anti-thyroglobulin antibodies from patient's sera prior to analyses. Moreover, the invention also includes methods and compositions of treating, preventing and or/ameliorating symptoms associated with thyroiditis.
US09550998B2
The present invention relates to the production and use of covalently closed circular (ccc) recombinant plasmids, and more particularly to vector modifications that improve expression of said DNA molecules in the target organism.
US09550997B2
The present invention relates techniques for identifying suitable secretion fusion partner (SFP) for hyper-secretory production of recombinant proteins. The SFPs can be obtained from secretome analyzes. Recombinant proteins are produced in a fusion form with a secretion fusion partner (SFP) and can be separated from the SFP by in vitro protease treatment. SFPs of this invention greatly improve the secretion level of target proteins and peptides which are valuable for bio-pharmaceuticals and the bio-industry.
US09550996B2
Provided herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Also provided herein are methods and compositions for the reduction of blood glucose level, the reduction of gluconeogenesis, the improvement of insulin resistance and the reduction of plasma cholesterol level. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-103. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-107. In certain embodiments, the activity of both miR-103 and miR-107 is inhibited. In certain embodiments, such methods comprise administering a compound comprising an oligonucleotide targeted to a microRNA.
US09550974B2
This present invention provides novel methods for deriving embryonic stem cells, those cells and cell lines, and the use of the cells for therapeutic and research purposes without the destruction of the embryo. It also relates to novel methods of establishing and storing an autologous stem cell line prior to implantation of an embryo, e.g., in conjunction with reproductive therapies such as IVF.
US09550972B2
A bioreactor is provided. The bioreactor is a multi-scalable bioreactor, which comprises a culture vessel for seeding and culturing cells by adding a cell-culture media, wherein the culture vessel comprises at least a side wall and a bottom surface, a specific heat transfer area and a specific gas transfer area; wherein the culture vessel is configured to accommodate the cell-culture media volume up to 10 liters, and wherein the specific heat transfer area and the specific gas transfer area are independent of cell-culture media volume. A kit for culturing cells in a large scale is also provided which further comprises disposable tubings, culture bag or combinations thereof. A method for culturing cells is also provided.
US09550968B2
A device for distributing wine uniformly over a wine cap includes a T-joint member, an impeller and a shaft. The T-joint member has a top opening, a bottom opening, a side opening, a through-opening extending from the top opening to the bottom opening and a side-through-opening extending from the side opening to the through-opening. The impeller includes a one-piece conical shaped body that has a circular base, a cylindrical center, a conical-shaped outer surface, a central-through-opening extending through the cylindrical center, and a plurality of curved blades extending from the top of the cylindrical center along the inclined outer surface. The T-joint member is configured to allow wine to be pumped into the through-opening through the side opening and to exit through the bottom opening and then to flow onto the impeller. The impeller is configured to allow the wine to flow uniformly around and down the conical-shaped outer surface of the impeller and through the impeller.
US09550960B2
The present invention relates to the field of perfumery. More particularly, it concerns compounds comprising at least one β-glucuronide moiety capable of liberating a perfuming alcohol. The present invention concerns also the use of said compounds in perfumery as well as the perfuming compositions or perfumed articles, in particular deodorants or antiperspirants comprising the invention's compounds.
US09550956B2
Lubricating oil compositions are provided herein that comprise a mixture of: (A) a hydrocarbon as a low-viscosity constituent, (B) a polyalkylene glycol (PAG) as a high-viscosity constituent wherein the oxygen/carbon weight ratio is in the range of from 0.450 to 0.580, and (C) a compound as a control constituent wherein the oxygen/carbon weight ratio is in the range of from 0.080 to 0.350. Methods of lubricating a surface using such lubricating compositions are also provided herein.
US09550955B2
A lubricating oil comprises a major amount of a base oil and a minor amount of an additive package, and the additive package comprises at least one friction modifier of formula I: where R is a linear or branched, saturated, unsaturated, or partially saturated hydrocarbyl having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms or R is represented by: and R1 is a linear or branched, saturated, unsaturated, or partially saturated hydrocarbyl having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms and R2 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl having about 1 to about 2 carbon atoms. Methods of using the lubricating oil to improve thin film and/or boundary layer friction in an engine are also disclosed.
US09550951B2
A gasification system includes a scrubber in communication with a particulate removal subsystem and a quench sub-system.
US09550949B2
In a gasification apparatus, a gasification furnace (101) having an octagonal hollow cross-sectional shape, a heat exchanger (102) having a quadrangular hollow cross-sectional shape, and a connection portion (103) which connects an upper portion of the gasification furnace (101) to a lower portion of the heat exchanger (102) are provided, thereby simplifying structures and enhancing efficiencies can be achieved.
US09550938B2
Composition and methods using the compositions are disclosed, where the compositions include heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, poly vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof reacted with sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, sulfosuccinates, sulfamic acids, sulfuric acids or partially neutralized amine or other alkali sulfonate and/or reacted with alpha hydroxyl carboxcylic acids which form coatings that alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles and surfaces. Furthermore, the coating can be used to improve filtration of fluids through particulate matter and it is found that the coating will increase hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow through or over treated particulates and surfaces.
US09550935B2
A method of inhibiting hydrates in a fluid comprising water and gas comprising adding to the fluid an effective hydrate-inhibiting amount of a composition comprising one or more copolymers of N-alkyl (alkyl)acrylamide monomers and one or more cationic monomers selected from acid and alkyl chloride quaternary salts of N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylates and N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylamides.
US09550923B2
An adhesive composition for polarizing plates includes a (meth)acrylic copolymer and a biphenyl group-containing photocuring agent. A polarizing plate includes an adhesive layer formed of the adhesive composition An optical display includes the polarizing plate.
US09550922B2
There are provided a hot-melt adhesive, which is excellent in solvent resistance and is excellent in adhesion to an adherend (specifically, a polyimide film) containing an electrolytic solution of a battery therein, and also can contribute to an improvement in performances of electric instruments; and an electric instrument produced by using such hot-melt adhesive. A hot-melt adhesive for electric instruments, comprising an olefin based modified polymer (A), the olefin based modified polymer (A) being a modified polymer having a functional group containing silicon, is excellent in resistance to an electrolytic solution of a battery (that is, electrolytic solution resistance or solvent resistance), and also exhibits improved adhesion of the hot-melt adhesive to an adherend (plastic film such as a polyimide film) containing the electrolytic solution therein.
US09550921B2
A hand-tearable masking tape with a primary microstructured hand-tear pattern and at least one secondary hand-tear pattern oriented so that the tape exhibits multi-directional tear.
US09550909B2
A slurry composition, including: a polyvinyl acetal resin; a ceramic powder; and an organic solvent. The polyvinyl acetal resin has a degree of polymerization of from 200 to 6000, a content percentage of vinylester unit of from 0.01 to 30 mol %, and a degree of acetalization of from 55 to 83 mol %. The polyvinyl acetal resin has a structural unit of formula (1) in the molecule:
US09550908B2
A coating composition for an image transfer member in an aqueous ink imaging system. The coating composition includes at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one hygroscopic material, at least one oil-in-water emulsion and at least one surfactant.
US09550907B2
A method for preparing a “preblend” of nano-structured carbon, such as nanotubes, fullerenes, or graphene, and a particulate solid, such as carbon black, graphitic particles or glassy carbon involving wet-mixing and followed by optional drying to remove the liquid medium. The preblend may be in the form of a core-shell powder material with the nano-structured carbon as the shell on the particulate solid core. The preblend may provide particularly improved dispersion of single-wall nanotubes in ethylene-α-olefin elastomer compositions, resulting in improved reinforcement from the nanotubes. The improved elastomer compositions may show simultaneous improvement in both modulus and in elongation at break. The elastomer compositions may be formed into useful rubber articles.
US09550906B2
The present invention generally relates to vulcanization compositions used to vulcanize elastomeric articles, where the vulcanization compositions have reduced allergenic potential as compared to elastomeric articles formed using vulcanization compositions having non-fugitive accelerators. The present invention also relates to elastomeric articles formed using the vulcanization compositions. The invention further relates to methods for making a reduced-allergenicity vulcanization composition, and to methods for using the vulcanization compositions to vulcanize elastomeric articles.
US09550902B1
An aqueous ink contains a colorant, an aqueous solvent, and as an infrared absorber, a compound represented by general formula (I): where Rb, Rc, and Rd are each independently alkyl, and Ra is a group represented by general formula (I-R): where Re is hydrogen or methyl, and e is an integer of 0 to 3.
US09550900B2
A pigment dispersion containing metal pigment, wherein the metal pigment contains plate-like particles, and in the case where the longitudinal diameter on the planar surface of the plate-like particle is X, the lateral diameter is Y, and the thickness is Z, the 50% average particle diameter R50 of a corresponding circle determined from the surface area in the X-Y plane of the plate-like particle is between 0.5 and 3 μm, and the condition R50/Z>5 is satisfied.
US09550890B2
A rubber composition, which can be used for manufacturing tires, is based on one or more diene elastomers, on one or more reinforcing fillers, and on a crosslinking system. The rubber composition includes particles of one or more thermoplastic materials chosen from thermoplastic materials with melting or softening points varying from 80° C. to 300° C. The rubber composition also includes one or more compatibilizing agents chosen from block copolymers that includes at least one diene elastomer block and at least one thermoplastic block compatible with the one or more thermoplastic materials.
US09550886B2
A stabilizer including a first component and a second component. The first component is a compound represented by the formula (1). The second component is a compound represented by the formula (2).
US09550885B2
The invention provides a transparent resin composition which is stable and has weather resistance and chemical resistance under natural environmental conditions, under harsher natural environmental conditions, and under similar or harsher usage conditions, the composition comprising a polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate copolyester, and further comprising an ultraviolet absorber composed of a benzoxazinone-based compound and/or a hydrolysis inhibitor composed of a carbodiimide; a transparent resin composition which is stable and has weather resistance and chemical resistance under even harsher usage conditions; and a transparent resin composition which is stable and has weather resistance and chemical resistance under the above conditions, the composition further comprising an antioxidant and a heat-resistant material. These transparent resin compositions can be used for helmets, face shields for helmets, lenses for spectacles, outer cases for storing items, sheet materials for outdoor installation, and frames and temples for spectacles.
US09550884B2
The present invention is directed to formulations including a polymer and a plasticizer composition. The plasticizer composition is a blend of an alkyl ketal ester plasticizer and a second plasticizer selected from a cycloaliphatic compound, an ortho phthalate compound, a terephthalate compound, a benzoate ester compound, and a bio-based compound. The plasticizer composition is at least 10% by weight of the total of the polymer and the plasticizer composition.
US09550881B2
A portable computing device includes a processor, a memory, and a portable computing device case that encloses one or more integrated circuits, including at least the processor and the memory. The case includes a molded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) material that includes a polymer material and elongated fibers that adhere to the polymer material and that have a property that varies over a length of the fibers along an elongation axis of the fibers, wherein an adhesion strength between the fibers and the polymer is determined at least in part by a property of the fibers that varies over a length of the fibers along the elongation axis.
US09550880B2
A method for producing devulcanized rubber and an apparatus (100) therefor. The method for producing devulcanized rubber comprises the steps of (1) providing vulcanized rubber particles with a pre-determined particle size and (2) devulcanizing the vulcanized rubber particles. The vulcanized rubber particles are devulcanized mechanically by impact forces and devulcanized chemically by a chemical composition. The impact forces break sulphur-sulphur and sulphur-carbon bonds of the vulcanized rubber particles causing surfaces of the rubber to become receptive in reacting with the chemical composition and the chemical composition renders the sulphur passive to prevent reattachment of the bonds, of which the chemical composition comprises at least one accelerator, at least one inorganic activator and at least one organic activator.
US09550878B2
Provided is a method for preparing a stable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), which can be obtained either in suspension or as a powder. The method comprises stepwise combination of a soluble calcium salt, a soluble carbonate, a first and second stabilizer, and a water miscible organic solvent as described herein. The present invention further relates to stable ACC suspensions and dry powders produced by the method of the present invention.
US09550869B2
We disclose a monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer containing a plurality of monovinylarene-conjugated diene mixed blocks, wherein each mixed block contains conjugated diene units and monovinylarene units in a weight ratio of about 0.05 to about 0.33. We also disclose a composition containing (a) from about 50 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer and (b) from about 5 parts by weight to about 50 parts by weight of polystyrene; wherein the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer and the polystyrene total 100 parts by weight. We further disclose a method of shrink-wrapping an object or a group of objects by wrapping the object or the group of objects with a film containing the composition, to yield a wrapped object or group of objects, and heating the wrapped object or group of objects to a temperature and for a duration sufficient to shrink the film in at least a first direction, to yield a shrink-wrapped object or group of objects.
US09550866B2
An aryl group-containing siloxane composition is formed by introducing an alkaline earth-metal as a part of the reaction product of an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule in the presence of a hydrosilylation catalyst, wherein at least one of the organopolysiloxanes includes an aryl group. The alkaline earth metal may be introduced via a heat stability composition or may alternatively be pre-reacted with the organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule. The aryl group-containing siloxane compositions may be utilized as an encapsulating layer for a light emitting device.
US09550864B2
The invention provides for new viscoelastic silicone rubbers and compositions and methods for making and using them. The invention provides for viscoelastic silicone rubbers that are stiffer on short timescales than they are on long timescales. When subjected to brief stresses, they are relatively stiff and elastic, and they resist changing shapes. When subjected to sustain stresses, however, they are relatively soft and accommodating, and they gradually change shapes. When those stresses are removed, they gradually return to their original shapes. These viscoelastic silicone rubbers resist compression set and they are extremely resilient in response to sudden impacts. They can be dense rubbers, foam rubbers, and particles.
US09550848B2
The present invention relates to a method of preparing an olefin-based polymer including a step of polymerizing an olefin monomer in the presence of a catalyst composition including a cis isomer and a trans isomer. According to the method of preparing an olefin-based polymer according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar level of density and molecular weight may be exhibited with a relatively smaller amount of octene when compared to that of a common polymer. Thus, a stable olefin-based polymer having good copolymerization properties may be prepared.
US09550846B2
Novel urethane-acrylate (UAC) Star monomers and polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) aerogel polymers derived therefrom are described herein, along with other novel, related monomers and polymers. Also described herein are processes for preparing the UAC Star monomers, the PUAC aerogel polymers, and the other related monomers and polymers. The PUAC and related polymers herein are useful in various applications including in structural and thermal insulation.
US09550843B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple method for improving and stabilizing the physical properties (for example, liquid permeability) of a water absorbent resin, without requiring investment in expensive facilities or modification of raw materials. In particular, the object is to provide a method which is useful in the large-scale production of a water absorbent resin. The method for producing polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin of the present invention includes, in order, a step in which an acrylic acid (salt)-based monomer aqueous solution is polymerized, a step in which the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer obtained in the polymerization step is dried, a step in which the dried polymer obtained in the drying step is pulverized, and a classification step which takes place after the drying step or after the pulverizing step, wherein, at the time of providing the dried polymer to the roll mill used in the pulverizing step, the dried polymer is provided in a dispersed state in the axial direction of the roll of the roll mill.
US09550840B2
To provide a producing method of conjugated diene rubber which can be used as a starting material of cross-linked rubber which is used for such as tire tread and can enhance low fuel consumption performance.The method of producing modified conjugated diene rubber, comprising: a process step (a) wherein a conjugated diene polymer with an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal active terminal, which polymer is obtained from polymerization of a conjugated diene compound or polymerization of a conjugated diene compound with an aromatic vinyl compound, is allowed to react with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound having in its molecule at least one or more of each of the following functional groups (I): a hydrocarbyloxysilyl group and (II): a nitrogen-containing group formed by substituting one protective group for one hydrogen atom of a secondary amine, a tertiary amino group, an imino group, a pyridyl group to obtain a modified conjugated diene polymer with the functional group (II), and a process step (b) wherein the modified conjugated diene polymer produced in the process step (a) is mixed with an onium-forming agent.
US09550837B2
An human antibody or antigen-binding fragment of a human antibody that specifically binds and inhibits human proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (hPCSK9) characterized by the ability to reduce serum LDL cholesterol by 40-80% over a 24, 60 or 90 day period relative to predose levels, with little or no reduction in serum HDL cholesterol and/or with little or no measurable effect on liver function, as determined by ALT and AST measurements.
US09550836B2
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods of use involving binding proteins, e.g., antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) protein (MMP9 is also known as gelatinase-B), such as where the binding proteins comprise an immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (or functional fragment thereof) and an Ig light chain (or functional fragment thereof).
US09550831B2
The present invention provides pharmaceutical composition for treating an autoimmune disease comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an agent capable of activating CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, wherein the composition is to be administered to a subject at most every 3 days.
US09550821B2
A method and a composition for decreasing ghrelin levels and/or decreasing ghrelin/unacylated ghrelin ratio in a subject, the method comprising administering an effective amount of unacylated ghrelin, a fragment thereof, an analog thereof and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof to the subject wherein a reduction in ghrelin levels and/or a reduction in ghrelin/unacylated ghrelin ratio is beneficial to the subject. Also, use of ghrelin level and/or ghrelin/unacylated ghrelin ratio as biomarkers for determining a subject's likelihood of responding to and/or benefiting from administration of unacylated ghrelin.
US09550820B2
The present invention relates to an isolated chimeric protein. The isolated chimeric protein includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes an N-terminal portion from a fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) 23 molecule and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion from an FGF19 molecule. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition including an isolated chimeric protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The isolated chimeric protein includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes an N-terminal portion from a fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) 23 molecule and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion from an FGF19 molecule, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a subject suffering from a disorder. This method includes selecting a subject suffering from the disorder and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a chimeric protein according to the present invention.
