US09617352B2
A particulate SAE-CD composition is provided. The SAE-CD composition has an advantageous combination of physical properties not found in known solid forms of SAECD. In particular, the SAE-CD composition possesses an advantageous physicochemical and morphological property profile such that it can be tailored to particular uses. The SAE-CD composition of the invention has improved flow and dissolution performance as compared to known compositions of SAE-CD.
US09617329B2
The present disclosure provides methods for producing expression constructs comprising linking a plurality of unlinked nucleic acids, including a nucleic acid encoding a marker protein.
US09617320B2
Four and a Half LIM domains protein 1 (FHL-1) mutations at positions 128 or 224 that are associated with X-linked muscular myopathy, methods of screening subjects to identify those susceptible to muscular myopathy including muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy and kits.
US09617314B2
The present invention relates to novel bacteriophages specific to Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, and compositions comprising the same. Particularly, polypeptides and their coding nucleic acid molecule of the novel bacteriophages are provided. The invention also relates to applications of the novel bacteriophages and the polypeptides in the detection/treatment/prevention of infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Development of immunogen and vaccine on the basis of the polypeptides are also provided.
US09617311B2
Disclosed herein is a synthetic peptide, which has an amino acid sequence that has 20-39 amino acid residues. The synthetic peptide has at least 80% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, and includes at least 20 consecutive residues that has at least 90% amino acid sequence identity to residues 11-30 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Also disclosed herein are compositions containing the synthetic peptide and applications thereof. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the synthetic peptide is useful in promoting stem cells proliferation or wound healing.
US09617310B2
Compounds of formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the various substituents are defined herein, methods of using said compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds.
US09617307B2
Polypeptides belonging to the family of late proteins of the cornified envelope (LCE), fragments of the polypeptide, isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides, and cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical compositions containing such polypeptides are described. The polypeptides have cosmetic and/or therapeutic use to reinforce the barrier function of the epidermis, prevent and/or treat the signs of skin dryness and prevent and/or treat disorders of the barrier function or the weakening of the epidermis.
US09617286B2
The present invention relates to fungicidal N-[(trisubstitutedsilyl)methyl]carboxamide or its thiocarboxamide derivatives with formula: their process of preparation and intermediate compounds for their preparation, their use as fungicides, particularly in the form of fungicidal compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of plants using these compounds or their compositions.
US09617285B2
Provided are compounds useful for controlling endoparasites both in animals and agriculture. Further provided are methods for controlling endoparasite infestations of an animal by administering an effective amount of a compound as described above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to an animal, as well as formulations for controlling endoparasite infestations using the compounds described above or an acceptable salt thereof, and an acceptable carrier. The claimed compounds are described by the following Markush formula: A typical example for a compound according to above formula is: A typical example for a compound according to above formula is:
US09617283B2
The invention relates to new bicyclic heterocycle compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and to the use of the compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer.
US09617279B1
The present invention provides thiazole compounds of Formula I wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, and W, and ring AA, are as defined herein, or a stereoisomer, tautomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrugs, or esters or solvate form thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are inhibitors of platelet aggregation and thus can be used as medicaments for treating or preventing thromboembolic disorders.
US09617269B2
Disclosed are an N-substituted pyrazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine ketone compound of formula (I), and a preparation process and use thereof as a phosphodiesterase IX (PDEIX) inhibitor: wherein R′ is selected from isopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, isobutyl, and o-chlorophenyl; when R″═CH3, R represents benzyl; and when R″═H, R is selected from 3-methylpyridine, 1-phenylethyl, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl, D- or L-configured CHCH3CONHR′″, D- or L-configured CH2CONHR′″, D- or L-configured CH2CH2CONHR′″; wherein R1 is selected from hydrogen, chlorine, methoxy, methyl, trifluoromethyl, dimethoxy, methylenedioxy, and dichlorine, and R2 is selected from hydrogen, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, methyl, dimethoxy, and 2-methyl-4-methoxy, and wherein R′″ is p-methoxyphenyl.
US09617268B2
Provided herein are compounds, compositions thereof and uses therewith for treating spinal muscular atrophy. In a specific embodiment, provided herein are compounds of a form that may be used to modulate the inclusion of exon 7 of SMN2 into mRNA that is transcribed from the SMN2 gene. In another specific embodiment, provided herein are compounds of a form that may be used to modulate the inclusion of exon 7 of SMN1 into mRNA that is transcribed from the SMN1 gene. In yet another embodiment, provided herein are compounds of a form that may be used to modulate the inclusion of exon 7 of SMN1 and SMN2 into mRNA that is transcribed from the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, respectively.
US09617267B2
Compounds of formula (I): and salts thereof, formulations thereof, conjugates thereof, derivatives thereof, forms thereof and uses thereof are described. In certain aspects and embodiments, the described compounds of formula (I) or salts thereof, formulations thereof, conjugates thereof, derivatives thereof, forms thereof are active on at least one Raf protein kinase. In certain aspects and embodiments, the described compounds are active in inhibiting proliferation of a Ras mutant cell line. Also described are methods of use thereof to treat diseases and conditions, including diseases and conditions associated with activity of B-Raf V600E mutant protein kinase, including melanoma, glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, pilocytic astrocytoma, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, biliary tract cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma. Also described are methods of use thereof to treat diseases and conditions, including diseases and conditions associated with activity of c-Raf-1 protein kinase, including acute pain, chronic pain or polycystic kidney disease.
US09617261B2
The invention provides novel substituted heterocyclic compounds represented by Formula I and Formula II, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, polymorph, ester, tautomer or prodrug thereof, and a composition comprising these compounds. The compounds provided can be used as inhibitors of MEK and are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, cancer and other hyperproliferative diseases. The invention further provides a method of treatment for inflammatory diseases, cancer and other hyperproliferative diseases in mammals, especially humans.
US09617249B2
Embodiments herein provide compounds and methods of making and using such compounds for prevention and treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria. In particular, embodiments are directed to anti-bacterial agents from benzo[d]heterocyclic scaffolds for prevention and treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria.
US09617245B2
An N-methyl-substituted triacetonamine compound is prepared by reacting at least one triacetonamine compound (I) with formaldehyde under reductive conditions, in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a supported catalyst, wherein the supported catalyst contains at least one metal M, wherein the metal M is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mo, Mn, Ni, Pd, Pt, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, and Cu.
US09617244B2
The present invention relates to novel substituted quinoline derivatives according to the general Formula (Ia) or Formula (Ib): including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a N-oxide form thereof or a solvate thereof. The claimed compounds are useful for the treatment of a bacterial infection. Also claimed is a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and, as active ingredient, a therapeutically effective amount of the claimed compounds, the use of the claimed compounds or compositions for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a bacterial infection and a process for preparing the claimed compounds.
US09617242B2
The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for treating cancer and neoplastic disease. Provided herein are substituted 3-aminopyridine derivative compounds, substituted 3-aminopyridazine derivative compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. The subject compounds and compositions are useful for inhibition histone demethylase. Furthermore, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for the treatment of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and/or melanoma and the like.
US09617236B2
A method to prepare coumalic acid comprising (a) heating a solution in dichloroethane of malic acid and sulfuric acid or a solution in dichloroethane of malic acid and a perfluorosulfonic acid or (b) adding an acid comprising sulfuric acid or a perfluorosulfonic acid to a solution of malic acid in dichloroethane to yield a solution that is heated for a period of time so as to convert the malic acid into a major amount of coumalic acid and, optionally, a minor amount of fumaric acid.
US09617235B2
The invention relates to a process for transformation of lignocellulosic biomass or cellulose using in a simultaneous manner an original combination of at least two homogeneous catalysts and one or more heterogeneous catalyst(s). The use of these catalysts makes it possible to obtain mono-oxidized or poly-oxidized upgradable products directly and to limit the formation of non-upgradable products. Non-upgradable products are defined as soluble and non-soluble humins, i.e., products of high molecular weight obtained from undesirable condensation reactions of sugars and their derivatives.
US09617226B2
The present invention relates to novel fused heterocyclic or carbocyclic compounds of formula I wherein the variables are as defined in the claims and the description. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and to their use for the treatment of vasopressin-related disorders.
US09617224B2
The present invention provides a method for treating a thrombotic or an inflammatory disorder administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I) or Formula (V): or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate form thereof, wherein the variables A, L, Z, R3, R4, R6, R11, X1, X2, and X3 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula (I) are useful as selective inhibitors of serine protease enzymes of the coagulation cascade and/or contact activation system; for example thrombin, factor Xa, factor XIa, factor IXa, factor VIIa and/or plasma kallikrein. In particular, it relates to compounds that are selective factor XIa inhibitors. This invention also provides compounds within the scope of Formula I and relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
US09617223B2
The present invention provides a base generator having the structure of formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and Y{circle around (−)} are defined as in the specification. The base generator of the present invention can be used for imidization of a polyimide precursor, promoting crosslinking of epoxy monomers, or crosslinking of polyurethane or polyurea.
US09617222B1
The main object of the present invention is to provide a novel compound which has a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity and is useful as an active ingredient for the treatment of diseases accompanying angiogenesis or edema, for example, age-related macular degeneration or the like.The present invention includes, for example, an alkynyl indazole derivative represented by the following general formula (I), a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, and a medicine containing thereof.
US09617216B2
The present invention relates to novel oxodihydropyridinecarbohydrazide derivatives with excellent antifungal activities, an antifungal composition containing the same, and its use for the prevention and treatment of fungal infectious diseases. The oxodihydropyridinecarbohydrazide derivatives of the present invention have excellent antifungal and fungicidal activities, and thus will be useful for the prevention and treatment of various fungal infections by Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus neoformans and Trichophyton spp., etc. Additionally, the oxodihydropyridinecarbohydrazide derivatives of the present invention, unlike other fungicidal preparations, can be orally administered.
US09617205B2
A method of fabricating a liquid crystal polymer film includes providing a support substrate having a surface having a shape arranged to define a form of a liquid crystal polymer film to be fabricated; applying a layer of a photoaligning material over the surface of the support substrate, the photoaligning material having an absorption band; exposing the layer of photoaligning material to a light having a linear polarization and the light comprising a wavelength within the absorption band to convert the layer of photoaligning material into a layer of photoaligned material; applying a layer of a polymerizable liquid crystal over the layer of photoaligned material; performing photopolymerization of the layer of polymerizable liquid crystal to form a liquid crystal polymer film; applying a solvent to the layer of photoaligned material, the solvent formulated to dissolve the photoaligned material to thereby release the liquid crystal polymer film from the support substrate; and removing the liquid crystal polymer film from the support substrate.
US09617203B2
Isolated metabolites of (1R-trans)-N-[[2-(2,3-dihydro-4-benzofuranyl)cyclopropyl]-methyl]propanamide, methods for their use, and compositions containing the metabolites.
US09617201B2
Aromatic amines, for example, diarylamines such as diphenylamine, dinaphthylamine, N-phenyl-N-naphthyl amine etc., are alkylated by passing a mixture of the amine and an olefin, though a clay catalyst in a fixed bed reactor system. The process is conveniently run as a continued process, produces an alkylated aromatic amine in excellent purity and provides efficiencies in material and energy use.
US09617199B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing methyl methacrylate by a direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein with oxygen and methanol, which is conducted in the liquid phase at a pressure of 2 to 100 bar with a gold catalyst. According to the invention, the liquid phase is withdrawn continuously from the reactor and optionally enriched with oxygenous gas, the pH, after the withdrawal, is adjusted to a pH between 5 and 9 by means of addition of a basic solution and this liquid phase is conducted back into the reactor again to an extent of at least 50%.
US09617198B2
The invention relates to a method for the purification of natural vanillin, comprising at least one step in which the natural vanillin is evaporated.
US09617191B1
The present invention is a composting bioreactor system that can be continually fed with biodegradable solid wastes, waste waters and exhaust gases, that can automatically recycle the biodegradable wastes into liquid nutrients and heat energy, and that automatically supplies the nutritious liquid and heat into the integrated hydroponics system or aquaponics system. The invention together with the integrated food growing system can be installed onsite in places such as household balconies, household backyards and premises of restaurants and food factories etc. therefore can lead to zero mileage targets both for recycling the wastes and for growing the foods consumed in the same location. It can fully recover and reuse all the nutrients and heat energy from the treated wastes. It can also reach the target of nearly zero pollution to the environment during all processes. For better operational efficiency, an oblique cone agitator, a fish plow agitator and a vortex flower turbine are specially designed for the bioreactor system.
US09617184B2
A building product comprises calcium sulphate dihydrate particles bound by an organic binder. The calcium sulphate dihydrate particles each have a longest dimension and a lateral dimension, wherein the lateral dimension corresponds to the maximum breadth of the particle about the axis defined by the longest dimension. The calcium sulphate dihydrate particles have a low aspect ratio such that for at least 75% of the calcium sulphate dihydrate particles, the value of the lateral dimension is at least 20% of the value of the longest dimension.
US09617171B2
A biocidal purification reactor, including a main cylinder tube (1A;1B), at least one end cap (2A,2B,2C) closing at least one axial end opening of the main cylinder tube (1A;1B), at least two ports (3A,3B) communicating with the interior volume (4) of the main cylinder tube (1A;1B) in the vicinity of the respective axial ends of the cylinder tube (1A;1B), and at least one of said end caps (2A) or said main cylinder tube (1B) including a UV-light source (7A;7B).
US09617155B2
The present invention relates to a specific process for producing trisilylamine from monochlorosilane and ammonia in the liquid phase. The invention further relates to a plant wherein such a process can be carried out with advantage.
US09617149B2
The present disclosure relates to a device for analyzing a fluid sample. In one aspect, the device includes a fluidic substrate that comprises a micro-fluidic component embedded in the fluidic substrate configured to propagate a fluid sample via capillary force through the device and a means for providing a fluid sample connected to the micro-fluidic component. The device also includes a lid attached to the fluidic substrate at least partly covering the fluidic substrate and at least partly closing the micro-fluidic component. The fluidic substrate may be a silicon fluidic substrate and the lid may be a CMOS chip. In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for fabricating such a device, and the method may include providing a fluidic substrate, providing a lid, and attaching, through a CMOS compatible bonding process, the fluidic substrate to the lid to close the fluidic substrate at least partly.
US09617141B2
MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.
US09617138B2
An output unit for a beverage dispenser outputs hot beverages and/or ingredients for beverages to a container standing below the output unit. The output unit has one or more outlet assemblies for beverages and/or ingredients. Improved cleaning and/or mixing is achieved in that each of the outlet assemblies has a central inner outlet and an outer outlet which concentrically encloses the inner outlet, and in that the outer outlet is designed as a ring nozzle directed in the outlet direction so that a fluid which is output through the outer outlet encloses the inner outlet in the form of a concentric liquid sheath.
US09617126B2
A restraining roller of a hook winch has a roller middle part and first and second roller end parts. The roller middle part is formed in a columnar shape. Each of the first and second roller end parts is formed in a roughly circular truncated cone shape. The widths of the first and second roller end parts are greater than the diameter of a wire rope. A difference in diameter between an inner end and outer end of each of the first and second roller end parts is less than the diameter of the wire rope. Taper angles of the first and second roller end parts are different from each other.
US09617124B2
A cargo crane (1) for transferring containers (50) to and from a ship (100) birthed alongside a quay (110) is disclosed. The cargo crane (1) includes: at least one quayside support leg (10) supported by a bogie (60) arranged to travel on a rail, at least one landside support leg (20) supported by a bogie (60) arranged to travel on a rail, a boom (2) configured to extend over a ship (100) birthed alongside a quay (110), a trolley (3) displaceably connected to said boom (2), and container lifting means (5) connected to said trolley (3) The invention is novel and inventive in that said at least one quayside support leg (10) in a first height define an outer horizontal width (A) and, in a second height, said at least one quayside support leg (10) define an inner horizontal width (B′) wherein said inner horizontal width (B′) in said second height is greater or less than said outer horizontal width (A) of said quayside support leg (10) in said first height.
US09617115B2
A method for determining the parameters connected to the run times of elevators and for using said parameters in the control of the elevators in an elevator system includes selecting a plurality of floor pairs from a plurality of floors served by the elevators; measuring runs between the selected floor pairs with one or more elevators; registering run events connected to the measured runs; determining, on the basis of the run events, a plurality of run time parameters connected to the run times; and controlling the elevators based on the aforementioned run time parameters when the elevators are in transport operation.
US09617114B2
A hose reel structure includes an hose spool for coiling hose, a frame which rotatably supports the hose spool, and a guide arm which restricts the angle of approach of hose to the hose spool. The hose spool and guide arm are connected to the frame. At least one of the frame and guide arm are substantially U-shaped structures formed from an L-shaped piece and an I-shaped piece. The L-shaped piece has a first long side at approximately a right angle with a shorter base or front. The I-shaped piece has a second long side and fastener holes for connecting to the shorter base or front.
US09617113B2
A clamping device (1) for receiving and clamping a film roll (2) is described, comprising a winding core (21) and a film reel (22) arranged on the winding core (21), wherein the clamping device (1) can be moved from an open position, in which the film roll (2) can be inserted into the clamping device (1) or removed from the clamping device (1), into a clamping position, in which the film roll (2) is clamped in the clamping device (1). The clamping device (1) comprises a grooved shaft (11) with receiving grooves (11n) arranged in the longitudinal direction offset at the same angular distance, a screw gear formed from a ring nut (12) and a lock nut (14), and clamping levers (16) arranged radially offset at the same angular distance. An output member of the screw gear interacts with the clamping levers (16) such that, when the clamping device (1) is in the clamping position, the clamping levers (16) bear on the base of the grooves (11n) of the grooved shaft (11) and on the inner wall of the winding core (21), forming a clamping force.
US09617111B2
A yarn creel assembly includes a vertical frame, a plurality of vertically spaced package holders, and a vertically disposed arcuate yarn guide. The package holders are mounted on the frame and adapted for carrying respective yarn packages, whereby a tail end of a first yarn package is attached to a head end of a second yarn package. The arcuate yarn guide extends between adjacent package holders, and is adapted for guiding a moving end of yarn drawn from an emptying first yarn package and transitioning to a full second yarn package.
US09617104B2
A compensating device (1) for fluctuating transport speeds of a fiber nonwoven (3). The compensating device (1) has a buffer belt (2) driven in a loop with three or four or more deflection points (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) and with a variable sag (11) of the carrying run supporting the fiber nonwoven (3). The compensating device (1) further has an adjusting element (19) for adjusting the location of at least one deflecting point (15, 16).
US09617100B2
A sheet medium stacking conveying device and method, wherein the method comprises a medium conveying step, the medium conveying step comprises: moving a stacking mechanism for clamping media from a medium inlet to a medium outlet along a moving path, and discharging the media clamped by the stacking mechanism towards the medium outlet relative to the stacking mechanism in a process of moving the stacking mechanism towards the medium outlet. The stacking mechanism of the conveying device can reciprocally move between a collection position and discharge position of the media under the driving of a driving mechanism, and the media can be discharged under the condition of no additional power source.
US09617098B2
An image forming apparatus has a registration roller pair, an upstream-side roller pair, a driving force source, a shared clutch, and an upstream-side roller stop delay mechanism. The upstream-side roller pair is provided on the upstream side of the registration roller pair with respect to the sheet transport direction. The driving force source generates a rotating driving force. The shared clutch engages and disengages the transmission of the rotating driving force from the driving force source to the registration roller pair and the upstream-side roller pair. When the transmission of the rotating driving force is disengaged by the shared clutch, the upstream-side roller stop delay mechanism delays the stopping of the upstream-side roller pair relative to the stopping of the registration roller pair.
US09617097B2
A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.
US09617096B2
A transport apparatus includes: a separation roller pair which is operated when power is transmitted from a first motor; a resist roller pair which is operated when power is transmitted from a second motor; an assist roller pair which is disposed between the separation roller pair and the resist roller pair in the transport direction of the document; a first transmission mechanism portion which transmits the power from the first motor to the assist roller pair; a second transmission mechanism portion which transmits the power from the second motor to the assist roller pair; and a control portion which controls operation aspects of each roller pair.
US09617091B2
Interlocked with an operation in which a feeding cassette is drawn out from a main body of a device, a restriction rib moves to a permissive position from a restrictive position, and interlocked with an operation in which the feeding cassette is inserted into the main body of the device, the restriction rib moves to the restrictive position from the permissive position.
US09617090B2
An image forming apparatus of the invention includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet; a plurality of storage portions each configured to store the sheet with the image formed thereon by the image forming unit; an opening configured to expose the sheet stored in the storage portion to the outside; and a sheet moving unit configured to move the sheet until a leading edge of the sheet stored in the storage portion passes the opening and a portion of the sheet is exposed from the opening to the outside. The sheet moving unit exposes sheets stored in a plurality of the storage portions in a stacked manner from the opening.
US09617084B1
In one aspect, an apparatus includes an elongated housing, first and second spaced-apart material inlet openings in a top wall of the housing, an outlet opening in a bottom wall of the housing, a first conveyor configured to move material received from the first material inlet toward the outlet opening, and a second conveyor configured to move material received from the first material inlet toward the outlet opening. The outlet opening is longitudinally disposed between the first and second spaced-apart material inlet openings. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a housing having first and second opposite ends and an outlet opening in a bottom wall of the housing. The first end is configured to receive a portion of a first conveyor and the second end is configured to receive a portion of a second conveyor. The first and second conveyors are configured to move material toward the outlet opening.
US09617080B2
In the case of a central belt system (1) with article shafts (2), ejectors (5), moving central belt (4) and central control unit (6), an automatic control system (7′) which is connected to the control unit (6) for articles to be controlled on the moving central belt (4), with a connected image processing unit (8), and a camera system (9, 10) possibly in addition with an illumination system (11). The camera and illumination systems (9, 10) are set in such a way, and the articles to be controlled which are arranged chaotically on the central belt (4) are ejected by the ejectors (5) in such a way, that optical shadow formation at the article to be controlled on the central belt (4) is preferably just prevented.
US09617078B2
The present disclosure relates to a conveyor frame assembly that includes a pair of spaced side rails joined by one or more cross supports. Each of the cross supports includes an attachment clamp such that the first and second ends of the cross support can be securely attached to an inner surface of the side rails. The attachment clamp includes a pair of attachment jaws that are joined to each other by an adjustment member. Rotation of the adjustment member causes the attachment jaws to move toward each other. As the attachment jaws move toward each other, an engagement surface formed on each of the attachment jaws causes the side rails and cross support to move toward each other to securely attach the cross support between the side rails to allow for easy and convenient construction and field modification of the conveyor frame assembly.
US09617073B2
A lid for a storage receptacle includes a substantially planar top panel including a plurality of openings, a substantially planar slideable closure having a plurality of closure portions capable of closing each of the plurality of openings in the top panel, and a plurality of accessible portions capable of allowing access through each of the plurality of openings in the top panel. The lid further includes a guide mechanism capable of guiding the slideable closure between a first position and a second position, and an activation mechanism capable of receiving an input to move the slideable closure between one of the first position and the second position along the guide mechanism.
US09617069B2
The thermal insulation system of the present invention is for non-vacuum applications and is specifically tailored to the ambient pressure environment with any level of humidity or moisture. The thermal insulation system includes a multilayered composite including i) at least one thermal insulation layer and at least one compressible barrier layer provided as alternating, successive layers, and ii) at least one reflective film provided on at least one surface of the thermal insulation layer and/or said compressible barrier layer. The different layers and materials and their combinations are designed to provide low effective thermal conductivity for the system by managing all modes of heat transfer. The thermal insulation system includes an optional outer casing surrounding the multilayered composite. The thermal insulation system is particularly suited for use in any sub-ambient temperature environment where moisture or its adverse effects are a concern. The thermal insulation system provides physical resilience against damaging mechanical effects including compression, flexure, impact, vibration, and thermal expansion/contraction.
US09617066B2
A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.
