US09551959B2
An image forming apparatus includes a toner containing portion, a first conveying member, an image conveying portion, and an image forming portion. The first conveying member is configured to convey the toner in a conveyance direction within the toner containing portion. The image conveying portion includes a surface layer portion having a first end portion located at an upstream side in the conveyance direction and a second end portion located at a downstream side in the conveyance direction. The first end portion has a larger layer thickness than second end portion. The image conveying portion is configured to convey a toner image formed on a surface of the surface layer portion at a predetermined image forming position, to a transfer position for transfer to a transfer target medium. The image forming portion is configured to form the toner image on the surface layer portion by using the toner being conveyed.
US09551946B2
A polycarbonate copolymer includes: a repeating unit represented by a formula (1) below; and a repeating unit represented by a formula (2) below, in which the repeating unit represented by the formula (1) is formed from a bischloroformate oligomer having an average number of monomer units n represented by a formula (100) below in a range from 0.1 to 1.3. In the formulae (100) and (1), Ar1 represents a group represented by a formula (3) below. In the formula (2), Ar2 represents a divalent aromatic group. In the formula (3) below, X1 represents a single bond or an oxygen atom. R11 each independently represents a methyl group or an ethyl group.
US09551943B2
An exposure apparatus and method exposes a substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid supplied to an immersion area below the projection optical system. First and second movable members move below the projection optical system. The first movable member has a mount area that mounts a substrate located in a hole of an upper surface of the first movable member. The upper surface outside the hole can maintain at least a part of the immersion area outside the substrate mounted in the hole. A drive system drives the first and second movable members to move the first and second movable members below the projection optical system relative to the liquid immersion region to replace one member positioned below the projection optical system with the other member such that the liquid immersion area is maintained below the projection optical system.
US09551939B2
Mark position measuring apparatus and method, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An apparatus to measure the position of a mark, the apparatus including an illumination arrangement to direct radiation across a pupil of the apparatus, the illumination arrangement including an illumination source to provide multiple-wavelength radiation of substantially equal polarization and a wave plate to alter the polarization of the radiation in dependency of the wavelength, such that radiation of different polarization is supplied; an objective to direct radiation on the mark using the radiation supplied by the illumination arrangement while scanning the radiation across the mark in a scanning direction; a radiation processing element to process radiation that is diffracted by the mark and received by the objective; and a detection arrangement to detect variation in an intensity of radiation output by the radiation processing element during the scanning and to calculate from the detected variation a position of the mark in at least a first direction of measurement.
US09551938B2
Disclosed is a light source optimizing method wherein: a light source shape obtained as the result of SMO is set as a target, the SMO being an optimizing calculation method for optimizing a mask pattern and illumination light source, a spatial light modulator is controlled such that a deviation from the target is within an acceptable range, and the shape of the illumination light source is set; the image of the pattern obtained as the results of the SMO is formed on a wafer, using illumination light emitted from the illumination light source having the set light source shape, an OPE is evaluated as image-forming performance using the detection results obtained by detecting the image of the pattern thus formed; and the light source shape is optimized.
US09551934B2
A system comprises an electrophotographic subsystem, a transfer subsystem, an imaging member, and an inking subsystem. The electrophotographic subsystem comprises a photoreceptor, a charging subsystem, an exposure subsystem, and a development subsystem. In operation, the photoreceptor is charged areawise. An exposure pattern is formed by the exposure subsystem on the surface of the charged photoreceptor to thereby write a latent charge image onto the photoreceptor surface. The image is developed with an image definition material, such as a dampening fluid. The image definition material forms a positive pattern of the image to be printed. The image pattern is then transferred to the reimageable surface. The transferred pattern is then developed by selectively applying an ink over regions of image definition material. The inked image may be transferred to a substrate.
US09551921B2
A display apparatus is disclosed that includes a screen and a frame system positioned to support the screen. The frame system includes a plurality of frame members, a hinge that couples the frame members together, and a lock that blocks relative movement of the frame members.
US09551919B2
A projection apparatus including a light source, a light valve, a light uniforming device, and a first curved-surface reflection device is provided. The light source provides an illumination beam. The light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the illumination beam for converting the illumination beam into an image beam. The light valve has an active surface that substantially has a rectangular contour. The light uniforming device is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam and between the light source and the light valve. The first curved-surface reflection device is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam and between the light source and the light valve for reflecting the illumination beam to the light valve. A curvature of the first curved-surface reflection device along a first direction is not equal to a curvature of the first curved-surface reflection device along a second direction.
US09551915B2
A camera mount for coupling a camera to a user's wrist is described. The camera mount includes a swivel component that rotates relative to a wrist component when an above-threshold amount of force is applied on the swivel component. A rippled spring component is coupled between the swivel component and the wrist component, and exerts an outward force upon the swivel component in response to a compressive force exerted on the rippled spring component by the swivel component. A strap couples to each of two sides of the wrist mount component, and is configured to secure the camera mount to the user's wrist. The camera mount can additionally include a base component and a padding component, and a screw to couple each camera mount component together.
US09551911B2
A first substrate includes first and second gate lines extending in a first direction, first and second source lines extending in a second direction and a switching element electrically connected with the gate line and the source line. A pixel electrode includes a contact portion contacting with the switching element and extending in the first direction and a main pixel electrode contacting with the contact portion and extending in the second direction. The switching element includes a drain electrode arranged between the source lines. The drain electrode includes a first electrode portion located under the contact portion, a second electrode portion located under the main pixel electrode and connected with the first electrode portion, a third electrode portion connected with the second electrode portion along the first gate line, and a fourth electrode portion connected with the second electrode portion and extending along the second gate line.
US09551909B2
A liquid crystal panel includes: first and second substrates arranged to be opposite each other at a predetermined gap; a liquid crystal layer filled between the first and second substrates; alignment films; a counter electrode pattern formed on the first substrate; and a pixel electrode pattern formed on the first substrate so as to have a plurality of electrode branches, the pixel electrode pattern having a partial connection branch formed around a contact so as to transversely connect a plurality of electrode branches extending from the contact from among the plurality of electrode branches.
US09551904B2
A touchscreen includes touchscreen electrode elements distributed across an active area of a substrate, and the touchscreen overlays a display. The touchscreen electrode elements are configured to avoid creating moiré patterns between the display and the touchscreen, such as angled, wavy, zig-zag, or randomized lines. In a further example, the electrodes form a mesh pattern configured to avoid moiré patterns.
US09551893B2
A curved display apparatus and a multi display system having the same are provided. The curved display apparatus includes a display panel, and a fixation member which fixes the display panel so that the display panel is curved with multiple curvatures.
US09551888B2
Embodiments of a magneto-optic crystal assembly for use in polarization rotation applications are disclosed. In one aspect, a magneto-optic crystal assembly includes two or more magneto-optic crystals. The temperature and wavelength dependencies of Faraday rotation of these crystals are compensated so that the crystal assembly has both reduced temperature and wavelength dependencies of the polarization rotation angle over broad temperature and wavelength ranges.
US09551884B2
Contact lenses are described with a corneal remodelling effect. This corneal remodelling effect is one or both of broad-area corneal remodelling and localised remodelling. The contact lenses may also have a refractive power. The refractive power may vary across the lens and for myopia may have increased power centrally. The increased power may be provided over a lens area that has increased thickness due to localised remodelling.
US09551877B2
A grating and a display device. The grating (200) comprises periodical cycle arrangements. The first period of the grating is taken as the minimum cycle period and includes two rows of grating structures having same grating pitch and same grating slit width. In the first period, the second row of grating structures are shift to the right or left the distance “c” compared with the first row of grating structures, and the calculation method of “c” is: c=b, in which “b” refers to the width of a sub-pixel in a display panel. The first row of grating structures of the ith period are shift to the right or left the distance “d” compared with the first row of grating structures of the first period, and the calculation method of “d” is: d=2(i−1)b, in which i is an integer and i≧2. The grating and the display device can effectively reduce the Moire phenomenon.
US09551870B2
A head mounted display device that allows a user to visually recognize a content as a virtual image, includes a display part that displays the content in a predetermined display area, and a control part that determines a background color of the content and use environment brightness and adjusts brightness of the display area in response to the determination results thereof.
US09551868B2
A scanning-type projection device is provided with an emitted-light-intensity control unit for controlling the light intensity of a laser light emitted by a laser light source unit, a polarization direction control unit for controlling the polarization direction of the laser light, a scanning unit for scanning the laser light and generating a display image, and a divergence unit on which the laser light scanned by the scanning unit is incident. The emitted-light-intensity control unit has a polarization control element for controlling the polarization state of the laser light, and a polarizing plate on which the laser light emitted from the polarization control element is incident, and the polarization direction control unit adjusts the polarization direction of display light incident on a projection surface by controlling the polarization direction of the laser light emitted by the emitted-light-intensity control unit.
US09551865B1
An electrowetting element comprising a photosensor. The photosensor comprises a photosensitive material overlapped by an electrowetting element electrode; a first photosensor contact in contact with the photosensitive material; and a second photosensor contact in contact with the photosensitive material.
US09551863B2
The portable inspection unit may include a unit body, a flexible cable, and an imager housing. The flexible cable may extend from the unit body and the imager housing may be disposed at a distal end of the flexible cable. The portable inspection unit may be configured to receive an actuating accessory.
US09551851B2
An optical-electric composite cable includes an optical fiber, an inner tubular cover enclosing the optical fiber, a plurality of electric wires arranged outside the inner tubular cover, a binding member collectively bundling the plurality of electric wires, and an outer tubular cover covering an outer periphery of the binding member. A gap exists between the binding member and the outer tubular cover.
US09551842B2
A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule, a ferrule holder from which the ferrule extends, a housing in which the ferrule holder is received, and a connector body coupled to the housing. The connector body is configured to retain the ferrule holder within the housing. The fiber optic connector further includes a strain relief assembly comprising a support coupled to a rear portion of the connector body and a boot received over support. The support includes a first portion defining a front end of the support and a second portion defining a back end of the support, with the second portion having a stiffness less than the first portion. Additionally, the support and boot are formed from respective first and second materials, with the second material being less rigid than the first material.
US09551825B2
A light emitting diode package for a directional display may comprise light emitting diodes and a protection diode. The protection diode may be arranged in a well that is at a different location to the well that the light emitting diodes are arranged. The directional display may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include light extraction features arranged to direct light from an array of light sources by total internal reflection to an array of viewing windows and a reflector arranged to direct light from the waveguide by transmission through extraction features of the waveguide to the same array of viewing windows. The brightness of the directional display can be increased. An efficient and bright directional display system can be achieved. Efficient light baffling for light escaping from the edge of the waveguide is achieved through light deflecting extraction films.
US09551823B2
A backlight module is provided, including a circuit board, a plurality of light-emitting elements, a frame, and a plurality of first and second light-reflecting portions. The light-emitting elements are disposed on the circuit board and separated from each other. The frame includes a base plate and two lateral plates extended from the base plate, wherein the circuit board is disposed on the base plate. The first and second light-reflecting portions are disposed on at least one of the lateral plates and arranged in a staggered manner. The first light-reflecting portions are closer to the light-emitting elements than the second light-reflecting portions. The reflectivity of the second light-reflecting portions exceeds that of the first light-reflecting portions.
US09551820B2
A reflection-mode waveplate for operation in the terahertz region by shifting the phase between two perpendicular polarization components of the light wave, comprising a ground plane; an array of polygonal unit cells; the polygonal unit cells comprising a polymer positioned between the ground plane and the exterior of the array of polygonal patches.
US09551815B2
There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particle assembly has in an absorption spectrum for a visible light region a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and an absorbance at the maximum wavelength is higher as compared with that of a reference metal-based particle assembly, on the premise that the numbers of the metal-based particles are the same. The metal-based particle assembly of the present invention presents significantly intense plasmon resonance.
US09551813B2
An optical film including cellulose acylate and a compound represented by General Formula (I) described below, a polarizing plate, and a liquid crystal display device; R1 and R3 represent hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or aromatic groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms. R5 represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group represented by -L5-Ar5 (L5 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and Ar5 represents an aromatic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms). Here, the total of ring structures present in R1, R3, and R5 is one or two.
US09551808B2
A CT apparatus without a gantry. The CT apparatus includes a scanning passage; a stationary X-ray source arranged around the scanning passage and including a plurality of ray emission focal spots; and a plurality of stationary detector modules arranged around the scanning passage and disposed opposite the X-ray source. At least some of the plurality of detector modules may be arranged substantially in an L shape, a semicircular shape, a U shape, an arc shape, a parabolic shape, or a curve shape when viewed in a plane intersecting the scanning passage. The invention ensures that the stationary gantry type CT system has a small size, and a high data identification accuracy.
US09551807B2
Technologies applicable to NMR detection of water and hydrocarbons during induced alteration processes are disclosed. NMR measurements may be used to monitor properties of subsurface fluids within a subsurface formation. NMR measurement devices may be deployed proximal to or within a subsurface formation that contains hydrocarbons. Multiple NMR measurements may be performed during an induced alteration process applied to the subsurface formation to determine properties of the subsurface formation or fluid as the induced alteration process progresses. Changes in properties of the subsurface formation or fluid may be determined and may be used to determine efficacy of, optimize, or otherwise modify the induced alteration process.
US09551798B2
A seismic vibrator receives a pilot signal having a predetermined waveform. The pilot signal causes vibrational actuation of at least one moveable element of the seismic vibrator. A continuous seismic signal having content in a first frequency bandwidth of multiple frequencies is generated by the seismic vibrator.
US09551793B2
An ordering structure scintillator of scintillator and fabrication method is disclosed. The ordering structure scintillator of scintillator comprises: a tubular template, which consists of a plurality of thin film oxidized metal tubes; a plurality of scintillators, filled in the thin film oxidized metal tubes; and a package layer, formed on the surface of the tubular template for protecting the tubular template. In addition, through the fabrication method, the ordering structure scintillator of scintillator can be made by anodic treatment and die casting technology with low cost and rapid production; moreover, the film oxidized metal tubes of the tubular template can be further manufactured to nano tubes by adjusting electrolyte composition, electrolysis voltage, and processing time of anodic treatment, and the aperture size, the thickness and the vessel density of the nano tube can be controlled and ranged from 10 nm to 500 nm, 0.1 μm to 1000 μm, and 108 to 1012 tube/cm2, respectively.
US09551790B2
A method including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.
US09551788B2
A trailer of a semi-trailer truck includes a cargo container having affixed at a height of approximately forty-six inches from a base of the cargo container a hole that is approximately two and one half inches in diameter. A fleet pan enclosure in a form of a housing encompassing a communications circuitry, a global positioning device and an ultrasound sensor projects into an interior cavity of the cargo container through the hole. The global positioning device provides an accurate reporting of a location of the semi-trailer truck to a central server. An antenna of a communication circuitry is fully encompassed within the housing. The location at which the housing is affixed provides for an effective measuring and reliable locating of a stored transport item inside the interior cavity of the cargo container through the hole.
US09551785B1
A method for detecting an object, comprising the steps of defining expected characteristics of scattered electromagnetic radiation to be received at a receiver; attenuating at least a portion of electromagnetic radiation received at the receiver by a presence of an object within a path of electromagnetic information; and detecting the attenuation to indicate a presence of the object. The object may be a low radar profile object, such as a stealth aircraft. The electromagnetic radiation is preferably microwave, but may also be radio frequency or infrared. By using triangulation and other geometric techniques, distance and position of the object may be computed.
US09551783B2
A display device has a visual display capable of providing an image and an ultrasonic sensor array attached to a backside component of the visual display. The ultrasonic sensor array may be an ultrasonic area array sensor. For example, the backside component may be a backlight, an optical waveguide, or a display TFT.
US09551782B2
A radar apparatus is provided. The radar apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit radar signals via a radar antenna, a receiver configured to receive reflection waves that are echoes of the radar signals, via the radar antenna, a radar image generating module configured to generate a radar image based on the reflection waves received by the receiver, a performance monitor configured to measure performance of at least one of the transmitter and the receiver, and a controller configured to cause the performance monitor to perform the measurement while the transmission of the radar signals is suspended.
US09551775B2
A computing entity, such as a server, obtains a first, second, and third set of measurements based on wireless transmissions between one or more beacon devices, a wireless client device, and one or more wireless access points in a wireless network. The first set of measurements is associated with wireless transmissions from the beacon device(s) received at the wireless access points. The second set of measurements is associated with wireless transmissions between the wireless client device and the wireless access points. The third set of measurements is associated with wireless transmissions from beacon devices received at the wireless client device. An estimated location of the wireless client device is generated based on the first set of measurement data, the second set of measurement data, and the third set of measurement data.
US09551771B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for obtaining a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image of a subject. Typically, MRI image processing that incorporates fat suppression takes a large amount of time to complete. According to various aspects, image processing that incorporates fat suppression may be postponed until MRI data is repeatedly obtained. By doing so, for example, more MRI data may be obtained during a time period of a heartbeat.
US09551770B1
A modified steady-state free-precession (SSFP) method for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is disclosed for acquiring a complex-valued image of object. A modulating field gradient is applied to impart spatial modulation of the steady-state signal phase and magnitude across the complex-valued image of the object along the direction of the modulating field gradient. SSFP pulse sequence parameters and modulating field gradient parameters can be selected to optimize functional image contrast between, e.g., oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin, derived from steady-state signal magnitude or phase of complex-valued images.
US09551764B2
A magnetic field measuring device having a first semiconductor body having a surface formed in a first x-y plane, the first semiconductor body having on the surface two magnetic field sensors which are spaced apart and arranged along a first connecting line, and wherein the magnetic field sensors respectively measure a z-component of a magnetic field, and the x-direction and the y-direction and the z-direction are each formed orthogonally to each other. A first magnet is provided with a planar main extension surface formed in a second x-y plane and with a symmetry surface formed in an x-z plane, wherein the direction of magnetization extends substantially or exactly parallel to the main extension surface and substantially or exactly parallel to the plane of symmetry. The first semiconductor body and the first magnet are rigidly fixed to each other.
US09551761B2
The use of implanted medical devices that address a wide range of health conditions is rapidly expanding. These implanted devices include: Cochlear implants, drug dispensing pumps, cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators and other devices. Although these devices are designed to withstand interference from external radio frequency, electric and magnetic fields, interference can occur which may affect the operation of these devices and pose a health risk. An inventive personal, body-wearable electric field, radio frequency, and three-axis magnetic field monitoring device detects the ambient radio frequency, electric and magnetic fields and warns the wearer when any of these field measurements exceeds a safe level.
US09551755B2
In relay weld diagnostic device, a threshold value determination unit (104) determines a threshold value on the basis of a resistance value that is set for each of a P-pole-side resistor (24) and an N-pole-side resistor (23) provided to charging equipment. A peak value measuring unit (110) measures the peak value of a voltage supplied to a voltage line by an alternating-current signal output circuit (112). A comparison diagnosis unit (111) assesses the state of a relay (14) on the P-pole side and a relay (15) on the N-pole side by comparing the peak value and the threshold value, and makes a diagnosis as to whether the relays (14), (15) are welded on the basis of the assessed state of the relays (14), (15) and the state in which the relays (14), (15) are controlled.
US09551749B2
Test circuitry for an integrated circuit (IC) that has a scan chain includes a control unit for applying a test pattern and a clock signal to the scan chain, and for varying the level of a supply voltage during a scan test procedure. In a first test phase, the supply voltage is set to the rated voltage level of the IC while a test pattern is shifted into the scan chain at a fast rate. A second, capture phase is run at a lower rate and the supply voltage is reduced to a lower level such that defects that cannot be detected when the capture phase is run at the rated voltage are observable yet switching elements in the IC still function correctly. Running the shift phase at the higher speed reduces the overall test time compared with known very low voltage (VLV) scan test procedures.
US09551748B2
A process and apparatus provide a JTAG TAP controller (302) to access a JTAG TAP domain (106) of a device using a reduced pin count, high speed DDR interface (202). The access is accomplished by combining the separate TDI and TMS signals from the TAP controller into a single signal and communicating the TDI and TMS signals of the single signal on the rising and falling edges of the TCK driving the DDR interface. The TAP domain may be coupled to the TAP controller in a point to point fashion or in an addressable bus fashion. The access to the TAP domain may be used for JTAG based device testing, debugging, programming, or other type of JTAG based operation.
US09551736B2
Electrical conductance measurement system including a one-dimensional semiconducting channel, with electrical conductance sensitive to electrostatic fluctuations, in a circuit for measuring channel electrical current. An electrically-conductive element is disposed at a location at which the element is capacitively coupled to the channel; a midpoint of the element aligned with about a midpoint of the channel, and connected to first and second electrically-conductive contact pads that are together in a circuit connected to apply a changing voltage across the element. The electrically-conductive contact pads are laterally spaced from the midpoint of the element by a distance of at least about three times a screening length of the element, given in SI units as (K∈0/e2D(EF))1/2, where K is the static dielectric constant, ∈0 is the permittivity of free space, e is electron charge, and D(EF) is the density of states at the Fermi energy for the element.
US09551729B2
A package includes a base portion, and a lid which is placed on the base portion to define an inner space with the base portion and has a metal plate layer and a brazing material layer that is laminated on the metal plate layer, in which the base portion has a metalized layer which is joined with the brazing material layer around the inner space in a plane view, and the brazing material layer has a protrusion which protrudes in a opposite direction of the base portion on an outer peripheral side surface of the metal plate layer.
US09551721B2
The present invention provides for the identification of individuals having neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Peptoids recognized by Parkinson's Disease- and Alzheimer's Disease-specific antibodies are identified, allowing one to diagnose or predict ND in subjects.
US09551717B2
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing Q-fever in a subject, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a sample from said subject, (b) contacting said sample with a source of a Coxiella burnetii antigen and (c) determining the expression level of a pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IFN-γ in said sample at the end of step (b).
US09551716B2
A method for aiding in categorizing or determining prognosis in a subject with COPD, or in selecting a therapeutic strategy for a subject with COPD, or in monitoring disease progression or assessing effectiveness of a treatment regime for COPD, the method comprising the step of assessing the antibody response to carbonylated vimentin in a sample obtained from the subject. The method may further comprise the step of selecting a treatment regime making use of the information on the antibody response to carbonylated vimentin in the sample. The step of assessing of the antibody response to carbonylated vimentin may comprise the step of determining the ratio of IgG to IgM in the antibody response to carbonylated vimentin.
US09551713B2
Methods for predicting cancer recurrence following a BCG immunotherapy are provided. In some aspects, cytokine levels from a patient are measured before and after a BCG therapy and the changes in cytokine levels are used to determine the risk of cancer lapse. Methods for selecting a patient for a further anti-cancer therapy are also provided.
US09551704B2
The invention generally relates to methods for indicating whether an assay for isolating targets is properly isolating and detecting targets. Methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample suspected of a containing target, introducing a detectable marker into the sample, conducting an assay using magnet particles to isolate the detectable marker and the target if it is present in the sample, determining the presence or absence of the target; and confirming that the assay functioned properly by determining presence or absence of the detectable marker.
US09551696B2
A method of testing the cleanability of polymerized sublimate outgassed from a lithography material during a thermal heating process including; placing a wafer on a wafer hotplate inside a chamber with the wafer being covered by a lithography material; placing a target, having a starting composition, above the wafer in the chamber; heating the wafer using the wafer hotplate in an attempt to outgas a sublimate, where the sublimate condenses on the target; forming a polymerized sublimate on the target; and applying organic solvents to the target to determine the cleanability of the polymerized sublimate.
US09551694B2
A micro titer plate comprising a number of wells filled with separation matrix. According to the invention the volume of the separation matrix is varied between at least some of the wells.
US09551693B2
A photoacoustic wave measurement device includes: (a) a pulsed-light outputter that outputs a pulsed light; (b) an arrangement member disposed between a pulsed-light output end of the pulsed-light outputter and a measurement object, the arrangement member being adapted to allow the pulsed light to pass therethrough; and (c) a photoacoustic wave detector that receives a photoacoustic wave generated by the measurement object by the pulsed light and that converts the photoacoustic wave into an electric signal, the photoacoustic wave measurement device being adapted to receive the electric signal from a photoacoustic wave sensor in which the photoacoustic wave detector is farther from the measurement object than the pulsed-light output end. The photoacoustic wave measurement device further includes: an electric signal recording section that receives and records the electric signal from the photoacoustic wave sensor; a noise timing estimation section that estimates timing of occurrence of noise in the electric signal, from a thickness of the arrangement member; and a noise removal section that removes the electric signal at the timing estimated, from contents recorded by the electric signal recording section.
US09551685B2
The present invention relates to the field of surface water monitoring. More specifically, the present invention provides low-cost, real-time bio-electrochemical sensors for surface water monitoring based on the metabolism of one or more electrogenic microbes.
US09551683B2
A controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor including, as gas electrodes 10 for detecting gas, a working electrode for electrochemically reacting gas to be detected, a counter electrode with respect to the working electrode, and a reference electrode for controlling potential of the working electrode, the gas electrodes 10 being disposed to face an electrolysis solution accommodating portion of an electrolysis tank accommodating electrolytic solution 20. Each electrode 10 includes a noble metal catalyst layer 50. On the noble metal catalyst layer 50 of at least one of the working electrode and the reference electrode, there is formed a polymer layer 60 having ion conductivity and water permeability.
US09551681B2
The present invention relates to a device and a method for parallel recording of impedance spectra and field potential of cells in vitro.
US09551680B2
An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. The analyte sensor includes a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer sensing layer in contact with a surface of an electrode, where the sensing layer includes methacrylate-derived backbone chains having covalent bonds to an analyte sensing component. The method includes combining the precursor components of the sensing layer, depositing the combined mixture on a surface of an electrode, and curing the deposited mixture.
US09551677B2
A method includes directing an X-ray beam to be incident at a grazing angle on a location on a surface of the sample. An X-ray fluorescence excited at the location is measured. A reflection angle of the X-ray beam from the surface and a transmission angle of the X-ray beam are measured. An angle of incidence of the X-ray beam on the surface is evaluated using the measured reflection and transmission angles, and the measured X-ray fluorescence is analyzed using the evaluated angle of incidence.
US09551663B2
Described herein are systems and methods for extending the dynamic range of assay methods and systems used for determining the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some embodiments, a method comprises spatially segregating a plurality of analyte molecules in a fluid sample into a plurality of locations. At least a portion of the locations may be addressed to determine the percentage of said locations containing at least one analyte molecule. Based at least in part on the percentage, a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in the fluid sample may be determined using an analog, intensity-based detection/analysis method/system and/or a digital detection/analysis method/system. In some cases, the assay may comprise the use of a plurality of capture objects.
US09551660B2
FRET-labeled compounds are provided for use in analytical reactions. In certain embodiments, FRET-labeled nucleotide analogs are used in place of naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates or other analogs in analytical reactions comprising nucleic acids, for example, template-directed nucleic acid synthesis, DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, single-base identification, hybridization, binding assays, and other analytical reactions.
US09551646B2
An apparatus for environmental tests includes a chamber having formed therein a test space for disposing a sample, and a tray that is provided on the upper surface of the chamber and has an open upper surface. A front wall of the tray is configured by an operation unit where switches are provided. A rear wall of the tray is configured by a control unit housing a control substrate. A left wall and a right wall of the tray are configured by hollow bodies connecting the operation unit and the control unit. The tray is covered with a lid.
US09551645B2
A particle analyzer, comprising a source of a substantially nondiffracting light beam; a flow path configured to produce in a flowcell a ribbon-like core stream having a cross-sectional aspect ratio of at least 4 and a largest cross-sectional dimension of at least 50 micrometers; the flowcell being configured to expose a segment of the core stream to the light beam; a detector configured to receive a signal resulting from an interaction of a particle in the core stream with the light beam; a first sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, downstream of the exposed segment of core stream; a plurality of sorting channels in fluid connection with the flow path and downstream of the first actuator; the actuator having multiple actuation states, each state configured to direct at least one part of the core stream to a corresponding channel; a second sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, opposite the first actuator, and operable in coordination with the first actuator.