US09550816B2
The invention provides for peptides from syndecan 4 and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit α6β4 integrin interaction with EGFR, thereby preventing tumor cell growth and tissue invasion.
US09550815B2
Provided are ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to ABC terpenoid transporters, nucleic acid sequences, amino acids, proteins, vectors, cells, transgenic organisms, uses, compositions, methods, processes, and kits thereof.
US09550814B2
Meningococcal protein NMB 1870 has been described in the prior art. The inventors have found that NMB 1870 is an effective antigen for eliciting anti-meningococcal antibody responses, and that it is expressed across all meningococcal serogroups. Forty-two different NMB 1870 sequences have been identified, and these group into three variants. Serum raised against a given variant is bactericidal within the same variant group, but is not active against strains which express one of the other two variants i.e. there is intra-variant cross-protection, but not inter-variant cross-protection. For maximum cross-strain efficacy, therefore, the invention uses mixture comprising different variants of NMB 1870.
US09550813B2
Intermolecular disulfide stabilized foldon polypeptides are provided.
US09550810B2
The subject matter of the invention is an electroconducting nanowire, comprising an amyloid fiber which results from the self-assembling of peptides comprising a prion domain or a derivative of this domain and which is functionalized by electron transporting peptides, each comprising amino acids bound to one or more atoms of iron.Its subject matter is also a method of manufacturing this nanowire as well as the uses of said nanowire.Uses: manufacture of sensors for the detection of chemical or biological species, of nano-batteries, of radio-identification systems, of molecular memory systems, etc.
US09550809B2
A dodecamer peptide, and its modified variant, having a repeating glycine-lysine sequence was created and found to bind with high affinity to oxide surfaces and certain activated polymeric surfaces. Reversible binding characteristics of the peptides were demonstrated. The peptides were integrated with proteins, cells and fusion proteins to provide attachment of the proteins, cells and fusion proteins to solid material structures. The peptides can be used to functionalize surfaces of components within mechanical, biomechanical, micro fluidic, electronic, bioelectronic, bio-optical, and biochemical devices. Experiments were carried out to assess functionalization and reusability of a suspended mass resonator's cantilever.
US09550808B2
The present invention refers to biochemistry, namely to new peptide compounds having the ability to selectively block the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The claimed compounds have common formula (I): X1-X2-X3-Pro-X4-Pro-X5 (SEQ ID NO: 54), where X1 is chosen within H, Ac—, Palm-; X2 is chosen within Trp, Tyr; X3 is chosen within Trp, Tyr; X4 is chosen within Lys, Orn, Dbu, Dpr, Arg; X5 is chosen within —OH, —NH2, —OCH3, —OC2H5, —NH—C6H5. The invention can be applied in cosmetics for smoothing mimic and age-related Wrinkles.
US09550800B2
Provided are a transition metal carbene complex represented by the following general formula (1) and a method of producing the same. (In general formula (1), M represents for example a molybdenum atom, R1 represents for example a C1-C20 alkyl group optionally having a substituent, L1 to L3 each represent a ligand selected for example from a halogen group, R2 and R3 each represent for example a hydrogen atom or a C1-C20 alkyl group optionally having a substituent. A represents for example a nitrogen atom, and R4 to R7 each represent for example a C1-C20 alkyl group optionally having a substituent.)
US09550798B2
Compounds of formula (I) can modulate the activity of one or more SIP receptors and/or the activity of autotaxin (ATX).
US09550794B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) Wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, L and Z have the meaning given in claim 1, and their use in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases.
US09550792B2
The present invention relates to the field of medicinal chemistry, and in particular relates to 4-(five-membered heterocyclic pyrimidine/pyridine substituted) amino-1H-3-pyrazolecarboxamide derivatives, the preparation method thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and the medicinal use thereof, especially as protein kinase inhibitors for anti-tumor use.
US09550788B2
The invention relates to substituted aminoindanes and analogs thereof of formula I and the pharmaceutical use thereof. Medicaments which comprise compounds of this type are suitable for the prevention or treatment of diverse disorders such as, for example, of respiratory disorders, cystic fibrosis disorders, acute or chronic renal disorders or bowel disorders.
US09550786B2
The present invention is directed to 4-fluoropiperidine compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US09550783B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of anti-infective, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and prokinetic agents. More particularly, the invention relates to a family of compounds having both a biaryl moiety and at least one heterocylic moiety that are useful as such agents.
US09550781B2
The invention provides a compound represented by formula (I) which may modulate a kinase, and a pharmaceutical composition thereof, as well as the method for preventing or treating a protein kinase mediated disease or condition.
US09550778B2
Disclosed are negative allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US09550777B2
The present invention provides for compounds of Formula (I) and various embodiments thereof, and compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) and various embodiments thereof. In compounds of Formula I, the groups R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have the meaning as described herein. The present invention also provides for methods of using compounds of Formula I and compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) as DLK inhibitors and for treating neurodegeneration diseases and disorders.
US09550773B2
Imidazo-quinoline, -pyridine, and -naphthyridine ring systems (particularly quinolines, tetrahydroquinolines, pyridines, [1,5]naphthyridines, [1,5]tetrahydronaphthyridines) substituted at the 1-position with a cyclic substituent, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods of making these compounds, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US09550768B2
Compounds, compositions and methods useful for treatment of Flt3-mediated diseases or conditions are provided herewith. Also provided herewith are methods for modulating the receptor protein tyrosine like kinase 3(Flt3).
US09550766B2
Provided herein are isoindoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of such compounds, and methods of their use for treating, preventing, or managing various diseases.
US09550756B2
The present invention provides a compound which has the effect of PDE inhibition, and which is useful as a medicament for preventing or treating schizophrenia or so on.A compound of formula (I0): wherein R1 represents a substituent, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituent, R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituent, Ring A represents an aromatic ring which can be substituted, and Ring B represents a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring which can be substituted, or a salt thereof.
US09550748B2
A cyclic carbonate monomer including the reaction product of (a) a divinylarene dioxide, and (b) carbon dioxide; a process for making the cyclic carbonate monomer; and a polymer such as a poly(hydroxyurethane) composition made therefrom. The poly(hydroxyurethane) composition made from the above cyclic carbonate monomer forms a reactive intermediate that can be used for making, for example, a poly(hydroxyurethane) foam product.
US09550744B2
Described herein are vitamin C prodrugs of Formula (I), (II), or (III), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, cosmetic or personal care composition, neutraceutical composition, and medical food composition thereof. Methods of using the compounds or compositions thereof for treating diseases are also provided.
US09550735B2
The present invention provides process for the preparation of ivacaftor and solvates thereof.
US09550734B2
Bivalent linkers to be included in or for preparing vitamin, drug, diagnostic agent, and/or imaging agent conjugates are described.
US09550730B2
Disclosed are compounds of formula (1) and (2) and/or E/E-, E/Z- or Z/Z geometrical isomer forms thereof; wherein R1-R5, R1-R11 and A are defined as in description. The compounds are used as UV absorbers for protecting household products from photolytic and oxidative degradation, as plastic additives, preferably for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications, for preventing photo-degradation of food by incorporation of the compounds of formula (1′) and/or (2′) into transparent food containers, for protection of UV-A sensitive drugs from photo-degradation by incorporation of UV absorber in transparent blister foils or transparent pharmacy containers, as additives for photographic and printing applications, as additives for electronic applications and protecting the ingredients in agriculture applications.
US09550727B2
The present invention relates to a method for the crystallization of n-hexyl 2-(4-N,N-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoate, to a method for the production of pourable or flowable particles of crystalline n-hexyl 2-(4-N,N-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)-benzoate and to specific pourable or flowable particles of crystalline n-hexyl 2-(4-N,N-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoate.
US09550726B2
The invention relates to a process for decolorizing a composition comprising a betaine comprising the steps of (a) providing a solution of the composition in an organic solvent, (b) contacting the solution with a decolorant, wherein the decolorant is a polar solid decolorant. The invention also relates to uses of ion exchange materials and decolorized solutions and compositions obtainable by the inventive process.
US09550724B2
An inexpensive and convenient production method of diphenylamine compounds is provided, that can solve problems in the conventional technology such as decrease in reactivity, restriction of substituents, high temperature, high pressure, by-products or the like. Further, diphenylamine compounds useful as intermediates of medicine and agricultural chemicals are provided. Diphenylamine compounds are produced, represented by general formula (3): which is characterized by reacting aniline compounds represented by general formula (2): under the presence of base and ethers solvent, with 2,6-dichloronitrobenzene compound represented by general formula (1): and a diphenylamine compound represented by general formula (3).
US09550718B2
The present invention relates to extracted plant lipid, comprising fatty acids in an esterified form.
US09550707B2
An integrated process comprising to convert crude oil, comprising: converting crude oil (10) in a feed preparation facility (800) by separating the crude oil to a gas fraction (101), liquid fraction (102), and first residuum fraction in an atmospheric distillation unit (100); separating the 1st residuum to a vacuum gas oil fraction (202) and a second residuum (201) in a vacuum distillation unit (200); converting the vacuum gas oil fraction to a CU gas fraction (301,401), a CU liquid fraction (302), and an CU higher boiling fraction (303,402) in a cracking unit (300,400); and processing the second residuum fraction to DCU gas oil/lighter fraction (501) in a coking unit (500); and steam cracking at least one of the gas fraction (101), liquid fraction (102), CU gas fraction (301,401), and DCU gas oil/lighter fraction (501) to the hydrocarbon products (920).
US09550703B2
A granulation method may include feeding a graded powder into a granulator. The powder may have a particle size distribution (PSD) of at least 98% −115 mesh and at most 50% −200 mesh. The powder may have a PSD of at least 98% less than or equal to 4.2% of a median product particle size and at most 50% less than or equal to 2.5% of the median product particle size. The powder may have a PSD of between 40% and 80% between 3% and 6% of the median product particle size, between 5% and 30% between 2% and 4% of the median product particle size, and between 10% and 40% between 1% and 3% of the median product particle size. A liquid binder may be fed into the granulator. Wet granules may be discharged from the granulator and may have a moisture content of between 7% and 12%.
US09550700B2
A porous ceramic composition having improved thermal stability is comprised of ceramic grains bonded together by grain boundary phase comprised of silica, yttrium and oxygen wherein the amount of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and other transition metals not including rare earth metals is at most 2% by weight of the grain boundary phase.
US09550688B2
An apparatus and method for producing a catalyst rich seawater useful to catalyze oxidation reactions in a flue gas desulfurization system seawater aeration basin to obtain a treated seawater.
US09550685B2
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a process that can be used to remove sulfur dioxide other environmentally hazardous contaminants from a gaseous waste stream while at the same time providing a source of purified water. The process can be used for the desalination of sea or brackish water, or for the concentration of contaminated waste water. The method comprises feeding a gaseous waste stream that comprises sulfur dioxide into a diffusion tower. Feed water is sprayed onto a packing material in the diffusion tower to form a thin film of feed water on a surface of the packing material. Sulfur dioxide diffuses into the thin film of feed water to form water that contains sulfur dioxide. The gaseous waste stream is simultaneously humidified. The humidified gaseous waste stream is then subjected to direct contact condensation to obtain purified water.
US09550681B2
A method for producing silicon using microwave and a microwave reduction furnace for use therewith are disclosed, with which it is possible to quickly reduce silica to quickly produce silicon. A material of a mixture of a silica powder and a graphite powder of a mixture of a silica powder, a silicon carbide powder and a graphite powder is set in a refractory chamber. Then, the material set in the chamber is irradiated with microwave. The graphite powder absorbs a microwave energy to increase the temperature, after which silica and graphite react with each other to further increase the temperature while producing silicon carbide, and the heated silica and silicon carbide react with each other. SiO produced through this reaction and silicon carbide are allowed to react with each other, thereby producing high-purity silicon.
US09550673B2
A sodium peroxide production method and process layout design integrated with sodium extraction unit from sea water, salt lake, and sodium production by electrolysis, and integrated with exothermic reactor based power generation unit with a stepwise and batch wise method of producing sodium peroxide from 115° C. to 450° C. under oxygen and nitrogen gas mixture isolated from atmospheric conditions and humidity. A sodium peroxide production facility is designed to have modular process units which is installed as an independent facility or connected to another chemical plant or refinery. A sodium peroxide production facility having reduced dependency to pure sodium and offering flexible installation location including oil platforms and ships. A sodium peroxide production method from sea water, brine or sodium salt.
US09550671B2
A method for producing hydrogen by reforming hydrocarbons using steam, combined with carbon dioxide capture and steam production, which involves mixing the hydrocarbons to be reformed with steam in order to produce the feedstock for the reforming, generating a syngas; the syngas is then cooled, and enriched with H2 and CO2; and then cooled. The condensates of the method are separated from the syngas in order to be used in the method, the saturated syngas being treated by adsorption with pressure modulation so as to produce hydrogen and a gaseous effluent containing CO2 that is captured in a CO2-purifying unit. The condensates from the cooling of the syngas at the outlet of the shift reactor are used in the method for producing highly pure steam supplying the mixing point and for exportation; the CPU also produces CPU condensates that are recycled to be treated jointly with the condensates of the method.
US09550663B2
A MEMS device includes a movable section, a frame, a beam, and an electrode substrate. The frame surrounds a surrounding of the movable section. The beam extends from at least a part of the frame, and is connected to the movable section. The electrode substrate includes a fixed electrode, an extended electrode, and a substrate section. The fixed electrode is formed on the electrode substrate in at least a part of a region facing a swing section. The extended electrode is connected to the fixed electrode, and is formed on the electrode substrate in at least a part of a region facing the shaft.
US09550660B2
A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.
US09550654B2
The present application includes a system configured to provide transportation services between two different elevations. Individuals may be transported upward or downward within a circular stairway. The system includes a series of fixed stairs coupled to a housing. It also includes a series of corresponding movable stairs coupled to a central shaft. The movable stairs are configured to move in relation to the central shaft and are operable to provide transportation between two fixed stairs. An individual is lifted and translated between the fixed stairs as the movable stairs transition between a plurality of positions.
US09550653B2
Elevator tension members are disclosed. The disclosed tension member longitudinally extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of fibers formed into one or more primary strands or cords extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of fibers formed into one or more secondary strands or cords extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and through less than the full length of the belt, and a jacket retaining the primary and secondary strands or cords. The secondary strands or cords have a tensile modulus greater than a tensile modulus of the jacket and less than a tensile modulus of the primary strands or cords. Methods of making the tension member are also disclosed.
US09550645B2
The invention provides a manufacturing system for processing a web, the system comprising a rigid frame with a plurality of processing stations; an endless belt which is movable relative to the frame; a track for guiding the endless belt between the processing stations; and a drive structure for advancing the belt along the track, To enable more flexible processing time at each processing station and to make better use of the space along the track, the system facilitates movement of a web at different speed at different locations along the track.
US09550639B2
A sheet supporting device, including: a sheet supporter having a support surface; a guide disposed on one side of the sheet supporter on which the support surface is provided and having a guide surface configured to come into contact with an edge, in a width direction, of a sheet on the sheet supporter; and a slider disposed on the other side of the sheet supporter, wherein the sheet supporter has an elongate opening, wherein the guide and the slider are coupled to each other through the elongate opening, such that the guide and the slider are movable together in the width direction of the sheet, and wherein the guide includes a first hook hooked on a portion of the sheet supporter and configured to be movable in the width direction of the sheet along the portion of the sheet supporter.
US09550637B2
A device for palletizing a plurality of articles and for stabilizing selected ones of the plurality of articles is provided. The device includes at least one load stabilizer and at least one stabilizer applier. The at least one load stabilizer includes a stabilizer sheet and an adhesive layer coupled with the stabilizer sheet. The at least one stabilizer applier receives the at least one load stabilizer and applies the adhesive layer to a select potential shift point of a palletized load.
US09550627B2
The present invention relates to a product holder (1) for holding food products to be transported through a processing room comprising: a carrier frame (2) having at least a longitudinal support structure and coupling ends connected to opposite sites of the longitudinal support structure; and a container formed by at least one curved contact segment (3a, 3b) for contacting the food products, wherein the at least one curved contact segment is detachably connectable to the carrier frame. The invention further relates to a transporting device comprising the product holder of the present invention and methods for assembling and disassembling the product holder of the present invention.
US09550626B2
Machines for sorting objects having a series of carriages fixed at a given interval (P) to two drive belts configured to move along closed-loop paths in two parallel vertical planes are provided. Each path may include a top horizontal section and a bottom horizontal section joined together by two curved connecting end sections. Two end assemblies may be arranged at the curved end sections of the path. Each assembly may include crown gears which are configured to engage with the belts and a series of sliders which are configured to retain the carriages along a semicircular section close to the crown gears. The carriages are thus able to perform a rotary/translational movement along the end connecting sections and keep their support surface horizontally oriented.
US09550619B2
Devices dispense medicine and dietary supplements in solid dosage form. The dimensions of the selection slots for the solid dosage forms in a device can be customized in depth by adding or subtracting spacers, and in width by adding or subtracting thickness inserts, or otherwise by employing components of suitable dimensions. Also, structures and methods for resolving jams of solid dosage forms are disclosed.
US09550606B2
Detachable dispensing systems for containers are provided that include a handling portion having an outer ring configured to selectively secure and, alternatively, remove the handling portion about a dispensing opening of the container and an inner ring defining a circular aperture within the handling portion, a hollow rigid member slideably disposed within the circular aperture and selectively positionable between a recessed position and, alternatively, an extended position, and an extendible spout at least partially disposed in the hollow rigid member and connected to the hollow rigid member, in which the extendible spout is configured to dispense a pourable material from the container through the distal opening when the handling portion is engaged about the dispensing opening of the container. Material containers are also provided that include a container having a dispensing opening and the detachable dispensing system selectively connected to the container about the dispensing opening.
