US09599845B2

A liquid crystal display includes a plurality of pixel electrodes and common electrodes disposed on a first substrate that overlap each other with a passivation layer interposed therebetween, and a connection portion disposed between a common voltage applying unit and the common electrode. The common electrode has a plurality of first cutouts, the passivation layer has a plurality of second cutouts, and the first cutout and the second cutout have substantially the same planar shape. The connection portion includes a lower connection portion formed from a same layer as the common electrode, and an upper connection portion disposed on the lower connection portion that includes a low resistance metal.
US09599834B2

A depolarizer, including: a photoalignment layer deposited on the substrate; and a birefringent layer deposited on the photoalignment layer; wherein the photoalignment layer includes a plurality of segments, each segment with a different fast axis orientation and a different pretilt angle, such that each segment of the birefringent layer over the corresponding segment of the photoalignment layer has a different fast axis angle and a different birefringent value.
US09599833B2

An optical device and an optical panel are provided. The optical device including an optical layer whose optical axes or light absorption axes are shifted continuously is provided. The optical device can be used to adjust characteristics of light in electronic devices such as display devices, or can be used for various applications requiring a continuous change in an optical axis or light absorption axis, including use of windows or shades of buildings or automobiles.
US09599831B2

An spatial image display apparatus includes: a first optical plate that transmits an incident light beam such that transmission gain reaches a peak greater than 1 in an optical axis direction of the incident light beam; and a second optical plate in which a plurality of optical elements are provided in a matrix formation, which regularly reflect a Z axis-direction component of a transmissive light beam of the first optical plate and are retroreflective with X and Y axes-direction components of the transmissive light beam, in a substrate having a normal line in a Z axial direction.
US09599820B2

An electronic device includes a frame to be worn by a user, at least one strain gauge coupled to the frame, and a control unit. The at least one strain gauge generates a deformation measurement signal indicative of an amount of strain caused by deformation of the frame. The control unit identifies the user wearing the frame based on the deformation measurement signal.
US09599815B2

Provided is a head-up display apparatus that projects a display image, which is formed on a display surface, onto a projection surface of a movable body to display a virtual image viewable from a cabin of the movable body. The head-up display apparatus includes a display with pixels arranged along the display surface, a light source, and a diffusion plate for diffusing the light coming from the light source and emits the diffused light toward the display. The diffusion plate has through-holes in a thickness direction. In a specific direction on the display surface, an inner dimension of the through-hole is smaller than a pixel pitch of the pixels.
US09599813B1

A system and method for a head up display (HUD) can mitigate glare. The head up display can include a waveguide combiner including an input grating and an output grating and a glare mitigator disposed to prevent glare through the output grating from reaching an eye box. The glare mitigator can be a shade, a diffuser, a dimming element, or other device for mitigating glare. The glare mitigator can be an active or passive glare mitigator.
US09599803B2

A beam combiner in a light scanning microscope for combining two illuminating beams that can be independently scanned. A first beam path (B1) guides a first illuminating beam (2) along a first optical axis (OA1) and a first optical device (L1) bundles the first beam (2) in an intermediate image plane. A second beam path (B2) guides a second illuminating beam (3) along a second optical axis (OA2) that intersects the first optical axis (OA1) at a point of intersection (Z) lying in or near the intermediate image plane, and a scanner (S2) for deflecting the second illuminating beam (3) and arranged before the point of intersection (Z) of the optical axes (OA1, OA2) in the propagation direction of the second illuminating beam (3). A coupling-in unit (4) is arranged at the point of intersection (Z) of the optical axes (OA1, OA2) and either has a mirror surface (5) having a passage opening (6; 7) at the point of incidence of the first optical axis (OA1), or is transparent except for a mirror element lying at the point of incidence of the first optical axis (OA1), wherein the size of the passage opening (6; 7) or the mirror element corresponds to the cross-section that the first illuminating beam (2) at the point of incidence and thus allows the first illuminating beam to pass or reflects the first illuminating beam, wherein the first and second illuminating beams (2, 3) propagate as a combined illuminating beam (8) after the coupling-in unit (4).
US09599797B1

A six-piece optical lens for capturing image and a six-piece optical module for capturing image are provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis includes a first lens with refractive power, a second lens with refractive power, a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power, a fifth lens with refractive power and a sixth lens with refractive power. At least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the six lens elements is aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras.
US09599793B2

An optical image capturing system, from an object side to an image side, comprises a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has a positive refractive power and may have a convex object-side surface. The second through fifth lens elements has a refractive power and the object-side and image-side surfaces of these lens elements are aspheric. The sixth lens element has a negative refractive power and a concave image-side surface. The object-side surface and the image-side surface are aspheric, and at least one of the two surfaces has inflection points. The first through sixth lens elements has a refractive power. When specific conditions are satisfied, the optical image capturing system may has a large aperture value and a better optical path adjusting ability to acquire better imaging quality.
US09599788B2

The present invention relates to an optical module, in particular facet mirror, comprising an optical element and a supporting structure for supporting the optical element, wherein the supporting structure comprises a positioning device for actively setting a position and/or orientation of the optical element in at least one degree of freedom. The supporting structure comprises a selectively activatable contacting device having at least one contacting unit having a first contact section, wherein the first contact section, in an activated state of the contacting device, contacts a second contact section of the optical element in order to exert a contact force on the optical element, while the first contact section, in a deactivated state of the contacting device is removed from the second contact section.
US09599786B2

An optical mount is disclosed having at least one restraining element for an optic having at least one contact point with a first surface of the optic and at least one force element having at least one contact point with a second surface of the optic, wherein each contact point on the first surface of the optic has a corresponding contact point on the second surface of the optic.
US09599768B2

A surface light source includes a light source facing an end face of a lightguide plate, a rectangular-shaped frame surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the lightguide plate, and a reflecting sheet disposed in on a lower surface of the frame. The frame includes an inside frame portion made of a white resin, and an outside frame portion made of a black resin, with the interface between the inside and outside frame portions being inclined with respect to the inside surface of the inside frame portion. The inside frame portion and the outside frame portion are integrally molded by a two-color molding method.
US09599752B2

The invention relates to a substrate (10), especially a transparent glass substrate, equipped with a thin-film multilayer comprising, in alternation, “n” metallic functional films (40, 80, 120), in particular functional films based on silver or a metal alloy containing silver, and “(n+1)” antireflection coatings (20, 60, 100, 140), where n is an integer≧3, each antireflection coating comprising at least one antireflection film, so that each functional film (40, 80, 120) is located between two antireflection coatings (20, 60, 100, 140), characterized in that said multilayer comprises at least two high-refractive-index antireflection films (25, 145), each having a refractive index≧2.15 such that the antireflection coating (20) located under the first, starting from the substrate, functional film (40) and the antireflection coating located on the last, starting from the substrate, functional film each comprise at least one high-refractive-index antireflection film (25, 145) and each antireflection coating (60, 100) located between two functional films does not comprise a high-refractive-index film.
US09599749B2

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating a porous earth formation. The method may include estimating a value of at least one parameter of interest of the earth formation using a signal indicative of acoustic waves generated at a metallic surface (200) in communication with the earth formation when the metallic surface (200) is exposed to a constant magnetic field (250) normal to the metallic surface (200) and a harmonic magnetic field (260) along the metallic surface. The signal may be generated by a sensor responsive to the acoustic waves. The apparatus may include a first magnetic source (230) configured to generate a constant magnetic field (250), a second magnetic source (240) configured to generate a harmonic magnetic field (260), and a sensor (220) configured to generate a signal in response to acoustic waves.
US09599733B2

It is proposed a method for collecting, in a collecting device distinct from a central unit, data coming from a plurality of seismic acquisition units. The method includes a step of assigning at least one device as a sink unit. For a given sink unit, the method also includes the following steps for data specific to at least one seismic acquisition unit not assigned as a sink unit: transmitting the specific data from the at least one seismic acquisition unit to the given sink unit, via a radio path established in a radio multi-hop network built at least with the given sink unit and the plurality of seismic acquisition units; and transmitting the specific data from the given sink unit to the collecting device, via a link.
US09599728B2

A scintillator pack (2) and a CT X-ray detector array (1) comprising such scintillator pack (2) are proposed. The scintillator pack (2) comprises an array of scintillator pixels (3). At a bottom surface (31) of each scintillator pixel (3), an X-ray absorbing encapsulation (13) is provided. This encapsulation (13) comprises an electrically insulating highly X-ray absorbing material having an atomic number greater than 60 such as, for example, Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3). The X-ray absorbing encapsulation (13) is interposed between the scintillator pixels (3) and an electronic circuit (19). The electronic circuit (19) may be provided as an ASIC in CMOS technology and may therefore be sensitive to X-ray induced damage. The encapsulation (13) provides for good X-ray protection of such electronic circuit (19).
US09599723B2

An M×N array of sensor tiles are attached to a substrate using a compliant film that includes an adhesive. A thickness of the compliant film varies depending on a thickness of the sensor tiles so that outward facing sides of the sensor tiles are coplanar.
US09599718B2

A position information processing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can include a GPS receiver adapted and configured to receive a first satellite signal, an interdevice receiver adapted and configured to receive a second satellite signal from a mobile phone, a GPS information processor adapted and configured to compare the first satellite signal with the second satellite signal and generate a third satellite signal for calculating a current position, and a controller adapted and configured to use the third satellite signal to calculate coordinates of the current position. The proposed position information processing device uses the satellite signal that is received from the mobile phone, and therefore the accuracy of the position measurement can be improved.
US09599717B2

An intelligent system for choosing selection schemes to be tried in a predetermined order for determining the location of a wireless mobile client, including retrieving a last known position record from a cache, checking serving network capability, choosing an initial selection scheme according to parameters including at least the required response time and the requested location method, including a method employing navigational satellites, attempting to retrieve a current position record, trying successive untried selection schemes in turn according to a predetermined algorithm if no current position record has been retrieved, and returning the current position record and updating the last known position record, or returning an error if no current position record has been retrieved, and returning the last known position record if an error has been returned, the last known position record exists in the cache and the last known position record has not expired.
US09599715B2

Measuring a volume of space including providing a laser scanner having a transmitter, a receiver, a beam steering mechanism, and a display unit integral to the laser scanner. A plurality of distances to measuring points are determined based at least in part on propagation times of measuring beams sent from the beam steering mechanism and reflected beams. Gray-scale values representative of the measuring points are determined and assigned to elements of a measuring point array, and the measuring point array is transformed into a display point array that corresponds to a first number of display points. The measuring point array corresponds to a second number of measuring points greater than the first number. The transforming includes assigning display gray-scale values to elements of the display point array. For each display point, a pixel of the display unit is illuminated, with the level of illumination depending on the display gray-scale value.
US09599710B2

A parallel running vehicle detecting apparatus is provided, which includes a first distance sensor for detecting distance of an object in a first detection area on a rear lateral side of a vehicle, a second distance sensor for detecting distance of an object in a second detection area, a parallel running vehicle detector for detecting a parallel running vehicle based on detections of the first and second distance sensors, and a storage for storing a detection distance history of the second distance sensor. The parallel running vehicle detector is provided with multiple determination conditions for determining whether the object detected by the first distance sensor is the parallel running vehicle, and changes the parallel running vehicle determination condition based on the detection distance history stored in the storage.
US09599707B1

An avionic weather radar system and method can sense a path attenuation condition using radar returns of received via a radar antenna onboard the aircraft. Images of weather can be displayed using an outside source and the radar returns. The images are displayed using information from the outside source when the path attenuation condition is sensed. The images can be displayed using speckled areas, cross hatched areas or other symbols to represent the information from the outside source. The images of the weather can be provided on an avionic display.
US09599692B2

In a method and control sequence determination device for determination of a magnetic resonance system control sequence to generate an image series of a defined image region of an examination subject, the control sequence includes a multichannel pulse train with multiple individual RF pulse trains to be emitted in parallel by the magnetic resonance system via different independent radio-frequency transmission channels. The multichannel pulse train includes an excitation pulse to excite the image region and a subsequent number of refocusing pulses in order to respectively excite an echo signal to acquire raw data for an image of the image series. At least one defined marking region in the image region is determined depending on a subject structure to be depicted in the image region, and the multichannel pulse train is determined such that a saturation is achieved at or in the marking regions before the excitation pulse.
US09599678B2

A testing circuit for backlight source is provided. The testing circuit includes: a power module; a first ON/OFF module; a second ON/OFF module, the power module, the first ON/OFF module and the second ON/OFF module being connected in series; a control module electrically connected to the first ON/OFF module and the second ON/OFF module respectively; and a parallel branch connected in parallel with the second ON/OFF module. The backlight source is connected in the parallel branch, and the control module is configured to control the first ON/OFF module to switched to an ON state from an OFF state when the control module receives a control signal, and to control the second ON/OFF module to be switched to an OFF state from an ON state after a predetermined time delay.
US09599676B2

Switches change the resistance value of a charge/discharge circuit in a period from starting a discharging at an upper limit voltage until the voltage reaches a lower limit voltage. An electric charge estimator computes electric charge by time-integrating current from a start of the discharging to an arbitrarily determined time, and computes a relationship between electric charge and voltage of a power storage device. An internal resistance estimator computes internal resistance based on voltages and currents of the storage device at times when resistance values are different. An electric energy estimator computes a relationship between electric charge and open voltage based on electric charge, voltage, current and internal resistance of the storage device. During charging or discharging of the storage device, the electric energy estimator estimates the electric energy of the power storage device based on the electric charge, the open voltage, the internal resistance, and the charge/discharge current.
US09599675B2

An apparatus for controlling a battery pack and an energy storage system including the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery pack includes at least one battery tray each including one or more battery cells. The apparatus may include an open circuit voltage (OCV) calculator and a state of charge (SOC) estimator. The OCV calculator may receive OCV measurement values of the battery cells of each battery tray when the power of the battery pack is turned on, and calculate a final OCV of the battery cells based at least in part on the OCV measurement values. The SOC estimator may extract an SOC value corresponding to the final OCV from an SOC table and estimate the extracted SOC value as an initial SOC.
US09599663B2

A probe method includes setting an allowable temperature range, the allowable temperature range including a test temperature and ensuring contact between a pad of a circuit substrate and a needle of a probe card, providing the probe card with a temperature within the allowable temperature range, contacting the needle of the probe card to the pad of the circuit substrate, and supplying a test current to the pad through the needle to test the circuit substrate.
US09599654B2

A fault current detection circuit comprises a primary current transformer that detects a current; a pair of secondary current transformers that convert a current detection signal into secondary conversion signals with a small current; a fault detection circuit section that determines whether or not a fault current occurs by comparing a current value according to a secondary conversion signal with a predetermined reference current value; a surge detection circuit section that determines whether or not a surge current occurs on the electric power circuit; and a trip determination unit that receives a fault detection signal and a surge detection signal, and generates a trip control signal when at least either one of the fault detection signal and the surge detection signal is received.
US09599650B2

A secure system for charging a battery of a motor vehicle from a power supply network, which system is in a vehicle and includes a mechanism measuring frequency of the network, an injection mechanism injecting current pulses into the network, a mechanism measuring voltage between the ground and a neutral of the network, an analog filter filtering the measured voltages at high frequencies, a digital filter filtering the analog-filtered voltages at low frequencies, and a mechanism determining resistance between the ground and the neutral of the network on the basis of the digitally filtered voltages and an amplitude of the current pulses. The digital filter includes a mean value filter which determines a mean value based on N voltage measurements spaced apart by a time interval T+T/N, where T is the period of the network determined by the mechanism measuring the frequency of the network.
US09599639B2

A method of preventing inter-system interference while acquiring waveforms in a test and measurement instrument with variation in a device under test system S-parameters. The method includes receiving a waveform from a device under test at the test and measurement instrument, digitizing the waveform, identifying portions of the digitized waveform with different S-parameter characteristics, separating the identified portions of the digitized waveform into different waveforms, and displaying the different waveforms to a user.
US09599618B2

According to the method of evaluating colorectal cancer of the present invention, amino acid concentration data on the concentration value of amino acid in blood collected from a subject to be evaluated is measured, and a colorectal cancer state in the subject is evaluated based on the concentration value of at least one of Arg, Cys, Orn, Trp, Glu, ABA, Val, Phe, Leu, Gln, Ile and His contained in the measured amino acid concentration data of the subject.
US09599614B2

The present invention relates to uniform nanostructure biosensors and methods of calibrating the response of nanostructure biosensors. The invention overcomes device to device variability that has made quantitative detection difficult. The described biosensors have uniform characteristics that allow for more reliable comparison across devices. The methods of the invention comprise normalizing the initial current rate, as measured by the nanostructure biosensor following the addition of an analyte, to device characteristics of the biosensor. The device characteristics of the biosensor which can be used to normalize the response include baseline current and transconductance. Calibration of responses allows for the generation of calibration curves for use in all devices to quantitatively detect an analyte, without the need for individual device calibration.
US09599595B2

A modulator for simply providing fast and precise sampling of a chromatographic peak eluting from a first column into a second column of a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatograph, where the modulator includes a planar component containing a first gas passage for connecting a carrier gas source to the second separation column, a second gas passage for connecting the first separation column to an exhaust outlet, a connecting gas passage between the first and second gas passages, and two individually controllable open/close valves arranged in parallel connection in the first gas passage between its connection to the carrier gas source and the branch-off of the connecting gas passage, and where the gas passages and valves are formed in the planar component by micromachining.
US09599594B2

Adsorptive bed devices include a scaffold in housing having a stress absorbing rigid structure and open cells filled with adsorptive beads. The scaffold restricts movement of the plurality of adsorptive beads, absorbs stress induced by a hydraulic pressure gradient along a direction of liquid flow and transfers a portion of the induced compressive stress to the housing. In one embodiment the adsorptive bed is packed into a chromatography column, and in another embodiment the adsorptive bed is sealed in a monolithic block. In another embodiment, the adsorptive bed device includes an adsorptive block, first and second planar distributors and peripheral seal. The adsorptive media includes multiple layers of planarly cohesive media and when operated in a shallow bed configuration possesses significant tensile strength along its planar dimensions enabling it to support the hydraulic pressures that will be generated by the fluids being processed through the adsorptive devices.
US09599587B2

An ISFET includes a control gate coupled to a floating gate in a CMOS device. The control gate, for example, a poly-to-well capacitor, is configured to receive a bias voltage and effect movement of a trapped charge between the control gate and the floating gate. The threshold voltage of the ISFET can therefore by trimmed to a predetermined value, thereby storing the trim information (the amount of trapped charge in the floating gate) within the ISFET itself.
US09599583B2

A humidity sensor element includes a dielectric substrate, a nonporous conductive electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate, a permeable conductive electrode having a thickness in a range of from 4 to 10 nanometers and permeable by water vapor, and a detection layer sandwiched between the nonporous conductive electrode and the permeable conductive electrode. The permeable conductive electrode is parallel to the nonporous electrode. Both conductive electrodes have respective conductive leads attached thereto. The detection layer includes a copolymer having monomeric units comprising wherein M represents H, or an alkali metal. A humidity sensor including the humidity sensor element is also disclosed.
US09599576B1

A system for determining properties and structural integrity of a material comprises a probe including a housing, a source operable to propagate an acoustic energy through a thickness of the material, a source operable to propagate a radio frequency (RF) energy through the thickness of the material, an acoustic member mounted within the housing and operable to measure a response of the material to the acoustic energy, and a radio frequency (RF) member mounted within the hollow interior in a close proximity to the acoustic member and operable to measure a response of the material to the RF energy. A hardware interface device is coupled to both acoustic and RF members. A controller is coupled to the hardware interface and configured to receive the acoustic and RF response signals and includes a processor operable to process the received acoustic and RF response signals.
US09599574B2

A system for inspecting an object that is at least translucent extending along a vertical axis A, having at least one marking and being located in an inspection area including at least one inspection assembly that comprises a main illumination device positioned on one side of the inspection area, comprising a light source and emitting at least one light beam of illumination axis Δ. An acquisition device is positioned opposite the illumination device relative to the inspection area and comprising acquisition optics of optical axis Δ′ and an image sensor optically aligned with the acquisition optics.
US09599573B2

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for inspecting semiconductor samples. On an inspection tool, a plurality of different wavelength ranges is selected for different layers of interest of one or more semiconductor samples based on whether such different layers of interest have an absorber type material present within or near such different layers of interest. On the inspection tool, at least one incident beam is directed at the different wavelength ranges towards the different layers of interest and, in response, output signals or images are obtained for each of the different layers of interest. The output signals or images from each of the different layers of interest are analyzed to detect defects in such different layers of interest.
US09599570B2

Systems and methods for generating an image of a gemstone under evaluation which is coded according to angular ranges in its angular spectrum across a broad range of tilts, this allows for scintillation of a gemstone to be demonstrated based on a singular coded image of the gemstone. Scintillation information is thus presented in a single image, or as a plurality of images showing fire scintillation, flash scintillation, and other scintillation related criteria as a series of static images.
US09599567B2

A chemical detector for rapid, simultaneous detection of multiple chemicals including chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and explosives having one or more gas chromatography columns each with a chemosorbent or a chemo-reactive stationary phase and an infrared-transparent base, a bright infrared light source, a mechanism to direct the light source to any point along any of the columns, and an infrared sensor. Another disclosed detector has one or more gas chromatography columns each on the surface of a substrate having at least one infrared-transparent waveguide pattern, a bright infrared light source, and at least one ring resonator for each column, where each ring resonator is coated with a chemosorbent or a chemo-reactive stationary phase, and where each ring resonator spectroscopically probes the stationary phase. Also disclosed are the related methods for chemical detection.
US09599561B2

Disclosed are calibration apparatuses for fluorescent microscopy instruments and methods of making and using them. Specifically, disclosed are calibration apparatuses with a fluorescent layer, such as photoresist, deposited on a substrate, with an optional layer of a reflective material, such as chrome. Illumination of the fluorescent and/or reflective layers, and detection and analysis of the resulting emissions allows evaluation of the instrument with respect to both reflective and fluorescent channels. Selection of appropriate fluorescent materials for the one or more fluorescent layers allows the evaluation of an instrument with respect to different fluorophores, as would be used with an instrument capable of two color detection. Inclusion of a reflective layer further allows the evaluation and calibration of all optical channels of an instrument, including the reflective channel and two or more fluorescent channels, with a single calibration apparatus for imaging criteria such as uniformity, contrast and emission signal strength.
US09599544B2

A method for preparing a bale sample, a bale sampling apparatus, and a bale sample are provided. The method includes the steps of removing a portion from a bale of fibrous material and wrapping an elongated substrate completely around the portion to form a bale sample. The elongated substrate includes identification information. The identification information includes information that associates the bale sample with the bale of fibrous material.
US09599537B2

A method of generating a comprehensive image (87) of interior surfaces (78, 80) of machine components such as a gas turbine combustor basket (59) and transition duct (34) by digitally stitching together multiple photographs (82) thereof, and analyzing the comprehensive image by contouring (91, 95A-B) of colors and shadings thereon, and quantifying and tracking aspects of the contours (A, B, C) over time for indications of degradation (89) of the interior surfaces. A scope (58) may be inserted into a port (56) in the combustor with a camera (72, 74) in a rotatable end (70) of the scope for obtaining a circumferential set (84) of photos at each axial position along a length of the combustor and transition duct. A 3D surface scanning device (76) in the scope may define the geometry of the interior surface for 3D photographic modeling thereof providing a virtual walk-through inspection.
US09599533B2

An example of an optical accessory configured to produce an optical image depicting spectral characteristics of light. The produced optical image is captured by an image capture sensor of a mobile device. The captured image is processed by the mobile device to produce a measured value corresponding to a lighting-related parameter.
US09599526B2

A hub for measuring the driving torque of a cycle wheel, the hub including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, and a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, the hub body including a central portion bordered on both sides by respective flanges, the flanges fastening at least one connecting element to connect the hub body to a rim of the wheel. The hub includes a system for measuring the driving torque of the wheel including strain gauges fixed on the hub body.
US09599520B2

A method for determining the temperature of an electronic component in an electronic device comprises supplying a current to the electronic component via a power converter device, measuring an input current supplied to the power converter device, determining a power dissipation of the electronic component based on the measured input current, a value for an efficiency of the power converter device and an output voltage of the power converter device, and determining the temperature of the electronic component based on the determined power dissipation and a thermal resistance value for the electronic component.
US09599504B2

An apparatus to detect vibration is provided. The apparatus comprises an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter is configured to send an optical signal that is modified by a vibration sensor. The optical receiver configured to receive the optical signal from the vibration sensor, the optical signal comprising fluctuations responsive to vibration of the vibration sensor. The optical signal includes a radio frequency (RF) signal. The vibration sensor is comprised by an optical assembly configured to detect underground vibrations.
US09599498B2

Method for determining the density (D) of a multiphase fluid (F) flowing through a pipe (1) and containing a gas (G) which determines a fluctuation of the actual instantaneous density of the fluid (F), said method comprising the following steps: defining a series of consecutive time periods (S0, S) which are shorter than the time length corresponding to the highest frequency-component of the fluctuation of the actual instantaneous density; conveying through a section (2) of the pipe (1) a photon beam (3) suited to undergo an attenuation while crossing the fluid (F); counting the actual number (A) of photons of the beam (3) which cross the pipe (1) during a first time period (S) of the series; calculating a corrected count (C) as the weighted average value of the actual count (A) and of the corrected count (C0) calculated for the preceding time period (S0); converting the value of the corrected count (C) into a corresponding value of the density (D) of the multiphase fluid (F) for the first time period (S) through a predefined function.
US09599490B2

A radiation detector head assembly is provided that includes a detector housing and a rotor assembly. The detector housing defines a cavity therein. The rotor assembly includes a detector unit, a body, and a sealing member. The body defines an opening oriented in the imaging direction. The body is disposed at a distance from the detector housing within the cavity defining a passageway extending axially along the body. The sealing member includes a body extending across the opening. The sealing member is coupled to at least one of the shielding unit or the collimator, and is mounted within the cavity to provide a gas-tight seal along the imaging direction between the passageway and the detector unit.
US09599489B2

A fiber-optic sensor array (100) comprises a line array of fiber-optic sensor packages (AX, BX, CX, DX, AY, BY, CY, DY, AZ, BZ, CZ, DZ) each having a package input/output (i/o) fiber and each being arranged to output a finite output pulse series of optical output pulses via the package i/o fiber in response to input thereto of one or more interrogating optical pulses. The array further comprises a fiber-optic bus (104,106, 108, 110) extending along the length of the line array, each package i/o fiber being optically coupled to the fiber-optic bus at a respective positions along the line array. The array allows interrogation at a higher frequency than is the case for a serial array of the same number of fiber-optic sensing packages.
US09599487B2

Techniques are provided for presenting a route using a route presentation that provides both a context map and one or more detail route maps. Narrative instructions for the route also may be presented. The presentation of the context map and the one or more detail route maps may be interactive. The route presentation also may be user controllable such that a user may control the portions of a route that are printed. The route presentation also may include a re-routing feature that allows a user to request that a new route be identified that avoids a particular maneuver or maneuvers in a route.
US09599486B2

Provided is a computer system and method for mapping a visual path. The method includes receiving one or more images included in a predefined area; receiving one or more parameters associated with the image; and integrating the images and parameters into a map of the predefined area to enable mapping the visual path through the predefined area in response to one or more input path parameters.
US09599485B2

Some embodiments of the invention provide a navigation application that allows a user to peek ahead or behind during a turn-by-turn navigation presentation that the application provides while tracking a device (e.g., a mobile device, a vehicle, etc.) traversal of a physical route. As the device traverses along the physical route, the navigation application generates a navigation presentation that shows a representation of the device on a map traversing along a virtual route that represents the physical route on the map. While providing the navigation presentation, the navigation application can receive user input to look ahead or behind along the virtual route. Based on the user input, the navigation application moves the navigation presentation to show locations on the virtual route that are ahead or behind the displayed current location of the device on the virtual route. This movement can cause the device representation to no longer be visible in the navigation presentation. Also, the virtual route often includes several turns, and the peek ahead or behind movement of the navigation presentation passes the presentation through one or more of these turns. In some embodiments, the map can be defined presented as a two-dimensional (2D) or a three-dimensional (3D) scene.
US09599478B2

A method for inputting position data into a navigation device of a vehicle, includes the steps: —displaying (10) positions on a graphical output unit of a mobile radio terminal device; —marking (12) one of the displayed positions on the output unit by a mark; —displaying (14) a graphical representation of a symbol for a vehicle by the output unit, to which vehicle the mobile radio terminal device makes vehicle-specific communication link data available; —shifting (16) the mark to the symbol of the vehicle or the symbol of the vehicle to the mark on the output unit; and —transmitting (18) position data identifying the marked position to the navigation device of the vehicle.
US09599477B1