US09551636B2
An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.
US09551635B2
In accordance with an embodiment of a system for handling and processing chemical and/or biological samples, a MicroChamber comprises a substrate, a reservoir formed on the substrate for receiving a chemical and/or biological sample, and an encoder such as a barcode or other suitable device. The encoder encodes information describing at least one characteristic of the substrate and/or reservoir.
US09551630B2
The invention relates to a suspension device of at least one reactor module to a test bench comprising at least one suspension arm, at least one upstream fixing assembly adapted to be fixed to a ceiling or wall of the test bench, at least one downstream fixing assembly adapted to be fixed to a reactor module, said suspension arm extending between two attachment ends adapted to be respectively fixed to the upstream fixing assembly and to the downstream fixing assembly, characterized in that said arm has a flexible median area whereof at least one cross-section dimension is less than the same cross-section dimension at the level of the attachment ends, the downstream casing comprising a fall-protection device.
US09551618B2
An accurate and robust wavefront-division polarimetric analysis method and device, allows the quasi-instantaneous measurement of the polarization states of a luminous object. The device can be used to produce a plurality of light beams, all polarized according to different polarization states, from a single upstream light beam. The polarized light beams, which do not overlap and which carry information items that are complementary in terms of polarization, are analyzed simultaneously by a plurality of detectors that measure the luminous intensity of each beam. Processing elements digitally process the luminous intensity values obtained in order to determine the polarization state of the upstream light beam. The operations performed by the processing elements prevent luminous intensity variations in the split light beams during the division of the wavefront of the upstream light beam. Therefore, the wavefront-division polarimetric analysis device is robust and its accuracy is not hindered by the experimental conditions.
US09551605B2
A fuel-level measuring apparatus measures the level of fuel in a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus can ensure a sufficient capacity of the fuel tank and sense the fuel level even when the fuel tank has a thin or complicated shape. A fuel-level measuring apparatus that senses the level of fuel in a vehicle fuel tank disposed below a floor panel of a vehicle includes a tank band that secures the fuel tank to a body of the vehicle, and a strain gauge attached to the tank band. The fuel level can be obtained from strain in the tank band detected by the strain gauge.
US09551601B2
Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for coupling an averaging picot tube (APT) primary element to a process pipe. A mounting assembly mounts the APT primary element to the process pipe such that a length of the APT primary element extending into the process pipe is adjustable to accommodate different sized process pipe diameters. The mounting assembly includes a weld coupling coupled to the process pipe over an opening in the process pipe and having the APT primary element extending therethrough into the process pipe. An extension pipe nipple is connected to the weld coupling and has the APT primary element extending therethrough such that a transition between a neck section and a sensor section of the APT primary element is positioned inside the extension pipe nipple. A union component, a ferrule, and a cap keep the APT primary element in the mounted position and form a process seal.
US09551598B2
A fiber optic sensing apparatus that may be used to sense one or more conditions of an electromotive machine is provided. A housing (20) encloses an optical fiber sensor (18). An optical fiber (19) extends into the housing through an opening formed in the housing. A fiber-affixing device (15) may be affixed to the optical fiber proximate the opening. The fiber-affixing device includes opposed bearing surfaces (30, 32) extending away from the optical fiber and disposed against opposed inner and outer surfaces (34, 36) of the housing surrounding the opening. The fiber-affixing device is effective to affix the optical fiber within the opening, thereby substantially improving the robustness and survivability of the optical fiber sensor.
US09551592B2
The present disclosure relates to a method of counting step-number. When detecting step-number executed by an electronic device, a g-sensor of the electronic device detects whether the moving speed is normal (one step per second), i.e. the detection result is the G value, or the movement speed has abnormal variation (such as one step per two seconds or five seconds), i.e. the detection result is the G value at Y axis, and the electronic device computes the step-number according to sums of maximum values and minimum values of speed variations every second within a counting period, and average of the sums. The processing unit determines the variation of the step-numbers of the G values and the G values at Y axis, and selects one of the two step-numbers for use as a correct step-number detection result, so as to achieve the objective of precisely computing step-number upon the speed variation.
US09551590B2
A method of receiving input from a user includes providing a surface within reach of a hand of the user. A plurality of locations on the surface that are touched by the user are sensed. An alphanumeric character having a shape most similar to the plurality of touched locations on the surface is determined. The user is audibly or visually informed of the alphanumeric character and/or a word in which the alphanumeric character is included. Feedback is received from the user regarding whether the alphanumeric character and/or word is an alphanumeric character and/or word that the user intended to be determined in the determining step.
US09551588B2
Methods and systems to determine consumer locations based on navigational voice cues are disclosed. An example method includes identifying, with a processor, a route point designated by a navigational voice cue output by a navigation system providing directions to an operator of a vehicle. The example method also includes determining, with the processor, at least one of a location or an anticipated location of an occupant of the vehicle based on the route point.
US09551586B2
A contextual description of the arrival location can be determined based on individual or combined attributes, which include (i) a text-based identifier of one or more of the multiple places, and (ii) a spatial relationship as between one or more of the places, or as between the multiple places and the arrival location. The contextual description can be provided for a navigation interface of a computing device used by the user.
US09551568B2
A method for operating a scanning microscope system. The optimal number of required through-focus scans, that is required to predict the position of a focal plane of the objective with respect to the object to produce the image with minimized blur, is not pre-determined but rather defined iteratively in real-time, contemporaneously with conducting the sample scanning operation itself.
US09551566B2
Provided is a coordinate measuring device which can easily perform accurate measurement. A coordinate measuring device is provided with a sub-imaging unit, a display unit, and a probe. The probe includes a stylus. The stylus has a contact part that is brought into contact with a measurement target in order to measure the measurement target. The sub-imaging unit is provided in the probe so as to have constant positional relationships, and captures an image of at least part of the measurement target. The image of the measurement target obtained by the sub-imaging unit is displayed as a captured image on the display unit. Based on calculated positions of the probe and the positional relationships of the sub-imaging unit, an image showing a measurement position on the measurement target, with which the contact part is to be brought into contact, is displayed on the captured image.
US09551565B2
A method and corresponding system for optical coherence tomography includes optical coherence tomography equipment that acquires at least two two-dimensional initial images of an object in planes of the object that are spaced apart from one another, in particular running parallel to one another, wherein the initial images each include a plurality of initial image values. In order to assure an examination of the object in the case of medical applications that is as reliable as possible, an interpolation of the initial image values of the at least two two-dimensional initial images is performed in three-dimensional space, wherein interpolation values are obtained that form a two-dimensional final image.
US09551562B2
In a method for determining absolute position of a mobile element in reference to two magneto-sensitive sensors, having a source of a magnetic field fastened to the element, a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal are measured with one magneto-sensitive sensor each. An amplitude ratio of the respective sensor signals and the off-set values about the respective zero point of the sensor signals are determined from the minimum and maximum values of the sensor signals, and from these values, scaled sensor signals are calculated that form a sum signal and a difference signal, which are scaled, with the determination of the minimum and the maximum values occurring by a relative movement of the element over a full range of motion, and an absolute position is calculated via the scaled sum signal and the scaled difference signal.
US09551550B2
A rail mountable device may be provided that is configured to be secured firmly to a rail, such as a rail on a firearm, and released easily from the rail. In one example, the rail mountable device may include a rail clamp that includes first and second rail-engaging surfaces of corresponding first and second ramp members and a cross member that, in response to rotation of a screw, move toward or away from the longitudinal faces of the rail of the firearm to secure or release the rail mountable device to or from the rail. Additional embodiments and related methods are provided.
US09551545B1
A pivot-axis, pin arrangement for rifle receivers can serve as a trigger or hammer pin therefor. A lower housing has a pair of sidewalls defining a gap and with a pair of bores spaced across the gap. The outer side of one sidewall has a slightly recessed channel which is elongated between spaced ends, at least one of which is rounded and centered on the axes of the spaced bores. The pivot axis pin has a cylindrical shaft and a T-slot head style head. The head has one portion forming an annular ring while the remaining portion is elongated to an end. In use, the pin is inserted through the bores, and is ‘simply supported’ by the ends thereof in the bores therefor. The head of the pin locks against rotation merely by settling in into at least one rounded end of the recessed channel.
US09551544B1
An improved crossbow lock mechanism includes the trigger housing, the seer lever, the seer lock lever, the latch, the trigger and an auto safety. The auto safety preferably includes a safety block, a safety lever arm and a safety lever arm lock. The safety lever arm lock is pivotally retained on one end of the safety lever arm with a safety arm lock pin. A finger engagement portion extends from one end of the safety lever arm lock and a stop portion extends from an opposing end thereof. A hand grip extends from the housing. The safety lever arm is pivotally retained in the hand grip with a safety lever arm pivot pin. A safety block actuator pocket is formed in a bottom of the safety block to receive the other end of the safety lever arm. A safety block spring biases the safety block away from the trigger lever.
US09551542B2
Disclosed is a firearm configuration for a handgun. The firearm configuration is designed to reduce the recoil forces encountered by a user upon firing the weapon. Recoil forces are reduced by lowering the firearm's center of mass and by aligning a recoiling mass with the user's arm and trigger finger. The various detail of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
US09551541B2
When user face information and user air-conditioning information are stored in advance via a portable information terminal and a face of a user is located within a face recognition range of an indoor imaging device, an indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus recognizes the face. In addition, when it is determined that the face of the user corresponds to the face of a first user represented by first user information stored in advance, the indoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus blows conditioned air that satisfies a first user air-conditioning environment represented by first user air-conditioning information set for the first user toward the first user.
US09551539B2
A heat exchanger which may be continuously mass-produced by press-fitting heat exchange fins into refrigerant tubes and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method includes processing a metal sheet into a plurality of rows of heat exchange fins, transferring the plurality of rows of heat exchange fins through a transfer apparatus, dividing the plurality of rows of heat exchange fins into heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and heat exchange fins in even-numbered rows and integrating the heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows through integration apparatuses, vertically standing and aligning the heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows, separating the heat exchange fins in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows into a number of heat exchange fins, which may be simultaneously press-fitted into refrigerant tubes, through separation apparatuses, and press-fitting the separated heat exchange fins into the refrigerant tubes.
US09551529B2
An apparatus that uses an optimized body design incorporating one or more interchangeable nozzle inserts with a wide array of discharge orifice sizes, configurations and spacings to efficiently and effectively deliver a pressurized, high velocity, laminar flow air stream to dry, cool, or clean objects that are either stationary or moving transversely through the optimized air stream developed by the apparatus, all while minimizing the operational downtime required to implement the interchangeable nozzle insert modifications to the apparatus.
US09551526B2
A refining system for refining a feed gas (10) includes a first and a second component, the first component having a lower dew point temperature than the second component; the refining system including:—an input section (105) for input of the feed gas including a dehydration unit for dehydrating the feed gas, capable of obtaining a water dew point between −45 and −65° C.;—a pre-cooling section (110) coupled to the input section for receiving the dehydrated feed gas;—a fractionation section (115) coupled to the pre-cooling section for receiving the pre-cooled stream;—an expansion cooling and separation section (120) coupled to the fractionation section for receiving the fractionated gas, including a cyclonic separator device (240); the expansion cooling and separation section having an reflux conduit coupled to the fractionation section for reflux (24) of liquid enriched with the second component to the fractionation section.
US09551523B2
A method for controlling evaporator defrost in a refrigeration appliance having a cooling circuit with a variable cooling capacity compressor is disclosed. The method includes assessing the cooling capacity of the cooling circuit and calculating the defrost time on the basis of such cooling capacity. Defrost time is preferably assessed on the basis of the inverter frequency driving the compressor and/or the percentage of insertion of the compressor.
US09551521B2
An ice making apparatus for an appliance comprising an ice making tray having at least one specialty feature chosen from the group consisting of: a convex bottom surface, a ledge disposed about a perimeter of the at least one ice compartment and proximate a bottom portion of the at least one ice compartment, at least one thread extending from one corner of the at least one ice compartment to another corner of the at least one ice compartment, or any combination thereof.
US09551519B2
A two chamber heat transfer unit configured such that hazardous air can circulate through one of the chambers and potential ignition source components are contained in another chamber through which the gas to be heated or cooled will circulate.
US09551516B2
The invention relates to a compressor-heat exchanger unit for a heating-cooling module for a motor vehicle, in which at least one fluid serving as a coolant flows, comprising a compressor device for compressing the first fluid, at least one heat exchanger device that has at least one first circuit for the first fluid to flow through and a second circuit for a second fluid to flow through, this heat exchanger unit being arranged in the fluid stream after the compressor device, characterized in that the first fluid is guided at least partially in flow channels of the first circuit that at least partially enclose the compressor device.
US09551513B2
Components within a cryocooler are scaled and/or configured for operation at a CMG operating frequency (e.g., 100 Hz) rather than at 30 to 70 Hz, matching the exported disturbances of control moment gyroscopes on the same platform and reducing line-of-sight jitter for electro-optic infrared focal plane array sensors. The smaller piston working volume and other reduced component sizes allow the cryocooler to be smaller and lighter than designs operating at lower frequencies. Combined with an advanced regenerator suitable for the higher frequency operation, the cryocooler has improved cooling efficiency over such lower frequency designs.
US09551509B2
A number of apparatuses and methods for fastening roofing straps and structural members to roofs are disclosed.
US09551506B2
Disclosed is a device capable of retaining water in a water heater during the course of changing out the heating element. The device is comprised of a series of parts that fit together in such a way as to allow for a heating element insertion and removal without draining of water from the water heater. Because of the relationship between tubes 4 and 7, and bushings 3 and 5 (teflon, aluminum, or any suitable metal or material) and the threaded piece 1 and heating element tip, screwing in clockwise heating element allows for alignment of these components (tube 4 with slots to align with tube 7 and its slots); slots will be aligned so that water flows through. The heating element is in fluid contact with the water of the water heater. However, unscrewing counter-clockwise the heating element rotates these components in such a fashion as to block the slots in tubes 4 and 7 and the threaded element 1 in order to contain the water of the water heater while the heating element is exchanged for a new one. Upon screwing clockwise the new heating element, the components again go from blocking the water from draining out, to an open channel allowing for continuous fluid flow between the heating element and the water heater. When inserting the new heating element, it is clockwise. The outer tube with an offset of 180 degrees will prevent water from escaping from the water heater.
US09551505B2
A clamp assembly is provided for use in a duct system. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member including a base portion and first and second lateral portions. The first and second lateral portions extend less than the full circumferential length of the base portion. The clamp assembly may include a first member, a second member, and a hinge operatively coupling the first member to the second member. A damper access assembly includes an adapter, a damper access duct section, and an annular clamp member. A first flange of the adapter and a second flange of the duct section are configured to form a generally T-shaped joint between the adapter and the damper access duct section. The clamp member is configured to removably secure the adapter to the damper access duct section. The damper access duct section is configured to be removable relative to the damper enclosure and the ductwork.
US09551504B2
An apparatus for monitoring a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an indoor unit monitor module electrically connected to a current sensor and first and second refrigerant temperature sensors. The current sensor generates a first current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an indoor unit of the HVAC system. The refrigerant temperature sensors generate first and second refrigerant temperature signals, respectively, based on measured temperatures of refrigerant circulating within the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module receives, from a secondary monitoring module, a second current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an outdoor unit of the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module transmits data to a remote server to assess whether a failure has occurred or is likely to occur in the components of the HVAC system. The data is based on the current signals and the refrigerant temperature signals.
US09551502B2
Disclosed herein is a hybrid ventilation apparatus capable of both natural and forced ventilation. In the case of a natural ventilation mode, a worm gear is rotated in a normal direction by drive force of a drive unit under control of a control unit so that a pressing member engages with a rotation guide protrusion and rotates a damper, thus opening a flow passage, and then the worm gear is reversely rotated by drive force of the drive unit to return the pressing member to its original position, thus allowing a user to rotate a roller upwards and downwards and rotate the damper so that the degree of opening of the flow passage can be adjusted. Thereby, rapid inflow of outdoor air can be blocked, and a cold graft phenomenon, in which the temperature of indoor air rapidly drops, can be prevented.
US09551501B2
An auto changeover mechanism for a thermostat. A heat and cool mode auto changeover with single or crossed setpoints may be an approach for doing a single setpoint auto changeover, an approach that can handle auto changeover with separate heat and cool setpoints that do not require the cool setpoint to always be higher than the heat setpoint, and also an approach that does not necessarily require a dead band between the setpoints. A hysteresis may be associated with switching to the other mode. The thermostat having the auto changeover mechanism may have a display of a mode that automatically changes between heat and cool.
US09551494B2
The present invention provides an oven appliance with a bracket for attaching a component such as a fan motor to the oven appliance. One or more features are provided for minimizing the transfer of heat from the oven appliance, through the bracket, to the component. In certain embodiments, a bracket having a plurality of bracket attachment elements, a plurality of motor attachment elements, and a plurality of slots is configured to define a nonlinear path for the transfer of heat from the oven appliance to the fan motor.
US09551490B2
A system for cooling a fuel injector extending into a combustion gas flow field includes a liner that defines a combustion gas flow path within a combustor and a fuel injector that extends through the liner. The fuel injector includes a main body having an annular first portion that extends outward from the liner and a second portion that extends from the first portion inward into the combustion gas flow path. The main body defines a cooling channel that is fully circumscribed within the main body and that extends between the first portion and the second portion. A cooling air inlet is defined within the annular first portion and is in fluid communication with the cooling channel. A cooling air outlet is in fluid communication with the cooling channel and is defined within the second portion downstream from the cooling air inlet.
US09551487B2
Systems, methods, and apparatuses may involve a burner configured to burn gas to produce burned gas and output radiant heat. A gas valve controlled by the system can regulate the flow of gas to the burner. A heat exchanger associated with a thermal cycle can be used to heat a working fluid of the thermal cycle. The heat exchanger positioned out of a convective heat flow from the burner. A heat valve between the burner and the heat exchanger can be selectively adjustable to adjust heat transfer to the heat exchanger.
US09551481B1
A sensing lamp comprises a light body and a sensing module. The light body has a light source. The sensing module connected to the light body comprises a sensing unit and a cover. The sensing unit has at least one sensor, a control circuit and at least one parameter adjusting element. The sensor and the parameter adjusting element are electrically coupled to the control circuit, and respectively provided to the front-side and the back-side of the sensing unit. The control circuit is disposed in the sensing unit. The sensing unit and the light body are rotatably connected. The sensor of the sensing unit is not covered by the cover when the sensing unit is rotated to a first angle. The parameter adjusting element is not covered by the cover when the sensing unit is rotated to a second angle, thus the user can manipulate the parameter adjusting element.
US09551473B2
A lighting device for a motor vehicle includes a light source for sending out a light beam. The lighting device also includes a lightguide of elongated shape made of a plastic, primarily transparent material for guiding the light beam, while a portion of a mantle of the lightguide forms an exit surface for emergence of rays of light of the light beam, wherein another portion of the mantle of the lightguide opposite the exit surface is at least partly provided with a diffuse means formed by a nontransparent coating or foil pressed against the mantle of the lightguide, or joined to a diffuse means of the plastic primarily nontransparent material in the process of injection molding of the plastic.
US09551463B2
A retrofit LED lighting system with a combination of a directional downlight component and an indirect uplight component is provided. The system comprises light emitting diodes arranged so as to replicate the function of a legacy light source in a transparent or translucent fixture housing. The LED lamp includes upwards facing LEDs emitting light upwards, and a translucent stem covering the uplight LEDs to allow the light from the LEDs to pass through it. Advantageously, the LED lamp with uplight component and a transparent/translucent stem allows the light to be directed upwards and hence, avoids having a sharp cut-off of light appearing in the middle of the reflector fixture and also avoids a lack of uplight shone on the ceiling.
US09551462B2
Methods and systems are provided for producing hydrocarbons from production fluids that have water as an external phase. A method for transporting a hydrocarbon through a pipeline includes injecting water into a production stream at a production center. The production stream includes a hydrocarbon, and the water injection forms a transportation stream that includes a water external phase. The transportation stream is flowed through a transportation line to a surface facility, wherein the transportation line comprises a plurality of static mixers spaced at intervals along the transportation line.
US09551461B2
A method and apparatus for a natural gas filling station comprising a dispenser; a structure covering the dispenser and having a canopy top; at least one tank disposed on the canopy top, the tank having at least one gas therein comprising CNG or LNG; and at least one line between the tank and the dispenser for communicating the gas between the tank and the dispenser.
US09551459B2
Ultraportable support (A, B, B′, C, D, E), comprising at least two feet (2) attached by means of hinges (3) allowing rotation of said feet (2), a locking system (5) of the hinges (3) allowing to maintain the feet (2) into different angular positions, the support further comprises at least two straps (4) whose width is substantially constant over the entire length, each of the straps (4) being attached to the two opposed feet (2) at a location of the foot distant from the hinges (3).
US09551458B2
A pivot bearing unit (18), having a pneumatic braking device (21) with a first and second bearing part (22, 23), which are embodied as rotatable relative to one another, wherein the braking device (21) is activatable by means of compressed air (36) via a compressed air supply line (10). The braking device (21) is provided with a brake hose (1), embedded in a bearing plate (14), in the first bearing part (22), and the brake hose (1) expands as a result of subjection to compressed air (36) with a motion (8) in the direction of a free end (16) and, via an axially movable switching ring (2), exerts a force (17) on at least one brake block (6) of the second bearing part (23), for transmitting a braking moment (15) between the first and second bearing parts (22, 23).
US09551457B2
Disclosed is an apparatus (10) for connection to a flange (52) of a post (50). The flange (52) comprises two or more elongated apertures (54) therethrough which are spaced out along the length of the flange. The apparatus comprises a body (12) from which there extends two sets of projections (14A&B) and (16A&B). Each projection in each set respectively extends from the body to a distal end (18). Each of the sets (14), (16) comprises two projections A&B which extend from the body so as to define a recess R therebetween which is configured to receive the flange (52) therein. The distal ends (18) of the two projections (14) or (16) in a given set are able to locate in adjacency of a respective one of the elongated apertures (54) in the flange. At least one of the distal ends of at least one the projections comprises a passage (20) formed thereat. The passage (20) has a profile configured in a similar manner to that of the flange elongated aperture (54) adjacent to which it can be located in use. A respective pin (32A), (32B) is provided for each of the projections. The pins are connected together by a bridging member (34). When the passage (20) is located in adjacency of a respective flange aperture (54), the pins (32A), (32B) are each able be inserted through a respective passage (20) aligned with a respective aperture (54) to secure the apparatus (10) to the post.
US09551452B1
Systems and method are provided to protect devices from damage due to floodwaters. For example, a system includes a floating platform assembly, an apparatus securely disposed on the floating platform assembly, first and second platform retaining members connected to the floating platform assembly, and first and second vertical support members disposed on opposite sides of the floating platform assembly. Upper ends of the first and second vertical support members are connected to an outer sidewall of a dwelling, and bottom ends of the first and second vertical support members are fixedly secured at ground level. The first and second platform retaining members insertably receive the first and second vertical support members, respectively. The first and second platform retaining members are configured to slide along the respective first and second vertical support members when the floating platform assembly vertically rises and lowers in response to a changing level of floodwater.
US09551448B2
This invention relates to a coupling comprising a male part and a female part (7, 9), each having a ducting system (39) for the transmission of fluid (F) during the use of the coupling (1, 1′, 2), at least a front portion (13) comprising a main valve member (19) designed to prevent the fluid (F) from leaving the ducting system (39) when the coupling (1, 1′, 2) is uncoupled. An operating member (5) is connected to a pilot valve member (41, 63, 63″, 64) for controlling the flow of fluid (F) to and for pressurizing a valve chamber (45, 45″) in which a pressure relief valve member (33, 33′, 35, 35″) is designed to move into a position in which the ducting system (39) is opened or throttled.
US09551427B2
A valve device including a substrate with first and second surfaces positioned on opposing sides, a first groove extending along the first surface with a horseshoe shaped end in a valve area formed on the first surface, a second groove extending along the second surface, a channel fluidically coupled to the second groove and extending from the second surface to the first surface ending at an end in the valve area; a first membrane providing a fluid tight connection with the first surface of the substrate except at the valve area and forming a first channel at the first groove, an area of the end of the first groove is larger than an area of the end of the channel; and a second membrane providing a fluid tight connection with the second surface of the substrate forming a second channel at the second groove.
US09551424B2
A method for cleaning the seat of a double seat valve, the double set valve having a deflection surface bordering the remaining area of a recess not delimiting a circumferential wall and opening out from the latter at a front and radially inside end of a second closing member facing a first closing member. The method rinses the seating when closing members are opened and generates a seat cleaning flow and urges a first cleaning flow through a deflection surface.
US09551421B2
Object: To provide a sliding member with a low friction coefficient in which, when fine dents are formed in a surface of the sliding member by dimpling using a laser, no hard raised portions are generated, and which does not damage a mating member; and to provide a process for producing the sliding member.Solution Means: A sliding member comprising a polyamide resin and 10 to 50 wt % of a fibrous filler selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and whiskers, and having fine dents formed in a sliding surface thereof by dimpling using a laser; and a process for producing a sliding member comprising adding 10 to 50 wt % of a fibrous filler selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and whiskers to a polyamide resin, and forming fine dents in a sliding surface of the sliding member by dimpling using a laser.
US09551420B2
A sealing ring (10) includes in a diametrical cross-section a body section (12), angularly spaced sealing legs (16) and (18) that extend from the body section (12) and angularly spaced sealing legs (22) and (24) that also extend from the body section (12). Each sealing leg (16, 18, 22, 24) extends to a beveled end (28, 30, 32, 34), respectively. Beveled ends (28, 30, 32, 34) form a seal with a surface when sealing ring (10) is subjected to compressive forces. Sealing legs (16) and (24) are coplanar. Sealing legs (18) and (22) are coplanar. A first centering leg (40) extends from the body section (12) and is between sealing legs (16) and (22). A second centering leg (44) extends from the body section (12) and is between sealing legs (18) and (24). The first and second centering legs (40) and (44) are coplanar.
US09551396B2
Provided is a vibration damping device having a novel structure and that can have a greatly increased load strength resistance without a concomitant increase in the number of components or size at a stopper mechanism. The structure is such that first and second stopper portions having a hanging plate part and a dip part are provided to a pair of opposing sides of a stopper plate of a vibration damping device, whereas a pair of side plate portions extending between the first and second stopper portions are provided to the other pair of opposing sides of the stopper plate, and openings at both sides of the first and second stopper portions are closed by the pair of side plate portions.
US09551391B2
A brake calliper has two arms, where each arm includes a housing and a stub. A member for guiding a disc brake pad is disposed in the housing, and is secured by lugs to a front of the stub. The member includes a body having a U-shaped section formed by an inner radial surface, a base, and an outer radial surface. An inner side of the body is bordered by an inner supporting surface located on an inner surface of the arms, and an outer supporting surface of the body is disposed against a front of the stud. The out supporting surface extends into a supporting surface toward the front of the stud. The body further includes a locking tongue that extends beyond an edge of the body, and is configured to be hooked in the housing.
US09551386B2
A centrifugally triggered brake mechanism is used to halt a rotating assembly. The brake mechanism includes a braking surface, a brake shoe, and a rotating centrifugal trigger. Upon attaining a selected rotational speed the trigger releases the brake pad to engage the drum. The mechanism may be useful for instance in providing backup overspeed protection for wind turbines.
US09551385B2
A mixer drum driving device includes a mixer drum, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, an auxiliary hydraulic pump for rotating the mixer drum for mixing by supplying pressure oil to the hydraulic motor independently of the hydraulic pump, and a direct-current brush motor for driving and rotating the auxiliary hydraulic pump. The auxiliary hydraulic pump is driven and rotated by the direct-current brush motor when the engine stops during the rotation of the mixer drum for mixing.