US09550602B2
Collapsible reusable carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small food containers to large push cart bins on casters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. All parts that make up a carrying case do not separate from the carrying case and no parts can be removed. The cases are formed from rigid plastic panels, and are assembled or disassembled without tools. The sides of the cases are erected progressively by hand by interlocking elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. When folded into a flat storage or shipping configuration, the panels stay together, resisting unfolding by virtue of snaps which are either molded into the panels or bonded to them. The carrying cases are resistant to water, dirt, bacteria, molds, allergens, and inclement weather.
US09550592B2
A method for moving a packed column section about a remote manufacturing yard is provided. In one embodiment, the packed column section can include a first course, a second course, packing disposed within the first course and second course, and a plurality of distributors. The method can include the steps of placing the packed column section on top of a movable platform, the movable platform configured to support and distribute the weight of the packed column section; and moving the packed column section from a first point to a second point, the second point being in an open area adapted for stacking a plurality of packed column sections on top of each other to form a column.
US09550591B2
A method for producing multipacks of containers includes placing adhesive spots on surfaces of the containers. At least two kinds of adhesives are used, both of which plastic melt adhesives that melt as a result of exposure to heat and that develop cohesion after cooling. After placing the adhesive spots, the containers are connected to each other using the adhesive spots so as to form a multipack.
US09550587B2
The invention relates to a process for packaging polycrystalline silicon in the form of chunks, including the following steps: (a) providing polycrystalline silicon in a metering system; (b) filling polycrystalline silicon from the metering system, which removes fines by use of screening, into a plastic bag arranged below the metering system. The weight of the plastic bag with the polycrystalline silicon introduced is determined during the filling step and the filling step is ended after the attainment of a target weight. A fall height of the polycrystalline silicon from the metering system into the plastic bag is kept at less than 450 mm by use of at least one clamp apparatus over the entire filling step.
US09550579B2
Method of estimation of the speed of an aircraft relative to the surrounding air, in a reference frame tied to the aircraft estimates an estimated static pressure on the basis of measurements of geographical altitude. The process then estimates a first intermediate variation of the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air using explicitly the fact that the pressure measured by the static probe is falsified by a known quantity under the effect of the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air. Finally, temporal integration of the first intermediate variation of the speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air provides an estimated speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air.
US09550577B1
This disclosure describes a system and method for operating an automated aerial vehicle wherein the battery life may be extended by performing one or more electricity generation procedures on the way to a destination (e.g., a delivery location for an item). In various implementations, the electricity generation procedure may include utilizing an airflow to rotate one or more of the propellers of the automated aerial vehicle so that the associated propeller motors will generate electricity (e.g., which can be utilized to recharge the battery, power one or more sensors of the automated aerial vehicle, etc.). In various implementations, the airflow may consist of a wind, or may be created by the kinetic energy of the automated aerial vehicle as it moves through the air (e.g., as part of a normal flight path and/or as part of an aerial maneuver).
US09550574B2
A ventilation system for ventilating a passenger compartment of an aircraft is disclosed herein. The ventilation system includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle that is adapted to be mounted proximate an interior of the aircraft and that is configured to direct a stream of air into the passenger compartment. The ventilation system further includes a valve that is spaced apart from the nozzle and positioned upstream of the nozzle, the valve configured to control a flow of air to the nozzle. The ventilation system still further includes a conduit that fluidly couples the valve to the nozzle. The conduit is configured to convey the flow of air from the valve to the nozzle.
US09550569B2
A frame has a first frame portion configured to sit on a base of a vehicle seat and demountably receive a machine. A second portion of frame is coupled with and extends substantially upright from the first portion. The second portion is adjacent and bears against a back of the seat. Extending across the second portion from side to side is a lateral frame element. The lateral frame element enables the frame to be secured on and to the seat by way of a conventional seat belt. The frame also includes a pivoting support shown in this embodiment as a tray for supporting a box of capsules which are dispensed by the machine.
US09550567B1
This disclosure is directed to an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) that transitions in-flight between vertical flight configuration and horizontal flight configuration by changing an orientation of the UAV by approximately ninety degrees. The UAV may include propulsion units that are coupled to a wing. The wing may include wing segments rotatably coupled together by pivots that rotate to position the propulsion units around a center of mass of the UAV when the fuselage is oriented perpendicular with the horizon. In this vertical flight configuration, the UAV may perform vertical flight or hover. During the vertical flight, the UAV may cause the wing to extend outward via the pivots such that the wing segments become positioned substantially parallel to one another and the wing resembles a conventional fixed wing. With the wing extended, the UAV assumes a horizontal flight configuration that provides upward lift generated from the wing.
US09550566B2
A disc-shaped aircraft including an airfoil having a convex upper surface and a planar lower surface with the edges of the surfaces meeting at the periphery of the disc and having a plurality of rotational mini turbine jets affixed sequentially at the edge of the circumference of the disc, the turbine jets effecting vertical, horizontal, and directional thrust under computer and pilot control. Stable flight is maintained by an internal gyroscopic counter-rotating rotor blade system, individual control of the turbine jets, and a series of retractable flaps.
US09550565B2
A system and method to tilt coaxial counter-rotating rotor hub assemblies relative to a fuselage. The system includes a first rotor hub assembly and a second rotor hub assembly spaced apart from the first hub assembly and carried by the fuselage. The method includes pivotally attaching the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly to a pivot joint and thereafter tilting the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly about the pivot joint with a driver.
US09550562B2
A system for controlling an aircraft control parameter including a control interface including a mobile element configured to move on a travel, of which at least two portions are separated by a neutral position; a return element bringing the mobile element back to the neutral position when it is not actuated; and an interaction element, and a control unit configured to memorize an item of information corresponding to a first position of the mobile element at an instant of activation of the interaction element; and generate a setpoint of the aircraft control parameter, as a function of a control associated with the first position of the mobile element for which said information has been memorized; or a current position of the mobile element, when this current position is situated on the same portion of travel as the first position and is more remote than the latter from the neutral position.
US09550561B1
This disclosure describes a system and method for determining the center of gravity of a payload engaged by an automated aerial vehicle and adjusting components of the automated aerial vehicle and/or the engagement location with the payload so that the center of gravity of the payload is within a defined position with respect to the center of gravity of the automated aerial vehicle. Adjusting the center of gravity to be within a defined position improves the efficiency, maneuverability and safety of the automated aerial vehicle. In some implementations, the stability of the payload may also be determined to ensure that the center of gravity does not change or shift during transport due to movement of an item of the payload.
US09550560B2
The invention relates to a joystick (1) for controlling an aircraft, including a frame (2), a lever (3), a mechanical linking assembly (4) for connecting the lever to the frame enabling a rotation of the lever (3) relative to the frame (2) about a first rotation axis (X), in which the mechanical linking assembly (4) includes a first pivot joint (9), the first pivot joint (9) including a first portion, a second portion movably mounted relative to the first portion, and at least two flexible blades, each flexible blade having an end that is attached to the first portion and another end that is attached to the second portion, and being resiliently deformable in order to enable a rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion along the first rotation axis (X) and to generate a return torque which hinders the rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion.
US09550558B1
This disclosure relates to the use of an optimal altitude controller for super pressure aerostatic balloon in connection with a balloon network. The aerostatic balloon includes a bladder containing a gas that is lighter than the air present in the environment of the balloon. Additionally, the aerostatic balloon includes an envelope filled with air. A mass-changing unit configured to selectively add or remove air may control the amount of air in the envelope. Further, the balloon has a communication module configured to transmit data relating to a current balloon state, and receives data relating to a desired balloon state. Additionally, the balloon includes a processor configured to control the mass-changing unit based on the desired balloon state. The mass-changing unit of the aerostatic balloon may be powered by a renewable energy source, such as solar power. The mass-changing unit adds or removes air with an impeller.
US09550553B2
The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using a linear cutting assembly having a linear cutter arm that moves in an arc and pivots about an attachment point. The object is cut by a severing action caused by a moveable blade of the linear cutting arm moving back and forth across a stationary blade of the linear cutter arm. An underwater vehicle modified to incorporate an embodiment of the linear cutting assembly can cut a sufficiently large opening in the object to allow the vehicle to pass through.
US09550544B2
A bicycle handlebar clamp assembly has a handlebar clamp, a fixing nut, and a fixing bolt. The fixing nut includes a threaded bore having a bolt entrance opening and a bolt exit opening. The fixing nut defines a bolt shaft receiving space disposed adjacent the bolt exit opening. The fixing bolt includes a head and a shaft extending from the head. The shaft has a non-threaded portion disposed between two threaded portions. One of threaded portions is disposed closer to the head of the fixing bolt than the other threaded portion. The threaded portions are dimensioned to threadedly engage the threaded bore of the fixing nut. The non-threaded portion has a axial length that is greater than the axial length of the threaded bore of the fixing nut.
US09550541B2
A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging members for supporting the frame, and an engine supported by the frame and operably coupled to the ground-engaging members. Additionally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes an upper and lower fairing assembly that cooperate together to define wind flow around the vehicle. Vents and deflectors are controllable to regulate the airflow to the rider. A vehicle control unit is operable to control the heated grips and the cruise control. A trunk is provided for mounting to the motorcycle and is electrically coupled to a harness running beneath the seat. The vehicle is further profiled to receive a hand held GMRS handset and smart phone.
US09550538B2
A bicycle saddle has a seat post, an adjustment base, a seat, a sliding base, and two adjusting bolts. The seat post has a supporting base having a concave top surface and a passage. The adjustment base is attached to the concave top surface of the supporting base and has a convex bottom surface and an elongated through hole. The convex bottom surface matches and abuts the concave top surface of the supporting base. The seat is attached to the flat top surface of the adjustment base and has a sliding channel. The sliding base is mounted slidably in the sliding channel and has a slot and two holding rods respectively provided with a threaded hole. The adjusting bolts are mounted through the passage, the elongated through hole, and the slot, and are screwed respectively with the threaded holes in the holding rods.
US09550537B2
The disclosure relates to a system and method for a link for a track chain in a ground-engaging track system. The link has an elongate link body including a first and a second crown. The elongate link body includes a shoe surface and a rail surface. The shoe surface is configured to contact a track shoe coupled to the elongate link body. The rail surface is opposite the shoe surface and has a first end section, a middle section, and a second end section. The first and second crowns on the rail surface each define a convex portion of the rail surface. The first crown is positioned on the first end section and the second crown is positioned on the second end section. The first and second crowns are configured to delay scallop formation in the rail surface.
US09550535B2
An aerodynamic control system includes a skirt assembly configured to be disposed between plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the plural vehicles with the vehicles separated by a spatial gap in the vehicle system. The skirt assembly can include a bladder configured to be inflated with a fluid by a fluid source disposed onboard the vehicle system to cause the skirt assembly to expand between the vehicles from a collapsed state to an expanded state such that the skirt assembly at least partially fills the spatial gap between the vehicles. The skirt assembly can reduce aerodynamic drag exerted on the vehicle system during movement of the vehicle system relative to the vehicle system moving without the skirt assembly in the expanded state.
US09550534B2
A framework such as a vehicle body is disclosed and includes at least two components of materials with different heat expansion coefficients fastened to one another on an elongated overlap zone. The overlap zone on a first component is subdivided by weak points oriented in its transverse direction into portions following one another in longitudinal direction.
US09550528B1
A vehicle computer is programmed to: receive data from the first vehicle sensor indicating at least one signal from a second vehicle. The computer is further programmed to determine that the signal is a permission for the first vehicle to change lanes, and to actuate a change of lane of travel of the first vehicle.
US09550527B2
A “dead-band” range may be provided for automatically selecting between two-wheel and four-wheel steering for an agricultural machine. When the machine is being steered minimally within a first band (within the dead-band range), such as in a straightaway path, two-wheel steering may be automatically selected. However, when the machine is being increasingly steered thereby reaching a second band (beyond the dead-band range), four-wheel steering may be automatically selected. An operator may monitor the state of the machine steering via a touchscreen Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the cabin. The operator may also adjust the dead-band range by increasing or decreasing sensitivity via the HMI.
US09550526B2
Disclosed is a lane keeping control system, including: a target distance calculator configured to calculate a target distance by receiving a speed of a vehicle; and a target trace generator configured to generate coordinates of a target point separated by the target distance by receiving vehicle information and camera image information and generate a target trace to the target point as a circular trace. Accordingly, by variably calculating a target distance according to a speed of a vehicle, generating a target trace of a vehicle according to the target distance as a profile (curvature) in a form of a circular trace, and applying the generated profile (curvature) to a lane keeping control, smooth lane keeping control may be achieved and a sense of steering difference of a driver may be minimized.
US09550524B2
A steering control device includes a steering reaction force control unit that applies a steering reaction force to a steering unit in accordance with a steering reaction force characteristic that is based on steering torque and steering angle of the steering unit in which the steering torque increases as the steering angle increases. A curvature detection unit detects a curvature of a white line. An offset unit calculates an offset amount that increases as the detected curvature increases and that offsets the steering reaction force characteristic such that a neutral point of the steering is moved in a curve direction according to a magnitude of the detected curvature. A lateral acceleration detection unit detects a lateral acceleration of a host vehicle. An offset suppression unit suppresses an increase in the offset amount more as an absolute value of the detected lateral acceleration increases.
US09550522B2
A system and method for limiting a turning speed of a compactor is disclosed. The compactor includes a steering member configured to receive operator steering input. The system may comprise a speed sensor, and a controller in communication with the speed sensor. The speed sensor may be mounted on the compactor and configured to measure a travel speed of the compactor over a surface. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor, configured to measure a temperature of the surface, may be mounted on the compactor and in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to receive the travel speed and/or temperature, and to limit a turning speed of the compactor when a condition is satisfied.
US09550518B2
A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a first bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by a ball nut, the first bearing assembly disposed on a first end of the ball nut adjacent a first side of the pulley; and a second bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut, the second bearing assembly disposed on an opposite second end of the ball nut adjacent a second side of the pulley.
US09550513B2
Provided is steering column support construction that together with eliminating strong rubbing between the bottom surface of a vehicle-side bracket 23a and the top surface of a column-side bracket 22a, and keeping the absolute value and fluctuation in the break away load small, more completely protects the driver during a collision accident without lowering the freedom of design of the steering apparatus. An adjustment rod 27 for adjusting the position of a steering wheel is provided on the top side of a steering column 6b. During a secondary collision, a moment that is applied to the column-side bracket 22a is kept small, friction at the area of rubbing between the column-side bracket 22a and the vehicle-side bracket 23a is reduced, and the break away load is kept low. Moreover, the driver's knees are protected by eliminating the portion that protrudes further downward than the steering column 6b.
US09550505B2
A system includes at least one application device, a control unit, at least one detection device, and at least one processor configured to be disposed on-board a vehicle system. The at least one application device is configured to be at least one of conductively or inductively coupled with at least one conductive track of a route traveled by the vehicle system. The control unit is configured to control the at least one application device to electrically inject at least one examination signal into the conductive tracks. The at least one detection device is configured to detect the examination signal passing through a test loop. The at least one processor is configured to identify a failure of the vehicle to adequately shunt electrical signals between the conductive tracks based upon the examination signal detected by the at least one detection device.
US09550497B2
An apparatus and a method for controlling a driving mode of a vehicle are provided to control the driving mode according to a short term driving tendency and a long term driving tendency. The apparatus includes a driving information detector that detects driving information to determine driving tendency and a controller that calculates a short term driving tendency index based on the driving. The controller operates at least one of an engine and a transmission based on the short term driving tendency index and calculates a middle term driving tendency index using the short term driving tendency index. A delay time is then determined using the middle term driving tendency index. The controller enters a sport mode based on the short term driving tendency index and releases the sport mode after delaying the delay time when the short term driving tendency index satisfies releasing conditions of the sport mode.
US09550494B2
An apparatus for assisting in the driving of a vehicle determines, for a first vehicle, a first traveling track based on road infrastructure and a second traveling track based on the traveling track of a second vehicle that precedes the first vehicle. The apparatus stores information about the first traveling track and the second traveling track such that the deviation corresponds to the respective traveling positions of the vehicles. If a base for formation of a target track that the first vehicle is caused follow is switched between the first traveling track and the second traveling track when the apparatus forms this target track, the apparatus forms the target track based on the deviation information to decrease deviation between the first traveling track and the second traveling track.
US09550486B2
A system for detecting a stuck brake friction component of a motor vehicle may include a tire pressure monitoring system and a steering wheel angle sensor. The system may also include a controller configured to receive signals from the tire pressure monitoring system and the steering wheel angle sensor and to generate a notification if the signals indicate that one or more of the friction components of the vehicle's braking system is stuck in an engaged position.
US09550475B1
An outrigger foot is configured to be disposed on an outrigger of a utility vehicle for detecting secure emplacement of the outrigger. The outrigger foot comprises a housing, a kingpin assembly, and a pad assembly. The housing is configured to be secured to the outrigger. The kingpin assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing. The kingpin assembly is adapted to be in a compressed position while the outrigger foot is securely in contact with the ground, and to be in an uncompressed position while the outrigger foot is free of secure contact with the ground. A proximity sensor is associated with the housing, such that the proximity sensor can detect a proximity of a portion of the kingpin assembly that is in the compressed position. The pad assembly is secured to the kingpin assembly for contacting the ground at various angles.