US09617058B2
A liner for protecting two articles, stacked or side-by-side, comprises panels each of which consists of inflated tubes. The panels provide protection for the top, bottom and sides of both articles. Where the articles are stacked there is a panel between the top of the lower article and the bottom of the upper article. Where the articles are side-by-side there is a panel between the adjacent side surfaces of the two articles. A shipping container is also disclosed which comprises a liner having side wall panels, a lid and a base. Each panel comprises a number of parallel side-by-side tubes. There is an air manifold to which the tubes are connected and an air valve through which air for inflating the panels can be introduced. The liner fits snugly in an outer enclosure which is rigid or is a soft bag. A stiff inset sheet in the bag and against its base imparts rigidity to it. The lid is secured along one of its edges to the walling of the bag and there is a sliding clasp fastener along the edges of the lid and the top edge of the walling for releasably securing the other three edges of the lid to the side walling.
US09617053B2
A reclosable flexible package for storing a food product and a method of manufacture thereof are provided. The package includes a flexible film side wall, a closed first end, a closed second end portion that can be separated from the side wall to provide an access opening, and a collar. The collar can be formed in the side wall or attached to the side wall. The collar is more rigid than adjacent portions of the side wall and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the package to twist portions of the side wall and block access to the opening after removal of the second end portion.
US09617052B2
A package is disclosed for housing a trap-sealed blister card within an outer housing with an optional window (142) for viewing a product (P) in the blister (300).
US09617051B2
A bottle cap that is an apparatus for containing heterogeneous materials, applied in the discharge direction of materials in a container, comprises: a main body coupled to a bottle neck; and a containing unit assembled inside the main body with a storage space. An activated unit is assembled in the center of the upper support unit of the main body. An activation unit for downward movement is coupled to the activated unit so that the activated unit may move downward by a separate activation unit. An opening/closing unit is coupled with the lower part of the activated unit with the above structure in order to seal an opening/closing hole of the storage space.
US09617046B1
Beverage lid apparatuses for directing scent to a user are provided. In some embodiments, a beverage lid apparatus can be configured to attach to a beverage container and, by way of a drinking aperture on the lid, direct the scent of a beverage in the beverage container to the nose of a user when the user drinks from the drinking aperture. For example, the size and shape of the drinking aperture can be configured to allow scent from the beverage container to pass through the drinking aperture and above the flow of the beverage, upward into the nose of the user when the user drinks from the drinking aperture. In some embodiments, a beverage lid apparatus can further include a sliding cover configured to prevent spillage and/or contain heat and/or aroma.
US09617037B2
An article of manufacture includes a label, a first glue resist area. The first glue resist area is located on a back of the label. The first glue resist area is configured to prevent at least one edge of the label from curling during a labeling process.
US09617031B1
A foldable liquid retaining bowl made from a single sheet of flexible material and a pair of standard fastening devices. The sheet of material is capable of being folded into a bowl form with a base and four side walls without needing to be cut or otherwise modified. The side walls are held together on each end by the fastening device such as a glued joint. The sheet of material is treated on at least one side with a water resistant coating. The folded bowl form is capable of being folded flat for storage and or transport. A preferred embodiment includes the sheet of material being made of Kraft paper coated with Polylactide acid (PLA).
US09617030B2
The present invention relates to a blank and a box obtained from such a cardboard or corrugated-cardboard blank, comprising a succession of four leaves that are connected together in pairs by first folding lines, specifically two end leaves that are separated by two intermediate leaves, and comprising on each side a set of rectangular flaps. One intermediate leaf comprises at least one opening adjacent to a first folding line joining to an end leaf, the adjacent end leaf comprising, on its peripheral edge opposite the first folding line, at least one tab which has a shape complementary to the opening, is located in line with the opening and is connected to the leaf by a second folding line parallel to the first folding lines.
US09617025B2
The present invention relates to a packaging machine having a thermoforming station, a sealing station and/or a cutting device, wherein at least one of said stations or the cutting device have a lifting table having a lifting device.
US09617022B2
A method and system for packaging products provides for initially, vertically stacking a plurality of products during production in a transfer canister, simultaneously removing a stack of the products from the transfer canister, reorienting the stack and horizontally loading the stack into a final product package cavity. The invention has applicability to a wide range of products, particularly food products, such as refrigerated dough products. In one embodiment of the invention, the product package cavity is thermoformed as part as an overall horizontal form, fill and seal system.
US09617017B1
An orbital debris interception vehicle includes a satellite bus and a debris interception module releasably coupled to the satellite bus. The debris interception module includes a debris impact pad, such as a pancake-shaped Whipple shield. A plurality of such vehicles can be deployed into an equatorial orbit and maneuvered to intercept orbital debris as it passes through the equatorial plane. In particular, the satellite bus can release the debris interception module before an intercept and reconnect to it after the intercept.
US09617007B2
A system for controlling a cooling system comprises an operating state detection unit adapted to detect operating signals characteristic of the operating state of the cooling system and/or the operating state of a plurality of cooling energy consumers to be supplied with cooling energy by the cooling system and a database in which priority data dependent on the operating state and characteristic of the priority to be given to the cooling energy consumers in terms of the cooling energy to be supplied in various operating states of the cooling system and/or of the cooling energy consumers, is stored for a plurality of cooling energy consumers to be supplied with cooling energy by the cooling system.
US09617003B2
A wearable device for operating one or more aircraft related systems, a device system comprising a plurality of such wearable devices, a system comprising such a wearable device and one or more aircraft related systems, and an aircraft comprising such a device system. The wearable device comprises: a user interface configured to receive a user input and to output information corresponding to the received user input; a system interface to connect the wearable device to the aircraft related systems; and a control unit configured to communicate with the aircraft related systems via the system interface to operate at least one of the aircraft related systems and to receive information from at least one of the aircraft related systems. The user interface is further configured to output the information received from the at least one of the aircraft related systems.
US09616996B2
An aircraft rotor head is provided and includes a rotor hub including a central portion and radial arms extending outwardly from the central portion, blade retention yokes, each blade retention yoke being pivotably coupled to a corresponding one of the radial arms at one end and to a corresponding blade at another end and a lag restraint star rotatable about and translatable along the central portion. The lag restraint star is coupled to each of the blade retention yokes to facilitate uniform blade lead/lag and uniform blade coning.
US09616994B2
An asymmetric multirotor helicopter has a structure supporting at least one main and two secondary propulsion systems. A flight control unit controls the helicopter by varying the relative speed of each of the main and secondary propulsion systems. Each main propulsion system includes at least one main motor drive and a main drive shaft that carries and propels a main differential contra-rotating transmission configured to share the power provided by the main drive shaft with two contra-rotating output shafts. Each secondary propulsion system includes at least one secondary motor drive and a secondary drive shaft that carries and propels respective secondary propulsion blades. The two contra-rotating output shafts support and propel for mutually contra-rotation motion two sets of main propulsion blades. The main drive shaft rotates in the same direction as one of the secondary drive shafts and at least one secondary drive shaft rotates in an opposite direction.
US09616991B2
Generally, a mechanically self-regulating propeller is described which may have a central hub unit disposed around a shaft member, at least two blades coupled to the central hub unit, at least one timing hub coupled to each of the at least two blades, and a hydraulic unit coupled to the at least one timing hub. The at least one timing hub is slidably engaged to the shaft member. When not in use the blades lay substantially parallel to the central hub unit. When the central hub unit is rotated the blades begin to open or fan out to a position that is substantially perpendicular to the central hub unit. The propeller may be used any number of implementations including vehicles, generators, and any other mechanism requiring a propeller or similarly structured device.
US09616985B1
A one-handed paddle for use in pairs with paddleboards, each paddle comprising a longitudinal main shaft, an axial ski pole type grip on the upper end of the shaft and aligned with the shaft axis, an elongated elastic wrist/arm strap on an upper surface of the shaft near the grip defining a tunnel for the arm generally parallel to the shaft in an unstretched condition, and a blade on the lower end of the shaft, the blade set at an acute upward angle to the main axis of the shaft. The blade has an inverted, rounded L-shape, with an inwardly-facing upper shoulder extending inwardly above and beyond a lower inner edge of the blade, the shoulder configured to ride along the upper surface of a paddleboard during the push portion of a paddling stroke.
US09616978B2
There is provided a navigation route generation device with which a host moving body can be navigated by offsetting it parallel to a line on the current travel direction of the host moving body by a simple operation, without changing the preset destination or bearing. A plotter that is part of an automatic steering system of a ship comprises a current route acquisition component, a parallel route generator, and a navigation route setting component. The current route acquisition component acquires the travel direction of the host ship. The parallel route generator generates a parallel route, which is a route that is parallel to the travel direction acquired by the current route acquisition component. The navigation route setting component sets the parallel route generated by the parallel route generator to the navigation route of the host ship.
US09616971B2
In one embodiment, a control device for a trim tab of a boat includes a plurality of stabilizers, one of each provided on each side of the boat, and a joystick. The stabilizers include blades and a control actuator for each blade, which determines the regulation of the angle of each blade in respect of a plane identifying the transom of the boat. The joystick is connected to a control circuit, which generates a command signal based on a movement of the joystick and coordinates the position of each of the stabilizers, thereby causing the bow of the boat to move in the same direction as the joystick.
US09616969B2
A gearing system comprises a first rotational input, a second rotational input and a rotational output. The first rotational input and second rotational input may transmit a rotation to the rotational output, wherein one of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through a one way clutch, and wherein the other of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through an overrunning clutch, wherein said one way clutch and said overrunning clutch are rotationally coupled. The gearing system may be used in electric bicycles, but may also be used in other dual propulsion vehicles such as hybrid cars.
US09616966B2
The present invention provides a bicycle comprising a motor mounted to a motor mount of the bicycle frame. The motor mount includes a down tube mount coupled to a down tube, a chainstay mount coupled to a chainstay, and a side brace secured to the down tube mount and wrapping around one side of the motor to the chainstay mount. Preferably, when viewed from the side, the side brace extends directly from the down tube mount to the chainstay mount. Preferably, the motor mount further comprises a lower support secured to the down tube mount and wrapped around a bottom of the motor to the chainstay mount. The motor mount can further include an upper support connecting the seat tube mount to the down tube mount. This upper support can include an upper flange secured to the motor.
US09616965B2
An automatic pedal for bicycles comprising a main body provided with means for its pivoting along an axis to a pedal crank, the main body comprising a compartment arranged to abuttingly house a first portion of a cleat associated with a shoe of a cyclist, and a coupling element pivoted to the main body and spring loaded, adapted to cooperate with a second portion of said cleat to removable fix, together with said compartment, the cleat to the main body, in which said compartment comprises at least one first and one second seat arranged to alternatively abuttingly receive said first portion of the cleat, the first seat being closer to the axis of said pivotal means than the second seat, such that the cyclist is able to choose where to abuttingly position the cleat, hence adjusting the position of the shoe relative to the pivotal axis.
US09616963B2
A quick release device for at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, having an axle unit and a clamping mechanism. The axle unit includes an axle extending axially, a locking means at a first end of the axle unit and a fastener at a second end of the axle unit. The clamping mechanism is suitable for mounting and demounting the axle unit to a two-wheeled vehicle. The clamping mechanism includes an operating lever and a clamping component connected therewith. The clamping component can be non-rotatably coupled with the axle unit and can be decoupled from the axle unit. The operating lever of the clamping mechanism can be moved from an engagement position in which it is non-rotatably connected with the clamping component to a rotary position in which it is freely rotatable relative to the clamping component, while the clamping component is non-rotatably coupled with the axle unit.
US09616936B2
There are provided a pair of roof rails, a roof panel, a front header, a pair of front pillars, a windshield provided between the front header and the front pillars, a front inclination roof reinforcement extending rearward, a front portion of which is joined to the front header, and partition members provided inside the front header at respective positions which do not overlap with, in a vehicle width direction, the front inclination roof reinforcement. Thereby, vertical vibrations of the front header caused by vertical vibrations of the windshield can be suppressed with a light structure, so that the comfortability of the ride (the vibration damping performance) can be improved.
US09616934B2
The present disclosure provides a hybrid side sill for an automobile. The hybrid side sill may includes a pultruded profile part including a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer, which has a heat deflection temperature of at least 200 °C., and a terminal part including steel, which is attached to an end portion of the pultruded profile part. The present disclosure further provides an automobile body including such a hybrid side sill and also a method of manufacturing a hybrid side sill for an automobile. The manufacturing method includes a step for forming a pultruded profile part including a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer, which has a heat deflection temperature of at least 200 °C., and a step for attaching a terminal part made of steel to an end portion of the pultruded profile part.
US09616932B2
A chassis assembly of a vehicle includes an underbody and a subframe. A connector extends along an axis and connects the subframe and the underbody. A first wedge is fixed to one of the underbody and the subframe about the axis and a second wedge is fixed to the other of the underbody and subframe about the axis. The first wedge includes a protrusion and the second wedge defines a recess receiving the protrusion in a direction along the axis. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, the subframe may rotate relative to the underbody. During this rotation the first wedge and second wedge rotate relative to each other and the protrusion moves along the recess to apply a tensile load to the connection to break the connection.
US09616929B2
A cross-member is provided for a vehicle having a frame structure including two longitudinal beams, wherein the cross-member includes a main portion and two end-sections wherein each end section includes an outer surface for facing an inner surface of a longitudinal frame beam wherein the cross-member includes at least one protrusion extending from the outer surface of the end-sections for being introduced into a hole or notch of the frame beam for forming a form-lock to one more components to be mounted to the longitudinal frame beam.
US09616928B2
An autonomous steering system for a vehicle includes a park assist steering module configured to generate a first steering angle command across a communication network of the vehicle. A backup assist steering module is also configured to generate a second steering angle command across the communication network of the vehicle. A steering angle controller is configured to receive the first and second steering angle commands and generate a third steering angle command for controlling a steered wheel of the vehicle based on acceptable steering column torque conditions for the respective steering module.
US09616920B2
An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. A first pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is continuously driven by an engine of the vehicle, during operation of the engine, to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A second pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is continuously driven by an engine of the vehicle, during operation of the engine. A valve connected with the power steering motor assembly and the second pump directs fluid flow from the second pump to at least one of the power steering motor assembly and reservoir during operation of both the first pump and the second pump. A pumping mechanism includes a first pumping area defining the first pump and a second pumping area defining the second pump. The first pumping area is smaller than the second pumping area.
US09616908B2
Mobile carts are adapted to facilitate both storage and mobility. In at least one example, a mobile cart may include a frame with a first longitudinal end and an opposing second longitudinal end. A swing-arm assembly may be coupled to the frame to pivot between a storage mode and a cart mode, where a handle is positioned adjacent the first longitudinal end of the frame and a pair of wheels are positioned beyond the second longitudinal end of the frame when the swing-arm assembly is positioned in the storage mode, and where the handle is positioned beyond the second longitudinal end of the frame and the wheels are positioned adjacent a bed portion of the frame when the swing-arm assembly is positioned in the cart mode. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.
US09616899B2
Systems and methods for optimizing worksite operations based on operator conditions are disclosed. One method includes receiving first data including one or more of a worksite model and information relating to actual operation of a worksite, wherein the worksite model includes a simulated operation of a machine associated with the worksite. Second data may be received, the second data associated with an operator of a machine at the worksite and including one or more of nutritional data, health data, and sleep data. An operation state may be determined based at least on the first data and the second data. A response may be generated based at least on the determined operation state.
US09616897B2
Systems and methods for obtaining data about road conditions as they pertain to an individual vehicle, using this information to build a model of vehicle behavior as a function of its environment, and aggregating information concerning multiple vehicles along with data from other sources in order to predict vehicle behavior in future environments.
US09616892B2
A shifting system for a vehicle includes an engine with a throttle connected to a transmission. An activating assembly is connected to the transmission, the throttle and a brake. The activating assembly is capable of activating the transmission to change direction.
US09616891B2
A guidance system and method is provided which is suitable for guiding a follower vehicle such that it follows a leader. It includes a system for localizing the leader relative to the follower vehicle. At least two distance measuring devices designed to be carried by the follower vehicle are provided, each being suitable for measuring a distance from a reference point of the follower vehicle, associated with the distance measuring device, to the leader. The reference points are spaced apart from one another, and a computer is provided which is, programmed to deduce the position of the leader relative to the follower vehicle from the distances measured by the measuring devices.
US09616889B2
Provided are a cruise control system for controlling a driving device and a corresponding method. The cruise control system includes: an information collector configured to obtain road information and driving information; a first path generator configured to generate a first change path connecting a first lane changing start point and a first lane changing end point on a straight road, based on the road information and the driving information; and a second path generator configured to generate a driving road corresponding to an actual road from the straight road, based on the road information, and generate a second change path connecting a second lane changing start point and a second lane changing end point on the driving road.
US09616888B2
A vehicle system includes a sensor that detects a speed of at least one nearby vehicle and outputs a speed signal representing the speed of the at least one nearby vehicle. The vehicle system further includes a processing device programmed to determine a set point speed based on the speed signal output by the sensor. The processing device generates a command signal to control a host vehicle in accordance with the set point speed.
US09616887B2
A driving assistance device for a vehicle includes an object detection section for detecting objects present on the periphery of an own vehicle and determines whether the own vehicle is located within a predetermined region from an intersection. The driving assistance device extracts, from the detected objects, a first moving object which may come into collision with the own vehicle as the own vehicle enters the intersection. The driving assistance device extracts, from the detected objects, a second moving object crossing a road on which the first moving object is traveling between the own vehicle and the first moving object, and acquires motion information of the second moving object crossing the intersection. The driving assistance device determines that the own vehicle can enter the intersection when acquiring the motion information of the second moving object.
US09616885B2
A vehicular acceleration suppression device reduces the degradation in the drive performance due to the acceleration suppression control activated outside the parking region. A parking frame line candidate which is a candidate of a parking frame line is extracted from a bird's-eye view image acquired by performing a bird's-eye view conversion on a captured image around a vehicle, and a parking frame line candidate corresponding line corresponding the parking frame line candidate is extracted from the captured image of the front of the vehicle. Then, the parking frame line candidate corresponding to the parking frame line candidate corresponding line length of which is longer than a parking frame line length threshold is eliminated from the candidate to be detected as the parking frame.
US09616883B2
A hybrid vehicle includes a mechanical oil pump that is driven by an engine and an electric oil pump that is driven by an electric motor, and is configured to activate the electric oil pump when traveling in an electric traveling mode, in which the engine is stopped and traveling is executed by a driving force from a driving motor.
US09616866B2
Inlet and outlet ports are in the top part of a base; a reservoir is in the bottom part of the base; pumps are between the inlet port and the reservoir; a pressure booster valve, a depressurizing valve, a cut valve, and a caliper pressure sensor are along the center axis of each pump; the pressure booster valve is above the center axis; the depressurizing valve is below the center axis; the cut valve is between the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve and is nearer the middle of the base than the pressure booster valve and the depressurizing valve; and a suction valve is between the depressurizing valves aligned nearer the end of the base than a vertical reference line passing through the rotational center axes of the pumps. The suction valve communicates with cut valves, and a master pressure sensor is on the reference line.
US09616863B2
A park brake assembly includes a base. A park brake lever is pivotal about the base. A pawl is pivotal about a pawl pivot. The pawl is linked to the brake lever. A sector is attached to the base and the pawl releasably locks and unlocks relative to the sector. The pawl includes a pivot slot that receives the pawl pivot and wherein the pawl translates about the pawl pivot changing an angle of engagement of the pawl relative to the sector when subjected to a force.
US09616862B2
An actuator for an electric parking brake system has an outer housing. A planetary gear train and an electric motor are disposed in the outer housing. At least one gear connects the motor to the planetary gear train. The planetary gear train comprises a multi-stage planetary gear mechanism. A gear housing accommodates the planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear train further comprises a centering pin extending through the gear mechanism, such that the planetary gear mechanism rotates about the centering pin. Each stage has a sun gear, a ring gear, a plurality of planet gears meshed with the sun gear and ring gear, and a planet carrier rotatably supporting the planet gears.
US09616859B2
A system and method to level a vehicle. The method utilizes a reference current draw unique for each individual actuator that is measured and saved at measured temperature and actuator actuating duration times. The reference current draws are adjusted by a fixed predetermined compensation increment and by a variable predetermined time and temperature increment. During operating function steps, actual extend and retract current draws are measured, which may be at another temperature and duration time. The adjusted reference current draws are compared to the actual extend and retract current draws to determine when desired conditions such as ground contact or fully retracted condition are achieved.
US09616858B2
A jointed car wash gravity hose boom is provided. The jointed car wash gravity hose boom has a first frame unit and a second frame unit secured together at a joint and wherein the first frame unit has a lower support beam and an upper support beam wherein the lower support beam extends upward at approximately a ten to forty degree angle. A hose supplying air, water, soap, wax, foam, tire shine or other liquids for washing a car is secured to the second frame and extends downward at the distal end of the second frame. When the hose is pulled into place by a user, the first frame and second frame generally extend at the joint and allow the user to move the hose around a car wash bay. When relaxed, the jointed car wash gravity hose boom folds at the joint and automatically moves parallel to a wall by gravity.
US09616857B1
An overhead snow moving device for moving snow positioned overhead includes a plurality of rods. Each rod has a first end and a second end, and comprises a plurality of nested sections. Supports are coupled to and extend between the rods proximate to top ends of the nested sections. A strut is coupled to and extends between the rods proximate to the first ends of the rods. First couplers are positioned proximate to the top ends of the nested sections. Second couplers, complimentary to the first couplers, are positioned proximate to bottom ends of the nested sections. Each of a plurality of extenders is angularly coupled to and extends from a respective second end of a rod. A plow is coupled to each of the extenders distally from the second ends of the rods.
US09616842B2
A vehicle hood structure including a hood outer panel and a hood inner panel, wherein the hood inner panel is made from a resin, is disposed at a hood lower side of the hood outer panel, is joined to the hood outer panel, and includes a general portion, plural ribs and a weakened portion, wherein: the general portion has a general face that faces the hood outer panel, the plural ribs project out from the general portion toward the hood outer panel side and extend along the general face, and are set at intervals in either a hood width direction or a hood front-rear direction, and the weakened portion is formed at the ribs and extends along an extension direction of the ribs.
US09616838B2
The invention relates to an airbag module (10) for being arranged on an instrument panel (5) comprising a fastening portion (22) provided for being arranged on the instrument panel (5), an inflator (16), an airbag (12), a receiving portion (26) for the airbag (12) extending from the inflator (16) to the fastening portion (22) and a retaining portion (24) which is accessible from outside of the receiving portion (26) and serves for retaining the inflator (16). The invention also relates to a subassembly comprising an instrument panel (5) and an airbag module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the fastening portion (22) of the airbag module (10) being connected to the instrument panel (5) and a retainer (28) formed separately from the airbag module (10) being provided which is connected to the retaining portion (24) of the airbag module (10).
US09616832B2
One bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket is composed of a metallic workpiece with an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has at least one undulation trough and at least two undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in regions of the undulation trough. Another bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper bracket and a deformation element connected to the bumper bracket. The bumper bracket has an undulating form such that the bumper bracket has a plurality of undulation troughs and a plurality of undulation peaks, and reinforcement zones are formed in each undulation trough. In each system, a second deformation element may be connected to the bumper bracket, and at least one characteristic of the reinforcement zones may increase or decrease between the deformation elements and a middle of the bumper bracket.
US09616820B2
A storage container removably securable to a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The storage container includes a bottom end, sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume in which items can be stored. A lid is pivotally secured to the open upper end of the container by a hinge. The lid includes locking latches for securing the lid in a closed configuration. The storage container further includes a step on a lower end thereof that provides users with easy access to the bed of a pick-up truck when the storage container is secured to a pick-up truck. The storage container may further include one or more handles thereon. The storage container includes a pair of light assemblies that can be electrically connected to a vehicle's electrical system. The storage container further includes a hitch assembly for securing the storage container to the hitch receiver of a vehicle.