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices that receive a request for a vehicle from a client computing device. The request identifies a first location. The one or more computing devices also determine whether the first location is within a threshold outside of a service area of the vehicle. When the location is within the threshold distance outside of the service area of the vehicle, the one or more computing devices identify a second location within the service area of the vehicle where the vehicle is able to stop for a passenger and based on the first location. The one or more computing devices then provide a map and a marker identifying the position of the second location on the map for display on the client computing device.
US09599473B2

There is provided a solution comprising detecting that a positioning device is within a predetermined control area associated with a building, acquiring a first sequence of magnetic field measurements carried out by the positioning device, wherein the first sequence represents at least one of the magnitude and the direction of Earth's magnetic field; determining that an operational environment of the positioning de-vice has changed between an indoor environment and an outdoor environment when a at least one predetermined criterion with respect to the first sequence is met; and causing actuation of a predetermined software function in or with respect to the positioning device when the operational environment of the positioning device has changed.
US09599472B2

This document discusses among other things apparatus and methods for a proof mass including split z-axis portions. An example proof mass can include a center portion configured to anchor the proof-mass to an adjacent layer, a first z-axis portion configure to rotate about a first axis using a first hinge, the first axis parallel to an x-y plane orthogonal to a z-axis, a second z-axis portion configure to rotate about a second axis using a second hinge, the second axis parallel to the x-y plane, wherein the first z-axis portion is configured to rotate independent of the second z-axis portion.
US09599469B2

In an angular velocity sensor, when a width of a detection frequency band is set to f1 [Hz], a resonance frequency in a first rotational vibration mode in which a base portion rotates and vibrates around a detection axis with respect to fixing units in association with the deformation of beam portions is set to f2 [Hz], a detuning frequency is set to f3 [Hz], and a resonance frequency in a second rotational vibration mode, having a phase opposite to that of the first rotational vibration mode, in which the base portion rotates and vibrates around the detection axis with respect to the fixing units in association with the deformation of the beam portions is set to f4, a relation of f1
US09599468B2

Methods and systems for using spectrally separated light pulses to collect more LIDAR information are presented. In one example, a laser pulse may be directed to a point on an object and a corresponding return light signal may be received. The return light signal may be wavelength separated into a plurality of spectral pulse components. Each of the spectral pulse components may be propagated down a separate fiber optic delay line each having a different length to provide a plurality of time-separated spectral pulse components. The time-separated spectral pulse components may be combined to provide a recombined spectral pulse signal. The recombined spectral pulse signal can be provided to an intensity-related measuring/detection circuitry to generate corresponding object location information and object spectral information regarding the point on the object.
US09599460B2

Methods and systems of sensing conditions in a fiber includes launching a light beam into a fiber. A first branch of scattered light is set to a mode other than a fundamental mode. A second branch of scattered light is optically filtered to remove unscattered input light. Brillouin scattered light is coherently detected on the first branch to produce a combined temperature/strain profile of the fiber. Raman scattered light on the second branch is directly detected to produce a temperature profile of the fiber. A strain profile of the fiber is determined, using a processor, based on the combined temperature/strain profile and the temperature profile.
US09599454B2

An optical interferometer includes: a light source that emits a coherent first beam and a second beam that has a frequency difference corresponding to the natural frequency of a target molecule; amplitude modulating means that modulates the amplitude of the second beam; splitting means that splits the first beam into a reference beam and a first applied beam; optical path length adjusting means that adjusts the optical path length of the reference beam; and detecting means that detects an interference pattern between the reference beam and the first beam (a signal beam) that has experienced a stimulated Raman loss or gain in accordance with the amplitude modulation as a result of the frequency difference resonating with the target molecule when the first applied beam and a second applied beam (the amplitude modulated second beam) have been applied to a measurement position of an object.
US09599453B2

In an apparatus and a method for processing signals that represent an angular position of a shaft of a motor, a storage unit for storing arrival times of the signals in a memory is provided, the storage unit additionally evaluating a rotation direction datum of the shaft. Storage of the times in the memory is performed in a first sequence in the event of a rotation of the shaft in a first direction, and storage in the memory is performed in a second sequence that is opposite to the first sequence in the event of a rotation of the shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
US09599446B2

A small sealing gauge may include a body that is attached to a site to be measured, a lever that linearly moves by contact with a moving part while moving in a state of being inserted into a hole of the body, and a dial gauge that is inserted to a back side of the hole in the body to measure an amount of movement of the lever through contact with the lever.
US09599444B2

A multi-part projectile accelerator to be used in the single or multiple projectile mode, constructed of the hollow and tubular body which may either self-disconnect, once the projectile leaves the barrel, or stay with the projectile for the duration of the flight; which may also include the ring member designed to fit into the grooves of the rifled barrel in order to assist in maintaining the rotation of an accelerator.
US09599437B2

A quick detach accessory mount for a rifle and a method of using an accessory mount in combination with a rifle.
US09599434B2

A system and method for a secure weapon concealment compartment situated in a personal carrying item such as a purse, handbag, briefcase, backpack or luggage that allows a person to safely and efficiently carry, store and make available for use a weapon. The concealment compartment includes weapon securing having tapered holders or orifices formed to receive a weapon and provide safety against unintentional discharge of the weapon and resistive forces applied to a protective carrier of the weapon once stored to enable quick and effective withdrawal of the weapon from the concealment compartment.
US09599432B2

A picatinny/weaver style mount for a folding bayonet provides a cradle with set screws, for affixing the folding bayonet to the mount. The mount can be affixed to any picatinny/weaver style rail that is on the barrel of a rifle, automatic weapon, shotgun, or other long firearm. Below the cradle, is a rail mount that provides a main bolt for the mount, which may be secured with an Allen wrench and released with one hand. On the left side and the right side of the mount, picatinny rails are provided for securing a flashlight, sighting laser, bipod, or other attachments.
US09599430B1

A free-floating firearm handguard having vertically offset mounting fasteners.
US09599428B2

Embodiments include a release aid for an archery bow. In an embodiment, the release aid comprises a fixed end configured to be fixed relative to an archer; a grasping element configured to grasp and release a drawstring; and a trigger element disposed between the fixed end and the grasping element. The trigger element is linked to the grasping element. When the grasping element is retaining the drawstring and the trigger element is activated the grasping element releases the drawing. A distance between the trigger element and the grasping element is at least 3 cm and not more than 25 cm. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US09599423B2

Covers for key lock mounting systems on small arms such as the AR or M4 family of rifles and carbines can provide protection for the firearm and comfort for the operator. The cover has keyhole grips that are pressed into the key lock mounting points in mounting system. The cover is held seated against the surface of the mounting system by the shape and resilience of keyhole grips. V-notch keyhole grips can attach to keyhole shaped mounting points and slot shaped mounting points.
US09599417B2

An ejector mechanism for a firearm. The ejector mechanism includes a claw-type extractor disposed opposite a ledge portion that includes an inclined face, the inclined facing being oriented to face toward a bolt face to help secure a shell casing to the bolt face during the extraction process. The claw-type extractor and inclined face, while providing positive retention of the shell casing during ejection, also cooperate to enable the shell casing to be dislodged by an ejector.
US09599412B2

The heat exchanger (1) of the invention has exchange elements (2, 3′) and a casing (4) for accommodating the exchange elements (2, 3′). The casing (4) is formed by a plurality of walls connected together. The exchanger (1) is characterized in that the casing (4) has two L-shaped walls. The casing (4) is easier to manufacture and store.
US09599409B2

A heat exchanger, in particular for a heating or air-conditioning system in a motor vehicle, having an evaporator unit to which a refrigerant medium can be supplied via a distribution unit and through which said refrigerant medium flows and around which said refrigerant medium flows after only one diversion (two-block design) at the bottom in a diversion unit, wherein the distribution unit is designed to effect a uniform distribution of the refrigerant medium over the full width of the evaporator.
US09599408B1

An evaporator for a loop heat pipe with high input heat transfer. The heat transfer is attained by constructing a heat pipe on the loop heat pipe evaporator heat input surface. The heat pipe then distributes the heat from limited input areas over the entire surface of the loop heat pipe evaporator, and that entire evaporator surface functions as the loop heat pipe heat input area as opposed to limited smaller areas into which the heat usually enters.
US09599400B2

An apparatus to feed and pre-heat a metal charge to a melting furnace of a steelworks comprises a feeding and pre-heating tower separate from the melting furnace provided with at least one compartment to temporarily contain said metal charge, transfer means to transfer said metal charge to said melting furnace and conveying means to convey the fumes exiting from the melting furnace to said compartment. The apparatus also comprises a post-combustion chamber, disposed adjacent to and below said compartment, and connected on one side to said compartment and on another side to said conveying means, the post-combustion chamber being configured to determine the expansion of the fumes introduced by the conveying means and to direct said expanded fumes toward said compartment along a path such as to determine a desired residence time of said fumes suitable to obtain at least the substantial complete combustion of the unburned gases present in said fumes.
US09599394B2

An example functional member of a refrigerator, freezer or icemaker having two closing members intended to be separated by a first distance includes a structure to implement a function for the refrigerator, freezer or icemaker, and a gap gauge dimensioned for use in aligning the two closing members apart by the first distance. An example functional member is a divider, a hinge cover or a scoop having a gap gauge with a blade-shaped, an oval or a rectangular cross-section, where a dimension of the cross-section is the first distance. An example gap gauge may be further dimensioned for use in aligning one of the two closing members and a third closing members, or two additional closing members apart by a second different distance.
US09599386B2

A refrigerator includes an ice making device for producing ice cubes. The ice making device includes a mold body having a plurality of ice forming cavities adapted to hold fluid. In an ice making cycle, air is evacuated from the cavities by a vacuum system, thereby depressurizing the cavities. Then, liquid is delivered to the depressurized cavities by a liquid delivery system, whereby an initial portion of the liquid bubbles up within the respective cavities. Once ice cubes have been formed within the cavities, the cavities are heated by a heat transfer system, thereby partially melting the ice cubes and aiding in the expulsion of ice cubes from the cavities.
US09599385B2

An ice tray may include a substantially planar body portion with a plurality of cavities that are not interconnected by weirs. The ice tray may include a body having raised portions between adjacent cavities to alleviate stress that may otherwise form in these areas. A water distribution system may be utilized to provide specified volumes of water in the cavities to prevent overflowing of the cavities.
US09599379B2

An air conditioner includes a first compressor and a first indoor heat exchanger, and the air conditioner forming a first refrigeration cycle. A cooler includes a second compressor and a second indoor heat exchanger, and the cooler forming a second refrigeration cycle The cooler includes a sensing part to detect a pressure and/or temperature of a refrigerant circulating in the second refrigeration cycle; and a branch part includes a plurality of branches for dividing the refrigerant to be introduced into the second heat exchange part.
US09599378B2

A heat pump hot-water supply apparatus controls a second expansion device during a heating operation so as to adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing through an injection pipe, and controls a third expansion device during a cooling operation so as to adjust the amount of refrigerant flowing through the injection pipe.
US09599377B2

Provided is a heat pump device configured to collect heat both from outside air and another heat source. A controller calculates heat exchange amounts with use of heat exchange performance of each of an air heat-source heat exchanger and an underground heat-source heat exchanger in addition to an outside air temperature and an underground temperature. Then, in switching between a simultaneous operation of causing refrigerant to flow through both of the air heat-source heat exchanger and the underground heat-source heat exchanger and a single operation of selecting the air heat-source heat exchanger or the underground heat-source heat exchanger to cause refrigerant to flow therethrough, the controller selects a heat source having a larger calculated heat exchange amount. In this manner, an appropriate heat source suitable for operation conditions can be selected.
US09599374B2

A magnetic air conditioner includes heat generation disks of a hollow shape each having a magneto-caloric material and a thermal switch, and magnetic field application disks of a hollow shape each having a magnetic field application unit that applies a magnetic field to the magneto-caloric material, the heat generation disks and the magnetic field application disks being alternately stacked. At least either of the heat generation disks and the magnetic field application disks is made to relatively rotate so as to transport heat in a direction intersecting the rotating direction. The magnetic air conditioner also includes an outer-rotor motor that causes at least one of the heat generation disks and the magnetic field application disks to rotate, and a clutch that transmits a driving force collectively to the plurality of heat generation disks or to the plurality of magnetic field application disks, or separately.
US09599368B2

A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device for creating an air flow. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines, and extends about, an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle also includes a heater for heating the air flow upstream of the mouth.
US09599367B1

A portable battery operated heater powered by a battery includes a housing having an air inlet formed at a rear wall and an air outlet formed at a front wall, the housing further comprising an interiorly concave portion extending from the rear wall to the front wall, the interiorly concave portion directing a flow of air from the air inlet to the air outlet; a fan electrically connectable to the battery, the fan being disposed within the housing for creating the flow of air; and a heating element electrically connectable to the battery, the heating element being interposed between the air inlet and the air outlet in such manner that the flow of air passes over the heating element and is heated thereby.
US09599356B2

A humidifying apparatus includes a base, a water tank removably mounted on the base for supplying water to a chamber of the base, and a motor-driven impeller for generating an air flow over water stored in the chamber. An ultraviolet radiation emitting lamp irradiates water stored in the chamber. The air flow is humidified with water from the chamber, and conveyed by an outlet duct towards an air outlet for emission from the apparatus. A detachable section of the water tank is opaque to ultraviolet radiation and is positioned over the chamber when the water tank is mounted on the base. The detachable section of the water tank includes an air inlet of the outlet duct and a flange for occluding a peripheral portion of the chamber.
US09599352B2

A radiator thermostat (1) to be fitted onto a radiator valve (4) is provided. The radiator thermostat (1) has a transmission element (5, 105, 205) that transmits a compressive force to the valve pin (8) of the radiator valve. An electric motor (12) is provided to drive the transmission element (5, 105, 205). The transmission element (5, 105, 205) is preloaded with a counter force (F2) that acts in opposition to the valve force (F1) using a spring (18; 20; 32). Thus, when moving the transmission element (5, 105, 205), the motor (12) has only to overcome the differential force (df).
US09599348B2

An oven having a cabinet and a cooktop disposed above the cabinet is provided. The cooktop includes a top frame located at a top surface of the cabinet, the top frame including at least one heater installation opening and at least two heater support brackets adjacent the installation opening, a top plate located on a top surface of the top frame, and a heater located in the installation opening, the heater including at least two heater support holders, each support holder being elastically coupled to a corresponding support bracket to movably support the heater.
US09599344B2

A combustion chamber (110) for a turbine engine, such as an airplane turboprop or turbojet, the combustion chamber comprising two coaxial annular walls, respectively an inner wall and an outer wall, that are connected together at their upstream ends by a chamber end wall (118) having an annular row of openings (119) for mounting fuel injection devices (120), the combustion chamber being characterized in that an annular metal sheet (130) is mounted upstream from the end wall and includes mounting orifices for receiving the above-mentioned injection devices, the sheet being substantially parallel to the end wall and co-operating therewith to define an annular air flow cavity (140).
US09599341B2

A glow plug includes a housing having an axial hold and provided with a screw portion, and a heater member inserted into the axial hole. The housing includes a front-end-side body portion extending to the front end side from a front end of the screw portion, and a gasket portion lying adjacent to a front end side of the front-end-side body portion and bent at a bent portion provided at a rear end thereof so that at least a rear end portion thereof extends in a direction intersecting a direction of an axis. The gasket portion includes a pressure contact portion in which a surface thereof located at an outer circumferential side is brought into pressure contact with a seat surface of an internal combustion engine when the screw portion is screwed into a mounting hole in the internal combustion engine.
US09599325B2

A mounting system for a recessed luminaire includes an upper frame 200 to fit within a cutout opening 141 in a ceiling 140, including pivotally mounted support levers 202 to overlap the upper surface of the ceiling. A lower frame 210 fits within the opening and has a trim face 220 that is configured to abut against the room-side surface of the ceiling. Clamping screws 212 fasten the lower frame to the upper frame and are adjustable to clamp varying thicknesses of ceilings between the support levers and the trim face when the screws are tightened. Fasteners 132 fasten a luminaire 100 to the lower frame, which is installed through the lower and upper frames, from the room-side of the ceiling. The mounting system and luminaire may be completely installed from below a ceiling that has limited space above the ceiling or when access above the ceiling is not available.
US09599307B2

A lamp for the rear of a vehicle is disclosed with a light transmissive cover having a red first illuminated surface area and a clear second illuminated surface area. It has a first LED light emitter located directly beneath the red first area, a second LED light emitter located directly beneath the clear second area, and a third LED light emitter, also located directly beneath said clear second area. The third red LED light emitter is for emitting red light through the clear second area simultaneously with light transmitted through the red first area, whereby the first and second areas are adapted to collectively form a contiguous red illuminated surface area.
US09599305B2

In a semiconductor light-emitting device including a semiconductor body including light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix, and a support body adapted to support the semiconductor body, the semiconductor body further includes a plurality of optical shield layers each provided at one of a first side face of a first one of the light-emitting elements and a second side face of a second one of the light-emitting elements opposing the first side face of the first light-emitting element.
US09599303B2

An arrangement of headlight lenses for a vehicle headlight, each headlight lens having a monolithic body of transparent material, which monolithic body includes at least one light entry face, a light passage section, and at least one optically operative light exit face.
US09599298B2

A light source includes one or more solid state light emitting devices, a heat spreader thermally coupled to the one or more light emitting devices, and a mounting carriage configured to mount the one or more solid state light emitting devices in a lighting fixture light and thermally couple the heat spreader to the lighting fixture.
US09599293B2

A light emitting arrangement is provided, comprising:—a solid state light source (101) adapted to emit primary light (L1); and—a wavelength converting member (102) comprising a plurality of wavelength converting domains (102a, 102b, 102c, etc) for converting primary light into secondary light (L2), each wavelength converting domain thereby providing a sub-range of the total light output spectrum, wherein at least some of said wavelength converting domains are arranged as an array and comprise quantum dots, wherein different wavelength converting domains comprise quantum dots having different secondary light emission ranges providing different sub-ranges of the total light output spectrum, and wherein a sub-range provided by each wavelength converting domain overlaps or is contiguous with at least one other sub-range provided by another wavelength converting domain. By arranging materials having different wavelength conversion properties in different domains, preferably in a plane, re-absorption of secondary emission can be avoided.
US09599290B2

An LED lamp A1 includes an LED unit 1 in the shape of a straight tube with a plurality of LED modules 12 fixed therein, and also includes a pair of bases 2 that receive electric power from outside and are attached to the ends of the LED unit 1 spaced in the longitudinal direction of the LED unit. The LED unit 1 and the bases 2 are rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. With this arrangement, the direction of light emission can be changed, with the LED lamp attached to a general-use fluorescent lighting fixture.
US09599288B2

An LED lamp includes a plurality of LED modules arranged in direction x, a tubular enclosure for housing the LED modules that is open at ends spaced from each other in direction x, and end caps respectively closing the ends of the tubular enclosure in direction x. Each of the end caps is configured to diffuse light from the LED modules while transmitting the light, and includes an emission surface for emitting light in a direction z perpendicular to direction x. This arrangement ensures that the LED lamp has a good appearance even when it is made long.
US09599286B2

Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.
US09599279B2

Module installation assembly including a base structure having a base portion, a first and second bracket, the base portion disposed in a base plane, the first bracket extending perpendicularly from the base portion, the second bracket extending perpendicularly from the base portion, wherein the first bracket is a T-shaped member having a main portion, a pair of wing portions and a pair of recesses defined by the pair of wing portions and a segment of the main portion. Also included is a module to be mated with the base structure, the module including a first module end and a second module end, wherein the first module end includes a first pair of protrusions formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to be rotated into an interference condition with the first bracket.
US09599276B2

Some examples of a mounting post to support a housing of electronic equipment include a swivel base having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to mount to a surface about which the mounting post swivels. The mounting post includes A swivel post having a third end and a fourth end. The third end is configured to support the housing of the electronic equipment. A lower sleeve is attached to the second end and an upper sleeve is attached to the fourth end. The upper sleeve is attached to the lower sleeve at a distance to create a moment arm to react to transverse forces applied to the mounting post.
US09599274B2

An apparatus includes a first interface platform and a second interface platform. One interface platform is configured to be coupled to a support structure, and the other interface platform is configured to be coupled to a device that operates at a temperature different than a temperature of the support structure. The apparatus also includes at least one intermediate stage platform and struts connecting the first and second interface platforms to the at least one intermediate stage platform. Top surfaces of the interface platforms may be substantially coplanar. At least a portion of the second interface platform can reside within an opening of the first interface platform. The struts can be arranged in a nested configuration having first and second sets of struts, where the second set is located within the first set. Each strut in the first set could be substantially parallel to an adjacent strut in the second set.
US09599273B2

The invention concerns a threaded tubular component for drilling or working hydrocarbon wells, said tubular component having at one of its ends (1; 2) a threaded zone (3; 4) produced on its outer or inner peripheral surface depending on whether the threaded end is male or female in type, in which at least a portion of the end (1; 2) is coated with at least one film of polyurethane (12), 100% solid state, with an essentially rigid structure, based on a matrix of polyurethane and polyurea, in which the urethane functionality is predominant with respect to the urea functionality in a proportion of at least 55% by weight.
US09599272B2

Apparatus and a method for monitoring of a pipe inspection tool in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor carrier apparatus being locatable along and in close proximity to a pipeline, a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus, a pipeline inspection tool which is moveable through the pipeline being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors, and the location of the pipeline inspection tool being able to be determined by means of the acoustic sensors.
US09599260B1

A pipe coupling has an outer shell with a flexible inner liner therein. The liner is secured to the shell by a clamping arrangement, which uses inner rings at the ends of the shell and an inner ring intermediate of the ends. The inner rings are hydraulically expanded out to the shell to form a seal between the shell and the liner at the ends and to retain the liner to the shell at the intermediate ring. In use, compressed fluid is provided to cavities between the liner and the shell to force the liner to seal against a pipe joint. The intermediate inner ring prevents the intermediate portion of the liner from expanding into the pipe joint. A protective handle is provided.
US09599259B2

A threaded oilfield tubular connection includes a box connector (12) having internal threads (16, 18) and a pin connector (14) having external threads (22, 24) for mating with the internal threads. Each of a box torque shoulder (20) and a pin torque shoulder (26) may be negative angle shoulders, and the thread flanks on the internal and external threads may also be negative angle load flanks. The connector substantially maintains a desired preload when dope is trapped between the threads during makeup. Another embodiment provides positive angle torque shoulders and positive angle load flanks.
US09599255B2

A profile is produced from a bent metal sheet surrounding an interior space by at least 360°, the longitudinal edges of said metal sheet being connected to respectively adjacent wall sections of the metal sheet. The longitudinal edges are separated from the respectively adjacent wall sections or longitudinal edges by spacers and are connected thereto in a form-fitting manner by fasteners such as screws, rivets, or the like.
US09599253B1

A diamond wire saw and method provides a frame that includes a clamp that attaches to a target (e.g. piling, beam, tubular), an elongated toothed rack extending away from the mount and target, and a moving portion that carries the diamond wire and motor drives that advance the moving portion toward the target and along the toothed rack while driving the wire around roller guides.
US09599247B2

An electromagnetic valve for controlling the flow of a pressure medium, said electromagnetic valve comprising a valve housing with an inlet port and an outlet port for the pressure medium; at least one passage opening, which connects the inlet port to the outlet port, for the pressure medium; a valve slide that can be moved axially between a first basic position, which closes the passage opening, and a second basic position, which opens the passage opening, by means of a solenoid coil; and a spring assembly, which positions the valve slide in the first or the second basic position when the solenoid coil is not energized. A spring excursion limiting means limits a specified spring excursion of the second spring portion to position the valve slide in an intermediate position between the first and second basic position by the energized solenoid coil. The valve slide releases at least a partial cross section of the passage opening in the intermediate position.
US09599241B2

A clack valve assembly comprising: a valve seat comprising an opening; a bearing comprising a recess with a base, a mouth, and a pair of side walls between the base and the mouth; a lid comprising a lid plate and a shaft, the shaft being received in the recess of the bearing; and a shaft retaining member which closes the mouth of the recess in the bearing, thus retaining the shaft within the recess. The shaft and the lid plate are integrally formed elements of a single part. The shaft can rotate within the recess to enable the lid to rotate from a closed position in which the lid engages the valve seat and covers the opening, to an open position in which the lid lifts away from the valve seat enabling fluid to flow through the opening in the valve seat.
US09599238B2

A spool is disclosed for use in a valve. The spool may have an elongated cylindrical body with a first end and a second end. The spool may also have a first land formed at the first end, a second land axially spaced apart from the first land, and a check element located between the first and second lands. The check element may have an outer diameter that is about 0.5-1% greater than an outer diameter of the second land.
US09599237B2

A control valve includes a body, a first end cap, a second end cap, an insert, and a piston. The first end cap, second end cap, and insert are removably secured to the body and define a first port, second port, and third port of the control valve, respectively. The piston is positioned within the bore of the body and is movable between a first position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the second port and not with the third port and a second position in which the first port is in fluid communication with the third port and not with the second port.
US09599236B2

A water supply valve comprising a valve body having a first orifice and a second orifice, a rotatable valve shaft, and a handle. The rotatable valve shaft can be inserted into the first orifice or the second orifice, thereby converting the water supply valve from first configuration where the handle is on the left side to a second configuration where the handle is on the right side.
US09599230B2

A female screw member includes a female screw part with a female screw, and a projection part projecting in the direction of a center shaft of the female screw and having a working face in the rotating direction centering on the center shaft. The female screw part and projection part are integrally molded with a resin. The projection part has a spiral inclination face spirally inclining by one round from the working face centering on the center shaft of the female screw. The height H of the working face is equal to or smaller than a pitch P of the female screw. Using the projection part as a fully opening fixing stopper, a motor operated valve includes a valve main body having a valve seat, the female screw member attached to the valve main body, a motor having a rotator and stator, and a valve shaft. The valve shaft is screwed to a female screw of the female screw member, and is rotated and driven by the rotor, and has a fully opening movable stopper capable of contacting the fully opening fixing stopper.
US09599229B2

A cartridge seal for centrifugal pump comprises a shaft tube assembly attached to a structure. A shaft tube of the shaft tube assembly receives a shaft of the centrifugal pump. A shaft collar of the cartridge seal attached to a second end of the shaft tube is in communication with a second end of the structure. A chamber tube of the shaft tube assembly and the shaft tube collectively define a chamber that contains compressed gas. A spring is located in the chamber of compressed gas. The compressed gas and the spring cause the shaft tube assembly to substantially prevent movement of fluids between the shaft and the structure in the centrifugal pump.
US09599227B2

A lip seal includes: a lip part (1) forming a ring shape alone or with plural members and provided in sliding contact with the entire periphery of a surface of a shaft (0); an elastic arm part (2) and a flexible wall (3) supporting the lip part (1) at a sliding contact position; key parts (4) connecting the elastic arm part (2) and the flexible wall (3) to a housing (10), respectively, and a pressure regulation chamber (A) forming a ring shape alone or with plural members and using the elastic arm part (2) and the flexible wall (3) as partition walls. The flexible wall (3) is deformed by the increase and decrease in pressure in the pressure regulation chamber (A) to change the lip part (1) at least radially.
US09599222B2

In a diaphragm pump having a fluorine resin-made rolling diaphragm including: an inner circumferential portion that elongates along an outer circumferential surface of a piston; an outer circumferential portion that elongates along the inner circumferential surface of a cylinder; and a folded portion that is formed by folding back in a tubular space between the cylinder and the piston; and a pump chamber is separated by the rolling diaphragm in the cylinder, the rolling diaphragm is produced in an extended attitude corresponding to an attitude obtained when, by a projective movement of the piston, the outer circumferential portion is eliminated, and the folding of the folded portion is opened.
US09599221B2

The present invention refers to a connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor, comprising using at least an intermediate element capable of associating said connecting rod with the piston, wherein both do not radially contact with one another. A process for assembling said connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor is also disclosed. The connecting rod/piston arrangement for alternative compressor comprises at least a piston (1), at least an intermediate element (2) and at least a connecting rod (3), wherein said piston (1) comprises at least a non-through axial channel (11); said intermediate element (2) comprises at least a through axial channel (21); and said connecting rod (3) comprises at least a connection end (31). In this regard, the intermediate element (2) is securely housed inside the non-through axial channel (11) of piston (1); and said connection end (31) of connecting rod (3) is securely housed inside the through axial channel (21) of intermediate element (2).
US09599217B2

A transmission unit of a motor vehicle, with a transmission having a transmission shaft and with an electric motor that is coupled thereto in an axial direction and that has a stator and that has a rotor arranged on a motor shaft and that is bearingless on the A-side. The electric motor includes an end plate on the B-side, and the stator is located at least partly inside a housing of the transmission.
US09599213B2