US09550470B2
Provided is a curtain airbag apparatus capable of preventing a head of an occupant from being moved forward and colliding with a structure of a vehicle at the time of an oblique collision of the vehicle. To this end, a curtain airbag apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a curtain airbag which is inflated when gas flows into the curtain airbag; and an auxiliary airbag which is coupled to the curtain airbag, and protrudes into the interior of a vehicle while being inflated when the gas flowing into the curtain airbag flows into the auxiliary airbag.
US09550458B2
A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
US09550454B1
Methods and systems for detection of removable vehicle seats may be used to indicate presence or absence of a child in the vehicle. In some examples, an alarm system includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and a removable seat magnetic coupling. Various actions are triggered when the parent (e.g., guardian) goes beyond a predefined range while the removable seat is within the vehicle, such as sounding an alarm on a mobile electronic device.
US09550450B2
An exit warning system is provided for a motor vehicle having a sliding door. That exit warning system includes a sliding door status sensor, a projector and a warning signal. The warning signal is projected by the projector onto pavement laterally adjacent a motor vehicle when the sliding door is opened in order to warn oncoming drivers that someone could potentially be leaving the vehicle through the open sliding door.
US09550444B1
A lift system that is attachable to a vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, and the like, for lifting and carrying heavy items, such as a motorcycle utilizing a platform connected to a lifting mechanism that is connected to the vehicle. The lifting mechanism has a pair of lift arm housings that are connected to the vehicle, a pair of lift arms connected to the platform that rises up and down within their respective lift arm housing, and an electric motor to raise and lower the lift arms. The platform can be removed from the lift arms and stored away or used as a tabletop by. Wheels may be provided to easily maneuver the platform on the ground. Elongated posts can be attached to the platform to function as braces to secure the item to the platform. The elongated posts can also be used as legs for the tabletop.
US09550443B2
A system of the present disclosure has a housing that has at least two female indentations, and each indentation has tapered walls that form a cavity. The system further has a trailer that has at least two protrusions, including a first protrusion on a first leg of the trailer and a second protrusion on a second leg of the trailer, and the protrusions are arranged to mate with the at least two female indentations when the housing is placed on the trailer. Each protrusion has a lock slat slidably moveable in a slot formed in a side of the protrusion and the lock slats are adapted to engage one of the tapered walls of the protrusions thereby retaining the housing on the trailer.
US09550435B2
An angular acceleration monitor may monitor whether or not an angular acceleration of a wheel detected by an angular acceleration detector is equal to or smaller than an acceptable angular acceleration (W) that is calculated with the following formula: W=k1×R×Tt/m/r2 where k1 is a constant, Tt is a total drive torque that is a sum of drive torques of all motor units that drive wheels of the vehicle, m is vehicle mass, r is tire radius, and R is reduction ratio of a reducer unit interposed between the motor unit and the wheel. A slip-responsive controller causes, if it is determined that the acceptable angular acceleration is exceeded, a motor controller to reduce a drive torque of the motor unit(s).
US09550433B2
An alternating-hibernation battery management and control method for a power structure of a large electric vehicle is provided. The power structure includes a vehicular computer with a sorting controller, plural configuration-variable series-type battery boxes in parallel connection and a driving device. Each configuration-variable series-type battery box includes plural battery modules in series connection. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, the vehicular computer calculates a required number of battery modules and a required number of configuration-variable series-type battery boxes. Then, the sorting controller calculates module scores of all battery modules, and generates a battery module sorting result. Then, the sorting controller enables the required number of battery modules according to the required number of battery modules and the battery module sorting result. Then, the sorting controller calculates a battery box score and generates a battery box sorting result. Afterwards, the sorting controller controls at least one configuration-variable series-type battery box in the last rank of the battery box sorting result to be in a hibernation mode.
US09550417B2
A saddle-riding type vehicle wherein an electric power transmission apparatus is rendered compact and a clearance is kept between a front wheel and a shift motor in a structure wherein a change mechanism and the shift motor are disposed in a forward direction of a power unit. A change mechanism for selectively establishing a gear stage of a transmission and a shift motor for supplying rotational power to the change mechanism are disposed in a forward direction of a power unit. A speed reducer gear mechanism for reducing the speed of the rotational power from the shift motor is disposed in a forward direction of a transmission compartment. The shift motor is disposed such that a main motor body thereof is positioned rearwardly of the speed reducer gear mechanism.
US09550401B2
An Independent Front Suspension (IFS) assembly having a single lower control arm having an inboard end pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, an air spring supported by an air spring seat relative to the lower control arm, a strut having an upper end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure and a lower end coupled to the lower control arm outboard end, and a steering knuckle fixed to the strut lower end, the steering knuckle disposed below the lower air spring seat and whose rotative movement about the strut axis is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the lower air spring seat, whereby available wheel cut is maximized. Also an IFS module including right and left side IFS assemblies and adapted for installation into a vehicle.
US09550395B2
A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and an axle-engaging wheel hub for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel that is adapted to receive either an axle-engaging wheel hub or a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle depending upon the preference of the assembler. Wheeled containers and methods of assembly thereof are also provided for use with such wheel assemblies.
US09550390B2
An optical security component intended to be checked in reflection in a checking spectral band includes a layer that is reflective in the checking spectral band. The layer exhibits a structured zone that includes microstructures distributed spatially in a uniform manner over a whole of the structured zone so as to form an optical structure that is at least partially scattering in the checking spectral band. The microstructures have heights that are distributed according to a random function, modulated over the structured zone by a modulation function so as to form, after illumination of the optical security component at a given angle, an image identifiable by observation in reflection.
US09550386B2
A liquid discharging apparatus includes a discharging unit that includes a nozzle row that discharges a liquid, and that is able to reciprocate in a first direction that intersects the nozzle row; a transport unit that transports a medium in a second direction that intersects the first direction; and a reading unit that reads the liquid discharged from the discharging unit to the medium. The liquid discharging apparatus is configured to execute an adjustment pattern forming operation for forming a first adjustment pattern for adjusting a landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharging unit in the first direction and a second adjustment pattern for adjusting the landing position of the liquid discharged from the discharging unit in the second direction on the medium, and an adjustment pattern reading operation for reading the first and second adjustment pattern with the reading unit according to a single command.
US09550379B2
An image forming apparatus may include a mechanism for forming a corrugated shape in a sheet to be conveyed. The mechanism may include various components include one or more pressing portions, one or more ribs, one or more discharge rollers, a switching mechanism and the like. In one arrangement, ribs and pressing portions configured to create the corrugated shape may be disposed at various locations upstream or downstream of the platen, recording portion and/or nozzles thereof. In one example, pressing portions may be disposed both upstream and downstream of the nozzles of the recording portion to maintain a corrugated shape in the conveyed sheet. Various other configurations may be used.
US09550373B2
A field for which a first priority level that has been set is the same as a second priority level that is stored in a priority level storage portion is specified as an update field from among a plurality of fields that have been defined in a content that is stored in a data storage portion. At least one character that is contained in the update field is updated in the specified order. A level of the second priority level is lowering by one level in a case where a character rollover has occurred during the updating of the at least one character. Printable data for the content in which the at least one character has been updated is created in a case where the character rollover has not occurred during the updating of the at least one character. The update field is specified every time the second priority level that is stored in the priority level storage portion is lowered.
US09550369B2
A recording device includes a base body, an air current generator that is disposed in the base body, and a duct that has an opening and configures an air current flow path formed from the opening to the air current generator. The duct is attachable to and detachable from the base body.
US09550362B2
Mist collection device, liquid ejecting apparatus, and method for controlling mist collection device
A mist collection device capable of suctioning and recovering mist generated at the time of ejecting a liquid is disclosed. The mist collection device includes an exhaust duct having a suction portion which is installed to extend downwardly to suction external air. The suction portion is provided with a suction port extending in a vertical direction, and an upper end portion, which communicates with the exhaust duct, of the suction portion is installed to protrude in an annular shape from an inner bottom portion of the exhaust duct.
US09550351B2
This invention discloses a corner peeling device, a film peeling apparatus, and a film peeling method, and relates to the technical field of liquid crystal panel manufacture, for the purpose of solving the problem concerning low efficiency in film peeling. The corner peeling device comprises: a movable rack; a roller pivoted on the upper part of the rack; an evacuating device in communication with the air channel; and an automatic revolving device, which is connected to the roller so that at the beginning of corner peeling and after corner peeling, the opening of the same sucking hole at one end of the plurality of the sucking holes arranged at intervals is upward. The corner peeling device is used for peeling a corner of a release film adhered to a plate-like substrate. The film peeling apparatus comprises the corner peeling device mentioned in the technical solution described above.
US09550348B2
A frictional weld joint couples first and second body portions of an article together. The frictional weld joint comprises a first bead extending from the first body portion of the article and a second bead extending from the second body portion of the article. The second bead has an interior stem and an exterior stem space from the interior stem defining a cavity therebetween. The first and second beads are placed in contact with each other with the centerline of the second bead offset from the centerline of the first bead. A force is applied to either the first or second body portions to generate friction between the first and second beads to plastically displace the first and second beads. The force is removed for fusing the first and second beads together to couple together the first and the second body portions of the article.
US09550342B2
A manufacturing method of a TiAl joined body includes: an arranging step and a heating step. The arranging step is a step of arranging a plurality of members which contains a TiAl intermetallic compound and insert materials which contain Ti as a major element, Cu and Ni such that each of the insert materials is inserted between two adjacent members of the plurality of members. The heating step is a step of heating the plurality of members and the insert materials in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature above melting points of the insert materials and below melting points of the plurality of members.
US09550339B2
An elongate flattened thermoplastic tube has an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of weakness that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A frangible line of connection is disposed in one two superposed layers of the tube proximate to the inflation edge. This frangible connection may be broken to permit inflation of the inflatable pouches.
US09550331B2
A method for producing a composite molded part from fiber-reinforced plastics material includes providing a prepreg semi-finished product including fibers that are pre-impregnated with a matrix material and encasing the semi-finished product with a flexible sheet material to form an inner arrangement. The flexible sheet material includes a gas-permeable membrane and an inner planar gas-conducting element. The inner arrangement is encased with a first gas-tight casing and positioned on a molding surface of a mold. The inner arrangement and molding surface is encased with a second gas-tight casing. A first negative pressure is applied to the inner planar gas-conducting element and the inside of the first gas-tight casing, and the entire arrangement is heated for a first time at a first temperature. A second negative pressure is applied to an inside of the second gas-tight casing and the entire arrangement is heated for a second time at a second temperature.
US09550323B2
An ultrasonic welding system, for welding together two workpieces wherein at least one of the workpieces includes a polymeric composite, comprising an energy applicator positioned along an action axis so that, in operation, ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the energy applicator during a welding routine, are transmitted to the workpieces generally at and/or adjacent the axis. The system also includes a primary, course-control, actuator positioned along action axis so that a first load, output by the primary actuator, acts along the system action axis. The system further comprises a secondary, fine-control, actuator positioned along the system action axis so that a second load output, by the secondary actuator, acts along the axis. And the system comprises a controller for providing first command signals and second command signals to the primary actuator and second actuator to control them to effect loads on the workpieces, during the welding routine and along the axis.
US09550321B2
In various embodiments, a molded product delivery apparatus or a blow molding machine includes a first transfer member that includes first paired chucks that hold a portion of an outer wall of a neck portion of a molded product, and a second transfer member that includes second paired chucks that hold another portion of the outer wall of the neck portion of the molded product. From a state where the molded product is held by both of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks simultaneously, by opening one of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks without interfering with the other, the molded product is delivered between the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks.
US09550319B2
One aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus including an extrusion nozzle. The nozzle includes an inlet end, an outlet end opposite the inlet end and an axis extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The extrusion nozzle is configured to rotate about the axis. The extrusion nozzle also includes a rotary drive engagement portion between the inlet end and the outlet end. The extrusion nozzle further includes a cavity including an inlet opening at the inlet end and an outlet opening at the outlet end. The inlet opening has a different configuration than the outlet opening.
US09550307B2
A method of discharging workpieces cut from a planar material on a processing machine. A workpiece discharge device has several holding elements to receive and carry respective workpieces. After receiving a cut workpiece, the discharge device is moved to a waiting position outside and adjacent a processing region of the machine, and may then be moved back into the processing region to receive a subsequently cut workpiece before being moved to an unloading station.
US09550296B2
A conveying apparatus includes a guide mechanism and a moving body guided by the guide mechanism. The moving body includes a first support, a second support and a holding portion. The first support has a first engagement portion engaged with the guide mechanism. The first support, supported by the guide mechanism, is movable in a first direction. The second support has a second engagement portion engaged with the guide mechanism. The second support, supported by the guide mechanism, is movable in the first direction. The holding portion, supported by the first and the second supports, holds a workpiece. The first engagement portion receives a moment applied thereto by deformation of the moving body, where the moment is opposite in direction to a moment applied to the first engagement portion by a load of the workpiece held by the holding portion.
US09550292B1
A wall mounted tool rack having a plurality of pivotally attachable panels is disclosed. The tool rack includes an open rectangular frame mountable on a vertical wall, wherein the frame includes a number of horizontal mounting apertures which are spaced to match a spacing of a wall stud and accept a fastener used to mount the frame flush to the vertical wall, and a number of pivot apertures. The pivot apertures accept top and bottom pins of a mounting rail which is attached to a panel, and allows the panel to rotate about a vertical axis through at least 120 degrees of rotation. The panels may be composed of peg-board and may accept mounting clips which provide a means to attach or hang tools of different sizes, shapes, and weights to the panel.
US09550291B2
A detachable grip is provided with bracket system that can be removably attached to a desired location along the length of a fishing rod, and that has a removable grip which attaches to the bracket. More particularly, in one embodiment the bracket girdles the fishing rod using bolts to fasten a top half of the bracket to the bottom half of the bracket. In one or more embodiments, the grip attaches to the bracket and extends in a direction away from the bracket that is substantially in a direction perpendicular to the rod. In one embodiment, the grip is attached to the bracket by a bolt, and is adapted to allow the grip to be readily detached.
US09550285B2
A hand tool includes a handle with a shank and a fixing member is connected to the shank. An isolation layer is coated on the outside of the shank and an annular groove is defined between the isolation layer and the fixing member. A socket has a lip having a positioning member to be engaged with a notch of the fixing member. A guide member is located beside the positioning member. A ring-shaped locking member is connected to the socket and has a recess with which the guide member is engaged. The locking member has two flexible blocks. A positioning member has a protrusion inserted into the through hole of the locking member and has a ridge contacting the lip of the socket. The protrusion has two passages, which are engaged with the two blocks. A bit is inserted into the reception hole of the positioning member.
US09550278B2
A tire bead locking tool is provided. The tool may include a body; a first jaw connected to the body; a second jaw pivotally connected to the body and located to oppose the first jaw; a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second jaws in a relative position with respect to each other; and a resilient member attached to one of the first and second jaws and located between the first and second jaws. A method of manufacturing may also be provide. The method may include: forming a body; forming a pair of jaws on the body wherein at least one of the jaws pivots with respect to the body; attaching a resilient member to at least one of the jaws; and forming a locking mechanism that can selectively lock the jaws in a position; and extending a handle further from the jaws than the locking mechanism.
US09550275B2
A disc-shaped grindstone 1 includes a plurality of split grindstones provided in an outer circumferential surface of a disc-shaped base 3. At least a part of the split grindstones include a moving grindstone 6 which is movable in the axial direction of the disc-shaped base 3. Since a part of the split grindstones 4 is the moving grindstone 6 which is movable in the axial direction, the width of the disc-shaped grindstone 1 may be changed in a manner such that the moving grindstone 6 is moved in the axial direction. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly handle a plurality of kinds of grinding targets without replacing the disc-shaped grindstone 1.
US09550265B2
A device for finish-machining a workpiece in the form of a crankshaft or a camshaft includes a workpiece holder and a rotational drive configured to rotate the workpiece about a workpiece axis. A first finishing tool is configured to machine a main bearing which is concentric with the workpiece axis. A second finishing tool is configured to machine an additional bearing which is radially offset from the workpiece axis. A first tool drive is configured to generate an oscillating movement of the first finishing tool in a direction parallel to the workpiece axis. A second tool drive is configured to generate an oscillating movement of the second finishing tool which is independent of the movement of the first finishing tool in a direction parallel to the workpiece axis.
US09550264B2
Disclosure relates to a fixed abrasive-grain processing device and a method of fixed abrasive-grain processing used for producing a semiconductor wafer, and a method for producing a semiconductor wafer which make the surface of the semiconductor wafer possible to have preferable flatness and which can prevent the number of steps and the installation area of facilities from increasing. The producing of semiconductor wafers uses a fixed abrasive-grain processing device including a lower fixed abrasive-grain layer that is adjacent to the top surface of the lower surface-plate and that grinds the top surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor wafers; an upper fixed abrasive-grain layer that is adjacent to the bottom surface of the upper surface-plate and that grinds the bottom surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor wafers; a carrier plate that is horizontally interposed between the lower surface-plate and the upper surface-plate and that includes a plurality of holes each accommodating one of the plurality of semiconductor wafers; and a carrier rotating device that circularly moves the carrier plate, wherein the lower fixed abrasive-grain layer and the upper fixed abrasive-grain layer include fixed abrasive grain having a diameter of 4 μm or less and being dispersed and fixed in elastic members.
US09550263B2
A key cutting machine includes a housing, carriage, key clamp, and motor to drive the carriage. The key cutting machine may include a vacuum removably attached to the housing. The key cutting machine may be selected between manual, automatic, and semi-automatic user modes. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.