US09616818B1
A mounting device is provided including a bracket to be attached to the vehicle, and a locking pin for locking the high lift jack to the bracket. The bracket includes a front vertical body portion formed, and from which the pin protrudes frontward. The bracket further includes a rear attachment body portion for securing the bracket to the vehicle. The bracket can include at least two nut and bolt sets for securing the high lift jack to the bracket. An upper nut and bolt set including a nut and a bolt can pass through an upper bolt hole of the front vertical body portion, and a lower nut and bolt set including a nut and a bolt can pass through a lower bolt hole of the front vertical body portion. The locking pin can pass through the high lift jack and allow a lock to be coupled to a lock hole in the locking pin that protrudes frontward from the high lift jack.
US09616814B1
A vehicle security alarming device determining a relative velocity between a front car and a rear car by sounds retrieved therefrom, comprising a vehicle noise processing module, which is configured to process a vehicle noise from the front car and the rear car, amplifying the vehicle tire sound and engine sound after filtering the wind shear sound, thereby obtaining an average voltage value; a comparing and determining module; and an alarming module. The comparing and determining module receives the vehicle noise processing data and stores the voltage value of the vehicle noise processing data in a sequence according to time of occurrence for the comparing and determining module to compare and determine whether the rear car is approaching the vehicle, and output an alarming information, where the alarming module electrically connects to the comparing and determining module and sends out an alarming signal after receiving the alarming information.
US09616793B2
A cup holder insert is provided that may be used whenever an undersized drink or container is placed into a cup holder and is not adequately secured. The insert is a unitary piece of material, such as plastic, having a pair of upper straps and a pair of lower wings. The insert secures itself within a cup holder by way of the expansion of the lower wings towards the inner diameter of the cup holder. A central portion of the insert spans between the upper straps and lower bands and prevents any lateral movement of the object or container placed within. The top bands are secured into a loop around the drink container by sliding one into the other and retain their shape by frictional engagement.
US09616791B2
A seat configuration member and a vehicle seat employing the seat configuration member are provided that are capable of covering reclining mechanism components and maintaining a high quality external appearance of the vehicle seat, and are moreover capable of achieving a reduction in the number of components. A lower side coupling and fixing portion disposed on a seat width direction outer side of a seat back board that is made from resin is integrally formed with an attachment portion that is L-shaped in plain view. A side airbag device is attached to a horizontal wall portion of the attachment portion. A seatback pad and a cover are mounted to the seat back board configured as described above, and the seat back board is assembled to side frames of a seatback frame.
US09616788B2
A patch element 20 of a doughnut-like disc shape is fixedly provided, by sewing or adhesive, to a reverse surface of a seat-back-side area 12a defined in a trim cover assembly section covering a top region 12 of a headrest HR, in such a fashion that the patch element 20 circumscribes an entire edge of a headrest stay passage hole 14. Additionally, the patch element 20 is formed from a material capable of being impregnated with a liquid foaming agent injected in the trim cover assembly 2. Such patch element 20 has been impregnated with the liquid foaming agent S injected in the trim cover assembly 2 during a foaming process to form the headrest HR. Consequently, a density of the patch element 20 itself becomes extremely high, and therefore a strength of the patch element 20 can be increased to a great degree.
US09616785B2
A vehicle seat having a bottom frame, a seat back connected to the frame, and an armrest capable of upward and downward movement. The armrest includes a seat bracket connecting the armrest to the frame and a vertically variable adjustment mechanism. The mechanism has a control disposed in the armrest, a lock actuated to an engaged or disengaged position by the control, a rack disposed in a generally vertical direction, and a one-way bearing acting as pinion and having two rotational states. The first rotational state is a locked state where the lock is engaged and prevents the one-way bearing from rotating, preventing the rack and armrest from a downward movement. The second rotational state is a free state where the lock is in the engaged position and a force is applied in the upward direction, the one-way bearing can rotate, allowing the rack and armrest an upward movement.
US09616782B2
A car seat connection system for connecting the car seat to a vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one strap, each having a first connector at a respective first end of said strap and a second connector at a respective second end of said strap. The first connector is configured to removably connect to the car seat and the second connector is configured to removably connect to a car seat anchor of the vehicle. The seat connector and the first connector may be seatbelt connectors of opposite gender. The second connector may be a LATCH or ISOFIX connector. A method is provided for removably connecting the car seat to the vehicle. The method includes connecting the first connector to the seat connector of the car seat and connecting the second connector to the car seat anchor of the vehicle.
US09616764B2
Device and method for dynamically adjusting an operating voltage for an electric motor (9), which voltage is provided by a voltage source (1) formed in a modular manner, wherein modules (2-i) of the voltage source (1) formed in a modular manner are switched in dependence upon a rotational speed (n) of the electric motor (9) such that the overall degree of efficiency of the electric drive train is improved in a low rotational speed range of the electric motor (9), wherein the modules (2-i) of the voltage source (1) are switched by means of a switching network (3) which is composed of controllable power switches (5) and can be actuated by control signals which are generated by a switching controller (4) in dependence upon the rotational speed (n) of the electric motor (9).
US09616763B2
The autonomous charging management system for electric vehicles utilizes a voltage feedback control structure that compares the system voltage at the point of charging against a reference, while also taking into account the EV battery state of charge (SOC). A proportional control structure reduces the EV charging as the system voltage approaches the reference. Moreover, the control structure does not require any communication between the EV and the utility.
US09616762B2
A vehicle power supply device includes: a plug socket to supply an external device with electrical power; and an external output switch configured to be switched between an on state in which the electrical power is supplied from a battery to the plug socket and an off state in which the supply of the electrical power is stopped. In a case where the external output switch is in the on state, when the vehicle transitions from a ready mode to an OFF mode, the switch control unit sets the external output switch to the off state along with the transition, and when the vehicle transitions from an ACC mode or an ON mode to the OFF mode, the switch control unit maintains the on state of the external output switch.
US09616759B2
An electric vehicle comprises an electric motor which rotates a wheel; a battery which is an electric power supply unit for the electric motor; and a battery accommodating space which is provided in a vehicle body and accommodates the battery therein; wherein the battery accommodating space includes a first accommodating section which stores a standard battery pack including a first battery as the battery, and a second accommodating section which accommodates an optional battery pack including a second battery as the battery such that the optional battery pack is removable from the vehicle body, and wherein a voltage of the first battery is a value corresponding to an activation voltage of the electric motor, and the electric vehicle is capable of driving with an electric power supplied from at least the first battery.
US09616753B2
Electric power conversion control device for vehicle, control method, and vehicle equipped therewith
Disclosed is an electric power conversion control device, in which when an overvoltage abnormality of an electric power system is detected, and it is detected that a vehicle is not in collision, a switching control unit stops the switching of an inverter, whereby an element of the inverter is prevented from being subjected to an overvoltage. In a case where an overvoltage abnormality of the electric power system is detected, and when it is detected that the vehicle is in collision, the switching control unit performs the switching of the inverter, whereby electrical energy of the electric power system is rapidly consumed by a motor generator. Accordingly, it is possible to properly control the switching of an electric converter depending on whether an overvoltage abnormality occurs and a vehicle is in collision.
US09616747B1
Method for regulating travel of a golf cart or all-terrain vehicle includes determining, using an electronic controller on the golf cart or all-terrain vehicle, seatbelt usage for each occupant of the golf cart or all-terrain vehicle, and determining, using the electronic controller, whether the golf cart or all-terrain vehicle is travelling on or about to travel on a road which permits higher speed operation of golf carts and all-terrain vehicles. When it is determined that the golf cart or all-terrain vehicle is travelling on a road which permits higher speed operation of golf carts and all-terrain vehicles, travel of the golf cart or all-terrain vehicle is enabled on the road which permits higher speed operation only when all occupants are determined to be properly wearing seatbelts or the seatbelts are determined to be in buckled and/or spooled-out a set distance or within a distance range.
US09616745B2
The invention relates to an actuation device for a flap mounted moveably on a component between a closed position and an opened position, in particular for a flap mounted moveably on a housing of an automobile, comprising: a first actuation part and a second actuation part which are designed to engage with one another in a movement direction, locking means with a locking reception provided on the first or second actuation part and a locking element provided on the other of the first or second actuation part, wherein the locking element engages in the locking reception during engagement of the actuation parts and thus holds the actuation parts together in a locking position, wherein the locking reception has sufficient size so that in the locking position a relative movement between the locking element and the locking reception in the movement direction of the actuation parts and thereby a corresponding relative movement of the actuation parts in their movement direction with regard to one another is possible, and a sensor device which is designed to detect a relative movement between the locking element and the locking reception in the movement direction in the locking position.
US09616740B2
A hydraulic module designed to be mounted on a hydraulic hybrid vehicle, characterised in that it forms a rigid and compact assembly comprising a body (32) receiving the high- and low-pressure accumulators intended to supply traction motors of the vehicle, comprising a generally parallelepipedal shape, and having attachment means designed to be fixed under a floor at the rear of the vehicle.
US09616734B2
A glassrun or weatherseal assembly includes a generally rigid channel having first and second legs joined by an interconnecting leg. First and second seal portions extend into a portion of the channel cavity and are adapted to seal against an associated vehicle window. A door frame assembly includes a first or inner door panel and second or outer door panel having end portions spaced apart by a dimension adapted to receive the channel. The channel can be secured to the door frame assembly in a variety of different manners including an adhesive/chemical bond, snap-fit fastener, rivet, clip, adhesive tape, or combinations of one or more of these securing mechanisms.
US09616727B2
A shock absorber mounting device joins a shock absorber provided between an axle and a vehicle body to the vehicle body. The shock absorber mounting device includes a magnetic rubber mount having magnetic particles thereinside and being provided between the shock absorber and the vehicle body, an electromagnetic coil configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic particles, and a controller configured to supply an excitation current to the electromagnetic coil.
US09616725B2
A suspension arm member includes a connecting portion configured to connect plural members of a suspension, and a support bar extending and provided with the connecting portion at each end. The support bar is made of a resin material and includes plural lightening hole portions each formed in a shape of a recessed portion. The lightening hole portions include plural front upper lightening hole portions (11) formed in a front upper portion of the support bar, plural front lower lightening hole portions formed in a front lower portion of the support bar, plural rear upper lightening hole portions formed in a rear upper portion of the support bar, and plural rear lower lightening hole portions formed in a rear lower portion of the support bar.
US09616711B1
An apparatus for achieving magnetically harnessed locomotion may include (1) a housing that at least partially houses a wheeled machine, (2) a plurality of wheels attached to a plurality of independently rotatable axles that are oriented substantially opposite one another along a plane of the wheeled machine, (3) a plurality of motors having shafts oriented substantially perpendicular to the independently rotatable axles, (4) at least one magnet positioned between the independently rotatable axles within the housing such that a magnetic force of the magnet (A) pulls the independently rotatable axles toward an inward point of the wheeled machine and (B) causes the wheels attached to the independently rotatable axles to press against the shafts of the motors. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
US09616700B2
A ring binder mechanism has at least two semi-ring pairs, which are arranged spaced apart from one another and which each consist of two semi-rings (20, 20′), the semi-rings (20) of a first group and the semi-rings (20′) of a second group being rigidly connected to one another in a grouped manner in the area of their roots and thereby kept spaced apart from one another. Mutually complementary locking bar elements (44, 44′), which, in the closed position, are locked to prevent pivoting of the semi-rings relative to one another, are arranged at the ends of the semi-rings (20, 20′) of at least one of the semi-ring pairs. In a free position, the semi-rings (20, 20′) allocated in pairs span a common radial plane (46), and the locking bar elements (44, 44′) thereof are spaced radially apart from one another, and in the locked position, the locking bar elements (44, 44′) are coupled to one another with a form fit in all directions within the tangential plane (48) of the rings (19) which intersects the locking bar elements (44, 44′) and is perpendicular to the radial plane (46).
US09616699B2
A process for manufacturing a security feature having a tactile pattern, said method including applying on a substrate a radiation-curable basecoat composition by a process selected from inkjet, offset, screen printing, flexo printing and rotogravure; at least partially or fully radiation-curing the radiation-curable basecoat composition so as to obtain a radiation-cured basecoat; applying on the radiation-cured basecoat a radiation-curable topcoat composition in a form of indicia by a process of screen printing, flexo printing or rotogravure; radiation-curing said radiation-curable topcoat composition so as to form a radiation-cured topcoat. The radiation-curable basecoat composition and/or the radiation-curable topcoat composition includes one or more machine readable feature substances independently selected from cholesteric liquid crystal pigments, luminescent compounds, infrared-absorbing compounds, magnetic compounds and mixtures thereof. The radiation-cured basecoat has a surface energy at least 15 mN/m less than the surface energy of the radiation-cured topcoat.
US09616697B2
A blanket for transferring a paste image from an engraved plate to a substrate is provided. The blanket includes a foam; a supporting layer on the foam; and a paste transfer layer on the supporting layer. The paste transfer layer is an inter-penetrating polymer network of silicone rubber and fluoroelastomer.
US09616694B2
An image recording method includes a process of applying an ink containing a pigment to a recording medium, and a process of applying a liquid composition containing organic acid to the recording medium in such a manner as to be at least partially overlapped with a region to which the ink is applied. The content (% by mass) of the organic acid in the liquid composition is 10% by mass or more based on the total amount of the liquid composition. The content (% by mass) of an organic solvent in the liquid composition is 5% by mass or more based on the total amount of the liquid composition. The content (% by mass) of an organic solvent having a hydroxyl group in the liquid composition is 4% by mass or less based on the total amount of the liquid composition.
US09616693B2
A printing control apparatus according to one aspect of this invention controls to print images on sheets based on image data of a plurality of pages, generate a bookbinding product by executing folding processing for the image-printed sheets, and output the bookbinding product. The printing control apparatus further accepts the position of an insertion sheet to be inserted into the sheets for which the folding processing is executed, and controls to output a plurality of bookbinding products by using, as a reference, the accepted position of the insertion sheet.
US09616690B2
A tape cassette that includes a box-shaped cassette case whose outline being defined by a bottom wall, a top wall, and a side wall and including a plurality of corner portions, at least one tape contained within a tape containment area defined within the outline, a pair of cavities extending from the bottom wall and being provided between the tape containment area and the outline at opposite ends of a diagonal line connecting one of the corner portions to another of the corner portions, and a side face indicator portion provided in the side wall, indicating a type of the tape, and including a plurality of indicator portions disposed in a pattern in accordance with the type of the tape, each of the indicator portions being one of a switch hole and a surface portion.
US09616683B2
Disclosed are a process for inkjet printing color images on various substrates using a formaldehyde-free crosslinking agent in the ink composition, which is therefore devoid of formaldehyde emission and suitable for health-aware manufacturing practices, as well as objects having images and designs printed thereon which are devoid of formaldehyde and therefore suitable for use by infants.
US09616682B2
There is provided a process liquid coating apparatus comprising: a recording medium conveyance unit configured to convey a recording medium; a coating roller configured to rotate in accordance with the conveyed recording medium to apply process liquid on a surface of the recording medium; a pressure roller configured to cause the coating roller to apply the process liquid on the surface of the recording medium by forming an abutment part for nipping and pressing the recording medium with the coating roller; and a winding member configured to form a bent conveyance path along which the recording medium is bent with respect to a conveyance direction so that the recording medium is wound around the surface of the pressure roller, wherein the winding member is disposed adjacent to the pressure roller.
US09616681B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a recording medium by discharging liquid droplets onto the medium; and a media heater to heat the medium by contacting a rear surface of the medium opposite a surface of the medium on which the image is formed, in which the media heater includes a contact member with a contact surface having a predetermined curvature that the medium contacts, the contact member is a roller member, and the medium closely contacts the contact surface of the contact member across an entire width of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the media conveyance direction.
US09616680B2
A device for printing on a surface of an object contains a stationary printing unit for printing on the object. The printing unit contains an inkjet print head for creating a print on the surface of the object in an operating area of the print head. A movable holding unit is provided for receiving the object in a receiving region and for a rotary movement of the object from the receiving region into the operating area of the print head and for a linear movement of the object in the operating area of the print head during the creation of the print. At least one control unit is provided for controlling the movements of the holding unit and the creation of the print.
US09616676B2
The invention relates to an ink composition including a water-dispersed resin a water dispersible colorant and water and wherein the ink composition further includes a co-solvent, wherein the co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of saccharides and co-solvents having a ring structure, wherein the ring structure contains a 5-membered, a 6-membered or a 7-membered ring. Additionally, the ink composition includes a cyclodextrin compound. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such ink compositions and to a method for applying an image onto a receiving medium using such ink composition.
US09616670B2
An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a bottom face and a front face; an ink interface on the front face of the ink cartridge for connection to a cartridge receiving structure; a guide interface in the bottom face for guiding the cartridge along a straight line during insertion into the cartridge receiving structure for connecting the ink interface; a latch track disposed in the bottom face of the ink cartridge to guide a latch of the cartridge receiving structure; a latch stop disposed in the latch track for engaging the latch, where the latch track comprises a locking track and an unlocking track to accommodate movement of the latch with respect to the latch stop, the locking track being at least partly separate from the unlocking track; and a latch guide for redirecting the latch towards the locking track, rather than the unlocking track.
US09616664B2
Provided is a liquid ejection head, including: an ejection unit including: a recording element substrate including a plurality of recording elements configured to generate energy; and a support member formed of a plate-like member and configured to support the recording element substrate, the support member including: a liquid chamber configured to store liquid therein, and an inlet formed in the liquid chamber so as to allow the liquid to flow into the liquid chamber; a flow path unit including a liquid path through which the liquid is supplied into the ejection unit from a liquid tank storing the liquid therein; a joint member sandwiched between the support member and the flow path unit and configured to seal the liquid; and a buffer chamber formed in a space defined by the joint member, the ejection unit, and the flow path unit and configured to retain gas therein.
US09616649B2
A method for manufacturing dished laminated glazing including two sheets of glass, a separator layer made of polymer material arranged between the sheets of glass, and an electrical conductor, the method including the simultaneous thermal dishing of the sheets of glass in the paired state followed by their cooling and then the assembly of the laminated glazing by bonding of the sheets of glass to the separator layer on either side thereof, the cooling including a controlled cooling of the sheets of glass in the paired state, the controlled cooling including a general controlled cooling and a local controlled cooling of a cutting zone, the local controlled cooling being faster than the general controlled cooling, a cutting of one of the sheets of glass along a cutting line in the cutting zone to form a holed zone, the electrical conductor being placed between the sheets of glass and exiting from the laminated glazing through the holed zone.
US09616642B2
The invention relates to a multilayer pipe which comprises (in the following order, from the inside of the pipe outwards): optionally, a layer C1 of a fluoropolymer; a layer C2 of a fluoropolymer onto which at least one unsaturated monomer has been radiation-grafted, optionally blended with a fluoropolymer; optionally, an adhesion tie layer C3, this layer C3 being directly attached to the layer C2 containing the radiation-grafted fluoropolymer; a layer C4 of a polyolefin optionally blended with a functionalized polyolefin, directly attached to the optional layer C3 or else to the layer C2; optionally, a barrier layer C5; and optionally, a layer C6 of a polyolefin.
US09616636B2
The present disclosure provides a cardboard-based unit, structural elements comprising said unit and land-vehicles comprising said units and structural elements.
US09616634B2
Cushioning air bag with predetermined opening in air cylinder turning zone and manufacturing thereof
A method for making a cushioning air bag with a predetermined opening in an air cylinder turning zone, including: providing an air cylinder sheet; adhering the two sheets of outer film to form turning points; determining a turning middle line on the air cylinder sheet; configuring nodes on two respective sides of the turning middle line; turning the air cylinder sheet along the turning middle line; and adhering two sides of the turned air cylinder sheet with lateral heat sealing lines; wherein two lateral sides of the air cylinder sheet between nodes and the turning middle line form a non-heat sealing section; a bottom surface is formed between turning points, the non-heat sealing section of the turning zone is expanded to form a lateral polygonal opening, and a supporting surface is formed on a bottom of the opening, after the air cylinder sheet is filled with air.
US09616633B2
A screw extruder for the continuous extrusion of materials with high viscosity, in particular metals such as aluminum and its alloys. The extruder includes an Archimedes screw (1) rotationally provided within a liner (2) of a screw housing (4) having an inlet (11) for the feeding of the material to be extruded, a compacting or extrusion chamber (5) and an extrusion die assembly with a die (6) which forms the shape of the extruded product (7). The required compaction takes place at the down-stream end of the screw towards the extrusion chamber (5) corresponding to up to 540° of the rotation of the screw, or up to 1.5 turns of the screw flight length. The solid plug of metal formed at the end of the screw and extrusion chamber (5) is restricted from rigid rotation to obtain the required compaction and extrusion pressure.
US09616632B2
A device according to various embodiments for drying wet grain can include a first screw configured to receive wet grain. A second screw receives the wet grain from the first screw. At least one mechanism is included within at least one of the first screw and the second screw to vaporize water content in the wet grain.
US09616631B2
There is disclosed a method capable of effectively suppressing deformation when a honeycomb formed body formed by horizontal extrusion is supported by a cradle, and supporting even a large honeycomb formed body so that cell wall buckling hardly occur and a high shape accuracy is kept, wherein the lowermost end of a supporting surface of the cradle is located below the lowermost end of the honeycomb formed body immediately after extruded through the die during the horizontal movement, and a distance in a vertical direction between the lowermost end of the honeycomb formed body immediately after extruded through the die and the lowermost end of the supporting surface of the cradle is from 5 to 15 mm during the horizontal movement when a honeycomb formed body extruded through a die in a horizontal direction by extrusion is supported by a cradle.
US09616626B2
Ophthalmic device molds made from at least one vinyl alcohol copolymer and having a static sessile drop contact angle of less than 70 degrees, ophthalmic devices such as ocular inserts and contact lenses and including silicone hydrogel devices formed using these molds, and related methods are described. The methods of manufacturing ophthalmic devices can use dry or wet demolding processes, or dry or wet delensing processes.
US09616625B2
A transparent lens and differing plastic material housing is provided that includes a transparent lens including a front surface, a rear surface, and a perimeter edge, the perimeter edge including a flange, a plastic housing affixed to the perimeter edge flange having a different material than the transparent lens, a portion that is tangent to the front surface of the transparent lens; and a portion that is tangent to the rear surface of the transparent lens.
US09616620B2
A plant (100) for the layered construction of a molded body comprises a coating device (400) and a coating device cleaner (600). The coating device is movable horizontally across a construction field for applying a uniform layer of construction material to be solidified to the construction field and has an elongate metering shaft (410), at the lower side of which a longitudinal slot (412) is provided for outputting the construction material as the metering shaft (410) moves across the construction field. The coating device cleaner (600) is mounted on a construction frame (150) of the plant and serves for cleaning the metering shaft (410). The coating device cleaner (600) comprises an elongate wiper element (610) that is received under the metering shaft (410) of the coating device (400) at least in part in a construction material collection container (620).
US09616618B2
A vent structure includes: a first housing component having an opening portion for ventilation; a gas-permeable membrane that is attached to the first housing component to close the opening portion; and a laser welding portion that joins the first housing component with the gas-permeable membrane. The gas-permeable membrane includes a main body including a fluororesin film and a porous resin sheet that is laid on the main body. The porous resin sheet is located on the surface side of the vent structure. Both of the main body and the outer peripheral portion of the porous resin sheet that projects outwardly from the main body are fixed to the first housing component by the laser welding portion.
US09616616B2
A method for laminating a component by means of a laminating tool with a laminating element, wherein the component has a groove, wherein the component has a first surface and second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface border on one another in the groove, wherein the method comprises the following steps: masking the first surface with a mask, wherein the mask has a resilient lip, pressing the resilient lip into the groove by means of the laminating tool, wherein the resilient lip is designed, after having being pressed into the groove, to mask within the groove a partial area of exclusively the first surface, laminating the second surface with the laminating element, wherein, due to the lamination, parts of the laminating element cover the mask, removing the parts of the laminating element which cover the mask.
US09616610B2
A method and system is provided for forming a three-dimensional image and, more particularly, for making three-dimensional digital image transfer thermoformed objects on, e.g., generic molds. The system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to receive images of a subject display the images, stitch together the images to form a single image, adjust portions of the images or single image to compensate for deformation during thermoforming of the single image, register the single image with points on a mold, and print the single image.