A shift lever assembly for a manual transmission includes a hollow shift lever having a shift knob provided thereon. A noise and vibration damper includes a hollow housing that is connected to the hollow shift lever, and a damper assembly is provided within the hollow housing of the noise and vibration damper. The damper assembly is adapted to be connected to a control member of a manually operable transmission. A line extends from the shift knob provided on the hollow shift lever and through the interior of the hollow shift lever. The line is adapted to control the operation of the manually operable transmission.
US09599212B2

A fluid system includes an emergency subsystem and a main subsystem in fluid communication with a working element. The main subsystem is in fluid communication with the emergency subsystem. The system operates in a standard mode and an emergency mode. During standard mode, both the main and emergency subsystems jointly provide fluid to the working element. During emergency mode, the emergency subsystem is configured for independently providing fluid to the working element.
US09599205B2

A torque converter for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The torque converter includes a damper including a first cover plate and a drive flange; and a stator assembly. The first cover plate is sealingly rotatable with respect to the stator assembly at a sealed interface and the first cover plate and the drive flange form a fluid flow gap therebetween. Fluid flows through the fluid flow gap during operation of the torque converter. The sealed interface prevents the fluid from flowing therethrough. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided.
US09599193B2

A transmission includes an input shaft to receive a rotation of an engine, drive gears respectively attached to the input shaft to freely rotate individually, an output shaft disposed parallel to the input shaft in order to output rotation following a gear shift, driven gears respectively attached to the output shaft to freely rotate individually and to mesh with the drive gears, an engagement mechanism to fix a gear to be used in a gear shift individually, from among the drive gears, to the input shaft to be incapable of relative rotation, and a selector mechanism to fix, during the gear shift, the driven gear of a corresponding gear position individually, which meshes with the drive gear fixed to the input shaft by the engagement mechanism, to the output shaft to be incapable of relative rotation, and a hub that is fixed to the input shaft.
US09599189B2

A warp-directional stretch fabric that defines two right faces and is formed from warp yarns defined by a nylon and fill yarns defined by an aramid. The fabric can be incorporated into a toothed belt, for example a transmission belt, to produce a belt that has enhanced structural and resistance capabilities while capable of being produced at a lower cost than prior art belts. A method of producing an improved toothed belt including the fabric is also provided.
US09599181B2

A shock absorber which can be easily attached and which can reduce the installation space is provided. The shock absorber in accordance with the present invention is characterized by including a front wall to receive shock, a rear wall opposing the front wall, and peripheral walls connecting peripheries of the front wall and the rear wall, and at least one attaching section to attach onto an attaching object is formed to be integral with the rear wall, and shock received by the front wall is propagated via the rear wall to the attaching object.
US09599173B2

A method for reducing baulking of a dual clutch transmission (“DCT”) for a vehicle includes a first engaging step engaging an odd-stage clutch and an even-stage clutch of a DCT in a case of an ignition-on state. An ascertaining step ascertains a range positioned by a shift lever when an engine is cranked after the first engaging step. A second engaging step engages shift gears respectively, after disengaging at least one of the odd-stage clutch and the even-stage clutch depending on the ascertained range position of the shift lever.
US09599162B2

A sealed rolling bearing includes an outer race and an inner race. A cylindrical portion provided at the outer portion of a sealing member is press-fitted into each end of the outer race. A cylindrical portion provided at the inner portion of a slinger is press-fitted onto each end of the inner race. The sealing member has at its inner peripheral portion first and second radial lips which are in elastic contact with the slinger to prevent entry of foreign matter into the bearing space. The slinger has an annular portion including an axially outwardly extending, outwardly bent portion provided at its outer peripheral portion. The outwardly bent portion has an outer periphery located inwardly of the outer end of the cylindrical portion of the sealing member. A small gap is defined between the outwardly bent portion and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion as a labyrinth.
US09599147B1

A drive shaft damper may be inserted into a hollow automotive drive shaft. The damper includes both foam and a non-foamed retaining member positioned on its outer surface. The foam, which extends above the damper's outer surface, typically possesses a maximum operating temperature of 175° C. or higher.
US09599143B2

A lock nut includes a lock tab washer for fixing thereof. One or more tab plates are provided for fixing to a flank face of the nut. The tab plates have a radially inner tab to prevent relative rotation thereof, and provide a secondary locking function. Bolts attach the tab plates, and have individual lock washers.
US09599137B2

A hold open rod may include: an inner member; an outer member configured to have the inner member slide in and out of the outer member; a locking mechanism including a portion attached to the outer member and a portion attached to the inner member; a locking plug configured to move axially along an axis of the inner, outer members; a locking dog configured to move radially between a locking position and an unlocking position and a release cable operatively connected to the locking plug and configured to move the locking plug to the unlocking position. A method of actuating a lock mechanism on a hold open rod may also be provided.
US09599135B1

A fastening apparatus includes a first part comprising a plurality of first projections and a plurality of first holes. A washer part comprises a plurality of second holes corresponding to the plurality of first projections and a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of first holes. The washer part and the first part are positioned on a first side of a first material of a product. A second part having a plurality of second projections is positioned on a second side of the first material. Each of the plurality of second projections penetrates a respective opening of the washer part, wherein penetration by each second projection of the corresponding opening causes a deformation of a portion of a second material of the washer part proximate to the corresponding opening.
US09599133B2

A jewelry clasp comprises a male member having prong. A distal groove of the prong is configured to glide into a bore slot of a female member. A barrier wall within the bore slot is configured to stop the prong. One or more safety pegs are configured to retract a spring held in place by a housing beam peg and support beam peg as the prong glides into the bore slot.
US09599129B2

A vehicle automatic transmission of a multistage type includes multiple engagement elements having an engagement state switched by an oil pressure to selectively establish a plurality of shift stages based on a combination of engagement and release of the multiple engagement elements according to an oil pressure supplied from a hydraulic circuit, each of the shift stages being established by engagement of two or more engagement elements of the multiple engagement elements, at least one of the multiple engagement elements being a normally closed engagement element engaged when no oil pressure is supplied from the hydraulic circuit, and the normally closed engagement element being a meshing engagement element.
US09599128B2

A plunger pump or plunger motor includes a block accommodating a first cylindrical chamber and a plunger movable in this chamber and a drive shaft connected to this plunger, as well as a second cylindrical chamber and a control valve movable in this second cylindrical chamber. Holes O3 and O4 can alternately be brought into communication with the connection for the delivery pipe by the plunger and with a connecting hole for a pressure line. The control valve can establish a communication between the hole O2 and the connecting hole. The drive shaft is connected to a further plunger which is movable in a third cylindrical chamber in which there is a suction hole or delivery hole. The control valve can alternately establish a communication between the suction hole or delivery hole with a connecting hole for a suction pipe and the connecting hole for the pressure line.
US09599125B1

The present invention is a method for attaching a fan to a wall at various locations using an adjustable mounting plate and support for an adjustable mounting plate. The method disclosed herein allows a user to affix a fan to the adjustable mounting plate on a wall at a multitude of different heights desired by the user and to further re-affix to a new desired height both quickly and easily.
US09599124B2

A diffuser for the vacuum fan used with agricultural equipment. The diffuser has a rectangular outlet fixed to the outlet of the fan and a diverging rectangular cross-section outlet for increasing the cross-sectional flow area. A primary flow path between the inlet and the outlet is no less in area than the inlet to the diffuser and a series of rectangular side chambers with perforated walls covered by sound deadening material have predetermined dimensions to decrease the outlet air velocity attenuate selected noise frequencies.
US09599122B2

In a blower fan according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a side wall portion includes a tongue portion arranged to project between an air outlet and an impeller. A side surface of the tongue portion includes a tongue portion tip arranged to touch a first imaginary plane including a central axis; a first tongue portion side surface arranged to extend from the tongue portion tip along an outer envelope of the impeller; and a second tongue portion side surface arranged to extend from the tongue portion tip toward a side edge, the side edge being a line of intersection of the air outlet and the side wall portion. The second tongue portion side surface is arranged to cross a second imaginary plane including the central axis and touching the side edge.
US09599106B2

An apparatus employing pressure transients for transporting fluids from one reservoir to another, includes an at least partly enclosed space, and a body herein, where the body is movable relatively to the interior of the space. The apparatus further includes an opening in the enclosed space to allow a fluid to flow alternately in the direction into and out, and conduits in fluid communication with the opening and connected to the reservoirs. Further, an object is arranged to collide with the body so as to generate pressure transients in the partly enclosed space in order to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the partly enclosed space towards the second reservoir, and to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the first reservoir towards the partly enclosed space.
US09599105B2

An oil supply system may include a first hydraulic pump pumping oil to a low pressure portion through a first main line, a second hydraulic pump pumping oil to a high pressure portion through a second main line, first and second check valves that are respectively disposed at one side of the first and second main lines, a first convert valve supply the oil flowing the second main line to the low pressure portion depending on the pressure of oil that is transferred from a front side of the first check valve of the first main line, and a second convert valve supplying oil flowing the first main line to the high pressure portion depending on the pressure of oil that is transferred from a front side of the second check valve of the second main line.
US09599102B2

The piezoelectric pump unit consists of a housing, a piezo anchor, located in the housing, a displacer, located at the front of the housing. The piezo anchor and the displacer are connected. The piezo anchor consists of a rear piezoelectric clamp section, of a piezoelectric extender section and of a front piezoelectric clamp section, connected in series. At least one slider is introduced in the piezoelectric extender section between its front and rear ends. Electric pulses accessing at sections from a control station cause said sections to become fixed alternately inside the housing. Under the effect of electric pulses, the piezoelectric extender section moves the displacer step-by-step in one direction.
US09599095B2

A wind turbine includes a turbine housing, a turbine wheel system housed in the turbine housing, and a wind power converting system for converting kinetic energy generated by the turbine wheel system into electrical energy. The turbine wheel system includes a turbine rotor being driven to rotate circumferentially around an interior of the turbine housing, and a rail frame guiding a rotational movement of a turbine rotor. The wind turbine not only allows airflow to move across and through the turbine wheel system but also allows airflow to be directed and exhausted to maximize and control energy generation. The wind turbine is able to efficiently convert wind power to electrical power via a turbine wheel system which allows for the load generated to be distributed across the circumference of the turbine wheel system instead of localized in the center as the traditional wind turbine.
US09599091B2

A hydraulic actuation unit for controlling the starting and stopping of hydraulic motors includes a first main circuit and a second main circuit, a first recirculation circuit and a second recirculation circuit, a counterbalancing valve, which includes a shuttle, and a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel. The shuttle includes a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve includes at least one first flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The second check valve includes at least one second flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The first and second check valves respectively are provided with first damping means and second damping means in order to slow down the passage movement respectively of the first flow control element and of the second flow control element.
US09599080B2

Provided is a terminal structure of a high-pressure fuel pipe for a direct injection engine which can prevent stress concentration to a brazed portion between a pipe and a connection part effectively. In the terminal structure of a high-pressure fuel pipe for a direct injection engine where a connection head is brazed to an end of a fuel pipe, the end of the fuel pipe continued to a fuel pipe insertion portion of the connection head is provided with a drawn portion, an outer diameter D1 of the drawn portion to a fuel pipe diameter D satisfies 0.8D≦D1≦0.9D, and a length L1 of the drawn portion having the outer diameter D1 in a pipe-axial direction from an end of the fuel pipe insertion portion satisfies L1≧0.06D.
US09599071B2

Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a filter integrated within a fuel vapor canister. In one example, a method may include diagnosing restriction of a canister filter based on a duration to reduce a pressure in an evaporative emissions control system including the canister to a reference pressure, and further based on an initial pressure difference across the canister when a canister purge valve is opened when the evaporative emissions control system is at the reference pressure.
US09599070B2

A system includes a gas turbine system having a turbine combustor, a turbine driven by combustion products from the turbine combustor, and an exhaust gas compressor driven by the turbine. The exhaust gas compressor is configured to compress and supply an exhaust gas to the turbine combustor. The gas turbine system also has an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system is configured to recirculate the exhaust gas along an exhaust recirculation path from the turbine to the exhaust gas compressor. The system further includes a main oxidant compression system having one or more oxidant compressors. The one or more oxidant compressors are separate from the exhaust gas compressor, and the one or more oxidant compressors are configured to supply all compressed oxidant utilized by the turbine combustor in generating the combustion products.
US09599069B2

The invention relates to a cooling device for an engine (1) exhaust gas recirculation circuit, notably that of a motor vehicle, said circuit comprising a valve (2) for controlling the circulation of said gas, said device comprising a heat exchanger (3), known as the EGR exchanger, intended to allow an exchange of heat between the exhaust gases passing through said recirculation circuit and a coolant fluid, and means (4) of cooling said valve. According to the invention, said device comprises a cooling loop (5), known as a high-temperature cooling loop and configured so that said valve cooling means (4) have a first fluid passing through them, and a second cooling loop (12), known as a low-temperature cooling loop and configured so that the EGR exchanger (3) has passing through it a second fluid at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid. The invention also relates to an assembly of an exhaust gas recirculation circuit and of such a cooling device, and to a system for supplying an engine, notably a supercharged diesel engine, with charge gases and comprising an engine air supply circuit and such an assembly.
US09599063B2

An engine unit for a vehicle includes an engine body, an oil tank, and a power transmission shaft. The engine body includes a cylinder unit and a crankcase. The oil tank is disposed horizontally or substantially horizontally with respect to the engine body. The power transmission shaft includes a crankshaft supported by the crankcase. The power transmission shaft at least partially overlaps with the oil tank in a side view of the engine unit. The power transmission shaft extends from the engine body to a position beyond the oil tank in an axial direction of the crankshaft.
US09599061B2

A method of igniting a fuel within a combustion chamber defined by a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine includes injecting a first portion of a fuel into the combustion chamber, and energizing a first plasma igniter. The first plasma igniter is configured for generating a first plurality of free radicals, extends through a cylinder head mated to the cylinder block, and protrudes into an intake port defined by the cylinder head that is disposable in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. After injecting the first portion, the method includes activating a second igniter configured for initiating a flame within the combustion chamber to thereby ignite the fuel. The second igniter extends through the cylinder head and protrudes into the combustion chamber. An internal combustion engine is also disclosed.
US09599058B2

A control device of a gasoline direct-injection engine is provided. The control device includes an engine body, an injector, and a controller. Within a high load operating range, the controller causes the injector to perform a pre-injection and a post injection. In the pre-injection, the fuel is injected to cause a fuel concentration within an in-cylinder radially peripheral section to be higher than a fuel concentration within an in-cylinder radially central section at a timing for the fuel to ignite. In the post injection, the fuel is injected to cause the fuel concentration within the radially central section to be higher than the fuel concentration within the radially peripheral section at a timing for the fuel to ignite. The timing for the fuel injected in the post injection to ignite is after an oxidative reaction of the fuel injected in the pre-injection occurs and after a compression top dead center.
US09599054B2

When an accelerator pedal is released while a vehicle is running, a lockup clutch is unlocked. Simultaneously, ignition timing is retarded and a fuel-cut operation to stop fuel supply to an internal combustion engine is performed. However, when it is predicted that a fuel recovery is to be performed after unlocking the lockup clutch, execution of the fuel-cut operation is prohibited. A shock due to the fuel recovery after the fuel-cut operation performed when the accelerator pedal is released is thereby prevented.
US09599046B2

Systems and methods for improving combustion in a highly exhaust gas diluted engine are disclosed. The methods and systems may be provided in an engine that includes independent control of cylinder valves with respect to other cylinder valves.
US09599035B2

A pedal spring urges a pedal spring receiving portion to rotate a manipulation member in an accelerator closing direction. The pedal spring has an end portion that contacts a first contact surface of a front segment. A hysteresis spring urges a hysteresis spring receiving portion, which is engaged with the manipulation member, in the accelerator closing direction. The hysteresis spring has an end portion that contacts a second contact surface of the front segment. A step surface is formed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to limit movement of the end portion of the hysteresis spring.
US09599024B2

Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective exhaust energy to match a nominal exhaust energy value, and subsequently measuring an actual emissions value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual emissions value and a nominal emissions value at the ambient condition.
US09599021B2

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for controlling the oxidant feed in low emission turbine systems to maintain stoichiometric or substantially stoichiometric combustion conditions. In one or more embodiments, such control is achieved by diverting a portion of the recirculating exhaust gas and combining it with the oxidant feed to maintain a constant oxygen level in the combined oxidant-exhaust stream fed to the combustion chamber.
US09599019B2

The present disclosure relates generally to a dual oil supply tube for a gas turbine engine. The dual oil supply tube locates a scheduled damper supply tube inside a compartment oil supply tube which remains full while the engine is operating.
US09599017B2

A turbine system and method of operating is provided. The system includes a compressor configured to generate a compressed low-oxygen air stream and a combustor configured to receive the compressed low-oxygen air stream and to combust a fuel stream to generate a post combustion gas stream. The turbine system also includes a turbine for receiving the post combustion gas stream to generate a low-NOx exhaust gas stream, a heat recovery system configured to receive the low-NOx exhaust gas stream and generate a cooled air stream and an auxiliary compressor configured to generate an oxygen and water vapor deficient cooled and compressed air stream. A portion of the oxygen and water vapor deficient cooled and compressed air stream is directed to the combustor to generate an Oxygen and H2O deficient film on exposed portions of the combustor, and another portion is directed to the turbine to provide a cooling flow.
US09599011B2

A pump current module determines a first current flowing through an electric engine coolant pump based on a coolant valve position. A current error module receives a second current flowing through the electric engine coolant pump measured using a current sensor and determines a current error based on a difference between the first current and the second current. A fault module indicates whether a fault is present based on the current error.
US09599006B2

A system for a vehicle includes an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) determination module, a delay determination module, a correction module, and a fault detection module. The OSC determination module determines an OSC period of a catalyst of an exhaust system based on first and second amounts of oxygen measured using first and second oxygen sensors located upstream and downstream of the catalyst, respectively. The delay determination module determines a delay period of the second oxygen sensor. The correction module sets a corrected OSC period for the catalyst based on a difference between the OSC period and the delay period. The fault detection module selectively indicates that a fault is present in the catalyst based on the corrected OSC period.
US09599005B2

An apparatus, system, and method are provided for determining a health value of a catalyzed diesel particulate filter using a midbed temperature of the catalyzed diesel particulate filter and a reference temperature.
US09598992B2

A separation device for separating contaminates from a gas flow may include a raw chamber receiving a contaminated gas and a clean chamber out of which a treated gas exits. A dividing wall may separate the raw chamber from the clean chamber. The dividing wall may include a perforated region defining a plurality of passage openings. The gas flow may be communicated from the raw chamber to the clean chamber via the plurality of passage openings. A gas-permeable separation structure may be arranged on a wall outlet side of the dividing wall facing the clean chamber. The separation structure may separate contaminates from the gas flow when subjected to a through flow.
US09598991B2

An oil separator is provided that efficiently recovers oil mist in blow-by gas regardless of differences in particle diameter. The oil separator includes a supply space to which blow-by gas from an internal combustion engine is supplied, and multiple cyclone-type oil separation units arranged along the gas supply direction, each having a cylindrical cylinder case part to which the blow-by gas from the supply space is supplied. An inner diameter of the cylinder case part of the oil separation unit is set larger with the oil separation unit arranged more upstream in the gas supply direction.
US09598976B2

A mounting stand for a temperature sensor is disclosed. The mounting stand includes a base, a pedestal, and a shield. The pedestal extends from the base to a pedestal end distal to the base. The pedestal includes a first hollow cylinder shape forming a bore there through. The shield includes a second hollow cylinder shape extending from the base about the pedestal and extending beyond the pedestal to a shield end distal to the base forming a flow region between the pedestal and the shield. The shield also includes a first aspiration hole extending through the second hollow cylinder shape.
US09598966B2

In structural reinforcement for a composite blade of a turbine engine, the reinforcement being for adhesively bonding to a leading edge of the blade and presenting over its full height a section that is substantially V-shaped, having a base that is extended by two lateral flanks, there is provided an assembly of a plurality of fiber bundles that is mounted in at least one housing in the base, which assembly defines fiber content that varies along the full height of the housing.
US09598965B2

A blade for a thermal turbomachine is provided. The blade has a blade airfoil having a first extent in a substantially radial orientation in relation to a rotational axis of the turbomachine and a second extent which is configured transversely with respect to the first extent, and comprising a blade root which adjoins the rotor blade and rounds off the rotor blade in the first extent. The blade has graphene at least in regions. A method for producing a blade of this type is also provided.
US09598958B2

An air motor (10) that receives compressed air in order to be driven. The air motor (10) includes a valve assembly (11) with a base (12) of a unitary construction. The base (12) has opposite side faces (13) to which there is sealingly attached caps (14) that in cooperation with flexible diaphragms (15) provide working chambers (15, 16).
US09598951B2

An apparatus for retaining electronic components in a downhole component coupling mechanism includes: a power supply frame including a first housing configured to retain a power supply therein and isolate the power supply from downhole fluids, the power supply frame configured to be disposed in and constrained axially by a coupling assembly of a first downhole component and a second downhole component; an electronic component disposed in a second housing in the coupling assembly, the electronic component located external to the power supply frame; and a connector configured to transmit electric power from the power supply to the electronic component to supply electrical power to the electronic component.
US09598948B2

An earth-boring drilling tool comprises a cutting element. The cutting element comprises a substrate, a diamond table, and at least one sensing element formed from a doped diamond material disposed at least partially within the diamond table. A method for determining an at-bit measurement for an earth-boring drill bit comprises receiving an electrical signal generated within a doped diamond material disposed within a diamond table of a cutting element of the earth-boring drill bit, and correlating the electrical signal with at least one parameter during a drilling operation.
US09598939B2

A perforating tool usable in a well casing to perforate the well casing. Perforating tool includes an activation member disposed in body wherein the activation member is moveable relative to the body to move at least one working member between and inwardly retracted condition an outwardly deployed condition relative to the body. A plurality of pistons is arranged to move the activation member relative to the body, each piston being disposed in a respective pressure chamber arranged to be filled with fluid in response to an increase in fluid pressure in the body.
US09598936B1

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring a hydrate decomposition area under different drilling and production processes. The apparatus for monitoring hydrate decomposition area under different drilling and production processes comprises a reaction unit, an auxiliary unit and a determination unit; the reaction unit is used to simulate the hydrate storage layer environment, provide a place for generation and decomposition of a hydrate, simulate a hydrate heat-injection exploitation process, a hydrate pressure-reduction exploitation process and a hydrate CO2 displacement exploitation process, and also analyze the hydrate decomposition status at various areas by calculating the hydrate decomposition rate, thereby evaluating and optimizing the drilling and production process; the auxiliary unit is used to provide a gas source and a liquid source for the reaction unit, and simulate different hydrate drilling and production processes; and the determination unit is used to measure the hydrate decomposition rate in different drilling and production processes.
US09598935B2

A fluid container reloading tool for a downhole fluid sampling tool is described. The reloading tool includes an elongated cylindrical body. The body may include a bottom opening sized to engage with a fluid sampling tool deployed within a borehole. A cache of empty fluid containers may be included within the body. A piston may be coupled to at least one of the fluid containers in the cache of fluid containers. The piston may be used to transfer the cache of fluid containers into the fluid sampling tool. The reloading tool may also include a pump in fluid communication with the piston.
US09598933B2

A well tool having an actuator sleeve in a housing. The actuator sleeve has an internal shifting tool engaging profile. The tool has an actuator in the housing that is responsive to a remote signal to change from an unactuated state to an actuated state and shift the actuator sleeve from a first position to a second position. A fluid chamber in the housing is defined between the actuator sleeve and the actuator. The fluid chamber contains a fluid to communicate movement of the actuator to the actuator sleeve.
US09598925B1

An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.
US09598919B1

A modified filter screen for use in a downhole drilling operation is disclosed. The filter screen is able to be installed at the surface of a well, and is pin-loaded for easy access and maintenance. The modified filter screen may be retained within a section of pipe below the top drive above the rig floor by allowing dowel pins on the section of pipe to engage with latch slots on the filter screen. The modified filter screen may also be retained by engaging a threaded connector on the filter screen with a threaded connector on the interior of the section of pipe or by utilizing pins and/or retaining rings.
US09598910B2

A roof-bolt drill bit includes a bit body that is rotatable about a central axis, a coupling pocket defined in the bit body, and at least one cutting element mounted to the bit body. The at least one cutting element includes a cutting face, a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face, a back surface opposite the cutting face, and a side surface extending between the cutting edge and the back surface. The roof-bolt drill bit additionally includes a coupling attachment coupled to the bit body, the coupling attachment being positioned adjacent to a portion of the side surface of the cutting element that abuts a side surface of the coupling pocket.
US09598908B2

A method for making a polycrystalline diamond compact including the step of providing a polycrystalline diamond compact. The compact has a substrate of a hard metal composition of material and a volume of diamond material disposed on the substrate. The diamond material includes a mixture of diamond particles and a binder-catalyst. At least one pre-coating layer of organic material impermeable to a given acid or mixture of given acids is applied to at least an exterior surface of the substrate. At least one layer of primer material that is impermeable to a given acid or mixture of given acids is applied on the at least one pre-coating layer. A layer of top coating material that is impermeable to the given acid or mixture of given acids is applied to the at least one primer layer. When the given acid or mixture of given acids is applied to the compact to leach the binder-catalyst from the diamond material the at least one pre-coating layer, at least one primer layer and layer of top coating material protect the coated portions of the compact.
US09598907B2

A superabrasive compact and a method of making the superabrasive compact are disclosed. A superabrasive compact may comprise a superabrasive volume and a substrate. The substrate may be attached to the superabrasive volume via an interface. The superabrasive volume may be formed by a plurality of polycrystalline superabrasive particles. The superabrasive particles may have nano or sub-micron scale surface texture.
US09598902B2

The present invention relates to an aerial ladder truck to allow the height of a rear end of an extensible ladder, which is a connection end thereof connected at the rear of a bed of the truck, to be freely adjusted so that articles may be loaded in a space below the extensible ladder and above the truck bed. The aerial ladder truck includes a vehicle having a bed at the rear thereof, a ladder turret provided to the bed to pass therethrough, an extensible post fixedly passing through the ladder turret and standing upright, the height of the top thereof being adjustable, an extensible ladder having a rear end connected to the top of the extensible post by means of a first hinge shaft so that the angle thereof is changeable, and a moving bucket provided at the top thereof, and an angle adjusting cylinder for changing the angle of the extensible ladder, the cylinder having a rear end connected at the front of the top of the extensible post by means of a second hinge shaft and a front end connected to the bottom of the extensible ladder by means of a third hinge shaft.
US09598897B2

A portable barrier retraction device having a drive motor with an addressable drive motor control. The drive motor control is capable of being connected in a serial arrangement with one or more other addressable drive motor controls. The drive motor is in rotational communication with at least one retraction assembly configured to retract or deploy a line in response to rotation of the drive motor. The line is configured to retract or deploy a barrier. The drive motor provides selective rotation in response to an addressed signal from a controller. In addition, retraction systems employing portable retraction devices and methods for assembling the retraction systems are also disclosed.
US09598896B1

Embodiments for barrier assemblies and setup configuration of these barrier assemblies are disclosed. The barriers are used to block the entry of children or animal into areas in which their safety may be jeopardized. The barrier assemblies contain a sheet configured for outstretching and for retraction into a roll form, and for being maintained under tension in an outstretched form. A locking assembly prevents the sheet from accidentally retracting. The barrier assemblies are configured for indoor use by means of attaching to walls and stair posts as well as for outdoor use by anchoring the barrier assembly to the ground.
US09598895B2

A door sealing system includes a door seal for sealing either an upper or a lower side of a building door wing, and an air channel which enables, when the door seal is in the sealing position, air to circulate from a longitudinal side of the door seal to an opposite longitudinal side of the door seal. The door sealing system also includes at least one ventilator that guides air through the air channel. The door sealing system enables sufficient air to be exchanged even when the door wing is closed.
US09598892B2

Disclosed is quick-release removable cladding for interior fenestration frames, such as the interior frames of doors, window, skylights, or curtain walls. The cladding is held flush against the frame by a pair of brackets or alternatively by a bracket attached to frame and a shaped cavity within the cladding. In one aspect, the pair of brackets can be shaped and arranged so that when engaged, a downward force on the cladding causes the cladding to move flush against the frame. In another aspect, the cladding can be held securely in place to the frame by a keeper bar. The keeper bar can be configured to prevent upward movement of the cladding against the frame.
US09598891B2