US09550261B2
A method for retrofitting an already existing gas turbine power plant is provided. The method features at least the following steps: fluidically connecting a gas turbine to a flue gas duct which is suitable for conducting flue gas which is produced by the gas turbine; connecting the flue gas duct to a steam generating unit which is fluidically connected to a water-steam cycle, and via which water-steam cycle a power generating facility can be operated; fluidically connecting a CO2 separation apparatus to the flue gas duct for separating the CO2 from the flue gas in the flue gas duct; and electrically connecting the power generating facility to the CO2 separation apparatus, preferably for the essentially energy-autonomous operation of the CO2 separation apparatus.
US09550260B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring.
US09550250B2
A torch-mounted power controller mounts to the handle of a welding torch and includes a control lever that is operated by the user's finger. The control lever is arranged to allow the user to hold the torch with a normal grip. Power supply to the welding torch is controlled by applying finger pressure to a control lever. A voltage control circuit is operatively connected to the control lever and controls the amount of power supplied responsive to the movement of the control lever.
US09550249B2
A power supply is provided. The power supply in one form includes a rectifier circuit, a capacitor and an RC circuit. The rectifier circuit is configured to receive a three phase AC signal. The rectifier circuit has a positive output connected to a positive node and a negative output connected to a negative node. The capacitor is connected in parallel with the rectifier circuit between the positive node and the negative node. The RC circuit includes a resistor and capacitor connected in electrical series connection where the resistor and capacitor are connected between the positive node and the negative node in parallel with the first capacitor and the rectifier circuit.
US09550242B2
A saw blade has an elongated body with a first and second end, a cutting edge and an opposing back edge. A plurality of teeth is formed on the cutting edge. The first tooth of the plurality of teeth is immediately adjacent the second end of the blade. The first tooth is raker tooth and has a rake face and a clearance face. The rake face and clearance face intersect to form a cutting edge of the first tooth. The second end defines a plunging nose. The second end includes a nose end surface that extends between the cutting edge and the back edge. The nose end surface is on an angle of about 35° with respect to a line defined by tips of the plurality of teeth. The nose end surface intersects the first tooth relief surface to form an angled cutting edge with a leading sharp point.
US09550239B2
A cutting insert includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a side surface, and an upper cutting edge. The upper cutting edge includes a major cutting edge having an outwardly projecting curvilinear shape, and a minor cutting edge having a straight line shape and being continuous with the major cutting edge. The side surface includes a continuous inclined surface with the major cutting edge and is inclined outward from the upper surface to the lower surface with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the respective centers of the upper and lower surfaces. An inclination angle of the inclined surface with respect to a virtual straight line on the side surface increases from a portion of the inclined surface which is continuous with an end portion of the major cutting edge to a portion of the inclined surface which is continuous with a center of the major cutting edge.
US09550223B2
Embodiments provide improved flaring and swaging bits, and methods for flaring and swaging.
US09550222B2
A domer station having a domer assembly, a housing assembly, and a stacked piston assembly is provided. The domer assembly is movably disposed within a domer body passage located in the housing assembly and structured to move between a forward, first position and a retracted, second position. The stacked piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, preferably three pistons, disposed in series and a pressure supply. The pistons are disposed behind the domer in pressure chambers. The pistons have a constant pressure applied thereto and are biased towards the domer. The pistons are, however, each restrained by a stop and do not contact, or operatively engage, the domer when the domer is in the domer first position.
US09550221B2
A press forming method forming an extended part by extension in a later forming period after deep drawing, the deep drawing process carried out with working at 100-250° C., and the extension forming process carried out colder at less than 50° C., whereby the extended part is formed by extension in a cup shaped low parts formed by deep drawing. Thus, press forming products containing formed elements can be deep drawing formed and extension formed at a high forming rate of 10 mm/sec or greater, which can assure high productivity. By making a steel plate temperature 100-350° C. during press forming and by making the forming rate in the later forming period where extension forming is carried out slower than the forming rate in an earlier forming period where extension forming is not carried out, cracking of the extended part can be prevented and press forming limitations can be improved.
US09550220B2
A method and a device for releasing a tube during a rolling process in a three-roll rolling stand in case of an emergency. The roll holder cartridge (3) has a longitudinal open slot (10) at the yoke support of the vertical axis roll so as to remove the roll holder cartridge according to a direction coinciding with the horizontal axis of the yoke support of the vertical axis roll while the support remains anchored to the fixed structure in the stand of the roll mill. In case of routine maintenance, the cartridge (3) is pulled out laterally with the yoke support of the vertical axis roll anchored to the cartridge itself as the other roll supports.
US09550219B2
Provided is an apparatus of an inhalation type for stocking a wafer at a ceiling and an inhaling type wafer stocking system having the same including a stocking system having a shelf that is fixed to a ceiling and supports a container in which a wafer is present; and an inhalation assembly that is installed in the stocking system so as to correspond to the shelf and is configured so as to inhale gas that leaks from the container.
US09550209B2
A method of pointillist painting includes receiving a dot list including a specification of color, position, size, texture, and exclusion zone of a plurality of dots, wherein the exclusion zone of a dot represents an area that does not overlap with an exclusion zone of any other of the plurality of dots and selecting a first set of dots of a first color. A colorant dispenser may be moved to a first position of a first dot in the first set. A pre-determined amount of colorant may be applied to the first position. A measured blast of air may modify coverage and profile of the applied colorant. The dispenser may then move to the remaining positions until all dots of the first color and subsequent sets of dots of subsequent colors are dispensed.
US09550208B2
A multistage method for treatment of composite metal structures containing metallic surfaces of aluminum, zinc and optionally iron, is provide wherein in a first step, selective zinc phosphating of zinc and ferrous surfaces proceeds using a phosphating solution containing a quantity of water-soluble inorganic silicon compounds sufficient to suppress white spot formation on zinc, but less than the quantity where zinc phosphating loses selectivity. In a following second step, aluminum surfaces are passivated with an acidic treatment solution. Also provided is a zinc phosphating solution suitable for said method containing at least 0.025 g/l, but less than 1 g/l of silicon as water-soluble inorganic compounds calculated as SiF6, wherein the product (Si/mM)·(F/mM) of the concentration of silicon [Si in mM] in the form of water-soluble inorganic compounds and the concentration of free fluoride [F in mM] divided by the free acid point number is no greater than 5.
US09550206B2
An electromagnetic-wave-absorbing film comprising an electromagnetic-wave-absorbing layer comprising fine graphene particles and a binder resin, the electromagnetic-wave-absorbing layer being formed by repeating plural times a cycle of applying a dispersion comprising 1-10% by mass of flaky fine graphene particles and 0.05-5% by mass of a binder resin in an organic solvent to a plastic film, and then drying the dispersion; the electromagnetic-wave-absorbing layer having a thickness of 2-15 g/m2 (expressed by the weight of fine graphene particles per 1 m2); a mass ratio of the binder resin to fine graphene particles in the electromagnetic-wave-absorbing layer being 0.05-1; and the total area ratio of the fine-graphene-particles-free regions in the electromagnetic-wave-absorbing layer being 5% or less.
US09550194B2
Screws 4 are inserted from a bottom surface of a ceiling plate 32 and screwed to a base plate 31, and the ceiling plate 32 and the base plate 31 are press-connected to each other by an elastic restoring force of an elastic member 51 interposed between a head of the screw 4 and the ceiling plate 32. A gap is formed between the head and the ceiling plate 32. Further, a periphery of the head is covered with a cover via a ring-shaped elastic member 52. In another embodiment, a periphery of a base plate 31 is protruded from a periphery of a ceiling plate 32, and the protruded portion of the base plate 31 and a ring-shaped clamp positioned at an outer side of the ceiling plate 32 are joined by screws. Here, an elastic member is interposed between the clamp and the ceiling plate 32.
US09550190B2
Described herein, is a method of dewatering a slurry, the slurry being tailings from bitumen extraction of mined oil sand. The slurry is passed through at least one electro-kinetic thickener having a voltage gradient to separate water from the slurry to produce a dewatered slurry. The electro-kinetic thickener may comprise an auger to move the slurry downstream. The auger has a conductive component in the form of a wire, ribbon or rod as an anode (positive electrode) to attract negatively-charged slurry particles and to repel the positively-charged cations and associated water. The auger is shafted or shaftless. The electro-kinetic thickener may also comprise a porous drum having the auger disposed therein. The porous drum is a cathode (negative electrode) to repel the negatively-charged slurry particles, attract the positively-charged cations and associated water, and allow the water to pass through the porous drum.
US09550189B2
A method and to a device for the electrostatic separation of fine dust particles from gases that flow through a housing (1) containing perforated plates (6) and electrodes (4, 5). An electric field is created between the electrode (4) on the inflow opening side and the electrode or electrodes (5) having positive polarity on the outflow side. The removal of negatively charged fine dust particles (9) is carried out by deposition on the inflow side of the perforated plates (6), and the removal of positively charged fine dust particles (11) is carried out on the outflow side. Fine dust particles without charge (10) are charged after the last perforated plate (6) in an ionization chamber (8) and deposit on the outflow side of the last perforated plate (6).
US09550187B2
A vertical shaft impact crusher feed tube arranged for protecting a rotor feeding opening of a feeding funnel of a vertical shaft impact crusher. The feed tube includes a tube portion via which material may flow from the feeding funnel and vertically downwards into a rotor. The tube portion has a first width at a material inlet, and a second width at a material outlet, wherein the second width is larger than the first width.
US09550180B2
Described is a monolithic support member comprising channels with walls separating the channels and having a coating deposited thereon, the non-coated channels having a polygonal cross-section profile, wherein the mean thickness dC of the coating in a corner of said cross-section profile is smaller than or equal to the mean thickness dE of the coating on an edge of said cross-section profile plus 85 micrometer. Also described is a method for the preparation of such coated monolithic support member. Further described is the use of such coated monolithic support member as a catalytic article in automotive exhaust gas treatment.
US09550165B2
In a catalytic reactor including catalyst carriers inserted into a plurality of channels defined by corrugated fins, the corrugated fins include a first corrugated fin, and a second corrugated fin arranged to adjoin the first corrugated fin. When viewed from the first corrugated fin toward the second corrugated fin along the channels, at least a portion of side walls of the second corrugated fin is located between two adjacent ones of side walls of the first corrugated fin at adjoining end faces of the first and second corrugated fins.
US09550163B2
An apparatus for preparing dimeric and trimeric silicon compounds is provided. The apparatus includes a reactor for generating a nonthermal plasma; a collecting vessel in product flow communication with the nonthermal plasma reactor; and a series of at least three rectification columns in flow communication with the collecting vessel.
US09550161B2
The invention relates to a coating composition for making a porous inorganic oxide coating layer on a substrate, the composition comprising an inorganic oxide precursor as binder, a solvent, and a synthetic polyampholyte as pore forming agent. The size of the pores in the coating can be advantageously controlled by the comonomer composition of the polyampholyte, and/or by selecting conditions like temperature, pH, salt concentration, and solvent composition when making the composition. The invention also relates to a method of making such coating composition, to a process of applying a coating on a substrate using such composition, and to such coated substrate showing a specific combination of optical and mechanical properties.
US09550157B2
Disclosed are magnetic agitation mixing systems for use with flexible container reaction vessels. In one aspect of the invention, the orientation of magnetic coupling between the impeller magnets and the external driver magnets is modified such that the coupling is neither strictly axial nor strictly radial. Also disclosed are “receiver-less” retainer configurations whereby the single-use container need not have a rigid base that defines a cup or post to engage of rotatable agitator.
US09550155B2
Disclosed herein is a mixing element for two air flows intersecting in an air conditioner with a main wall of a mixing region for mixing first and second air flows. The main wall is disposed such that an inflow direction of the first and second air flows into the mixing region run longitudinally with respect to a main extension plane of the main wall. The mixing element includes first and second auxiliary walls of the mixing region, each having a main surface at opposite side edges of the main wall, and disposed such that the inflow direction of the first air flow runs past a side edge of the first auxiliary wall and transverse to the main surface of the first auxiliary wall. The inflow direction of the second air flow into the mixing region runs longitudinally with respect to the main surface of the first auxiliary wall.
US09550151B2
There is provided a high-quality spiral-type acidic gas separation module which is obtained by winding a laminate including an acidic gas separation layer that has a facilitated transport film and which has no defects in the facilitated transport film, in which the average value of the fiber diameter of a supply gas channel member is in a range of 100 μm to 900 μm, and the area ratio of concave portions inscribed in a hemisphere having a diameter greater than or equal to three-quarters of the fiber diameter of the supply gas channel member is 50% or less with respect to a surface of an auxiliary support film of a porous support that is on the side opposite to the facilitated transport film.
US09550147B2
A particulate, heterogeneous solid CO2 absorbent composition, comprising decomposition products of Ca3Al2O6 after having been heated to a temperature between 500° C. and 925° C. in the presence of H2O and CO2 for a period of time sufficient to allow the Ca3Al2O6 to react and form the particulate, heterogeneous absorbent composition which exhibits a higher concentration of aluminum than calcium in the particle core but a higher concentration of calcium than aluminum at the particle surface. The invention also comprises a method for preparing the particulate, heterogeneous product as well as a method for utilizing the composition for separating CO2 from a process gas.
US09550139B2
A filter cleaning apparatus has a top section and a base section. The top section rests on a housing support. A lid in the top section is connected to the top section by a hinge. Internally, there is a threaded rod supporting a cone and a positioning nut. The positioning nut is used to secure the position of the cone. When a filter is to be placed in the apparatus, the position of the cone is adjusted with the positioning nut. A filter is then placed thereon and the lid closed. A locking mechanism secured the lid in place. A textured disk is positioned on the underside of the lid. When a crank handle on top of the lid is turned, the textured disk is turned thereby turning the filter resting on the cone. As the filter turns, cleaning mechanisms remove debris which pass through openings for removal.
US09550132B2
The present invention relates to a process for treating polyolefin granules in a treatment vessel comprising the steps of: —Providing a bed of granules in liquid in said treatment vessel —Withdrawing a first stream of liquid from said treatment vessel, wherein said first stream of liquid contains hydrocarboneous compounds —introducing a first stream of vapor into said treatment vessel —Withdrawing a second stream of vapor from said treatment vessel wherein said second stream of vapor contains volatile hydrocarboneous compounds —Recovering the granules from said treatment vessel wherein said first stream of vapor has a temperature from Tb to Tb+10° C., wherein Tb is the boiling point of the liquid at the applied pressure, and said first stream of vapor produces an upwards rising vapor stream in said treatment vessel, the superficial vapor velocity of which is no more than 0.2 m/s, and a plant suitable for conducting said process.
US09550129B2
A multi-player game platform comprising: at least one mobile electronic device (MED) comprising a processor and configured to execute programmable commands of a control software application; said at least one MED additionally comprising a display configured to provide GUI (Graphical User Interface) means for receiving user input and providing output to a user, a digital camera and communication components configured to communicate with at least one toy, said at least one MED is one of a master MED, wherein said control software application is a master application and a slave MED, wherein said control software application is a slave application; and at least one electro-mechanical toy wirelessly controlled by the control software application, said toy comprising a CPU, a digital memory, a chassis and at least one sensor, said digital memory configured to store a toy software application configured to manage the toy according to commands from the control software application, wherein said digital camera is configured to capture images of said toys and wherein said display is configured to display said captured images, said GUI comprising means for selecting and controlling toys from said displayed image, said processor comprising image processing means configured to process said captured images.
US09550126B2
An information processing device that is connected via a network to a terminal device operated by a player, and provides a game space to the terminal device, has a memory component for storing item information related to items that the player can purchase with virtual currency and that allow the player to gain an advantage in a game, and player information related to the items possessed by the player and to the status of the player in the game; an item provision component that receives item purchase requests from the terminal device and updates the item information and player information; and a game processor that receives player input to the terminal device and executes processing to move the game forward on the basis of the item information and the player information, and the power of an item is changed according to the number of players who have purchased that item.
US09550121B2
A system and method for providing virtual spaces, where a character associated with a user can be manifested within instances of a plurality of the different virtual spaces. Since a single character can be manifested within instances of different virtual spaces, the character can be transferred by the corresponding user between instances of different virtual spaces and controlled by the user to interact with the different virtual spaces. When the user transfers the character between instances of different virtual spaces (and/or different types of virtual spaces), various aspects of the character may persist between the different virtual spaces (and/or the different types of virtual spaces). This may provide an enhanced continuity to the character between the different virtual spaces.
US09550103B1
A selectable boundary fencing strip that includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. Light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip so as to indicate boundary lines, playing lines, hits, yellow cards and the command to fence. The strip includes a plurality of light sources, each controllable from a master control. The conductive top surface is perforated so that the light sources project through. Light sources in the strip provide visual cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits that are visible to spectators, fencers and the referee. In a further embodiment, the illustrative fencing strip is constructed and arranged with a plurality of panels along the sides of the strip that can be marketed for advertising sponsorship revenue. This revenue can be used to pay for the strip and/or underwrite activities of the fencing organization.
US09550094B2
Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) made from a foam or metal-containing composition, or it has a hollow shell construction, and the outer core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The core assembly preferably may have a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.
US09550091B2
The system and method for capturing exercise data may include offsetting an imaginary longitudinal axis of a center beam of a workout bar and an imaginary longitudinal axis of an outer beam of the workout bar. The system and method may include disposing an interface disk between the center beam and the outer beam and may include securing the center beam to an inner disk of the interface disk; securing the outer beam to an outer disk of the interface disk; and moving the inner disk, the outer disk, or a combination thereof, to offset the imaginary longitudinal axis of the center beam and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the outer beam. The system and method may include sensing, dynamically by a sensor, an amount of weight disposed on the outer beam. The system and method may include communicating the amount of weight wirelessly to a computing device.
US09550089B2
An exercise machine comprises a resistance device and a power supplier. The resistance device provides a resistance and comprises an axle. The power supplier comprises one or more conducting rings arranged at a side or respectively arranged at a side of the resistance device. The conducting rings are coaxially coupled with the axle and are capable of rotating about the axle.