US09616602B2
A seal for a cable and connector interconnection includes a unitary elastic body with a bore therethrough. The bore is provided with a cable outer diameter seal portion at a cable end, the cable outer diameter seal portion adjacent a connector cavity portion, the connector cavity portion adjacent a coupling nut cavity portion, and the coupling nut cavity portion adjacent a connector neck seal portion with a bulkhead seal at a connector end. The coupling nut cavity portion is longitudinally aligned with a coupling nut of the connector and is provided with a greater inner diameter than the cable outer diameter seal portion and the connector neck seal portion. The bulk head seal is provided with an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the connector neck seal portion.
US09616600B2
A blade for a hockey stick which can readily absorb impact from the puck, and can allow the user to feel the puck on the blade in contrast to conventional carbon fiber blades. The blade can include a blade member integrally formed of composite material having discontinuous fibers bonded within thermosetting resin. The blade member can have a blade periphery surrounding a central blade region. The central blade region can have a plurality of openings arranged in a pattern to form series of elongate criss crossing ribs that extend between and connect different sides of the blade periphery to each other. The fibers in the blade periphery can be in a generally jumbled orientation, and the fibers in the central blade region can be positioned within the ribs in a manner wherein each rib contains a plurality of fibers that substantially extend in said each rib's elongate direction.
US09616599B2
A method for continuous production of an endless string of polyurethane reactive plastic material including, a) conveying the reactive components to a mixer in a metered manner, b) mixing the reactive components into a reactive mixture, c) subsequently discharging the reactive mixture and d) coating a first sheet section made from a plane, flexible material which is conveyed continuously in a transporting direction with the reactive mixture. Further including: e) guiding the first sheet section across a guiding element, which has a concave section and a flat section which follows the concave section in the transporting direction; f) feeding two lateral sheet sections to the first sheet section, wherein the feeding occurs into the two lateral end sections of the first sheet section; g) merging the two lateral sheet sections and the first sheet section so that a bowl-shaped structure is formed for reception of the reactive mixture.
US09616597B2
A molding element for a mold for vulcanizing a tread of a tire, comprising a base able to mold part of the tread surface of the tread and a bar able to mold a groove in the tread, the bar comprising two longitudinal faces extending along its length and projecting from the base and an upper face connecting the longitudinal faces. The molding element comprises a contact edge formed by the base and the bar, intended to come into contact with another molding element to form all or part of the vulcanizing mold, and further comprising at least one recess in the bar, which opens onto the upper face and onto the contact edge, but does not open onto the longitudinal faces of the bar.
US09616594B2
Radius fillers for composite structures, composite structures that include the radius fillers, and systems and methods of forming the radius fillers. The systems and methods may be configured to create a pre-form that may be utilized to form a radius filler and/or create a radius filler from the pre-form. Creating the pre-form may include extending a plurality of lengths of composite tape from a composite tape source and receiving the plurality of lengths of composite tape in a pre-form forming structure, converging and/or otherwise combining the plurality of lengths of composite tape within the pre-form forming structure to produce the pre-form, and/or withdrawing the pre-form from the pre-form forming structure. Creating the radius filler from the pre-form may include receiving the pre-form in a radius filler forming structure and producing the radius filler from the radius filler forming structure.
US09616584B2
A reduced cost interconnection for shaving razor cartridges. A base member is injection molded as a single continuous mass. The base member defines at least one void that may receive a mass increasing member. The base member has a handle portion integrally formed with a living hinge and an interconnection feature. The interconnection feature is biased to detachably engage a counterpart interconnection feature of a blade cartridge. Elastomeric reinforcement in over molded onto the base member to improve the structural integrity of the living hinge.
US09616581B1
The gripper assembly includes a base, a guide situated on the base, and first and second jaws members. First and second ball bearing slides are associated with the jaw members for mounting the jaw members for movement along a guide track between proximate and remote positions. First and second low friction pneumatic actuators are provided. A mechanical linkage connects the actuators to at least one of the jaw members. A pulley and wire rope assembly connects the first and second jaw members for simultaneous movement in opposite directions. Valves are provided for actuating one actuator at a time. Actuation of the first actuator causes simultaneous movement of the jaw members in one direction. Actuation of the second actuator causes simultaneous movement of the jaw members in opposite directions.
US09616579B2
A grip for cylindrical or elongated elements, such as an umbilical cable. The system includes a mesh fabric that is created by interwoven lines that are initially laid out in a flat rectangular or trapezoidal shape. The mesh fabric is wrapped around the object to be gripped. A lifting eye is integrated into one end of the mesh. The grip is closed by a series of interlocking loops that create a sort of daisy-chain closure.
US09616576B2
A remote controlled robot system that includes a robot and a remote control station. The robot includes a binaural microphone system that is coupled to a speaker system of the remote control station. The binaural microphone system may include a pair of microphones located at opposite sides of a robot head. the location of the microphones roughly coincides with the location of ears on a human body. Such microphone location creates a mobile robot that more effectively simulates the tele-presence of an operator of the system. The robot may include two different microphone systems and the ability to switch between systems. For example, the robot may also include a zoom camera system and a directional microphone. The directional microphone may be utilized to capture sound from a direction that corresponds to an object zoomed upon by the camera system.
US09616575B2
The present invention relates to a device (1) for removing plate-shaped elements (2), in particular cardboard blanks, comprising a carrier device (16), a holding device (9) which is arranged on the carrier device (16) for holding the plate-shaped element (2), a drive (7) with a driven shaft (8), a first lever (11) which is arranged fixedly on the shaft (8) so as to rotate with it, a second lever (12) which is connected rotatably to the first lever (11) and rotatably to the carrier device (16), a fourth lever (14) which is arranged such that it can be rotated about a fixed point (18), wherein the fourth lever (14) is connected rotatably to the carrier device (16), and a third lever (13) which is connected rotatably to the first lever (11) and rotatably to the fourth lever (14).
US09616572B2
An information processing apparatus of the present invention correctly determines in advance whether interference occurs between an object around a target workpiece to be grasped, and a hand. The information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain a range image of a space including a plurality of workpieces, an identification init configured to identify, from the obtained range image, an area of the target workpiece to be grasped among the plurality of workpieces, an interference determination unit configured to determine whether interference occurs between an area included in the range image and a grasping unit configured to grasp the target workpiece, and an output unit configured to output, based on a result of the interference determination by the interference determination unit, a result of determination as to whether interference occurs between an area excluding the area of the target workpiece and the grasping unit.
US09616571B2
A robot performs, after i-th (i is a natural number) work, i+1-th work different from the i-th work and performs, after j-th (j is a natural number satisfying j≠i) work, j+1-th work different from the j-th work. The robot performs the i+1-th work after the i-th work without changing information concerning correction in a joint of the robot during the i-th work, performs robot calibration after the j-th work, and performs the j+1-th work after performing the robot calibration.
US09616567B2
A robotic hand includes an interior casing, a cladding layer wrapped around the interior casing, a plurality of pressure sensors, and a controller. The pressure sensors are located at different locations on an exterior surface of the interior casing, and are wrapped by the cladding layer. The pressure sensors can sense pressure at different locations on the exterior surface of the interior casing, and generate corresponding electrical signals. The controller can obtain the generated electrical signals, and generate a control signal according to the obtained electrical signals causing the robot to generate feedback.
US09616566B2
A robotic hand includes an interior casing, a cladding layer wrapped around an end of the interior casing, a plurality of photoelectric sensors, and a controller. The photoelectric sensors are located at different locations on an exterior surface of the interior casing, and are wrapped by the cladding layer. The photoelectric sensors can sense light signals striking different locations on the exterior surface of the interior casing, and convert the sensed optical signals into electrical signals. The controller can obtain the generated electrical signals, determine a pressure value applied according to the obtained electric signals, and generate a control signal according to the determined pressure value causing the robot to generate feedback.
US09616557B2
A magazine is configured to be removably coupled to a power tool housing of a power tool. The magazine has a housing configured to be rotatably attachable to the power tool housing. An advancing mechanism is received in the magazine housing, and is configured to advance a strip of collated fasteners into position to be driven by the power tool. An indexing ring has a plurality of recesses and is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the power tool housing. A detent is biased to removably engage one of the plurality of recesses, and is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the magazine housing. The detent removably engages the recesses to allow for indexed tool-free rotation of the magazine housing relative to the power tool housing.
US09616556B2
Examples disclosed herein relate to one or more wrench devices. An apparatus may include a drive gear assembly configured to be coupled to a power source. The drive gear assembly may include a plurality of drive gears. The apparatus may include a cam assembly coupled to the drive gear assembly. The cam assembly may include a first cam and a second cam. Further, the first cam and the second cam may be configured to interact with each other to move a part.
US09616555B2
A basin wrench is described having a telescoping assembly, pivotal jaws, a light, and a removable T-bar assembly. The wrench includes a polymeric housing having a contoured gripping region. The T-bar assembly includes a pivotally mounted hub and bar slidably retained within the hub. The T-bar assembly can be placed in a stowed position in which the bar is positioned alongside the housing. The wrench also includes magnetic retaining provisions to retain the T-bar assembly in its stowed position.
US09616552B1
A workpiece for securing the slide and frame components of a variety of polymeric handgun, the workpiece secured within a vise to alternatively anchor the slide components within linear channels within the sides of the upper extension of the workpiece or anchor the slide extensions incorporated within the inverted frame component within transverse mounted side clamping members attaching through appropriately selected plurality of transverse bores within the workpiece, the workpiece providing a secure attachment for each component for tooling, repair, modification or other gunsmith related activities without damage to the components.
US09616548B1
A positioning structure for cutting machines or grinder machines has a rotating shaft and a positioning assembly. The rotating shaft has an abutting face, a fixing portion, at least one mounting protrusion, and a fastening hole. The at least one mounting protrusion axially protrudes from the abutting face, and the fixing portion axially protrudes from the at least one mounting protrusion. The fastening hole is axially formed in the at least one mounting protrusion. The positioning assembly is screwed with the rotating shaft and has a positioning element and a fastening element. The positioning element has an abutting portion and a through hole. The fastening element is mounted through the through hole and the fastening hole. Therefore, when a size of an assembling hole of a cutting disk or a grinder disk changes, the rotating shaft does not need to be changed and reinstalled.
US09616532B2
A system and method for implementing a search and feel function on a robot for installing parts on a workpiece. An air switch feature is provided on a gripper of the robot to determine the presence and proper placement of a part in a desired receptor location on the workpiece. The air switch feature is used to detect whether or not a particular part, such as a bolt or other part being inserted by the robot, has been properly gripped by the gripper, and whether the part has been properly placed in the desired position.
US09616530B2
A heat exchanger tube inserting apparatus includes a roller conveyor section and a pushing section. The roller conveyor section includes a roller that advances the heat exchanger tube to thereby insert the heat exchanger tube into the insertion holes of the fins and to a first position by rotation of the roller. The pushing section pushes the heat exchanger tube, which has been moved to the first position by the roller conveyor section, to a second position located further inside than the first position.
US09616528B2
A solid wire is for gas-shielded arc welding, using a shielding gas, and for galvanized steel sheet welding. The solid wire comprises, to the mass of the whole of the solid wire, predetermined amount of C, Si, Mn, P, S, O, and Cr, with the balance consisting Fe and inevitable impurities. The solid wire satisfies “1.0≦(percentage by mass of Si+that by mass of Mn)/{100(that by mass of S+that by mass of O}≦4.0” and “0.50≦percentage by mass of Mn/that by mass of Si≦2.00”. The shielding gas is an Ar gas comprising 25 to 40% of CO2 gas. It is achieved to improve spatter-decreasing performance and pore-resisting performance (performance of restraining the generation of porosity defects, such as pits and blowholes).
US09616521B2
A surface treatment method for roughening a surface of a metal material by a laser beam includes: forming a roughened surface adhesion portion on the surface of the metal material by irradiating the laser beam on the surface of the metal material to form a plurality of roughened regions within the roughened surface adhesion portion, each of the roughened regions being formed in a circular shape having an outer ring adjacent to each other. The roughened regions are arranged to satisfy the following Equation (1): 0.5a
US09616513B2
Methods for joining a first blank and a second blank are disclosed, wherein at least one of the first and second blanks comprising at least a layer of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy. Methods may comprise selecting a first portion of the first blank to be joined to the second blank, and selecting a second portion of the second blank to be joined to the first portion; welding the first portion to the second portion, while supplying a metal powder to a weld zone, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the blanks and the metal powder in the weld zone are melted during welding and the metal powder is mixed with the melted first and second portions, and wherein the metal powder is an iron based powder comprising gammagenic elements. The disclosure further relates to blanks and products obtained using such methods.
US09616510B2
The present invention relates to an electric saw 1 including: a body 100; a base 200 fixing a frame 410 of an elevating motion converting part 400 thereto; a forward and reverse rotation driving part 300 adapted to drive forward and reverse rotation of a DC motor 320; the elevating motion converting unit 400 adapted to move up and down an elevator 440 insertedly coupled movable up and down to left and right guides 412 and 412′ of the frame 410; and a saw part 500 having a ‘C’-shaped saw frame 510 having a fixing frame 510-1 adapted to fix one end of an upper frame 510-2 to the upper end thereof and to fix one end of a lower frame 510-3 to the lower end thereof and a plurality of elevator coupling holes 510-11 formed on the intermediate area thereof, the upper frame 510-2 adapted to fix the upper end of a saw blade 520 to the other end thereof, and the lower frame 510-3 adapted to fix the lower end of the saw blade 520 to the other end thereof, and the saw blade 520 fixed on both ends thereof to the other end of the upper frame 510-2 and to the other end of the lower frame 510-3.
US09616505B2
A milling cutter with at least one peripheral cutting edge 4 disposed on its periphery, the peripheral cutting edge 4 being configured as a profile of spaced-apart teeth 7 that forms a so-called “cord”; wherein each of the teeth 7—looking from the flute in a direction opposite to the cutting direction onto the cutting edge portion—forms a cutting edge portion SK composed of several different radii, i.e. of at least one larger radius R1 forming the predominant part of the cutting edge portion of the respective tooth 7 and a smaller radius R2, which is preferably immediately adjacent thereto on both sides.
US09616499B1
A vertical rim trimming machine has a base, a horizontal sliding stand, a vertical sliding stand, a cutter turret, a bottom stand and a fixture. The horizontal sliding stand is mounted on and can horizontally move with respect to the base. The vertical sliding stand is mounted on and can vertically move with respect to the horizontal sliding stand. The cutter turret is mounted on the vertical sliding stand. The bottom stand is mounted on the base. The fixture is mounted on the bottom stand. Thus, the horizontal sliding stand horizontally moves with respect to the base stably and the vertical sliding stand vertically moves with respect to the horizontal sliding stand stably, such that the structure of the vertical rim trimming machine becomes firmer and the stability of trimming is improved.
US09616495B2
An amorphous and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The amorphous alloy may have a formula of ZraCubAlcMdNe, M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Ti, Hf, Ta, Nb and rare earth elements; N is at least one selected from a group consisting of Ca, Mg, and C; 40≦a≦70, 15≦b≦35, 5≦c≦15, 5≦d≦15, 0≦e≦2, and a+b+c+d+e=100.
US09616482B2
A hot metal forming apparatus having a pair of dies which are movable between an open and closed position relative to each other. The dies have facing metal forming surfaces corresponding to the shape of the desired stamped part. At least one elongated heat pipe is mounted within at least one die for transferring heat away from the stamped part thus quenching the stamped part.
US09616479B2
Provided is a molding method for a plate-shaped workpiece including forming a concave portion (11) at one surface (1a) of a plate-shaped workpiece (1), and bending the plate-shaped workpiece (1) having the concave portion (11) such that the one surface (1a) becomes a concave surface and a rear surface (1b) thereof becomes a convex surface.
US09616478B2
Provided are a bending apparatus and a bending method. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bending apparatus including a guide portion configured to guide a movement and a bending of a flexible substrate so that the flexible substrate is bent and moved, a first fastening portion configured to fix one side of the flexible substrate that is bent along the guide portion, a second fastening portion configured to fix an other side of the flexible substrate, and a driving portion configured to move at least one of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion.
US09616477B2
An embodiment includes a suspended supporting device for roller compression treatment of rotating shaft products, comprising: a containment frame including: a main portion; and an articulating arm including an attachment for a roller cartridge; a support element attached to the main portion and providing internal stabilization to the supporting device; a mechanism providing motion to the articulating arm with respect to the main portion; and an attachment mechanism for suspending the supporting device via attachment to an external element. Other aspects are described and claimed.
US09616474B2
The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for laterally guiding a slab (2) on a transport track (3), comprising a first guide rule (4) and a second guide rule (5). The guide rules (4, 5) are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the transport track (3) and are each connected to at least one actuating drive (6) so as to move in a direction of a width of the transport track (3). The actuating drive can be actuated perpendicularly to the transport direction (7) of the slab (2), wherein the respective longitudinal axis (4L, 5L) of the first guide rule (4) and/or the second guide rule (5) can be positioned at a specified angle (α) relative to the transport direction (7) of the slab (2). The first and/or the second guide rule (4, 5) has at least one contact roller (8) which can be brought into contact with a lateral edge of the slab (2) in order to guide and/or compress the slab (2).
US09616470B1
The present invention relates to a method for removing a polymeric material from a surface of a nanostructure. The method includes applying, by a scanning probe microscope, an electrical field between a probe tip of the scanning probe microscope and the nanostructure, and simultaneously scanning over the surface of the nanostructure. Thereby, bonds connecting the polymeric material to the surface of the nanostructure are broken. A further step includes cleaning the surface of the nanostructure. A scanning probe microscope for performing such a method and a computer program product for controlling the scanning probe microscope are also disclosed.
US09616461B2
Discussed are a roll mold, a method for fabricating the same and a method for fabricating a thin film pattern using the same, which can prevent dimensional variation of the mold and simplify the overall process. The method for fabricating a thin film pattern includes providing a roll mold having a base roller provided with a light source, an adhesive resin layer formed on the base roller, a buffer layer formed on the adhesive resin layer, and a mold surface layer having a groove-protrusion shape formed on the buffer layer; forming a printing liquid on the roll mold or the substrate; and rolling the roll mold over the substrate to form a thin film pattern on the substrate. Also, the mold surface layer and the adhesive resin layer can be cured through light emitted from the light source arranged in the base roller.
US09616460B2
The invention relates to a method for forming a coating on a substrate material which includes applying one or more layers of a monomer composition to a surface of the substrate. At least one monomer layer comprises a photoinitiator, and at least one monomer layer comprises a photo-generated base precursor. The monomer layer is exposed to a first wavelength of light to initiate polymerization of the monomers. The monomer layer is subsequently exposed to a second wavelength of light to terminate the polymerization.
US09616456B1
The present invention is directed to construction tools. The present invention includes tools used for applying mastic or mud to a work surface, for example, a corner finishing tool that may have a quick engage/disengage ball and socket feature that automatically stays open and automatically closes and locks. Various embodiments may include a universal and interchangeable working/running blade and cooperating frame design. The frame design may be partially held in place with a face or top plate. Various embodiments may include a multiple tension spring design with one or more adjustment arm(s) for varying the tension on the frame(s) and blade(s). Various embodiments may include flat internal walls to accommodate the one or more adjustment arm(s). Various embodiments may also include a input port cone with ball for attachment to, for example, an applicator box, that may be formed from multiple parts that may be made from different materials.
US09616447B2
A system and method for applying a fluid to a surface. The method includes the steps of: providing a deposition system; discharging fluid from the deposition system at a first, non-zero rate; detecting movement of the deposition system in proximity to a surface; and discharging fluid at a second rate while the deposition system is moving in proximity to the surface. The system comprises: a MEMS element coupled to a fluid reservoir and adapted to dispense fluid at a plurality of non-zero rates; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the MEMS element and at least one sensor and adapted to receive an output from the sensor and to alter the deposition rate of the MEMS element according to the sensor output.
US09616446B2
An application apparatus includes a nozzle device (20) injecting a damping material from a nozzle hole (20a) to a vehicle body, an articulated robot (21) moving the nozzle device (20) relative to the vehicle body, a supply section including a supply pump (22), and a supply passage (27), and continuously driving the supply pump (22) to continuously supply the damping material from the supply pump (22) to the supply passage (27) in a substantially uniform amount, a return passage (33) branched from the supply passage (27) and returning the damping material to the supply pump (22), and a gun (32) and a return valve (34) switching a supply destination of the damping material between the nozzle hole (20a) and the return passage (33) based on information on applying the damping material to the vehicle body.
US09616440B2
The electrode holder for a powder spray gun operable at high voltage includes a powder channel and a web, arranged in the powder channel, for holding a high-voltage electrode. In addition, an annular groove arranged concentrically with the powder channel is provided and is open on the downstream side. A labyrinth for the high voltage is formed by the annular groove together with an annular web of a cap nut, the annular web protruding into the annular groove and said cap nut being used to lock the electrode holder.
US09616433B2
In this shower apparatus, a part of an internal space thereof closer to the outer circumference thereof than an aeration unit is defined as a plurality of small spaces, and all of the small spaces have a uniform channel resistance.
US09616432B2
In this shower apparatus, a part of an internal space thereof closer to the outer circumference thereof than an aeration unit is defined as a plurality of small spaces, and all of the small spaces have a uniform channel resistance, and all of the small spaces have a uniform ratio between a channel cross-sectional area at an inlet portion of each of the small spaces and a total opening area of nozzle holes that communicate the small space with an external space such that backflow water CF that returns from the respective small spaces consistently has a uniform flow rate at any point in time among the streams of the backflow water CF.
US09616423B2
A microreactor for performing chemical reactions, includes a body, a first chamber and a second chamber, both formed in the body. Interconnections are provided for fluidly coupling the first chamber and the second chamber through the body. The microreactor also includes a venting passage formed in the body and having a venting outlet in the second chamber and at least one venting inlet in the first chamber, at a location where formation of bubbles is expected upon introduction of a liquid in the first chamber.
US09616417B2
A catalyst for the conversion of oxygenates, such as alcohols or ethers, to olefins consists essentially of a selected SUZ-4 zeolite that has a Si/Al ratio of at least 20, preferably between 20 and 500, especially between 20 and 100. The basic SUZ-4 zeolite is prepared in a manner known per se, whereafter the Si/Al ratio is increased to the desired value. The selected SUZ-4 zeolite catalyst of the invention has a longer life time and a better product selectivity than the conventional/standard SUZ-4 zeolite catalysts.
US09616408B2
The present invention provides an adsorbent for removal of con-carbon and contaminant metals in feed, said adsorbent composition consisting of clay in the range of 30-70 wt. % and silica in the range of 70-30 wt. %, wherein the adsorbent has a pore volume in the range of 0.25-0.45 cc/gm; a pore size in the range of 20 to 2000 Å and a bi-modal pore size distribution characteristics, with a maximum of about 32% of the adsorbent having a pore size in the range of 20-200 Å and a minimum of about 68% of the adsorbent having a pore size in the range of 200-2000 Å. The present invention also provides a process for preparing the said adsorbent.
US09616407B2
A new adsorbent CO2-ONE for removal of acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide was developed from hydrothermal reaction of natural limestone with natural kaolin via sodium hydroxide. Several synthesis conditions were employed such as initial concentration of NaOH, weight ratio of limestone to kaolin, reaction temperature and pressure. The produced Ca—Na—SiO2—Al2O3 samples were characterized using XRD and EDS and showed that a mixture of Gehlenite Ca2Al(Al1.22Si0.78O6.78)OH0.22 and Stilbite Na5.76Ca4.96(Al15.68Si56.32O144) with percentage of 43 and 57 was successfully produced, respectively. Another produced sample showed the presence of Gehlenite Ca2Al(Al1.22Si0.78O6.78)OH0.22, Stilbite Na5.76Ca4.96(Al15.68Si56.32O144) and Lawsonite CaAl2Si2O7OH2(H2O) with percentage of 4.1 and 7.4 and 88, respectively.