The present disclosure relates to a thermal break for use in tilt-up construction. The thermal break generally comprises an elongate body comprising a thermal insulating material. The thermal break may further comprise one or more protrusions extending away from the elongate body. The present disclosure further relates to a method of constructing an exterior wall comprising the thermal break positioned between a fascia wythe and a structural wythe of the exterior wall. The exterior wall may be tilted up to a vertical position during construction of a building, and the thermal break provides a fixture-mounting surface onto which a fixture, for example a door frame, window frame, air venting grill, or other building component can be mounted.
US09598890B1

A check system for selective movement between a frame and a door includes a link attached to one of the door and the frame, and a housing attached to the other of the door and the frame. The link defines a link friction surface. The housing defines a tunnel through which the link is selectively movable and a first housing ramp formed at an acute angle relative to the link. A friction plate is disposed within the housing, and defines a first plate ramp slidably engaged with the first housing ramp. The friction plate also defines a plate friction surface configured for contact with the link friction surface. A biasing member is operatively attached to the housing and biases the friction plate toward the link and the first housing ramp.
US09598883B1

A security device fitted to the base casing of a portable object for securing the portable object is provided. The security device includes a housing having an indentation formed within one face of the housing and a retractable tongue pivotably mounted at one end within the indentation. The tongue has an aperture formed within the tongue's non-pivotal end. In a first mode, the retractable tongue is storable within the indentation and in a second mode, the retractable tongue may be extended beyond the contours of the device allowing for a secondary component to be attached to the aperture.
US09598882B2

Device for protecting an article against theft and/or for identifying it, comprising a tag (B) with a passage able to accept a metal pin (F, 8) passing through the item or attached to a lanyard surrounding the item, the tag comprising means (E) for locking the pin in the passage and preventing it from being extracted without a detacher being present, a first face (1a) of the tag which face faces towards the pin being essentially planar, it being possible for the pin to be attached to a head (K), the size of which corresponds to that of the first face of the tag; the tag (B) has a peripheral flank (2) equipped with a translational-guidance means (2) able to collaborate with a cylindrical guide surface provided in a housing (3) of the detacher, and the second face (1) of the tag, remote from the head of the pin, is planar and essentially parallel to the first face.
US09598868B2

A gutter downspout extension, extruded from a medium to high density silicone rubber material for diverting water from a foundation of a structure. The silicone rubber material has a sufficient density to resist abrasion or cutting by filament line weed trimmers. The silicone rubber material has sufficient elasticity to allow the end of the downspout extension to be stretched over the end of a gutter downspout.
US09598866B2

The present invention relates to a panel, in particular a wall, ceiling or floor panel, comprising a carrier layer made of a plastic material and a priming coat, wherein the priming coat comprises thereon an imprinted decorative pattern. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a panel and a usage of a specific primer in such a panel.
US09598863B2

Provided is a modular construction kit adapted to construct a raised temporary platform, the modular construction kit comprising one or more floor elements (1), wherein the floor element (1) comprises a monocoque structure (6) forming a floor section (21) and a flange section (3), wherein the flange section (3) is adapted to strengthen the floor element (1) and is adapted to be attached to a further floor element (1), wherein the floor elements (1) are load bearing and cooperate together to bear the load of the platform so as to form a self-supporting floor, without the requirement for a supporting floor frame.
US09598846B2

An automatic water faucet includes: a water faucet; an imaging unit provided in a water discharge port of the water faucet and that images light reflected from a measure-distance target; a distance measurement unit that measures a distance from the imaging unit to the measure-distance target based on image data; a threshold setting unit that sets a threshold for distance; a detection unit that detects the measure-distance target as a detection object if the distance is shorter than the threshold set by the threshold setting unit; and a water supply control unit that causes the water faucet to discharge water in response to the detection unit detecting a detection object and causes the water faucet to stop supplying water in response to the detection unit not detecting a detection object. The threshold setting unit increases the threshold setting in response to the detection unit detecting a detection object.
US09598845B2

A posture computing apparatus for a work machine is an apparatus that obtains a posture angle of a work machine including a traveling body and a swing body that is mounted on the traveling body and that rotates relative to the traveling body. The posture computing apparatus includes a detection apparatus that is provided to the swing body and detects angular velocity and acceleration; an acceleration correcting unit that corrects the acceleration detected by the detection apparatus, based on a position where the detection apparatus is placed and information on the detection apparatus; and a posture angle computing unit that obtains a posture angle of the work machine from the acceleration corrected by the acceleration correcting unit and the angular velocity detected by the detection apparatus.
US09598831B2

A helical screw pile includes a longitudinal shaft having a top end and a bottom end with a plurality of helical plates arranged on the shaft in increasing diameter from the top to the bottom. The largest diameter helical plate is located toward the bottom of the shaft. A second helical plate having a diameter smaller than that of the first plate is located above the first helical plate. A smaller third helical plate is located above the second helical plate so that the smallest is located toward the top of the shaft. The helical plates can be spaced apart along the shaft or coupled together in an end-to-end manner to form a continuous helix.
US09598830B2

Method and system is described for enhanced oil release management system by using one or more booms, one or more skimmers and one or more floating burners. The method and system may include skimmers to capture a fluid that is supplied to the floating burner.
US09598822B2

A system for performing track maintenance operations is described. The system includes a lead vehicle for identifying sections of rail that have been pre-marked for track maintenance operations. The lead vehicle further includes a control system for receiving and transmitting coordinates of the pre-marked track sections. The system further includes at least one drone vehicle for receiving the coordinates from the control system and the drone vehicle has at least one workhead for performing track maintenance operations on the pre-marked track sections.
US09598813B2

A garment steaming device includes a steam generator (20) having a heater (22) and an ironing surface (32) against which a fabric of a garment is locatable. An intermediate section (50) is disposed between the steam generator and the ironing surface to transfer heat from the steam generator to the ironing surface so that the ironing surface is indirectly heated by the steam generator via the intermediate section. The operating temperature of the ironing surface is not user selectable during use. Furthermore, the intermediate section is configured to have a thermal transmittance so that, during use, heat transfer from the steam generator to the ironing surface is controlled and the temperature of the ironing surface is maintained between 90° C. and 155° C. when the ironing surface is located against a fabric in each of a stationary condition and a moving condition.
US09598807B2

A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation, includes a treating chamber with an access opening, a cover, and lock mechanism to secure the cover closed over the access opening. The lock mechanism is configured to allow the cover to be forced open without breaking the lock mechanism.
US09598799B2

A method for stabilizing the physical dimensions and positioning of at least one selected textile region of a knitted garment. The method includes producing the garment including a conductive textile electrode, rigidifying the at least one selected textile region and knitting a preconfigured region proximal to the at least one selected textile region with a lower knitting density than the preconfigured density of the tubular form. The invention further provides a garment having a tubular form, knitted by a seamless knitting machine with base-yarns. The garment includes at least one conductive textile electrode. The garment further includes at least one preconfigured region in proximity to the at least one selected textile region, having a lower knitting density than the preconfigured density of the tubular form and the at least one selected textile region.
US09598794B2

A garment for therapeutic comfort to the wearer's lower body. The garment includes an outer layer that is usually of color or design in order to be aesthetically pleasing, and an inner layer that is in contact with the wearer when worn. The garment includes a plurality of upper and lower pocket members selectively positioned on the front, rear, outer, and inner sides of the garment, the pocket members each include a chamber in communication with an opening that can be in parallel or perpendicular with the length of leg portions of the garment. Each of the pocket members are defined between the outer and inner sides of the garment, and are seized for receiving a cold compression.
US09598787B2

The methods inhibit or reduce dimpling and voids during copper electroplating of through-holes with flash copper layers in substrates such as printed circuit boards. An acid solution containing reaction products of aromatic heterocyclic nitrogen compounds and epoxy-containing compounds is applied to the through-holes of the substrate followed by filling the through-holes with copper using a copper electroplating bath which includes additives such as brighteners and levelers.
US09598785B2

A process of preparing a plurality of nanostructures, each being composed of at least one target material is disclosed. The process comprises sequentially electrodepositing a first material and the at least one target material into pores of a porous membrane having a nanometric pore diameter, to thereby obtain within the pores nanometric rods, each of the nanometric rods having a plurality of segments where any two adjacent segments are made of different materials. The process further comprises and etching the membrane and the first material, thereby obtaining the nanostructures.
US09598774B2

Briefly, in one embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes introducing a powder feedstock into a cold-spray apparatus, and operating the cold-spray apparatus to deposit the feedstock. The feedstock includes particles including nickel-base alloy having a thermally altered microstructure.
US09598769B2

A system and method for continuous atomic layer deposition. The system and method includes a housing, a moving bed which passes through the housing, a plurality of precursor gases and associated input ports and the amount of precursor gases, position of the input ports, and relative velocity of the moving bed and carrier gases enabling exhaustion of the precursor gases at available reaction sites.
US09598762B2

In a DLC film-formed material, an intermediate layer is disposed between a substrate and a DLC film. The intermediate layer is a composite layer containing a component metal atom derived from the substrate and a diamond-like carbon. For example, such intermediate layer can be formed by applying a negative bias to the substrate while reducing the absolute value of the negative bias with time, in a plasma layer formation process. A carbon target or a hydrocarbon gas can be used as a carbon source.
US09598756B2

A method for producing a hot dip plated steel sheet, the method controlling a coating weight by injecting a gas toward a surface of a steel sheet from a time when the steel sheet continuously immersed into a plating bath is pulled up from the plating bath to a time when plating metal adhered onto the surface of the steel sheet is solidified, the method includes: setting an oxygen concentration of a bath surface of the plating bath to be more than or equal to 0.05 vol % and less than or equal to 21 vol % when the gas is injected toward the surface of the steel sheet; and setting an oxygen concentration in a space of an end of the steel sheet at a position where the gas collides with the steel sheet pulled up from the plating bath to be more than or equal to 0.05 vol % and less than or equal to 3 vol % when the gas is injected toward the surface of the steel sheet.
US09598752B2

Provided is a bearing steel capable of exhibiting excellent cold workability in cold working that follows spheroidizing annealing and also capable of ensuring excellent abrasion resistance and rolling fatigue characteristics as a bearing member or the like. The bearing steel contains C: 0.9 to 1.10%, Si: 0.05 to 0.49%, Mn: 0.1 to 1.0%, P: not more than 0.05% (excluding 0%), S: not more than 0.05% (excluding 0%), Cr: 0.03 to 0.40%, Al: not more than 0.05% (excluding 0%), N: 0.002 to 0.025%, Ti: not more than 0.0030% (excluding 0%), and O: not more than 0.0025% (excluding 0%), with the remainder being iron and unavoidable impurities. The average aspect ratio of cementite is not more than 2.00, the average circle-equivalent diameter of cementite is 0.35 to 0.6 μm, and the number density of cementite having a circle-equivalent diameter of not less than 0.13 μm is not less than 0.45/μm2.
US09598747B2

A system and method for melting a raw material. The raw material is fed into an electrically conductive vessel. A plasma arc torch melts at least some of the raw material within the vessel to thereby create a molten material. An inductor, physically disposed adjacent the vessel, and electrically disposed in series with the vessel in operation, effects electromagnetic stirring of the molten material by interacting with the current of the plasma arc torch.
US09598742B2

A thermally efficiency regenerative air preheater 250 extracts more thermal energy from the flue gas exiting a solid fuel fired furnace 26 by employing an alkaline injection system 276. This mitigates acid fouling by selectively injecting different sized alkaline particles 275 into the air preheater 250. Small particles provide nucleation sites for condensation and neutralization of acid vapors. Large particles are injected to contact and selectively adhere to the heat exchange elements 542 and neutralize liquid acid that condenses there. When the deposit accumulation exceeds a threshold, the apparatus generates and utilizes a higher relative percentage of large particles. Similarly, a larger relative percentage of small particles are used in other cases. Mitigation of the fouling conditions permits the redesign of the air preheater 250 to achieve the transfer of more heat from the flue resulting in a lower flue gas outlet temperature without excessive fouling.
US09598733B2

Seven protective alleles for IgA nephropathy have been discovered that can be identified by analyzing a DNA sample for seven respective SNPs. A method is provided for identifying and treating subjects at risk of developing IgA neuropathy based on a new seven-SNP genetic risk score. Also provided are screening methods to identify compounds that bind to and reduce the expression or biological activity of a either CFHR1 or CFHR3.
US09598732B2

The method of identifying Date Palm gender using SCAR primers includes using modern genetics techniques for detecting a novel sex-linked marker (SEQ ID NO: 1) in a Date Palm sample. The presence of the Date Palm sex-linked marker (SEQ ID NO: 1) in the sample is indicative that the sample is from a male Date Palm plant. The method of identifying Date Palm gender to determine the gender of Date Palms can be used to determine the gender of Date Palms of any age.
US09598730B2

The invention relates to prenatal detection methods using non-invasive techniques. In particular, it relates to prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by detecting fetal and maternal nucleic acids in a maternal biological sample. More particularly, the invention applies multiplex PCR to amplify selected fractions of the respective chromosomes of maternal and fetal chromosomes. Respective amounts of suspected aneuploid chromosomal regions and reference chromosomes are determined from massive sequencing analysis followed by a statistical analysis to detect a particular aneuploidy.
US09598726B2

A method for amplifying a nucleic acid amplification in the presence of an ionic liquid that suppresses an inhibitor of nucleic acid amplification, particularly when in a biological material, and a composition useful for performing the method.
US09598724B2

Disclosed are methods for multiple displacement amplification of a nucleic acid sequence in a sample. The nucleic acid is contacted with a reaction mixture that includes a set of oligonucleotide primers and a plurality of polymerase enzymes. The reaction mixture is subjected to conditions under which the nucleic acid sequence is amplified to produce an amplification product in a multiple displacement amplification reaction. Also disclosed are kits containing a set of oligonucleotide primers with random sequences having lengths of 6 to 8 nucleobases. At least some of the individual members of the primers have one or more ribose modifications that stabilize or lock the ribose ring in a 3′ -endo conformation. At least some of the primers have one or more universal nucleobases.
US09598723B2

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.
US09598721B2

The present invention provides a universally applicable lysis buffer comprising a chaotropic 5 agent, a reducing agent, and a proteolytic enzyme suitable for processing a wide variety of different sample types, such as different types of bodily samples relevant for the diagnosis of a respiratory disease. Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of a chaotropic agent, a reducing agent, and a proteolytic enzyme for the lysis of a broad spectrum of bodily samples. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for processing bodily samples which is universally applicable to the lysis of a variety of different types of bodily samples. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for analyzing a bodily sample or for detecting the presence of a pathogen in a bodily sample, preferably, for diagnosing a respiratory disease, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Preferably, these methods are universally applicable to a variety of sample types, are applicable as one-tube-processes, are 15 suitable for performance in a high-throughput setting, and are automatable.
US09598713B2

A method for constructing a functional nucleic acid molecule comprising 1 or 2 nucleic acid strands, wherein 2 or more fragments having at corresponding ends a functional group pair that can mutually couple through a chemical reaction are introduced into a cell, and a functional nucleic acid molecule comprising 1 or 2 nucleic acid strands is formed by ligating mutually the fragments through a reaction between the functional groups in the cell.
US09598709B2

Provided is a yeast cell having a stress tolerance, wherein the yeast cell has enhanced MSN2 activity, a method of producing the yeast cell, and a method of producing lactate by using the same.
US09598707B2

A method to increase the production of products of interest in plant material including plant cultures, such as, for example, cell suspension cultures, root cultures, and hairy root cultures is provided. In one embodiment, the method is to contacting the plant material with a precursor or xenobiotic when producing a product of interest from a plant. In another embodiment the plant material is also contacted with a trapping agent. The process may also provide for contacting an elicitor of the product of interest with the plant material. An embodiment provides for contacting an elicitor, precursor and trapping agent with the plant material. The ability to produce novel compounds such as glucosides and glucuronides is provided.
US09598703B2

An isolated linear nucleic acid molecule comprising in this order: a first adeno-associated virus (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a nucleotide sequence of interest and a second AAV ITR, wherein said nucleic acid molecule is devoid of AAV capsid protein coding sequences. The said nucleic acid molecule can be applied to a host at repetition without eliciting an immune response. Methods for producing and purifying this nucleic acid molecule, and use of the same for therapeutic purposes are also provided.
US09598692B2

The present invention relates to vectors, methods and systems for polypeptide display and selection. Specifically, the present invention relates to vectors, methods, and systems for multivalent phage display using pIX protein of filamentous phage and helper phage.
US09598689B2

The present invention provides a microorganism capable of fermenting arabinose to a desired product such as ethanol. In some embodiments, the organism is also capable of fermenting xylose. In some embodiments, the organism is capable of fermenting arabinose and xylose, and expresses one or more cellulases.
US09598685B2

Disclosed herein are botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) polypeptides with a modified receptor binding domain of Clostridial botulinum serotype B (B-Hc), comprising one or more substitution mutations corresponding to substitution mutations in serotype B, strain 1, V1118M; Y1183M; E1191M; E1191I; E1191Q; E1191T; S1199Y; S1199F; S1199L; SI 20 IV; or combinations thereof. Specific combination mutations include E1 191M and S1199L, E1191M and S1199Y, E1191M and S1199F, E1191Q and S1199L, E1191Q and S 1199Y, or E 1191 Q and S 1199F. Other substitution mutations are also disclosed. Isolated modified receptor binding domains, chimeric molecules, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the same are also disclosed.
US09598681B2

A thermostable β-xylosidase, having a β-xylosidase catalytic domain including: (A) a polypeptide including the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5, (B) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which at least one amino acid has been deleted, substituted, or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5, and having hydrolysis activity against a substrate of p-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside at least under conditions of 80° C. and pH 4.0, or (C) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having 80% or greater sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5, and having hydrolysis activity against a substrate of p-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside at least under conditions of 80° C. and pH 4.0.
US09598680B1

The invention is directed to novel glucoamylases.
US09598677B2

The present invention is directed to methods of modulating PKC-δ activity and PKC-δ/ERK complex activity in cells via biliverdin reductase. Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating a PKC-δ and PKC-δ/ERK complex related condition are also disclosed.
US09598660B2

Solid detergent compositions according to the present invention include at least one alkali metal silicate, at least one polycarboxylic acid, at least one saccharide or sugar alcohol and water. Suitable saccharides include sucrose, fructose, inulin, maltose and lactulose, and may be present in the composition in a concentration of at least 0.5 wt %. Compositions according to certain embodiments form stable solid block detergent compositions that do not swell significantly even when subjected to elevated temperatures.
US09598659B2

The present invention provides a hydraulic oil composition comprising: a lubricating base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 15 to 50 mm2/s; and 1 to 40% by mass, based on a total amount of the hydraulic oil composition, of a polymethacrylate having a number-average molecular weight of 48000 or lower, the hydraulic oil composition having a viscosity index of 150 or higher, and a ratio (A/B) at 60 to 80° C. of (A) a kinematic viscosity (unit: mm2/s) to (B) a shear viscosity (unit: mPa·s, shear condition: 106/s) of 1.3 or lower.
US09598622B2

Gel including a phase-change material and a gelling agent. In one embodiment, the phase-change material may be n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane or mixtures thereof. The gelling agent may be a high molecular weight styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer with a styrene:rubber ratio of about 30:70 to 33:67% by weight. To form the gel, the phase-change material and the gelling agent may be mixed at an elevated temperature relative to room temperature to partially, but not completely, dissolve the gelling agent. The mixture may then be cooled to room temperature. Alternatively, the phase-change material and the gelling agent may be mixed at room temperature, and the mixture may then be heated to form a viscoelastic liquid, which is then cooled to room temperature. The invention is also directed at a method of preparing the gel, a thermal exchange implement including the gel, and a method of preparing the thermal exchange implement.
US09598620B2

An abrasive article includes a body having abrasive particles contained within a bond material. The abrasive particles can include a majority content of silicon nitride and a minority content of sintering material including at least two rare-earth oxide materials. In an embodiment, the rare-earth oxide materials can include Nd2O3 and Y2O3. In a particular embodiment, the abrasive particles comprise a content (wt %) of Nd2O3 that is greater than a content of Y2O3 (wt %).
US09598614B2

The invention relates to an adhesive film comprising a layer of an adhesive compound as well as conductive particles that are added to the adhesive compound, characterized in that a portion of the conductive particles are fibrous and a portion of the particles are in the form of dendritic structures.
US09598610B2

Disclosed are asphalts that are suitable for making shingles and other roofing material, i.e., coating asphalts, from harder paving asphalts, without oxidation of the paving asphalts. This is achieved by using various additives, including polyethylene waxes, low density and high density polyethylene materials, hard paraffin polyethylene, Sasol waxes, that are made using the Fischer-Tropsch process, and thermoplastic polyolefins that reduce brittleness at cold temperatures.
US09598606B2

A method of forming a three-dimensional object of polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer thereof is carried out by: (a) providing a carrier and an optically transparent member having a build surface, the carrier and the build surface defining a build region therebetween; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid including at least one of: (i) a blocked or reactive blocked prepolymer, (ii) a blocked or reactive blocked diisocyanate, or (iii) a blocked or reactive blocked diisocyanate chain extender; (c) irradiating the build region with light through the optically transparent member to form a solid blocked polymer scaffold and advancing the carrier away from the build surface to form a three-dimensional intermediate having the same shape as, or a shape to be imparted to, the three-dimensional object, with the intermediate containing the chain extender; and then (d) heating or microwave irradiating the three-dimensional intermediate sufficiently to form from the three-dimensional intermediate the three-dimensional object of polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer thereof.
US09598604B2

The present invention relates to a process for the production of aqueous polyurethane-polyurea dispersions comprising the steps of: A) reacting primary and/or secondary monoamines or diamines A1) with cyclic carbonate containing one hydroxy group A2) such that the molar ratio of total primary and/or secondary amine groups to cyclic carbonate groups is in the range of 0.8 to 1.2; B) producing an NCO-containing polyurethane prepolymer by reacting B1) polyisocyanates with B2) polymeric polyols and/or polyamines having number average molecular weights of more than 400 to 8,000 g/mol, optionally B3) low molecular weight compounds having number average molecular weights of 17-400 g/mol selected from the group consisting of mono- and polyalcohols, mono- and polyamines, and aminoalcohols; optionally B4) isocyanate-reactive, ionically hydrophilizing compounds, and B5) the reaction products of A); C) dispersing the prepolymer from B) in water; and D) optionally reacting the remaining free NCO groups of the prepolymer from B) with monoamines, polyamines, hydrazine and/or hydrazides, wherein the molar ratio of the NH groups to the NCO groups is from 0 to 1.2, and step D) occurs partially or completely prior to or during the dispersion step C).
US09598599B2

The use of a colloidal silica having a specific surface area greater than 300 m2/g in a gas barrier coating additionally comprising polyvinyl alcohol and/or ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and/or a silylated derivative thereof improves wet bond strength.
US09598597B2

The present invention is directed to a coated substrate comprising: A) a heat sensitive substrate having a heat distortion temperature less than 120 degrees C., and B) a coating layer deposited on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the coating layer is deposited from a waterborne coating composition comprising: (a) a continuous phase comprising water, and (b) a dispersed phase comprising: (i) optional pigments; (ii) polymeric particles containing carboxylic acid functionality prepared from the polymerization of a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated compounds including ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and (iii) a polycarbodiimide or a polyhydrazide. The present invention is further directed to the waterborne coating compositions used to prepare the coated substrates.
US09598596B2

An aqueous preparation having soft-feel properties comprises: A) an aqueous polyurethane-polyurea dispersion, B) a hydroxy-functional polyacrylate copolymer dispersion and C) a polyisocyanate, which may have been hydrophilically modified. The copolymer dispersion B) further comprises a hydroxy-functional polycarbonate diol D) as a reactive diluent. The invention also concerns a process for producing coatings with such preparations, a substrate coated with such a preparation and the use of the preparation for the production of soft-feel coatings.
US09598591B2

Provided is an ink set having excellent curing properties under LED light, providing printed matter that does not fade or discolor due to a photopolymerization initiator, suppressing color bleeding during image forming, exhibiting favorable adhesion towards a polyvinyl chloride sheet, enabling cock ring to be efficiently suppressed, and demonstrating an extremely low viscosity, high flash point and low skin irritation. The present invention pertains to an ink set containing at least two compositions selected from the group consisting of a yellow ink composition, a magenta ink composition, a cyan ink composition, a black ink composition, a white ink composition, and a clear ink composition, the compositions having the predetermined structure as specified in claim 1, wherein the flash point of the ink compositions is 70° C. or higher, and the viscosity (25° C.) is 5 mPa-s or lower.
US09598588B2

Disclosed herein are cationic electrodepositable coating compositions that are capable of providing cured coatings of low gloss.
US09598587B2

This invention relates to polymer particles comprising monomer units of at least one reactive mesogen, a process for their preparation, the use of these particles for the preparation of optical, electrooptical, electronic, electrochemical, electrophotographic, electrowetting and electrophoretic displays and/or devices and security, cosmetic, decorative, and diagnostic applications, and electrophoretic fluids and displays.
US09598570B2

The present invention relates to a composition for an optical film comprising a homopolymer or a copolymer of norbonene-based monomers and a silicone resin, and to an optical film made of the same. The optical film produced by using the composition for an optical film according to the present invention can control the retardation value in the thickness direction and thus it can be useful as an optical film in variety of products.
US09598566B2

Heterophasic polypropylene composition having an MFR2 (2.16 kg, 230° C.) of 3.0 to 7.0 g/10 min, determined according to ISO 1 133, and a Vicat A50 softening temperature of more than 110° C. measured according to DIN EN ISO 306 at 10 N on an injection molded test specimen with the dimensions of 80×10×4 mm3 and a heat rate of 50° C./h including a propylene random copolymer matrix phase (A), and an ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber phase (B) dispersed within the matrix phase, wherein the heterophasic polypropylene composition has a fraction soluble in p-xylene at 23° C. (XCS fraction), and a fraction insoluble in p-xylene at 23° C. (XCU fraction), said heterophasic polypropylene composition having a tensile modulus of 450 to 850 MPa when measured according to ISO 527-2 at 23° C. temperature with an elongation rate of 1 mm/min on injection molded test specimens type 1A prepared according to ISO 1873-2; and a normalized maleic anhydride index IMA equal to or less than 0.036 μm−1.
US09598559B2

A method of producing rubber compounds, in which the polymer base is composed partly of a first polymer material, which is either produced by emulsion polymerization or is natural rubber, and partly of a second polymer material produced by solution polymerization. The method includes a preliminary second polymer material treating step, in which the second polymer material, silica, a silane bonding agent, and at least one nucleophile agent are mixed with one another; a first mixing step, in which at least the first polymer material, silica, and a silane bonding agent are added to the compound resulting from the preliminary second polymer material treating step; and a second mixing step, in which stearic acid and a curing system are added to the compound being produced.
US09598558B2

A method for producing a composition comprising at least one filler and a nanodiamond material, and a composition comprising a nanodiamond material and at least one filler is disclosed. Further, a method for producing a nanodiamond containing thermal composite, and a nanodiamond containing thermal composite comprising nanodiamond material, at least one filler and at least one polymer is disclosed.
US09598553B2

Provided are a metal nanoparticle composite which exhibits excellent stability over time and retention stability and is useful as a raw material for a metal nanoparticle-dispersed film, a method for producing the composite, a metal nanoparticle dispersion liquid, a composition for forming a metal nanoparticle-dispersed film, and a metal nanoparticle-dispersed film. Disclosed is a metal nanoparticle composite comprising (A) a star-shaped polymer having a central core and arms bonded to the central core, the arms comprising a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1) and a repeating unit represented by the following formula (2); and (B) metal nanoparticles supported thereon: wherein in the formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and in the formula (2), R2 represents a methyl group or an ethyl group; and k represents an integer from 1 to 10.
US09598551B2

The present invention relates to a reinforced composite and method for recycling the same. The reinforced composite comprises a reinforcement material in a cross-linked polymer matrix, wherein the cross-linked polymer comprises a cross-linking group derived from a curing agent represented by formula (I), Wherein R1 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy alkyl or alkynyl; A is alkyl, alkenyl, alkenene, alkylene-hetero-alkylene, alkylene-heterocyclo-alkylene, alkylene, alkylene-oxy-alkylene, 1,4-alkyl substituted piperazine, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl; B is alkyl, alkenyl, alkenene, alkylene-hetero-alkylene, alkylene-heterocyclo-alkylene, alkylene, alkylene-oxy-alkylene, 1,4-alkyl substituted piperazine, carbonyl, thiocarbonyl; R2 is hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, alkyl-amino-alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; and R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, alkyl-amino-alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or heteroaryl.
US09598539B2

Methods of metal-catalyzed polymerization are described using a metal catalyst of formula (III): wherein R3 in each occurrence is independently selected from C1-10alkyl and aryl that may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents; y is 0 or 2; and Z− is an anion. Methods described include Buchwald-type and Suzuki-type polymerization.
US09598536B2