US09551384B2
A clutch management system has a ramp actuator, an inner plate housing, an outer plate housing, and a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly may have a motor, a ratio adaptor, a primary sun gear, a secondary sun gear, a primary planet carrier and a secondary planet carrier. The primary sun gear is in contact with the ratio adaptor and primary planet gears. The primary planet gears are in contact with a ring gear. The primary planet carrier forms part of the ramp actuator. The second sun gear is connected to a housing and a secondary planet gears. The secondary planet gears are also in contact with the ring gear. A secondary planet carrier is connected. to the first plate of the ramp actuator.
US09551375B2
The radial foil bearing includes: a top foil; an intermediate foil; a back foil; and a bearing housing accommodating the top foil, the intermediate foil and the back foil. The top foil is formed by winding a rectangular metal foil which includes a first uneven portion and a second uneven portion, into a cylindrical shape so as to overlap the first and second uneven portions with each other, wherein the first uneven portion is composed of a projecting portion and a depressed portion formed on one edge of the metal foil, and the second uneven portion is composed of a depressed portion, and a projecting portion formed on another edge of the metal foil. The projecting portions of the first and second uneven portions pulled out near the bearing housing engage with engagement grooves of the hearing housing.
US09551371B2
A screw plate panel arrangement for the connection of articles, such as hinges, to a moveable panel. The screw plate is connected to the panel in a single one step molding process that mechanically fastens and imbeds the screw plate into the finished panel.
US09551367B1
Provided is an improved structure of a back clip of a tool box. The tool box induces a main body and a back clip. The main body has a back side in which two slide channels are formed. The back side of the main body is also provided with a spring plate. The back clip has opposite side edges each forming a wing section. The two wing sections are receivable and engageable with the slide channels of the back side of the main body for sliding in a vertical direction. The back clip includes a hanging hole and a retention slot formed therein. With such a structural arrangement, a tool box that is carryable and usable in a hung or attached form is provided.
US09551364B2
A hydraulic fluid power cylinder assembly 10 includes a cylinder chamber 14, a piston 15, a piston rod 19 and an end cap 21. End cap 21 includes a drift stop chamber 24 and a drift stop blocking surface 25. Chamber 24 is in open fluid pressure communication with chamber 14 under all conditions. Piston 15 includes a piston body portion 16 and a drift stop body portion 29. Drift stop body portion 29 includes a drift stop blocking member 31 and a positioning surface 34 for preventing the blocking member 31 from contacting the walls of cavity 24 and cylinder chamber 14 when disengaged from blocking surface 25. In one position drift stop body portion 29 is received within drift stop cavity 24, and blocking member 31 engages blocking surface 25 to prevent unintended movement of piston 15.
US09551358B2
An air moving unit, an HVAC system and an enclosed plug fan unit are disclosed. In one embodiment, the air moving unit includes: (1) a plug fan with a blower wheel and (2) a circulation enclosure. The circulation enclosure includes: (2A) a back side and (2B) a front side having an inlet orifice corresponding to an intake area of the plug fan, the front side coupled to top, left and right sides that extend therefrom to the back side to form the circulation enclosure, wherein the blower wheel is located within the circulation enclosure and the plug fan is mechanically coupled to at least one side thereof.
US09551357B2
The invention relates to an oil management system for a compressor in a refrigeration system comprising: an oil temperature sensor; a heater arranged to heat oil in a crank case of the compressor; and a controller operatively associated with the temperature sensor and the heater, the controller arranged to control operation of the heater on the basis of ambient air temperature and oil temperature to maintain the oil temperature within a range Tmax≧R≧Tmin where Tmax>Tmin.
US09551343B2
A fluid pump assembly is provided. The pump has a pair of units magnetically coupled to each other. The first unit contains a drive motor and a magnetic assembly. The second unit contains a magnetic assembly and a blade of a propeller/impeller for imparting movement to a fluid. As the first unit is activated by the drive motor, a magnetic flux is created which in turn rotates the magnetic assembly in the second unit, driving the blade.
US09551341B2
A scroll type fluid machine, for improving a dimensional accuracy with easy working, includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll arranged so as to oppose to the fixed scroll and executing an orbiting motion, a driving shaft driving the orbiting scroll, an eccentric shaft decentered from the driving shaft and connected to the orbiting scroll, and an eccentric bush connecting the driving shaft and the eccentric shaft to each other, in which the eccentric bush includes a main hole into which the driving shaft is fitted and an eccentric hole into which the eccentric shaft is fitted, and the eccentric hole is decentered with respect to the main hole.
US09551338B2
A pump for use in low-profile applications comprises a barrel for holding fluid; and a piston that converts a rotational driving force into a longitudinal driving motion within the barrel. The pump provides space saving advantages by reducing the need for external equipment and mechanisms around the pump for providing actuation or moving the actuating mechanism.
US09551332B2
An assembly for flushing a dispenser that internally mixes a first composition and a second composition; dispensers including said assemblies are also provided.
US09551328B2
A fuel supply system for a vehicle uses a seal-less piston LPG injunction pump which pumps fluid from a storage tank to an engine. The pump uses the vehicle's pneumatic air system, wherein the pressurized air of this system alternatingly drives an actuator magnetically coupled to a piston.
US09551326B2
An apparatus for routing cables in wind turbines has a plurality of bushings (17) for cables distributed on at least one base body (3, 5) that has a preferably round contour. The bushings (17) are provided with a guiding arrangement (27; 38; 39, 41; 43; 48) permitting the cables to move relative to the part of the bushing (17) that surrounds the guiding arrangement.
US09551317B2
A wind turbine blade for a wind turbine is a shell structure of a fiber-reinforced composite and comprises a root region and an airfoil region. The root region has a ring-shaped cross section and comprises a plurality of elongated bushings 7 with an inner thread 22 and embedded interspaced in the fiber-reinforced polymer so as to substantially follow the circumference of the root region and allow access from the outside to the inner threads. Each fastening member 7 is provided with a notch 60′ in the periphery 11 thereof. A rod-shaped locking element 61 passes through the notch 60′ in engagement therewith. The locking element 61 is fixedly and tightly fitting arranged in a through-going circular bore 65 extending through the wall of the root region.
US09551312B2
Methods and apparatuses for voltage dip stabilization in a motor vehicle are described herein. The apparatus of one embodiment includes a first connection for connecting the apparatus to an energy source, in particular to a vehicle battery and a second connection for connecting the apparatus to a starting apparatus of a motor vehicle. The apparatus also includes a current-limiting module for limiting a starter current, a control unit for driving the current-limiting module, and at least one starting process detector, which is connected to the control unit, for identifying a starting process. The control unit, on the basis of a starting process signal from the starting process detector, prompts the current-limiting module to carry out a starter current-limiting measure.
US09551300B2
A temperature regulation system for a vehicle includes a drive system configured to be coupled to an engine of the vehicle. The drive system is configured to convert power produced by the engine into electrical power for use by at least one traction motor of the vehicle. The system further includes a control unit for controlling the engine and drive system. The control unit is configured to automatically regulate a temperature of a vehicle component in dependence upon a detected reference temperature.
US09551298B2
A nacelle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a forward nacelle portion having an aft edge and defining a bypass duct that transports bypass airflow of the turbofan engine, a translatable sleeve that is translatable aft of the forward nacelle portion, and a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) airfoil that is movable between a stowed position, a VAFN flow position, and a thrust reverse position. Blocker doors for the thrust position are integrated into the VAFN airfoil.
US09551297B2
Reducing jet noise by weakening Mach cones in a jet exhaust gas streamtube. The Mach cones are weakened by modifying exhaust gas flow in a longitudinal axial core of the exhaust gas streamtube.
US09551296B2
A thrust vectoring system is created with a convergent-divergent nozzle having a total angle no greater than 150 degrees. A divergent portion of the nozzle has a wall at a predetermined angle of at least 12° from the freestream direction. A disturbance generator is located on the wall to induce flow separation from the wall with the predetermined wall angle sufficient for the induced flow separation to extend upstream from disturbance generator substantially to a throat of the nozzle pressurizing the wall and creating a net vector angle in jet flow through the nozzle.
US09551292B2
Engine systems and associated methods, including systems with semi-isothermal compression devices are disclosed. An engine system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a compressor having a compressor inlet and outlet, a combustor having a combustor inlet coupled to the compressor outlet and further having a combustor outlet, a positive displacement expander having an expander inlet coupled to the combustor outlet, and further having an expander outlet and a work output device. A valve is coupled between the combustor and the expander to regulate a flow of hot combustion products passing from the combustor to the expander, and an exhaust energy recovery device is coupled to the expander outlet to extract energy from the combustion products exiting the expander.
US09551290B2
A fluid injector for a combustion engine includes a central longitudinal axis, an injection valve housing with an injection valve cavity, a valve needle axially movable within the injection valve cavity, and an electromagnetic actuator unit that actuates the valve needle. The electromagnetic actuator unit includes a pole piece fixedly coupled to the injection valve housing and an armature axially movable within the injection valve cavity and operable to displace the valve needle. The pole piece has a first contact surface and the armature has a second contact surface which are directed opposite each other, wherein one of the two contact surfaces is designed to have a contact angle of less than 90° with a given fluid, and wherein the other of the two contact surfaces is designed to have a contact angle of at least 90° with the given fluid.
US09551288B2
Methods and systems are provided for reducing late burn induced cylinder pre-ignition events. Forced entry of residuals from a late burning cylinder into a neighboring cylinder may be detected based on engine block vibrations sensed in a window during an open exhaust valve of the late burning cylinder. In response to the entry of residuals, a pre-ignition mitigating action, such as fuel enrichment or deactivation, is performed in the neighboring cylinder.
US09551284B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling an engine of construction equipment, the apparatus including: a lever for generating a first signal when a state of the construction equipment is switched to an operation state or a neutral state; and an auto idle switch for generating a second signal when an auto engine idle mode is on; in which when a state of the lever is switched to a neutral state in an on state of the second signal, an engine speed is reduced to a step engine speed, when a first speed reducing step is maintained for a predetermined time, the engine speed is further reduced to an idle engine speed, and when a state of the lever is switched to an operation state while the second speed reducing step is maintained, the engine speed returned to the step engine speed.
US09551282B2
The present application provides a media pad for cooling an inlet air flow to a compressor of a gas turbine engine. The media pad may include a first media sheet with a chevron corrugated surface having a first mist eliminator and a second media sheet with a wavy corrugated surface having a second mist eliminator.
US09551277B2
A method and system for cost effectively converting a feedstock using thermal plasma, or other styles of gassifiers, into to a feedwater energy transfer system. The feedstock can be any organic material, or fossil fuel. The energy transferred in the feedwater is converted into steam which is then injected into the low turbine of a combined cycle power plant. Heat is extracted from gas product issued by a gassifier and delivered to a power plant via its feedwater system. The gassifier is a plasma gassifier and the gas product is syngas. In a further embodiment, prior to performing the step of extracting heat energy, there is provided the further step of combusting the syngas in an afterburner. An air flow, and/or EGR flow is provided to the afterburner at a rate that is varied in response to an operating characteristic of the afterburner. The air flow to the afterburner is heated.
US09551275B2
A cooling system is provided for an engine. The cooling system may have an air cooler configured to cool intake air being supplied to the engine. The cooling system may also have a sensor configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the intake air and a fan in proximity to the air cooler. The cooling system may further have a controller in communication with the sensor and the fan. The controller may be configured to cause the fan to operate at a speed that is a function of the temperature signal when the temperature of the intake air is above a threshold temperature. The controller may further be configured to selectively cause the fan to pulse when the temperature of the intake air drops below the threshold temperature.
US09551274B2
A heat exchanger for cooling of charge air for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is provided. The heat exchanger has a preliminary stage, a main stage, and a compensating component. The preliminary stage has at least one preliminary stage fixed bearing base and a preliminary stage floating bearing base. The main stage has at least one main stage fixed bearing base and a main stage floating bearing base. In a heat transfer region of the main stage, at least one main stage channel for a main stage coolant is disposed. The compensating component is configured to compensate a position difference between corresponding components of the preliminary stage and the main stage, whereby the position difference is based on a thermally induced elongation difference between the at least one preliminary stage channel and the at least one main stage channel.
US09551265B2
A muffler (101) for a vehicle, the muffler (101) having at least one first crumple feature (105) and at least one second crumple feature (107), the first and the second crumple features (105, 107) being configured to absorb the energy of an impact load to the muffler (101). The first crumple feature (105) is configured to deform at a first level of impact loading and the second crumple feature (107) is configured to deform at a second level of impact loading.
US09551261B2
An object is to suppress the occurrence of a failure in supply of urea water as much as possible in filling control of urea water in a pump share-type urea water supply system with two supply valves. In the pump share-type urea water supply system with a first supply valve and a second supply valve, a urea water tank is connected with the respective supply valves by a urea water supply path. The urea water supply path includes a first supply path for the first supply valve and a second supply path for the second supply valve. The second supply path has a larger capacity than the capacity of the first supply path by a predetermined volume. Filling control of urea water pressure-feeds urea water to the first supply valve and the first supply path by a pump operated in a specified operating state in a state that at least the first supply valve out of the first and second supply valves is opened, and closes the first supply valve based on a pressure value or a pressure variation per unit time obtained by an acquirer.
US09551258B2
A control apparatus is disclosed for optimizing the regeneration of an aftertreatment device located in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The control apparatus includes an Electronic Control Unit configured to collect data from a GPS device associated to the vehicle, determine a time period for starting a regeneration of the aftertreatment device on the basis of data collected by the GPS device, and initiate the a regeneration of the aftertreatment device within the time period.
US09551255B2
A system for mixing ammonia (reductant) with engine exhaust includes an exhaust flow created by a vehicle engine, an ammonia feed line passing into the exhaust flow, an injector connected to the feed line and positioned within the exhaust flow, the injector having at least one port for discharging ammonia into the exhaust flow, and a mixing plate positioned within the exhaust flow downstream of the ammonia injector and stabilizing at least one of either the feed line and the injector. An aspect of the invention is to stabilize the injector by attaching the mixing plate to the feed line to provide such stability. Alternatively or additionally, the mixing plate is attached to the injector to stabilize. The feed line may even pass through the mixing plate.
US09551254B2
A silencer and catalytic converter apparatus includes a housing and a frame assembly arranged in the housing. The frame assembly may receive at least one catalyst panel and support the catalyst panel to occupy an area of a flow passage between upstream and downstream chamber sections of the housing. A blocking panel may be supported by the frame assembly to obstruct a remaining area of the flow passage so that fluid flowing between the upstream and downstream chamber sections is directed to flow through the catalyst panel. The blocking panel may be adjustable to accommodate catalyst panels of different sizes.
US09551252B2
A system for purifying an exhaust gas includes an engine, a lean NOx trap (LNT) mounted on the exhaust pipe, a dosing module mounted at the exhaust pipe downstream of the LNT, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe downstream of the dosing module, and a controller for performing a denitrification (DeNOx) share between the LNT and the SCR catalyst according to a driving condition of the engine, wherein the controller predicts a NOx purifying ratio of the SCR catalyst according to the driving condition of the engine and adjusts a regeneration efficiency of the LNT based on an actual NOx purifying ratio of the SCR catalyst.
US09551248B2
An apparatus for mitigating fouling within a heat exchanger device includes an internal combustion engine and an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) circuit. The internal combustion engine is fluidly coupled to an intake gas manifold upstream of the engine and an exhaust gas manifold downstream of the engine. The EGR circuit is fluidly coupled to the exhaust gas manifold at a first end and is configured to selectively route back exhaust gas flow as EGR flow into the intake gas manifold at a second end. The EGR circuit includes the heat exchanger device for cooling the EGR flow prior to entering the intake manifold and a surface deposit removing device configured to remove surface deposit build-up from within the heat exchanger device when the surface deposit removing device is activated.
US09551244B2
A cam phaser (10) dynamically adjusts a rotational relationship of a camshaft (24) of an internal combustion engine with respect to an engine crankshaft (34). A cam sprocket (20) can be driven by an endless loop power transmission member connected to a drive sprocket (36) mounted for rotation with the engine 5 crankshaft (34). The cam phaser (10) can include a planetary gear drive train (12) having a centrally located sun gear (14) connected for rotation with the cam sprocket (20), a ring gear (18) connected for rotation with the camshaft (24), and a plurality of planet gears (16a, 16b) supported by a carrier (22) in meshing engagement between the sun gear (14) and the ring gear (18). A phase adjustment gear (26) can be 10 connected for rotation with the carrier (22). The sun gear (14) can drive the planet gears (16a, 16b) in rotation thereby causing the ring gear (18) to be driven in rotation. Rotational movement the phase adjustment gear (26) can adjustably vary a cam phase position of the camshaft (24) relative to the crankshaft (34).
US09551240B2
A system of recycling exhaust heat from an internal combustion engine may include an EGR line circulating a portion of exhaust gas generated from the engine to an intake side, a working fluid circulating line configured to have a working fluid satisfying a Rankine cycle, which is circulated therein, and an EGR side heat exchanging unit configured to perform a heat-exchange between an EGR gas flowing in the EGR line and the working fluid flowing in the working fluid circulating line. When a temperature of the EGR gas is equal to or greater than a reference temperature T1, the EGR gas is circulated to the intake side via the EGR side heat exchanging unit, and when the temperature of the EGR gas is less than the reference temperature T1, the EGR gas is circulated to the intake side without passing through the EGR side heat exchanging unit.
US09551231B2
Disclosed is a blade element of a turbomachine, in particular of a gas turbine, which comprises a fastening element (10) with which the blade element is arranged in a receptacle (11) of the turbomachine. In the region of the fastening element, the blade element has a core region (18) and an envelope region (19) which at least partially envelops the core region. The core region is formed from a blade base material which is more brittle than the envelope material of the envelope region, and the envelope region is formed by a coating. The envelope material is a blade base material which has been modified to achieve a higher ductility or is a pseudoelastic or superelastic material.
US09551229B2
A turbine airfoil usable in a turbine engine and having at least one cooling system with an efficient trip strip is disclosed At least a portion of the cooling system may include one or more cooling channels having one or more trip strips protruding from an inner surface forming the cooling channel. The trip strip may have improved operating characteristics including enhanced heat transfer capabilities and a substantial reduction in pressure drop typically associated with conventional trip strips In at least one embodiment, the trip strip may have a cross-sectional area with a first section of an upstream surface of the trip strip being positioned nonparallel and nonorthogonal to a surface forming the cooling system channel extending upstream from the at least one trip strip and a concave shaped downstream surface of the at least one trip strip that enables separated flow to reattach to the cooling fluid flow.
US09551215B2
An apparatus and system for passively sampling production fluid from a well is presented. The passive sampling device is used to split two-phase flow and provide a driving pressure differential for a sampling system. Flow through sampling systems require a low pressure differential to be utilized to take a liquid sample, so that the sample retained remains isobaric. When performed in two-phase flow, the pressure differential needs to be relatively high, potentially yielding a non-isobaric sample. By separating out the liquid content of the flow, a low driving pressure is allowed to be used. Thus, this keeps the sample isobaric at a wide range of production flow rates.
US09551205B2
The present invention relates generally to a modular locking and retaining mechanical design solution to reliably secure immersed, unrestrained and un-powered objects in a fluid environment to a fixed support surface such as a mounting frame or panel, with a quick connect/disconnect engagement method by a diver (i.e. manual mate) or remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) mate, into a fixed mounting frame or panel installed at a subsea deployed platform for oil and gas offshore applications.
US09551202B2
A sampling assembly has an inner expandable packer, and an outer layer formed by rings may be disposed about and/or may be positioned on the outer surface of the inner expandable packer member. Drains may be positioned between the rings and may be located under ports positioned between the rings. Flowlines may be connected to the drains, may be positioned in the rings and may extend through the rings. For each of the ports, a plate may be positioned between the port and the laterally adjacent port. The flowlines may be connected to a downstream component, such as a fluid analysis module, a fluid containment module and/or the like.
US09551196B2
The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods useable during well drilling operation. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a drilling rig incorporating a dual top drive apparatus useable for decreasing connection time of pipe segments useable during well drilling or other well operations, and methods of connecting pipe segments useable during well drilling or other operations.
US09551195B1
A rig with a tong assembly for manipulating tubulars can include a tong arm assembly for makeup and breakout of tubulars that has a floating jaw or non-moving jaw, a breakup arm, and a hydraulic control assembly. The tong assembly can include a remote control for remotely controlling operation of the tong assembly for improved safety.
US09551193B2
In a drill pipe handling apparatus, a pipe gripping mechanism comprises three pipe-gripping jaws arranged to grip a pipe at locations adjacent the apices of a triangle containing the axis of the pipe. A first pipe gripping jaw is connectible to a first pivoted arm at any selected one of a set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the first arm and connected to the first arm at one of those plural distances, and a second jaw is connectible to the second arm at any selected one of the same set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the second arm and connected to the second arm at the same one of those plural distances at which the first jaw is connected to the first arm. Because the same first and second jaws are connectible to the arms at plural distances from the pivot axes, the same jaws can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters.
US09551190B2
In an excavation tool of the present invention, an embedding hole is drilled in a distal end portion of a tool body which is rotated about an axis line O and is moved forward to a distal end side in a direction of the axis line O. In the embedding hole, an excavation tip in which an embedding portion having an outer cylindrical shape is formed integrally with a cutting edge portion inserts the embedding portion into the embedding hole and causes the cutting edge portion to protrude from the embedding hole. In this manner, the excavation tip is rotatable around a central axis C of the embedding portion during excavation, and is attached thereto by being locked so as not to slip toward a distal end side of the embedding portion 6 in a direction of the central axis C.
US09551184B2
A tool for engaging a roof includes a peak engagement member for engaging a first surface of the roof, and an operator climbing member including an elongated central body and a plurality of spaced apart step handles mounted on the central body. The operator climbing member is configured for engaging the second surface of the roof and is operatively connected to the peak engagement member.
US09551179B2
An emergency exit arrangement for a vehicle and or a building comprising of a plurality of spring pressured stud assembly having a plurality of locking pin in the upper region connected correspondingly to a plurality of rope which is connected to a first pulling device; a plurality of locking pin in the lower region connected correspondingly to a plurality of rope which is connected to a second pulling device. Sequential pulling of the first and the second pulling device ejects out the aperture cover. The pulling devices are electrical, operated by pressing a button; or through temperature sensor, impact sensor, pressure sensor, smoke sensor and or a combination thereof. The pulling devices are alternatively rotatable knobs. The aperture cover is easily mountable.
US09551176B2
A door hinge for an automobile includes a first bracket fixed to a body, a second bracket fixed to a door, and a hinge pin, the first bracket including a base plate portion having a bolt hole, a pair of arm plate portions standing up from upper and lower edges of one end part, on the door side, of the base plate portion and supporting the hinge pin, and a pair of rib portions extending from the arm plate portion and standing up from the upper and lower edges of the base plate portion so as to oppose each other with the bolt hole interposed therebetween, wherein opposite end parts, perpendicular to the extending direction of the rib portion, of the base plate portion are open, and the rib portion is formed so as to have a thickness larger than a thickness of the arm plate portion.
US09551162B2
A method for treating a swimming pool, including introducing Mg2+ to a level from 60 ppm to 300 ppm to the swimming pool by addition of a soluble magnesium compound to the swimming pool, or Mg2+ to a level from 60 ppm to 1000 ppm by addition of a magnesium halide in addition to a further soluble magnesium compound.
US09551154B1
A building-mounted awning. The awning includes a support frame, and a covering provided over the support frame to act as shelter from precipitation, or act as a shade from the sun. The support frame is attached to the building at only one location along a width of the support frame.
US09551152B2
In an embodiment, a method includes applying a liquid plural component polymer to a sloped roof to form a protective surface that inhibits moisture seepage to the roof sheathing. In some embodiments, the plural component polymer may be a polyurea compound having a hardening time that is less than approximately 10 minutes. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be aerated prior to application to the roof substrate. In some embodiments, one or more polystyrene panels may be affixed to the sloped roof prior to application of the liquid plural component polymer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09551141B2
A seal and protection system and method for use with a drain body to protect components of the drain body from damage during construction and eliminate trip hazards to a user created by an opening of the drain body is provided. The system also permits the user to test the drain body for leaks. The system includes a gasket coupled to the drain body opening, and a circular cover coupled to the gasket and having a beveled outer edge, a top face and a bottom face, the bottom face having a plurality of inner ribs disposed thereon and radially spaced apart such that each inner rib of the plurality of inner ribs is equidistant from each adjacent inner rib. The beveled outer edge of the cover conforms to contours of the drain body and extends to enclose the opening of the drain body, thereby sealing and protecting the drain body.
US09551139B2
A urine splash guard for a toilet bowl has a first splash guard member having an intermediate section interconnecting dual, forwardly extending arm sections, the sections being connected by fold joints, and a second splash guard member which is permanently connected to the arm sections. The second splash guard member is connected to the intermediate section by a fold joint and is fixedly attached to the underside of the toilet bowl seat. When the toilet bowl seat overlays the toilet bowl rim, the splash guard is compacted into a flat orientation on the toilet bowl rim. When the toilet bowl seat is raised and lifted, the various sections of the splash guard are rotated upward, to a vertical orientation, thereby covering the vulnerable areas of the toilet bowl rim and toilet bowl seat during urination.
US09551138B2
A connector is provided for connecting a bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe. The connector has an inlet end to receive the tailpipe and an outlet end that is mountable to the drain pipe, and has a passage extending therebetween. A seal extends about the passage for slidably engaging the tailpipe in a fluid sealing manner.
US09551133B2
A stroke operation calibration control device for a hydraulic cylinder includes: movable portions; hydraulic cylinders; a stroke sensor measuring a stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder; a reset sensor measuring a reset reference point at which a measurement value of the stroke length obtained by the stroke sensor is reset; a stroke end detection process unit detecting a stroke end position of the hydraulic cylinder; a calibration process unit calibrating the measurement value of the stroke length upon the detection of the reset reference point and/or the stroke end position; a malfunction detection unit outputting an error when the stroke length is in the predetermined measurement range; and a control unit prohibiting the reset until the stroke length has passed the reset reference point at power input time.
US09551132B2
The present disclosure relates to an automatic transmission control unit for construction machinery and a control method therefor, and when a load pressure detecting unit detecting a load pressure of hydraulic pressure supplied from a main hydraulic pump to an actuator, such as a cylinder and a hydraulic motor, is in an abnormal state, the automatic transmission control unit receives an electronic control pressure signal having little concerns of a breakdown or a malfunction, and automatically changes a travel speed of construction machinery based on the received electronic control pressure signal.
US09551129B2
Work machine control system, work machine, excavator control system, and work machine control method
A control method controlling a work machine including a working unit with a working tool, comprising: obtaining a position of the working unit based on a detected position information item of the work machine and generating a target excavation ground shape information item indicating a target shape of an excavation target of the working unit from an information item of a design face indicating the target shape; and performing an excavation control of restraining the working unit from performing an excavation beyond the target shape based on the target excavation ground shape information item and, when the target excavation ground shape information item is not able to be acquired during the excavation control, continuing the excavation control by storing the target excavation ground shape information item obtained before a time point at which the target excavation ground shape information item is not able to be acquired, for a predetermined time.
US09551124B2
An apparatus, system, and method for repairing or reinforcing a damaged oil containment boom. The apparatus includes two end connectors and a curtain attached between the two end connectors. The end connectors are attached to a damaged, existing boom via a vertically extending slot formed in each of the end connectors. After attachment, a tight seal is formed between the curtain and the damaged boom. The method for reinforcing a boom includes engaging the two end connectors to an existing boom while stretching the curtain over the damaged boom section in an overlapping relationship. Finally, the connectors are locked into place via a lock-pin mechanism. This invention creates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a “patch” to keep out oil contaminants from the protected area. The disclosed invention can be used to repair, patch, or reinforce an existing oil containment boom.