US09616406B2
A method is proposed for installing monoliths (2) each formed of a ceramic block having a multiplicity of mutually parallel channels wherethrough the reaction gas mixture of a heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase reaction can flow in a reactor (1) for conducting heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase reactions, wherein said monoliths (2) are stacked side by side and on top of each other in the reactor interior, wherein the monoliths are sealed off from each other and from the inner wall of said reactor (1) by mats (3) each comprising an intumescent mat which before installation in said reactor (1) were completely enveloped in a polymeric film, wherein the interior enclosed by the polymeric film and containing said mat (3) is evacuated and wherein the interior enclosed by the polymeric film and containing said mat (3) is devacuated after installation in said reactor (1).
US09616400B2
A driving device of a metering and mixing apparatus for multi-component substances is disclosed, which driving device can have at least two cartridge holders for holding interchangeable cartridges with individual substance components, a discharging apparatus for simultaneously discharging the substance components from the cartridges through component outlets with the aid of discharging pistons entering the cartridge holder or cartridges, and a mixing apparatus which is connected to the component outlets, for mixing the discharged substance components and discharging the latter in mixed form, and a transmission unit for the connection of a drive motor, wherein the transmission unit can have a detector for detecting at least one counter pressure which builds up during the discharging of at least one of the substance components, and a controller, which is connected on an inlet side to the detector for bringing about a driving control function in response to a detection result.
US09616394B2
Guanidinyl ligand-functionalized polymers, methods of making the same, and substrates bearing a grafted coating of the ligand-functional polymers are described. The grafted polymer has the requisite affinity for binding neutral or negatively charged biomaterials, such as cells, cell debris, bacteria, spores, viruses, nucleic acids, endotoxins and proteins, at pH's near or below the pI's of the biomaterials.
US09616390B2
A separation membrane includes a separation membrane main body having at least a substrate and a separation function layer; and a channel material having a composition different from that of the separation membrane main body and affixed to a substrate-side surface of the separation membrane main body, wherein the channel material is discontinuous in a first direction and continuous in a second direction from one end to another end of the separation membrane main body.
US09616389B2
Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include a permeate frame with a membrane support structure having first and second membrane support plates that are free from perforations and that include a plurality of microgrooves configured to provide flow channels for at least part of the permeate stream. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a return conduit fluidly connecting a buffer tank and a reformate conduit, a return valve assembly configured to manage flow in the return conduit, and a control assembly configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure in the buffer tank and configured to direct the return valve assembly to allow product hydrogen stream to flow from the buffer tank to the reformate conduit when the fuel processing assembly is in the standby mode.
US09616388B2
A water filtering system including an inlet, an outlet and a filter positioned between the inlet and the outlet, where feed water enters the inlet and passes through the filter, and filtered water exits the through the outlet. A measurement device is connected to at least one of the inlet and the outlet measures a concentration of Total Dissolved Solids in at least one of the inlet and the outlet. A bypass valve is connected between the inlet and the outlet, and moves between a closed position and an open position, where the filtered water moves from the outlet to the inlet. A controller communicates with the measurement device and the bypass valve and automatically moves the bypass valve to a position between the closed position and the open position based on the concentration of the Total Dissolved Solids in the filtered water measured by the measurement device.
US09616384B2
Described are base metal catalysts that comprise a base metal material in an amount effective to generate an exotherm over a temperature range of 300° C. to 650° C. and to oxidize soot collected by a downstream particulate filter. The base metal catalysts are substantially free of platinum group metals. Emission treatment systems and methods of remediating nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons using base metal catalyst are also described.
US09616377B2
A portable dry scrubber comprises a gas flow control module comprising a gas receiving unit that receives inflow of gas from surrounding atmosphere or from a gas source, a gas processing module that removes hazardous matter from the gas flowed in through the gas receiving unit and a connection module that connects the gas flow control module detachably to the gas processing module. The connection module comprises quick coupling device that establishes and disassembles a gas flow passage between the gas flow control module and the gas processing module. Example of the quick coupling device is a quick release vacuum flange that engages with a connecting flange of the gas flow control module.
US09616370B2
In order to provide a method of introducing auxiliary material into the flow path of a crude gas stream charged with wet-paint overspray before the crude gas stream passes through at least one filter element for separating the overspray from the crude gas stream, with which method an introduction of auxiliary material into the application region of a paint shop is reliably prevented even in the event of incorrect operation, a method is proposed, which comprises the following method steps: detecting whether there is an adequate crude gas flow through the at least one filter element; and blocking the introduction of auxiliary material into the flow path of the crude gas stream if it is determined that there is not an adequate crude gas flow.
US09616369B2
An inertial filter to be disposed in the air flow path of a stream of air containing nanoparticles includes plural particle classifying sheets having plural mesh-like holes are disposed in the air flow path. The plural particle classifying sheets are stacked on each other in a manner that a part of at least one of the particle classifying sheets overlaps with the other particle classifying sheet. The inertial filter can adjust a classification diameter by adjusting a shadow area ratio on a projection view obtained by virtually projecting the plural particle classifying sheets from a downstream side to an upstream side of the air flow path.
US09616368B2
Methods and apparatus for sterilization are presented. An exemplary embodiment includes a sterilizing cabinet assembly. The sterilizing cabinet includes a cabinet having an access port, a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between an open position permitting passage through the access port to an interior of the cabinet and a closed position precluding passage through the access port. The sterilizing cabinet assembly also includes at least one of the cabinet and the door having a vent port. The sterilizing cabinet has a primary filter overlying the vent port and forming a sealed interface with an adjacent portion of the one of the cabinet and the door and a secondary filter overlying at least a portion of the primary filter.
US09616365B2
A filter holder is disclosed comprising a base for supporting the filter holder on a work surface and a holder arm attached to the base. The holder arm comprises a base end and an indexing axis passing through the base end. A rotor is rotatably connected to the base end and comprises a plurality of filter cradles each arranged generally parallel to the indexing axis and affixed to the rotor such that, when the holder arm is in the indexing position, the rotor is rotatable about the indexing axis to move a selected filter cradle into a loading position.
US09616362B2
A filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge with a containment bag including a vent port and a support housing, including a split lid.
US09616357B2
A drive unit for at least one traction means, especially in stage machinery, with a winding drum comprising at least one take-up region, on (each of) which a traction means is received which can be wound up or unwound, characterized in that axially adjacent to the take-up region there is a cylindrical drive region disposed on the winding drum, on which is received a belt-shaped drive means that can be wound up or unwound and which can be wound up onto a drivable drive drum, generating a drive torque acting on the winding drum, or can be unwound from the drive drum, releasing the winding drum.
US09616355B2
A construction kit including a plurality of construction assembly pieces each comprising a resilient half rod. The half-rod comprises a rod divided in half longitudinally and having a set of teeth. The set of teeth comprises teeth disposed at intervals along a longitudinal length of said half-rod located in alternate planes to either side of a longitudinal mid-plane of the rod. The teeth are configured to provide a snap-fit interlock with a corresponding set of teeth on the half-rod of an edge of a second corresponding construction assembly piece to define a full, preferably circular cross-section, rod where the two assembly pieces interlock. Each construction assembly pieces defines a flexible plastic rectangle partly open along one edge to allow the rectangle to be flexed further open, for modeling structures having fluid shapes.
US09616347B2
A fantasy sports league or contest where true fans are rewarded for allegiance to favorite teams. The league or contest is configured so that competition extends through playoffs of a league or sport upon where the fantasy sports league or contest is based.
US09616344B2
A data structure includes a plurality of player entries that associates a player with a respective set of player activity data points having a first value and a second value. In response to a query defining ranges for the first value and second value, a response is generated using the data structure, the response indicating players matching the criteria of the ranges.
US09616341B2
An avatar in a video game is controlled based on input from multiple users. An input composition system receives a first input from a first user. The first user uses a first input source for controlling the avatar. The input composition system receives a second input from a second user. The second user users a second input source for controlling the avatar. The input composition system alters the first input based on a first user performance modifier. The input composition system alters the second input based on a second user performance modifier. The input composition system creates an avatar input value based on the first altered input and the second altered input. The input composition directs the avatar in the video game based on the avatar input value.
US09616339B2
A volumetric dynamic virtual camera system employs a radial basis function (RBF) component that can utilize non-uniform training datasets that are blended to provide interpolated camera parameters during application runtime based on a player's position within virtual volumes in a 3D space. During application development, an artist or developer can interactively author cameras that are finely tuned to appear just right and which provide the training data for runtime. The RBF component blends the training data during runtime as the player's position within the volume changes to produce camera parameters that the camera system uses to capture scenes for rendering on a display device. The result is an overall camera system that lets authors very quickly develop film-quality cameras that appear and behave more like fully dynamic cameras having significant intelligence. The cameras are volumetric because they can exist in all the virtual spaces exposed by the application.
US09616334B2
A multi-platform gaming system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game on a gaming platform is described. The multi-platform gaming system can include collectible toys depicting or representing one or more game characters or objects relevant to a game adapted to be played on the gaming platform. The collectible toys can have associated therewith an RFID tag including a corresponding unique tag identification number. The RFID tag can include an antenna, integrated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from an associated RFID tag reader, and non-volatile programmable memory for storing game-relevant information describing skills, abilities or attributes associated with one of said game characters or objects.
US09616329B2
Techniques are disclosed that can capture sequences of player input in response to situations confronting a player of a video game while playing the video game on a game console. A game engine within the game console may associate an archetype with the captured sequences. The outcomes of the captured sequences are determined with respect to the game situations and a score is applied to the captured sequences based on the outcomes. The captured sequences, the outcomes and the scores are stored in a runtime memory within the game console used to play the video game. Upon completion of the video game, the stored captured sequences, the outcomes and the scores may be downloaded and stored to an external memory associated with the game console. Subsequent video game sessions may load the captured sequences, the outcomes and the scores into the runtime memory to be used in the next session.
US09616325B2
A game is provided that simulates American style football. Action cards include offensive plays and defensive outcomes. Skill is introduced by the offensive play chosen by an offensive player. Chance is introduced by the defensive outcome corresponding to the offensive play selected by the offensive player. The game lacks dice, spinners, or other random number generators. The game includes one set of action cards, which are selected consecutively by the offensive player. As preferably listing only offensive plays, only the defensive outcomes, thus the results of the offensive plays, vary from card to card. The game includes a field with markers that may be used to track the progress of the game.
US09616324B2
An automatic card shuffling device for randomizing playing cards is disclosed. The device comprises a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device, and a detection system capable of detecting or predicting a deficiency in operation of at least one component of the shuffling device. The detection system is configured to transmit an indication of a deficiency to a distal location.
US09616321B1
This invention combines the use of double sided reversible informational wrist badges (badges) with trading card games. The badges are worn on the inside and the outside of the wrist and coupled with the trading cards introduce a further degree of randomness in the game play. The objective of the game is to reduce the health indicator of the other player to zero, where the player is forced to play another character until one player remains with no surviving characters. Badges are utilized in primarily two or more ways, technical data is labeled on each side of the battle badge, the player turns the badge over to show the attribute they wish imbued on their character (such as additional health, strength, aid another character, shields/defense, and offense/attacks). Badges may also be shifted from the front to the back of the wrist to communicate a further degree of game play information.
US09616319B2
A compact folding billiard ball rack includes first and second sides coupled about a pivot portion. Each side is formed with hinge portions coupled to the pivot portion. The two sides can be pivoted or folded into a compact side by side position and into a V-shaped racking position. Magnetic latches are provided for releasably and repeatably holding the first and second sides in predetermined fixed positions.
US09616317B2
A releasable lock assembly for use with a collapsible pole assembly having a first shaft section slidably secured to a second shaft section includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second shaft sections in an extended position. The releasable lock assembly further includes a stop assembly having an elongated member having first and second ends, wherein the first end is secured to one of the first and second shaft sections and the second end secured to the other of the first and second shaft sections. The stop assembly further comprises a stop assembly biasing member configured to urge the first and second shaft sections into a collapsed position.
US09616314B2
A dental appliance is disclosed designed to protect a wearer's dentitions against injury from impacts suffered in sports or other activities that can cause chipping, fracturing, dislodging or evulsion of teeth. The appliance may be custom-fittable with at least one pocket having an energy absorbing fluid. The energy absorbing fluid be nanosuspensions of small particles in viscous fluids that can undergo shear thickening when the dental appliance is struck by an object. The appliance dampens and diffuses horizontal and axial forces and directs them away from dentitions thereby reducing the risk for dental injuries.
US09616307B1
A weight-adjustable-counterbalance apparatus includes a shell and at least one or more weighting member selectively added to the shell. The shell includes a container having an annular lateral wall and an end wall, and defines an opening at an end and a compartment. A first restrainer releasably fits on the end wall and in a manner being prevented from rotating relative to the container. A second restrainer releasably fits on the end of the container and in a manner being prevented from rotating relative to the container. A fastener releasably secures the first retainer, the container, and the second retainer together. The fastener has a first end retained on the first restrainer, a body inserting into the compartment, and a second end extending outside the opening and engaging with the second restrainer. The at least one or more weighting member is added by releasably fitting on the fastener.
US09616306B2
A golf hole marker, having a self-righting structure, includes a base, a weighting material received in the base, a telescopic pole and a flag. The base includes a top shell and a bottom shell. The bottom shell is substantially spherically curved and receives the weighting material therein. The top shell has a passage to receive a bottom portion of the pole and a protuberance to press down the weighting material for preventing the weighting material from moving within the bottom shell. The weighting material lowers a center of mass of the golf hole marker lower than a center of the spherically curved bottom shell. Preferably, the base is in the shape of a golf ball.
US09616302B2
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a hollow body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, a plurality of ports on the bottom portion and a plurality of inner support portions in the hollow body portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09616295B2
A fastening element for a climbing device configured for fastening to a tree, pole, mast, column, pillar, or like climbing surface includes an outer shell, a concave contact surface formed within the outer shell and a plurality of anchoring nubs. A lattice structure including a plurality of raised ribs may form the contact surface. Each of the plurality of anchoring nubs protrudes from the raised ribs, and one or more may be formed at least partially at an intersection of the lattice structure. The nubs may have a rounded profile and are preferably symmetrically aligned around a longitudinal axis of the fastening element. The plurality of anchoring nubs and the concave contact surface, e.g., a plurality of raised ribs, form an anchoring surface configured to contact a climbing surface, and to anchor the fastening element to the climbing surface, a tree, for example, without damage thereto.
US09616288B2
Disclosed herein is a device which detects repetitive movement of a user's body part. The device has a sensor which detects G forces along at least two axes when the user repeatedly moves the body part; a memory, which stores reference data corresponding to ideal reference data; a processor/computing unit, which communicates with the sensor and the memory, and receives data associated with the G forces. The processing/computing unit compares the ideal reference data with the data associated with the detected G forces. A feedback component is connected to the processor/computing unit to provide the user with a signal when a target has been achieved. Also disclosed is a method of computing data received by the device and an exerciser device that simulates the movement of a hula hoop.
US09616286B1
A hand exerciser that is structured and arranged to strength the various muscle groups of the user's hand and to improve dexterity of the user's fingers and thumb. The hand exerciser comprises a flexible frame formed into an arc-shaped configuration having an outer surface and an inner surface. On the outer surface of the frame is a first platform at one end and a second platform at the opposite end. A resistance member, such as compressible foam, a bag or the like, is removably positioned against the inner surface inside the arc-shaped frame between the two platforms such that when the user presses the platforms between the fingers and thumb, the resistance member resists compression to exercise the hand. Rails and elongated members on the first platform assist with the improving strength and dexterity. Sensor pads, light and/or audio generators and a cell phone support apparatus can be utilized.
US09616284B1
An apparatus for stretching comprises a body holder for connecting to a support device (e.g., a frame or ball joint). The body holder includes a body support panel for receiving an upper portion of user's body, a left arm holder for receiving a left arm, and a right arm holder for receiving a right arm. The left arm holder and the right arm holder are pivotally connected to the body support panel. The body support panel can have an ergonomic curved surface to approximate a part of user's torso. The left arm holder can also have a curved surface to approximate a portion of left side of a user's torso and at least a portion of left arm. Similarly, the right arm holder can have has a curved surface to approximate at least a portion of right side of the user's torso and at least a portion of right arm.
US09616283B1
A low stress therapeutic device is provided by utilizing foot plates and guide rails having operationally tracking surfaces of a low coefficient of friction supported by a platform. The device includes a rail stabilizer equipped with extending longitudinally recess or slot and a slideably mounted foot plate having upon its underside a longitudinal projection slideably retained within the rail recess. The therapeutic device may be designed to operate under relatively effortless strain at a low coefficient of friction. The therapeutic device is useful for knee replacement, stroke victims, ACL repair, and other therapeutic treatments requiring a nominal initiating effort of movement for rehabilitation. The device may be provided as a one or two footed device of a light weight particularly useful in a patient sitting or lying position. The foot plates may be appropriately equipped with longitudinally underside tracking guides reciprocating sliding within longitudinal slots provided by a tracking rail.
US09616271B2
A weight apparatus includes a bar including a handle, an anchorage rotatably mounted to an end of the handle, the handle and the anchorage having an axially extending opening, a pinion gear rotatably mounted in the axially extending opening, a rod slidably disposed inside the axially extending opening and having a rack arranged to be moved axially relative to the axially extending opening upon rotation of the pinion gear, and a gear drive arrangement for rotating the pinion gear upon rotation of the handle relative to the anchorage.
US09616268B2
Provided herein is an exercise cushion that may be used as a cushion and is configured to be used for performing stretches of the backbone, the muscles of the legs and arms or the like. The exercise cushion may comprise: a core main body, an elastic member, a pair of cushion bags, an inner cushion and a cushion cover. The core main body may comprise a pair of core boards each having an arc shape and are connected to each other in a bendable manner. The elastic member may resist against a force generated when the core boards are bent. The pair of cushion bags may house the core boards. The inner cushion may be configured to be inserted into the cushion bags with the core boards. The cushion cover may cover the cushion bags after the core boards and the inner cushion are inserted into the cushion bags.
US09616263B2
A fire suppression composition includes starch, a pseudo-plastic, high yield, suspending agent, and agglomerating material.
US09616256B2
The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.
US09616247B2
The present application is directed to the idea of using sampling techniques to propagate segmentation uncertainty in order to evaluate variability in radiation planning. A radiotherapy planning apparatus (10) creates diagnostic image data of a region of interest of a subject. Image data from other sources can also be used. The image data is segmented (44) and combined with previously imaged model data. Target measures such as dose volume histograms are produced for each of the segmentations of the image data. These measures are later combined into a statistical quantification of the target measure (FIG. 3). This information is presented (52) to the user to give the user possible outcomes of the radiotherapy plan, and, e.g., confidence levels in those outcomes.
US09616238B2
A method and apparatus for determining estimated remaining longevity for an implantable stimulator. The device employs pre-calculated numbers of days for various combinations conditions of device usage parameters to determine remaining device longevity based upon identified actual conditions of device usage and employs the determined longevity to change longevity indicator states in the device. While between longevity state changes, the device the identified conditions of device usage and adjusts the determined longevity if the conditions of use change significantly. The indicator states may correspond to one or more of Recommended Replacement Time (RRT), Elective Replacement Indicator (ERI) or End of Service (EOS).
US09616232B2
A method of measuring electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses of a patient or animal body is provided. The method includes surgically implanting an auditory prosthesis having an electrode array, the electrode array positioned either intracochlear or substantially proximate a brainstem of the body. At least one electrode is stimulated in the electrode array. Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses resulting from said stimulation are recorded using, at least in part, an electrode in the electrode array as a negative electrode, and a positive electrode positioned substantially proximate the vertex of the head of the body.
US09616229B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith.
US09616227B2
A method of using an airway treatment system for treating a dorsal displacement disorder in a horse includes generating a treatment signal configured to treat the dorsal displacement disorder, using a pacemaker processor, in order to continuously stimulate one or more muscles involved in displacing a laryngeal anatomical structure relative to an airway of the horse, and using one or more stimulation electrodes, configured to interface with tissue of the horse, to deliver the treatment signal to the tissue of the horse a period of hours every day to maintain an unobstructed airway.
US09616221B2
A method is provided that includes disposing midplane treatment electrodes over a superior sagittal sinus, outside and in electrical contact with a skull of a head of a subject identified as at risk of or suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Lateral treatment electrodes are disposed between 1 and 12 cm of a sagittal midplane of the skull. The subject is treated by electroosmotically driving fluid from a subarachnoid space to the superior sagittal sinus, by activating control circuitry to apply one or more treatment currents between (a) one or more of the midplane treatment electrodes and (b) one or sore of the lateral treatment electrodes. Other embodiments are also described. Other embodiments are also described.
US09616210B2
A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.
US09616202B2
A treatment device includes: a balloon; a biologically active agent part applied on an outer surface of the balloon; a protective sleeve encircling the balloon and being displaceable proximally; and an interposed member having a self-expanding function arranged between the balloon and the protective sleeve. When the protective sleeve is moved proximally in order for the balloon to be exposed to the inside of a blood vessel, the presence of the interposed member prevents the biologically active agent part from being scraped and peeled off by the inner surface of the protective sleeve.
US09616194B2
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. Additionally, the valve can be implemented with a diaphragm or with a flapper.
US09616178B2
The present invention relates to a dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device and a method of using same. The mechanism comprises a drug delivery device housing, a dose dial component positioned in the housing and rotatable during dose setting and dose delivery, a clutch rotatable during dose setting and non-rotatable during dose delivery having, preferably located at a distal end, clutch teeth, and a clutch ring engaged with the housing in a first rotatable configuration and in a second non-rotatable configuration.
US09616175B2
The invention relates to an injection device (100, 200, 300) which is capable of resisting proximal movements of a piston rod (107, 207, 307) relative to a housing (102, 202, 302), when the piston rod (107, 207, 307) is subjected to proximally directed forces below a threshold magnitude, and of allowing reversible proximal movements of the piston rod (107, 207, 307) relative to the housing (102, 202, 302), when the piston rod (107, 207, 307) is subjected to proximally directed forces of or above the threshold magnitude.
US09616174B2
An autoinjector having an external shell (1022), a reservoir, a piston, a needle, a piston rod (1005) that is displaceable between a loaded position and an injection position in which the piston rod has displaced the piston of the reservoir to inject the fluid product through the needle, an injection spring (1008) to stress the piston rod towards the injection position, and a mobile element (1004; 1006), the piston rod displaceable relative to the mobile element. The autoinjector also includes an indication device (1500) having a key (1120), and a head part (1122). The mobile element including a deformable tab (1510; 1520), the head part cooperating prior to injection with the deformable tab to prevent any radial deformation, blocking the mobile element relative to the external shell. The piston rod, on completion of injection, exerting traction on the head part causing displacement of the key and enabling radial deformation of the deformable tab and axial displacement of the mobile element.
US09616162B2
Systems and methods for providing for the automatic instrument-based rapid reprocessing of an intact extracorporeal circuit for use in hemodialysis. The system includes a manifold with connectors for engaging a dialyzer as well as venous and arterial blood lines. The manifold is adapted to be moved from a dialysis machine to a reuse instrument without removing the dialyzer and associated blood lines. The system allows for reprocessing of the extracorporeal circuit wherein prior to the next treatment, there is no residual chemical disinfectant requiring testing, the extracorporeal circuit is pre-primed, the levels in the bubble traps are set, and all of the required quality assurance tests are performed and recorded.
US09616154B2
A stimuli-responsive material includes a stimuli-responsive polymer, fibers and water, wherein the fibers have a number average diameter of 1 to 900 nm and are present in the stimuli-responsive material in a dispersed state; and a medical material and an anti-adhesive material, each of which includes a stimuli-responsive material including a stimuli-responsive polymer, fibers and water, wherein the fibers have a number average diameter of 1 to 900 nm and are present in the stimuli-responsive material in a dispersed state.