US09550080B2
Various concepts are provided for suppressing a fire condition in an aircraft. In one embodiment, the presence of a fire condition in an aircraft is detected. After such a detection, extinguishing agents can be dispensed and/or certain areas of the aircraft can be depressurized.
US09550077B2
This disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for the extraction of particle beams while maintaining the energy levels and precision of the particles and the particle beam. Apparatuses and methods for extracting a charged particle beam from a central orbit in a synchrotron are provided, in which a particle beam is deflected from the central orbit. Parts of the deflected particle beam passes through a stripping foil placed in at least parts of the deflected path such that the particles that pass through the foil are stripped of at least one electron. The electron stripped particles and the non-stripped particles may be separated magnetically.
US09550073B2
Provided is a therapeutic agent capable of treating allergic rhinitis in a safe, simple, and noninvasive manner substantially without side effects and physical distress to patients. Provided is a therapeutic agent for allergic rhinitis for 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or a derivative thereof, or a salt of the 5-aminolevulinic acid or the derivative as an active ingredient, and used in ALA-PDT in which light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm is irradiated; and particularly provided is a therapeutic agent for allergic rhinitis in a locally applied solution form, a water-soluble ointment-dissolved form, a jelly-dissolved form, or the like. The therapeutic agent does not require the conduct of 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic diagnosis (ALA-PDD) for detecting a site of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation radiating light having a wavelength of 610 nm to 650 nm under irradiation of excitation light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 420 nm before ALA-PDT.
US09550072B2
Apparatus, method, computing devices, and computer programs related to photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy, methods of use thereof, and a method for detecting abnormal tissue, are provided.
US09550071B2
A method for generating light intensity inside a tumor to aid in the treatment of diseases such as cancer is disclosed. The light is generated inside the body to perform a modified photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) that allows treatment of body regions that are inaccessible by normal PDT procedures. In addition, the use of two spatially and temporally coincident treatment modalities, i.e. radiation and PDT, have the potential for significant biological synergy in the tumor.
US09550068B2
A patient treatment unit for analyzing and treating abnormality of human or animal tissues, includes a display; a pulse generator circuit that outputs a sequence of electrical pulses at a pulse frequency, the electrical pulses having a pulse width, the pulse generator controlling the pulse frequency and the pulse width of the electrical pulses; a pair of probes for contacting a body of a patient and electrically coupled to the pulse generator; and a voltage and current sensing circuit that senses a voltage or a current via the probes when contacting the body of the patient.
US09550067B1
A shoe-shaped magnetic coil system for the treatment of foot pain which has an electrical pulse generator and a magnetic coil system connected to the electrical pulse generator. The magnetic coil system is in the general shape of a shoe with the electric current pulses flowing through magnetic coils of the magnetic coil system being capable of creation of intense magnetic pulses within a patient's foot and ankle. The coil of wire is formed of coil sections having a smallest area in the region of the patient's toes with a generally increasing area of the coil sections as the ankle region is approached.
US09550063B2
A positionally sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided for automatic adjustments of spinal cord stimulation. The system comprises an electrode assembly with an integrated optical fiber sensor for sensing spinal cord position. The integrated optical fiber sensor, comprising a pair of optical elements for emitting light from an IR emitter and for collecting reflected light into a photodetector, determines a set of measured photocurrents. As the spinal cord changes position, the angles of incidence for light from the IR emitter and the measured optical intensities change. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time, based on the set of measured optical intensities, to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. The system includes automatic calibration of the optical fiber sensor when the patient is at rest, and a patient orientation detection.
US09550061B2
An exemplary system includes 1) a programming device configured to be located external to a cochlear implant patient and communicatively coupled to a cochlear implant system associated with the patient, 2) a programming interface device communicatively coupled to the programming device and configured to be located external to the patient, and 3) a receiver communicatively coupled directly to the programming interface device. The programming device directs at least one of the cochlear implant system and the receiver to apply stimulation to the patient, records an evoked response that occurs in response to the stimulation, and performs a predetermined action in accordance with the evoked response. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
US09550060B2
An apparatus for generating focused currents in biological tissue is provided. The apparatus comprises an electric source capable of generating an electric field across a region of tissue and means for altering the permittivity of the tissue relative to the electric field, whereby a displacement current is generated. The means for altering the permittivity may be a chemical source, optical source, mechanical source, thermal source, or electromagnetic source.
US09550059B2
A respiration implant system for a patient with impaired breathing includes one or more temperature sensors configured for placement into an inner wall tissue along an airway passage of the patient and configured to measure temperature in the inner wall tissue in order to produce a temperature signal based on the measured temperature. The system further includes a pacing processor configured to receive the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to generate a respiration pacing signal based on the temperature signal that is synchronized with a breathing cycle of the patient and a stimulating electrode configured to deliver the respiration pacing signal from the pacing processor to respiration neural tissue of the patient to facilitate breathing in the patient. The respiration implant system may be used as a laryngeal pacemaker system.
US09550056B2
Medical leads include a lumen body at an end of the lead, and the lumen body includes multiple filar lumens. The lumen body is joined to a lead body, and electrical connectors are longitudinally spaced along the lumen body. Filars within the filar lumens are directed through filar passageways within the lumen body to attach to the electrical connectors on the lumen body. The filar passageways may be aligned with the filar lumens, and slots within the electrical connectors may be aligned with the filar passageways to facilitate assembly. The lumen body may provide additional stiffness to the end of the lead where the lumen body is located to facilitate lead insertion into the medical device. The filar lumens of the lumen body may have a longitudinally straight configuration so that the portions of filars within the filar lumens are held in a longitudinally straight configuration.
US09550053B2
A device and method for delivering a high viscosity composition is described. The composition includes a bioactive agent for delivery to a subject in need thereof. The method delivers the bioactive agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. The device includes one or more microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes.
US09550052B2
An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the user input device. The manifold system is configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources and deliver fluid from at least one of the plurality of fluid sources to the handpiece assembly.
US09550050B2
An electronic capsule (100) is provided. The capsule (100) has a discrete drive element (300) comprising: a housing (109), electronics for making the electronic capsule (100) operable, a pumping mechanism (115) for dosing and displacing a substance, a power source (105) for powering the electronic capsule (100) and enabling the electronics and the pumping mechanism (115) to operate, and a locking mechanism (130); and a discrete payload element (200) comprising: a housing (109), a reservoir (210) for storing the substance, one or more openings (250) in the housing (109) for releasing the substance from the reservoir (210) and a locking mechanism (230) for engaging the drive element locking mechanism (130). Engagement of the drive element locking mechanism (130) with the payload element locking mechanism (230) secures the drive element (300) to the payload element (200), thereby making the electronic capsule (100) operable and specific.
US09550049B2
A method of treating a sinus cavity of a subject includes advancing a distal portion of a light source through a drainage pathway of a sinus cavity and into the sinus cavity and visually observing a transdermal light emitted from the light source. A distal portion of a substantially rigid inner guide member of a balloon dilation catheter is advanced into the drainage pathway, the balloon dilation catheter including a movable shaft including a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. The movable shaft and balloon are advanced distally over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place a portion of the balloon in the drainage pathway whereby the balloon is inflated.
US09550041B2
A steerable catheter includes a body portion, a flexible catheter body with a proximal end and a distal tip and a continuous steering wire passing through the flexible body from the proximal end to the distal tip and turning back through the flexible body from the distal tip to the proximal end.
US09550039B2
The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed.
US09550036B2
A compound delivery device for delivering a plume derived from a propellant and a drug formulation. The drug formulation is in an intranasal dosage form in the form of powder, suspension, dispersion or liquid. The propelled intranasal dosage form is deposited within the olfactory region of the nasal cavity. The drug deposited within the olfactory region is delivered to the brain avoiding the blood-brain-barrier. Hydrofluoroalkane propellant from a pressurized canister is channeled to a diffuser and drug-containing chamber where the intra-nasal dosage form is aerosolized. The aerosolized intra-nasal dosage form passes through a nozzle thus delivering a plume to the olfactory region of a user's nasal cavity.
US09550034B2
A method for metering the delivery of a fluid. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region.
US09550024B2
An infusion adapter for connection with an infusion fluid container includes a connection portion including an anchor component for connecting to an injection port of the infusion fluid container, and a first port adapted for connection with a syringe assembly containing a medication fluid. The first port is in fluid communication with the connection portion. The anchor component is configured to securely connect the infusion adapter to the infusion fluid container to substantially prevent disconnection of the infusion adapter from the infusion fluid container once the infusion adapter is connected to the infusion fluid container.
US09550019B2
A capillary dialyzer comprises: a) a housing; a bundle of semi-permeable hollow fiber membranes; c) end walls supporting the first and second ends of the hollow fiber membranes; d) a first end cap covering a first end of the housing and a second end cap covering a second end of the housing; e) an inlet and an outlet; f) support rings; and g) sealing rings interposed between the end wall and the first end cap and between the end wall and the second end cap, respectively. A circular groove of the end cap which receives the wall of the housing comprises indentations for creating a fluid connection between the inside of the capillary dialyzer and its exterior when the end caps are mounted on the housing but have not yet been welded to the housing.
US09550001B2
The invention provides D02S derivatives conjugated to monosaccharide ligands directly or through a linker and optionally chelated to a metal, wherein the D02S derivatives having the following structure: wherein R1′, R2′ are each independently —OH or —O-alkyl; R1 is a hydrogen, a linker, or a ligand; R3 is a linker and/or a ligand; and n is an integer from 1 to 10; the linker is an amino acid, a peptide, an amino alcohol, a polyethylylene glycol, an alkyl, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, an azide, an aromatic compound, a carboxylic acid, or an ester, the alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl is optionally substituted with an alkyl, a halogen, a nitro group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, or a carboxyl group; the ligand is a GLUT1 targeting moiety.
US09550000B2
The present invention relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the synthesis and use of imaging agents, or precursors thereof. An imaging agent precursor may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. In some cases, the imaging agent is enriched in 18F. In some cases, an imaging agent may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs. In some embodiments, methods and compositions for assessing perfusion and innervation mismatch in a portion of a subject are provided.
US09549996B2
A silica particle for medical imaging includes a bridged silane fluorescent dye incorporated throughout the particle matrix. Copolymerization of a bridged silane fluorescent dye (e.g., (R′O)3Si—R—Si(OR′)3, where R is a fluorescent organic bridging group, and where R′ is a methyl or ethyl group) and a tetralkoxysilane (e.g., Si(OR′)4, where R′ is a methyl or ethyl group) generates particles of a predetermined size and shape. This leaves the surface of each particle available for further modification to facilitate dispersion of the particle into different media. Hence, a surface modifier may be subsequently bonded onto the particle surface. In some embodiments, poly(ethylene glycol) is selected as the surface modifier to increase dispersion of the silica particle in an aqueous media. In some embodiments, the particle is porous allowing for an additional functionality (e.g., a secondary imaging material, such as magnetic nanoparticles, and/or a pharmaceutical drug) to be loaded within the pores.
US09549990B2
The present invention relates to a compound which is a polysaccharide derivative of EPO, or of an EPO like protein, wherein the polysaccharide is anionic and comprises between 2 and 200 saccharide units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds, and methods for making the novel compounds.
US09549989B2
A particulate, barrier coated drug-anion exchange resin complex comprising a core composed of an acidic drug complexed with a pharmaceutically acceptable ion-exchange resin is provided. The barrier coating contains a polyvinyl acetate polymer and a plasticizer. Methods of making and products containing this coated complex are described.
US09549987B2
Polymer composition comprising a mixture of PBA modified HA polymer grafted on at least a hydroxyl with a group comprising phenylboronic acid and Cis-diol modified HA polymer grafted on at least a hydroxyl with a group comprising a cis-diol. Injectable or implantable glucose-sensitive hydrogels comprising a this polymer composition.
US09549986B2
Provided are a polycaprolactone-polyphosphate block copolymer, a liquid composite formed by the block copolymer, a nucleic acid preparation, preparation methods for the copolymer and the liquid composite, and the use of the copolymer and the liquid composite in a nucleic acid medicine delivery system. The block copolymer prepared using the present invention has good biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and good biodegradability. The micelles provided in the present invention self-assemble into nano-particles in an aqueous solution, and have good stability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, and low cytotoxicity. The preparation method is simple, has high repeatability, as a vector can protect small nucleic acids such as siRNA from biodegradation, can combine with the scale effect of nano-particles, and can be used for treating different diseases. Additionally, bonding targeting groups enable specificity recognition of different cancer cells.
US09549985B2
Described herein are compositions comprising polymers prepared by melt polycondensation of 2-hydroxyalkyl acids. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.
US09549977B2
The present invention relates to the use of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) as a molecular adjuvant for vaccines. Among other applications, these vaccines may be used in the protection against infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and ectoparasites affecting mammals, birds and aquatic organisms. The PACAP, combined with a particular antigen, demonstrates its effectiveness as adjuvant increasing the host immune response against that antigen. This type of response can be observed when the vaccine compositions or combinations that include PACAP are administered orally, by injection, or by immersion baths, in case of aquatic organisms.
US09549974B2
The invention relates to the field of vaccines against microbial infections and especially bacterial vaccines, in particular to pneumococcal vaccines. More in particular, the invention relates to means and methods to identify, select and isolate a vaccine component for passive and/or active immunization against a microorganism that can be killed by opsonophagocytic cells. The invention relates to a method to identify an opsonophagocytosis inducing antigen as a vaccine component for immunization against a microorganism. The invention describes three pneumococcal proteins SlrA, IgA1 proteinase, and PsaA, and their use as a vaccine component with or without PpmA. The invention also discloses the use of antibodies against said proteins for passive immunization and diagnosis.
US09549972B2
The invention provides for the synthesis of more effective generators of a T-cell immune response by providing peptide derivatives that are MHC class I-restricted antigens. The peptide derivatives of the present invention are prepared or derived from a parent peptide of 8 to 11 amino acid residues in length, wherein the peptide derivative contains a non-natural amino acid substituted in place of a naturally-occurring amino acid residue at one or more primary anchor positions in the parent peptide or at position 6, position 7, or the C-terminus.
US09549969B2
Pharmaceutical compositions and kits including a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor; melanin, a melanin promoter, or a combination thereof; a p450 3A4 promoter; and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor are provided. Also provided are methods of treating cancer in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, a melanin promoter, a p450 3A4 promoter, and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor to the subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods of reducing cell proliferation in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, a melanin promoter, a p450 3A4 promoter, and a leucine aminopeptidase inhibitor to the subject in need thereof.
US09549966B2
Provided herein are methods of evaluating efficacy of a treatment in a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome) and selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome).
US09549963B2
The disclosure generally describes methods of preventing or treating ophthalmic diseases or conditions in a mammalian subject, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, retinal degeneration, and oxygen-induced retinopathy. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects in need thereof.
US09549955B2
The present invention provides for microbial compositions and methods for reducing the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the gut as a way to reduce energy uptake and manage obesity. More specifically, the invention provides for decreasing short-chain fatty acids available for absorption in the human gut, such as acetate, using one or more of: a probiotic including a homo-acetogenic, acetate oxidizing bacterium that converts acetate to H2; a probiotic including an acetoclastic methanogen; a microbial electrolysis cell comprising a homo-acetogenic bacterium and/or an acetoclastic methanogen; a prebiotic that enhances the growth or function of acetate-scavenging microbiota; or a highly selective antibiotic that targets H2-oxidizing methanogens.
US09549954B2
The present invention provides a fibromodulin (FMOD) reprogrammed (FReP) cell and a method of making therefor, a culture medium therefor, and a supernatant thereof, and methods of making and using these.
US09549951B2
Materials capable of delivering stabilized free radicals to targeted treatment sites. The materials comprise semi-crystalline, hydrolytically degradable polymers that are subjected to ionizing radiation to create stabilized free radicals therein. Upon exposure to oxygen containing aqueous media, the materials generate reactive oxidative species which are useful in biological processes.
US09549950B2
A process for making cerium-containing nanoparticles with biocompatible stabilizers is described, wherein an aqueous reaction mixture comprising cerous ion, citric acid, a stabilizer (chelator) selected from the group consisting of nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, and an oxidant, is provided, followed by a heating step to effectively form the nanoparticles. These biocompatible nanoparticles can be used to treat oxidative stress related diseases and events, such as ischemic stroke.
US09549945B2
Described herein are methods for treating inflammation in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a modified hyaluronan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein said hyaluronan or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester comprises at least one sulfate group and the primary C-6 hydroxyl proton of at least one N-acetyl-glucosamine residue is substituted with a C1-C10 unsubstituted alkyl group or fluoroalkyl group.
US09549941B2
Disclosed herein are a composition and unit dosage form for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection comprising GS-7977 and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, as well as methods for making said composition and unit dosage form. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating a subject, preferably a human, infected with hepatitis C virus, said method comprising administering to the subject for a time period an effective amount of GS-7977 and an effective amount of ribavirin. In one aspect, the method comprises administering to the subject an interferon-free treatment regimen comprising an effective amount of GS-7977 and an effective amount of ribavirin. In a particular aspect, the method is sufficient to produce an undetectable amount of HCV RNA in the subject for at least 12 weeks after the end of the time period.
US09549936B2
Disclosed are a dry powder for inhalation formulation comprising salmeterol xinafoate, fluticasone propionate and tiotropium bromide, as pharmaceutically active ingredients, and a carrier, and an inhalation formulation comprising same and a method for preparing the same. The inventive dry powder inhalation formulation having good content uniformity and showing small changes in the aerodynamic size distribution in accordance with the flow rate changes can effectively deliver said pharmaceutically active ingredients to a target site upon administration, and thus can be useful in the prevention or treatment of respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and COPD.