A process for polymerizing an epoxide monomer, preferably ethylene oxide, comprising carrying out the process in the presence of a catalytically active amount of a catalyst obtainable by a preparation process comprising admixing at least one alkaline earth metal, liquid ammonia, an alkylene oxide, which is optionally substituted by aromatic radicals, and an organic nitrile having at least one acidic hydrogen atom to prepare a slurry of modified alkaline earth hexammine in liquid ammonia; continuously transferring the slurry of modified alkaline earth hexammine in liquid ammonia into a stripper vessel and continuously evaporating ammonia, thereby accumulating the modified catalyst in the stripper vessel; and upon complete transfer of the slurry of modified alkaline earth hexammine into the stripper vessel, aging the modified catalyst to obtain the final polymerization catalyst; and a polymer obtainable by this process.
US09598532B2

Disclosed herein are terpolymers that can function as pressure-sensitive adhesives. The disclosed articles comprise the terpolymers adhered to a release liner. The disclosed implant devices comprise the pressure-sensitive adhesive terpolymer adhered to a surface thereof. The pressure-sensitive adhesive terpolymer can promote adhesion of the implant device to a location in a subject.
US09598509B2

A solid adduct comprising magnesium chloride and ethanol in which the moles of ethanol per mole of magnesium chloride range from 2 to 5 and in which the ratio between the average pore radius measured in Angstrom of said adduct, determined by mercury porosity, and the moles of ethanol, is higher than 500.
US09598508B2

Disclosed are a method of preparing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer, a modified conjugated diene-based polymer prepared thereby, and a rubber composition and a tire, including the modified conjugated diene-based polymer. The method of preparing the modified conjugated diene-based polymer includes (a) polymerizing a vinyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene monomer using an organo-alkali metal compound in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent, thus forming an active polymer having an alkali metal end; and (b) coupling or linking the active polymer having the alkali metal end with a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 or 2.
US09598500B2

The present invention relates to a binding molecule comprising a first and a second binding domain, wherein the first binding domain is capable of binding to epitope clusters of BCMA, and the second binding domain is capable of binding to the T cell CD3 receptor complex. Moreover, the invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding the binding molecule, a vector comprising said nucleic acid sequence and a host cell transformed or transfected with said vector. Furthermore, the invention provides a process for the production of the binding molecule of the invention, a medical use of said binding molecule and a kit comprising said binding molecule.
US09598491B2

PD-1 antagonists are disclosed that can be used to reduce the expression or activity of PD-1 in a subject. An immune response specific to an infectious agent or to tumor cells can be enhanced using these PD-1 antagonists in conjunction with an antigen from the infectious agent or tumor. Thus, subjects with infections, such as persistent infections can be treated using PD-1 antagonists. In addition, subjects with tumors can be treated using the PD-1 antagonists. In several examples, subjects can be treated by transplanting a therapeutically effective amount of activated T cells that recognize an antigen of interest and by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a PD-1 antagonist. Methods are also disclosed for determining the efficacy of a PD-1 antagonist in a subject administered the PD-1 antagonist. In some embodiments, these methods include measuring proliferation of memory B cells in a sample from a subject administered the PD-1 antagonist.
US09598488B2

The present invention is directed to methods for treating a viral respiratory infection in a subject, preventing polymicrobial synergy in a subject, or preventing a bacterial infection in a subject. These methods include selecting a subject with a viral respiratory infection, a subject susceptible to polymicrobial synergy, or a subject susceptible to bacterial infection, respectively. In each case a therapeutic agent that inhibits interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is provided and administered to the selected subject under conditions effective to treat the viral respiratory infection, to prevent polymicrobial synergy, or to prevent a bacterial infection, respectively.
US09598487B2

The invention provides antibodies that are modified to reduce aggregration propensity, and methods of producing such antibodies. The present invention also provides particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF, and low immunogenicity. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.
US09598484B2

Provided are human tau-specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for tau are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for tau targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.
US09598475B2

The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating neurological diseases, particularly brain diseases, and improving cognitive functions using a composition comprising stanniocalcin 2 as an active ingredient.
US09598473B2

The present invention relates to identification and isolation of zinc finger transcription factor in tomato that specifically expresses in glandular trichomes of Solanum lycopersicum cultivar Moneymaker and binds to the promoters of the genes encoding Terpene Synthase 5 (also known as Monoterpene Synthase 1) and Terpene Synthase 11 (also known as Sesquiterpene Synthase 1). The invention provides the isolated, recombinant or synthetic polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:2 and variants and fragments thereof. The invention also provides constructs, vectors, host cells and plants genetically modified to contain the polynucleotides of the invention. The methods for producing plants with altered levels of terpenes, including transformed and mutant plants, are also provided.
US09598466B2

Glycopeptide conjugates, and methods of making and using such conjugates are disclosed. Certain glycopeptide conjugates comprise tumor associated carbohydrate antigens and peptide epitopes. Certain glycopeptide conjugates comprise cyclic peptide scaffolds that display carbohydrate antigens in a clustered fashion. The immunogenicity of select glycopeptide conjugates is demonstrated.
US09598460B2

Embodiments herein provide methods of purifying monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (e.g., immunoglobulins) from biological fluids, such as cell lysates, cell supernatant and ascites fluids, using small molecule affinity chromatography. Various embodiments disclose a class of small molecules that selectively bind a nucleotide binding site that is inherent to all immunoglobulins, and in various embodiments, methods are disclosed that use one of these small molecules as a capture molecule in small molecule affinity chromatography. In some embodiments, the small molecule may be an indole, and in particular embodiments, the small molecule may be indole-3-butyric acid.
US09598455B2

Disclosed are modified thymine bases that provide enhanced base-pairing affinity for adenine or 2,6-diaminopurine bases in polynucleotide hybridization complexes. Also disclosed are polynucleotide oligomers, polynucleotide hybridization complexes that comprise such modified thymine bases. Also disclosed are various methods of use. For example, in some embodiments, modified polynucleotide oligomers disclosed herein can be used as primers and probes for nucleic acid amplification and/or detection.
US09598454B2

The present invention relates to compounds useful for the treatment or prevention of bacteria infections. These compounds have formula I: The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing the compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of bacteria infections. Finally, the invention provides processes for making compounds of the invention.
US09598440B2

The present invention relates to compounds which modulate interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) and are useful in the prevention or treatment of inflammatory, cell proliferative and immune-related conditions and diseases. Specifically, provided herein are inhibitors of IRAK4 of Formula I and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such inhibitors, as well as methods therewith for treating IRAK4-mediated or -associated conditions or diseases.
US09598438B2

Described herein are modified sugar, iminosugar and azasugar compounds and methods of making same. One or more of these modified compounds contain sulfates, sulfites, sulfamates and/or sulfonamides. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions/formulations comprising these compounds, as well as methods using these modified sugar compounds for the treatment of MPS IIIC (also known as Sanfilippo Type C).
US09598432B2

The present invention provides 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds having antiproliferative activity, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds to inhibit cellular proliferation and to treat proliferative diseases such as tumorigenic cancers.
US09598427B2

Compounds of formula (I): wherein A1, A2, Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd, R3, R4, R5 and T are as defined in the description. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating pathologies involving a deficit in apoptosis, such as cancer, auto-immune diseases, and diseases of the immune system.
US09598418B2

The present invention relates to novel compounds of general formula (I), their stereoisomers, regioisomers, tautomeric forms and novel intermediates involved in their synthesis, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The present invention also relates to a process of preparing novel compounds of general formula (I), their stereoisomers, regioisomers, their tautomeric forms, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and novel intermediates involved in their synthesis.
US09598415B2

The present invention encompasses compounds of the formula (I) wherein the variables are defined herein which are suitable for the modulation of RORγ and the treatment of diseases related to the modulation of RORγ. The present invention also encompasses processes of making compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.
US09598411B2

The disclosure relates to Substituted Benzimidazole-Type Piperidine Compounds of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate, wherein R1, R2, R3, Qa, W, U, A, B, Z, a, and the dashed lines are as defined herein, compositions comprising an effective amount of a Substituted Benzimidazole-Type Piperidine Compound, and methods to treat or prevent a condition, such as pain, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Substituted Benzimidazole-Type Piperidine Compound.
US09598409B2

This invention generally relates to substituted imidazopyridine compounds, particularly substituted 4-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzamide compounds and salts thereof. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such a compound, uses of such a compound (including, for example, treatment methods and medicament preparations), processes for making such a compound, and intermediates used in such processes.
US09598408B2

The invention relates to compounds of the formulae (I) and (II) in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R8, X and m have the meaning indicated in the claims, and/or physiologically acceptable salts, tautomers and stereoisomers thereof, including mixtures thereof in all ratios. The compounds of the formula (I) can be used for the inhibition of serine/threonine protein kinases and for the sensitisation of cancer cells to anticancer agents and/or ionising radiation. The invention also relates to the use of the compounds of the formula (I) in the prophylaxis, therapy or progress control of cancer, tumours, metastases or angiogenesis disorders, in combination with radiotherapy and/or an anticancer agent. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of the compounds of the formula (I).
US09598407B2

The present invention is related to novel compounds of formula (I) that inhibit the activity of the FabI enzyme which are therefore useful in the treatment of bacterial infections. It further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and chemical processes for preparing these compounds.
US09598401B2

Provided herein are novel heteroaryl compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and pharmaceutical formulations thereof for selectively inhibiting serotonin reuptake and/or acting as 5-HT1A receptor agonists. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the heteroaryl compounds and methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions in treating central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction in a mammal, especially a human being.
US09598383B2

Provided herein are ROS-sensitive prodrug compositions and methods of treating ROS-associated diseases by administering the ROS-sensitive prodrug compositions.
US09598379B2

Process for preparing melamine by converting urea in the presence of a solid catalyst in one reactor or in a plurality of reactors connected in series in the temperature range from 370° C. to 430° C., cooling and filtering the gas formed in the urea conversion, removing the melamine by desublimation and recycling a portion of the gas present after the melamine removal (“cycle gas”) into the reactor or the reactors, which comprises performing all of the above stages at a pressure in the range from 4 bar abs. to 10 bar abs.
US09598374B2

Described herein are compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Compounds described herein are useful for inhibiting arginine methyltransferase activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating arginine methyltransferase-mediated disorders are also described.
US09598364B2

Indolyl or indolinyl compounds of formula (I): wherein bond, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, are defined herein. Also disclosed is a method for treating cancer with these compounds.
US09598359B2

Sulfonate compositions are disclosed. The compositions include alkanesulfonates, alkenesulfonates, sultones, and hydroxy-substituted alkanesulfonates. The sulfonates comprise a reaction product of a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives with a sulfonating or sulfitating agent. In one aspect, the sulfonate composition is a sulfo-estolide made by reacting a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid or octadecene-1,18-dioic acid with a sulfonating agent, optionally in the presence of a saturated fatty acid. The sulfonates are valuable for a wide variety of end uses, including cleaners, fabric treatment, hair conditioning, personal care (liquid cleansing products, conditioning bars, oral care products), paint additives, antimicrobial compositions, agricultural uses, and oil field applications.
US09598345B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing an unsaturated-acid ester or an unsaturated acid, containing a step of reacting a compound (1) represented by the following formula (1) with a compound represented by the following formula (2) (excluding the compound (1)) in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst at a temperature of the boiling point of the compound (1) or higher and 350° C. or lower, thereby obtaining products including a compound represented by the following formula (3): (in formula (1) and formula (3), R1, R2 and R4 each independently may be hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, R3 and R5 each independently are hydrogen atom or a deuterium atom, and X is a halogen atom; in formula (2) and formula (3), R6 may be hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group, and R7 is hydrogen atom or a deuterium atom).
US09598341B2

The invention describes processes to prepare levulinic acid, formic acid and/or hydroxymethyl furfural from various biomass materials.
US09598338B2

The subject invention pertains to myricanol derivatives, therapeutic compositions, and methods for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal accumulation of protein tau.
US09598332B2

In a process for producing para-xylene, a feed comprising a mixture of xylene isomers, olefinic unsaturated contaminants and oxygenate contaminants is supplied to a para-xylene recovery unit to recover para-xylene and produce a para-xylene depleted residual stream. The para-xylene depleted residual stream is then contacted with a xylene isomerization catalyst in a xylene isomerization zone under liquid phase conditions effective to isomerize xylenes and produce an isomerized product having a higher para-xylene content than the para-xylene depleted residual stream. The isomerized product is then recycled to the para-xylene recovery unit. At least one of the feed, the para-xylene depleted residual stream and the isomerized product is contacted with a solid acid catalyst in a treatment zone under conditions effective to reduce the level of olefinic unsaturated contaminants and oxygenate contaminants therein and produce a treated stream.
US09598325B2

A method for improving the stability of compositions of a product for internal dehydration of a hydrogenated sugar, in particular an isosorbide composition, the method involving the use of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and the mixtures thereof as a stabilization agent. The resulting compositions and their various uses thereof are also described.
US09598321B2

A method and apparatus for providing molten metal infiltration into a component is provided.
US09598308B2

An embodiment of the present invention provides an environment-friendly functional material and a preparation method thereof, a display structure forming material, a color film substrate and a display device. The functional material comprises inorganic mixed powder, the inorganic mixed powder comprising a main material and an auxiliary material, the main materials comprising boron oxide, sodium oxide, lithium oxide, and zirconium oxide, the auxiliary materials comprising any one or more of aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, silver complex, silver phosphate, silver nitrate, tourmaline, silver thiosulfate, carbon nanotube, aluminum sulfate, manganese, oxides of manganese, iron, oxides of iron, cobalt, oxides of cobalt, nickel, oxides of nickel, chromium, oxides of chromium, copper, oxides of copper, magnesium oxide, boron carbide, silicon carbide, titanium carbide, zirconium carbide, tantalum carbide, molybdenum carbide, boron nitride, chromium nitride, titanium nitride, zirconium nitride, aluminum nitride, chromium boride, trichromium tetraborate, titanium boride, zirconium boride, tungsten disilicide and titanium disilicide.
US09598306B2

The present invention relates to pellets for use in the manufacture of glass.
US09598304B2

A soot glass deposit body is manufactured by placing a starting rod and a burner 22 for producing glass particulates in a reaction container, introducing a source material gas to the burner 22 through a supplying pipe 26, producing glass particulates by a pyrolytic oxidation reaction of the source material gas in a flame formed by the burner 22, and depositing the produced glass particulates on the starting rod. At the time, the source material gas to be supplied to the burner 22 is a siloxane, the burner 22 is heated so that temperature of the burner 22 falls within the range of from −30° C. to +30° C. relative to the boiling point of the siloxane, and also temperature of the supplying pipe is controlled within the range of from the boiling point of the siloxane to the boiling point plus 30° C.
US09598300B2

In a glass product forming machine having molds 1A and 1B each composed of a pair of split molds 11 and 12, and a mold cooling device X for cooling the molds 1A and 1B to control the temperatures thereof, in order to prevent the occurrence of a defect such as deformation or cracks in a formed article due to a temperature difference between the split molds 11 and 12, the mold cooling device X is configured to include: cooling mechanisms 3R and 3L provided to the respective split molds, the cooling mechanisms each individually applying cooling air to each of the split molds 11 and 12 of the molds 1A and 1B; valve mechanisms 30R and 30L for individually opening and closing each of paths for introducing cooling air to the respective cooling mechanisms 3R and 3L; temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of at least one of the split molds; and a temperature control device 9 for generating and outputting control signals for controlling the opening and closing operations of the respective valve mechanisms 30R and 30L on the basis of the detected temperature value by the temperature detection means.
US09598288B2

Method for preparing zinc-histidine self-assembly biomimetic complex activating reaction to convert carbon dioxide into bicarbonate ion, zinc-histidine self-assembly biomimetic complex by preparation method, and method for reducing carbon dioxide using zinc-histidine self-assembly biomimetic complex. The preparation includes: mixing L-histidine and p-toluene sulfonic acid in first organic solvent to form first mixed solution and recrystallizing first mixed solution with ethyl ether to prepare first mixed substance; mixing first mixed substance with azelaic acid in second organic solvent to form second mixed substance containing imidazole and amide groups; mixing second mixed substance with NaOH and HCl in third organic solvent to form third mixed solution and recrystallizing third mixed solution with ethyl ether to prepare third mixed substance having amphiphilic characteristic; and mixing third mixed substance with aqueous solution of zinc precursor and causing self-assembly to prepare zinc-containing self-assembly biomimetic complex.
US09598287B2

The method of synthesizing carbon nanorods (CNRs) and carbon nanowires (CNWs) involves carbonization of a resorcinol-formaldehyde cross-linked precursor gel. The first stage is the synthesis of resorcinol-formaldehyde cross-linked precursor gel. The second stage is carbonization of the gel by heating the gel in a furnace under the flow of nitrogen gas at 500° C. for three hours. The third stage involves activating the carbon by heating the carbon gel in a furnace under the flow of carbon dioxide gas for one hour at 700° C. to form the CNRs and CNWs.
US09598276B2

The present disclosure provides MEMS devices and their fabrication methods. A first dielectric layer is formed on a substrate including integrated circuits therein. One or more first metal connections and second metal connections are formed in the first dielectric layer and are electrically connected to the integrated circuits. A second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer. An acceleration sensor is formed in the second dielectric layer to electrically connect to the one or more first metal connections. One or more first metal vias are formed in the second dielectric layer to electrically connect to the second metal connections. A pressure sensor is formed on the second dielectric layer to electrically connect to the first metal vias. The MEMS devices provided by the present disclosure are compact in size through the integration of the acceleration sensor and the pressure sensor.
US09598275B2

A pressure sensor using the MEMS device comprises an airtight ring surrounding a chamber defined by the first substrate and the second substrate. The airtight ring extends from the upper surface of the second substrate to the surface between the first substrate and the second substrate and further breaks out the surface. The pressure sensor utilizes the airtight ring to retain the airtightness of the chamber. The manufacture method of the pressure sensor is also disclosed.
US09598268B2

A boom truck with splayed forward stabilizers which permits loads to be lifted over the front of the vehicle without a central front jack and further having a pair of rear stabilizers which are separated from the splayed forward stabilizers along a substantial length of and near the rear end of the vehicle frame. The boom truck being made in a process where the attachment of the rear stabilizers is done in a separate and distinct process from the attachment of the splayed forward stabilizers.
US09598260B2

An image forming apparatus determines whether crease processing at a plurality of portions set on the sheet includes crease processing on two, front and back surfaces of the sheet; determines, if it is determined that crease processing includes crease processing on the two surfaces of the sheet, whether a connected post-processing apparatus that performs crease processing on a sheet can perform crease processing on the two, front and back surfaces of the sheet by one feeding; and controls, if it is determined that the connected post-processing apparatus cannot perform crease processing on the two surfaces by one feeding, to change, to one of the front and back surfaces of the sheet based on attribute information of the sheet, a surface to be processed in crease processing at the plurality of portions.
US09598254B2

A roll type material feeding apparatus for intermittently feeding a workpiece such as a strip-like sheet material, to a stamping machine or similar machine. The apparatus includes a frame, a first driven feed roll, a second feed roll, a first drive motor arranged to rotate in driving engagement with the first driven feed roll, a first rotary position sensor arranged to rotate in driving engagement with the first drive motor, and a second drive motor.
US09598251B2

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a post-processing device, a first magnetic body, and a second magnetic body. The apparatus main body includes an ejecting part configured to eject a sheet toward an ejecting space. The post-processing device is configured to be slidable between an attached position and a detached position. The post-processing device includes a post-processing part and a movable guide. The movable guide is movable between an ordinary position and an opening position. The first magnetic body magnetically attracts the second magnetic body so as to hold the movable guide at the opening position, in a state where the post-processing device is shifted to the detached position. The first magnetic body separates from the second magnetic body and releases magnetic attraction to the second magnetic body when the post-processing device slides from the detached position to the attached position.
US09598250B1

Each of a pair of barrier platforms is carried by a pair of carrier stanchions, one disposed to each opposite side of a loading bay in a warehouse environment for a flatbed trailer carrying pallets that must be loaded and unloaded by forklift trucks. Each pair of carrier stanchions also supports a motor that can be operated to raise and to lower, as desired, one of the pair of barrier platforms that in the lowered position provides fall protection for the forklift trucks that service the flatbed trailer. Each barrier platform includes a forklift rub rail and carriages that are configured to cooperate with the carrier stanchions to resiliently absorb impacts from collisions with the forklift.
US09598248B2

The present invention provides an apparatus for loading material comprising: a housing defining a loading conduit and a return conduit wherein the loading conduit and return conduit are operatively connected at a first location configured for material intake and a second location configured for material output; a loading mechanism operative within the housing, said loading mechanism including an endless belt having a plurality of loading devices anchored thereto, the loading mechanism configured to travel within the loading conduit from the first location to the second location and subsequently within the return conduit from the second location to the first location, said loading mechanism picking up material at the material intake and expelling material at the material output; and a drive system operatively connected with the loading mechanism, the drive system configured to provide power to the loading mechanism.
US09598239B2

An automated warehouse storage system including a multilevel storage array with storage distributed along multiple aisles. Each aisle of which has a set of storage levels and each level has storage locations distributed along the aisle. The guideway network extending through the multilevel storage array and configured for autonomous vehicles to move along the guideway network within the multilevel storage array. The guideway network including an inter-aisle guideway spanning at least two of the multiple aisles and a set of guideway levels extending in an aisle of the multiple aisles and disposed so that each guideway level is at a different one of the storage levels and the vehicles on the guideway level can access the storage locations distributed along the aisle. A ramp guideway communicably connecting each of the set of guideway levels to the inter-aisle guideway forming a common guideway path connecting the inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level so that a vehicle moving between inter-aisle guideway and each guideway level moves along the common guideway path.
US09598230B2

A cartridge containing one serving of coffee powder for preparing a coffee beverage comprises a cartridge body having a cup-like shaped lower portion and a cover portion; the cup-like shaped lower portion having a bottom portion and a upper region; and a lower filter element located inside the cup-like shaped lower portion between the coffee powder and the bottom portion; in which the interior of the cup-like shaped lower portion of the cartridge is provided with engaging means, and in which the lower filter element is provided with a peripheral edge portion engaging the engaging means for clampingly fix the lower filter element to the cup-like shaped lower portion of the cartridge. In the preferred embodiments the engaging means are constituted by a groove provided in the interior or the exterior of the cup-shaped lower portion.
US09598229B2

A container for transporting an item is provided having an outer case member and a pair of partition members. The container is erectable from a collapsed configuration, in which the container is substantially flat, to an erected configuration in which the partition members form a support structure within an interior cavity of the outer case member to support a portion of the item to be transported. Methods of packaging and transporting an item in a container are also provided.
US09598227B2

A valve for an aerosol container has a valve plate adapted to close an axial end of the container, a valve subassembly having at least one dispensing element, a seal ring, and a compression spring, and a valve holder containing the valve subassembly and having an axially open assembly hole through which the valve subassembly can pass. A cover closes the assembly hole and is formed with an axially throughgoing cover hole through which the dispensing element projects and with which the dispensing element forms an annular and axially extending passage. A seal ring surrounds the dispensing element and is engaged between the holder and the cover. A spring biases the dispensing element axially outward against the seal ring and presses an axial outer face of the seal ring against the axially inner face of the cover. Passages extend axially between an interior of the container and the seal ring.
US09598218B2

A system for maintaining a biological sample within a desired temperature range during transport. Preferably, the system includes a container defining an inner chamber; a specimen receptacle for housing a biological sample, wherein the specimen receptacle is configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; a heat source configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; and a heat sink. The heat sink is configured to be positioned between the heat source and the specimen receptacle, thereby preventing direct heat transfer between the heart source and the specimen receptacle. Certain embodiments also relate to a method for maintaining biological samples within a desired temperature range during transport, using at least some of the system components. Preferably, the components used with the method are configured to maintain the sample at a temperature greater than 0° C. and less than approximately 37° C. during shipping.
US09598216B2

A web, method, and apparatus for forming dunnage units. The web includes first and second elongated layers. A plurality of seals that hermetically join the first elongated layer to the second elongated layer to form a plurality of inflatable pouches and an inflation channel that is in fluid communication with pouches and is disposed outside of the pouches. An inflation side line of perforations, a gap forming area, and an opposite side line of perforations are arranged in a line between pair(s) of the pouches.
US09598211B2

A beverage container that includes a main body portion having an open top and a closed bottom, an interior, a circular rim and a first set of threads on an inside surface thereof that are positioned adjacent the rim at a first height. The rim includes a downwardly depending portion that extends below the first set of threads. The container also includes a removable cover with a bottom, a generally cylindrical side wall, an annular flange extending outwardly from the generally cylindrical side wall and an annular collar. The collar, the annular flange and the side wall define a first channel that receives the rim, and the bottom and the generally cylindrical side wall cooperate to define a cover cavity. The side wall includes a second set of threads on an outside surface thereof that are matingly engaged with the first set of threads.
US09598208B2

The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to disposable bucket liners for storing solid or liquid content. One embodiment provides a flexible bag configured to conform to an interior of a common painting bucket and overlap an open top end of the bucket so as to provide stability for the bag and protection for the bucket. The bag includes a reusable closing member that allows the bag to be removed from the bucket and stored to facilitate repeated use before disposal. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US09598206B2

The invention relates to a container made of a plastic material, provided with a body (5) and a bottom (6) extending at a lower end of the body (5), wherein the bottom (6) includes: an annular seat (7) extending substantially away from the body (5) and defining a support surface (8) and an inner annular flange (11) substantially perpendicular to the support surface; a concave arch (13) which extends from an area adjacent to the seat (7) towards a central area (14). The axial dimension H of the flange and the radial dimension L of the support surface are such that: formula (I). 0.6 ≤ L H ≤ 1.5 ( I )
US09598205B2

A single sheet unitary molded plastic pallet has nine open top molded plastic leg structures extending to a common floor plane wherein the leg structures are arranged in three columns and three rows and include a center leg structure. The pallet also has connector structures arranged between the leg structures and having corner ribs extending therefrom to the leg structures so as to provide a floor plane which is substantially continuous in all directions, and a load plane which is substantially continuous in all directions. The side surfaces of the connector structures having opening for forklift tangs. The pallet has a continuous peripheral lip which can accept an elasticized load cover.
US09598204B1

A lid for a container for bulk material includes a flange for sealing the lid to the container, the flange having an internal peripheral edge. The lid further includes a skim plate having an outer peripheral edge and an aperture sized to receive a barrel of a device for dispensing bulk material. A first tear strip is disposed between the outer peripheral edge of the skim plate and the internal peripheral edge of the flange to release the skim plate from the flange. A small disk portion is disposed in the aperture of the skim plate. A second tear strip is disposed between the outer peripheral edge of the small disk portion and the aperture to release the small disk portion from the skim plate. The flange, skim plate, small disk portion, the first annular tear strip and the second annular tear strip all comprise a unitary molded article.
US09598201B2

A container of plastic material, having a body extending along a principal axis and a bottom in the extension of the body at a lower end thereof. The bottom has an annular seat defining a seating plane; and a conical arch that extends from near the seat towards the interior of the container to a central apex, the arch having in transverse cross-section a star-shaped profile inscribed between two circles, the ratio of the diameters of which is greater than or equal to 0.7.
US09598190B2

A paper sheet bundling apparatus includes a bundling unit 22 configured to bundle bundling target paper sheets using a bundling band and make a batch of paper sheets, a stamp affixing unit 71 configured to affix a stamp to the bundling band of the batch of paper sheets, a memory unit 180 configured to store therein an association between the kind of paper sheet and a stamp affixing position on the bundling band or the paper sheet, and a control unit 170 configured to obtain a stamp affixing position corresponding to the kind of the bundling target paper sheets with reference to the association, and adjust a positional relation between the stamp and the bundling band or the batch of paper sheets at a time of affixing the stamp, on a basis of the obtained stamp affixing position.
US09598184B2

The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
US09598181B2

A fastening device (10) is disclosed for attaching a fluid transport circuit to an element of a structure of an aircraft, with the fluid transport circuit containing two portions (23, 42), each of which is made up of an external tube (22, 44) positioned around an internal tube (21, 43). The fastening device (10) is positioned at a connection (40) between the two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit, and contains a body (26) with a plate (27) to attach the fastening device (10) to an element (61) of the structure of the aircraft. The body (26) provides at least one sealed connection between the external tubes (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) and a support system provides a constant radial clearance between the internal tubes (21, 43) and the external tubes (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit.
US09598177B2