US09616146B2
A fluid line treatment kit for a dairy farm milking system having a vacuum subsystem for imparting vacuum within a fluid line is provided. The fluid line treatment kit includes at least one ozone gas source; a conduit associated with each ozone gas source configured to convey ozone gas to within the fluid line at a respective location; and a control system configured to trigger each ozone gas source to produce ozone gas while the vacuum subsystem is actuated. Vacuum imparted by the vacuum subsystem in the fluid line draws ozone gas via the at least one conduit into and through the fluid line.
US09616145B2
A system and process for disinfecting rooms such as health care facility rooms with an oxygen/ozone mixture is described, which is effective to combat “superbugs” such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile); E. coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In preferred embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is additionally used. The system and process is effective to destroy bacteria deposited on surfaces as biofilm, and, accompanied by physical agitation such as jet nozzle outlets, is effective to disinfect carpet, drapery and similar absorbent and porous surfaces.
US09616144B2
Food handling facilities such as meat packing, plants, dairies, kitchens and the like are disinfected using a disinfecting atmosphere which includes ozone and hydrogen peroxide, at a relative humidity of at least 60%.
US09616140B2
The invention generally relates to novel fluorescent phospholipid compounds, compositions comprising these compounds, and diagnostic methods utilizing these compounds. A preferred compound of the present invention has the following structural formula:
US09616135B2
The disclosure relates to improving the aqueous solubility of 2-iminobiotin. In a particular aspect, the disclosure pertains to formulations suitable for administration of 2-iminobiotin to mammals suffering from disorders or conditions that benefit from that administration.
US09616131B2
The present invention provides stable perfluorcarbon nanoemulsions with endocytosis enhancing surfaces that are suitable for gene-transfer, its production and use.
US09616126B2
The present invention provides compositions comprising API and at least one amino acid, in particular a liquid API formulation comprising amino acids, and methods and kits related thereto. These amino acids when incorporated into the API composition afford stability to the API formulation.
US09616124B2
The present invention relates to the field of dietary supplements, and in particular to antiviral compositions and methods of use. Compositions are described involving various combinations of Andrographis, Astragalus, Eleuthero, Isatis, Lomatium, Pelargonium, Sambucus, Scute, and/or Zinc, optionally with additional components. These combinations of supplements synergistically reduce both severity and duration of viral infections, including in particular colds and influenza, as well as providing additional benefits.
US09616123B1
The subject invention describes a method of use of Ropinirole™ to alleviate and control menopausal symptoms in women, and in particular, hot flashes. The invention describes the use of Ropinirole as a dopamine agonist with affinity for the dopamine D2, D3, or D4 receptors. Ropinirole may also be used to treat menopausal symptoms in conjunction with Tizanidine™ to further reduce the effects menopausal symptoms by providing a sedative and muscle relaxant effect which aids in sleep. The combination of Ropinirole and Tizanidine provides a useful new compound for treatment of menopausal symptoms that are most disruptive to the functioning in activities of daily living.
US09616111B2
Compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders associated with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency are disclosed.
US09616109B2
The invention provides non-hormonal vitamin D conjugated to insulin peptides that result in the peptides having increased absorption, bioavailability or circulating half-life when compared to non-conjugated forms. The vitamin D targeting groups are coupled to the insulin peptides via the third carbon on the vitamin D backbone.
US09616108B2
This invention relates to methods of treating and ameliorating congenital and neonatal hyperinsulinism and post-prandial hypoglycemia, comprising the step of administering an antagonist of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, e.g. a GLP-1 fragment or analog thereof.
US09616103B2
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for growth induction in blood vessel tissue which contains purified plasmid DNA encoding a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients that include a cryoprotectant as a vehicle and/or a pH stabilizer for stabilizing the pH in the range of 7.0 to 9.0, in effective quantities. Also provided is a storage method of plasmid DNA which encodes a VEGF comprising mixing the purified plasmid DNA with a solution of at least one cryoprotectant having properties of a vehicle and/or a pH stabilizer in the pH range of 7.0-9.0. The solution is lyophilized and stored at +2 to +8° C. Supercoiled DNA pCMV-VEGF165 may be used which is produced by culturing Esherichia coli strain TOP10/pCMV-VEGF165. The pharmaceutical composition is administered to a human in quantities sufficient to provide a necessary therapeutic effect. The provided pharmaceutical composition of plasmid DNA pCMV-VEGF165 does not change significantly properties of the active substance when stored for a long time at a temperature from +2 to +8° C.
US09616101B2
The present invention relates to a differentiation marker and a differentiation controlling technique for an eye cell. More particularly, the present invention has attained an object of providing a differentiation marker for an eye cell among the aforementioned problems, by providing a marker for identifying a cell having a high proliferation ability among corneal endothelial cells and/or the differentiation ability of a corneal endothelial cell, the marker comprising GPR49/LGR5, as well as a detection agent or detection method for identifying a cell having a high proliferation ability among corneal endothelial cells and/or the differentiation ability of a corneal endothelial cell, comprising a substance binding to GPR49/LGR5. In addition, the present invention has attained an object of providing a differentiation controlling technique for an eye cell, by providing an agent for suppressing differentiation and/or promoting proliferation of an eye cell, comprising R-spondins.
US09616100B2
The present invention relates to novel therapies that utilize exogenous HSP70 for the treatment of disorders or conditions regulated by HSP70 through administration of exogenous HSP70.
US09616098B2
Vancomycin-containing compositions substantially free of precipitation after at least about 12 months of storage at refrigerated or ambient conditions are disclosed. The compositions include vancomycin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a polar solvent including propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof; lactic acid, a lactate salt, or mixtures thereof; and optionally, a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to maintain a pH of the compositions at from about 3 to about 8.
US09616080B2
An energy composition includes a methylated xanthine, a choline derivative, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable. The energy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids, preservatives, and the like.
US09616078B2
Oral dosage forms of bisphosphonate compounds, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions. The oral bioavailability of zoledronic acid can be enhanced by administering the zoledronic acid in the disodium salt form.
US09616076B2
Certain embodiments are directed to methods of treating respiratory infection by administering an H2S donor.
US09616075B2
The disclosure relates to a method of treating and/or preventing brain impairment in a subject that has or is susceptible to ammonia neurotoxicity (increased plasma ammonia), by administering a Na-; —K+-2CI- cotransporter isoform 1 (“NKCC1”) inhibitor to the selected subject under conditions effective to treat and/or prevent brain impairment. The disclosure further relates to methods of maintaining the fundamental function of astrocytic potassium buffering and inhibiting accumulation of potassium star rounding astrocytes, both of which involve contacting astrocytes with a NKCC 1 inhibitor.
US09616073B2
The invention relates to a method for on-demand contraception, which method comprises administering a progestogen agent or progesterone receptor modulator, such as 17a-acetoxy-11b-[4-N,N-dimethylamino-phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (ulipristal acetate) in a woman, within 72 hours before an intercourse or within 120 hours after the intercourse.
US09616070B2
GABAA receptor mediated hypersomnia can be treated by administering a GABAA receptor antagonist (e.g., flumazenil; clarithromycin; picrotoxin; bicuculline; cicutoxin; and oenanthotoxin). In some embodiments, the GABAA receptor antagonist is flumazenil or clarithromycin. The GABAA receptor mediated hypersomnia includes shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, narcolepsy, excessive sleepiness, hypersomnia (e.g., idiopathic hypersomnia; recurrent hypersonmia; endozepine related recurrent stupor; and amphetamine resistant hypersonmia), and excessive sleepiness associated with shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, and hypersomnia (e.g., idiopathic hypersomnia; recurrent hypersomnia; endozepine related recurrent stupor; and amphetamine resistant hypersomnia.
US09616063B2
There are disclosed certain 1-[2-(aminomethyl)benzyl]-2-thioxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, together with compositions containing them and their use in therapy. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzyme MPO and are thereby particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure and coronary artery disease related conditions.
US09616060B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to particles of active substances, methods for preparing the particles, formulations containing the particles, and metered dose inhalers containing such particles or formulations. In one embodiment, a composition of an aerosol formulation is provided and contains a particulate active substance of non-micronized, solid particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm suspended in a hydrofluorocarbon fluid vehicle at a concentration within a range from about 0.2% w/v to about 5% w/v. The aerosol formulation exhibits a flocculation volume of about 85% or greater about 1 minute after mixing the particulate active substance and the hydrofluorocarbon fluid vehicle. The particulate active substance contains an alkaloid ergotamine, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, analogs thereof, or derivatives thereof. In some examples, the alkaloid ergotamine contains dihydroergotamine, such as dihydroergotamine mesylate and the hydrofluorocarbon fluid vehicle contains HFA 134a, HFA 227ea, or mixtures thereof.
US09616059B2
Substituted indazole derivatives of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as defined in the specification; the compounds of the invention may be useful in therapy in the treatment of diseases associated with a deregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer.
US09616056B2
Treating Sonic Hedgehog-Associated Medulloblastoma comprises inhibiting the synthesis or biologic activity of leukotrienes that drive Nestin expression in cancerous or precancerous granule neuron precursors and that further drive growth and proliferation of medulloblastoma cells through Nestin-mediated aberrant Sonic Hedgehog signaling.
US09616053B2
The present invention is concerned with 2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-indoles of general formula (I) wherein Ar, X, X1, R1, R2, R3, m, n and the dotted line are as defined herein which compounds are useful for treating certain central nervous system disorders as described herein.
US09616052B2
The present invention is focused primarily toward pro re nata (“as needed”) treatments for a psychiatric condition or disorder or the symptoms thereof, including the symptoms of acute anxiety and panic in living animals, including humans. The present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions as combination therapies containing at least one beta adrenergic receptor antagonist and at least one muscarinic receptor antagonist. The invention provides methods for treating psychiatric condition or disorder or the symptoms thereof, including acute anxiety and panic comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist drug and an antiemetic muscarinic receptor antagonist drug in a therapeutically effective amount to stop or reduce the symptoms of anxiety and/or panic. The pharmaceutical compositions are administered as treatments immediately in advance of, at the onset of, or during an acute anxiety and/or panic episode.
US09616051B2
Topoisomerase II alpha (topo IIα) is exported from the cell nucleus in human myeloma cells by a chromosome-maintenance protein-1 (CRM1)-dependent mechanism, resulting in topo II inhibitor resistance. The nuclear export signal (NES) of topo IIα is unique, making it a potential target for small molecule inhibitors. Small molecules NES inhibitors were identified, which inhibited binding of topo IIα to the export receptor CRM1. Inhibition was specific to topo IIα as p53 trafficking was unaffected along with topo IIα protein expression and function (decatenation). These topo IIα-specific nuclear export inhibitors may potentially lead to a new approach in circumventing drug resistance in multiple myeloma. The compounds provide a protocol for treating multiple myeloma or an oncogenic disease. Further, the topoisomerase II nuclear export signal inhibitor may be combined with a topoisomerase II inhibitor.
US09616045B2
The invention relates to transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) comprising a backing, a reservoir layer containing at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient, and an adhesive. Said transdermal therapeutic systems are characterised in that they are able to continuously adhere to the surface of the skin over a long period of time. During said long period of time, a) there is at least one time interval during which the TTS adhering to the surface of the skin is intensively exposed to water, and b) the active ingredient is transdermally released. The invention also relates to a method for the continuous transdermal release of at least one pharmaceutical active ingredient over a long period of time.
US09616043B2
Provided herein are compounds and methods for the treatment of brain cancer in a mammal, wherein the method comprises the administration to the mammal a compound that stabilizes tubulin dimers or microtubles at G2-M interface during mitosis but is not a substrate for MDR protein. In particular, the present application relates to the use of an orally effective abeo-taxane, alone or in combination with temozolomide or bevacizumab, for the treatment of brain cancer.
US09616040B2
Spinal stenosis is a common debilitating illness that produces symptoms of neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy and weakness. Present therapies include administration of analgesics, epidural injections of local anesthetic with corticosteroids and decompression laminectomy. In vitro, citrate ion can resorb vertebral cortical bone by chelating calcium without destruction of the ligamentum flavum or dura mater. This non-enzymatic spontaneous chemical reaction occurs at neutral pH, 37° C. and in an isotonic solution and in vitro produces an average cortical bone weight loss of 17% after 168 hours. In this invention epidural infusion of citrate in the form of an isotonic solution of sodium citrate/citric acid buffer at neutral pH will resorb a significant amount of vertebral bone such that the symptoms of spinal stenosis are ameliorated.
US09616039B2
Treatment of NAFLD and NASH by therapy with MBX-8025 or an MBX-8025 salt.
US09616033B2
Presystemic metabolism in intestine of bioactives such as phenylephrine is avoided by administering a subject (human or animal) the bioactive (e.g., phenylephrine) in combination with one or more inhibitors of sulfation (e.g., sulfotransferase enzymes aka SULTs). This can also be enhanced be co-administering inhibitors of monoamine oxidases aka, MAOs, and uridine diphosphate glucoronysl transferases, aka UGTs. Preferably the inhibitors are GRAS compounds. The one or more inhibitor compounds inhibit the enzymes responsible for rapid presystemic metabolism, thus allowing the bioactives (e.g., phenylephrine) to be more readily absorbed intact into the circulatory system.
US09616031B2
The present invention relates to a method for encapsulating particles of a water-insoluble material within a capsule of a water-insoluble polymer, comprising (a) dispersing particles of the water-insoluble material or a solution containing the water-insoluble material in a first aqueous phase containing a first surfactant to obtain a first dispersion; (b) collecting the particles of the water-insoluble material coated with the first surfactant; (c) washing the collected particles; (d) adding the washed surfactant-coated water-insoluble material particles to a polymer solution containing the water-insoluble polymer of the capsule to obtain a polymer mixture; and (e) dispersing the polymer mixture in a second aqueous phase containing a second surfactant to obtain a second dispersion comprising the particles of the water-insoluble material encapsulated within the capsule of the water-insoluble polymer.
US09616021B2
Methods are described for producing non-immunogenic nanoparticles from protein sources by controlling the pH in a nanoprecipitation process. The nanoparticles that are produced by the disclosed methods range in diameter size from about 100 ran to about 400 nm, with a preferred diameter size of from approximately 100 nm to approximately 300 nm, thereby rendering them non-immunogenic. The invention further discloses methods for producing nanoconjugates that are suitable for a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic and other uses.
US09616015B2
Provided are high concentration compositions of tissue kallikrein-1 (KLK1) and methods of parenterally administering such compositions to a subject in need thereof, where absorption into the circulation via, for example, intravenous or subcutaneous administration improves systemic pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, safety, and/or convenience relative to intravenous or other forms of administration. Also provided are recombinant human KLK1 (rhKLK1) polypeptides that can be readily concentrated to high protein concentrations, and substantially pure compositions thereof.
US09616014B2
Cosmetic agents, in some embodiments in powder form, containing as component (a) at least one polymer comprising at least one structural unit of formula (I) and at least one structural unit of formula (II), in which X denotes a physiologically acceptable cation (in particular Na+), R1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R2 denotes a (C2 to C6) hydroxyalkyl group, and as component (b) at least one setting polymer, are suitable for temporarily reshaping keratin-containing fibers. When applied to human hair, for example, an elastic hairstyle with volume was obtained. The hair retained its natural gloss.
US09616012B2
The present invention is related to aqueous conditioning composition for hair comprising at least one cationic starch polymer and at least one additional cationic polymer selected from the ones with monosaccharide units. Conditioning composition of the present invention can be in the form of a shampoo, cleansing-conditioning composition, or in the form of a conditioner used after washing hair with cleansing compositions.
US09616010B2
The invention relates to a ternary lipid association of β-sitosterol, isocetyl stearoyl stearate and glyceryl tri-2-ethylhexanoate, wherein the β-sitosterol content of said association is between 0.1% and 5 wt. %.
US09616005B2
Method of manufacturing a dental bleaching device including a dental bleaching composition and a barrier layer. The bleaching composition includes a dental bleaching agent, a generally linear high molecular weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and/or polyethylene oxide (PEO) tissue adhesion agent that imparts adhesiveness, a rheology-modifying agent such as fumed silica or fumed alumina that reduces or eliminates stringiness otherwise caused by the high molecular weight PVP and/or PEO, and a carrier. The barrier layer may comprise a dental tray or strip. Dental treatment devices including a barrier layer and a quantity of the dental bleaching composition positioned adjacent to the barrier layer.
US09616004B2
Substantially aqueous-free, enamel protectant and enamel repair toothpastes containing: stannous fluoride, calcium and a substantivity agent comprising: an emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane in a nonionic surfactant, wherein: (a) substantivity of said stannous fluoride and calcium into biofilm present on enamel is enhanced through calcium binding shifting from bidentate to monodentate in the presence of stannous fluoride; and (b) said toothpastes indicate substantially improved, enamel protectant factor (EPF) and enamel repair factor (ERF) values compared to fluoride brushing treatments with comparable or higher fluoride levels.
US09616003B2
The invention is antibacterial mouthwash which does not have any side effects as it does not have toxicity in cellular level during the fight against oral cavity diseases and which is used for eliminating microbial dental plaques.
US09616000B2
A medical kit includes a liquid storage container in which a liquid is preliminarily stored, syringes, a first connector for connecting the liquid storage container and the syringes, and a regulating mechanism for collectively regulating limits of movement of gaskets of the syringes and. The syringes are collectively filled with the liquid by conducting an operation to feed out the liquid in the liquid storage container in a condition in which the liquid storage container and the syringes and in an empty state are connected through the syringes, until the limits of movement are regulated.
US09615987B2
A limb holder generally includes a limb holder assembly, a sled or yoke assembly, a pylon and support bar assembly, a clamp assembly, and a retractor assembly. A limb, such as a leg, is supported by the limb holder. The limb holder is supported by a sled which can move along a support bar that is supported by virtue of a mounting pylon. The mounting pylon is fixed in place by a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly being attached directly to a bed, table, or other patient support. The limb holder can also receive one or more retractor assemblies capable of retracting an incision, such that a user may manipulate a patient's limb during a procedure in which the use of retractors is desired.
US09615979B2
According to one embodiment, an absorbent article to be worn about a wearer has a front portion and a back portion. The absorbent article includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, an absorbent layer and one or more fasteners, which are located on the back portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent layer is interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer to form the absorbent article. The outer layer has a central portion between two side portions. The central portion of the outer layer is treated with a chemical to substantially inhibit attachment of the one or more fasteners to the central portion of the outer layer. The one or more fasteners secure the back portion to the outer layer of the front portion. Specifically, the one or more fasteners are configured to secure the back portion to a region of the outer layer which is not treated with the chemical.
US09615965B2
The present invention relates to an inserter for an intrauterine system comprising a handle (3), and an insertion tube (6) having a first end and a second end, and being arranged in connection with the handle. The inserter is characterized in that the first end of the insertion tube (6) comprises at least one frame slot for receiving a frame of the intrauterine system. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an inserter according to the present invention and an intrauterine system, wherein the intrauterine system (1) comprises a therapeutic component (1b) and a continuous, closed frame (1a), the therapeutic component (1b) being connected to the frame (1a) at least one point, and therapeutic component (1b) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged inside the first end of the insertion tube (6) and the frame (1a) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged outside the first end of the insertion tube (6).
US09615960B2
An apparatus for assisting in copulation and preventing discomfort due to testicular retraction or displacement (e.g., retractile testicle) during copulation and other activities is disclosed. The apparatus substantially encompasses, circumferentially, the upper portion of the shaft of a penis without constricting the urethra area at the base of the shaft of the penis. The apparatus further conforms to the torso behind the scrotal sack (i.e., between scrotum and torso) to prevent undesired movement of testicles into the abdomen area. The apparatus has a substantial U-shape, the legs curving inwardly toward respective anchoring nodes. Anchoring nodes may be included at the end of each leg of the apparatus to assist in minimizing movement of the apparatus while in use. The apparatus may rigid or may be slightly flexible and, when in use as a copulation aid, provides pressure to restrict outflow of blood from corpora cavernosa thus assisting to maintain erection.
US09615957B2
A surgical cast venting material comprises a waterproof, flexible substrate made of a plastics material and having first and second sides. The first side has a plurality of shallow, concave recesses distributed over the substrate and spaced-apart from one another while the second side has a plurality of protrusions distributed across the substrate. The substrate is perforated with a plurality of small holes distributed across its length and width. Also, a surgical cast venting device is disclosed for venting a bent region of a patient's limb. It has a flexible, central portion that can cover a major part of the bent region of the limb including opposite side surfaces and a front or rear surface. The device also has flexible connecting straps extending from two corners of the central portion.
US09615956B2
An easily-accessible, self-adjustable orthopedic clavicle brace and method of use for preventing and treating damage to the clavicle. The brace supports the shoulder region of a user's body during the healing or mending of an injured, dislocated, fractured or broken clavicle. The device uses a simple coupling means located towards the front of the user to allow for easy accessibility by the user for self-application, self-adjustment, and self-removal of the brace without having to rely on assistance by a second party.
US09615952B2
A method for performing a gastrectomy (stomach reduction surgery).
US09615946B2
A prosthetic device includes a first place including a first end portion arranged for attachment to a foot member of a prosthetic foot. A second end portion is arranged to extend freely over at least a portion of the top surface of the foot member. A second plate includes a first end extending over a heel member of the prosthetic foot and a second end extending over and attached to the second end portion of the first plate. The second end portion of the first plate situated between the foot member and the second plate. A pump mechanism includes a housing secured to the second plate and a membrane operatively connected to the first place and the housing. The pump mechanism defines a fluid chamber between a bottom surface of the housing and a top surface of the membrane.
US09615927B2
An orthopaedic hip prosthesis system is disclosed. The orthopaedic hip prosthesis system comprises a femoral head component configured to articulate with a natural or prosthetic acetabulum of a patient, the femoral head component having a tapered bore formed therein, a femoral stem component having a tapered trunnion configured to be received in the tapered bore of the femoral head component, and a shell positioned over the tapered trunnion of the femoral stem component. The shell includes a frame extending over the tapered trunnion, and a protective coating applied to the frame and the tapered trunnion. A method of performing an orthopaedic surgery is also disclosed.
US09615916B2
An intraocular lens including a flexible optic and at least one rigid plate haptic connected to the optic. The at least one rigid plate haptic can include a rigid structure. The at least one rigid plate haptic can be resistant to bending from pressure exerted on a distal end of the at least one haptic by contraction of the ciliary muscle. The intraocular lens can be a non-accommodating IOL having a longitudinal length that is fixed and configured to resist deformation by the action of the ciliary muscle. Various embodiments also include accommodating intraocular lenses.
US09615908B2
An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus includes a universal bellow, prosthesis, and a retractor. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the retractor anchors the universal bellow to the patient while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical pocket of a patient.
US09615907B2
An implantable prosthesis device and system for insertion, deployment, and fixation of a hernia prosthesis. The system includes two or more deployment rods removably affixed to the prosthesis. Each rod extends across a majority of a width of the prosthesis and beyond one end of the width of the prosthesis. The rods are arranged generally parallel to one another when in a rolled configuration. The rods are separate, physically noncontiguous wire rods that are not operably coupled to one another. The rods provide structural reinforcement and increased rigidity across the width of the implantable hernia prosthesis while maintaining the ability of the prosthesis to experience bends in its length. In this way, the rods allow a user to separately manipulate discrete portions of the prosthesis while to maintaining the ability of the prosthesis to be rolled up and inserted into the body of a patient through, e.g., a trocar.
US09615889B2
A robotic surgery system includes a robotic arm fixed relative to an operating room. The robotic arm comprises a mounting fixture configured to be coupled to a first element of a fluoroscopic imaging system, wherein the first element is one of a source element and a detector element. The system further includes a second element of the imaging system, wherein the second element is the other of the source element and the detector element. The second element is configured to be repositionable relative to the first element and relative to a patient tissue structure. The system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the robotic arm, configured to receive signals from a sensing system. The sensing system detects motion of one or more sensor elements coupled to each of the first and second elements and determine a relative spatial positioning between the elements of the fluoroscopic imaging system.