US09551122B1
A fully adjustable system is provided for reducing overheating of engines caused by the blockage of air flow by snow plow blades. One embodiment mountable onto blades of a split V-plow includes two elongated deflectors, two T-shaped mounting brackets, and a U-shaped slide bracket. When the system is assembled, the base plates are slidable in a direction parallel to the blade before the fasteners are tightened, the deflectors are slidable relative to the slide bracket in a direction parallel to the blade before the fasteners are tightened, the deflectors are slidable in a direction perpendicular to the blade before the fasteners are tightened, and the deflectors are angularly rotatable relative to a top lip of the blade.
US09551104B2
A filter device for a washing machine includes a circulation flow path frame on an inner wall of a washing tub, having a first overflow path between the circulation flow path frame and the inner wall of the washing tub; and a filter unit in the circulation flow frame, having a second overflow path between the filter unit and the circulation flow path frame to communicate with the first overflow path. Wash water entering the first overflow path is discharged into the washing tub through a discharge port of the first overflow path and a discharge port of the second overflow path, and the discharge port of the second overflow path is under the discharge port of the first overflow path.
US09551102B2
A laundry treating appliance for treating a load of laundry according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a cabinet and a vessel, such as a tub or drum, suspended within the cabinet. An embossed pattern is provided on at least one wall or panel of the cabinet to complement the outer peripheral shape of the vessel.
US09551100B2
A light source carpet includes a light source and a tufted carpet. The tufted carpet includes a primary backing layer having top and bottom faces. The primary backing layer further includes yarns integrated in the primary backing layer with tufts protruding from the primary backing layer at the top face, where the tufts form a carpet top face. The light source is configured to illuminate the primary backing layer. The intensity of the light at the carpet top face is smaller than the intensity of the light at the top face. The light source is further configured to generate light having a wavelength in the range of 200-400 nm.
US09551098B2
A nonwoven material is composed of a nonwoven batt of a plurality of bundles formed of carbon fibers. At least some of the bundles have a curved progression that includes a curved vertex area of a first curvature between the bundle ends and at least one bundle end area of a second curvature extending from said one bundle end to the vertex. The first curvature is greater than the second curvature, in particular it is greater by at least 50%.
US09551095B2
A knit fabric having a modified knit structure comprising a first layer of jersey knit fabric and a second layer of jersey knit fabric, wherein the first and second layers of jersey knit fabric are joined to each other by a third layer of tuck stitches, and wherein the first and second jersey stitch layers include at least one continuous strand of bare rubber and a plurality of continuous strands selected from the group consisting of continuous strands of bare rubber and continuous strands of non-elastic yarn, and the third layer of tuck stitches are made of continuous strands of non-elastic yarn, knit together into the fabric so as to hold the first and second jersey stitch layers together.
US09551069B2
A reaction apparatus for a semiconductor fabrication apparatus, wherein the reaction apparatus includes at least two adjustable outlet ports for withdrawing reactant gases from the reaction chamber. Adjustment of the flow rate through each of the outlet ports selectively modifies the flow pattern of the reactant gases within the reaction chamber to maintain a desired flow pattern therewithin, such as a substantially uniform flow over the surface of a substrate being processed, and/or minimization of turbulence within the reactor.
US09551063B2
An evaporation apparatus with high utilization efficiency for EL materials and excellent film uniformity is provided. The invention is an evaporation apparatus having a movable evaporation source and a substrate rotating unit, in which the space between an evaporation source holder and a workpiece (substrate) is narrowed to 30 cm or below, preferably 20 cm, more preferably 5 to 15 cm, to improve the utilization efficiency for EL materials. In evaporation, the evaporation source holder is moved in the X-direction or the Y-direction, and the workpiece (substrate) is rotated for deposition. Therefore, film uniformity is improved.
US09551061B2
In systems where insulating deposits form during normal operation, electrodes are configured so the deposits have the effect of creating in-situ triple junctions. These triple junctions enhance low level discharge activity to facilitate localized breakdown of the deposits and maintain electrode conductivity.
US09551048B2
The invention is a process for manufacturing a nano aluminum/alumina metal matrix composite and composition produced therefrom. The process is characterized by providing an aluminum powder having a natural oxide formation layer and an aluminum oxide content between about 0.1 and about 4.5 wt. % and a specific surface area of from about 0.3 and about 5 m2/g, hot working the aluminum powder, and forming a superfine grained matrix aluminum alloy. Simultaneously there is formed in situ a substantially uniform distribution of nano particles of alumina. The alloy has a substantially linear property/temperature profile, such that physical properties such as strength are substantially maintained even at temperatures of 250° C. and above.
US09551046B2
An apparatus and a method for the treatment of a flat steel product, taking place in throughput. The apparatus includes an indirectly heated annealing furnace chamber, a conveyor device for continuously conveying the flat steel product over a conveyor path leading from an entry to an exit of the annealing furnace chamber, and nozzle arrangements for feeding atmosphere gas, which is reactive in relation to the flat steel product, into the annealing furnace chamber. A controlled treatment of the flat steel product includes a first nozzle arrangement, from which a gas jet induces a first gas flow towards the entry of the annealing furnace chamber and sweeping over the surface of flat steel product to be treated. A second nozzle arrangement includes a gas jet which induces a second gas flow directed towards the exit of the annealing furnace chamber and sweeping over the surface of flat steel product.
US09551041B2
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to Fusarium ear mold. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.
US09551040B2
The invention provides a method for determining the presence, species, and/or quantity of Leishmania in a sample.
US09551033B2
The present invention concerns markers of resistance of HER2 expressing tumors to treatment with HER2 inhibitors, such as HER2 antibodies, including trastuzumab.
US09551031B2
Nucleic acid compositions, methods of making and using such compositions that comprise modular functional groups that can be configured to provide desired functionality to different nucleotide types through a swappable and preferably non-covalent linkage component. Such compositions are useful in a variety of applications including nucleic acid analyses.
US09551030B2
An approach to the design of the set of filters which allows for the collection of a larger portion of the optical signal while still distinguishing the presence of the various fluorophores is described. In some embodiments, the filter sets of the invention each block a smaller portion of the spectrum, allowing for a larger portion of the emitted light to be detected. The combined information from the light passing through two or more of the filters is then used to determine the presence of a given fluorophore. The filter sets of the invention can be particularly useful in integrated devices in which the light from a single molecule reaction in a small reaction region is directed to a detector or to a specific portion of a detector.
US09551028B2
Provided are methods for sequencing a nucleic acid with a sequencing enzyme, e.g., a polymerase or exonuclease. The sequencing enzyme can optionally be exchanged with a second sequencing enzyme, which continues the sequencing of the nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a template is fixed to a surface through a template localizing moiety. The template localizing moiety can optionally anneal with the nucleic acid and/or associate with the sequencing enzyme. Also provided are compositions comprising a nucleic acid and a first sequencing enzyme, which can sequence the nucleic acid and optionally exchange with a second sequencing enzyme present in the composition. Compositions in which a template localizing moiety is immobilized on a surface are provided. Also provided are methods for using data from analytical reactions wherein two different enzymes are employed, e.g., at a same or different reaction regions.
US09551018B2
The present invention relates to the production of optically pure secondary amines, which can be used as intermediate products in a synthesis of for instance pharmaceutical products.
US09551012B2
The present invention relates to producing micropropagules from Trichoderma citrinoviride EGE-K-130 mold strain isolated from resources of our country and whose strain is molecularly identified, as a bio-control agent by means of an economical production process.
US09551011B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a lentiviral vector. The methods can be used to express doubles stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, which are capable of down regulating the expression of a target gene through RNA interference. A variety of cells can be treated according to the methods of the invention including embryos, embryogenic stem cells, allowing for the generation of transgenic animals or animals constituted partly by the transduced cells that have a specific gene or a group of genes down regulated.
US09551007B2
The invention relates to a resistance gene and functional homologues or fragments thereof isolated from S. chacoense, S. berthaultii, S. sucrense or S. tarijense. More over, the invention relates to the use of said resistance gene, for example the use of said resistance gene in a method to increase or confer at least partial resistance in a plant to an oomycete infection. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding one of the amino acid sequences of FIG 4 or a functional fragment or a functional homologue thereof such as those presented in FIG. 13.
US09551002B2
Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing transgenic plants. In specific embodiments, transgenic plants comprise a construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding microRNA167 (miR167), or precursor thereof, operably linked to a plant pericycle-specific promote, wherein the miR167 is ectopically overexpressed in the transgenic plants, and wherein the promoter is optionally a constitutive or inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the transgenic plant has an improved agronomic or nutritional characteristic when cultivated in nitrogen-rich conditions as compared to a wild type plant cultivated in the same conditions. Also provided herein are commercial products (e.g., pulp, paper, paper products, or lumber) derived from the transgenic plants (e.g., transgenic trees) produced using the methods provided herein.
US09550999B2
The present invention is related to recombinant host cells comprising: (i) at least one deletion, mutation, and/or substitution in an endogenous gene encoding a polypeptide that converts pyruvate to acetaldehyde, acetyl-phosphate, or acetyl-CoA; and (ii) a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having phosphoketolase activity. The present invention is also related to recombinant host cells further comprising (iii) a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having phosphotransacetylase activity.
US09550992B2
Provided are methods and compositions for modulating the differentiation of a myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC). In particular, described herein are miR-142 polynucleotides and miR-223 polynucleotides that can be used to modulate differentiation of MDSCs. Increased differentiation of a MDSC population, or cells within an MDSC population, can be achieved by increasing the miR-142 and/or miR-223 polynucleotides in a MDSC.
US09550990B2
Methods are provided for the identification of compounds that selectively modulate epigenetic changes in gene expression. Compounds, compositions, kits or assays devices, and methods are provided for modulating the expression, endogenous levels or the function of small non-coding RNAs cognate to or transcribed by heterochromatic regions subject to epigenetic regulation (i.e., promoters, enhancers, centromeres, telomeres, origins of DNA replication, imprinted loci, or loci marked by dosage-compensation), and for modulating the formation or function of heterochromatin in cells, tissues or animals.
US09550984B2
Novel fungal endoglucanases Cel5 and Cel12 are disclosed. The endoglucanases are conveniently produced by recombinant technology, and means for their production are described. The endoglucanases are used for treating cellulosic material, especially in textile industry, e.g. in biofinishing or biostoning. They may also be used in detergents, in animal feed and/or in pulp and paper industry, or in hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material for, e.g. bioethanol production.
US09550967B2
The present invention relates, in part, to cleaning methods and solvent cleaning compositions including at least one hydrofluoro-olefin or hydrochlorofluoro-olefin solvent for use in connection with cleaning of metal parts, and in certain preferred embodiments cleaning metal parts to be used in an aircraft.
US09550961B2
The present invention provides a lipase powder composition which comprises a filter aid(s) and a product obtained by pulverizing a Thermomyces sp.-derived lipase immobilized to a silica carrier(s) into the average particle diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 300 μm. This lipase powder composition improves the lipase activity and operability and, therefore, can be suitably used in the methods for exchanging esters of fats and oils and for esterification.
US09550952B2
A method for reducing aqueous phase separation of an emulsion comprising ethanol-based fuel and a lubricating oil comprising molybdenum ester amide complex, comprising the step of adding to the lubricating oil a dispersant polyalkyl (meth) acrylate (DPMA) in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight of the lubricating oil, such that the weight ratio of molybdenum to DPMA is about 2.05 or less.
US09550942B2
The present invention relates to nematic liquid-crystal media of negative dielectric anisotropy which have a peak time (tmax.) of 0.25 ms or less, which is determined as described in the disclosure, and which preferably have a value of the quotient of the peak time and the square of the birefringence (tmax/Δn2) of 22 ms or less, and to the use of these liquid-crystal media in liquid-crystal displays, and to these liquid-crystal displays.
US09550940B2
An etching material including at least one boron compound selected from a Lewis acid that includes, in its structure, boron and a halogen that is bonded to the boron, a salt of the Lewis acid and a compound that generates the Lewis acid.
US09550939B2
[Problem to be Solved]Provided is a red emitting fluorescent material, which has a large excitation band and which is capable of efficiently emitting red fluorescence when excited by light emitted from an ultraviolet light emitting device and a blue light emitting device serving as an excitation source, in particular, even by use of an ultraviolet LED having an emission peak at near 390 nm to 400 nm, and which is capable of emitting red fluorescence when excited not only by ultraviolet and blue light from an ultraviolet light emitting device and a blue light emitting device but also by fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent material upon receipt these light beams, thereby emitting high brightness red light, and then, provided is a white light emitting device capable of emitting white light having excellent color reproducing and rendering properties.[Solution]The red emitting nitride fluorescent material of the present invention is represented by Formula (1): Sr1-xAlSi4N7:Eux (1) where x is a numerical value of greater than 0 to less than 1.
US09550936B2
A process for increasing mobility of heavy oil includes: disposing a solvating composition comprising a paraffinic solvent and a multifunctional solvent in a heavy oil environment including a heavy oil, the heavy oil comprising asphaltene; contacting the heavy oil with the solvating composition; and stabilizing asphaltene in the heavy oil with the solvating composition to increase mobility of the heavy oil and to form a stabilized heavy oil which includes the heavy oil and solvating composition. A method for making stabilized heavy oil includes separating resin from an oil; combining the resin and a paraffinic solvent to form a solvating composition; disposing the solvating composition in a heavy oil environment which includes heavy oil comprising asphaltene; and contacting the asphaltene with the solvating composition to make stabilized heavy oil, wherein the stabilized heavy oil comprises the solvating composition and heavy oil.
US09550928B2
The present invention provides specific alkoxylation products, a process for preparing them, compositions which comprise these alkoxylation products, and the use thereof.
US09550919B2
A substrate, such as, for example, a flap member of a pinch-bottom product bag, and a method of making the same, comprises a hot melt adhesive disposed upon the substrate so as to comprise first horizontally spaced upstanding portions whereby adhesive blocking is effectively eliminated or significantly reduced. A fiberized hot melt adhesive overcoat/overspray may also be disposed atop the hot melt adhesive to further assure the elimination or reduction in the adhesive blocking. The fiberized hot melt adhesive may also be used in conjunction with a conventionally applied hot melt adhesive base or foundation upon the substrate or deposited directly onto the substrate.
US09550917B1
An aqueous polishing slurry having enhanced wettability comprises a detergent blend which includes an anionic alkyl sulfate-based detergent and an alkylbenzene sulfonate detergent together with particulate polishing abrasive.
US09550915B2
A thermosetting powder coating material contains powder particles having a core that has a sea-island structure composed of an island portion containing a surface adjusting agent and a sea portion containing a thermosetting resin and a thermosetting agent, and a resin coating portion that coats a surface of the core.
US09550910B2
This is to provide an aqueous metal surface treatment agent for a lithium ion secondary battery which can improve interlaminar adhesiveness between a metal member and a resin coating layer such as a film or a coated film, and solvent resistance without using trivalent chromium.The aqueous metal surface treatment agent for a lithium ion secondary battery comprises a polyvinyl alcohol resin containing 2 to 15 mol % of a 1,2-diol structural unit represented by the formula (1): Having a degree of saponification of 90 to 99.9 mol % and an average degree of polymerization of 250 to 3000; and a metallic crosslinking agent.
US09550898B2
An inkjet printing method includes the steps of jetting ink dots on a substrate of a plurality- of radiation curable inkjet inks having a viscosity of no more than 50 mPa·s at 25° C. and a shear rate of 90 s−1, the plurality of radiation curable inkjet inks including a) at least one non-polymerizable, non-polymeric bisacylphosphine oxide present in a concentration of no more than 4.0 wt % based on the total weight of radiation curable inkjet ink; b) at least one monomer including at least one vinyl ether group and at least one polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of an acrylate group -and a methacrylate group; and c) at least one polymerizable or polymeric thioxanthone, with the proviso that if the at least one polymerizable or polymeric thioxanthone contains no tertiary amine group that the radiation curable composition further includes at least one tertiary amine co-initiator selected from the group consisting of ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate, a polymerizable co-initiator containing a tertiary amine and a polymeric co-initiator containing a tertiary amine; and (2) fully curing the jetted ink dots using one or more UV LEDs.
US09550897B1
A method and composition of a photo chromic dye suitable to be applied directly to human skin, and which dye is configured to indicate exposure to UV rays. The composition is configured to change color upon exposure to UVA, UVB and/or UVC rays. The composition can be used with other compositions, such as sunscreen, and be applied to human skin prior to application of the sunscreen, or, formulated with the sunscreen such that when the active ingredients of the sunscreen diminish, the photo chromic dye will change color to generate a visual indicator of this condition.
US09550895B2
A thermoplastic composition including a) a1) a thermoplastic resin and a2) a silicon containing rubber and/or b) a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer; and c) a metal (oxy)hydroxide with BET surface area of at least 10 as determined by DIN ISO 9277: 2010.
US09550889B2
The present invention provides truck or bus tires having an excellent balance of fuel economy, rubber strength, and abrasion resistance together with high productivity. The present invention relates to a truck or bus tire, including a cap tread formed from a rubber composition, the rubber composition containing a rubber component including at least one selected from the group consisting of polyisoprene rubbers and polybutadiene rubber, and, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, 10 to 60 parts by mass of a reinforcing filler and 1 to 20 parts by mass of a farnesene resin obtained by polymerizing farnesene.
US09550888B2
A low viscosity filler boron nitride agglomerate particles having a generally spherical shape bound together by an organic binder and to a process for producing a BN powder composition of spherically shaped boron nitride agglomerated particles having a treated surface layer which controls its viscosity.
US09550887B2
A rubber mixture, comprising (A) at least one rubber selected from the group of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPM), chloroprene rubber (CR), chloropolyethylene (CM), chloro-isobutene-isoprene (chlorobutyl) rubber (CIIR), chlorosulfonyl polyethylene (CSM), etylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EAM), alkyl acrylate copolymer (ACM), polyester polyurethan (AU), polyether polyurethane (EU), bromo-isobutene-isoprene (bromobutyl)rubber (BIIR), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (CFM), isobutene-isoprene rubber (butyl rubber, IIR), isobutene rubber (IM), polyisoprene (IR), thermoplastic polyester polyurethane (YAU), thermoplastic polyether polyurethane (YEU), silicone rubber with methyl groups on the polymer chain (MQ), hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR), (B) at least one oxidic filler, and (C) at least one silicon containing azodicarbamide of the general formula I (R1)3-a(R2)aSi—RI—NH—C(O)—N═N—C(O)—NH—RI—Si(R1)3-a(R2)a (I). The rubber mixture is produced by mixing at least one rubber, at least one oxidic filler, and at least one silicon containing azodicarbamide of the general formula I.It may be used for moldings.
US09550876B2
Disclosed is a polylactic acid resin composition having excellent bleed resistance and molecular weight retention ratio. A polylactic acid resin molded body is also disclosed. The polylactic acid resin composition contains a polylactic acid resin (a), a metal hydrate (b) having an alkali metal-containing substance content of not more than 0.2% by mass, and a phosphazene derivative (c). The polylactic acid resin molded body is obtained by molding the polylactic acid resin composition. Specifically, a polylactic acid molded body can be produced by filling a melt of the polylactic acid resin composition into a mold at a temperature in the range from glass transition temperature of said polylactic acid resin (a) to 110° C. and molding the melt therein.
US09550874B2
Provided are: a powdered material for slush molding; and a manufacturing process therefor. The powdered material is less odorous, exhibits excellent powder fluidity, and does not suffer from troubles resulting from the sliding-down or agglomeration of a pigment even when the resin particles have been pigmented on the surfaces thereof. Thus, the powdered material ensures high productivity. The powdered material is a powdered polyurethane urea resin composition which comprises (D) a polyurethane urea resin that has a total content of bimolecular condensate of acetone, bimolecular condensate of methyl ethyl ketone, and bimolecular condensate of methyl isobutyl ketone of 1,000 ppm or less and (N) an additive, wherein the polyurethane urea resin (D) takes the form of thermoplastic polyurethane urea resin particles (P) that have a volume-mean particle diameter of 20 to 500 μm and that have protrusions and recesses on the surfaces. The powdered polyurethane urea resin composition is manufactured by a manufacturing process which includes a step of mixing (A) an isocyanato-terminated urethane prepolymer with (B) an alicyclic diamine and/or an aliphatic diamine in an aqueous medium by stirring to form the resin particles (P).
US09550871B2
Highly porous, lightweight, and sustainable hybrid organic aerogels with ultra-low densities and excellent material properties and methods for preparing them are provided, including, e.g., PVA/CNF/GONS, RF/CNF/GONS, and PVA/CNF/MWCNT. The aerogels are modified to have a super-hydrophobic surface, thus leading to an extremely low swelling ratio and rate of moisture absorption.
US09550870B2
A novel method to develop highly conductive functional materials which can effectively shield various electromagnetic effects (EMEs) and harmful radiations. Metallized nanotube polymer composites (MNPC) are composed of a lightweight polymer matrix, superstrong nanotubes (NT), and functional nanoparticle inclusions. MNPC is prepared by supercritical fluid infusion of various metal precursors (Au, Pt, Fe, and Ni salts), incorporated simultaneously or sequentially, into a solid NT-polymer composite followed by thermal reduction. The infused metal precursor tends to diffuse toward the nanotube surface preferentially as well as the surfaces of the NT-polymer matrix, and is reduced to form nanometer-scale metal particles or metal coatings. The conductivity of the MNPC increases with the metallization, which provides better shielding capabilities against various EMEs and radiations by reflecting and absorbing EM waves more efficiently. Furthermore, the supercritical fluid infusion process aids to improve the toughness of the composite films significantly regardless of the existence of metal.
US09550867B2
In one embodiment, a fine-dispersion compounding apparatus includes a closed container into which solid material is fed; a boiler configured to introduce high-pressure steam into inside of the closed container; a rotating body configured to knead the solid material with liquid medium generated from condensed high-pressure steam by rotating inside the closed container; an open port configured to set internal pressure of the closed container to atmospheric pressure level by releasing a closed state of the closed container; a conveying port configured to convey kneaded mixture of the solid material and liquid medium from inside to outside of the closed container; a mixed dispersion unit configured to disperse the conveyed kneaded mixture and compounding material; a liquid-medium ejection unit configured to eject the liquid medium contained in the kneaded mixture; and an extraction unit configured to extract a composite compound of the compounding material and the solid material.
US09550863B1
The disclosure describes new compositions and methods related to polyaminals and related polymers. The compositions are useful as therapeutic/drug conjugates, self-healing materials, reversible crosslinking materials, degradable hydrogels, protective coatings, and as metal scavenging agents. New atom efficient synthetic schemes are disclosed, which yield previously unobtainable high molecular weight polyaminals.
US09550860B2
The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.
US09550858B2
Disclosed are a hydroxy-capping monomer, its polycarbonate and an article including the same. Disclosed is a capping monomer capable of greatly improving mechanical properties and weather resistance when applied to polycarbonate, and polycarbonate containing the same, being prepared at high economic efficiency and having superior mechanical properties and excellent weather resistance.
US09550851B2
A method for the reversible crosslinking of, for example, adhesives or coating materials, and a composition stable on storage at room temperature for implementing the crosslinking reaction. The reversible crosslinking method allows very rapid crosslinking even at a low first temperature, and undoing of the crosslinks at higher temperatures, thereby recovering thermoplastic processability and, for example, allowing the originally bonded substrates to be parted from one another again easily. A particular aspect is that a plurality of cycles of crosslinking and undoing of the crosslinks are possible with the present system. A feature of the system used for the reversible crosslinking is that it contains two components, A and B, where component A is a compound having at least two protected dithioester functionalities, preferably cyanodithioester functionalities, and component B is a compound having at least two diene functionalities.
US09550844B2
Propylene homopolymer having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) at least 50 g/10 min, a Mw/Mn at least 12.0 and a xylene cold soluble content (XCS) of at least 2.8 wt.-%.
US09550842B2
Provided are an acrylic elastomer superior in adhesiveness to a fluorine-based elastomer, an acrylic elastomer composition containing the same, its laminate, and its crosslinked product and a molded article therefrom. Iodine groups are introduced as crosslinking groups into an acrylic elastomer to an iodine content of 0.1 to 2 mass % with respect to the total mass of the elastomer. In addition, 1 to 7 parts by mass of an organic peroxide and 1 to 5 parts by mass of an onium salt were blended with 100 parts by mass of the acrylic elastomer, to give an acrylic elastomer composition. Further, an acrylic elastomer layer of the acrylic elastomer composition is laminated with a fluorine-based elastomer layer of a fluorine-based elastomer composition mainly containing of a fluorine-based elastomer having iodine groups as crosslinking groups, to give a laminate. The laminate is then crosslinked to give a crosslinked product and a molded article.
US09550841B2
A method of making a catalyst for use in oligomerizing an olefin comprising a chromium-containing compound, a pyrrole-containing compound, a metal alkyl, a halide-containing compound, and optionally a solvent, the method comprising contacting a composition comprising the chromium-containing compound and a composition comprising the metal alkyl, wherein the composition comprising the chromium-containing compound is added to the composition comprising the metal alkyl.
US09550833B2
The present invention relates to immunotherapies that are based on myeloid cell depletion. In particular, the present invention relates to CD33 binding agents for use in such therapies, e.g. in the treatment of myeloid cell malignancies and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
US09550830B2
The invention relates to antibodies that are capable of specifically binding TREM-1 and preventing the activation of TREM-1, a protein expressed on monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils. Such antibodies find utility in the treatment of individuals with an inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
US09550829B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating liver cancer using a Notch signaling inhibitor. Compositions and methods for the treatment of liver cancers are also provided.
US09550818B2
The present invention provides variant VEGF polypeptides which have been altered in their C-terminal heparin binding region to lower their heparin binding affinity. These variants have been found to act as receptor antagonists for VEGF receptors and antagonize angiogenesis. These variants are useful to treat diseases characterized by pathological angiogenesis.
US09550797B2
The present invention relates to a process of preparing a Grignard reagent comprising reacting magnesium particulates in a fluid bed reactor. The present invention further relates to a continuous process comprising fluidizing magnesium particulates in a reactor, forming the Grignard reagent continuously, and reacting the Grignard reagent with a substrate.
US09550796B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09550795B2
Compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds are disclosed, wherein the compounds have the structure of Formula I, as defined in the specification. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of synthesis, and intermediates are also disclosed.
US09550790B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula I (or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof) as defined herein, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their use in manufactures and methods for modulating biological processes including inhibition of kinase activity such as PI-3 kinase.
US09550787B2
The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepines of formula (I) and (II), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (CD), wherein the heterocyclic ring is bicyclic or a compound of formula (III), in which the diazepine ring (B) is fused with a heterocyclic ring (C), wherein the heterocyclic ring is monocyclic. The invention provides cytotoxic dimers of these compounds. The invention also provides conjugates of the monomers and the dimers. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention. The invention further relates to methods of using the compounds or conjugates for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis or treatment of mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions.
US09550772B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the following formula (I) and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, solvates, enantiomers, diastereoisomers thereof, as well as mixtures thereof. The subject matter of the present invention thus also includes the preparation of compounds of formula (I), their uses, in particular in the inhibition of protein kinases which are implicated for example in numerous diseases such as cancers or immune system disorders.
US09550765B2
The present disclosure describes thiazole and pyridine carboxamide derivatives, their compositions and methods of use. The compounds inhibit the activity of the Pim kinases and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of Pim kinases including, e.g., cancer and other diseases.
US09550763B2
The present invention provides novel compounds having a P2X3 and/or P2X2/3 receptor antagonistic effect, e.g. a compound of Formula (I): wherein R2 is a hydrogen atom or the like; ring A is five- to seven-cycloalkane or the like; C is a carbon atom; Q1 and Q2 are carbon atoms or the like; R9a and R9b are carbon atoms or the like; R6 is cycloalkyl or the like; R7 is a group represented by the formula: wherein ring D is benzene or the like; carbon atom a and b are carbon atoms; ring B is an aromatic carbocyclic ring or the like; s and s′ are 0 or the like; R9 and R9′ are halogen or the like, or the like, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
US09550758B2
The invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds of the formula in which all of the variables are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, combinations thereof, and their use as medicaments, particularly for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease or diabetes via inhibition of BACE-1 or BACE-2.