An aeroengine control device comprising a mount, having pivotally mounted thereon a code wheel together with a main lever and a secondary lever, both for turning the code wheel, each lever being movable between a rest position and a maximum actuation position, the secondary lever being mounted to pivot on the main lever. A connecting rod connects the secondary lever in permanent manner to the code wheel and the main lever is provided with a connection member arranged to co-operate with a portion in relief secured to the code wheel and with a portion in relief secured to the mount in such a manner that the connection member attaches to the code wheel when the main lever is moved while the secondary lever is in its rest position and attaches to the mount, thereby releasing the code wheel to turn, when the secondary lever is moved while the main lever is in its rest position, while movement of either lever is prevented when the other lever is away from its rest position.
US09598168B2

A method of assembling a rotor blade assembly includes determining a first spanwise moment of a first component of the rotor blade assembly and comparing the first spanwise moment to a target first spanwise moment. The first spanwise moment of the first component is adjusted based on a result of the comparison. A second spanwise moment of a second component of the rotor blade assembly is determined and compared to a target second spanwise moment. The second spanwise moment of the second component is adjusted based on a result of the comparison. The first component is assembled to the second component, resulting in a rotor blade assembly meeting a target spanwise moment of the rotor blade assembly.
US09598164B2

A waste heat recovery system for a vessel for supplying to a plurality of scroll expanders which are connected in parallel to one another, steam generated by a heat exchanger using waste heat from a main machine as a heat source, may include gate valves corresponding to respective scroll expanders and an electronic controller which controls the number of the scroll expanders which drives based on flow volume of the steam by opening or closing of the gate valves.
US09598161B2

An outboard motor equipped with a four-stroke engine and provided with a catalyst installation structure, in which an exhaust passage is connected to the exhaust ports of the plurality of the cylinders to lead the exhaust gas out of the engine is provided with a catalyst storage chamber configured to store a catalytic converter for cleaning up the exhaust gas, the exhaust passage being integrally formed to the cylinder block, and the catalytic converter is mounted to the catalyst storage chamber by being inserted from a lower side thereof in such a manner as that at least one side end portion thereof is fitted to the catalyst storage chamber to permit expansion of the catalytic converter in an axial direction thereof.
US09598157B2

An enhanced system and various methods for detangling and positioning of automatic fender positioning systems, comprising a system for stowing a boat fender in a fender receptacle, the receptacle having an opening for threading through a line, the line being attached to the fender, the line operable to pull up the fender into the receptacle through a second opening at the bottom of the receptacle, where upon while retracting the fender, the motor is configured to detect changes in current, and is configured to shut down if an overcurrent state is detected, the overcurrent state detection being based at least in part on a configured current limit.
US09598151B1

An improved flotation device using a molded casing including a concrete lower ballast core section and a foam upper buoyancy core section. A method of construction is taught including forming the casing, installing the core into the casing, transporting the device, and sealing the casing.
US09598149B1

A Towed Body Recovery Drone facilitates the safe recovery of fragile towed sensors by surface craft. The TBRD comprises a buoyant sponson section sized to give the TBRD minimal buoyancy necessary to keep the sensor on the surface in a static condition. Structural elements and skids are arranged to protect the sensor from impact with rigid objects and allow the TBRD to be pulled aboard a surface craft by means of a ramp structure. A capture device manages the sensor's tow cable and restrains the sensor within the TBRD structure.
US09598145B1

An inflatable hull fabricated from a drop stitch material is configurable to either a dory or drift boat. The inflatable hull has oarlocks which may be placed within urethane mounts, which are glued or thermally bonded to the fabric making up the gunnels of the boat, thereby eliminating any need for a stiff frame for attachment of oars to the craft. The inflatable hull may have internal structures, such as seats, thigh braces and panels, which are also fabricated from drop stitch material as an integral unit with the hull. Alternatively, the seats, thigh braces and panels may be fabricated as attachable and detachable components which allow a single hull to be utilized either as a dory or a drift boat.
US09598140B2

Unique suspension apparatuses, systems and methods useful for mountain bicycles among other applications are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the suspension is self adjusting to meet different performance objectives. The suspension may utilize pedaling force to substantially stiffen or lock out movement of the suspension, for example, during climbing. The suspension may change its performance under reduced pedaling force to provide performance characteristics desired when a rider is descending. Certain exemplary embodiments include a rocker arm connected to a first frame portion at a first rocker arm pivot, connected to a seatstay at a second rocker arm pivot, and connected to a second link at a third rocker arm pivot. The first link is connected to the first frame portion at a first link pivot, connected to the chainstay at a second link pivot, and connected to the shock and the second link at a third link pivot.
US09598139B2

A bicycle operating device comprises a mounting clamp and an adapter member. The mounting clamp is configured to be mounted to a bicycle tube member and comprises a first radius portion, a second radius portion, and a clamp opening. The first radius portion defines a first inner radius. The second radius portion defines a second inner radius different from the first inner radius. The bicycle tube member is to extend through the clamp opening. The clamp opening is defined by the first radius portion and the second radius portion. The adapter member is configured to be provided between the second radius portion and the bicycle tube member in a state where the mounting clamp is mounted to the bicycle tube member.
US09598126B2

An automatic auxiliary axle control system is disclosed for a load-transporting motor vehicle having two or more primary axles and one or more auxiliary axles wherein the control system detects a noncompliant axle carrying weight condition when the weight of the vehicle acting on any one of the primary axles exceeds a prescribed maximum allowable axle carrying weight assigned to that axle and also when the weight acting on any group of the axles arranged consecutively exceeds a prescribed maximum allowable axle group carrying weight assigned to that axle group. And the control system on such detection effects auxiliary axle usage that results in no maximum allowable axle carrying weight and maximum allowable axle group carrying weight being exceeded provided the current gross vehicle weight does not exceed a prescribed maximum allowable gross vehicle weight determined by all of the axles and the current center of gravity of the vehicle is located within a certain compliance-manageable range. And with the control system also capable of effecting auxiliary axle usage outside this range suited to the existing condition, providing control over auxiliary axle usage by an operator of the vehicle, and producing useful information.
US09598123B1

A spare tire receptacle for a vehicle includes a receptacle body having a recessed portion and at least one side wall that extends from the recessed portion includes a monolithically formed cross car beam formed therein. The side wall extends to a body portion. A reinforcement structure is attached to the main body. The reinforcement structure includes a plurality of reinforcement members that extend radially from a central position of the recessed portion and a plurality of rib members that interconnect the reinforcement members. The receptacle body and reinforcement structure are formed of differing materials defining a hybrid structure.
US09598114B2

An energy absorption member coupled between a vehicle front fender and a vehicle side structural member providing peak impact force resistance and energy absorption during an impact force imposed on the front fender. The energy absorption member extends continuously along the length of the front fender opposed from the side structural member to provide constant load along the entire length of the front fender. The energy absorption member may be a foamed block, a vertical, or horizontal oriented honeycomb structure or spaced hollow crush lobes.
US09598113B2

A vehicle body arrangement for a vehicle front part (6) has at least a first load path plane (8, 10, 12). The vehicle front part (6) has at least two longitudinal carriers (22, 24) and at least two transverse elements (18, 20) that connect the longitudinal carriers (22, 24). At least the rear transverse element (20), as viewed in the driving direction, is configured as a crossmember, as viewed in the load direction. The rear transverse element (20) is adjoined by an assembly carrier (36) with a motor vehicle assembly (38). The motor vehicle assembly (38) has at least one assembly longitudinal carrier (40, 42).
US09598112B1

A vehicle frame structure includes a front pillar having an internal space defined by a forward wall, a rear wall, an outer lateral side wall, and an inner lateral side wall. The internal space is partitioned by a longitudinally extending first rib and a laterally extending second rib interconnecting the first rib and the inner side wall. The first rib separates the front pillar into an outer lateral portion and an inner lateral portion. The outer lateral portion is defined by an outer lateral section of each of the front and rear walls and the outer side wall. The inner lateral portion is defined by an inner lateral section of each of the front and rear walls and the inner side wall. The inner lateral portion of the front pillar has a length greater than a length of the outer lateral portion of the front pillar.
US09598106B2

When a host vehicle moves forward, a drawing arithmetic unit and a display of an ECU which display the image of the surroundings of the host vehicle display a trajectory when the host vehicle moves forward from the current position at the current steering angle and trajectories when the host vehicle is reversed from the current position at a steering angle different from the current steering angle so as to be superimposed on a bird's-eye image.
US09598103B1

A vehicle and vehicle drive apparatus having a hydraulic pump and a first and second hydraulic motor, each disposed on a center section, is disclosed. A main housing having a housing cover contains the hydraulic pump and the first and second hydraulic motors, which in turn drive first and second motor shafts, respectively. The first and second motor shafts are enclosed in first and second motor shaft housings, respectively, and the main housing combined with the housing cover and the first and second motor shaft housings form a sealed sump. The main housing has mounted thereon a pinion shaft, a pinion gear and a steering rack meshed with the pinion gear. A first steering arm is rotatably mounted to the first motor shaft housing and connected to the steering rack and a second steering arm is rotatably mounted to the second motor shaft housing and connected to the steering rack.
US09598098B2

A steering wheel provided with a vibration device. The vibration device includes a vibration motor with a weight attached to a rotational axis protruding out of a motor body, a mounting bracket which mounts the motor on the steering wheel body, a circuit substrate which includes a connector for feeding the vibration motor with electricity and a terminal which is plugged in a terminal hole of a mounting base of the motor body such that the circuit substrate is connected to the motor body, and a clip which is assembled with the motor body and mounted on the mounting bracket together with the motor body. The clip includes a pressing section which presses the circuit substrate against the motor body and a retaining element that is engaged with and holds the mounting bracket so as to help the pressing section to keep pressing the circuit substrate toward the motor body.
US09598091B2

An air intake system is disclosed. The air intake system may have an air box. The air box may be configured to receive air from an ambient. The air intake system may also have a filter assembly disposed within the air box. The filter assembly may be configured to clean the air. In addition, the air intake system may have a duct. The duct may have a first duct end configured to receive the air exiting the filter assembly. The duct may also have a second duct end configured to deliver the air to the engine. The second duct end may be located at a gravitationally higher position than the first duct end.
US09598090B1

A retractable safety platform system for use between a train and a station platform, to thereby ensure a passenger will not fall or be pushed onto a path of the train, includes a rigid barricade platform adapted to be anchored to an outwardly facing side of the station platform registered along a vertical plane, and a mechanism for automatically reciprocating the barricade platform along a vertical linear travel path upon detecting first and second triggering events respectively. The linear travel path is defined along the vertical plane extending above and below a top surface of the station platform. In this manner, the barricade platform is displaced from a lowered retracted position to a raised extended position when the first triggering event is detected. The barricade platform is displaced from the raised extended position to the lowered retracted position when the second triggering event is detected.
US09598085B2

A hybrid vehicle powertrain is configured to provide a regenerative-braking torque limit on a transmission during a regenerative-braking downshift. The regenerative-braking downshift event has sequential boost, start, torque, inertia, and end phases. The transmission may be operated in absence of a regenerative-braking torque limit during the boost and start phases to recapture more energy. The transmission may be operated with a regenerative-braking torque limit during the torque and inertia phases to protect for an input shaft speed dip that may occur without the limit. The limit may be removed once the regenerative-braking downshift event is completed.
US09598084B2

A running control device of a vehicle executes a normal running mode with an engine coupled to drive wheels, a first inertia running mode with the engine stopped during running and an engine brake force reduced as compared to the normal running mode, and a second inertia running mode with the engine rotating during running and the engine brake force reduced as compared to the normal running mode. A determining portion determines a necessity of a brake negative pressure during the first or second inertia running mode. The necessity of the brake negative pressure is a condition for returning from the first inertia running mode and the second inertia running mode to the normal running mode. An upper limit value of the necessity of the brake negative pressure for returning from the first inertia running mode is smaller than that for returning from the second inertia running mode.
US09598081B2

A method of operating a dual-clutch transmission of a vehicle having partial transmissions with respective transmission input shafts. Two friction clutches can couple a corresponding input shaft of the partial transmissions to a drive shaft. Both partial transmissions drive a common output shaft. In a process for starting the motor vehicle, a gear in each of the two partial transmissions is engaged and, if the starting speed of the vehicle in a primary direction is lower than a limit value, the gears in the two partial transmissions are kept engaged. If, however, the starting speed is higher than the limit value, the gear for the travel in an opposite direction in the partial transmission, not involved in the starting process, is disengaged and a follow-up gear, for the gear in the partial transmission involved in the starting process, is engaged.
US09598071B2

A control strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine, a motor, and a transmission includes operating the powertrain according to a motor power loss term that is adapted based on battery power supplied to the motor, motor power output, and an estimated motor power loss such that the motor power loss term changes over time and converges to a constant value to thereby be indicative of actual motor power loss.
US09598067B2

The invention relates to switching between 2WD and 4WD of a vehicle. It is suggested to increase output power of an engine (106) when changing to 4WD. An AWD coupling (120) is opened, if not already open. To provide 4WD, a PTU clutch (108) is engaged once engine power has increased. The other couplers are sequentially engaged.
US09598063B2

A motor vehicle braking method wherein the vehicle includes a brake operating unit generating a braking signal based on brake pedal travel. The method includes the step of measuring the vehicle deceleration and pedal position during vehicle braking and determining an actual ratio between the measured deceleration and pedal position. In addition, a target ratio is provided based on vehicle deceleration for a defined pedal position. Wherein the actual ratios compared with the target ratio and a braking adjustment is provided when the actual ratio deviates from the target ratio.
US09598058B2

An air-guiding device for cooling the brakes has adjustable air-guiding flaps and an electronic control unit for controlling the air-guiding flaps as a function of the vehicle speed and of the pilot control pressure, triggered by the activation of the brake pedal, in the brake system. A first mode and a second mode for opening the air-guiding flaps are provided in the control unit by a corresponding program module. The first mode is directed to a strong deceleration demand at a relatively high vehicle speed, in particular on freeways and country roads. The second mode is directed to an acceleration prevention demand at a relatively low vehicle speed, in particular when travelling downhill on roads through mountain passes.
US09598048B2

There is provided a webbing take-up device including (1) a take-up shaft, (2) an attachment and detachment detection unit, (3) a motor, (4) a first transmission unit that transmits rotation of the output shaft in a first direction to the take-up shaft, (5) a second transmission unit that transmits rotation of the output shaft in a second direction to the take-up shaft, and that also transmits the output torque of the output shaft to the take-up shaft such that the take-up torque of the take-up shaft does not reach a preset first torque, and (6) a control unit that, in cases in which engagement between a tongue and a buckle has been detected, controls a drive voltage and a drive current such that the output shaft rotates in the first direction, and the take-up torque of the take-up shaft reaches a second torque higher than the first torque.
US09598047B2

In a through anchor (10), when an occupant is restrained by webbing (30) in a vehicle emergency, the webbing (30) is moved to the vehicle front side in an insertion hole (22) of a guide piece (18) by movement of the occupant due to inertia, and a vehicle front side end face of the webbing (30) contacts a peripheral face of the insertion hole (22) at high load. A gap is formed between the guide piece (18) and an anchor plate (12). The guide piece (18) is accordingly moved to the vehicle front side with respect to the anchor plate (12) by the webbing (30), thereby enabling occurrence of skewing of the webbing (30) toward the vehicle front side in the insertion hole (20) to be suppressed.
US09598044B2

A far side airbag device includes: a side airbag that is configured to receive a gas supply and, while being supported at a seatback of a seat, expand and inflate at a vehicle width direction middle side relative to a range at least from the chest to the head of an occupant of the seat; and a limiting structure that limits a thickness in the vehicle width direction of the side airbag in an inflated and expanded state such that a region that inflates and expands at the vehicle width direction middle side relative to the head of a small occupant is thinner than a region that inflates and expands at the vehicle width direction middle side relative to the head of a large occupant.
US09598042B2

An inflatable restraint device for a vehicle seat having a lower seat cushion includes a central portion and at least one side portion. The central portion extends in a lateral direction substantially across a central seat cushion portion of the lower seat cushion and has a first width perpendicular to the lateral direction. The at least one side portion laterally protects an occupant of the vehicle seat and has a second width perpendicular to the lateral direction. The second width is greater than the first width. The at least one side portion is in fluid communication with the central portion.
US09598040B2

An airbag module-equipped seat in which the periphery of an attachment portion of a guide member that guides a deployment direction of an airbag has a compact size and the guide member can be attached easily while maintaining satisfactory deployment performance of the airbag. This seat includes an airbag module attached to a side frame, a guide member that guides a deployment direction of the airbag module, and an attachment member for attaching the guide member to the side frame. The side frame has an attachment hole for the attachment member at a position different from a shaft portion for attaching the airbag module. The attachment member has a holding space in which an end of the guide member is held in a detachable manner, and is inserted into the attachment hole in a state in which the end of the guide member is held in the holding space.
US09598037B2

A system and method for optimizing various vehicle safety systems, such as airbags and seat belt load tensioning limiters, for a particular occupant of a vehicle seat, such as the vehicle driver or passenger, based on the weight of the occupant and the fore-aft position of the seat. The method senses the mass of the occupant and the position of the seat and classifies the combination of the mass and position. The method then determines the optimized setting of the safety systems for that combination classification, and automatically sets the safety systems to that setting. The method can also determine the optimized setting of the safety systems based on whether the occupant is wearing a seat belt.
US09598036B2

The present invention relates to a device and a method for sensing (detecting) rear and side areas of construction equipment. The present invention comprises: setting a certain distance from the construction machine (or vehicles) as a safe-distance area (work pattern area); patterning fixed objects within the set safe-distance area; sounding an alarm and/or displaying a captured (or detected) image on a display when other objects excluding the fixed objects that are sensed by the construction machine (that is, the fixed objects that are patterned) are sensed.
US09598030B2

A wire harness (9) includes an exterior member (16) with a tubular shape which covers a high-voltage conductive path (15), and a drain hole (27) is formed in the exterior member (16). The drain hole (27) is covered with a clamp (20), that is, a post-installed member in a state that the function of the drain hole is ensured. The clamp (20) includes a tube attachment portion (32), and the tube attachment portion (32) includes a drain function ensuring portion (34). A gap (35) is formed between the drain hole (27) and the clamp (20). A foreign substance entry preventing portion (36) is formed in a side of the gap (35) in a vehicle progress direction P. An outside communication hole (37) is formed in an opposite side in the vehicle progress direction P.
US09598023B2

A bicycle-fork support device configured to hold: a conventional fork, allowing insertion of a quick-release-skewer support shaft, in a lower end portion of the fork of a bicycle; a through-axle fork where a through-axle insertion hole for securing a through-axle hub formed in a lower end portion of the through-axle fork, and configured to deal with outer diameters of through-axle forks. The support-fork switching unit includes: a support-device main body where a hollow portion is formed; end portions formed in right and left end portions of the hollow portion; a conventional-fork-use supporting body including, a contacting portion formed with an internal shape that fits the support shaft; a through-axle-fork-use supporting body including, a contacting portion formed with an internal shape that fits the through axle; and a unit for removably mounting any of the supporting bodies on the right and left end portions.
US09598020B2

The rear assembly (10; 110; 150) according to the invention comprises at least one lateral lining (18), intended to laterally delimit a motor vehicle trunk (12).It comprises a mechanism (22) for guiding the rotation of a tray (20) for supporting objects around a transverse axis (A-A′), relative to the lateral lining (18).For each lateral lining (18), the guide mechanism (22) comprises an insertion member (60) for at least one edge (42, 46) of the tray, the insertion member (60) being rotatably mounted around the transverse axis (A-A′) on the lateral lining (18).
US09598009B2

A method for providing information to a driver of a vehicle includes receiving remote vehicle information indicating geospatial state and kinematic state for each of the one or more remote vehicles. The method also includes identifying host vehicle information indicating geospatial state and kinematic state for the host vehicle, identifying a queue length representing a number of vehicles queued ahead of the host vehicle, and identifying at least one of the one or more remote vehicles as a conflicting vehicle. The method also includes determining a time-to-contact based on the remote vehicle information corresponding to the conflicting vehicle and the host vehicle information. The method also includes causing a warning alert to be output if the time-to-contact is less than a warning alert threshold and only if the queue length is zero vehicles.
US09598002B2

A hydraulic excavator is a work vehicle equipped with a work implement, including a cab and a rotating light. The rotating light is removably disposed on a roof of the cab. The rotating light has a rotating light main body, an attachment component, and a handle. The attachment component is provided on the lower side of the rotating light main body and is used to attach the rotating light main body to the roof. The handle is portal-shaped and fixed to the attachment component, and has a first rod-shaped part, a second rod-shaped part, and a third rod-shaped part. The first rod-shaped part and the second rod-shaped part are formed facing upward from the attachment component. The third rod-shaped part connects the first rod-shaped part and the second rod-shaped part together. The third rod-shaped part is disposed above the rotating light main body when viewed from the side and perpendicular to the lengthwise direction.
US09597988B2

A method of laser welding structures having different steel grades together. The method includes providing a first structure made from a first steel grade and composition and providing a second structure made from a second steel grade composition. The first structure is positioned adjacent the second structure to create a weld zone area wherein at least a portion of the first structure overlaps at least a portion of the second structure. A filler material is selected that has a composition that will create a weld joint between the first structure, the second structure and the filler material such that the weld joint has a predetermined microstructure. The filler material is positioned adjacent the weld zone area. A laser beam is directed at the weld zone area to create a weld joint between the first structure, the second structure and the filler material, wherein the weld joint has a predetermined microstructure.
US09597978B1

A hovering skate board unit capable of driven by a user is disclosed. The hovering skateboard includes a first board to receive the user, one or more first magnetic source, a second board magnetically coupled with the first board, one or more second magnetic source and at least one ground engaging wheel. The first magnetic source is configured with the first board to emit magnetic field. The one or more second magnetic source is configured with the second board to repel the magnetic field emitted from the one or more first magnetic source and further facilitates the first board to hover over the second board. The ground engaging wheels attached to the second board moves in the direction driven by the user. Further, a corresponding method of operating the hovering skate board unit is also disclosed.
US09597969B2

Systems and methods for providing in-road electric conductivity boxes and on-vehicle descent and pivot contacts for vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a system includes, inter alia, a charging component physically coupled to a roadway, a power source electrically coupled to the charging component, and a vehicle that electrically couples with the charging component for receiving power from the power source via the charging component when the vehicle is on the roadway at a location proximate to the charging component. Additional embodiments are also provided.
US09597956B2

A vehicle roof structure includes a solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cells arranged in a planar form, a plate-like roof panel made of a resin having transparency and disposed to cover the solar cell unit from above, and a plurality of reinforcements each being implemented by a metallic member and disposed to support the solar cell unit from below and to extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction and/or a vehicle width direction. The vehicle roof can be reduced in weight.
US09597951B2

A cooling system for a heavy road vehicle provided with a hybrid propulsion system includes a mechanical propulsion system and a hydraulic propulsion system. The cooling system includes a pump and a first cooling circuit including a gearbox cooling circuit a hydraulic propulsion system cooling circuit and a first radiator for cooling of a coolant flowing in the first cooling circuit. The radiator is connected in series with and located upstream of the gearbox cooling circuit and the hydraulic propulsion system cooling circuit. The cooling system is designed such that the hydraulic propulsion cooling circuit and the gearbox cooling circuit are connected in parallel.
US09597948B2

A hatch assembly attachable to a roof of a vehicle includes a removable dome attached to a frame including opposed first and second linkage mechanisms and a latch assembly. The frame includes an annular sidewall section defining an aperture and an outwardly extending flange portion peripheral to the annular wall portion and includes a continuous upper peripheral surface. The dome has an outer planar surface covering the aperture and an inner surface including a hinge portion attached to the first linkage assembly. A latch assembly attaches to the inner surface of the dome on a side of the dome that is opposed to the hinge portion. The latch assembly rotatably couples to a lock wedge, which includes a helical locking surface.
US09597946B2

The problem to be solved is to provide a door frame and a method of manufacturing the same, with reducing manufacturing cost. A door frame has a rear sash (vertical sash) (41) for supporting door glass and has a lock-device mounting bracket (door-frame component) (70) attached by welding to the rear sash (41) and having formed therein through-holes (70e, 70d) for welding. Weld beads (73, 75) are formed between the rear sash (41) and the wall surfaces of the through-holes (70e, 70d) for welding, the through-holes (70e, 70d) being formed in the lock-device mounting bracket (70).
US09597944B2

An automotive air conditioning system comprising: an air cooling circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator; an air heating circuit, including a flow rate regulation solenoid valve arranged to regulate the flow rate of a heat transfer fluid through the heater; and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to receive a measured evaporator air temperature and a set cabin air temperature and to switch the operating condition of the compressor when the measured evaporator air temperature is higher or lower than at least one on/off threshold temperature computed based on the set cabin air temperature.
US09597934B2

An integral fifth wheel cross member assembly for a pick-up truck bed. The fifth wheel cross member assembly is secured to the left and right frame rails between two intermediate cross members. The box is attached to the frame with the fifth wheel cross member already in place.
US09597933B2

The present invention provides a MEMS and a sensor having the MEMS which can be formed without a process of etching a sacrifice layer. The MEMS and the sensor having the MEMS are formed by forming an interspace using a spacer layer. In the MEMS in which an interspace is formed using a spacer layer, a process for forming a sacrifice layer and an etching process of the sacrifice layer are not required. As a result, there is no restriction on the etching time, and thus the yield can be improved.
US09597927B2

The present invention relates to a dipping method applied on hybrid cords comprised of aramide and aramide-Nylon 6.6 fibers essentially comprising the steps of preparing the primary dipping solution (11), applying the primary dipping solution onto the cords (12), applying the primary heat treatment (13), preparing the secondary dipping solution (14), applying the secondary dipping solution onto the cords (15), applying the primary heat treatment (16), and used as a reinforcing material inside the rubber.
US09597915B2

Bookbinding apparatus adhesive applicator accurately, briefly controls adhesive temperature to a set value by selecting, in accordance with adhesive initial temperature, one of a plurality of temperature-controller heating modes defining different supply powers and supply durations for supplying power to an adhesive-container heater to control its heating temperature. A sensor detects the temperature of the adhesive in the container at applicator start-up, or on restarting a post-standby applicator. In accordance with the detected temperature, one of the heating modes is selected to heat the adhesive. The applicator warm-up time is thus set in response to the state of the adhesive: If solidified, the adhesive is heated and melted in a maximum supply-power, supply-duration mode; if low-temperature liquefied, it is heated and melted in a second-magnitude supply-power, supply-duration mode; and if the adhesive temperature is high, it is heated and melted in a minimal supply-power, supply-duration mode.
US09597911B2

In an intermediate transfer medium, a substrate, protective layers having a layered structure of two or more layers, and a receiving layer are layered in this order. One layer in the protective layers having the layered structure contains, as a main component, one material or a mixture of two or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyesters having a high polymerization degree, a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of not less than 12,000 and a Tg of not less than 60° C., polycarbonates and polyester urethanes. Another layer in the protective layers having the layered structure contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl butyrals, polyvinyl acetals and polyvinyl pyrrolidones or includes a cationic resin, and the receiving layer contains a side chain-type aralkyl-modified silicone in an amount of 0.5-5% by weight on a base of the total weight of the receiving layer.
US09597901B2

The medium feed device has a meandering detection sensor which detects position displacement of a recording medium in a width direction, and a control section which controls driving of a width movement unit based on detection results by the meandering detection sensor. The control section stops driving of the width movement unit when stopping feeding of the intermittent feeding.
US09597900B2

The present invention provides a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a feeding unit, a pair of rollers configured to nip a printing medium and to convey the printing medium fed by the feeding unit, a printing unit and a control unit. The control unit can execute successive overlapped conveyance in which the pair of rollers nip an overlapping portion between a trailing edge of a preceding printing medium and a leading edge of a succeeding printing medium and convey them. The control unit executes the successive overlapped conveyance at least on condition that printing of the preceding printing medium by the printing unit has ended.
US09597899B2

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus. The apparatus includes a generating unit generating printing data for printing on a printing medium by a printing apparatus, an analyzing unit analyzing a margin amount on a leading edge side of the printing medium based on the printing data, and a transmitting unit transmitting margin information based on an analysis result of the analyzing unit to the printing apparatus prior to transmission of the printing data to the printing apparatus.
US09597898B2

A printing device (200) and method for controlling the curing of ink are described. An example printing apparatus has a printing module (230) with at least one printhead for printing a swath of a printed image and a print controller (220) arranged to generate image and print control data for a plurality of swaths. A curing module (270) is arranged to receive, for each of the plurality of one or more swaths, image and print control data and to control, before a printed region of the print medium (250) corresponding to a particular one or more swaths arrives, one or more operating parameters of the curing module (270) based on data values within said image data and printing parameters within said print control data.
US09597897B2