US09615887B2
A knee bone cut system and method is disclosed. The knee bone cut system supports cutting an anterior portion of a distal end of a femur. The system comprises a sensored insert, a femoral rotation guide, and a remote system to receive and display sensor data. The sensored insert provide data related to load magnitude, position of load, and leg position. The femoral rotation guide has moveable condyles to adjust condyle position in a rapid manner. A pinch mechanism and lock mechanism respectively move the condyles into contact with the sensored insert. Moreover, the femoral rotation guide can be loaded similar to a final installed insert over a range of motion. For example, the patella can be placed on the femoral rotation guide allowing the patella to load the sensored insert. The femoral insert guide includes guide holes that are used in conjunction with a bone cutting jig.
US09615885B2
Apparatus is described for measuring and displaying the magnitude of traction forces applied to a patient's lower limbs during surgery, and for measuring the direction and magnitude of counter-traction forces applied to the patient's body by the perineal post located at the patient's groin to oppose traction forces applied to the patient's lower limbs.
US09615884B2
Apparatus, system, and methods are provided for reducing infectious agents at a sterile site by preventing infectious agents from coming into contact with the sterile site. A barrier is produced for infectious agents that may come in proximity or otherwise communicate with the site. The apparatus is configured to create a void-free barrier in which infectious agents are reduced with minimal exposure of potentially harmful effects of the barrier to the sterile site, objects, or users of the apparatus.
US09615878B2
Disclosed herein is a system for ablating and characterizing tissue. The system comprises an ablation element configured to emit ablative energy toward a tissue of interest, an imaging apparatus configured to emit energy and collect imaging data including reflected signals from the tissue of interest, and a characterization application. The characterization application comprises a signal analyzer for analyzing the imaging data and determining one or more signal properties from the reflected signals, and a correlation processor configured to associate the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique. The pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and the correlation processor is configured to identify a tissue component and an ablation level of the tissue of interest based on the pattern recognition technique.
US09615875B2
A surgical instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes and for causing thermal effects in polymer tissue-contacting members. In one embodiment, the instrument has a working end with an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior of the instrument. The vapor phase media then is ejected from the working surface of the instrument, and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. The vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, or internal energy releases, can be provided about thin-film flexible structures for engaging body lumens and cavities. An exemplary embodiment can be used for shrinking, sealing, welding or creating lesions in tissue—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow in the engaged tissue.
US09615873B2
Provided is a bone joining device suitable for joining a first bone piece to a second bone piece. Also provided is a method of joining a first bone piece with a second bone piece in a living mammal. The method comprises inserting the above bone joining device between the first bone piece and the second bone piece.
US09615867B2
A fixation element for use in orthopedic surgery is capable of being screwed, hooked, or otherwise attached to a bone, and is configured to accommodate two or more rods or other elongated members. The head of the fixation elements thus has multiple places for positioning a rod, either vertically or horizontally spaced from each other.
US09615862B1
Disclosed is an instrument to assist in installing bottom loading orthopedic devices. The orthopedic devices are used to fix and stabilize bones to correct anomalies in skeletal structure occurring naturally or by trauma. Bone screws are anchored and tulips by the disclosed instrument wherein push/pull forces are equalized to eliminate the imposition of stress on the skeletal of individual.
US09615856B2
Devices for sacroiliac joint fusion may be implanted from an anterior, posterior, or lateral approach. Multiple devices may be used in a single fusion procedure. Some examples include blade anchors which extend from a central beam, pin, cage, or body.
US09615855B2
The percutaneous minimally invasive pedicle fixation system herein comprises a bone screw and a hook-rod, wherein the bone screw includes a positioning casing and a screw body. The positioning casing comprises securing base, an alignment casing and a screw body passage. The securing base includes a through hole at the bottom and two openings arranged opposite to each other in the wall. The alignment casing has a wall portion and a volume reduce portion, wherein the wall portion is configured with an elongate opening and the volume reduced portion is a portion with part of the wall removed to recede from the outer surface of the securing base and a guide opening formed in the volume reduced portion. The positioning casing further includes a first easy breaking portion between the alignment casing and the securing base so that the alignment casing can be removed from the positioning casing.
US09615853B2
A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.
US09615844B2
An apparatus includes a generator including a control module that is operably coupled to a power module. The power module is configured to produce an electronic signal to be received by an ultrasonic energy delivery assembly. The ultrasonic energy delivery assembly is characterized by a natural frequency, and the electronic signal is characterized by a frequency. The control module is configured to send a control signal to the power module to randomly vary the frequency of the electronic signal within a range defined at least in part by the natural frequency.
US09615841B2
The invention relates to a device for penetratingly extending a blind hole into a hard tissue, particularly a jawbone. The device is characterized in that it comprises a tubular body (1) having a distal working opening (2) and an inlet (3) opposite the working opening (2), said inlet being closed by a sealing element (4) that is penetrated by a shaft (5) of a working tool, for example a milling tool (5, 6), and allows at least a feed motion, a drive motion and a steering motion of the working tool (5, 6), the tubular body (1) being provided with a connection (8) for applying an internal pressure.
US09615838B2
The present disclosure provides methods for forming or enlarging holes in bone tissue and methods for fixing medical plates to bodies. The present disclosure also provides for products produced by the methods of the present disclosure and for apparatuses used to perform the methods of the present disclosure.
US09615834B2
Patient-matched surgical instruments, and methods for making patient-matched surgical instruments, may include patient-matched surgical instruments having an anatomy facing side with several discrete, physically separate anatomy contacting portions configured to match the anatomy of a particular patient. The anatomy contacting portions may be one or more of non-uniform in distribution, non-uniform in shape or non-uniform in surface area.
US09615830B2
A surgical fastener is provided for various surgical fastening applications, including attaching an implantable prosthesis, such as a soft tissue repair fabric, to tissue and/or muscle. The surgical fastener may include a coil body and a separate head that is attached to the coil body. The head may include an internal thread that is threadably attached to the coil body. The head may also be further secured to the coil body with a compression fit therebetween. A locking feature may prevent back-out of the coil body from the head. The surgical fastener may be assembled by threading the coil body through the head.
US09615829B2
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove.
US09615823B2
Tools and methods for removing anchors from medical leads involve a guide portion and a blade. The lead is inserted within a lead passageway of the guide portion of the tool and the tool is moved along so that the blade contacts the anchor and cuts a slit in the anchor as the tool. Once the blade has cut the slit through the entire anchor, the anchor comes free of the lead and the tool can be removed. The tool may include a manner of opening and closing the guide portion so as to provide access to the lead when open and to contain the lead when closed. Opening the guide portion allows the lead to be inserted or removed by laterally moving the lead into or out of the lead passageway such that the tool may be installed or removed at any available point along the lead.
US09615812B2
Calibration methods and related calibration controllers (CC) for calibrating imaging apparatuses (102) such as a 3D computed tomography imager or a 2D x-ray imager. The imaging apparatuses (102) are equipped with a dynamic beam shaper (RF). The dynamic beam shaper (RF) allows adapting the energy profile of a radiation beam (PR) used in the imaging apparatuses (102) to a shape of an object (PAT) to be imaged. A plurality of gain images are acquired in dependence on a shape of the object and the view along which the gain images are acquired or a target gain image is synthesized from a plurality of basis gain images (BGI).
US09615811B2
A radiation imaging apparatus performs radiation image obtaining processing in accordance with an exposure instruction, and obtains a radiation image. Then the radiation imaging apparatus performs offset correction for the obtained radiation image, and displays it. The radiation imaging apparatus determines, in accordance with a predetermined criterion, whether or not offset images obtained by offset image obtaining processing are stable over time. Then, if it is determined that the offset images are not stable, offset correction is performed by using an offset image obtained by performing offset image obtaining processing, following the obtaining of the radiation image. If it is determined that the offset images are stable, the offset correction is performed by using an offset image obtained before the obtaining of the radiation image.
US09615808B2
A method and system for processing a radiography image derived from an X-ray radiation passing through an object. The method includes acts of estimating, based on the radiography image, a scatter signal present in said radiography image; calculating, based on the estimated scatter signal, a scatter removal signal indicative of a scattered radiation removable from the X-ray radiation passing through the object by a reference anti-scatter device; and correcting the radiography image based on the scatter removal signal.
US09615804B2
In a method for image generation and image evaluation in the medical field, raw data are generated by a selected medical modality, in particular a computed tomography scanner, depending on given modality parameters, and image data are generated from the raw data using an image reconstruction depending on given reconstruction parameters. The image data are evaluated by a given analysis application. Before acquiring the raw data, a secondary application automatically proposes a set of parameter values for the modality parameters and/or for the reconstruction parameters coordinated to the given analysis application and/or given patient information.
US09615800B2
A method for issuing an alert which includes the following steps:—carry out an R analysis on two or more physiological variable inputs;—carry out an N analysis on a primary physiological variable input;—issue an alert if the R analysis confirms a trend for each of the physiological variable inputs and the N analysis shows a statistically significant change in the primary physiological variable input; where the two or more physiological variable inputs include systolic or mean blood pressure and pulse volume, and the primary physiological variable input is systolic or mean blood pressure; such that the alert is a visual, audio, vibratory, tactile or a combination of two or more of these or an alert signal to an output unit configured to output the alert in one of those forms.
US09615797B2
In some embodiments, a method, apparatus, and a system for sensing a force are provided. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to detect an impact force. The plurality of sensors may be arranged into a housing, such as a sports helmet. The apparatus also includes a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The controller is adapted to: receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of sensors; determine whether a value of the signal exceeds a threshold; perform a responsive action in response to a determination that the value of signal exceeds the threshold. The responsive action comprises providing a warning, performing a logging function, and/or performing a counteraction.
US09615787B2
In one aspect, a device includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to receive data from a sleep sensor in communication with the device and, based at least in part on the data, determine whether to change a time at which an alarm is to occur at the device.
US09615785B2
A procedure and apparatus to determine the overall fitness of a test subject. For this purpose the qualitative and temporal progression of the heart rate under constant physical stress of the subject is prescribed with at least one parameter dependent on the subject. The heart rate of the subject is measured under constant physical stress during a period of time. The parameter(s) are determined from the measured values, and the maximum heart rate and/or the initial heart rate and/or the increase characteristic of the heart rate are determined from the function and the measured values by numerical procedures. The apparatus can measure the heart rate of the subject, record a temporal progression of the heart rate under physical stress, and determines numerically from the temporal progression of the heart rate, the maximum heart rate and/or the initial heart rate without physical stress and/or the increase characteristic of the heart rate.
US09615783B2
A blood collection assembly includes a housing and a cannula extending distally from the housing including a patient end, and a cannula shield removably engaged with a portion of the housing. The cannula shield is capable of shielding at least the patient end of the cannula, and includes a safety shield engagement. The assembly includes a pivoting safety shield engaged with a portion of the housing, which is transitionable from a retracted position in which the patient end of the cannula is exposed, to an extended position in which the patient end of the cannula is shielded by at least a portion of the safety shield. The safety shield includes at least one locking tab releasably engageable with the safety shield engagement, wherein the locking tab is fixedly engageable with a portion of the housing in the extended position.
US09615781B2
During patient monitoring, a depth of consciousness (DOC) measure, such as a bispectral index, may be used in conjunction with additional information obtained from an awareness metric derived from one or more physiological signals, such as a photoplethysmograph signal. In an embodiment, a DOC measure may be combined with information from an awareness metric to produce a combined DOC measure. In an embodiment, information from an awareness metric derived from one or more physiological signals may be used to provide an indication of confidence in a DOC measure. In an embodiment, a DOC measure may be used to provide an indication of confidence in a depth of consciousness assessment based on an awareness metric. In an embodiment, one or the other of a DOC measure and an awareness metric may be used to provide an indication of a patient's depth of consciousness (e.g., by one “overriding” the other).
US09615764B2
Catheterization of the heart is carried out with a probe having a plurality of electrodes and sensors by displaying an electroanatomical map of the heart on a monitor. During a time interval that does not exceed a duration of a cardiac cycle of the heart the following steps are performed: reading data from at least one of the electrodes and sensors, and invoking a processor to perform an algorithm on the data. The data is one of a plurality of inputs of the algorithm, and the result of the algorithm includes a transformation of the data. The method is further carried out by rendering the result of the algorithm on the monitor to modify the electroanatomical map.
US09615761B2
Electrode impedances on a body of a subject are measured by connecting a sense electrode, a reference electrode and a return electrode to the body, using the sense electrode to deliver a test current from a current source to the body of the subject, and measuring the potential difference between the sense electrode and the reference electrode. The impedance of the sense electrode on the body is measured in accordance with the measurement of the potential difference between the sense electrode and the reference electrode.
US09615758B2
The invention relates generally to methods of detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiac tissue and treatment modalities for ablating ROS-associated tissue in cardiac disease. The methods rely upon targeting ROS-associated cardiac tissue for ablation and/or gene therapy in a subject using analytical tools based upon a plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for a tissue to assess ROS content and underlying AF organization as a function of ROS blockade conditions.
US09615750B2
Methods and compositions for carrier agents and clearing agents used in optoacoustic imaging systems
A method for optoacoustic imaging of a tissue mass after treating the skin overlying a portion of a tissue being imaged to improve optical clarity is presented. In an embodiment, the method involves optoacoustic imaging after first applying a carrier agent such as hyaluronic acid to the skin surface and applying a clearing agent to the skin. A method of temporarily reducing optical scattering (opacity) of skin for diagnostic purposes is also presented. In an embodiment, the method involves applying a liquid comprising at least one of: polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, to the skin, the skin having been pretreated with hyaluronic acid.
US09615744B2
In general, this disclosure is directed to a mixer amplifier that can be utilized within a chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier. The chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier may be used for physiological signal sensing, impedance sensing, telemetry or other test and measurement applications. In some examples, the mixer amplifier may include a current source configured to generate a modulated current at a modulation frequency for application to a load to produce an input signal, an amplifier configured to amplify the input signal to produce an amplified signal, and a demodulator configured to demodulate the amplified signal at the modulation frequency to produce an output signal indicating an impedance of the load.
US09615741B2
In order to perform observation and imaging by the same image capture unit, an ophthalmologic imaging method includes illuminating a fundus of an eye to be inspected with light having a first wavelength, guiding return light from the fundus to an image capture unit through a focus lens so as to obtain an in-focus position of the focus lens in accordance with the light having the first wavelength, illuminating the fundus with light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and guiding return light from the fundus to the image capture unit through the focus lens so as to obtain an image of the fundus. The focus lens is moved to an in-focus position for the light having the second wavelength based on a wavelength difference between the light having the first wavelength and the light having the second wavelength.
US09615732B2
A device for covering dental mirrors to prevent contact of metal surfaces of a dental mirror from coming in to contact with a persons mouth while in use without covering the mirror portion of the mouth mirror.
US09615728B2
A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
US09615724B2
A gas feeding duct, a suction duct, a first valve that is installed in the gas feeding duct and opens a flow passage only when gas feeding is underway, and a second valve that is installed in a part of the flow passage on an upstream side relative to the first valve, and opens the flow passage K along with gas feeding and closes the flow passage at least when suction is underway are included, and when neither gas feeding nor gas suctioning is underway, the second valve closes the flow passage in conjunction with the first valve unexpectedly opening the flow passage as a result of pressure variation in a part of the gas feeding duct on a downstream side relative to the first valve and thereby prevents reverse flow of a fluid to the upstream side relative to the second valve.
US09615715B2
A robot cleaner including a cleaner body, a dust suction unit and a dust collection unit attached to the cleaner body, and a driving device to move the cleaner body, wherein the driving device includes a power generation unit to generate power, a power transmission unit to transmit the power generated by the power generation unit to a wheel such that the wheel is rotated by the power transmitted from the power transmission unit, and wherein the wheel includes a wheel member connected to the power transmission unit, and a first member and a second member attached to an outer circumference of the wheel member such that the first member and the second member contact different floor surfaces.
US09615710B2
A floor care device for the care of a floor includes a drive system that moves the floor care device over the floor, a device controller that controls the floor care device over a travel path, and a care apparatus that applies a floor care fluid to the floor. The care apparatus includes a rotatable hollow roller body that stores the floor care fluid, and the floor care fluid emerges from the roller body as the roller body rotates.
US09615704B1
An apparatus for supporting an air handling unit during servicing may comprise a support tray which defines a space for receiving the unit and may include opposite sides and opposite ends, with a front side and top of the tray being substantially open such that the is movable through the front side into the support tray. The apparatus may also include a support frame supporting the support tray above a ground surface and wheels on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to permit the tray to tilt end to end with respect to the support frame to adjust heights of the ends and to permit the tray to tilt side to side with respect to the support frame to adjust a height of the front side of the tray.
US09615698B2
A shower pan (10), preferably having rectangular planform includes a central drain (20) that is centered in a floor portion that inclines at a shallow angle (i.e., 3 degrees or so) to front and back sides and opposite ends. The floor portion and includes a shallow channel (46) along the front edge of the shower pan (10) into which all or substantially all water is drained to a second channel (48) into a central drain (20). An apertured grill or cover plate assembly (36) is mounted in the channels and serves as a cover for the various channels. The shower pan (10) is typically installed so that a sill surface (50) is at the same elevation as the pre-existing floor (52) to provide an entry that does not have any type of ‘trip’ points or obstructions that could pose a hazard to the user or impede assistive aids, such as walkers or wheeled chairs.
US09615686B2
A stand for Christmas trees and other elongated objects includes at least one fixed arm and a spring biased, movable arm assembly, each of which may include a plurality of rollers. When a Christmas tree or other elongated objects is pressed to downward between the fixed arm and movable arm assembly, spring pressure supplied by the movable arm assembly retains the elongated object within the stand. A release lever pulls the movable arm assembly away from the elongated object, facilitating removal of the object from the stand.
US09615682B1
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a supportive apparatus for the head and neck. Embodiments of the invention incorporate a C-shaped apparatus shaped to support the posterior region of the neck. A center region found in certain embodiments of the C-shaped apparatus is placed on the posterior of a neck. Lateral supports found in certain embodiments of the C-shaped apparatus are placed on the lateral aspect of a neck. Embodiments of the invention include an opening across a center region functioning to support the apparatus, and to further act as to ventilate a user's nape.
US09615673B2
A compact jumper for an infant or young child. The compact jumper includes a support frame, at least one resilient member, and a child-receiving apparatus. The support frame is configured for resting on a support surface and the at least one resilient member is coupled to a portion of the support frame. The child-receiving apparatus is supported by the at least one resilient member, with a collar mounting the resilient member to the child-receiving apparatus, and is guided by a portion of the support frame. The child-receiving apparatus is movable with respect to the support surface as the child moves and jumps.
US09615672B2
A play yard can include a plurality of side panels that are connected to one another and a gate panel connected to two of the side panels to create an enclosed space. The gate panel can include a panel frame that defines an opening and a gate that can be mounted to the panel frame in the opening to swing from a closed position to an open position. The gate panel can include a first locking mechanism on the gate to hold the gate in the closed position and a second locking mechanism on the gate to hold the gate in the closed position.
US09615671B1
The legless, planar, rectangular platform may consist of a top that will be the primary play surface. In addition to the rectangular platform, additional members may be included. A front member may be attached to the primary platform and may run along the width of the invention. A second member, considered one side of the invention, may be attached in like manner to the primary platform as the front member, as well as being attached at a 90 degree angle to the front member with slots for drawers. The four members when attached together may form a rectangular shaped structure to which the primary flat member is attached. Removable bins may also be included. Each bin may attach along the periphery of the primary flat platform for ease of access and secure storage. Each bin may be comprised of five (5) members; a bottom and four (sides).
US09615668B2
An apparatus includes a fixed plate 902 mounted in a bed cabinet 108 and a rotating plate 904, mounted to a bed frame 106, coupled to the fixed plate 902 at a pivot point 906. A first end of a first lever arm 918 is coupled to the fixed plate 902. A first end of a second lever arm 920 is coupled to the first lever arm at a point between the first end and the second end of the first lever arm 918. The second end of the second lever arm 920 is coupled to the rotating plate 904 at a position that is offset a horizontal distance from the pivot point 906. A first end of a gas spring 908 is coupled to the fixed plate 902 and the second end of the gas spring 908 is coupled to the second end of the first lever arm 918.
US09615666B2
A backpack assembly that includes a backpack adapted to carry sports equipment with a foldable seat and roller segment secured thereto. The backpack has an internal bag frame to support the sports equipment. The backpack also has a sports-ball-securing segment and an insulated pouch for food and beverages. The foldable seat is secured to the bag frame to provide a seat that can fold out for the participant or spectator to sit upon. The roller segment automatically engages such that the bag can be tipped and rolled by the participant or spectator when the foldable seat is stored. When the foldable seat is deployed, the roller segment automatically disengages to provide a stable platform for the seat.
US09615664B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a mounting structure for display device. The mounting structure comprises at least two mounting assemblies, and each mounting assembly comprises: a first component mounted securely to the display device; a second component mounted to a beam; and a first screw rod mounted horizontally to the first component, the first screw rod being configured to be rotatable but non-displaceable relative to the first component. The second component is configured to be mounted to the first screw rod in a non-rotatable manner. Embodiments of the present invention further disclose a wall-mounted display device comprising a display device and the mounting structure.
US09615659B2
A hanger having a first elongate segment, a second elongate segment, and a third elongate segment disposed in adjacent spaced apart relation, the first elongate segment and the second elongate segment disposed a sufficient distance apart to receive between a thickness of a shelf, the second elongate segment and the third elongate segment disposed a sufficient distance apart to hang a garment on said third elongate member.
US09615651B2
A holder and mobile platform assembly may include a support plate shaped to fit in the palm of a user's hand. A hand strap may be attached to the support plate and configured to wrap around the user's hand. A mobile platform may be mounted for rotation on the support plate. The mobile platform may include a support surface having a releasable fastener provided thereon for supporting a first device, and a support compartment extending from an edge of the support surface for supporting a second device.
US09615647B2
A makeup application assistance device includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image obtained by photographing a face; a face part acquisition unit that acquires, from the image, face part regions of the face; a face makeup technique selection unit that selects a face makeup technique, which is a face makeup application method, for each face part; a skin condition acquisition unit that acquires the skin condition of the face; a skin correction makeup technique selection unit that selects, on the basis of the skin condition, a skin correction makeup technique, which is a skin correction makeup application method; and a makeup technique presentation unit that presents the selected face makeup techniques associated with the corresponding face part regions, and presents the selected skin correction makeup technique, to a user.
US09615641B2
A container and billfold for carrying credit cards and the like is provided with security protection for shielding surreptitious remote retrieval of the information stored in magnetic means on the cards. The upper edge portions of the cards are exposed in a staggered manner in the container for ready identification, selection and removal of a particular card during use. The container has a spring-loaded cam operated compression spring hinge to maintain it in either a closed condition in a snap action or in a secure opened condition with its upper housing pivoted to a maximum opening position of generally 49 degrees relative to the plane of the lower housing. A paper currency clip is also provided in the container.
US09615638B2
A wheeling frame for a suitcase which has its own rolling wheels includes a frame supporting a pair of leaning wheels arranged at ends of a pair of pivotable legs, with a first wheel arranged at the end of a first leg and a second wheel arranged at the end of a second leg. The leg positions are adjustable between a stowed position and a deployed, adjustable position extending at an angle to the frame. The legs have a movable pivoting axis and adjustable lengths. A handle system at a proximal end of the frame is adjustable in length and angle, and is operable in conjunction with the leaning wheels to roll the suitcase in a stable leaning position, to allow walking the suitcase on steps of a staircase, and to be converted into a suitcase table, to ease packing and unpacking.
US09615636B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a canopy system and a method for manufacturing at least a portion of the canopy system. The canopy system may include: a canopy that includes a shaft and a canopy ball coupled to the shaft; a double socket arm connected to the canopy via the canopy ball; and a mount, the mount having a mounting ball, the mount connected to the double socket arm via the mounting ball, the canopy system thus configured for a wide range of canopy articulation with respect to the mount. Alternative embodiments are provided for the shaft, double socket arm and mounts. A manufacturing process is provided for securing the canopy ball to the shaft.