US09550754B2
The present invention relates to 4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives of the formula (I) and physiologically tolerated salts thereof which are GlyT1 inhibitors. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such 4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives, and the use of such 4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives for therapeutic purposes.
US09550751B2
The present application provides processes for making pesticidal compounds and compounds useful both as pesticides and in the making of pesticidal compounds.
US09550745B2
Process for preparing 2,2-difluoroethylamine derivatives, wherein compounds of the general formula (IV) are reduced to the corresponding 2,2-difluoroethylamine derivatives of the general formula (III), where the A radical is as defined in the description:
US09550743B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulphanyl)phenyl]piperazine of formula (I), also known as vortioxetine, salts thereof, and intermediates useful for its synthesis.
US09550723B2
Provided is a positive photoresist composition excellent in terms of heat resistance. A radically curable compound is represented by a general formula (1) below (where R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; m and n each independently represent an integer of 1 to 4; p represents an integer of 0 to 4; X, Y, and Z each independently represent an acryloyloxy group, a methacryloyloxy group, or a hydroxy group, and at least one of X, Y, and Z represents an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group; and t represents 1 or 2).
US09550722B2
Methods and compositions containing a phorbol ester or a derivative of a phorbol ester are provided for the treatment and prevention of stroke and the sequelae of stroke. Additional compositions and methods are provided which employ a phorbol ester or derivative compound in combination with at least one additional agent to yield more effective treatment tools to treat or prevent stroke and the long term effects of stroke in mammalian subjects.
US09550717B2
A method for recovering an anionic fluorinated emulsifier comprises contacting a strongly basic ion exchange resin having an anionic fluorinated emulsifier adsorbed thereon to an aqueous inorganic acid solution and an organic solvent comprising a nitrile group. The anionic fluorinated emulsifier is eluted from the strongly basic ion exchange resin, and a liquid phase comprising an acid of the anionic fluorinated emulsifier is obtained. An acid of the anionic fluorinated emulsifier is recovered from the liquid phase. The strongly basic ion exchange resin and the liquid phase are preferably separated, after the aqueous inorganic acid solution and the organic solvent are contacted to the strongly basic ion exchange resin, and before the acid of the anionic fluorinated emulsifier is recovered from the liquid phase.
US09550714B2
The present invention relates to improved processes for the manufacture of acetic acid. A pump around reactor is used to produce additional heat for the production of steam. The pump around reactor receives a portion of the reaction solution produced by the carbonylation reactor and further reacts that portion with additional carbon monoxide and/or reactants.
US09550712B2
The invention provides a method for preparing a carboxylic acid, which method includes the steps of providing magnesium carboxylate, wherein the carboxylic acid corresponding with the carboxylate has a solubility in water at 20° C. of 80 g/100 g water or less; acidifying the magnesium carboxylate with HCl, thereby obtaining a solution comprising carboxylic acid and magnesium chloride (MgCl2); optionally a concentration step, wherein the solution comprising carboxylic acid and MgCl2 is concentrated; precipitating the carboxylic acid from the solution comprising the carboxylic acid and MgCl2, thereby obtaining a carboxylic acid precipitate and a MgCl2 solution.
US09550687B2
The present invention relates to an improved electrodeionization (EDI) module and apparatus adapted to transfer ions present in a liquid under the influence of an electric field.
US09550682B2
A silica production method comprising reacting a silicate with at least one acid, in which the acid used in at least one of the steps of the production method is a concentrated acid, preferably selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid having a concentration of at least 80% by weight, in particular at least 90% by weight, acetic acid having a concentration of at least 90% by weight, formic acid having a concentration of at least 90% by weight, nitric acid having a concentration of at least 60% by weight, phosphoric acid having a concentration of at least 75% by weight, and hydrochloric acid having a concentration of at least 30% by weight.
US09550680B2
A chemical looping system that contains an oxidizer and a reducer is in fluid communication with a gas purification unit. The gas purification unit has at least one compressor, at least one dryer; and at least one distillation purification system; where the gas purification unit is operative to separate carbon dioxide from other contaminants present in the flue gas stream; and where the gas purification unit is operative to recycle the contaminants to the chemical looping system in the form of a vent gas that provides lift for reactants in the reducer.
US09550669B2
Embodiments related to pressure sensitive structures are described and depicted.
US09550668B1
Integrated MEMS devices for pressure sensing and inertial sensing, methods for fabricating such integrated devices, and methods for fabricating vertically integrated MEMS pressure sensor/inertial sensor devices are provided. In an example, a method for fabricating an integrated device for pressure and inertial sensing includes forming a MEMS pressure sensor on a first side of a semiconductor substrate. The method further includes forming a MEMS inertial sensor on a second side of the semiconductor substrate. The second side of the semiconductor substrate is opposite the first side of the semiconductor substrate.
US09550667B1
A semiconductor structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first sensing structure over the first substrate, and between the first substrate and the second substrate, a via extending through the second substrate, and a second sensing structure over the second substrate, and including an interconnect structure electrically connected with the via, and a sensing material at least partially covering the interconnect structure.
US09550659B2
A battery-powered work machine driven with a battery, includes: a body including a bottom and a pair of sides erecting from the bottom and including a first side and a second side; a control device of the work machine mounted on the bottom; a first fuse for a driving control device and a second fuse for a cargo-handling device, provided closer to the first side than the second side; a charging device for the battery, the charging device being mounted on the bottom; and a third fuse for the charging device, provided closer to the second side than the first side.
US09550658B2
A vehicle lift includes a carrier and a pair of arms. The arms comprise a pair of segments and an adapter pilot slidably disposed in one of the arm segments. The arm segments are slidable relative to each other and define slots to accommodate sliding of the adapter, providing various positions for the adapter along the length collectively defined by the arm segments. The adapter pilot is configured to receive an adapter to engage a vehicle. The arms are pivotable relative to the carrier and present a low profile to provide clearance for low vehicles. The carrier comprises a low profile superstructure. The superstructure includes a pair of substantially horizontal plates with substantially vertical web members extending between the substantially horizontal plates. The superstructure further includes a yoke portion pivotally coupled with the arms.
US09550655B2
A moving walkway with a pallet return mechanism is disclosed. The moving walkway generally includes a pallet track having a passenger portion connected to a return portion through an end portion, a plurality of pallets coupled to the pallet track with each pallet extending between front and back ends, and a pallet return apparatus adapted to sequentially lower the front and back ends of the pallet to transition each pallet from the passenger portion to the return portion of the pallet track. Methods for returning the pallet on the pallet track are also disclosed.
US09550643B2
A sheet conveying apparatus according to the present invention includes: a pair of conveying rollers 13 which nips and conveys a sheet; a reference member 31 which determines the position of a side edge of the sheet along the sheet conveyance direction; a plurality of pairs of skew feeding correcting rollers 32 which nip and convey the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 13 and draw the side edge of the sheet to the reference member 31; and a switching unit which switches the pair of conveying rollers 13 and the pairs of skew feeding correcting rollers 32 between a state of nipping the sheet and a state of nip releasing the sheet, the switching unit releasing the nip of the sheet by the pair of conveying rollers 13 after the conveyed sheet is nipped by at least two of the pairs of skew feeding correcting rollers 32.
US09550642B1
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet feeding unit and a feed unit. The sheet feeding unit includes a housing having a pair of wall portions. The feed unit includes a pickup roller and a sheet feed roller. The feed unit includes a holder, a shaft and a pair of bearing portions. The holder has a pair of side walls each having a bearing hole portion. The shaft extends between the pair of side walls. The pair of bearing portions are mounted in the bearing hole portions and rotatably supports the shaft. The housing includes a pair of shaft supporting portions provided on the pair of wall portions and capable of supporting the bearing portions. The feed unit is attached to the housing and the holder swings with the outer peripheral parts of the bearing portions, whereby the pickup roller is vertically movable.
US09550641B2
A braking content determiner determines a content of braking control on a rotating operation such that rotation of a paper feeding motor stops within a time required for stopping from a time point of detection of a sheet by a sheet sensor to a time point of passing of a trailing edge of the sheet through a paper feeding roller, the time required for stopping being determined based on a length of the sheet in a sheet conveying direction, a predetermined speed of the paper feeding roller, and a distance between the paper feeding roller and the sheet sensor in a sheet conveying route. A controller performs the braking control on the rotating operation of the paper feeding motor, according to the content determined by the braking content determiner, upon or prior to the detection by the sheet sensor of the sheet sent out by the paper feeding roller.
US09550640B2
An image forming apparatus includes a storing-device body that is drawable from an image-forming-apparatus body, a supporting member attached to the storing-device body and that supports a stack of recording media from below, a feeding member that feeds a top one of the recording media on the supporting member into the image-forming-apparatus body, a moving mechanism that moves the supporting member such that the top one of the recording media on the supporting member comes into contact with the feeding member, a connecting mechanism that connects the moving mechanism to a drive source in conjunction with attaching of the storing-device body to the image-forming-apparatus body, an image forming section that forms an image on the recording medium fed by the feeding member, and a disabling mechanism that disables connection between the drive source and the moving mechanism in conjunction with pushing of the storing-device body into the image-forming-apparatus body.
US09550638B1
The present application discloses devices for collecting and hauling materials, and methods of using the devices. The devices generally include a post and a sheet. The post includes a number of attachment points and the sheet includes a number of connectors. The connectors are selectively attachable to the attachment points on the post to position the sheet between an open orientation for loading the materials onto the sheet, and a closed orientation for transporting the device with the materials.
US09550635B2
Method and apparatus for air flow regulation comprise a vertically oriented tube, a sail assembly positioned in the tube and moveable therewithin responsively to air flow through the tube to regulate rate of air flow through the tube and to stop air flow through the tube upon air flow rate through the tube exceeding a preselected value with a detector for sensing when the sail assembly has stopped air flow through the tube as a result of air flow rate exceeding said pre-selected value.
US09550633B2
To provide a levitation air plate that can be easily manufactured and can float a substance being conveyed such as a glass while maintaining its high rigidity and controlling a floating amount in high accuracy. A levitation air plate 1 provided with: a top plate 2 in which a plurality of air ejection holes 2c and suction holes 2d penetrating from an upper surface 2a to a lower surface 2b are arranged in alternating fashion as viewed from the upper surface, the top plate 2 having a counter-bored portion 2e on the lower surface side of each of the plurality of air ejection holes; an orifice sheet 3 having a plurality of orifices 3c penetrating from an upper surface 3a to a lower surface 3b in positions corresponding to the counter-bored portions of the top plate, and having communicating holes 3d communicated one-to-one with the suction holes of the top plate and penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface; and bottom side plates 4, 5 having an air supply channel 4c and an air supply hole 5c for supplying air to all of the orifices drilled in the orifice sheet, and an air suction channel 4d and a suction hole 5d for suctioning air from all of the communicating holes communicated with the suction holes.
US09550629B2
An apparatus for dispensing material includes an outlet opening with a perforated cover. A rotatable applicator dispenses material through the perforated cover and may include brushes that sweep across and penetrate the openings of the perforated cover. The housing may also contain a feed roller for regulating the flow of the material and one or more commutators for fractionating the material.
US09550628B2
A module for a modular conveyor belt includes a flexible retainer for retaining a hinge rod in a bore of the module. A stopper limits the bending movement of the retainer and supports the midportion of the retainer to prevent stresses generated in the retainer from exceeding its design stress.
US09550623B2
A method of forming a bag stand including the steps of: bending a first subpanel along a hinge from a flattened arrangement, the first subpanel including a plurality of side panels and a connection mechanism, each of the plurality of side panels including a left end and a right end, the hinge positioned between a first side panel of the plurality of side panels and an adjacent second side panel of the plurality of side panels; and connecting the first subpanel to a second subpanel by the connection mechanism.
US09550621B2
A pressure control fill valve for a pressurized dispenser container comprises a first and second end and a base, a first and second circumferential lip. The lips enable placement of the valve in an opening of a pressurized dispenser container in first a position, where a propellant gas can be filled into the container and a second position for complete closing of the container. According to the invention, the second lip of the valve is asymmetric about its circumference. This prevents the valve from being pushed out of the opening of the container in case of high over-pressure or enlargement of the opening due to a temperature increase. The invention eliminates the hazard of a loss of valve and propellant gas in case of high temperature.
US09550612B2
A closure (10) for mounting at an opening (O) of a container spout (S) comprises a compartment (32) in which material such as a tablet (T) can be positioned. The compartment comprises a wall (26) that comprises a first region (28) that is surrounded by a second bellows-like region (30) that enables the first region to be displaced from a first position to a second position to cause the material to be released from the compartment. The wall can comprise a protrusion (X) that extends into the compartment such that, when the wall is displaced to the second position, the protrusion can cause the material to be released from the compartment. Also, when the wall is displaced to the second position the first region can act directly on the material to force it out of the compartment.
US09550609B2
A container comprising a first material and a second material, the first material being a flexible material and the second material being a rigid or semi-rigid material and at least partially defining an interior compartment for keeping a fluid inside the container characterized in that the flexible material and/or the semi-rigid or rigid material have thermoplastic properties and wherein the flexible material and the semi-rigid or rigid material are joined together by a seal or joint which comprises a heat seal and an adhesive seal.
US09550604B2
A can end that is attached to a metal can body with a bottom end forming a cavity that may be filled with food, liquid, etc. The can end is made of metal with a bead configuration located in the outer circumference of the can end that increases its resistance to deformation when subjected to high pressure cooking environments and assists in preventing the can end from separating along the frangible score.
US09550601B2
A container of a multilayered structure comprising an inner layer and an outer layer of a low-density polyethylene, and an intermediate layer that includes a gas-barrier resin layer and adhesive layers, wherein the adhesive layers contain an acid-modified polyethylene and a propylene resin, the propylene resin being contained in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight in the adhesive layers. The container is obtained by using decreased amounts of resins without impairing properties of the containers.
US09550600B2
A vessel of a malleable or moldable material having one or more side walls and a closed base integral with said one or more side walls, an opening in the top of the vessel, and further comprising two or more projections extending into the interior of the vessel generally laterally from said side walls, wherein said projections are also integral with said side wall. Vessels of this type are produced by a process in which ridges are deformed into projections within a vessel blank, and this process forms a further aspect of the invention. They are particularly useful for holding solid masses such as small beads or cakes in position in the vessel.
US09550599B2
The invention relates to a container for receiving contents, in particular liquid foods, having a tubular main body and having at least one molded fiber part connected to the main body, and to a method for producing such a container. For the container to be suitable for being aseptically filled with liquid or paste-like foods, the inner face of the at least one molded fiber part is coated to be gas and liquid tight. The container is produced as follows: pressing at least one molded fiber part from pulp, coating the inner face(s) of the molded fiber part or parts, providing the tubular main body, connecting the main body to the (first) molded fiber part for generating a container that is open on one side, filling the container through the open side, and closing the container by folding or by joining to the (further) molded fiber part.
US09550594B1
A green waste bundling device is configured to compactly bundle tree branches, tree limbs, and other yard debris. The bundling device has a frame and a bundling assembly attached to the frame. The frame includes a generally U-shaped interior portion configured for receipt of yard debris. The bundling assembly includes a winch and a strap, with the strap configured to span the interior portion of the frame. The strap has a retainer element removably securable to a securing eye on the frame. The winch may be manually operated using a handle or electrically operated using a remote control.
US09550588B2
A welding device for the sealing welding of thermopolastic hoses (184), includes a clamping device (12) with at least two clamping jaws (122, 124), of which at least one is movable and between which a hose (184) which is to be welded can be clamped, wherein the clamping device (12) has a heating devices (38; 40; 64) which is coupled to a control unit (30) and is configured to heat the hose clamped between the clamping jaws (122, 124). The invention is distinguished in that the at least one movable clamping jaw (122) is actuable with a controllable, bidirectional actuator (32, 34; 42-52; 54, 56, 58) which is coupled to the control unit (30) in such a manner that the clamping pressure acting on the hose (184) can be adjusted independently of the heating device.
US09550571B1
An accessible storage, rest, or work accommodation for an aircraft having a passenger cabin with a ceiling and a crown space above the ceiling, comprising: (a) a compartment in the crown space having at least one bunk; (b) an aperture in the passenger cabin ceiling, connecting the compartment to the passenger cabin; (c) a landing positioned below a floor of the compartment, below at least a portion of the aperture, inside the passenger cabin module; and (d) stairs or a ladder leading from the landing to a floor of the passenger cabin.
US09550563B2
A wing for of aircraft has a wing tip shape that has a profile that extends in the direction of the span of the wing, and across the direction of the span of the wing extends from the wing leading edge to the wing trailing edge. The profile is delimited by a first skin and a second skin, with a winglet, arranged on the wing end. The winglet is substantially planar, and has a transition region arranged between the wing and the winglet, that extends from a connection on the wing to a connection on the winglet. The curvature of the local dihedral can increase in the transition region from a low level or a level of zero at or near the wing intersection in the outboard direction.
US09550552B2
A cleaning head for cleaning a submerged surface includes a body portion, and a skirt portion extending around a periphery of the body portion, the skirt portion performing a sealing function between the body portion and a submerged surface desired to be cleaned when the cleaning head is disposed on the submerged surface during use. The cleaning head also includes at least one cleaning member for causing material on the submerged surface to separate from the submerged surface when the cleaning head is disposed on the submerged surface during use, and at least one suction aperture in fluid communication with a space defined between the body portion and the submerged surface during use.
US09550550B1
A tow-rope terminal section for watersports is provided for attachment to the end a tow rope and forming a final link to the inner tube or whatever inflated or floating towable. The tow-rope terminal section is provide with climb-aboard provisions so that fallen riders can climb back aboard the towable more easily.
US09550543B2
An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
US09550539B2
A support for removably fastening a bicycle on-board device having an oblong shape along a bicycle oblong element is disclosed, wherein the support has at least one first opening configured to receive a shank of a first device for fastening to the oblong element, and a second opening configured to receive a shank of a second device for fastening to the oblong element, the first opening and the second opening being spaced along a longitudinal direction of the oblong element, the first opening being configured to receive the shank of the first fastening device alternatively in at least two first positions spaced apart in said first opening, the two first positions being spaced along a direction transversal to the oblong element.
US09550533B2
A mud flap assembly is arranged behind a wheel of a vehicle to block mud, water, and/or debris from being thrown into the air. The mud flap assembly includes a bracket and a mud flap. The bracket couples the mud flap assembly with the vehicle. The mud flap extends downwardly away from the bracket.
US09550520B2
A rotating electric machine control device for controlling a rotating electric machine having a winding set with windings for multiple phases includes: an inverter having upper and lower arm elements connected to high and low potential sides, respectively, and converting an electric power of the rotating electric machine; a terminal voltage detection device detecting a terminal voltage of each phase; a resistor connecting each phase and a positive side of a power supply; and a control device having a signal generation device generating a control signal for the upper and lower arm elements and a failure detection device detecting a failure based on a sum of the terminal voltage in all phases when all control signals represents an off command, and a rotation speed of the rotating electric machine is lower than a threshold.
US09550519B2
A method for operating an active steering system of a vehicle, in which a ratio between a wheel steer angle and a steering wheel angle specified by the driver can be modified by superimposition of a superimposition angle. The method comprises detecting an offset between a requested motor angle and an actual motor angle, and reducing the offset between the requested motor angle and the actual motor angle using a reduction rate that is selected as a function of at least one input variable specified by the driver.
US09550516B2
A core of a worm wheel has an axial end surface formed with a first annular recess and another axial end surface formed with a second annular recess. A rim portion has a first inner circumferential portion fixed to the first annular recess and a second inner circumferential portion fixed to the second annular recess. An outer circumferential wall surface of the second annular recess extends from a bottom surface of the second annular recess so as to be perpendicular to the bottom surface. A depth of the second annular recess is at least 0.1 mm but not deeper than half of a gate thickness.
US09550506B2
The present invention generally relates to a keg trolley including a movable catch for catching hold under a lip of a keg. Preferably, the catch is movable so as to engage under different lips at various heights, when kegs are of different heights or placed on different types of pallets. In the preferred embodiment, the keg can be readily repositioned on a pallet by engaging the catch and moving the keg, without the need to actually touch the keg.
US09550503B2
A brake control device for a brake system for a rail vehicle, the brake system having at least one adhesion-type friction brake device. The brake control device receives brake actuation data, which are assigned to the at least one adhesion-type friction brake device, from a brake actuation sensor device of the brake system. The brake control device receives brake action data, which are assigned to the at least one adhesion-type friction brake device, from a brake action sensor device of the brake system, and to cause the adhesion-type friction brake device to effect a braking process, and to monitor and assign brake actuation data and brake action data to each other during a braking process. Also disclosed is a brake system, a rail vehicle and a method for operating a brake system.
US09550484B2
A system and method for determining an orientation of a vehicle are provided. The system and method determine (with a sensor assembly disposed onboard a first vehicle) a direction in which a fluid flows within the first vehicle. The first vehicle is included in a vehicle consist with a second vehicle. The orientation of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle is determined based at least in part on the direction in which the fluid flows within the first vehicle. The fluid may be air in an air brake pipe of the vehicle consist.
US09550481B2
The present invention relates to a trailer with a trailer brake control device therein. The trailer brake control device of the present invention comprises: a sway detecting sensor arranged in the trailer for detecting the sway of the trailer; a signal sensor for detecting a brake signal generated by a brake switch of a vehicle which tows the trailer; and a processor, electrically connected to the sway detecting sensor, the signal sensor and the brake, for controlling the brake based on an output of the sway detecting sensor and/or an output of the signal sensor. According to the present invention, the trailer brake control device can independently control the brakes and/or diagnose the malfunction of a brake controller arranged in the vehicle.
US09550479B2
An apparatus for controlling a brake of a tractor towing a trailer includes a trailer sensor for sensing whether or not the trailer is mounted at the tractor, an auxiliary brake driver for driving an auxiliary brake of the tractor, a main brake driver for driving main brakes of the tractor and the trailer, and a controller for setting a ratio of braking force of the auxiliary brake to a reference value with respect to a required braking force from a smart cruise control (SCC) system and allocating the remaining required braking force to the main brakes of the tractor and the trailer in the case in which the trailer sensor senses that the trailer is mounted at the tractor.
US09550476B2
An overload protection in a drive unit for a steady or jack for a caravan comprises an electro-mechanical control system. A spindle is driven by a motor through a gearbox, wherein the motor is controlled through a power supply. A control device in the system comprises a movable part slidably seated on an output shaft of the gearbox, where the movable part is connected with the spindle. Movement between the shaft and the sliding part is counteracted by springs. The slidable part is provided with actuating points that may contact switches by axial movements. When a nut on the spindle reaches an end position, a reactive force in the spindle will cause the part to move against the force of springs, eventually actuating a switch and thereby causing interruption of the circuit, thereby protecting motor and engagement between nut and spindle from electric and mechanical overload.
US09550471B1
A gas generator is provided that contains a housing containing a base and a cap fixed to the base; a divider separating the housing into a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber, wherein the divider prevents sympathetic actuation of the second combustion chamber when the first combustion chamber is actuated; and an inner wall within the housing, the divider slidably engaged with the inner wall upon actuation of the first and second combustion chambers. Accordingly, a valve assembly of the present invention generally contains a movable divider that substantially seals an enclosure thereby defining a secondary combustion chamber within the gas generator.
US09550446B1
A device for engaging an elongated support for restraining cargo for use in a container having corrugated or flat walls. The device is securable selectively to a peak or a trough of the corrugated wall or to the flat wall. The device may be engageable selectively to an elongated support in the form of a 2×4 or an elongated support in the form of a 4×4.
US09550445B2
A loading module is configured to accommodate at least two vehicles. The loading module comprises a lower loading plate, an upper loading plate and a front device which connects the two loading plates. Two hydraulic cylinders are provided at a respective side of the loading plates and are arranged to enable displacement of the upper loading plate between a lower position and an upper position. The two hydraulic cylinders extend in a direction which together with the lower loading plate forms an acute angle having the tip directed towards the forward end when the upper loading plate is located in the lower and the upper position.
US09550438B2
Embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle seat having a seatback and a headrest. The headrest has a first headrest portion, a second headrest portion and a headrest cover. The first headrest portion is connected to the seatback. The second headrest portion is provided nearer to a user seated in the seat than the first headrest portion. The second headrest portion is provided on the first headrest portion so as to be vertically movable. The headrest cover covers the first headrest portion and the second headrest portion. The headrest cover includes an elastic region. When the second headrest portion moves vertically with respect to the first headrest portion, the elastic region is deformed so as to allow movement of the second headrest portion.
US09550434B2
The present invention relates to an energy management system including a motor, an inverter electrically connected to the motor, a DC-DC converter electrically connected to the inverter, a first energy storage unit electrically connected to a DC link of the inverter through the DC-DC converter, a second energy storage unit coupled to the inverter, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the distribution of electrical power from the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit to the inverter in dependence upon a predetermined power threshold.
US09550428B1
A charging station for an electric vehicle having a charging blade may include a charge head configured to electrically connect with a charging blade of a vehicle to charge the vehicle, the charge head extending from a front end to a rear end along a longitudinal axis that extends along a direction of travel of the vehicle. The charge head may include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first and second housings are (a) symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis and (b) separated by a channel that extends from the front end to the rear end of the charge head, the channel being dimensioned to position the charging blade therein. The charge head may further include one or more charging brushes located in each of the first housing and the second housing, wherein each of the one or more charging brushes in each housing is configured to extend into the channel towards the other housing to contact the charging blade positioned in the channel. The charge head may also include one or more sensors located in at least one of the first housing or the second housing, wherein the one or more sensors is configured to detect a presence of the charging blade in the channel.
US09550427B2
A contactless power supply device supplying electric power in a contactless manner to a power receiving device mounted on a moving object includes: a bottom plate structuring an installation face; a power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate to supply electric power to a power receiving coil included in the power receiving device; and a cover attached to the bottom plate so as to cover the power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate. A layer of air is formed between the power transmitting coil and the cover.
US09550425B2
An upper chamber and a lower chamber are provided in a housing of an electric storage device for vehicle deployment by a middle base plate. The lower chamber is sealed with respect to the upper chamber by the middle base plate. A battery module is disposed in the lower chamber. A control device, such as a cell controller, and electrical parts, such as a junction box and a service disconnect switch, are mounted in the upper chamber. Strong and weak current system wiring that connect the battery module and the electrical parts respectively penetrate strong and weak current system openings of the middle base plate, and are routed to the upper chamber. The openings, which are penetrated by the strong and the weak current system wiring, are each provided with a sealing member, and thus the lower chamber is sealed with respect to the upper chamber.
US09550423B2
An interlock switching circuit for protecting an electrical on-board power supply for an electrically drivable vehicle includes a conductor loop, a first current source, a first current mirror and a second current mirror. The first current source is configured to drive a current flowing out of an input of the first current mirror into an input of the second current mirror. The conductor loop is connected between an output of the first current mirror and an output of the second current mirror.
US09550410B2
A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel that can open or close an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle; guide rails having a pair of rail-side holding portions provided side by side in a lateral direction, and respectively provided in both edge portions of the opening in the lateral direction; support brackets, front end portions of which are supported by the guide rails, having vertical walls, and each of which has bracket-side held portions; sliding members are provided so as to be able to move along the guide rails, and each of which has a connection wall; sliding member-side held portions, and sliding member-side holding portions; and an electric driving source driving the movement of the sliding members.
US09550405B2
A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.
US09550398B2
A fifth wheel latching assembly is provided having first and second locking assemblies. The first locking assembly includes first and second jaw members, which are movable between open and locked configurations. In the locked configurations, at least one of the first and second jaw members locks a kingpin in place for towing. The second locking assembly includes a latch element which is movable between open and locked positions. In its closed position, the latch element locks a kingpin in place for towing. The first and second locking assemblies independently lock the kingpin in place. Kingpin insertion causes automatic locking of the first and second locking assemblies.