US09549933B2
Described are a compound of formula (II) or (III): The compounds are effective in the treatment of disease, including a tauopathy condition or a disease of tau protein aggregation.
US09549924B2
The present invention provides method and compositions for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain by administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a buprenorphine dimer compound, wherein the two buprenorphine portions are linked via an ethylene spacer, and wherein the spacer is bonded to the two opioid molecules via an ether bond. Preferably, the active agent is provided in the form of an injectable depot.
US09549914B2
The present invention relates to the field of virology. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for treating human cytomegalovirus using Wnt pathway modulators. In a specific embodiment, a method for treating human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in a patient in need thereof comprises administering an effective amount of Wnt pathway modulator.
US09549911B2
The present application generally relates to the use of metabolites of ginger and analogs thereof for the treatment and prevention of diseases, including but not limited to, cancer.
US09549895B2
Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells following retinal detachment. The viability of photoreceptor cells can be preserved by administering a neuroprotective agent, for example, a substance capable of suppressing endogenous MCP-1, a MCP-1 antagonist, a substance capable of suppressing endogenous TNF-alpha, a TNF-alpha antagonist, a substance capable of suppressing endogenous IL-1 beta, an IL-1 beta antagonist, a substance capable of inducing endogenous bFGF, exogenous bFGF, a bFGF mimetic, and combinations thereof, to a mammal having an eye with retinal detachment. The neuroprotective agent maintains the viability of the photoreceptor cells until such time that the retina becomes reattached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The treatment minimizes the loss of vision, which otherwise may occur as a result of retinal detachment.
US09549887B2
Oral compositions containing a polyorganosilsesquioxane particle, preferably polymethylsilsesquioxane particles, a fluoride ion source, and an orally-acceptable carrier. Method of using such compositions for the cleaning and polishing of dental enamel, such methods including the step of applying such oral care compositions to the teeth of a user.
US09549882B2
Inventive embodiments disclosed herein relate to gel volume mascara. The mascara includes water in a concentration of at least about 45% by weight; disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate; Polysorbate 20; Black iron oxide; One or more waxes selected from the group consisting of beeswax, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/CIRE de Carnauba, and paraffin in a concentration of 15-20% by weight; and a synthetic layered silicate, insoluble in water, in a concentration effective for forming a colloidal dispersion with the water.
US09549875B2
A drug mixing system including at least one receptacle port adaptor adapted to be inserted into a port of a fluid receptacle, at least one syringe adaptor adapted to be attached to a syringe and to the at least one receptacle port adaptor and at least one vial adaptor adapted for connection to a vial containing a drug and adapted for connection to the at least one syringe adaptor, the system being characterized in that at least one of the receptacle port adaptor, the at least one syringe adaptor and the at least one vial adaptor being vented to the atmosphere in a manner which prevents release to the atmosphere of possibly harmful contents of the vial in a liquid, solid or gaseous form.
US09549869B2
A wearable thorax percussion device for dislodging mucous buildup in the airways of a human patient, the device comprising frame elements and electromechanical actuators retained by the frame elements to intermittently percuss the thorax, and an electronic controller and power source for generating and modulating an electrical signal to energize the actuator. The frame elements may be interconnected by a garment, or fasteners and elastic or adjustable strapping.
US09549867B1
The sequential compression device for treatment and prophylaxis of deep vein thromboses includes a compression sock having a plurality of electromechanical units positioned along the calf muscle of a user's leg. Each of the electromechanical units includes a front housing component and a back housing component. The front housing component of the unit includes a compressor piston positioned in communicating relation with the user's calf muscle and the back housing component of the unit includes a magnet and a copper coil. The magnet is positioned in communicating relation with the compressor piston of the front housing component. Upon activation, the compressor piston selectively compresses the small saphenous vein to simulate the effect of the calf muscle during walking and promote the flow of blood back to the user's heart.
US09549862B2
A rolling footrest is provided and a method of using such by a wheelchair occupant. The footrest may optionally include a foot retainer, a platform and freely rolling castors. In some embodiments, replacing a fixed footrest will shorten the length of the wheelchair enabling the wheelchair to traverse sharp curves. In some embodiments, the footrest may include a swivel lock and/or a ratchet. In some embodiments the footrest may be used for therapeutic exercise. In some embodiments, the footrest may be used for propelling a wheelchair.
US09549858B2
The present invention generally relates to sanitary absorbent articles and in particular to disposable feminine sanitary absorbent articles that are extremely thin, highly absorbent and have superior structural integrity properties.
US09549855B2
Hearing protection devices, e.g., push-to-fit earplugs, having a tip cavity in the sound attenuating body and methods of manufacturing the hearing protection devices are described herein.
US09549851B2
A surgical hand piece comprises a shell, a channel having an irrigation conduit, and a sensor housing. The channel is coupled to the shell such that the proximal end of the channel is located at the proximal end of the shell and the distal end of the channel is located near the distal end of the shell. The sensor housing has an irrigation path extending through it. The sensor housing has a seal interface on one end. The seal interface end of the sensor housing is coupled to the proximal end of the channel such that the irrigation conduit of the channel is fluidly coupled to the irrigation path of the sensor housing.
US09549847B2
An eyedrop delivery system for the automated dispensing of eyedrop solution from bottles and ampoules. The system includes a battery and electronic control circuitry. A sprocket drive motor directs the advancement of a loop cartridge band containing eyedrop solution ampoules, moving each one at a time into position for dispensing. A motor rotates a cam to strike a push rod to compress each ampoule. The system includes an eyelid retracting leg assembly. The cartridge automatically advances the next full ampoule into position for dispensing and pushes the ampoule tip aside. The system helps assure that: (1) a known number of drops are dispensed; (2) the dispensed eyedrop(s) fall on the eyeball (by providing eyelid retracting legs to keep the eye open); and (3) the eyedrop(s) landing on the surface of the eye are confirmed using a drop dispensing sensor pair and a surface of the eye sensor pair.
US09549841B2
Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
US09549824B2
Expandable spinal implants and drivers connected by a bendable joint are disclosed. The flexible connector allows the implant and driver to move to different angular orientations with respect to each other, and to apply rotational force or torque from the driver to the implant and its expansion mechanism. During insertion of an implant into the desired position, the driver may be oriented in the same or different direction than the long axis of the implant. After the spinal implant is placed in the desired position, the driver is used to expand the implant in selected dimensions.
US09549819B1
A surgical fixation device is provided, including a preformed cranial mesh configured to generally conform to a predetermined averaged geometry. The cranial mesh includes a preformed flexible mesh body having opposed inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of apertures that extend through the mesh body from the outer surface to the inner surface, each of the plurality of apertures extending along a respective central axis from the outer surface to the inner surface. The mesh body is configured as-manufactured to contact the predetermined averaged geometry at least at three spaced apart locations, such that 1) no portion of the mesh body crosses the predetermined averaged geometry in a first direction from the outer surface toward the inner surface, and 2) no location on the inner surface of the mesh body is spaced from the predetermined averaged geometry a distance greater than a select distance along the first direction.
US09549817B2
The disclosure provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. The system includes a tether delivery catheter and a prosthesis delivery catheter, and also can include a lock delivery catheter or knot pusher, as desired. Various embodiments of useful valve prostheses are also disclosed.
US09549816B2
An improved heart bioprosthetic device having a metal frame wireform or stent having an outer external surface. The metal frame has a bond layer coating at least a portion of the external surface and a coating layer disposed on at least a portion of the bond layer. The bond layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of: chromium, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, platinum, palladium, and niobium. The coating layer is selected from the group consisting of: a metal nitride, a metal oxide, a metal carbide, and combinations thereof. The coating layer may have a thickness of about 10 μm or less and a grain size of about 10 nm to about 15 nm, and may be characterized as polycrystalline with randomly-oriented grains with both cubic and orthorhombic phases. In one embodiment, the bond layer comprises chromium and the coating layer comprises chromium nitride.
US09549815B2
A prosthetic heart valve includes a balloon-expandable stent including a plurality of struts and a plurality of commissure posts, each commissure post containing an elongated slot. A plurality of leaflets is made from pericardial tissue and includes flaps. An intermediate polymer sheet is disposed between the stent and the plurality of leaflets. At least one reinforcing polymer core is attached to at least one leaflet and the intermediate polymer sheet using stitches that loop around an end of the at least one leaflet. A plurality of patches covers the elongated slots of the commissure posts, the flaps of the leaflets being attached to the patches. A cuff contacts an exterior of the stent, the cuff and the intermediate polymer sheet sutured to one another so as to cover an axial end of the stent.
US09549812B2
Improved breast prostheses, methods of making breast prostheses, and methods of treatment using such breast prostheses are described.
US09549808B2
A method for constructing a vascular connector configured to bypass an occluded vessel which comprises a primary graft stem and a venous outflow stem. In general, the primary graft stem accepts a blood flow from an occluded vessel to bypass the occlusion. The venous outflow stem may extend from a wall of the primary graft stem and divert a portion of the blood flow to a native vein or other vessel of the vascular system. This configuration is beneficial in ensuring adequate blood flow at the vascular connector to inhibit the formation of clots and to extend the patency of the vascular connector.
US09549802B2
A device is provided for applying pressure on a vaginal wall of a female subject, said device being configured for insertion into a vaginal cavity of said female subject. The device includes a first deformable element, a second deformable element and a transmission element. The first deformable element has a resting-state and at least one deformed state and is configured for undergoing deformation in response to an inner body pressure. When in the resting state, the first deformable element is configured to anchor the device inside the vaginal cavity. The second deformable element has a resting-state and at least one deformed state, and is configured for undergoing deformation to apply a second pressure on the vaginal wall, such second pressure being operable to narrow a urethral portion the female subject. The transmission element has a first end connected to the first deformable element and a second end connected to the second deformable element, and is configured for converting the deformation of the first deformable element to a deformation of the second deformable element, and for returning the first and second deformable elements to their respective resting states.
US09549789B2
Disclosed is an orthodontic bracket and a method of manufacturing the same in which a bonding pattern is formed by irradiating a laser beam onto a base face of the orthodontic bracket that a machining process has been completed, and the bonding pattern formed on the base face is coated with an adhesive for attachment to teeth, thereby allowing the adhesive for attachment to teeth to firmly hold the orthodontic bracket on, and at the same time significantly reducing the processing time that takes to process the base surface for enabling for the adhesive to hold the orthodontic bracket on thereby enabling the mass production of the orthodontic bracket of high quality.
US09549787B2
A mixing and application capsule for producing a dental preparation is described. The mixing and application capsule can have a capsule body with a mixing space for receiving a mixture component and for mixing the dental preparation from the mixture component and a fluid and with an outlet orifice for expelling the dental preparation, a cavity for receiving the fluid, a piston body that is movable in the capsule body, and delimits the mixing space in the capsule body and has a channel for conveying the fluid from the cavity into the mixing space. The piston body includes wholly or partly of two or a plurality of dissimilar materials, comprising at least one soft component and at least one hard component.
US09549777B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.
US09549774B2
A thermal surgical instrument having a system to control the delivery of power from an energy source to active element located on a tip. The system for controlling delivery to the tip may include a control algorithm which uses one or more measurements, such as tip current, SWR, and rapid changes in reflected power, to manage power without affecting cutting efficacy, and in a manner that may be imperceptible by a surgeon. The system may utilize a state machine to determine the current environment in which the tip may be in. Power delivered to the tip may be selectively managed according to a fixed power index or a repeatedly executed power profile.
US09549771B1
The present invention provides a fingerstall-cannulated guide device for accurate and efficient guide wire placement for antegrade femoral nailing systems. The said device comprises a fingerstall with a cannulated guide connected with or without a threaded guide wire. Using this device, surgeons can determine the entry point for the guide wire fast and accurately by tactile hand-eye coordination. After correct entry point is obtained, the guide wire is advanced and the fingerstall-cannulated guide can be easily detached. The device and method can accomplish the following: (1) reduction of the surgery time; (2) reduction of the radiation exposure times, and (3) reduction of the soft tissue damage during surgery. The device is also beneficial for use in fastening together any or all portions of bone surrounding a fracture site.
US09549766B2
Various methods, devices, and systems are disclosed that facilitate easier and more compact implantation of osteosynthesis devices. In some embodiments, implants are screwed into two vertebrae and a plate is used to hold and displace the spine. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate and partially opening onto an edge of the plate. In some plate embodiments, at least one longitudinally elongated opening is disposed at one end of the plate having a portion sufficiently large to be inserted without disassembly in the fixation means of an implant already screwed into the spine when the fixation means are already assembled.
US09549763B2
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.
US09549757B2
A method for performing a surgical procedure within lungs of a patient. The method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of surgical instruments and providing a housing. Attaching a flexible, elongated shaft with distal and proximal ends to the housing. Engaging at least one working end to the distal end of the housing, the working end including a plurality of tubes disposed therein that define a corresponding plurality of working channels for housing a corresponding plurality of surgical instruments. Controlling an actuator to engage at least one of the corresponding plurality of surgical instruments, wherein rotation of the working end with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft engages at least one of the plurality of surgical instrument with the actuator to deploy the at least one surgical instrument to the lung as needed during a surgical procedure.
US09549756B2
A medical insertion aid for surgical instruments and/or optical systems includes a shank forming an insertion duct, at the inner wall of which at least one groove extending in the longitudinal duct direction or being longitudinally orientated is formed. In addition or as an alternative, a medical insertion aid includes a distal end portion (axial central portion preferably in the distal end area) and a radially outwardly extending, preferably closed peripheral fluid flow inhibiting edge in the distal end portion. The inhibiting edge preferably forms at least one axially opening circular channel or groove, with the opening being directed distally and/or proximally.
US09549755B2
A rotatable cutter for a tissue-removing catheter includes a central hub, flutes spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the central hub, and arcuate cutting members. Each cutting member includes an arcuate cutting edge extending along an arc length of the cutting member for cutting tissue as the cutter is rotated. A raised element of each cutting member has a leading cutting edge at a leading end of the distal cutting member for cutting tissue as the cutter is rotated. A clearance portion of each cutting member is recessed, relative to the longitudinal axis of the cutter, from the raised element and extends from the raised element to a trailing end of the cutting member to provide clearance for the leading cutting edge of an adjacent and opposing distal cutting member.
US09549747B2
A surgical retrieval apparatus includes a tube assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a plunger assembly. The cartridge assembly is releasably engagable with the tube assembly and includes an end effector assembly disposed therein. The end effector assembly includes a specimen retrieval bag releasably coupled thereto at a distal end thereof and a first engagement member disposed at a proximal end thereof. The plunger assembly is configured for insertion through the tube assembly and into the cartridge assembly. The plunger assembly includes a second engagement member configured for releasably engaging the first engagement member. When the first and second engagement members are engaged with one another, the plunger assembly is movable between a more proximal position, wherein the end effector assembly and specimen retrieval bag are retracted within the cartridge assembly, and a more distal position, wherein the end effector assembly and specimen retrieval bag are deployed from the cartridge assembly.
US09549746B2
A microprotrusion array for use in transport of a material across a biological barrier, wherein said array comprises a plurality of microprotusions composed of a swellable polymer composition.
US09549744B2
A spinal probe comprises a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle and a force sensor to detect forces applied to a tip of the shaft. A controller that executes a predictive algorithm to predict whether or not the tip of the shaft is going to breach a cortex of a pedicle based on the detected forces. The controller may be embedded within the spinal probe or external within a computer or other device coupled to the probe by a data acquisition component.
US09549733B2
An exemplary surgical apparatus for treating tissue may include an anvil; a jaw pivotally connected to the anvil; and a first cartridge detachably connected to the anvil, holding staples of a first size; where a first clamp gap between the anvil and first cartridge is set by the connection between the first cartridge and jaw. An exemplary cartridge for a surgical stapler may include a cartridge housing; a plurality of staples held within the cartridge housing; and a sled slidable within, and retained by, the cartridge housing, including a central platform, at least one wedge connected to the central platform, and a knife rotatable relative to the central platform.
US09549726B2
A threaded suture anchor with an eyelet shield transversely molded at a distal end of the anchor body, over which one or more strands of suture is looped. The anchor body is threaded and has a tapered distal portion. The proximal end portion of the suture anchor body has a polygonally shaped opening to accept a polygonal drive head, preferably hexagonal or square. The peripheral surface defining polygonally shaped opening is rounded and smooth to prevent abrading sutures placed in contact therewith. In another embodiment, a push-in anchor is provided with an eyelet shield at the proximal end of the anchor.
US09549725B2
The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.
US09549721B2
A surgical retractor comprising a retractor body having a site portion and handle portion, and an impactor body on the retractor body. The impactor body is positioned and configured for use in impacting the site portion of the surgical site. An impaction axis of the impaction body is preferably substantially aligned with an axis of the site portion of the impactor body. The impactor body is preferably attached to the retractor body at a junction between the site portion and the handle portion of the retractor body. In one embodiment, the impactor portion is configured to selectively mate with an impactor extension member to thereby optionally receive direct impaction on the impactor portion or indirect impaction through the impactor extension member.
US09549720B2
A device for establishing an access channel to a target location is presented. The device includes a plurality of cylindrical segments. A plurality of backbones each extends through a backbone channel of each segment to join the plurality of segments together. When joined together, the central bore of each of the plurality of cylindrical segments align to form an access channel. A distal segment is fixedly attached to each of the plurality of backbones such that an orientation of the distal segment can be adjusted by linear movement of one or more of the plurality of backbones through the plurality of cylindrical segments. Furthermore, when linear movement of the plurality of backbones is restricted, the shape of the access channel can be adjusted by external forces while maintaining the orientation of the distal segment.