A printing apparatus includes: a paper cassette that includes a plurality of trays, each of which holds a printing medium, and a switching unit that sets one of the plurality of trays as an operable tray; a printing unit that performs printing on the printing medium held in the operable tray; and a display control unit that causes a user interface, on which setting of which one of the plurality of trays is set as the operable tray by the switching unit is performed by a user, to be displayed on a screen when the paper cassette is set in the printing unit.
US09597891B2

An inkjet ink contains water, a hydrosoluble organic solvent, a pigment, polyvinyl pyrolidone, and a copolymer, wherein the copolymer contains a structure unit represented by Chemical formula 1, where R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 is an alkyl group having one to four carbon atoms, M1+, M2+, M3+, and M4+ each, independently represent protons, alkali metal ions, or organic ammonium ions, and a structure unit represented by Chemical formula 2, where R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, a structure unit represented by Chemical formula 3, where R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a structure unit represented by Chemical formula 4, where R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.
US09597887B2

An example pen housing includes a first regulator to actuate in response to a first pressure change to enable gas within a first chamber to flow from the first chamber to a second chamber, the first chamber to flow ink to a printhead, the second chamber not to receive ink directly from an ink supply; and a second regulator to actuate in response to a second pressure change to enable the gas received from the first chamber to be discharged from the second chamber.
US09597885B2

An ink cartridge comprises a main body comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a chamber, configured to store ink, disposed between the first surface and the second surface; an ink outlet portion disposed on the first surface of the main body configured to direct the ink from the chamber to an exterior of the main body; and an electronic circuit board disposed on the main body. The electronic circuit board comprises an electrical interface, a first portion facing a second direction that intersects a first plane that is perpendicular to the first direction, a second portion facing a third direction away from the ink outlet portion that intersects a second plane that is parallel to the first direction, and a connecting portion between the first portion and the second portion. The electrical interface is disposed on an area of the electronic circuit board including the connecting portion.
US09597874B2

A liquid ejection head includes a substrate and a flow path forming member. Energy generating elements that generate energy with which a liquid is ejected are formed on the substrate. The flow path forming member is disposed on the substrate and a flow path which encloses the energy generating elements is formed using the flow path forming member. Plural ejection ports that are in communication with the flow path are formed in the flow path forming member. A groove portion extending obliquely with respect to an X direction in which adjoining ejection ports are arranged is formed between the adjoining ejection ports in the flow path forming member.
US09597871B2

An embodiment of this invention is directed to determining a discharge status of liquid discharged from a liquid discharge head capable of accurately determining the discharge status of each nozzle at high speed with a simple arrangement. According to the embodiment, a base includes an electrothermal transducer configured to supply heat to liquid, a first temperature detection element configured to detect the temperature of the electrothermal transducer, and a second temperature detection element configured to detect the temperature of the same electrothermal transducer. In this case, the first and the second temperature detection elements are arranged so that at least part of each of the first and second temperature detection elements is included immediately above or below a region where the electrothermal transducer is arranged in the base.
US09597869B2

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head that is driven by drive signals and that is capable of discharging a liquid, a circuit substrate, and generators that are provided on the circuit substrate and that generate the drive signals. The generators include a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor. Distance between the first transistor and the third transistor is longer than at least one of distance between the first transistor and the second transistor and distance between the first transistor and the fourth transistor.
US09597868B2

An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use in a printing system to transport an ink image from an image forming station to an impression station for transfer of the ink image from the ITM onto a printing substrate, wherein the ITM is an endless flexible belt of substantially uniform width which, during use, passes over drive and guide rollers and is guided through at least the image forming station by means of guide channels that receive formations provided on both lateral edges of the belt, wherein the formations on a first edge differ from the formations on the second edge by being configured for providing the elasticity desired to maintain the belt taut when the belt is guided through their respective lateral channels.
US09597866B2

An inking device for printing machines that comprises an inking body which is designed to be arranged so as to face the lateral surface of an anilox roller and forms an inking chamber that is open toward the anilox roller and has at least one inlet for introducing the ink into the inking chamber and at least one outlet for the exit of the ink from the inking chamber, and control elements that are adapted to vary the passage opening of the or of each outlet as a function of the pressure of the ink in the inking chamber.
US09597862B2

Protection barriers, such as floor protection barriers, and methods for making and using same. The protection barrier can include a base sheet and an energy absorbing layer. The base sheet can have two or more paperboard layers and one or more sizing layers. A first paperboard layer can form a first surface of the base sheet, a second paperboard layer can form a second surface of the base sheet, and the one or more sizing layers can be disposed between the first and second paperboard layers. The energy absorbing layer can be secured to the second paperboard layer.
US09597858B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a touch panel. A laminated film is used. The laminated film comprises a resin layer, a protection film-constituent material layer provided on a surface of the resin layer, and a releasing layer provided on a surface of the protection film-constituent material layer. The protection film-constituent material layer is a layer containing fluorine-based substances. The releasing layer is a layer made by using a fluorine-based resin. The method comprises a molding process, a hardening treatment process for providing hardening treatment to the protection film-constituent material layer after the molding process, and a removal process for removing the releasing layer after the molding process. The protection film-constituent material layer is an uncured layer in the course of a molding process.
US09597850B2

A system and method for aligning a compacting plunger of an agricultural square baler with respect to a gearbox for driving the compacting plunger. The method includes controlling a position of plunger rails on and against which the compacting plunger will move when the agricultural square baler is in operation, with respect to a position of a carrying beam adapted for carrying the gearbox. Controlling the position of the plunger rails with respect to the carrying beam adapted for carrying the gearbox rather than with respect to the side walls of the baler provides the advantage of reduced wearing and/or fractures of parts of the baler.
US09597843B2

One example of the present disclosure relates to a tool for laying up composite material to form a workpiece having a target contour. The tool includes a support structure including an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, and support plates connected to the elongated member and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. The elongated member includes a metallic material. The tool also includes a non-metallic backing structure connected to the support plates, the non-metallic backing structure comprising a working surface that includes a backing contour complementary to the target contour.
US09597829B2

A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.
US09597823B2

Object molded in thermoplastic material in any shape having an outer surface from which protrudes at least one hook in one piece with the molded object, in particular a hook field, the molded object and the hook(s) having been formed by injection molding, each hook comprising a base part and a head or hooking part protruding from the base part and being delimited by first and second lateral surfaces each extending on the outer surface of the molded object, being separated from each other by an intermediate surface forming the edge of the hook, the curve sections, defined by the intersections of at least one of the first and/or second lateral surfaces with planes which are in parallel with the base plane from which the hook protrudes and which are at given distances h from this base plane, have a curvature which varies as a function of the distance h, the curvature of the curve section for h=0 (the base plane and said parallel plane merging) being greater than the curvature of at least one curve section for a distance h substantially corresponding to a level of the head of the hook.
US09597815B2

The invention relates to a food comminution device having a base part, which bears a cutting part, and having an actuation part, which actuation part is articulatedly fixed to the base part and can be pivoted from a loading position toward the cutting part into a closed position in order to push food items for comminution through the cutting part and can subsequently be pivoted from the closed position into the loading position again. The food comminution device is characterized in that the base part has the outer contour of a cuboid as its outer contour, and in that the food comminution device has a collecting container, and in that, on one face surface of the base part, there is provided an opening for the sliding-in of the collecting container into the base part, and in that the cutting part is arranged on a first side surface of the base part, which side surface is adjacent to the face surface, and in that the cutting part and the actuation part are constituent parts of a first comminution tool, and in that the base part is a constituent part of a further comminution tool, and/or at least one further comminution tool is fixed to the base part, wherein the further comminution tool is arranged on a further side surface of the base part, which further side surface is adjacent to the face surface, and in that the collecting container can be arranged in the base part selectively in a first position, in which said collecting container collects food items comminuted by way of the first comminution tool, or in a second position, which differs from the first position and in which said collecting container collects the food items comminuted by way of the second comminution tool.
US09597814B2

A control unit of a paper processing apparatus controls a driving unit such that pressing by a pressing member is released after an end portion of a paper bundle pressed by the pressing member is cut by a cutting blade, and controls, when determining that a front end portion of a removal member does not reach the pressing member at a position of the pressing member in a state in which the pressing by the pressing member has been released, the driving unit to move the pressing member to a position at which the front end portion of the removal member reaches the pressing member after the paper bundle is taken out.
US09597813B2

The invention relates to a device (1) which is suitable for producing a stripping tool. Said device comprises —a control unit (2), —a receiving portion (3) for a stripper plate (4), —a stripper flat-strip insertion device (5), and —a stripper pin insertion device (6).
US09597804B2

A cleaning robot that performs cleaning while travelling a space to be cleaned, the cleaning robot including: a travelling unit that moves the cleaning robot; a cleaning unit that cleans the space to be cleaned; an image capturing unit that captures an image viewed from the cleaning robot; a voice input unit to which a user's voice instructions are input; and a controller obtaining the user's motion instructions through the image capturing unit and determining a restricted area in which entry of the cleaning robot is prohibited and/or a focused cleaning area to be intensely cleaned by the cleaning robot based on the user's motion instructions or the user's voice instructions when the user's voice instructions are input through the voice input unit. The restricted area and the focused cleaning area may be input to the cleaning robot through the user's voice and motion.
US09597799B2

A method for machining a robot-guided component with a tool which is fastened in an articulated manner to a tool holder is disclosed. The method includes detecting a deflection of the tool with respect to the tool holder from a desired position and changing a pose of a robot that is guiding the robot-guided component on a basis of the detected deflection.
US09597792B1

A hand tool hanger has a track, at least one clamping member, and multiple attraction modules. The track plate has a base, a track formed on the base and a distance formed between a top side and a bottom side of two mounting arms of the track, and a combination portion formed on the base. The at least one clamping member is slidably mounted on the mounting arms of the track. The attraction modules are combined with the track plate. Each attraction module has a positioning frame and a magnetic base. The positioning frame is mounted in the combination portion. The magnetic base is fixed in the positioning recess. The magnetic base has a longitudinal width along a direction of the distance of the track and larger than the distance of the track.
US09597788B2

A handheld power tool has a switchable gear component actuatable by a selector switch. The gear component moves from a first operating position into a second operating position. The selector switch has a first switching position associated with the first operating position and a second switching position associated with the second operating position, and movable so that intermediate positions are assumed. A traveling coupling between the selector switch and the gear component has a spring exerting force onto the gear component in the first direction. A locking bolt is coupled to the selector switch in a positively driven manner. In the intermediate positions, the locking bolt is moved into a blocking bolt position blocking movement of the gear component out of the first operating position into the second operating position. When the selector switch is in the second switching position, the locking bolt is in a releasing bolt position.
US09597783B2

A bit assembly includes a bit for driving a screw, a shank for holding and driving the bit to rotate about a pivot axis wherein the bit is capable of moving relative to the shank in a predetermined range, and a limiting structure formed between the bit and the shank for preventing the bit to move beyond the predetermined range. The bit and the shank are made of different materials and form a sliding connection so that they have a certain buffer space in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction thereby reducing the effect of impacts on the service life of the bit assembly.
US09597780B2

A clamp head including an arched body having upper and lower faces, and opposing unequal length arms. The body further has a through aperture for a bolt or like threaded fastener extending between the upper and lower faces, the through aperture tapering outwardly through the body in the direction of the lower face. The arms comprise a reaction arm having at its distal end a curved reaction face and a clamping arm having at its distal end a curved clamping face. The curved reaction face has a first edge that is proximal to the reaction face and a second edge that is distal to the reaction face, wherein the radius of curvature of the reaction face increases in the direction of the second edge.
US09597777B2

Homogeneous polishing pads for polishing semiconductor substrates using eddy current end-point detection are described. Methods of fabricating homogeneous polishing pads for polishing semiconductor substrates using eddy current end-point detection are also described.
US09597773B2

According to one implementation, a blast treatment device includes at least one nozzle, a movement structure and at least one weight member. The at least one nozzle injects blast media. The movement structure reciprocates the at least one nozzle along a track. The at least one weight member cancels a vibration caused by reciprocating the at least one nozzle. Further, according to one implementation, a blast treatment method includes injecting blast media from at least one nozzle; manufacturing a blast treated product by reciprocating the at least one nozzle along a track; and canceling a vibration, caused by reciprocating the at least one nozzle, by at least one weight member.
US09597769B2

Polishing pads with a polishing surface layer having an aperture or opening above a transparent foundation layer are described. In an example, a polishing pad for polishing a substrate includes a foundation layer having a global top surface and a transparent region. A polishing surface layer is attached to the global top surface of the foundation layer. The polishing surface layer has a polishing surface and a back surface. An aperture is disposed in the polishing pad from the back surface through to the polishing surface of the polishing surface layer, and aligned with the transparent region of the foundation layer. The foundation layer provides an impermeable seal for the aperture at the back surface of the polishing surface layer. Methods of fabricating such polishing pads are also described.
US09597764B2

A cutting machine includes a circular knife and a grinding unit for grinding the circular knife, wherein the grinding unit can be adjusted to grind the circular knife at different angles.
US09597745B2

The constricting nozzle of the present invention includes (i) a cylindrical nozzle body disposed around the forward end of the tungsten electrode rod concentrically with the tungsten electrode rod and defines an annular high-speed gas passage between the nozzle body and the outer peripheral surface of the forward end of the tungsten electrode rod, (ii) a plurality of positioning projections that are protrudently formed on the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle body with predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction and that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body to hold the tungsten electrode rod in the center position of the nozzle body, and (iii) a plurality of gas-flow regulating grooves formed between the positioning projections and that extend in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body and regulate the shielding gas (G) flowing through the high-speed gas passage.
US09597733B2

A cutting insert may have an upper surface, lower surface, side surface, and a polygonal plate shaped to form a cutting edge at a ridgeline where the upper surface and the side surface intersect. The upper surface has a major part having a flat upper end surface, a first protrusion protruding from the major part toward a corner part of the upper surface, a second protrusion protruding from the first protrusion toward the corner part, and a pair of projections located between the second protrusion and the cutting edge. A height of an upper end of the first protrusion from the lower surface is lower than a height of the upper end surface of the major part and is higher than a height of the cutting edge. A height of an upper end of the second protrusion from the lower surface is equal to the height of the cutting edge.
US09597732B2

Flow restrictor assemblies including a monolithic flow restrictor and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The monolithic flow restrictor is configured for disposing in a fluid passage of a housing body. The monolithic flow restrictor comprises a first end and a second end, a first screen at the first end and a second screen at the second end, and a series of cross-sectional portions between the first screen and the second screen. Each cross-sectional portion has a plurality of slots formed in a radially outer surface thereof for connecting a series of restricting orifices formed in the monolithic flow restrictor for tortuously conducting a fluid through the series of cross-sectional portions.
US09597726B2

A melt circulating drive device mounted on a side wall of a main bath and driven to agitate nonferrous metal melt present in a melt storage room storing nonferrous metal melt of the main bath. The melt circulating drive device includes a melt drive tank, a melt drive unit, and a partition plate. The melt drive tank includes a hermetically-sealed drive chamber including an opening allowing the drive chamber to communicate with the melt storage room, and the melt drive tank stores melt, which flows from the opening, in the drive chamber. The melt drive unit includes a permanent magnet unit rotated about a first up and down axis while making magnetic lines of force up and down pass through the melt, and a drive unit for the permanent magnet unit that rotates the melt, about the first up and down axis by rotationally driving the permanent magnet unit.
US09597725B2

Provided is an inexpensive hot forging die which allows a desired shape to be obtained even from a large-sized forging material.A hot forging die, for closed die hot forging of a material to be forged, includes a plurality of ring-shaped die pieces which are combined concentrically and fastened with each other, wherein an axial direction of the ring-shaped die pieces is identical with a pressing direction when the material is forged, and wherein a die face and a build-up layer of a nickel-base super heat-resistant alloy are formed at a part of the hot forging die, which is brought into contact with the material to be forged.
US09597722B2

A method for manufacturing a pressing tool includes shaping a blank, which is able to be hardened, at least in part, to a final size of a pressing jaw. Then, a laser beam is applied to at least one selected region of a surface of the pressing jaw so as to form at least one hardened surface layer.
US09597719B2

Device for the removal of scale from the surface of a metal product (11) by delivering water under pressure, said device comprising a box-like structure (20) defining an internal space (22) for the passage of the water under pressure, connected to an exit fissure having a gap (23) with a gap value of less than a millimeter, the gap extending continuously for at least the entire width of the metal product (11).
US09597718B2

A manufacturing method of a seamless metal pipe includes determining whether a preceding-stage stand group is used in outer diameter reduction or in thickness reduction of a hollow shell; and performing elongating on the hollow shell, into which a mandrel bar is inserted, based on the determination. In addition, in the elongating, when the preceding-stage stand group is used in the outer diameter reduction, the hollow shell is rolled in a state where an inner surface of the hollow shell does not come into contact with the mandrel bar in the preceding-stage stand group, and the hollow shell is rolled in a state where the inner surface of the hollow shell comes into contact with the mandrel bar in the succeeding-stage stand group.
US09597702B1

A portable ultrasonic cosmetic applicator for spraying lip gloss, eye shadow, blush, tanning solutions, moisturizing agents, and sterilants onto the body or face. Useful for wound healing, makeup artists in the movie industry, beauty salons, and for personal use. The applicator is small and lightweight thus making it easy to use without the use of external air pressure more commonly used with airbrush spraying equipment of this type. Noisy compressors, pressurized cylinders and air lines are all eliminated. The amount of unused solutions are reduced due to its ability to produce a smaller and more uniform droplet size which, in turn, produces a fine misty spray unlike some of the more traditional applicators. Due to its lack of complexity and awkwardness, the user is able to apply liquid in a simple and graceful manner.
US09597700B2

A method and system for generating vapors of liquid solutions where a pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system maintains a defined flow rate for a liquid solution. The pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system includes a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate for the liquid solution flowing from a pressure vessel; a microcontroller configured to determine a pressure necessary to achieve the defined flow rate; and an electronic pressure control unit configured to adjust the pressure inside the pressure vessel. The system includes a nebulizer coupled to the pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system configured to receive the liquid solution from the pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system at the defined flow rate and configured to generate an aerosol of the liquid solution. A heat tube can vaporize the aerosol generated by the nebulizer.
US09597696B2

The invention relates to a screen insert (70) for a powder container (24) of a powder supplying device, the screen insert (70) having a screen unit (71) for screening coating powder and an ultrasonic transducer (72) for generating ultrasonic vibrations. The screen unit (71) is connected to the ultrasonic transducer (72) in such a way that the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer (72) can be transferred to the screen unit (71). To allow a particularly compact construction of the screen insert (70) to be achieved, according to the invention a screen carrier (73) which can be placed onto the powder container (24) is provided, for holding the ultrasonic transducer (72), with the screen unit (71) connected thereto, in such a way that the screen unit (71) is arranged below the screen carrier (73), so that the screen unit (71) is inside a powder chamber (22), formed by the powder container (24), when the screen carrier (73) has been placed onto the powder container (24).
US09597694B2

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a pneumatic ported atomizing fluid delivery manifold includes a fluid delivery housing, the fluid delivery housing having a frustum geometry, the fluid delivery housing has a first end and a second end, the first end has a first plane and the second end having a second plane, the fluid delivery housing has at least one chamber through which cleaning solution is operable to pass from the first end to the second end, and a free-floating pneumatic rotating exit tube positioned along a longitudinal center axis of the fluid delivery housing, the free-floating pneumatic rotating exit tube have only air passing through the free-floating pneumatic rotating exit tube.
US09597679B2

Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.
US09597669B2

The present invention relates to a catalyst for the conversion of oxygenates to olefins, wherein the catalyst comprises one or more zeolites of the MFI, MEL and/or MWW structure type and particles of one or more metal oxides, the one or more zeolites of the MFI, MEL and/or MWW structure type comprising one or more alkaline earth metals, and the particles of the one or more metal oxides comprising phosphorus, the phosphorus being present at least partly in oxidic form, and the one or more alkaline earth metals being selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and combinations of two or more thereof, to the preparation and use thereof, and to a process for converting oxygenates to olefins using the catalyst.
US09597664B2

The current invention refers to the LNT and the SCR catalysts designed for combined LNT-SCR applications. LNT catalysts are based on proton-conducting oxides of fluorite structure, namely Ca (Sr)—La—Ce (Zr, Pr) mixed oxides in which up to 40 mol-% of lanthanum is replaced by calcium and/or strontium, and up to 66 mol-% of cerium is replaced by zirconium and/or praseodymium, further combined with Pt—Pd or Pt—Pd—Rh precious metal components. SCR catalysts are Cu/zeolite modified by citrate treatment or Cu—Ce, Mn—Ce or Co—Ce/modified zeolite.
US09597663B2

An exhaust cleaning catalyst, with which precious metal sintering is inhibited and which has greater exhaust cleaning abilities, has a substrate and a catalyst coating layer provided on the substrate. The catalyst coating layer has a precious metal that serves as an oxidation and/or reduction catalyst. The precious metal has Rh-containing metal particles in which rhodium (Rh) coexists with a base metal selected among platinum group elements excluding rhodium. The Rh-containing metal particles have an average rhodium content of 0.1% to 5% by mole with the total amount of the base metal and rhodium being 100% by mole.
US09597659B2

A catalyst with a mixed zinc and aluminum oxide base having a spinel structure surstoichiometric in zinc, in which part of the Zn atoms are in the octahedral position, a process for preparation of the same and use of the same in a process for preparation of a compound of linear monocarboxylic acid alcohol esters with 6-26 carbon atoms from a vegetable or animal oil, neutral or acid, virgin or recycled, with monoalcohols of 1-18 carbon atoms allowing an ester that can be used as a motor fuel or a heating fuel and a pure glycerine to be obtained directly in one or more steps.
US09597653B2

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of dispersions of colloidal polymerized particles and to the colloidal polymerized particles obtained and/or obtainable by the process as well as to their use.
US09597651B2

A reactor includes: a shell with first and second ends, an fluid inlet at the first end for receiving a process fluid, and an outlet at the second end for discharging a reacted process fluid, and a plurality of elongate containment units within the shell for containing a particulate catalyst or sorbent, each containment unit including two perforate members defining a space in which the particulate catalyst or sorbent may be placed, the perforate members mounted between two fluid-impermeable end members, wherein one end member extends across the containment unit to provide a closed end and the other end member closes the space thereby providing an open end through which a process fluid may enter or exit the containment unit, and a header assembly connected to the open ends of the containment units and either the fluid inlet or fluid outlet. A process using the reactor is also described.
US09597649B2

Fluid bed granulation process of an appropriate substance, comprising the cooling in a second fluid bed of the granules obtained. The same flow of fluidification air is used to form and support both fluid beds.
US09597647B2

The present invention relates to a mixer with a drum that comprises a mantle, a bottom and a top and which rotates around an axis of rotation.
US09597645B2

A drug container is arranged in a horizontal state where a central axis extends along a horizontal direction, and the drug container is rotated about the central axis. In such a way, a drug solution in the drug container is moved along an inner surface of the drug container, and the drug container is reciprocally vibrated along the central axis in a state where the drug container is rotated, to stir the drug solution.
US09597640B2

A spiral separation membrane element includes a water collection tube; a separation membrane wound around the water collection tube, having a feed-side surface and a permeate-side surface, and including a band-shaped region on at least one end of the feed-side surface in an axial direction of the water collection tube; and a channel material fused to the band-shaped region.
US09597636B2

Provided is a system for treating an exhaust gas comprising a first SCR catalyst zone comprising an iron loaded medium- or large-pore molecular sieve having a first ammonia storage capacity; and a second SCR catalyst zone comprising a copper loaded small-pore molecular sieve having a second ammonia storage capacity, wherein the first SCR catalyst zone is disposed upstream of the second SCR catalyst zone with respect to normal exhaust gas flow through the system and wherein the second ammonia storage capacity is greater than the first ammonia storage capacity. Also provided is a method for using the system to treat exhaust gas.
US09597635B2

An aftertreatment system utilizes chemical reactions to treat an exhaust gas flow. A device for use within an aftertreatment system includes a silver-based NOx storage catalyst and a zeolite. The silver-based NOx storage catalyst and the zeolite store NOx through a low temperature startup period of operation. In one embodiment, the zeolite includes a barium Y zeolite.
US09597622B2

The present techniques are directed to a method for removing entrained liquid hydrocarbons in a countercurrent contact separator to produce a lean hydrocarbons gas. The method includes introducing a gas stream into an inlet of the countercurrent contact separator and flowing the gas stream through a bulk separator to capture a portion of the entrained liquid hydrocarbons. The method includes flowing the gas stream through a plurality of cyclone bundles, where the plurality of cyclone bundles are located in risers to capture a remaining fraction of the entrained liquid hydrocarbons. The method includes flowing the captured entrained liquids downward into a drain line countercurrent to the gas stream. The method includes removing the captured entrained liquids through a bottom outlet of the countercurrent contact separator. The method includes removing the lean hydrocarbons gas through a top outlet of the countercurrent contact separator.
US09597621B2

The present invention relates to a filter composed of a multi-ply filter medium which (i) has at least one textile stiffening layer (layer 4), preferably a non-woven layer, of synthetic, polymer fibers, glass fibers or mixtures of the same, (ii) at least one filtration layer (layer 3), which is attached to at least one side of the non-woven stiffening fabric, the filtration layer being made up of glass fibers, (iii) at least one further filtration layer (layer 2), which is applied on the filtration layer according to ii), the further filtration layer being made up of glass fibers, and at least one textile cover layer (layer 1), which is applied on the filtration layer according to (iii), the cover layer being made up of synthetic polymer fibers.A further subject matter are filter modules including a housing and at least one filter medium according to the invention, and also a method for producing the filter medium according to the invention and also the filter modules and the use thereof in filtration of air/gas and liquids, preferably for filtration of air flows in supply air and/or heat exchanger systems.
US09597620B2

A process, system, and component configuration are described that discourages customer acceptance/use of will-fit, reconditioned, and counterfeit product components, by determining whether or not a serviceable product component is genuine. If a component is determined to not be genuine, then appropriate action may be taken to warn operators and document such findings. For example, one or more markers are disposed or otherwise put on the subject serviceable product component and serves as a targeted feature, and/or a particular characteristic of the filter itself is identified as the targeted feature. A sensor is used to detect the targeted feature and obtain information unique to the serviceable product component. The targeted feature(s) identifies the particular serviceable component as genuine and forms the basis for determining whether a genuine component has been installed. In some circumstances, a fluid filter product is the component that is the subject detection.
US09597618B2

A processing system for processing raw slurry material has a barrel member, at least one transport member, and at least one separator member. The barrel member defines a processing chamber and at least one intermediate opening. The processing chamber defines a pre-processing portion and a separator portion. The at least one transport member is arranged within the pre-processing portion of the processing chamber. The at least one separator member is arranged within the separator portion of the processing chamber and configured to define at least one separator gap. As the barrel member rotates about a longitudinal axis thereof, the at least one transport member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material through the pre-processing portion of the processing chamber, and the at least one separator member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material through the separator portion of the processing chamber.
US09597610B2

The invention relates to a system for packing chromatography columns with a chromatography medium and packing method for use in such columns. In particular, the invention relates to a method and system for packing chromatography columns where the column and chromatography media are pre-sterilized.
US09597601B2

Players input their messages in their video game apparatuses and the messages are once collected at a server apparatus, thereafter they are distributed to all video game apparatuses from the game server apparatus. In a display screen of each video game apparatus, a chat window is displayed in order to display messages exchanged between the players on a game screen including a field and characters of the game. The chat window is sequentially enlarged up to a preset maximum number of lines when a new message is received from the game server apparatus. The chat window is sequentially reduced to the preset minimum number of lines when a predetermined time passes without any reception of new message or when the player performs a specific operation.
US09597598B2

Apparel is disclosed that can be worn to assist an interactive game in tracking the movement of the wearer. More particularly, the apparel may include one or more tracking marks formed of designs, patterns, or reflective materials that can be easily tracked by an interactive game employing one or more cameras or other detectors for detecting a change in position of an object. The apparel may take the form of, for example, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes. By providing tracking marks on apparel, rather than using a special-purpose device that must be separately worn, a player may enjoy a more natural feel when playing the interactive game. Further, the player need not don any special equipment to play the game. Instead, a user can wear the apparel for everyday purposes, and then simply begin playing the game wearing the apparel without having to put on any additional equipment. The apparel may use reflective materials, and the interactive game can employ a camera and a light source configuration where the camera is located within the observation angle of a player employing retroreflective materials reflecting light from the light source.
US09597589B2