US09550387B2
A tape cartridge that is to be mounted on a tape printing device including a detecting portion for reading various types of information of the tape cartridge from a detected portion of the tape cartridge by applying detection light to the detected portion and capable of being attached to and detached from the tape printing device along a mounting direction, includes the detected portion disposed on a first wall which is formed along the mounting direction, and an engaging portion disposed on a second wall which is formed at a deep side of the mounting direction. The engaging portion is engaged with an engaged portion provided in a holder in which the detecting portion is disposed and performs positioning between the detecting portion and the detected portion via the holder.
US09550384B2
Provided is a printer which includes a carriage which includes a recording head performing recording on a paper sheet, a transport driving roller which transports the paper sheet to the recording head side and is driven by a driving source, and a transport driven roller which is pressed to the transport driving roller, is rotationally driven in contact with the paper sheet, and has a diameter larger than that of the transport driving roller. The transport driving roller is located below a guide frame as a support member supporting the carriage and is located in an area of the guide frame in a paper transport direction (in other words, a y direction).
US09550380B2
A device for processing media may include a system and method for loading and unloading consumable supplies of a media processing device, and more particularly, a system and method for providing a compact form factor media processing device which provides convenient access to the replaceable components of the media processing device. A media processing device may include a base and a lid hingedly attached to the base, moveable between a closed position in which the lid is secured to the base, and an open position. A cavity may be defined between the lid and the base, where the cavity is inaccessible when the lid is in the closed position and the cavity is accessible when the lid is in the open position. The media processing device may include a ribbon positioning assembly disposed within the cavity.
US09550378B2
A conveyor device is installed opposite to a recording head in a recording apparatus. The conveyor device includes a conveyor belt and a suction section. The conveyor belt conveys a recording medium. The suction section includes a guide member having first through holes within a first region and second through holes outside of the first region. The guide member has a surface that is located opposite to the recording head with the conveyor belt therebetween and that has first grooves and second grooves therein. The first region includes at least a head facing region located directly opposite to the recording head. The first through holes are located inside of the first grooves. Each of the first grooves is shorter than the recording head. The second through holes are located inside of the second grooves. The suction section sucks on the recording medium through the conveyor belt and the guide member.
US09550375B2
An inkjet image forming apparatus is provided. The inkjet image forming apparatus includes a recording unit, a selection heater, a heater, and a processor. The recording unit forms an ink image on a recording medium being conveyed. The selection heater is disposed downstream from the recording unit relative to a direction of conveyance of the recording medium, and selectively heats the ink image formed on the recording medium. The heater is disposed downstream from the selection heater relative to the direction of conveyance of the recording medium, and heats the recording medium on which the ink image has been selectively heated. The processor controls the recording unit, the selection heater, and the heater, and sets an output of the selection heater in view of an occurrence of cockling on the recording medium.
US09550371B2
Devices, systems and methods for a portable printer are provided. An example disclosed printer includes a housing defining a ribbon receiving area, wherein the ribbon receiving area is configured to receive a ribbon cartridge comprising a cartridge frame structured to support a supply spool, a take-up spool, and a ribbon extending between the supply spool and the take-up spool; and a printhead support extending from the housing for receiving a printhead, wherein the printhead support defines first and second channels disposed on opposite sides of the printhead, and wherein each of the first and second channels is structured to receive at least part of the cartridge frame.
US09550368B2
A mount portion mounts a container containing liquid. A fluid passages connects the mount portion to a head portion provided to inject liquid. A reservoir portion reserves liquid and is provided on the fluid passage. An open-close valve is provided on a connection path which is a part of the fluid passage and connects the mount portion to the reservoir portion. The control unit controls opening and closing of the open-close valves such that a first valve open time period for the open-close valve provided on a first connection path is shorter than a second valve open time period for the open-close valve provided on a second connection path. The pressure of the liquid that flows in the reservoir portion from the first connection path is higher than the pressure of the liquid that flows in the reservoir portion from the second connection path.
US09550365B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a tank, a recording head, a cover, a monitor, a cover sensor, an operation panel, and a controller. The cover is movable to cover a plurality of injection inlets associated with a plurality of ink chambers and to expose the plurality of injection inlets. The cover sensor outputs signal depending on position of the cover. The controller controls the monitor to display one of inquiry information and notification on the monitor depending on receipt of the signal from the cover sensor.
US09550363B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a plurality of recording heads including a first recording head for ejecting black ink and a second recording head for ejecting a color ink; a rubber wipe blade; and a drive mechanism that moves the wipe blade along an ink ejecting surface and is able to move-up/down the wiper blade to approach or leave the ink ejecting surface. The wipe blade has: a first wipe blade that wipes purged ink on the ink ejecting surface of the first recording head; and a second wipe blade that wipes purged ink on the ink ejecting surface of the second recording head; wherein the first wipe blade is lower than the second wipe blade in rubber hardness, and the rubber hardness of the first wipe blade is 30° or higher to 45° or lower in ASKER C hardness.
US09550356B2
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: an integrated circuit device that includes a modulation portion which generates a modulation signal by pulse-modulating a source signal; a feedback circuit; a transistor that generates an amplified modulation signal which is obtained by amplifying the modulation signal; a low-pass filter that generates a drive signal by demodulating the amplified modulation signal; and a piezoelectric element that is displaced by applying the drive signal, wherein the feedback circuit generates a feedback signal on the basis of the drive signal, and feeds back the feedback signal to the modulation portion through a feedback terminal, the modulation portion includes a first circuit block and a second circuit block, and the integrated circuit device is configured to separate the first circuit block from the second circuit block by a triple-well structure.
US09550352B2
Improvements in a rotary screen printer that operates with a stepper motor for indexing the screen printer. The stepper motor provides a positive rotation and locating of the printing arms. The stepper motor can also have a controlled acceleration and deceleration speed while it indexes. The stepper motor further drives a spur gear to improve the drive ratio from the stepper motor to the indexing arms. The rotary screen printer uses pneumatic cylinders to operate the screening arms. Pneumatic cylinders are controllable for the downward force by adjusting pressure regulator(s) and the stroke by adjusting either limit switches or mechanical stops. Each station is interchangeable to accommodate the printing requirements of each job. Each station can be operated as a screen printing station, a drying station, a pad printer, and the number of stations can be changed by reprogramming the number of steps between each station stop.
US09550350B2
An object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an optical display panel. The method includes a feeding step including feeding an optical cell with a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm by means of a feed roller unit arranged perpendicular to a direction in which the optical cell is fed; a bonding step including feeding a long carrier film from a continuous roll and bonding a sheet piece of the optical film to a lower surface of the optical cell with the pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed therebetween, wherein the lower surface is on a side in contact with the feed roller unit; and a rotation step including rotating the optical cell by 90° with respect to the direction in which the optical cell is fed which is bonded in the bonding step.
US09550346B2
A process for fixing an article to a substrate with a mounting set including two receptacles storing an aerobic adhesive and a hydrophilic substance, respectively. The aerobic adhesive and the hydrophilic substance are removed from the two receptacles and then mixed together to prepare the fastening. A layer of the fastening composition is applied to the article. The article is fixed to the substrate by pressing the layer of the fastening composition against the substrate. The aerobic adhesive in the layer hardens because of the moisture contained in the hydrophilic substance.
US09550341B2
A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.
US09550335B2
A device housing assembly has a display module including a front pane and a rear pane, the rear pane having a section longer than the front pane in at least one direction. The housing assembly further has a transparent lens and plastic housing, the transparent lens having a front and rear surface; and an adhesive between the front transparent pane and the rear surface of the transparent lens. The housing includes a support structure molded to the rear surface of the transparent lens positioned proximally to the longer section of the rear pane and adjacent to the front pane of glass, the structure providing mechanical support for the rear pane.
US09550334B2
A method of repairing a core stiffened structure can include removing a damaged portion of the core stiffened structure; creating a cutout in a portion of a repair core member; fitting the repair core member onto an existing core member such that the cutout mates with a portion of the existing core member; bonding the repair core member to the existing core member; and placing a skin patch over the repair core member.
US09550329B1
A universal loading station for a 3D printer includes a knob, a ball screw, a telescopic connecting ring, a telescopic connecting rod, and a loading plate. The top of the ball screw ball screw and the bottom of the knob are connected by a threaded connection. The ball screw is below the knob and includes an outer sleeve which includes a spring. A fixed connection sleeve surrounds the outer sleeve of the spring. A connecting arm is connected to a side of the fixed connection sleeve. The bottom of the ball screw is connected to the telescopic connecting ring. The bottom of the telescopic connecting ring includes a first hemispherical recess, and the center of the first hemispherical recess includes a first hole. The telescopic connecting ring is placed onto the ball screw through the first hole.
US09550328B2
A method of forming an image on a three-dimensional printed object includes operating first plurality of ejectors to form a first layer of a blocking material having an opacity level that prevents transmission of incident visible light to another layer in the three-dimensional printed object, operating a second plurality of ejectors to form a second layer of a primer material over the first layer, and operating a third plurality of ejectors to form a printed image from at least one marking agent over the primer material. The layers of blocking material and primer material reduce or eliminate hue shift in the image.
US09550326B2
Stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a container (2) for a fluid substance (14); a source (3) of predefined radiation (3a) suited to solidify the fluid substance (14); an optical unit (4) suited to direct the radiation (3a) towards a reference surface (5) in the fluid substance (14); a logic control unit (6) configured to control the optical unit (4) and/or the source (3) so as to expose a predefined portion of the reference surface (5). The optical unit (4) comprises a micro-opto-electro-mechanical system (MOEMS) (7) provided with a mirror (8) associated with actuator means (7a) for the rotation around at least two rotation axes (X, Y) incident on and independent of each other, arranged so that it can direct the radiation (3a) towards each point of the reference surface (5) through a corresponding combination of the rotations around the two axes (X, Y).
US09550324B2
A three-dimensional (3D) printing apparatus, a printing calibration board and a three dimensional printing calibration method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional printing apparatus is adapted to spray the printing material. The three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a nozzle module, a printing platform and a control unit. The printing platform has a carrying surface, where the calibration pattern is disposed on the carrying surface. The calibration pattern at least includes a datum path and a first auxiliary path. The control unit controls the nozzle module coupled to the control unit to spray the printing material along the datum path, and the printing speed of the nozzle module is adjusted in response to the width of coverage of the printing material on the calibration pattern.
US09550316B2
A nozzle mouthpiece for an injection molding nozzle for use in an injection molding tool and for processing a fluid mass has a flow channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A first sealing surface is formed radially with respect to a longitudinal axis. A stop surface is arranged between the first sealing surface and the outlet opening and is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and facing the outlet opening. A a coupling means is arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis for fixing the nozzle mouthpiece in a mold sprue opening of a pattern plate. An injection molding nozzle and an injection molding tool is provided having such the telescopic nozzle mouthpiece, which can be fixed in a mold sprue opening of a pattern plate.
US09550312B2
Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.
US09550311B1
A system and method for monitoring and adjusting a constant flow asphalt manufacturing process includes monitoring the ratios of recycled material to virgin material to minimize costs and adjusting the mixture in real time. Pulverized asphalt shingle (PAS) material may be used as a source of recycled asphalt oil and fed to a mixing drum with real-time monitoring while making real-time adjustments to supplement the asphalt with new asphalt oil to the mixer. The systems and methods may also be used for monitoring, metering, and supplementing recycled aggregate from recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) with new aggregate. The systems and methods may use one or more processors or programmable logic controllers (PLC) to meter the addition of new materials.
US09550310B2
A test apparatus for testing of a stop mechanism on a saw includes a support arm movable relative to a blade of the saw from a first position to a second position. The test apparatus also includes a simulation member coupled to the support arm. In the first position, the first end of the simulation member is offset from a portion of the blade of the saw, and in the second position, the first end of the simulation member is adapted to be in contact with the portion of the blade of the saw. The test apparatus further includes circuitry operatively connected to the simulation member to replicate an electrical property of a human finger such that contact between the blade and the first end of the simulation member triggers the stop mechanism of the saw.
US09550306B2
An apparatus and method is provided for single transfer insert placement. The apparatus receives continuous web material and cuts a discrete section or pad from the web. The pad is then supported on a single transfer surface. The single transfer surface then may spin the supported pad to a desired angle and provide the pad to a receiving surface at a desired interval. The web material can be cut to different insert lengths and the placement location varied.
US09550301B2
A cutter apparatus includes a housing, multiple tools mechanically coupled to the housing, at least one of the tools including a cutting device, and a slider and lock wheel mechanically coupled to the housing and configured to selectively release only one of the tools at a time from being secured within the housing.
US09550300B2
The present invention provides an articulating retractor including: a plurality of distal segments, a distal segment of the plurality of distal segments being movable relative to others of the plurality of distal segments; a plurality of proximal segments, a proximal segment of the plurality of proximal segments being movable relative to others of the plurality of proximal segments, the proximal segment corresponding to the distal segment; and multiple sets of cables, the proximal segment connected to its corresponding unit of the distal segment, by a set of cables, such that movement of the proximal segment causes corresponding reciprocal movement of the distal segment. The mechanisms of the articulating retractor may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue.
US09550298B2
An object is to provide a covering material and a covering structure of a robot gripping portion capable of providing proper gripping performance depending on various objects to be gripped so as to grip the objects and is solved by a covering material disposed on a surface of a base material 11 having a function of gripping an object, including an inner layer 121 made up of an elastic body and an outer layer 122 made up of an elastic body coming into contact with the object when gripping the object on a surface of the inner layer 121, the inner layer 121 being made up of the elastic body having a tackiness and having a hardness lower than the outer layer 122, the outer layer 122 having one or more penetrating portions 13 penetrating to the inner layer 121 such that when a stress acts at the time of gripping of the object, a portion of the inner layer 122 enters the penetrating portion 13 or protrudes from the penetrating portion 13 depending on a magnitude of the stress.
US09550294B2
A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.
US09550289B2
A hand-held power tool has a torque-limiting unit with which a maximum torque transferred from a motor output shaft to a tool driver is adjustable by an operator. The torque-limiting unit has a spring system with spring elements having substantially similar characteristics (such as length, compression forces, etc.) and yet generating different spring forces.
US09550286B2
An apparatus for removing a pin from a target location is described. The apparatus includes a rod; a clamp that includes multiple arms and attached to a one end of the rod; a sleeve coupled to the rod and adapted to enclose the clamp, where the arms of the clamp are pushed towards each other to engage with a pin in the enclosed position. The apparatus further includes a clip member to couple with the rod for removing the pin from the clamp by disengaging the clamp from the sleeve. The clip member includes a first arm coupled to a second arm via a pivot member, the clip member being adapted to couple to the rod between the sleeve and a hammer. The hammer is coupled to the rod and adapted to strike a force on the clip member to disengage the clamp from the sleeve.
US09550284B2
An angle impact tool includes a handle assembly extending along a first axis, a prime mover in the handle, an output shaft rotatable about the first axis, and a work attachment connected to the handle assembly. An output drive is supported in the work attachment for rotation about an output axis perpendicular to the first axis. A gear assembly including a spur gear is positioned within the work attachment to transfer torque from the prime mover about the first axis to the output drive about the output axis. An impact mechanism is positioned within the work attachment and includes a hammer and an anvil. The hammer rotates under the influence of the prime mover and is operable to periodically deliver an impact load to the anvil. The output drive rotates about the output axis under the influence of the impact load being transmitted to the output drive by the anvil.
US09550283B2
Illustrative embodiments of power tools with spindle locks are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a power tool may include a drive train including an output assembly, the output assembly including a spindle configured to support a tool element, a power source configured to selectively supply energy to the drive train to cause the output assembly including the spindle to rotate, a switch movable between a first position in which the power source does not supply energy to the drive train and a second position in which the power source supplies energy to the drive train, and a spindle lock configured to automatically engage the output assembly including the spindle when the switch is in the first position and to automatically disengage the output assembly including the spindle when the switch is in the second position, the spindle lock preventing rotation of the output assembly including the spindle when engaged.
US09550279B2
A garbage disposal installation tool is provided that is adapted to support a garbage disposal from its upper opening and through the sink drain, whereby the disposal unit is supported from above while the installer secures the unit to the sink drain. The device comprises a tool body having an elongated, threaded rod with an upper end and a lower end. The upper end comprises a handle, while the lower end comprises a pivotable garbage disposal support member adapted to support the disposal unit from its upper opening and from the interior thereof. Along the threaded rod is a sink drain bridge element that is adapted to bear against the upper surface of a sink drain and support the tool body and the disposal unit therefrom. The bridge element is threaded to the elongated rod and positionable along its length to elevate the disposal unit by rotating the handle.
US09550277B1
The present invention comprises an improved clamp for securing two members together. The invention includes a pair of clamp jaws that may be positioned in spaced relation to each another and adjusted in three dimensions.
US09550271B2
A substrate holding apparatus and a polishing apparatus which can reduce vibrations of a top ring in its entirety by damping vibrations transmitted from a retaining ring to a top ring body is disclosed. The substrate holding apparatus includes a top ring body having a substrate holding surface configured to hold and press a substrate against a polishing surface, a retaining ring configured to surround the substrate and to contact the polishing surface, and a drive ring comprising a ring member configured to hold the retaining ring on a lower surface thereof, a central member disposed at a central part of the top ring body and supported by the top ring body, and a connecting portion configured to connect the ring member and the central member. The drive ring includes a first material and a second material having a modulus of longitudinal elasticity smaller than the first material.
US09550267B2
A tool for use during the abrasive flow polishing of an airfoil cluster in an abrasive flow machine is described. The tool may comprise a body and prongs extending from the body. Each prong of the tool may be configured to insert between an adjacent pair of airfoils of the airfoil cluster to create at least one channel therebetween. The channel may allow the flow of an abrasive media therethrough.
US09550252B2
An ultrasonic jointing method is provided for performing an ultrasonic joint of a conductor part which is exposed by removing a coating of an electric wire with respect to a terminal. The ultrasonic jointing method includes: holding the conductor part of the electric wire and the terminal between an anvil and a horn in which a concave part is formed; and applying an ultrasonic vibration to the conductor part of the electric wire and the terminal that are held between the anvil and the horn. The conductor part is received in the concave part which has a space area of 0.89 to 1.46 times as large as a cross-sectional area of the conductor part of the electric wire.
US09550243B2
A gear includes teeth 3 to be engaged with teeth of a corresponding gear to transmit a rotational motion, in which a form (b) of a tooth root side of each tooth 3 includes: a first curved surface c which smoothly connects with a tooth surface a having an involute curve and has a profile represented by a curve which is convex in a direction opposite to the involute curve of the tooth surface a; and a second curved surface d which smoothly connects with the first curved surface c and has a profile defined by a quadratic function having a curve being convex in the same direction as that of the first curved surface c. Therefore, a stress generated on the tooth root side at the time of engagement with the teeth of the corresponding gear can be reduced, and the strength of the teeth can be increased.
US09550241B2
A flange bolt cutter for separating two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter contains a circular saw blade connected to an flange mount which can be vertically adjusted relative to the flange mount and/or includes two arms which can be pivotally adjusted relative to each other.
US09550232B2
An electromagnetic stirring device of melted metallic materials inside a cooling chamber of a casting machine having a retaining body of induction coils that is a body composed of at least two reciprocally different portions.
US09550228B2
A fastener installation tool includes a nose assembly, first and second cylinders, first and second pistons, and a yoke. The nose assembly is adapted to apply an axial load to a fastener along a longitudinal axis of the nose assembly. The first and second cylinders are diametrically opposed to one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nose assembly. The first piston is disposed within the first cylinder and is movable along a longitudinal axis thereof. The second piston is disposed within the second cylinder and is movable along a longitudinal axis thereof. The yoke connects the first piston, the second piston, and the nose assembly such that motion of one of the pistons along its corresponding longitudinal axis causes motion of the other one of the pistons along its corresponding longitudinal axis and motion of at least a portion of the nose assembly along its longitudinal axis.
US09550218B2
A receptacle cleaning assembly for use with electrical connectors includes a receptacle washing fixture having a manifold body with a solution inlet and outlet. A plurality of nozzles, in communication with the solution inlet, are coupled with the manifold body and are arranged in a pattern corresponding to female connector receptacles. An interface seal is coupled with the manifold body. The plurality of nozzles extend through the interface seal, and the interface seal is configured to seal along a face of the connector. At least one solution return passage extends through the interface seal from an exterior of the plurality of nozzles to the solution outlet. An alignment skirt extends from the manifold body, and couples and aligns the connector receptacles with the plurality of nozzles. In another example, the receptacle cleaning assembly includes a receptacle brush fixture including a plurality of reciprocating brushes for use in the female connector receptacles.
US09550217B2
According to one embodiment, a method for cleaning and requalifying a component of an exhaust aftertreatment system includes inspecting the component using an x-ray processing technique. The method further includes associating the plurality of cleaning techniques with a plurality of compositions of material, and cleaning the component according to at least one of the plurality of cleaning techniques associated with the composition of material.
US09550216B2
A machine is presented for the cleaning of jewelry. The machine allows the manual or automatic cleaning of jewelry. Under both modes of operation, the jewelry is secured by a user to a support bracket inside a transparent, water-tight cylindrical wash chamber. When in manual mode, the user can direct the spray of wash fluid onto the jewelry by rotating the jewelry using a trackball. When used in automatic mode, the machine washes the jewelry during a preset washing cycle. For both modes, the washing cycle is followed by the drying cycle where a blower directs air onto the jewelry for a set time period to blow off excess moisture. The drying cycle concludes with a blower venting the cylindrical wash chamber to remove residual moisture from the wash chamber and the jewelry. After the cleaning, the user removes the jewelry from the machine.
US09550212B2
An acceleration sensation presentation apparatus includes: a frame to be worn on the head of a user; at least one or more weights provided to the frame; and a vibration driving unit configured to vibrate the weight to be moved.
US09550210B2
The present publication discloses a method for coating pipes. The method comprises applying curable first polymer (e.g. epoxy) onto the surface of the pipe and partially curing the first polymer or leaving the first polymer uncured to in order to form a reactive first polymer layer. Thereafter, the pipe with the reactive first polymer layer is heated and a second polymer (e.g. polyolefin) is applied directly onto the heated reactive first polymer layer, whereby the two polymers react and form a protective coating on the pipe or pipe section. In particular, the heating can be carried out in two steps such that the first polymer stays reactive until the application of the second polymer.
US09550207B2
Various embodiments provide a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of at least one layer of a powder bed provided on a work table in an additive manufacturing machine, which parts corresponds to successive cross sections of the three-dimensional article. The method comprises the steps of: applying a layer of predetermined thickness of powder particles on the work table, applying a coating on at least a portion of the powder particles, which coating is at least partially covering the powder particles, and fusing the powder particles on the work table with an electron beam.
US09550200B2
A dispenser for applying at least two compositions, the dispenser including at least two reservoirs for storing the at least two compositions, at least two pumps for pumping the at least two compositions, a premix chamber for mixing the two compositions, at least two channels for delivering the compositions from the reservoirs to the premix chamber, an exit orifice, optionally a swirl chamber, and an actuator.
US09550197B2
A dampening unit that sprays viscous application liquid to a treatment surface includes a rotating brush driven to rotate around the axis, a liquid applicator that supplies the liquid to the brush, and a brush chamber to accommodate the brush. The brush chamber includes a wall that surrounds the brush. The wall defines an ejection window for discharging viscous application liquid that is either sprayed or spun away from the brush.
US09550183B2
The invention provides a passive fluidics circuit for directing different fluids to a common volume, such as a reaction chamber or flow cell, without intermixing or cross contamination. The direction and rate of flow through junctions, nodes and passages of the fluidics circuit are controlled by the states of upstream valves (e.g. opened or closed), differential fluid pressures at circuit inlets or upstream reservoirs, flow path resistances, and the like. Free diffusion or leakage of fluids from unselected inlets into the common outlet or other inlets at junctions or nodes is prevented by the flow of the selected inlet fluid, a portion of which sweeps by the inlets of unselected fluids and exits the fluidics circuit by waste ports, thereby creating a barrier against undesired intermixing with the outlet flow through leakage or diffusion. The invention is particularly advantageous in apparatus for performing sensitive multistep reactions, such as pH-based DNA sequencing reactions.
US09550181B2
A micro-spherical iron-based catalyst and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. The catalyst contains a potassium promoter, and at least one transitional metal promoter M which is one or more kinds of metals selected from Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn. It also contains a structure promoter S, which is SiO2 and/or Al2O3, wherein both of SiO2 and Al2O3 are modified by MoO3, TiO2 and/or ZrO2. The weight ratio of components is Fe:M:K:S=100:3-50:1-8:3-50, in which the metal components are calculated based on metal elements, the structure promoter is calculated based on oxides. The catalyst is prepared by co-precipitation method.
US09550173B2
A method for producing a selective hydrogenation catalyst for hydrogenating a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon to an unsaturated hydrocarbon comprising contacting an inorganic catalyst support with a chlorine-containing compound to form a chlorided catalyst support and adding palladium to the chlorided catalyst support to form a supported-palladium composition. A selective hydrogenation catalyst for hydrogenating a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon to an unsaturated hydrocarbon formed by the method comprising contacting an inorganic catalyst support with a chlorine-containing compound to form a chlorided catalyst support and adding palladium to the chlorided catalyst support to form a supported-palladium composition. A method of selectively hydrogenating a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon to an unsaturated hydrocarbon comprising contacting the highly unsaturated hydrocarbon with a selective hydrogenation catalyst composition produced by contacting an inorganic catalyst support with a chlorine-containing compound to form a chlorided catalyst support and adding palladium to the chlorided catalyst support to form a supported-palladium composition.
US09550152B2
A system and method for a point of use filtration system with backwash is provided. The system includes a first filtration element, a tank, and a second filtration element positioned downstream from the tank. A first and second valve are each positioned downstream from the first filtration element. A first control line is coupled to a first control switch or a first permeate line and the first valve, and a second control line is coupled to the second control switch or a second permeate line and the second valve. When the point of use demands permeate water, the first and second pressure drops cause the first and second valves to open so water from the tank flows in a reverse direction to backwash the first filtration element and exit through the first and second valves to the drain, while water from the tank simultaneously flows through the second filtration element to the point of use.
US09550150B2
The inventions relate to purifying water and can be used in domestic water purification systems. The claimed filtered water storage unit for the storage device of a water purification system includes a housing, an elastic chamber for filtered water, and a region for pressurizing untreated water. The water purification system includes a reverse osmosis membrane, a clean water discharge pipe, an overflow into a drain, a clean water tap, and a storage device having a filtered water storage unit and a hydro-automatic unit. The outlet of the controlled chamber of a valve is associated with the water pressurizing region in the housing of the water storage unit, and the input of the controlling chamber of a valve is associated with the clean water discharge pipe upstream of the tap, wherein the valve for controlling water pressurization is normally open and the valve for controlling drainage is normally closed.
US09550149B2
An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine is designed to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of measurement by a PM sensor (17). The apparatus includes an NOx catalyst (7) provided in an exhaust passage (3) of an internal combustion engine (1) to reduce NOx by reducing agent supplied to it, a supplying device (6) that supplies urea to the NOx catalyst (7) from the upstream of the NOx catalyst (7), the PM sensor (17) that detects the amount of particulate matter in the exhaust gas in the downstream of the NOx catalyst (7), and a restriction part (10) that restricts supply of urea by the supplying device (6) when the amount of particulate matter adhering to the NOx catalyst (7) is equal to or larger than a threshold.
US09550145B2
An exhaust gas treatment apparatus and method that absorbs gas by bringing the gas and a liquid into contact with each other has a plurality of scrubbers that each include an absorption tower main unit in which an internal space is formed. A spray apparatus sprays liquid in a predetermined vertical region of the internal space, and a gas supply apparatus introduces the gas into the absorption tower main unit. A number of first passages branch from a pipe supplying the liquid to the exhaust gas treatment apparatus and are connected to the spray apparatuses of the scrubbers. A number of second passages branch from a pipe supplying the gas to the exhaust gas treatment apparatus and are connected to the gas supply apparatuses of the scrubbers.