US09549710B2
Methods for updating a 2D/3D registration between a three-dimensional image data set corresponding to a target area subjected to a movement and a plurality of two-dimensional projection images of the target area include: selecting a plurality of contour points along a contour, the contour being visible in a first projection image and a three-dimensional image data set registered therewith, the plurality of contour points being associated with a rigid object in the target area; determining a displacement of each contour point of the plurality of contour points between the first projection image and a successively captured second projection image; obtaining movement information for each contour point of the plurality of contour points based on the determined displacement, the movement information describing a movement of the rigid object; and updating the registration based on the obtained movement information.
US09549703B2
Devices and methods for profiling microbiota of skin are described which include a hand-held microbe profiling device including a housing defining an opening, the housing including at least one rotatable component at least partially disposed in the opening defined by the housing, an elongated flexible strip disposed on an outer surface of the at least one rotatable component, the outer surface of the elongated flexible strip positioned to contact one or more regions of a skin surface of an individual through the opening defined by the housing, a location-capture component to detect a location of one or more regions of the skin surface as the elongated flexible strip contacts said one or more regions, at least one sensor component to detect one or more signals emitted or reflected from the elongated flexible strip, and a computing component to associate the location of said one or more regions of the skin surface and the detected one or more signals.
US09549695B2
A parameter affecting the absorptivity or the concentration of blood in tissue is measured using a semiconductor light source (7) and a light detector (8). The semiconductor light source (7) is operated at several operating conditions, at which it has different temperatures and therefore different emission spectra. In particular, the operating conditions correspond to different time intervals after switching the light source (7) on, while the light source (7) has not yet reached thermal equilibrium. This allows to perform a spectroscopic measurement using one light source only, which increases accuracy and reduces device cost.
US09549684B2
Reconstruction of cardiac information representing a complex rhythm disorder is facilitated by assigning activation onsets to non-discernible beats in low confidence signals based upon time associations relative to activation onsets in adjacent high confidence signals.
US09549677B2
Methods for detecting a seizure, by use of a wavelet transform maximum modulus (WTMM) algorithm applied to body data. A non-transitive, computer-readable storage device for storing data that when executed by a processor, perform such a method.
US09549672B2
An appliance for recording an image of an ocular fundus includes an irradiating device with a radiation source and optical components for generating an illumination strip. A scanning device is set up to cause a scanning movement of the illumination strip for the purpose of scanning the ocular fundus. An optoelectronic sensor senses detection light issuing from the ocular fundus. The optoelectronic sensor has a plurality of sensor rows and is set up such that charges contained in one sensor row are each shifted, with a time delay, into a further sensor row. A control means is connected to the scanning device and/or to the optoelectronic sensor and is set up to control the scanning movement and/or the time delay.
US09549669B2
The method include: (a) displaying at least one dynamic target image of at least one sign over a display area; (b) receiving subjective feedback from the subject indicating that the subject is positioned at a maximum distance of best acuity (MDBA) from the target image, wherein the MDBA is the maximum distance in which the subject recognizes the sign; (c) measuring one or more parameter associated with distance, during the time the subject has reached the MDBA distance, using at least one sensor; (d) estimating the MDBA by estimating the distance between the eye of the subject and the display area in which the target image is displayed by using the sensor data and (e) calculating the refractive error of the eye according to the estimated MDBA and characteristics of the target image.
US09549659B2
The invention is a dish rack for accommodating oversized containers in an automated dish machine. The rack includes a generally porous base surrounded by upstanding sidewalls and at least a pair of notches in one sidewall or opposing sidewalls configured for receiving an edge of the an oversized container. One form of the invention includes a wire framework having a base and one or more stanchions that extend generally upwardly from the base. The notches and wire framework are configured for supporting an oversized container at an angled position within an automated dish machine to inhibit spray from being directed out of the dish machine.
US09549651B2
A steam cleaning accessory for use with a steam generator comprises a flexible sheath having a first side wall, a second side wall and a base there between. At least one steam conduit has at least one steam outlet. The at least one steam conduit is arranged to be in fluid communication with the steam generator. At least one flexible thermal insulation layer is mounted between the first and second side walls. The steam conduit is mounted on a first side of the base and the flexible thermal insulation layer is mounted on a second side of the base. A restraint is coupled to the flexible sheath and arranged to receive a user's hand.
US09549650B2
A cleaning appliance comprises a cyclonic separating apparatus for separating dust from an airflow, the cyclonic separating apparatus having at least one cyclone, a support structure housing a motor and fan assembly for creating an airflow through the separating apparatus, the cyclonic separating apparatus comprising a duct which directs air from the at least one cyclone towards the support structure, the support structure or duct comprising at least one mesh screen through which air from the cyclonic separating apparatus must pass before reaching the motor and fan assembly.
US09549645B2
The SUDZ-BATH-CLOTH use standard length and width of two typical bath cloths, which are 10 inches to 12 inches. There are for corners that are threaded together to create a firm and long lasting hold of the two cloths materials from opening apart. The inside insert is created to purposely produce thousands of tiny bubbles.The insert has four arms that can be measured diagonally, from tip to tip, that will measure 12.5 inches. The perimeter from tip to tip as measured in say a (square) shaped object will be 8.75 inches. There are four triangle shaped designed patterns next to each arm. Two sides give a measurement of 7.50 inches tip to tip. The other two sides measured north to south, tip to tip gives a measurement of 5.5 inches. The insert is 1.0 inches thick, but can exceed with raised topping.
US09549639B2
A handheld, hand-operated blender may include a container, a lid threadably connected to an upper portion of the container, a bottom portion including a stationary bottom portion threadably connected to a lower portion of the container and a rotatable bottom portion rotatable with respect to the container. The blender may also include a blade assembly including a plurality of blades and a shaft rotatably connected to the rotatable bottom portion and a gear assembly mechanically connected to the blade assembly and the rotatable bottom portion such that rotation of the rotatable bottom portion rotates the blade assembly at a faster revolution per minute than the rotation of the rotatable bottom portion.
US09549638B1
The present BBQ oven with controllable level position of charcoal chamber and inserts generally comprises a truncated spherical body including a thermometer and recesses for barbecuing food and/or insert holding rods in the upper portion of body, and the first necks (for control of the level position of the burning charcoal chamber, comprising a plate for charcoal), second neck (for an air flow control), sleeve and clamping member in the lower portion of the body.
US09549636B2
A beverage forming system and method in which characteristics of a dispensed beverage are controlled. A beverage forming system may include an outlet chamber having an inlet opening to receive beverage from a beverage forming chamber, and an outlet opening to output beverage. The outlet chamber may have a standpipe in the outlet chamber between the inlet and the outlet openings that prevents a direct passage of beverage to the outlet openings, thus controlling characteristics of the beverage, such as an amount of foam, the size of bubbles in a foam, etc. The standpipe may have a portion extending upwardly from a bottom of the outlet chamber and impeding a direct flow path between the inlet and the outlet openings, thus forcing flow to pass around and/or over the standpipe portion.
US09549631B1
Disclosed is a combination of a bracelet and a device for assisting in attaching a bracelet of the type having a clasp at one end and a receiver at the other end and being flexible between such ends. The device comprises a dangling member attached to the bracelet, which dangling member is of sufficient length so that at least one finger of the wearer's involved hand can engage the dangling member against the involved hand and thereby position said receiver at or near the wrist while the wearer's other hand manipulates the clasp at the other end of the bracelet so as to bring such clasp into proximity with the receiver and then so as to attach the bracelet. In another embodiment of the invention, a detachably attachable dangling member is disclosed that can be retrofitted to a typical bracelet. In another embodiment of the invention, the dangling member is permanently attached near one end of the bracelet and is detachably attachable elsewhere on the bracelet.
US09549629B2
A serving tray system usable by an intended user having a hand to carry objects, the hand having fingers and a thumb, the system comprising: a serving tray, the serving tray including a substantially rigid tray body defining a tray aperture extending therethrough; and a tray mounting element wearable by the intended user, the tray mounting element including a base and a tray mount extending from the base and insertable through the tray aperture to mount the serving tray to the tray mounting element. The serving tray is usable by the intended user to carry the objects thereon when the serving tray is separated from the tray mounting element and held by the hand. The serving tray is mountable to the tray mounting element by inserting the tray mount through the tray aperture to free the hand when the objects have been removed from the serving tray.
US09549622B2
A shelf divider system that includes a shelf base (12) defining a support for multiple products, which base has a front (16) and a rear (18) and multiple parallel elongate slots (50) in the base. The slots extend in a direction from front to rear in multiple sets (53) of at least two aligned slots. An upstanding transversely extending front stop (26) mounted to the base at the front has an upper edge (31) and at or adjacent the upper edge respective seats (46) associated with the sets of at least two aligned slots. A plurality of dividers (28) each have a bottom edge (36) with a more rearward rearwardly extending protrusion (42) and a more forward depending tab means (48), and a front edge (32) with an upper forwardly extending protrusion (44), whereby each divider is selectively releasably engageable with any of the sets of at least two aligned slots by locating the rearwardly extending protrusion under a rear edge of a rear slot and pivoting the divider downwardly to locate the tab means in a front slot and the forwardly extending protrusion in an associated seat on the front stop, whereupon the divider is not disengagable except by reversing the pivoting action.
US09549609B2
A mobile multimedia workstation comprises a base, a mobile component attached to the base bottom side, first and second upright members attached to the top side and spaced apart to define an opening, a clamp comprising first and second clamp faces connected by an adjustable member positioned within the opening and adjustable to urge first and second clamp faces toward each other and in contact with front and rear surfaces of the first and second upright members to fix a position of the clamp along the first and second upright members, a first arm having a first end connected to the first clamp face through a pivot junction and a second end defining a slot, a post within the slot and a device connected to the post, a threaded member disposed through the slot for adjusting a slot width to restrain the post within the slot.
US09549607B2
An oral care implement including a head, a gum massaging element extending from proximate a peripheral side of the head, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements positioned on the head. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements including a side tooth cleaning element positioned inwards and adjacent the gum massaging element. The gum massaging element provides transverse support to the side tooth cleaning element during brushing.
US09549606B1
A case for carrying accessories for law enforcement officers is presented, including a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and/or the back panel are constructed from a relatively flexible, stretchable, resilient material. One or more compartments are formed between the front panel and the back panel. For example, a first compartment is adapted and constructed to contain an ammunition magazine; a second compartment is adapted and constructed to contain a handcuffs key, a pen or another similarly elongated object; a third compartment is adapted and constructed to contain handcuffs. At least one selectively securable strap assembly is secured to the back panel, for securing the case to a belt of a wearer.
US09549591B2
An instep cover knitted there-dimensionally in advance, and a method for knitting the same are provided.An instep cover 1, out of a shoe upper configuring a shoe, which is a seamless knitted fabric knitted using a flat knitting machine including at least a pair of a front and a back needle bed, the instep cover 1 covering a portion on an instep side of a wearer is provided. Assuming in the instep cover 1, a portion that covers a region from an Achilles tendon to a heel of the wearer is a heel cover section 10, and a portion excluding the heel cover section 10 is a body section 11, a stitch in a vicinity of an end in a knitting width direction of the heel cover section 10 and a stitch at an end in a wale direction of the body section 11 are connected at a position of boundary lines L1, L2 of the heel cover section 10 and the body section 11 to form the instep cover 1 three-dimensionally; and at least one part of the instep cover 1 is configured with a knitting structure knitted using the front and back needle beds.
US09549575B2
A sleeve material retaining loop is attached to or looped around a strap of a brassiere to retain gathered sleeve material or other items. One end of the sleeve material retaining loop extends out of the neck hole of the outer garment, and another end of the loop extends out of the arm hole of the sleeve above the shoulder of the wearer. The first and second ends of the sleeve material retaining loop are attached at the shoulder of the wearer to retain the sleeve. This helps prevent the sleeve from interfering with the wearer's movement and improves evaporative cooling of the wearer. A sleeve retaining loop storing mechanism stores the loop. Each sleeve retaining loop may be formed of separate interchangeable pieces that are attached to the brassiere. An additional piece of clothing may also be secured to a fastener on the brassiere.
US09549571B2
The present invention relates to a treatment device for a smoking article, comprising a smoking article receiving portion shaped and configured to receive at least a portion of a smoking article, and a needle storage portion with a needle holder and a needle connected to the needle holder. The needle is movable between an extended position in which the needle extends at least partially into the smoking article receiving portion and a retracted position in which the needle is fully retracted into the needle storage portion with respect to the extended position, to protect an operator from the needle. The invention further relates to a cartridge for such a treatment device, wherein the cartridge comprises a treatment substance for a smoking article. The cartridge comprises a plunger receiving means which is adapted to receive a plunger to force the treatment substance out of the cartridge. The cartridge has at least one side wall which is adapted to be perforated by a second end of the needle, such that the second end of the needle may protrude into the inside of the cartridge, wherein the treatment substance is stored.
US09549569B2
The invention provides a composition and method for providing nutritional support to obese patients. The composition has an energy density between 0.4 and 0.9 kcal/ml and comprises a protein source which comprises at least 30% by weight whey protein and provides at least 30% of the total calories of the composition. The composition may include a carbohydrate source and a lipid source. Preferably at least 50% by weight of the protein source is whey protein. The invention further extends to use of the composition in the prevention of treatment of malnutrition in obese patients.
US09549568B2
The present invention relates to a low sodium salt composition and the methods used to make it. The low sodium salt composition includes sodium chloride and a modified chloride salt composition. The modified chloride salt composition includes a homogenous amalgamation of chloride salt, food grade acidulant, and carrier, which does not contain sodium chloride. The modified chloride salt composition may be combined with sodium chloride to form a low sodium salt composition. The modified chloride salt composition may be enhanced to increase particle size.
US09549567B2
The invention relates to a method for obtaining aromatics.
US09549558B2
The present invention relates to azines of formula (I) wherein the variables are defined according to the description, processes and intermediated for preparing them, compositions comprising them and their use as herbicides, i.e. for controlling harmful plants and a method for controlling unwanted vegetation which comprises allowing a herbicidal effective amount of at least one azine of the formula I to act on plants, their seed and/or their habitat.
US09549557B2
The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which X, R1 to R4, A, n, Y, and m are as defined in the description, and at least one further known active compound from the class of the fiproles, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids.
US09549552B2
The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which X, R1 to R4, A, n, Y, and m are as defined in the description, and at least one further known active compound from the class of the of tetronic and tetramic acid derivatives, diacylhydrazines, benzoylureas and further classes, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids.
US09549548B2
An aqueous teat dip composition includes significant amounts of glycerin and preferably ethanol and has a pH of at least 8.5. The aqueous teat dip composition can be provided by a method that involves delivering a basic concentrate to a site where dairy animals are located where the concentrate is mixed with water before the pH of the resulting solution is upwardly adjusted. The basic concentrate can be a byproduct of a biofuel refining process.
US09549547B2
This invention relates to regenerable antimicrobial coatings with long-lasting efficacy for use in medical applications including implants, medical instruments or devices, and hospital equipment. The same coatings would also have broad utility in the consumer, industrial, and institutional markets. The coating technology would be based on sequestration of hydrogen peroxide (HP) by zinc oxide binders incorporated into the coatings.
US09549543B2
A device (1) for trapping animal pests such as caterpillars, having a collar (2) which is designed to surround the trunk of a tree (3), the collar (2) including a substantially annular walkway (4) that extends substantially in a first plane (P1) that is intended to be oriented horizontally. Joining means (31) including an arrangement (32) of flexible bristles (33) having a suitable density prevent the animal pests from passing between the collar (2) and the trunk of the tree (3).
US09549542B2
The invention relates to a bed bug detection device (10) comprising a refuge (16) which elicits a taxis response from bed bugs and a non-trapping indicator surface (18), on which the bed bugs may leave indicators of their presence, such as faecal matter or cast skins. The refuge is positioned in close proximity to said non-trapping indicator surface such that the bed bugs can leave an indicator of their presence as they travel across the indicator surface on their way to or from the refuge. Preferably the non-trapping indicator surface takes the form of a skirt which surrounds a refuge made of corrugated paper. The invention also provides a passive method of detecting the presence of bed bugs without their capture by detecting the presence of indicators rather than the bed bugs per se.
US09549539B2
A lobster trap stabilization system having one or more hinged fins, each fin enclosed in a containment structure located in a lobster trap opposite the weighted side of the trap, whereby the fins provide increased drag to a trap descending to the ocean floor while the trap is in an improper orientation relative to the ocean floor, thus facilitating trap rotation to achieve proper trap orientation, and provide little to no drag to a descending trap while it is in its proper orientation.
US09549537B2
A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.
US09549528B2
The invention provides methods for preparing a conifer seedling with increased tolerance to a pest. A conifer seedling is inoculated with an isolated endophyte when the conifer seedling is susceptible to colonization by the endophyte.
US09549522B1
A wheat variety designated A050264A1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety A050264A1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety A050264A1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety A050264A1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety A050264A1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety A050264A1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09549499B2
A solid carrier sprayer apparatus, including a solid carrier container, a liquid container, a solid carrier spreading apparatus, and a liquid application apparatus is provided. The solid carrier spreading apparatus can be coupled to receive solid carrier from the solid carrier container, and is configured to drop the received solid carrier substantially evenly over an area of ground. The liquid application apparatus can be coupled to receive liquid from the liquid container, and is configured to spray received liquid substantially evenly over the received solid carrier, such that the liquid is sprayed substantially evenly over the received solid carrier before the solid carrier is dropped substantially evenly over the area of ground. Methods of using a solid carrier sprayer apparatus are also discussed.
US09549497B2
A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.