An input device (1) for data processing apparatus (12) comprises a dish (2) having a convex lower surface (3) which rests on a base (10) and can tilt in a plurality of directions with respect to the base, and a concave upper surface (5) in which is positioned a movable member such as a ball (6) which can move with respect to the concave upper surface. A user is supported on the movable member, in a standing, sitting or kneeling position. The dish is provided with a motion detector module (8) which detects movement of the dish in response to forces applied to the dish as a result of actions performed by the user, and which produces signals in response to such movement. An interface (9) serves to output the signals to the data processing apparatus.
US09597586B1

The present technology is directed to a flexible gaming architecture associated or linked with social networks. In some implementations, the flexible architecture facilitates play in a virtual gaming environment associated or linked with a social network, based on actions by users within the social network. The architecture facilitates access to video gaming applications either associated with or linked with social networks in various ways, including 1) directly via social networks or sites, for example, accessed via personal computers; 2) via wall posts or via an online social networking service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts; 3) via mobile devices used to access gaming sites associated with or linked to social networks; and 4) via game consoles configured to access gaming sites either associates with or linked to social networks.
US09597585B2

A computer-implemented method in a gaming system includes, in response to a participant's search query, conducting, by one or more processors, a search on a search engine through a web browser; and presenting, by at least one of the one or more processors, search engine results including one or more standard indices and one or more incentivized indices, each of the one or more standard indices including a selectable hyperlink for directing the participant to a third-party website, each of the one or more incentivized indices including a selectable hyperlink for playing a game.
US09597577B2

A method of processing data representing the performance of a tennis player in a display device includes: a) calculating, using data including physical quantities measured during a game period including one or several game sessions and transferred into a system for calculating of the display device, at least three parameters representing the player's performance during this game period, b) displaying, in the form of a diagram including one axis for each parameter, with the axes forming a star with several branches, points corresponding to the values of the parameters on the axes so as to form a generally polygon-shaped closed contour encompassing or passing through the points, and c) alternatively increasing and decreasing the surface area delimited by the closed contour according to a frequency of the variation calculated according to the effective game time of the player measured during the last game session of the game period.
US09597573B2

A horse riding exercise machine includes: a saddle support; an operation frame; a pair of operation rods; an elevation rod; a forward-backward rod; a vertical bar; a movable bar; a flywheel; a rotation frame; a main spring; a gear; and a handle. The horse riding exercise machine can be driven without power by using energy stored in the flywheel so noise from the motor and a drive apparatus indoor can be suppressed and energy consumption can be prevented, and, specifically, the horse riding exercise machine can be adjusted suitable for the weight of the user by using the handle and the foot support can be used according to the height of the user.
US09597572B1

A miniaturized steer roping practice apparatus may comprise a mobile base comprising a frame, an axle rotatably mounted on the frame to rotate about a rotation axis in a forward rotational direction for forward movement and a rearward rotational direction for rearward movement, and at least one drive wheel mounted on the axle. The apparatus may further comprise at least one leg movable with respect to the base, a leg actuation assembly configured to move the at least one leg in conjunction with rotation of the drive wheel, a cover mounted on the mobile base and having an exterior surface with a resemblance to a steer, and a motivating assembly configured to drive the axle in the forward rotational direction using stored energy. The motivating assembly may be configured to store energy by rotation of the axle in the rearward rotational direction.
US09597571B2

A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.
US09597568B2

A target device for registering a hit by a thrown object such as a flying disc is provided and includes a pylon assembly, an interceptor, and a receipt component. The pylon assembly, the interceptor, and the receipt component are operatively associated with one another such that a movement of the pylon assembly from its operating disposition to its stowage disposition operates to move the interceptor and the receipt component axially closer to the base axial end of the pylon assembly and, when the pylon assembly is in its stowage disposition, the interceptor has been moved from its intercepting position into its non-intercepting position, and the receipt component has been moved from its flared position into its pack position, the interceptor and the receipt component at least partially axially overlap one another.
US09597560B2

A golf club head of the present invention includes a hosel portion in which a shaft is inserted, the hosel portion being provided on a heel side of the golf club head, and an extended portion that extends from the hosel portion to a back side of the golf club head. The extended portion includes a distal end portion on a face portion side and a rear end portion on the back side. Out of a heel-side portion and a toe-side portion of the hosel portion, the distal end portion is connected to the heel-side portion. The rear end portion is located on the toe side with respect to the distal end portion.
US09597559B2

A golf club having variable face to body transition is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head having an indented transition region that helps facilitate the transition of thickness variation from the striking face to a rear aft body. The indented transition region may be located on the crown, the skirt, or the sole, and achieves improved performance by achieving an increased thickness reduction slope.
US09597546B2

An abdominal twist exercise device includes a device frame, front and rear rotational axles, a main handle bar, a rotation converter, an adjustable gear, a disengaging lever, a weight, a weight bar, a support rail, a safety handle bar, rotation counters, and a user platform, such that when the main handle bar rotates to one side, the user platform rotates to an opposing side. A rotation converter can include a front chain sprocket, an intermediate rotational axle, an intermediate chain sprocket, a roller chain, an intermediate gear, a rear gear; or a front belt sprocket, a rear belt sprocket, and a twisted belt, connecting the sprockets. Optionally, the front and rear axles can be telescoping.
US09597544B1

A connector for a weight plate holder of the type having a weight plate base and attached a vertical upright member upon which weight plates can be stacked is provided. The vertical upright member has at least one hole therein. A connection plate having a first end, a second end and a middle portion between said first end and said second end is provided. The first end has a cable opening therein to allow a cable to be connected. The middle portion has a central opening therein sized larger than the vertical upright member and also has a lock tab protruding partially into the central opening. The connection plate will slide over and onto said vertical upright member when it is a horizontal orientation but when the first end is tipped upwardly away from a horizontal orientation, the lock tab enters a hole in the upright member. Pulling upwardly on the first end keeps the lock tab firmly held in the upright hole allowing the connection plate and attached weight plate holder to be lifted by a cable attached to the cable opening. Preferably, the second end has a hook connector to which spaced apart hooks are pivotally mounted. The hooks wrap around and hold a central bar of a dumbbell and allow the hooks to lift the dumbbell by lifting a cable attached to the cable opening.
US09597543B2

A new weight for exercise and physical fitness is disclosed. The invention combines a kettlebell with the dumbbell, so a user can gain the swinging, aerobic benefits of a kettlebell and at the same time utilize the invention as a traditional dumbbell.
US09597540B2

An exercise device includes first and second crank arms configured to rotate 180 degrees out of phase with respect to one another about a first axis; a track; first and second foot links, first and second footpads carried by the first and second foot links between the first link portion and the second link portion and first and second front arms. Each of the first and second foot links has a first link portion that moves along the track while pivoting. Each of the first and second front arms has a first arm portion pivotally coupled to one of the foot links and a second arm portion pivotally coupled one of the crank arms. In one embodiment, a disc rotates in response to movement of the first foot link along the track, wherein a magnet facing the disc forms an eddy brake.
US09597532B2

A wearable breathing apparatus includes a thermal capacitor that a user inhales and exhales through. Inhaled air is cooled as it passes through the thermal capacitor, and exhaled air cools the material of the thermal capacitor for the next breathing cycle. The breathing apparatus may be used by a firefighter, for example, as a lightweight apparatus to enable the firefighter to safely breathe dangerously heated air, for example while in a fire shelter, that may otherwise cause injury to the user. The breathing apparatus advantageously does not require external power for cooling. The thermal capacitor may also be used as a part of a rebreather that uses a scrubber that removes carbon dioxide from exhaled air, for rebreathing. Further, the thermal capacitor may be used for other purposes, such as in recirculation of building air.
US09597520B2

In order to treat hypertension, an implantable receiving device is connected to implantable leads, which are adapted to deliver electrical energy to the carotid body or bodies of the patient. The receiving device is arranged to receive electrical energy from an external generator. The device thus enables the delivery of electrical currents, which modify the function of neural tissue, particularly where repeated treatments are needed or where positioning of a percutaneous needle is difficult.
US09597514B2

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to epicardial heart rhythm management. In some embodiments a method is provided for managing heart rhythm by implanting a pa device within the pericardial space of a patient. In some embodiments, an implantable device is provided for pacing the epicardial surface of a patient. The device may include a first module coupled to a second module by a tether. The first and second modules may be selectively placed for bi-ventricular pacing or for dual chamber pacing in some embodiments. Optionally the modules may be separate and may wirelessly communicate with one another and may also communicate with a heart stimulation device programmer. Optionally, a plurality of devices may be implanted in the pericardial space. A delivery device for delivering the implantable device to the pericardial space is also provided. Further embodiments provide implant retrieval devices and methods.
US09597511B2

An implantable medical device and associated method to determine an optimal control parameter setting for controlling a cardiac therapy that includes a therapy delivery module to deliver cardiac pacing signals at a plurality of pacing rates, and an admittance measurement module to determine admittance signals associated with each of the plurality of pacing rates. A control unit determines metrics of hemodynamic performance corresponding to each of the plurality of pacing rates in response to the determined admittance signals, identifies pacing rates of the plurality of pacing rates as rejected rates in response to the determined metrics of hemodynamic performance, and determines a pacing rate of the plurality of pacing rates as an optimal rate for delivering the cardiac therapy in response to the identified pacing rates.
US09597509B2

This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.
US09597505B2

Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient.
US09597500B2

A method and system of remotely stimulating the midbrain area is disclosed. Transcranial direct current stimulation is applied via a cathode attached to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and an anode attached to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. These regions are either directly connected or indirectly connected to the midbrain region. The stimulation allows non-invasive stimulation of neurons in the midbrain region to address brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression and addiction.
US09597497B2

A shoe insole has a cavity configured to provide an internal pocket open to a face of said insole, conveniently the lower face, the cavity having a length greater than its width and being directed generally along the length of the insole. A segmented structure is slideably insertable into said cavity within it is removably retained, the segments being disposed along the cavity and housing a pressure sensor, sensor state monitoring circuits, a wireless transceiver and a battery, adjacent segments being electrically connected together and hinged together by pairs of laterally spaced connector bars each mechanically connected together by links configured to maintaining the spacing between segments while permitting flexion between adjacent segments under loads encountered during walking.
US09597477B2

A respiratory therapy apparatus that introduces water into the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The respiratory therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), hi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies. The respiratory therapy apparatus may include a user interface that defines an interface passage to communicate pressurized air to the user for inhalation and a humidifier that introduces water into the pressurized air generally at the interface passage. Methods may include introducing water into the interface passage at one or more humidifier ports disposed about the interface passage.
US09597471B2

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for positioning a suction catheter in the airway of a patient. The systems may comprise a suction catheter, a delivery device, and/or a stylet. The delivery device may comprise an elongate shaft, an atraumatic distal end, an elongate passageway, and a retention element configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube. The suction catheter may be positioned in the elongate passageway, and the delivery device may help advance the suction catheter into the airway of a patient. In some variations, the delivery device may comprise elements configured to release the suction catheter in the airway after positioning.
US09597464B2

An autoinjector has a body portion (10, 12) containing a syringe (13) or cartridge with a needle at its forward end, the autoinjector having a drive arrangement (60 . . . ) for effecting operation of the autoinjector and including a drive element that moves from a first position to a second position during the operation, the body including a first (10) and a second body portion (12) connected together by a snap fit arrangement including a resiliently moveable latch finger (138) on one of the body portions that cooperates with a latch surface (142) on the other thereof to hold the two portions connected, wherein the drive element in the second position (60) limits or prevents resilient movement of the moveable latch finger (142), thereby preventing disconnection of the first and second body portions after operation.
US09597443B2

An anastomotic connector comprises a generally tubular access port having a first end and a second end, a generally tubular main body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the main body portion is positioned adjacent to the second end of the access port such that the main body portion and access port are in fluid communication, and an anchor member received, within the access port and having a plurality of fingers that are extendable from the first end thereof. The fingers of the anchor member are movable between a loaded position wherein the fingers are substantially parallel to a center axis of the access port and an expanded position wherein the fingers are substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the access port.
US09597431B2

A method for promoting bone formation is provided. More specifically, a method for promoting bone formation by promoting osteoclast formation is provided. In one embodiment, an implant comprising an implantable material and an osteoclast stimulating substance is provided.
US09597427B2

A target tissue can be treated with a radioisotope. Some methods for treating a target tissue with a radioisotope include determining a distance between a target tissue and a surface of a matrix material to be positioned adjacent the target tissue and, based on the determined distance, determining an activity to be mixed with the matrix material to obtain a desired activity concentration. Some methods further include mixing the radioisotope with the matrix material. In some embodiments, the matrix material comprises bone cement, and the target tissue is a tumor in a bone. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitting radioisotope mixed in the cement at a concentration to form a radioactive cement.
US09597424B2

A bipolar ionization device in which fiberglass is used as the dielectric. In one embodiment, a fiberglass board is used, with the anode on one side of the board and the cathode on the other side of the board. A number of flat boards can be stacked, with spacing between them to allow air flow to scavenge ions, with stanchions providing both mounting and electrical connections to the ionization devices. In another embodiment, a fiberglass tube is used, with the cathode inside the tube and the anode outside the tube.
US09597421B2

A method for sterile packaging of a surface modified implantable device includes irradiating a surface of the device such that the hydrophobicity of the surface is decreased and, optionally, the device is simultaneously sterilized. The surface of the sterile, surface-modified implantable device is then covered in a polar solution to prevent hydrophobic recovery of the surface.
US09597411B2

The invention provides anti-PMEL17 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.
US09597410B2

Disclosed are proteasome inhibitors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-activated prodrugs of proteasome inhibitors, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the inhibitors and prodrugs. Also disclosed are related pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the inhibitors and prodrugs and compositions thereof, for example, in treating cancer or other cell proliferative diseases. In vitro and in vivo methods of quantifying the expression of FAP in a biopsy sample and a mammal, respectively, are also disclosed.
US09597408B2

The peptides described herein can function as carrier peptides. These peptides can associate with (e.g., non-covalently bind) biologically active molecules or imaging agents to transport the biologically active molecules or imaging across the blood-brain barrier. In some cases, such transport may increase the effectiveness of the biological molecules or imaging agents.
US09597400B2

The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, and treatment of metabolic conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09597397B2

Methods of treatment using bendamustine formulations designed for small volume intravenous administration are disclosed. The methods conveniently allow shorter administration time without the active ingredient coming out of solution as compared to presently available formulations.
US09597394B2

The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide which can bind to a cell surface binding moiety (e.g., a carbohydrate) and serve as a ligand for a cell surface polypeptide, as well as a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding for such a fusion polypeptide, and a host cell comprising such nucleic acid. The present invention also provides a composition comprising an antigen bearing target and such a fusion polypeptide, as well as a composition comprising a virus or a cell and such a fusion polypeptide. The present invention further relates to a method of modulating an immune response in an animal using such compositions.
US09597393B2

The invention provides novel immunological adjuvants and methods for identification of such adjuvants. The invention further provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen using the novel adjuvants. The adjuvants can be employed with any suitable immunogen, including proteins, peptides, lipids, and carbohydrates. The immunogen can be derived from a virus, a cancer, or a diseased cell. The elicited immune response can be cellular, humoral, or both.
US09597391B2

The present invention relates to new adjuvants and the uses in pharmaceutical compositions, like in vaccines. In particular, the present invention provides new compounds useful as adjuvants and/or immunomodulators for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumors, allergies as well as for the control of fertility in human or animal populations. The compounds are particularly useful not only as systemic, but preferably as mucosal adjuvants. In addition, the invention relates to its uses as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions.
US09597389B2

The present invention provides an immunogenic influenza composition in a dose volume suitable for human use, comprising an influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof and an adjuvant composition comprising an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein said oil-in-water emulsion comprises a metabolisable oil at a level of below 11 mg and an emulsifying agent at a level of below 5 mg and optionally a tocol or a sterol at a level of below 12 mg. Suitably the amount of influenza antigen per strain per dose is 15 μg HA or a low amount such as less than 15 μg HA.
US09597377B2

This application provides methods of improving protein replacement therapy by combining protein replacement therapy with active site-specific chaperones (ASSC) to increase the stability and efficiency of the protein being administered. The application further provides stable compositions comprising the purified protein and an ASSC, and methods of treatment by administering the compositions.
US09597376B2

A lipoprotein lipase (LPL) protein for treating and/or preventing HTG and its associated diseases, including but not limited to acute pancreatitis (AP), and in particular, acute pancreatitis secondary to or exacerbated by hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertriglyceridemia and its associated diseases in general, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, endocrine disorders, and fat embolism syndrome.
US09597372B2

The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing recombinant cytokine fusion proteins that include a cytokine and a vault targeting domain, and methods of using the vault complexes to deliver the cytokines to a cell or subject, and methods for using the compositions to treat cancer, such as lung cancer.
US09597368B2

Provided is a method for treatment and/or prophylaxis of a condition associated with T cell mediated chronic inflammatory disease by administration, to a patient, of a peptide comprising N′-SVTEQGAELSNEER-C′ (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an analog of the peptide that inhibits T cell migration. Also provided is the peptide or its analog for use in the methods of treatment and/or prophylaxis of the condition.
US09597346B2

The present invention provides a method of reducing levels of at least one target protein in a cell. The cell is contacted with a first agent and a second agent. The first agent reduces synthesis of the target protein, e.g., by reducing levels of the mRNA of the target protein or inhibits translation of the mRNA. The second agent accelerates degradation of the target protein. The first agent may contact the cell before, after or simultaneously with the second agent. The first agent and the second agent may be in separate delivery vehicles, or in a single delivery vehicle. The first agent may be an RNAi (RNA interference) molecule, such as a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) or a microRNA (miRNA). The second agent may be a chimeric polypeptide containing a ubiquitin ligase polypeptide and a target protein interacting domain. The ubiquitin ligase polypeptide can be an E3 ubiquitin ligase, including, but not limited to, an SCF polypeptide, a HECT polypeptide and a UBR1 polypeptide. In one embodiment, the SCF polypeptide is an F-box polypeptide.
US09597340B2

Provided are certain methods useful in the treatment of cancer comprising administering a compound of Formula Ia and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that modulate the activity of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor;
US09597328B2

The present invention discloses pharmaceutical preparations for treatment of eye disorders containing an alpha 2 adrenergic agonist, to processes for producing the pharmaceutical preparations and methods for treatment of various eye disorders including dry eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction and a medicinal applicator for topical application of an alpha 2 adrenergic agonist to a subject, a package assembly for the medicinal applicator and methods of using the medicinal applicator to treat eye disorders.
US09597322B2

The invention relates to otamixaban or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome in patients planned to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting.
US09597320B2

Methods for inhibiting the growth of pancreatic cancer cells or other cancer cells driven by Sonic hedgehog are disclosed. The method involves exposing the cells to 5-acyl-6,7-dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridines of formula I
US09597317B2

The present invention relates to substituted indazole compounds which modulate the activity of protein kinases and are therefore useful in treating diseases caused by degulated protein kinase activity, like cancer. The present invention also provides methods for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of treating diseases utilizing such these compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US09597314B2

0-lactamyl alkanoic acids are described. Methods for treating various premenstrual disorders using or more β-lactamyl alkanoic acids are also described.
US09597311B2

Combinations of betaine and vitamin C are used to suppress or prevent malignant tumors, e.g., by combining the two ingredients in a product consumed by a human, dog, or cat, such as an aqueous liquid such as grape juice, the ingredients being provided in containers with instructions for use, or in finished products, especially with support of tests demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment for, e.g., preventing tumors in populations known to be at risk of developing tumors, or, treating existing cancers in combination with other cancer drugs such as anastrozole and/or fulvestrant and/or artemisinin either concurrently or sequentially to prevent the cancer from growing when the cancer drug is not being used, the combination of betaine and Vitamin C optionally being supplemented or replaced by other treatments like the combination of selenium and Vitamin E or hormone treatments used to slow cancer growth.
US09597310B2

The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I, wherein the groups (Het)Ar and R1 are defined as in claim 1, which have valuable pharmacological properties, in particular bind to the GPR40 receptor and modulate its activity. The compounds are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by this receptor, such as metabolic diseases, in particular diabetes type 2.
US09597309B2

The invention generally relates to methods of treating a patient suffering from renal disorders or other disorders related to low levels of sRAGE, and/or low levels of adiponectin (e.g., high molecular weight adiponectin) and/or high levels of thrombomodulin, using effective of amounts of a MetAP-2 inhibitor.
US09597305B2

Beneficial and synergistic effects for alleviating joint pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis have been found using a mixture of fish oil and fish oil derived, choline based, phospholipid bound fatty acid mixture including polyunsaturated EPA and DHA either alone or in combination with other active constituents, including astaxanthin and polymeric hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) in an oral dosage form.
US09597301B2

Propynylaminoindan (e.g., Rasagiline) transdermal compositions are provided. Aspects of the transdermal compositions include a matrix of the propynylaminoindan in a pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a carboxylated polymer. In some instances, the matrix further includes a cationic acrylic copolymer. Also provided are methods of using the transdermal compositions and kits containing the transdermal compositions.
US09597297B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and related peripheral neuropathies. More particularly, the invention relates to combined therapies for treating said disease by affecting simultaneously muscarinic receptor signalling and thyroid hormone pathway in a subject.
US09597294B2

A continuous dosage form coating apparatus uses vibrational impulses to maintain a dosage forms in a fluid state to expose them to a coating material atomized by spraying.
US09597289B2

A suspension which is suitable for oral administration, comprising simvastatin, at least one suspending agent, and at least one preservative, wherein at least 90 wt % of the particles of simvastatin are less than 100 μm in diameter. The present invention also includes uses of the suspension and methods of making the suspension.
US09597276B2

The invention solves the problem of the practical realization of an effective prophylactic composition which uses available and safe components and which can be recommended for preventing the growth of candidiasis of the skin and/or mucous membranes in humans in the following risk group: sufferers of diabetes mellitus, people with blood diseases, immune deficiency and other serious pathologies, patents after a course of hormone therapy, antibiotic treatment or chemotherapy, as well as for babies and pregnant women; and for people using tooth implants. The composition for the prophylaxis of candidiasis comprises active components, with the active components used being xylitol in a quantity of 0.3-20.0% by mass and sodium or potassium alginate or a mixture thereof in a quantity of 0.01-2.0% by mass, as well as inert components.
US09597275B2

The present invention provides a novel gellant capable of favorably gelatinizing an oily base.The present invention relates to a gellant for an oily base, which contains the peptide compound represented by the formula (1), and further relates to a gelatinous composition containing (A) the gellant for an oily base, and (B) an oily base.Formula (1): wherein the symbols are as described in the DESCRIPTION.
US09597263B2

A gastric feeding tube and method of use where the tube is of sufficient length for insertion into an esophagus of a subject via the nose or mouth. The gastric feed tube comprises a tube having a distal portion, a middle portion and a proximal portion, an outer surface and an inner surface forming a wall of the tube having a thickness and wherein the wall of the tube defines a lumen of a defined geometry, the lumen having an opening at a distal end of the tube for positioning in a stomach or jejunum of the subject and an opening at the proximal end of the tube for positioning outside of the nose or mouth of the subject wherein the lumen extends longitudinally through the tube connecting the opening at the distal end of the tube and the opening at the proximal end of the tube. The defined geometry of the lumen has a transverse major axis and a transverse minor axis that are perpendicular and wherein a portion of the inner surface of the wall of the tube along the transverse major axis comprises a rib that protrudes into the lumen and thickens the portion of the inner surface of the wall of the tube. The rib prevents the tube from fully collapsing and blocking the lumen when the tube is in use under normal conditions.
US09597261B2

A pill dispensing system that includes pill packages that can be used to dispense pills manually or with a dispenser system to provide enhanced functionality. The packages can be provided with information relating to the packaged pills or to the use of the packaged pills. By reading the information from the package, the dispenser system can know what is in the package, when it is to be taken and can understand and track inventory. The dispenser system provides reminders of when the pills should be taken. The dispenser system may have the ability to key a specific electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a specific user and the dispenser system may require the electronic device to be within proximity of the dispenser system before dispensing pills for that user.
US09597255B2

A gum massaging tool includes a handle portion which accommodates electric or mechanical members and in which a selector switch is provided in an exposed manner; a fixed shaft portion that is fixed to the handle portion so as to extend from one end of the handle portion and is heated according to an operation of the selector switch; a gum contact portion that is rotatable around a distal end portion of the fixed shaft portion and that includes a carbon body which receives heat from the fixed shaft portion and transfers the heat to a gum contacting surface; and a supporting portion that is rotatably engaged with and supports the gum contact portion and is detachably attached to the handle portion.
US09597250B2

Posture apparatus for rehabilitating alterations of the locomotor system includes a rectangular-shaped platform offering housing to two portions and receive a subject user, each portion respectively including a base reversibly respectively fixed to its corresponding portion and adapted to respectively support a support matching the left foot and a support matching the right foot of the subject; a belt with elastic band adapted to be worn by the subject; at least one elastic cord for connecting the belt with support elements present on the apparatus; at least two telescopic rods adapted to fix at a predetermined height the support elements; the apparatus conferring to the anatomic structures involved in the exercise, and to the feet of the subject, a high number of degrees of freedom of movement, with the matching feet supports divided into two transverse portions which allow the foot to perform a natural helical movement.
US09597249B2

Body containment constructions, materials, and methods of use for bio-cremation processes are disclosed. Preferably, the containment constructions of the present invention provide the functionality of liquid containment and also the functionality of body presentment for viewing purposes, if desired, in addition to bio-degradability. Advantageously, liquid containment is provided in a body containment construction that is sufficiently liquid impervious, allows for body transport by sufficient structural support, and is decomposable within the time period for a bio-cremation process. More preferably, the containment construction will dissolve or decompose within a normal procedural time period without leaving any component remaining from the containment construction. According to an aspect of the present invention, a body containment bag is provided that is made from a structural material that is combined with a liquid containment material and one or more closures, wherein the body containment bag is effectively usable for bio-cremation during which all components of the body containment bag can effectively decompose by alkaline hydrolysis. Methods of making and of utilizing a body containment bag for decomposition are also disclosed.
US09597245B2

This invention makes reference to an autonomous, versatile and non-invasive hyperbaric capsule with a new functional and esthetic design for high-pressured air or oxygen therapies for one or more people which can be installed to any structure. It has vertical to horizontal oscillating effect and features a new bolted gate with a 2-movement, 3-position twin closure mechanism. Also, it has all the necessary equipment already built in ready to be operated according to the wishes of the patient inside or by an assistant in the outside.
US09597244B2

Provided is an air mattress in which internal pressure can be controlled according to the movements of a bed.The air mattress is provided with a plurality of air cell groups lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress, each of which groups is made from a plurality of bladder-shaped cells; an air supply/release pump; and an air tube connecting the air cell groups and the air supply/release pump in an independent system for each air cell group of two or more air cell groups out of said air cell groups. Air supply/release by the air supply/release pump to each of the air cell groups is controlled by a controller, at least a part of information needed to control the bed is received from an external sensor for detecting such information, and air supply/release by the air supply/release pump for each of the air cell groups is controlled on the basis of the received information.
US09597243B1

A medical procedure chair that includes a sitting area, a sliding seat back section, and a living hinge connecting the sitting area of the chair to a sliding seat back.
US09597241B2

In one embodiment, a wheelchair drive mechanism adapted to mount to a wheelchair includes a drive lever adapted to be rotated forward and rearward by a user of the wheelchair, a clutch mechanism associated with the drive lever, wherein actuation of the clutch mechanism causes the drive lever to be coupled to a wheel of the wheelchair such that they rotate together, and a clutch actuation device provided on the drive lever that is operable by the wheelchair user to actuate the clutch mechanism.
US09597221B1

A pre-packaged mixture of uncured silicone and a hibernating catalyst, either a tin-based catalyst or a platinum-based catalyst, is shipped from a manufacturer to an end user for use in fabricating a silicone dental arch appliance.
US09597218B2

An orthotic device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a substantially rigid internal footbed with an external rocker bottom, two struts rigidly coupled to the footbed, a paddle coupled to each strut, each paddle having an inner surface configured to face a limb of a patient, and a strap system configured to interface with the paddles for tightening around the limb, the inner surfaces of the paddles including a plurality of protrusions configured to minimize sliding of the first and second paddles with respect to the limb or with respect to a cast applied to the limb. The orthotic device may include two or more support layers on the footbed, each layer having a support aperture larger than and at least partially overlapping the support aperture below.
US09597215B2

A gastrointestinal implant device comprises a planar proximal element configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.
US09597211B2

A prosthesis delivery system comprises a sheath defining an axial direction; at least one tether movable axially relative to the sheath; and a holder movable axially within the sheath, configured to constrain radially the tether(s). Collapsing the prosthesis to a collapsed state in the sheath involves constraining radially with a holder the tether(s), attached to the prosthesis; and moving the tether(s) and the holder axially within the sheath such that the prosthesis is forced to collapse into the sheath and the holder is retracted into the sheath.
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