US09550140B2
A separator method and apparatus that includes a rotatable drum defining an annular passageway therein, a plurality of blades coupled to the rotatable drum and located in the annular passageway, each of the plurality of blades including a leading section, a trailing section, a concave surface, and a convex surface, the concave and convex surfaces extending from the leading section to the trailing section, each of the plurality of blades disposed circumferentially adjacent to at least another one of the plurality of blades so as to define blade flowpaths therebetween, and a housing at least partially surrounding the rotatable drum and defining a fluid collection chamber fluidly communicating with the annular passageway.
US09550130B2
Hobby mechanical kits are provided. Kits illustratively include a hobby servo motor having a rotatable output shaft. The output shaft has gear teeth distributed around an outer diameter of the shaft. Certain embodiments of kits also include a hobby servo horn and a channel. The hobby servo horn has an inner diameter with gear teeth that correspond to the hobby servo output shaft gear teeth. The channel has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The hobby servo horn and one of the panels of the channel include a star-shaped connection point.
US09550127B2
A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
US09550125B2
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing a dynamic and scalable topology for virtual world environments. In one embodiment, the method may include determining, in response to a request of a user computer system to transfer from a first place to a second place in a virtual environment, an instance of a second place that satisfies the request. The method may also include directing the user computer system to a game server that provides the determined instance of the second place.
US09550124B2
An interactive environment image may be projected onto one or more surfaces, and interaction with the projected environment image may be detected within a three-dimensional space over the one or more surfaces. The interactive environment image may be a three-dimensional image, or it may be two-dimensional. An image is projected onto a surface to provide a visual environment representation of a virtual space including one or more of the virtual objects, which may be spatially positioned. User interaction with the projected visualized representation of the virtual environment space may be detected and, in response to user interaction, the projected visualized representation may be changed.
US09550120B2
A method for gamifying a toll image review process includes receiving an image of a vehicle that has utilized a toll road and identifying a region of interest of the image depicting an identifier of the vehicle. A second image is generated that includes the region of interest and is preprocessed to generate a plurality of images of the region of interest. Each of the images includes unique display settings. The images are displayed within a graphical user interface along with progress information for a first user. The progress information is related to an amount of vehicles to identify. Progress information is displayed for additional users. An input including the identifier is received using the user interface. Images related to an image of a second vehicle's region of interest are displayed. A progress of the additional users is monitored and then the displayed progress information is updated.
US09550119B2
Methods, apparatus, and systems for webgame interactions are provided. A first terminal sends a request for establishing a P2P channel to a second browser, when the first browser logs in to a webgame application on the first terminal. The P2P channel is established between the first browser and the second browser, after the first browser receives an accepting response to the request for establishing the P2P channel from the second browser. The first browser uses the P2P channel to transmit webgame application data between the first browser and the second browser. An exemplary browser can include a requesting module, an establishing module, and a processing module. Another exemplary browser can include a receiving module, an obtaining module, a responding module, an establishing module, and a processing module.
US09550118B2
A system and method for providing players with real-time information on any device capable of running a web browser is provided. The system solves the problem of game interface overloads and also brings the following benefits: provides for control optimization and for more options for a team game play. A usual game play experience is completely simulated on any remote mobile device by allowing remote input of the game controls from the mobile device to the base platform (PC/MAC, etc) and streaming the video from the base platform to the mobile device. The mobile device acts as a “thin client” for the base platform. Adoption of the game to the mobile device is not required.
US09550112B2
Client position in a multi-client game is determined using dead reckoning. Clients send information to a server over a network. The server distributes this information to other clients. A client uses this information and dead reckoning to determine a character's position. The server may calculate the client's position using dead reckoning and send updates to clients when errors between actual and calculated positions exceed a threshold. Clients may calculate their position according to dead reckoning, and when an error between actual and calculated position exceeds a threshold, send updated information to other clients. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US09550109B1
A method and system of generating and displaying a game of chance with a computer on an electronic device to a player, wherein the player places a wager on a primary poker hand dealt from a deck of cards and a secondary string bonus hand of one to five cards. The game may be played on site at a legal game casino, in a non-gambling mode on-line over the internet, or off-line on a home computer using a disc such as a compact disc. The game could also be played as a game in gambling or non-gambling mode at a tavern, bar, or the like.
US09550106B1
An energy absorbing mouth guard is provided with several sets of open spaces. The sets are arranged in the guard at preferred locations. At least some of the sets have arrays of open spaces, where the arrays are arranged in a triangular pattern. Each array in the triangular pattern has three open spaces.
US09550105B2
A pacing system for pacing an activity receives a desired pace that includes a timing interval and generates a first pace signal based on the desired pace and corresponding to the timing interval. The system receives feedback on an actual pace of the activity and determines if the actual pace is different than the desired pace. When the actual pace is different, the system generates a second pace signal having a timing that is different than the timing interval. When the actual pace is not different, the system generates the second pace signal in accordance with the timing interval.
US09550100B2
A method and apparatus to improve swing velocity, hand speed, and time to impact when swinging weighted, club-like equipment such as sporting equipment and tools. The method and apparatus include an enlarged flange positioned on the handle of the equipment. The flange includes a greater size than the handle to contact against the user's hand. The apparatus may be manufactured on new equipment, or added to existing equipment. The device and methods also improve safety by preventing hand injury during a swing, and prevent accidental release of the equipment during a swing.
US09550098B2
A golf club and golf club shaft includes a tubular member having at least one neck portion with a reduced outer diameter and at least one relatively rigid two-piece sleeve secured to the tubular member in overlying relationship to each neck portion. The two-piece sleeve defines a small central gap filled by a compressible ring to allow the two otherwise longitudinally aligned sleeve pieces to pivot relative to one another under dynamic loading of the tubular member during a golf swing, and then upon reaching a limit point restrict additional deflection or bending of the tubular member.
US09550096B2
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with an outer surface curve, and a weight port region located at or proximate to the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09550088B2
The present invention provides an improved exercise roller apparatus having a cylindrical body with at least one unobstructed inner compartment and wrapped in a foam sleeve. The hollow compartment(s) may hold variable amounts of weights in a fixed position such that the weights do not shift while the roller is in use and the roller rolls steadily on a smooth surface. The foam sleeve provides the cushion necessary to comfortably roll the body over the roller during therapeutic roller use or roller-aided exercises. Handgrips are provided on the body to transform the roller into a versatile weight-lifting apparatus.
US09550070B2
The present invention relates to a portable light pen dispensing device comprising: a housing, an electronics module located in said housing and comprising a light source capable of irradiating skin and stimulating regeneration of the skin to treat skin disorders, a battery for powering the electronics module, wherein the light source comprises one or more LEDs, wherein the electronics module comprises drive means arranged to control the operation of the light source to emit light in a mixed driving mode so as to limit the temperature of the LED while ensuring a sufficient fluency allowing for the skin to be treated.
US09550066B2
Devices and methods for improving device therapy such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) by determining a desired value for a device parameter are described. An ambulatory medical device can receive one or more physiologic signals and generate multiple signal metrics from the physiologic signals. The ambulatory medical device can determine a desired value for a device parameter, such as a timing parameter used for controlling the delivery of CRT pacing to various heart chambers, using information fusion of signal metrics that are selected based on one or more of a signal metric sensitivity to perturbations to the device parameter in response to a stimulation, a signal metric variability in response to a stimulation, or a covariability between two or more signal metrics in response to a stimulation. The ambulatory medical device can program a stimulation using the desired device parameter value, and deliver the programmed stimulation to one or more target sites to achieve desired therapeutic effects.
US09550065B2
Methods, systems, and/or devices for selecting spinal cord stimulation (SCS) electrode array configurations to provide effective cardiac therapy. Physiological parameters related to the heart may be monitored and analyzed during the delivery of SCS using various SCS electrode array configurations to determine an effect SCS electrode array configuration.
US09550057B2
A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.
US09550042B2
A catheter which exhibits excellent anti-kinking properties while avoiding interference with respect to an object moving inside the lumen of the catheter includes: an elongated catheter main body having a longitudinally extending lumen; a tubular-shaped guide wire insertion portion on the distal end of the catheter main body through which a guide wire is insertable, and which includes a distal opening portion and a proximal opening portion; and a reinforcement portion having a coil portion in which at least a portion of the reinforcement portion is arranged proximally of the proximal opening portion and is formed by a wound wire element, and an extension portion extending from the wire element of the coil portion in the distal direction away from the proximal opening portion, and wherein the reinforcement portion is positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface of the lumen of the catheter main body.
US09550038B2
In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swiveling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.
US09550035B2
A method to deliver medication. The apparatus has an acoustic volume sensor that acoustically excites a reference volume and variable-volume chamber with an acoustic source and measures the acoustic response with microphones acoustically coupled to the reference and the variable-volume chamber. A disposable drug cassette is coupled to the acoustic volume sensor and includes a drug reservoir and valve. The method includes receiving a volume signal and inputs from a user input or a second sensor and controlling the valve based on these inputs.
US09550028B2
A device for processing a biological material is disclosed. The device includes a syringe barrel comprising beads, a filter positioned at a close end of the barrel, a plunger insertable into the barrel through an open end, and a needle. The plunger includes a paddle assembly that is configured to mix a biological material with the beads after the biological material has been harvested from a patient.
US09550023B2
A removable material is deposited or otherwise applied to a flat substrate surface in a pattern corresponding to desired corrugations in a membrane, e.g., a deflection diaphragm. The applied material serves as a scaffold for a polymeric material, which is applied thereover, and following cure or hardening, the polymeric material is removed to form a finished corrugated membrane.
US09550007B2
Exemplary methods and systems for killing or deactivating spores include applying a fluid to a surface containing a spore; and applying direct or indirect plasma to the surface for a period of time. In some embodiments, the fluid includes water. In some embodiments, the spore is Clostridium difficile and in some is Bacillus Anthracis. In some embodiments, the fluid is in the form of a vapor, a fog, a spray, a mist or an aerosol, which may be activated prior to or after applying the fluid to a surface. In some embodiments, peroxynitrite is created in the fluid during the method. Another exemplary embodiment of killing or deactivating a spore includes treating spores with direct plasma or indirect plasma for a period of time and applying an antimicrobial to the spores. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial is an alcohol, a bleach or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
US09550004B2
A solution for generating ultraviolet diffusive radiation is provided. A diffusive ultraviolet radiation illuminator includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source located within a reflective cavity that includes a plurality of surfaces. At least one of the plurality of surfaces can be configured to diffusively reflect at least 70% of the ultraviolet radiation and at least one of the plurality of surfaces can be configured to transmit at least 30% of the ultraviolet radiation and reflect at least 10% of the ultraviolet radiation.
US09549993B2
Disclosed are antibody drug conjugates (ADC) that include highly potent toxic agents with specific antibodies to target tumors. Also disclosed are related antibodies, polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, compositions, and uses.
US09549984B2
Provided are probiotic compositions that have enhanced stability under various storage conditions. The stability of the probiotic compositions is enhanced through the addition of various agents and excipients. Examples of agents and excipients that may be used to enhance the stability of probiotic compositions include prebiotics, such as the sugar alcohols mannitol, sorbitol, and lactitol, and/or phytonutrients such as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). The probiotic compositions may be formulated into oral dosage forms such as tablets, caplets, and capsules, or manufactured as a chewing gum or as a powder formulation that may be dissolved in a liquid such as water, milk, juice, or yogurt.
US09549978B2
The present invention relates to antimicrobial peptides, isolated and purified from extracts of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) gills. Such peptides may be produced by chemical synthesis or by expression in heterologous systems, such as bacteria and yeasts, by conventional molecular biology techniques. These peptides show antimicrobial activity against various organisms, including Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, fungi and viruses. The invention also includes compositions for controlling pathogens comprising these antimicrobial peptides. The use of such peptides in vaccine preparations, as molecular adjuvants, is also part of the invention.
US09549971B2
The present invention provides methods of using EGFL8 antagonists to inhibit vascular development and to treat related disorders.
US09549965B2
The present invention relates to a combination comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an α-adrenergic antagonist, an anthelmintic agent, an antifungal agent, an antimalarial agent, an antineoplastic agent, an antipsychotic agent, an antioxidant, a vasodilator, a vitamin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and an antimicrobial compound.
US09549960B1
This invention relates to liquid application for skin rejuvenation created from specific amino acids, lipids, nucleic acids and vitamins. This collection of molecules delivers precisely the factors necessary to a specific site requiring healing; a direct intervention system to most expeditiously remodel skin with building blocks. This delivery is a transdermal topical delivery.Healing is via specific molecules that engender a false autocoid reaction rapidly followed by an incremental healing-anti-inflammatory response augmented by very specific (GRAS″ ingredients in the invention and also recruited from the body to this needy site. Energy is brought to site by transdermally delivered protons and enhanced by the local vascular flow initiated by transdermal molecules.This delivery system bypasses digestion and dilution. Key is a lipophilic carrier with nuclear and mitochondrial ligands that rapidly penetrate and permeate all membranes and truncates the inflammatory site quickly manifesting curation. Other delivered molecules expedite healing at every level.
US09549959B2
An animal toy containing food having a first portion with food delivery means integrated therein adapted to securely house solid food treats, including a nutritional pet supplement, to be removed by the animal during play or through chewing action, and a second side with a plurality of gum stimulation teeth integrated within and projecting therefrom that act to massage the gums of the animal. Food delivery means may be provided as a plurality of cavities integrated within the first portion (and optionally, the second portion), preferably having a grooved or threaded interior for securely holding food pieces securely therein. Alternatively, the food delivery means is provided as a food portion composing the first portion. A pet supplement may be utilized, including joint preserving and joint rebuilding compositions comprising chicken collagen type II, glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, a vitamin composition comprising vitamins C, D and K, a mineral composition comprising calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese and boron, a herbal anti-oxidant cofactor blend comprising citrus bioflavonoids, red grapes anthocyanins, turmeric rhizome, boswellia resin and fennel seed.
US09549958B2
An extract of Cynanchum sp. in use of arthritis treatment is provided. The extract of Cynanchum sp. and an active ingredient contained therein, antofine, are applicable to a method, pharmaceutical composition and dietary supplement for treatment of arthritis. A mass production of antofine from plant extracts is also provided.
US09549957B2
The present invention relates to an active agent complex of extracts of Poria cocos and a species of the genus Phragmites, in particular Phragmites kharka (also Phragmites karka), formulations comprising said active agent complex as well as to the use of the formulations of the invention for the strengthening, maintenance and quicker restoration of epidermal integrity.
US09549942B2
The present disclosure relates to a pharmaceutical composition, a health functional food composition, and a method for preventing or treating a brain disease or diabetes. The pharmaceutical composition, health functional food composition, and method includes at least one active ingredient that is chlorhexidine, thioguanosine, mebendazole, fenbendazole, colchicine, farnesol, trimethobenzamide hydrochloride, disulfuram, azathioprine, mebeverine hydrochloride, zaprinast, tosufloxacin hydrochloride, efavirenz, thiostrepton, probenecid, entacapone, harmine hydrochloride, flunisolide, thimerosal, hexestrol, sulfaquinoxaline sodium salt, monensin sodium salt, raloxifene hydrochloride, 2-chloropyrazine, or topotecan.
US09549921B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I that are useful as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitors, the synthesis of such compounds, and the use of such compounds for inhibiting HCV NS5B polymerase activity, for treating or preventing HCV infections and for inhibiting HCV viral replication and/or viral production in a cell-based system.(I)
US09549915B2
A compound having the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. The compound may be used in the treatment or prevention of a disorder selected from appetite regulation, obesity, metabolic disorders, cachexia, anorexia, pain, inflammation, neurotoxicity, neurotrauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, levodopa-induced dyskinesia, Huntington's disease, Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, emesis, alcohol disorders, drug addictions such as opiates, nicotine, cocaine, alcohol and psychostimulants, hypertension, circulatory shock, myocardial reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, asthma, glaucoma, retinopathy, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, acute and chronic liver disease such as hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, arthritis and osteoporosis.
US09549905B2
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising of resveratrol and/or derivatives thereof and/or functionally related compounds and benzoyl peroxide and/or derivatives thereof and/or functionally related compounds for the treatment of acne and other inflammatory or infectious skin disorders. Also disclosed are methods of treating acne and other inflammatory and infectious skin disorders using the compositions described herein.
US09549904B2
Disclosed is a method of preventing or inhibiting biofilm formation by a population of bacteria comprising the administration of a sterile intravenous normal saline solution containing glycerin and amino acids. In some embodiments, the concentration of glycerin in the normal saline solution is approximately 3%. In some embodiments, the concentration of amino acids in the normal saline solution is approximately 3%. In some embodiments, the intravenous solution is administered for 48 hours at 80 cc/hour. In some embodiments, the solution is infused via intracavernous administration into an infected body cavity.
US09549903B2
The invention relates to transdermal therapeutic system for the transdermal administration of buprenorphine, comprising a buprenorphine-containing self-adhesive layer structure comprising A) a buprenorphine-impermeable backing layer, and B) a buprenorphine-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on said buprenorphine-impermeable backing layer, the adhesive layer comprising a) at least one polymer-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, b) an analgesically effective amount of buprenorphine base or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and c) a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, levulinic acid and mixtures thereof, in an amount sufficient so that said analgesically effective amount of buprenorphine is solubilized therein to form a mixture, and the carboxylic acid buprenorphine mixture forms dispersed deposits in the said pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein said buprenorphine-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is the skin contact layer.
US09549898B2
A waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition suitable for external administration is disclosed. The composition includes a foamable carrier least one liquefied or compressed gas propellant. The foamable carrier includes at least one liquid oil; at least one silicone and at least one least one stabilizing agent; wherein the stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of at least one surface-active agent alone or on combination with a foam adjuvant; and about 0% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent alone or on combination with a foam adjuvant; and mixtures thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising active agents, methods for their preparation, propellants suitable for use with the carriers and uses thereof are further described.
US09549886B2
Personal care formulations containing alkyl ketal esters having the structure wherein a is 0 or an integer of 1 to 12; b is 0 or 1; R2 is a divalent C1-8 group optionally substituted with up to 5 hydroxyl groups; and R1 is C1-6 alkyl.
US09549885B2
A scalp care composition directed to a scalp care composition comprising from about 0.05% to about 5% of an anti-dandruff active, from about 0.1% to about 25% of one or more organic solvents, from about 1% to about 99% of a volatile carrier wherein the anti-dandruff active is soluble in the scalp care composition.
US09549884B2
Novel retinoic acid derivatives and a process for their preparation are described.
US09549881B2
The invention is related to a dental impression composition which is curable at a temperature below about 50 C, the composition comprising: (A) a curable organopolysiloxane polymer as component (A), (B) a crosslinker compound capable of cross-linking said organopolysiloxane polymer as component (B), (C) a catalyst as component (C) capable of catalyzing a crosslinking reaction of component (A) and component (B), (D) a hydrophilizing agent as component (D), (E) a filler as component (E), (F1) a stabilizer as component (F1) selected from compounds comprising a phosphite moiety and mixtures thereof, (F2) a stabilizer as component (F2) selected from antioxidants and mixtures thereof, the composition being present in the form of a base paste and a catalyst paste physically separated from another, the base paste comprising components (A), (B), (D), (E), (F1), (F2), the catalyst paste comprising components (A), (C), (E).
US09549878B2
A set of a first and a second preparation are intended to be mixed before or during an endodontic treatment to form an endodontic irrigation solution. The first preparation includes an oxidizing agent. The second preparation includes antibacterial nanoparticles treated to slow their oxidation by the oxidizing agent. The antibacterial nanoparticles are, for example, encapsulated in shells in a hybrid core-shell structure. In one variation, the antibacterial nanoparticles are made from an alloy of at least two elements, one of the elements being more resistant to oxidation than the other.
US09549864B1
A central bed having a longitudinal bed frame and a bed section mounted to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical axis between a home position aligned with the bed frame and an away position.
US09549863B2
A surgical table including a patient support structure and a base assembly including a first and a second support column supporting respective ends of the patient support structure. The patient support structure including a head end section and a foot end section, the head end section coupled at a pair of outer ends to the first support column, the foot end section coupled at a pair of outer ends to the second support column, the head and foot end sections each comprising a pair of inner ends that are pivotally and slidingly coupled together at an inward articulation, each of the inner ends of the head end section comprise a slot at the inward articulation, each of the inner ends of the foot end section are coupled with the respective slot via a hinge pin that engages the slot, the hinge pin configured to pivot and slide within the slot.
US09549859B2
A pant-like garment having an elastomeric film laminate front panel and back panel. A front leg elastic member disposed adjacent the front panel leg edge. A back leg elastic member disposed adjacent the back panel leg edge. The absorbent garment having a leg elastic covering panel which extends between and interconnects the front panel to the back panel such that the front leg elastic member is sandwiched between the leg elastic covering panel and the front panel and such that the back leg elastic member is sandwiched between the leg elastic covering panel and the back panel. The length of the leg elastic covering panel is less than the garment length. An absorbent composite is attached to the leg elastic covering panel and a pair of side seams connects the front region to the back region to define a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.
US09549840B2
An ostomy appliance for attachment to the stoma body comprising an adhesive wafer and a collecting pouch attachable to an adhesive wafer, the wafer comprises a backing layer and a skin-facing adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive skin-facing surface of the wafer is provided with a release liner covering the skin-facing surface of the adhesive layer, the release liner comprising at least a first part and a second part, the first and the second part being interconnected along a predefined folding line and wherein both the first and the second part of the release liner is in contact with the adhesive. The construction facilitates stepwise application.
US09549832B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent.
US09549828B2
The invention relates to a prosthetic socket for a residual limb of the lower extremity or upper extremity of an individual person. The residual limb has particular dimensions and anatomical contours; the prosthetic socket has dimensions and contours that fit the dimensions and contours of the residual limb. The prosthetic socket may also fit in a manner that is biomechanically particularly appropriate for the individual. The prosthetic socket is an assembly of components from groups of components that include (a) struts arranged longitudinally with respect to the residual limb, (b) proximal brim members arranged proximally to the struts and connected thereto; and (c) distal socket members disposed at the distal base of the prosthetic socket. The socket components within these groups may be modular in that they can vary with respect to dimensions and/or contours, and yet have common connecting features that permit assembly of the components together to form the prosthetic socket.
US09549823B2
Various embodiments of implant systems and related apparatus, and methods of operating the same are described herein. In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure, including a space truss, configured to interface with human bone tissue. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes. Implants are optimized for the expected stress applied at the bone structure site.
US09549809B2
An interarticular ligament prosthesis is formed from a plurality of high strength high modulus polymeric fibers. The fibers are independent and free from intrinsic inter-fiber shear coupling found in braided or bonded fibers. The ligament prosthesis is installed with tubular, bone screw anchors. The fibers of the ligament prosthesis pass through the central hole of the anchors and are knotted at one end. The exit holes of the anchors include ceramic eyelets with polished edges. The edges are rounded to a defined radius for desired fatigue life of the prosthesis.
US09549805B2
The present disclosure provides tissue fillers. The tissue fillers can include a plurality of tissue particles formed from acellular tissue matrix fragments. The tissue fillers can be used to fill tissue sites, such as voids formed after tissue resection. The disclosure also includes methods of treating tissue using the tissue fillers. The tissue particles can each be formed of tissue fragments having certain sizes.
US09549804B2
Disclosed are methods and devices for minimally invasive mastopexy, or other soft tissue suspension, which may be accomplished with our without augmentation.
US09549800B2
An implantable device includes a body member having a bottom side that is parallel to a top side; a pair of legs extending from the bottom side of the body member; and a pair of arms extending from the body member perpendicular to the pair of legs and a second arm extending from the body member perpendicular to the pair of legs.
US09549799B2
Surgical procedures, kits and implants for alleviating human incontinence, and particularly providing improved methods and apparatus to secure a urethral sling (30) to pubic bone (24, 26) to support the urethra and alleviate incontinence are disclosed. Bone anchors (64) are driven into pubic bones with elongated bone anchor sutures (84) configured to be passed through openings of a urethral sling. Suture retainers are applied to the sutures to apply retentive force to the urethral sling to maintain the fixation of the urethral sling proximate to the pubic bone.
US09549797B2
A dental paste dispensing device having a modified dispensing end for atraumatic contact with soft tissue is disclosed. The dispensing device has a needle with an attachment end adapted to be attached to a capsule containing the dental paste and a dispensing end with a terminal edge for dispensing the dental paste to a location in a patient mouth containing soft tissue, wherein the dispensing end includes an atraumatic modification. The modification is a plastic tip member over the dispensing end having a flattened static position and a rounded dynamic position.
US09549795B2
Systems for maintaining a vacuum in a patient's oral cavity comprises an oral device, a vacuum control system, and an assembly including first and second tubes for connecting the vacuum control system to the oral device. The oral device has an internal plenum, and a vacuum is drawn in the plenum by a vacuum pump connected by a first tube of the tubular assembly. The vacuum is maintained by an air source which is connected to the plenum by the second tube of the tubular assembly. By maintaining a constant circulating air bleed through the oral device and the connecting tubes, saliva may be removed from the system and collected in a saliva trap located before the vacuum pump.
US09549794B2
A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses.
US09549793B2
An implant comprising two internal anti-rotational features. One anti-rotational feature is adapted to engage a driving tool, while the other anti-rotational feature is adapted to engage an abutment. An implant abutment system is provided with an angled abutment adapted to mate with one of the anti-rotational features. A second, straight abutment is adapted to engage with the other anti-rotational feature. An abutment is provided with resilient fingers to interface with the implant and provide tactile and audible feedback indicating when the abutment is properly seated. An abutment screw extends through the abutment and engages the implant bore distal of the stem of the abutment. The abutment screw limits axial movement of the abutment relative to the implant. A driving tool comprising one of at least retention structure and visual alignment indicia is provided to facilitate screwing the implant into a patient's bone.
US09549792B2
The present invention relates to a connection between a post part provided for being screwed into the jawbone and an associated superstructure part to which a dental prosthesis can be fastened. The connection between the post part and the superstructure part has a rotational self-centering action, wherein at least one of the surfaces provided for this purpose has a friction-minimizing modification and/or coating.
US09549788B2
A method for generating a mapping of dental occlusion generates a three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth (1a, 1b) according to acquired image data. The maxillary and mandibular arches are positioned in opposition in the generated model of the patient's teeth and a meal model (50) generated having characteristics of a foam material. A pressure field distribution for the generated meal model is calculated for one or more pairs of opposed teeth (1a, 1b) from the generated three-dimensional model of the patient's teeth. The calculated pressure field distribution (54) can be displayed.
US09549786B2
A surgical template positioning device is provided, and has a template and a dental mold. The template has a first surface formed with at least three spherical recesses, a second surface, and a guiding hole. The dental mold has at least three spherical portions partially embedded in the at least three spherical recesses and an implanted hole having an axis the same as the guiding hole. The at least three spherical recesses have three spherical centers as being three vertices of a triangle, the axis passes through the triangle, and the at least three spherical portions have spherical centers corresponding with the three vertices of the triangle. A method of manufacturing the surgical positioning device is also provided.
US09549775B2
An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion. A second switch is disposed on the housing and is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to one jaw member and selectively deliver energy of a second electrical potential to the other jaw member for treating tissue in a bipolar fashion.
US09549773B2
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.
US09549770B2
A device for storing and mixing bone cement components. The device includes a housing, a safety device, and a vacuum indicator. The housing defines a mixing chamber configured to store a first bone cement component therein. In a first safety position, the safety device prevents contact between the first bone cement component and a second bone cement component in the mixing chamber. In a second safety position, the safety device permits contact between the first and second bone cement components in the mixing chamber. The vacuum indicator restricts movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a first vacuum indicator position. The vacuum indicator permits movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a second vacuum indicator position.
US09549767B2
The present invention discloses a system for securing at least one fastener to an implant. At least one adhesive capsule is inserted in a recess preferably located along a longitudinal axis of the implant. The at least one adhesive capsule may be inserted in the recess and held in place therein by a holder. A plurality of adhesive capsules and holders may be inserted in one or more recesses located substantially along the longitudinal axis of the implant. The at least one adhesive capsule preferably has a casing housing an adhesive material configured to be pierced by the at least one fastener to secure the at least one fastener to an aperture of the implant. The casing of the adhesive capsule may form an annular passageway to receive a guide wire for aiding the insertion of the capsule in an implant having a longitudinal bore along at least a portion thereof.
US09549764B2
Occipital plates and assemblies combining occipital plates with one of several types of spinal rods or cervical plates in a procedure to fuse a portion of a skull to a portion of a spine. An array of different occipital plates are disclosed, including options for making adjustments to the occipital plates by bending thinned portions of the occipital plates. The spinal rods engage polyaxial connector assemblies that are rotated posterior of the bony attachment section that provides an array of screw holes for affixing the occipital plate to the skull using at least one non-angled and non-articulated instrument. One or more holes for securing tensioning cables are provided in the occipital plates. Additional variations of these concepts are disclosed. Methods of using the disclosed components in surgical procedures are disclosed.
US09549761B2
The present application discloses endoscopy systems and devices for use therewith, wherein such systems and devices are designed for use in foreign body retrieval procedures. Moreover, the present application discloses methods of retrieving foreign bodies using the provided systems and devices. In one exemplary embodiment, a foreign body retrieval device capable for use with an endoscope is provided. The retrieval device comprises a housing and a capture tool disposed within and movable relative to the housing. The housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one cavity. The proximal end of the housing is configured for attachment to the distal end of an endoscope and the distal end comprises an opening for at least partially receiving a foreign body in the at least one cavity. The capture tool defines an at least partially closeable aperture.
US09549759B2
A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object and an access housing mountable to the access member. The access housing includes a diaphragm mounted thereto. The diaphragm is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis relative to the access housing. The diaphragm defines at least one internal pocket and has a seal assembly disposed within the internal pocket. The seal assembly has an interface seal member adapted for establishing a fluid tight seal about the surgical object. The seal assembly is adapted for selective movement within the pocket about multiple axes in response to manipulation of the surgical object.
US09549741B2
Surgical clip appliers are provided and includes a channel assembly extending distally from a housing; a clip carrier disposed within said channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows therein; a plurality of clips slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier; a wedge plate reciprocally disposed within said channel assembly, said wedge plate being operatively connected to said handles and including a plurality of apertures formed along a length thereof; and a clip follower slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier and disposed proximally of said plurality of clips, said clip follower being configured and adapted for selective engagement with said windows of said clip carrier and said apertures of said wedge plate. The clip follower is configured and adapted to urge said plurality of clips, in a distal direction relative to said clip carrier, upon reciprocal movement of said wedge plate.
US09549723B2
A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second member has an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner surfaces defines at least one mating element and the outer surfaces are engageable with tissue. The members are relatively movable between a first configuration and a second configuration to space the tissue and define an opening between the members. At least one third member defines at least one mating element engageable with the at least one mating element of the inner surface such that the at least one third member is disposed within the opening. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09549716B2
A control system for allowing a physician to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions with one hand. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions.
US09549715B2
Disclosed is a device useful for preserving tissue samples after extraction from human or animal patients. The device includes a circular blade for taking a tissue sample, the blade being coupled to a sealing cap which mates to one end of a container. A retrieval port is also disclosed for extracting fluids from the container. Methods are also disclosed by which tissue samples may be taken and prepared for storage, processing, culture, or other analysis.
US09549714B2
A non-invasive endometrial sample collector has an outer body of absorbent material configured for insertion into a vaginal cavity of a patient such that a distal end of the body is positioned proximate a uterine cervix of the patient. The collector has an internal collection assembly disposed within the outer body of absorbent material. The internal collection assembly includes a funnel having an opening at the distal end of the outer body configured to face the uterine cervix when the outer body is positioned in the vaginal cavity, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the funnel. During a menstruation cycle of the patient when endometrial tissue cells are shed within menstrual fluid that passes through the uterine cervix, or during any type of normal or abnormal bleeding episode, at least a portion of said fluid is directed to the reservoir via the funnel under the force of gravity.
US09549707B2
A system orientates and displays intra-vascular ultrasound imaging data using an acquisition processor and an image data processor. The acquisition processor acquires, during navigation of an ultrasound catheter through a vessel, for multiple individual intra-vascular ultrasound images comprising an image sequence, data representing an individual image and orientation data associated with the individual image indicating orientation of the catheter and individual image with respect to a reference position external to patient anatomy. The image data processor aligns the multiple individual intra-vascular ultrasound images with respect to the external reference position by rotating individual images of the image sequence as necessary to have substantially the same orientation with respect to the external reference position in response to the orientation data.
US09549706B2
A cradle drive mechanism, a table and a patient imaging and carrying apparatus are provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes: a first portion, which is arranged on a main base and has a belt drive structure, wherein the belt drive structure is used to connect a cradle and drive the cradle to make a reciprocating motion; a second portion, which is arranged on a secondary base and has a secondary supporting and rotating member, wherein the second portion and the first portion form a gap therebetween, and the secondary supporting and rotating member is used to support the cradle; and two guiding and rotating members, which are arranged on the second portion and/or the first portion for guiding the cradle to move linearly. The present application can simplify the structure by adoption of the belt drive structure. Further, the gap between the second portion and the first portion does not attenuate the X-ray additionally, so the dose of the X-ray emitted can be decreased.
US09549699B2
Devices and methods are described for providing continuous measurement of an analyte concentration. In some embodiments, the device has a sensing mechanism and a sensing membrane that includes at least one surface-active group-containing polymer and that is located over the sensing mechanism. The sensing membrane may have a bioprotective layer configured to substantially block the effect and/or influence of non-constant noise-causing species.
US09549697B2
An electrochemical sensor system comprises an electrochemical sensor and a hydrogel composition. The electrochemical sensor has at least a counter electrode and a working electrode. The hydrogel composition contacts the working electrode. The hydrogel composition comprises a first monomer, a second monomer, a cross-linking agent, and a solvent. The first monomer has hydrophilic characteristics. The second monomer has hydrophobic characteristics. The ratio of the first monomer to the second monomer is from about 0.1:99.9 to about 99.9:0.1.
US09549693B2
Membrane systems incorporating silicone polymers are described for use in implantable analyte sensors. Some layers of the membrane system may comprise a blend of a silicone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, for example, a triblock poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer. Such polymeric blends provide for both high oxygen solubility and aqueous analyte solubility.
US09549686B2
A time series myoelectric potential signal is acquired, which is representative of time series activity amount of a muscle of a driver when the driver is performing a driving operation on the vehicle, the muscle being involved in the driving operation. Based on the acquired time series myoelectric potential signal, a parameter value indicative of a fluctuation amount of the time-series myoelectric potential signal and an average value of the myoelectric potential signal are obtained. Drivability of the vehicle is evaluated based on the obtained parameter value and the obtained average value.
US09549675B2
A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.
US09549661B2
A medical system including an endoscope having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween is disclosed. The endoscope includes a port configured to provide access to the lumen. In addition, the system may include an actuation member slidably disposed through the lumen such that a proximal end of the actuation member extends through the port, and a distal end of the actuation member is operably coupled to an end-effector. The system may further include an actuation handle removably secured to the actuation member. In one embodiment, a portion of the end-effector has dimensions larger than a maximum dimension of the lumen.
US09549654B1
A notched fluid applicator comprising a base with a dispenser pad or a brush. The notch allows the application of a fluid to a surface containing one or more protrusions. The applicator may be used to apply fluid to the surface of an article such as a glass substrate, printed circuit board, or other surface containing one or more protrusions.
US09549642B2
A bidet for infants and children includes a main body that is shaped as a chair, has an inner surface and an outer surface and comprises a backrest part with a predetermined length, a cradling part forming a predetermined angle with the backrest part, and a buttock-cradling part between the backrest part and the cradling part and connecting the backrest part and the cradling part and concavely recessed in the inner surface of the main body, a plurality of hang protrusions formed at an outer surface of the backrest part and arranged with predetermined intervals for fixing the main body at different angles, and a supporting member having a predetermined length and formed at a bottom surface of the buttock-cradling part, and a discharge port is formed lengthwise through a center portion of the buttock-cradling part concavely recessed in the inner surface of the main body.
US09549637B2
An apparatus/method of cleaning a roaster bowl having a pouring lip and a cover (e.g., sugar or other coating is adhered to the bowl, its pouring lip and the cover). Water is added to the roaster bowl and the cover is placed over the roaster bowl. An appropriately sized and located steam vent is disposed between the cover and roaster bowl, adjacent to the bowl's pouring lip. The roaster bowl is heated to boil the water to produce steam that dissolves the sugar adhered to the roaster bowl and to the underside of the cover. Steam exiting the bowl via the vent condenses on the pouring lip to dissolve the sugar that is adhered to the pouring lip, and the sugar-laden steam drips back into the bowl thus cleaning the pouring lip.
US09549634B2
A sweet tea brewing product and system for brewing sweet tea is disclosed including making a concentrated sweet tea solution before mixing with water which comprises at least one water permeable sieve wherein tea particles and sugar granules are contained. The tea particles and sugar granules are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a hot concentrated sweet tea solution. The concentrated tea solution is then mixed with a proportioned amount of water to make consistent sweet tea. An alternative embodiment may be employed whereby coffee is substituted for tea to make a sweetened coffee solution that may be brewed hot or over ice.
US09549625B1
A bedding system may be installable on a mattress. The bedding system may have a bottom sheet, a top sheet, and a duvet. The bottom sheet may have a peripheral portion with bottom sheet mounting elements that secure the bottom sheet to the mattress, and top sheet fastening elements. The top sheet may have top sheet mounting elements that secure the top sheet to the bottom sheet.
US09549617B1
A seat back or chair cooling apparatus that cools the back of a user without the need of forced air. The cooling apparatus includes a pocket having an open end and three closed or closable sides. At least one gel pack embodiment is configured to be inserted into the pocket open end. An adjustable belt, housed in a belt pocket and attached to the pocket sides, is deployed to affix the back cooler assembly to a chair back. Hook straps and hooks provide additional attachment points to secure the back cooler assembly to a chair back, and these straps and hooks have separate hook strap and hook storage pockets within the cooling pocket. The cooling pocket can include polyester, fabric or olefin materials, and can also include a mesh backside. Embodiments of the pocket closures in the portable seat or chair back cooler include metal-magnetic button fasteners, button and button-hole fasteners, or Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners.
US09549615B1
The leg rest includes a base frame and a retractable frame assembly. The base frame has a through hole and two connecting sockets. A connecting rod connects between the connecting sockets. Two hole seats are provided on the connecting rod. The retractable frame assembly connects with the base frame and includes a first support frame having two connecting arms and a main board connected therebetween. The connecting arms separately connect the connecting sockets. A link with a connecting tube perpendicularly extends from the main board. The connecting tube is coaxially connected between the hole seats. A second support frame rotatably connects to the main board. A support seat rotatably connects to the second support frame and has a transversal rod. A vertical rod is perpendicularly connected between the transversal rod and the main board. A support pad is fixed onto the support seat.
US09549608B1
An edger for a paint roller, comprising: a roller frame; a roller cover, having lateral edges, the lateral edges being outside a painting width of the paint roller and being configured to glide against a surface without marring the surface; a displaceable mount, configured to have a first position in which a roller cover is fully engaged over the paint roller and a second position in which the roller cover is disengaged from the paint roller; and at least one auxiliary brush, located on at least one lateral edge of the roller cover, configured to provide painting coverage adjacent to an edge of the roller. A paintbrush edger comprising a linked pair of selectively deployed shields, separated by a wicking space, having tips which glide in a corner, protecting a from contact with paint, while withdrawing paint which seeps into the corner into the wicking space.
US09549605B2
A cap that is suitable for use on conventional liquid containers, particularly water bottles for recreational use. The cap includes a release mechanism for dispensing liquids. The release mechanism is at an angle from the vertical axis of the cap.
US09549603B2
A cartridge-type cosmetic container includes: a main body outer tube to which a cartridge body is attached; a driver body that is rotatable relative to the main body outer tube; a push rod that is propelled by relative rotations of the main body outer tube and the driver body; and a screw spring that is housed in the main body outer tube, and contracts as a result of attaching the cartridge body. The screw spring includes: a first flat plate part whose position is defined in the main body outer tube; a second flat plate part that approaches the first flat plate part by the cartridge body attached; plate spring parts that join both of the flat plate part each other; and a female thread protuberance that is provided on the plate spring parts, and interlocks with a male thread of the push rod as the plate spring parts curve.
US09549597B2
A luggage article having a lower portion supporting a pluralities of supports and including a plurality of walls forming a luggage case structure defining an interior cavity and having a front wall, back wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom wall, at least one support assembly being mounted on a lower portion adjacent the front wall, the lower portion of the front wall has a protruding ledge structure extending at least partially laterally across the front wall, front edges of the opposing sidewalls being offset rearwardly from the front edge of the protruding ledge structure to enhance stability.
US09549594B1
A customizable bracelet or belt that has a matrix of evenly spaced holes all around the article. Inserts such as pegs, rhinestones, and charms are configured to be inserted through any of the holes and will be snugly secured inside the hole. In this way, a very large number of configurations can be designed by a user by using different combinations of the inserts. The configurations can be in a particular pattern, spell words, etc.
US09549590B2
A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. The articles of footwear have sole components that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of geometrical patterns. The geometrical patterns have hinged portions that rotate with respect to each other when the sole is under lateral or longitudinal tension, thus increasing the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the sole. The sole component may include a pattern of recesses with varying depths, sizes, and shapes disposed along the inner surface as well as the outer surface of the sole component.
US09549585B2
An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers.
US09549584B2
An expandable joint for use in, for example, a headband, includes elastic material, a low-friction sleeve, and a tube. The low-friction sleeve covers at least two opposing sides of a portion of the length of elastic material. The length of elastic material is affixed to the low-friction sleeve at a first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The length of elastic material extends beyond a second end of the low-friction sleeve opposite the first end of the low-friction sleeve. The tube substantially encloses the low-friction sleeve. The low-friction sleeve is affixed to the tube at the first end of the low-friction sleeve or a point adjacent to the first end of the low-friction sleeve, and the length of elastic material extends beyond a first end of the tube.
US09549583B2
A helmet that can include a helmet body comprising an energy absorption layer and an outer shell. A first opening can be formed through the outer shell and extend into the energy absorbing layer, the first opening including a perimeter. A first sleeve can be disposed at least partially within the first opening, the first sleeve including a first end including a first flange coupled to the outer shell and extending beyond the perimeter of the first opening, and a second end opposite the first end including a base disposed over the energy absorption layer. A camera can be coupled to the first sleeve and exposed through the first opening. The helmet can further include the first sleeve including a depth greater than a width or a length. The first flange can be directly coupled to an outer surface or an inner of the outer shell.
US09549580B2
An article of clothing, such as a dress shirt, blouse, coat, jacket, or vest, includes a sheet of material forming a body portion. First and second plackets are formed along respective first and second end portions of the sheet of material. First and second magnetic elements, each being encased in an encasement, are secured inside first and second pockets, respectively, such that positions of the plurality of second magnetic elements correspond to positions of the plurality of first magnetic elements.
US09549574B1
Apparel, clothing and methods of using clothing tops with a wider front and rear necklines for patients wearing halo braces. The wider necklines and adjustable ties with slit opening allow the clothing top to be worn and removed without the patient being in pain while the brace is attached to the patient's head and body. It makes the patient look presentable as well as comfortable. It will allow individuals both men and women to be well dressed for physical therapy and any other outings.
US09549566B2
A cauliflower processing comprises pre-washing a cauliflower, including removing unwanted dust, residual, and debris from the cauliflower. Further, the method includes a step for washing the cauliflower with a wash solution containing at least one of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, organic acids, chlorine dioxide, silver ion, water treated with ozone, water treated with pulsed electric field, and water treated with ultraviolet radiation. Finally, the method includes a step for pulverizing the cauliflower, including at least one of the steps of sizing, grinding, sanding, cutting, dicing, chopping, and crushing the cauliflower.
US09549564B2
The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and devices for producing a conditioned ice or snow cone products and providing toppings thereto in a mobile configuration. The system may comprise an ice shaving or snow cone machine, a mobile edifice, and a topping dispenser attached to the mobile edifice. The mobile edifice may comprise telescoping members for moving the edifice from an open position to a closed position and vice-versa.
US09549561B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a flour tortilla comprising providing a flour tortilla dough in a portion sufficient to prepare the tortilla; applying a fatty substance to at least part of the surface of the dough portion; thereafter forming the dough into a tortilla shape; and thereafter baking the dough.
US09549553B2
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 pyrethroids, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids.
US09549549B2
The invention provides methods and materials for decontamination of surfaces and fabrics, such as non-woven fabrics, that are contaminated with infestations of microorganisms such as bacteria. Biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group can be used to decontaminate infested surfaces in the presence of oxygen and, optionally, illumination. Fibers incorporating biocidal oligomers having conjugated oligo-(aryl/heteroaryl ethynyl) structures and comprising at least one cationic group, wherein the oligomer is physically associated with or covalently bonded to, or both, the fiber-forming polymer can be used to form non-woven mats. Biocidal non-woven mats prepared by methods of the invention, incorporating the biocidal oligomers, can be used to suppress bacterial growth in wound and surgical dressings and personal hygiene products.
US09549546B2
Provided is a sustained release preparation comprising an insect pest-targeting gel composition, the preparation being free from leakage or reaction of a volatile substance and being capable of releasing the volatile substance at a constant rate. More specifically, provided is a sustained release preparation including a polymer tube and an insect pest-targeting gel composition in the polymer tube, the composition including one or more volatile substances and an oil gelling agent, wherein the volatile substances are included in an amount of from 70.0 to 99.0% by weight by the insect pest-targeting composition and are released outside of the polymer tube through the polymer tube.
US09549544B1
A motion detecting and alerting system includes at least two motion detectors adapted to detect motion and transmit transmission signals upon detecting motion, at least one alert module adapted to receive the transmission signals and indicate the motion and a wrist strap carried by the alert module.
US09549541B2
A fishing reel according to an embodiment includes a spool rotatably supported between a left side plate and a right side plate of a reel body, and a fishing line guide having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first through hole, the second portion has a second through hole, the first through hole guides a fishing line to be wound on the spool, and the second through hole has a width in a left-right direction larger than the first through hole and being continuous with the first through hole. A front surface of the first portion is angled to a rear side with respect to a perpendicular line extended from a center of a rotational axis of the spool to an extending direction of the fishing line.
US09549536B2
A collar and leash system is provided which allows for easy connection of the collar with the leash without the pet owner having to bend down to attach or detach the collar leash. The leash includes a tubular member having a female attachment at one end thereof. The collar of the system has a male attachment member on a side thereof. Magnetic members on the female attachment member and male attachment member serve to guide the members together so as to connect at the dogs collar. A separate release line in the leash line wound about a spool serve to quickly connect or disconnect the two components.
US09549526B2
The present invention relates to a spinach plant (Spinacia oleracea) which may comprise a genetic determinant that leads to the plant having a red coloration of the leaves, which genetic determinant may be obtainable from a spinach plant comprising said genetic determinant, representative seed of which was deposited with the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 41954, NCIMB 41955 and NCIMB 41956.
US09549514B1
A novel maize variety designated PH269H and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH269H with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH269H through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH269H or a locus conversion of PH269H with another maize variety.
US09549502B2
A method is provided for converting a bow rod harvester into a trunk shaker harvester. In the bow rod harvester, a plurality of bow rods are attached to an oscillating member that is configured to reciprocate about a first vertical axis of a first vertical shaft of the bow rod harvester. In the conversion, the plurality of bow rods are removed from the oscillating member and a shaker rail is coupled to the oscillating member.
US09554494B2
A transparent electromagnetic interference shield includes a first transparent substrate and an electromagnetic interference shielding layer. The electromagnetic interference shielding layer includes a transparent conductive polymer film which is formed on the first transparent substrate, and a plurality of metallic warp and weft lines which are laid on the transparent conductive polymer film. The warp lines and the weft lines cross one another.
US09554487B2
A apparatus for controlling heat transfer between portions of a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate including at least part of a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including a plurality of microconduits, the plurality of microconduits including a first microconduit and a second microconduit. The apparatus further includes a liquid metal flowing through the hydraulic circuit and a magnetic field configured to selectively direct the flow of the liquid metal between the plurality of microconduits. The flow of the liquid metal through the hydraulic circuit transfers heat between a first portion of the substrate and the liquid metal.
US09554483B2
An electronic device having a housing for accommodating electronic components, preferably electronic components forming a process transmitter. The housing has two chambers, in which electronic components and user interfaces and/or connection elements for cable are arranged. The electronic components are arranged in a first chamber. In the case of a process transmitter, which is simple to maintain, electronic components are arranged exclusively in the first chamber, while user interfaces of the electronic components and/or connection elements for cable are positioned exclusively in the second chamber.
US09554477B1
Tamper-respondent assemblies and fabrication methods are provided which incorporate enclosure to circuit board protection. The tamper-respondent assemblies include a circuit board, and an electronic enclosure mounted to the circuit board and facilitating enclosing at least one electronic component within a secure volume. A tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure facilitates defining the secure volume, and the tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure includes a tamper-respondent circuit. An adhesive is provided to secure, in part, the electronic enclosure to the circuit board. The adhesive contacts, at least in part, the tamper-respondent circuit so that an attempted separation of the electronic enclosure from the circuit board causes the adhesive to break the tamper-respondent circuit, facilitating detection of the separation by a monitor circuit of the tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure.
US09554475B2
A method of manufacturing a flexible electronics module includes mounting at least two functional components onto a flexible substrate, forming stretchable electrical interconnects configured to provide connection between the two functional components, and cutting shapes into the flexible substrate to increase an ability of the flexible substrate to stretch and flex, wherein the electrical interconnects to the functional components are placed to avoid the shapes.
US09554466B2
A printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The printed circuit board includes an insulating layer including a first resin layer and a second resin layer, circuit layers disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the insulating layer, and a via configured to connect the circuit layer formed on the upper surface to the circuit layer formed on the lower surface, and the second resin layer extends from an upper surface of the first resin layer to a lower surface of the first resin layer by passing through the first resin layer as to contact a side surface of the via.
US09554459B2
A microfluidic refill includes a reservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a lid enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The lid is in fluid communication with the transport member. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member. The rigid microfluidic delivery member includes a die and electrical traces that are in electrical communication with the die, wherein the electrical traces terminate at electrical contacts, wherein the electrical traces are disposed on only one plane. The die has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluid chamber and with an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber and.
US09554455B2
Systems, methods and apparatuses involving a chip-to-chip communication channel, for reducing Far End Crosstalk (FEXT) through the novel concept of controlling FEXT magnitude and polarity of a component inside a channel, vias or within a connector by implementing broadside and edge couplings to offset cumulative FEXT in a channel, via-connector-via subsystem or a connector. The example implementations described herein can be applied to a chip-to-chip communication channel, mezzanine connectors, backplane connectors and any other connectors requiring via routing, and connector itself that can benefit from FEXT reduction.
US09554451B2
A wallmount dual beam sensing device has a microcontroller unit (MCU) mounted inside a housing and electrically connected to an ambient light detector, an infrared detector and a microwave sensing module. The MCU determines if the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module are activated according to detected luminance by the ambient light detector and outputs a control signal when the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module are activated and any one of the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module detects the presence of people in a monitored environment. Accordingly, the infrared detector and the microwave sensing module statically and dynamically sense the monitored environment in a 3D manner at the same time, thereby ensuring a stable and reliable sensing result.
US09554450B2
The present disclosure is directed to an inexpensive yet intelligent solution for dimming light devices to low level intensities in which the common lighting systems generally have difficulties maintaining stability and flicker-free operation. The systems and method described herein enable a lighting system to utilize a dimmer to dim one or more lighting devices to low level intensities without introducing flickering or inconsistent operation of the lights. More specifically, the systems and methods described herein enable a dimmer to dim lights to anywhere between 0% and 5% of maximum brightness, while ensuring that the lights operate at these levels consistently, smoothly and without any visible flickering.
US09554449B2
Novel tools and techniques are provided for illuminating a portable space, which, in some cases, is based on passive infrared (“PIR”) detection. In some embodiments, a first device might detect presence of at least a portion of a user's body (e.g., a hand or face of the user, etc.). Based at least in part on detection of the presence of the at least a portion of the user's body, a second device might illuminate an interior space of a bag or other portable enclosure. In some cases, the first and second devices might be the same device, while, in other cases, the first and second devices might be separate yet communicatively coupled to each other (such as via wireless or wired connection). In some embodiments, the first device might include a passive infrared sensor or the like, while the second device might include light emitting diodes or the like.
US09554443B2
There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter of 200 to 1600 nm, an average height of 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particle assembly has in an absorption spectrum for a visible light region a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength shifts toward a shorter side in wavelength in a range of from 30 to 500 nm as compared with that of a prescribed reference metal-based particle assembly. The metal-based particle assembly can have in an absorption spectrum a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength is in a range of from 350 to 550 nm.
US09554435B2
Light flux levels sensed from a color LED array control both current availability to the array and disable/re-enable a current bypass switch to shunt stored-energy current to or away from a selected LED. In continuous mode, a single flux pulse is created for the duration of a pre-established period. Feedback from the flux sensor pulses current to an energy storage device to maintain the light flux at a predetermined set-point. A particular dimming level is achieved by establishing both the pulse period and the flux magnitude. In discontinuous mode, one or more short flux pulses are created. Both the turn-on and the turn-off time of each flux pulse is controlled by alternately removing and then re-establishing a current shunt from the energy storage device to ground. Flux pulse magnitude is controlled by recognizing when the flux pulse has reached a predetermined set-point and re-establishing the current shunt to abruptly turn off current to the selected LED.
US09554432B2
System and method for dimming control. The system includes a system controller, a transistor, and a resistor. The system controller includes a first controller terminal and a second controller terminal. The transistor includes a first transistor terminal, a second transistor terminal and a third transistor terminal. The resistor including a first resistor terminal and a second resistor terminal. The first transistor terminal is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the second controller terminal. The first resistor terminal is coupled to the second transistor terminal. The second resistor terminal is coupled to the third transistor terminal. The system controller is configured to receive an input signal at the first controller terminal and to generate an output signal at the second controller terminal. The transistor is configured to receive the output signal at the first transistor terminal and to change between a first condition and a second condition.
US09554429B2
A lighting circuit, in particular for a motor vehicle light, comprises at least one light source, particularly of the LED type, defined by a first voltage selection, a first selection circuit to identify said first voltage selection, at least one light source, particularly of the LED type, defined by a second voltage selection, and a second selection circuit to identify said second voltage selection. An electronic control unit configured to detect said first and second voltage selection of the light source, and to regulate the driving current absorbed by the light source defined by the lower voltage selection, so that said driving current follows with a constant ratio the trend of the driving current absorbed by the light source defined by the higher voltage selection, the latter being taken as reference.
US09554427B2
The invention relates to an operating unit (1) for lamps, in which a galvanic isolator (4) between a primary side, which comprises at least one circuit (2), and a secondary side, which comprises at least one circuit (3), is bridged by a radio channel (5). The lamps are supplied on the secondary side with respect to the galvanic isolator and the primary side is designed for connection to a voltage supply, in particular a mains voltage. The primary-side circuit (2) and the secondary side circuit (3) have a respective radio interface (2A, 3A) for establishing the unidirectional or bidirectional radio channel (5). The radio channel (5) lies preferably within a preferably metal housing (6) of the operating unit (1). Communication from the primary side to the secondary side and vice versa can be effected via radio through the radio channel (5).