US09615632B2
To enable a tongue to be more compact in size even when a seat-belt locking member is disposed and to achieve satisfactory mountability. A tongue (7) includes a resin mold portion (12) having seat belt lock guide holes (21) and (22). The resin mold portion (12) is provided with a seat belt lock (13) such that it is movable between an unlocking position where it does not lock a seat belt (4) and a locking position where it locks the seat belt (4) while being guided by the seat belt lock guide holes (21) and (22), and the seat belt lock (13) is set in the unlocking position under normal conditions and is set in the locking position in emergency. The seat belt lock (13) is continuously urged toward the unlocking position by a torsion spring (14). In emergency, the seat belt lock (13) is set in the locking position by a pressing force from the seat belt (4) against the urging force of the torsion spring (14).
US09615629B2
In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.
US09615628B2
A method, apparatuses and a system for manufacturing an insole, a shoe or a sole for a shoe. Foot information is determined on the shape and dimensions of a foot, and a pin matrix is formed at least partially based on the foot information. An insole or sole preform is placed on the pin matrix for shaping the insole preform, and an insole or sole is formed from the preform based on the foot information using the pin matrix. A positive and a negative pin matrix at least partially based on the foot information can be formed wherein the negative pin matrix essentially corresponds to the positive pin matrix.
US09615627B2
Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.
US09615622B2
A high jumping shoe may include a sole structure that includes a base plate and a rim attached to the base plate on a lower surface. Portions of the rim may extend into and fill openings in the base plate. Traction element receptacles may be embedded in those rim portions. The rim and base plate may be formed different materials. The shoe may further include one or more reinforcing straps on a medial side.
US09615619B2
An indicator device comprising a first carrier material; a first pigment disposed in the first carrier material, the first pigment capable of being degraded by exposure to UV radiation; and wherein the first carrier material is configured so as to have a varying thickness such that upon exposure to UV radiation, a visible change in the pigment will occur which will result in a varying visible change over a first surface of the first carrier material.
US09615611B2
Disclosed herein, in one embodiment, is a breathable cushioning pad. The cushioning pad includes an upper layer surface, a lower layer with a lower surface, and a cushioning material disposed between the upper layer and the lo cushioning pad has a thickness. A channel can be disposed in the cushioning pad and defines a cushioning region The channel includes a thickness less than the thickness of the cushioning region. At least one vent extends through connection with the upper surface and the lower surface.
US09615610B2
A convertible garment for outdoor usage is disclosed. The garment basically comprises a quilted jacket-like upper member having a hood and a quilted zip-off skirt member. The skirt member is releasably secured to the jacket member by a zipper and when secured to the jacket upper member allows the wearer to remain warm by keeping his/her legs therein. The jacket member includes at least one air vent, as does the skirt member. The skirt member is arranged to be disconnected from the jacket member and opened and flattened to form a blanket.
US09615608B2
A pocket square includes a main body and a first decorative panel that has a first appearance and is movable between an extended position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel is displayed by protruding above the main body and a retracted position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel is concealed within the main body.
US09615606B2
An electronic cigarette charging device configured for charging a battery pole of an electronic cigarette is provided; an external electrode and an internal electrode configured for electrically connecting with the electronic cigarette charging device are mounted on an end of the battery pole; the electronic cigarette charging device includes a pillared first charging electrode corresponding to the internal electrode, and the first charging electrode abuts against the internal electrode when the electronic cigarette is charged using the electronic cigarette charging device. When implementing the electronic cigarette charging device of the present application, the following advantageous effects can be achieved: the electronic cigarette charging device adopts a pillared charging electrode to charge the electronic cigarette, so that a contacting area between the charging electrode and the electronic cigarette is increased, and the stability of the charging process of the electronic cigarette charging device is improved.
US09615605B2
The disclosure discloses an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette comprises an atomizer and a battery rod. A connecting means for connecting the atomizer to the battery rod is formed at a junction between the atomizer and the battery rod. The connecting means comprises a first connecting means and a second connecting means. An engaging part is provided around the edge of a local outer surface of the first connecting means, and a cross section of the engaging part is polygon-shaped. The second connecting means is provided with an access groove, and a stopping part is defined on an end of the access groove. One end of the first connecting means is inserted into the access groove of the second connecting means, and then the end of the first connecting means is rotated so that the engaging part is engaged with the stopping part while assembling.
US09615602B2
Provided is a juice extractor, a juice extractor body and flexible blade therefo that can provide enjoyment to people when extracting juice from fruit or the like and when drinking fruit juice obtained by juice extraction; and that has the structures which are simple and can be put into practical use. The juice extractor includes: rotating shaft 21; flexible blade 23 arranged around rotating shaft 21 with a longitudinal direction thereof being coincident with an axial direction of rotating shaft 21; and blade guide 25 provided at an intermediate position of the longitudinal direction of flexible blade 23. One end 23a in the longitudinal direction of flexible blade 23 is configured to be slidable in the axial direction of rotating shaft 21, and the other end 23b in the longitudinal direction of the flexible blade is coupled to axis member, which extends from blade guide 25 to the other end 23b side of flexible blade 23, or to rotating shaft 21. The form of flexible blade 23 changes, between the other end 23b of flexible blade 23 and blade guide 25, from the linearly extended form to the bent and outwardly expanded form or vice versa, in association with sliding of one end 23a of flexible blade 23.
US09615597B2
Systems for and methods of agitation in the production of beverage and food receptacles from frozen contents are provided. A method of producing a melted food or beverage liquid product from a receptacle containing frozen liquid contents includes receiving a receptacle in a chamber of a dispenser. The receptacle defines an enclosed inner volume containing a frozen liquid contents. The method also includes melting at least a portion of the frozen liquid contents to generate a melted food or beverage liquid product by applying motion to at least one of the receptacle and the frozen liquid contents, perforating the receptacle, and dispensing the melted food or beverage liquid product from the receptacle.
US09615582B2
Sprayable, pressurized, liquid, inanimate surface treatment compositions comprise: a zinc source material which releases zinc ions into the treatment composition, at least one alcohol which independently of other constituents present exhibits a microbicidal effect, at least one quaternary ammonium compound which provides a microbicidal benefit, propellant, water, optionally but very preferably at least one detersive surfactant, further optionally one or more further constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, wherein the compositions are at a pH such that the surface treatment compositions exhibit a microbicidal or germicidal or antimicrobial effect on treated inanimate surfaces, characterized in exhibiting a microbicidal benefit when tested against one or more challenge microorganisms, preferably against poliovirus type 1 (Sabin) [(“PV1”)], according to one or more of the following standardized test protocols: ASTM E1052 Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Antimicrobial Agents against Viruses in Suspension, or ASTM E1053 Standard Test Method to Assess Virucidal Activity of Chemicals Intended for Disinfection of Inanimate, Nonporous Environmental Surfaces, or European Standard Surface Test, EN13697, or AOAC Germicidal Spray Products as Disinfectant Test Method, AOAC Index, 17th Ed. (2000).
US09615574B2
A biocidal composition comprising a synergistic ratio of 2,2-dibromomalonamide and hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.
US09615566B2
An animal trap may include a source of compressed gas; a trigger mechanism configured to be actuated by an animal, and a kill mechanism powered by compressed gas. The trap may include two or more trigger valves connected in series. At least one trigger valve may include an opening, a valve seat surrounding the opening, a valve member having a sealing surface, and an O-ring arranged to seal between the sealing surface and the valve seat. One or more flow paths may allow gas to flow along at least part of an internal periphery of the O-ring. The trigger may include a trigger rod extending in a rest position from a mount at or near a first end thereof. The trigger rod may be mounted for pivoting movement about the mount, and may have two rotational degrees of freedom. Pivoting movement of the trigger rod in any direction away from the rest position may result in actuation of the trigger.
US09615558B2
A dual-bearing reel includes a spool, a handle, a clutch mechanism, a first side plate, a second side plate, and a clutch operating member. The first side plate is disposed on a first side with respect to the spool. The second side plate is disposed on a second side with respect to the spool. The clutch operating member includes a main body portion and a first side end. The main body portion extends along the axial direction between the first side plate and the second side plate. The first side end extends along the axial direction. The first side plate includes a first guide groove that slidably supports the first side end. The second side plate includes a second guide groove that slidably supports the main body portion.
US09615555B2
A spool device includes a spool shaft and a spool. The spool shaft is rotatably mounted to the reel body. The spool is mounted to the spool shaft. The spool device has a notch part and a protruding portion. The notch part is disposed on one of the spool and the spool shaft. The notch part is formed in an axial direction of the spool shaft. The protruding portion is disposed on the other of the spool or the spool shaft. The protruding portion is configured to engage the notch part.
US09615552B2
The present invention discloses a fishing lure having a body and a means for skimming. The means for skimming comprises a strike plate arranged on an underside of the body and configured to provide a force bearing lower surface for communicating with the surface of a water body for providing improved fluid dynamic characteristics of the lure when in use. The lure may be a unitary item or assembled together by joining the body to the means for skimming.
US09615548B2
A hummingbird feeder having a disposable, single-use feed pod containing a liquid hummingbird food and a feeder assembly including a feed pod support for positioning the feed pod in a desired orientation. The feed pod is supported and oriented in the feed pod support and keeps liquid food for touching the hummingbird feeder other that the feed pod. The hummingbird feeder can include an access cover with a port located generally in the center thereof through which the hummingbird can access the hummingbird food. The access cover engages the feed pod and includes a projection that can pierce the top of the feed pod where access can be had to the food by a hummingbird through the port. The feeder can also have no access cover, in which case a port is provided in the top of the feed pod. Multiple feeder assemblies and feed pods can be configured together.
US09615528B1
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated IJ7331, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line IJ7331 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line IJ7331, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line IJ7331, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09615527B1
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated FA6133, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line FA6133 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line FA6133, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line FA6133, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09615500B2
An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, at least one auxiliary implement assembly coupled to each of the wing sections and a control system. Each auxiliary implement assembly includes at least one support member, at least one pivotal arm pivotally coupled to the support member, at least one actuator coupled to both the support member and the pivotal arm and a ground contacting implement coupled to the pivotal arm. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to control a position of each ground contacting implement in each of the sections when the agricultural implement is transitioning to a transport mode.
US09615497B2
A modular autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a drive module having a frame, a ground-engaging element rotatably coupled to the frame, a power source, and a drive motor receiving power from the power source and coupled to the ground-engaging element for rotating the ground engaging element. At least one toolbar module is detachably coupled to the frame for coupling the drive module to an agricultural implement or another modular toolbar segment. The modular toolbar preferably includes multiple toolbar modules coupled to each other in series to form the modular toolbar.
US09622394B1
A chassis includes a flash module comprising a cover and an integrated connector, a metal stiffener, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket, and a midplane. The flash module is connected to the midplane using the integrated connector, the integrated connector extends past the cover of the flash module, and, when the flash module is connected to the midplane, the cover of the flash module is in direct contact with the EMI gasket, in which the metal stiffener is interposed between the EMI gasket and the midplane.
US09622389B1
Described herein is an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, as well as efficient wire routing, and in particular a configuration in which electronic equipment cabinets are arranged in rows within thermal compartments where the cabinets may be rolled in and out of place as required and a frame supports thermal shields of the thermal compartment.
US09622382B2
A heat-sink device intended for at least one electronic component (12), includes: a heat-sink; a substrate (11) for the at least one electronic component (12), said substrate covering the heat-sink; and thermal coupling provided between the substrate and the heat-sink and made from a material different from that of the heat-sink. The heat-sink comprises of a set of independent fins (10), and the thermal-coupling (13) is made from a heat-conductive polymer material and also serve as mechanical coupling between the substrate (11) and the fins (10).
US09622380B1
Two-phase jet impingement cooling devices and electronic device assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling device includes a manifold having a fluid inlet surface, a fluid outlet surface defining an outlet manifold, and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet surface includes an inlet channel fluidly coupled to a first jet region and a second jet region each including a plurality of jet orifices and a plurality of surface features extending from the fluid inlet surface. A target plate is coupled to the fluid outlet surface of the manifold that includes a target surface, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink. A cover plate is coupled to the fluid inlet surface of the manifold, which includes a fluid inlet port fluidly coupled to the inlet channel of the manifold, and a fluid outlet port fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet of the manifold.
US09622376B2
An information handling system (IHS) automatically responds to a change in cooling medium that cools functional components. A cooling medium sensor senses a material characteristic of the cooling medium. A thermal management controller determines whether the material characteristic received from the cooling medium sensor is in one of a first range that is associated with the air cooling medium and a second range that is associated with the liquid cooling medium. In response to determining that the material characteristic is within the second range, the thermal management controller disables a thermal mitigation component that reduces a temperature of the functional components of the IHS.
US09622374B2
Electrical equipment that includes a cabinet comprising a plurality of walls is provided. The cabinet is disposed around a plurality of electric components such as conductors. Further, the electrical equipment also includes at least one barrier. The barrier is disposed in the cabinet and spaced apart from the conductor by a spacing distance to define a channel within the cabinet for air to flow between the barrier and the conductor. The barrier is placed such that a portion of the barrier is coupled to one of the plurality of walls of the electric cabinets.
US09622367B2
An assembly of subsea equipment and a plurality of subsea devices each of which is individually mountable on and separable from the subsea equipment wherein each device includes a respective stab connector for establishing electrical connection with the equipment and further has a respective terminal connector for a jumper lead, each device having at least dual redundancy whereby connection through the respective jumper terminal can substitute for the connection though the respective stab connector.
US09622366B2
A display panel having a wireless charging function is provided, and the display panel includes a first substrate, an induction coil layer, a display pixel layer, and a second substrate. The induction coil layer is disposed on the first substrate. The induction coil layer includes at least one induction coil. The induction coil layer is adapted for collaborating with a wireless charging power supply, such that the induction coil layer executes the wireless charging function. The display pixel layer is disposed on the induction coil layer. The second substrate is disposed on the display pixel layer.
US09622364B2
An electronic device is provided which may include a tray, an exterior cover, and/or a first hooking structure. The tray may be inserted or drawn to or from an inside via an opening of a housing of the electronic device, and may include a space for receiving a card. The exterior cover may be movably coupled to the tray. The first hooking structure may be disposed inside the electronic device, and may maintain a closed state of the exterior cover, and may release the closed state of the exterior cover in response to pressing of the exterior cover.
US09622358B2
One embodiment of the invention comprises an improved method for making a via structure for use in a printed circuit board (PCB). The via allows for the passage of a signal from one signal plane to another in the PCB, and in so doing transgresses the power and ground planes between the signal plane. To minimize EM disturbance between the power and ground planes, signal loss due to signal return current, and via-to-via coupling, the via is shielded within two concentric cylinders, each coupled to one of the power and ground planes.
US09622355B2
An environmentally sealed electrical housing assembly with an integrated connector and a method for manufacturing same is presented. The assembly includes a non-accessible electrical component, such an electromechanical relay, and a plurality of terminals connected to a circuit board. A dielectric housing encases the non-accessible electrical component. The housing is in intimate contact with the non-accessible electrical component, thereby sealing it from the environment. The housing defines an integral perimeter wall that surrounds the terminals, forming a connector shroud. Removable electrical components, such as fuse assemblies, may be attached to the terminals inside the shroud. When a sealed mating connector is attached to the housing, the removable components are also sealed from the environment. The assembly allows distribution of power switching functions and circuit protection to be distributed to a location near the electrical load instead of a central location, such as a bussed electrical center.
US09622346B2
A conductive polymer-metal complex becomes to be adhered simply and strongly on the surface of a substrate such as PTFE. By subjecting a solution containing a monomer which provides a conductive polymer, an anion, and a metal ions such as Ag+, Cu2+, Cu+ and the like to an irradiation with light having an energy required for exciting an electron to an energy level capable of reducing the metal ion, such as ultraviolet light, under an appropriated condition, thereby precipitating the conductive polymer-metal complex as being dispersed in the reaction liquid. By supplying this dispersion liquid onto various substrates, the complex microparticles in the dispersion liquid enter into and mate with the narrow holes on the surface of the substrate. As a result, the complex precipitate formed on the surface of the substrate and the substrate can be adhered strongly to each other.
US09622338B2
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments include one or more frequency selective structures (e.g., two-dimensional or three-dimensional frequency selective structure or surface, etc.), which may be used for shielding or mitigating EMI within open or closed structures. Also disclosed are methods of using one or more frequency selective structures for shielding or mitigating electromagnetic interface (EMI) within open or closed structures.
US09622328B2
A two-level LED security light with a motion sensor. At night, the LED is turned on for a low level illumination. When the motion sensor detects any intrusion, the LED is switched from the low level illumination to a high level illumination for a short duration time. After the short duration time, the LED security light returns to the low level illumination for saving energy. The LED security light includes a power supply unit, a light sensing control unit, a motion sensing unit, a loading and power control unit, and a lighting-emitting unit. The lighting-emitting unit includes one or a plurality of LEDs which may be turned-on or turned-off according to the sensing results from the light sensing control unit. When the motion sensing unit detects an intrusion, the illumination of the LED security light can be immediately turned on to the high level to scare away the intruder.
US09622324B2
A method and system for geolocation using a street light system having transponding technology. A predetermined band of radio frequencies employing spread spectrum technology is used to identify locations relative to an individual street light.
US09622321B2
Systems, devices and methods for controlling one or more lights are disclosed. In some aspects, systems for controlling one or more lights can include an interface and a remote sensing device that is separate from and is in electrical communication with the interface. The remote sensing device can additionally include at least one sensor, for example an ambient light sensor. Each of the remote sensing device and the interface can be configured to attach to support structures via retaining features. In one aspect, the remote sensing device can include a first and a second retaining member that rotatably thread onto a main body of the sensing device and adjust according to the thickness and structure of the support structure. In another aspect, the interface can include a retention feature utilizing flexible tabs with integrated detents to accommodate variable sizes of openings of the support structure.
US09622308B2
A lighting device includes a first current controller, a second current controller, and a charging current controller. The first current controller is configured to control current flowing through a light source so that the current flowing through the light source does not exceed a first predefined value. The charging current controller is configured to control current flowing through a storage element. The second current controller is configured to control current flowing through a first light source so that the current flowing through the first light source does not exceed a second predefined value.
US09622303B1
Embodiments of a current mirror for a constant-current light-emitting diode (LED) driver system and a constant-current LED driver integrated circuit (IC) device having the current mirror are described. In one embodiment, a current mirror includes at least one current mirror cell. Each of the at least one current mirror cell includes semiconductor circuits configured to generate an output current based on a reference current and a control module configured to alternately and continuously charge the semiconductor circuits in response to non-overlapping clock signals.
US09622302B2
A lighting system includes: a lighting device having an LED as a light source; a lighting circuit; and a heat dissipation device configured to dissipate heat generated by the lighting device. The lighting circuit has: a power source configured to supply electric power to the LED; and a controller configured to control current which is output from the power source to the LED. The heat dissipation device has a device characteristics information providing unit configured to provide device characteristics information of the heat dissipation device to the controller, wherein the controller determines compatibility between the heat dissipation device and the lighting device, based on the device characteristics information, and controls lighting of the LED.
US09622301B2
Systems and methods for driving optical sources operating at different wavelengths within a smoke sensor are described herein. Multiple optical sources such as light emitting diodes may be used in a photoelectric smoke sensor to detect particles of different sizes. Photoelectric smoke sensors can operate by pulsing the LEDs and measuring a response in a light sensor. The signal measured at the light sensor changes based on the quantity of particles existing in a smoke chamber. Each optical source may have different operational characteristics and thus require different drive currents to operate. LED driving circuitry according to embodiments discussed herein provide a consistent and reliable drive current to each optical source, while maximizing efficiency of power consumption across a range of possible voltages provided by different power sources.
US09622297B2
The present invention is one that uniformly and simultaneously heats a plurality of cup-shaped or annular metallic bodies to improve productivity, and has a plurality of divided core parts formed by dividing an annular core; configured such that a plurality of divided end parts of the divided core part are respectively attached with metallic bodies W made of non-magnetic metal; and inductively heats the metallic bodies W through input windings provided in outer or inner circumferential parts of the metallic bodies W.
US09622292B1
Mount for an access point and an antenna includes a base for attachment to a support structure, the base for attaching thereto an access point; and a tray pivotably attached to the base, the tray for attaching thereto an antenna. The tray is disposed above the base and the tray is positionable at an angle relative to a reference plane.
US09622282B2
A communication control device includes circuitry that acquires system information indicating information to enable a device to communicate with another device via device-to-device communication, and that controls transmission of the system information to a terminal device.
US09622279B2
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for selecting a resource for a direct device-to-device (D2D) communication link between wireless devices in a cellular communication network. In one embodiment, a control node in a cellular communication network selects a resource for a direct D2D communication link between a first wireless device and a second wireless device based on one or more criteria including a service area type of a service area within the cellular communication network in which the first wireless device and the second wireless device are located. The service area type is either homogeneous or heterogeneous. The control node communicates an indicator of the resource selected for the direct D2D communication link to the first wireless device and/or the second wireless device. Thereafter, the first and second wireless devices communicate over the direct D2D communication link using the selected resource.
US09622275B2
A method for allowing multiple devices to communicate includes initiating a multi-media communication session between a first device and a second device, each of the first and second device having access to at least one additional device, identifying at least a portion of the multi-media communication session to direct to the at least one additional device, the first device obtaining a unique identifier of the at least one additional device and directing the identified at least a portion of the multi-media communication session to the at least one additional device.
US09622272B2
Disclosed are a communication performing method and terminal, and the method is a method by which a terminal with dual connectivity performs communication in a heterogeneous cell environment, in which: a first reporting message reporting that a downlink signal is received from a small cell in an intensity greater than a threshold value is transmitted to a macro cell; an RRC establishment message indicating a connection to a small cell cluster is received from the macro cell; connections are added to a plurality of small cells included in the small cell cluster according to additional time information included in the RRC establishment message; and the connections to the plurality of added small cells are respectively activated according to activation connection time information included in the RRC establishment message, and the small cell cluster is determined on the basis of information on a location relationship among the plurality of small cells.
US09622271B2
A wireless communication network that forms an ad-hoc network without the arrangement of a controlling station sets a period that a communication apparatus can utilize with priority and performs isochronous communication in the period as required. When isochronous communication has not been performed or after isochronous communication has finished in the priority utilization period, other communication apparatuses perform arbitrary communication. When another communication is performed in a communication apparatus's own priority utilization period, the start of isochronous communication is temporarily delayed. In an ad-hoc communication environment, data having a real-time characteristic, such as AV content, can be efficiently transmitted through the isochronous communication.
US09622270B2
A method of establishing a bearer in a packet switched mobile wireless communications network comprising a mobile device and a network node, and a corresponding network. A predetermined maximum number of bearers can be established for the mobile device within the network. Bearer information can be sent indicating the predetermined maximum number of bearers, a remaining number of bearers, or that no more bearers can be established. If no more bearers can be established and a further bearer is required a bearer previously established for the mobile device within the network can be released and if required a bearer synchronization procedure can be performed. A further bearer for the mobile device within the network can then be established. Alternatively, if the mobile device determines that an emergency PDN connection is required, it can send a request for a further bearer to the network node. If a current number of bearers established for the mobile device is equal to the maximum number of bearers, the network node can release a previously established bearer establish a bearer for an emergency PDN connection.
US09622268B2
A random access method and random access system for a terminal in a high-speed mobile environment are provided. Wherein, the method comprises: selecting a random access preamble format according to a preset cell coverage radius target value; judging whether using a restricted set of cyclic shift quantities pre-configured satisfies a requirement of the cell coverage radius target value under the selected random access preamble format; if not satisfying, selecting a cyclic shift quantity which satisfies the requirement of the cell coverage radius target value from a unrestricted set of the cyclic shift quantities pre-configured; and generating a random access signal according to the cyclic shift quantity and a pre-configured mother code, and performing access using the random access signal. Through the above-mentioned technical scheme, the embodiment of the present document provides a more perfect random access method and random access system for a terminal in a high-speed mobile environment.
US09622249B2
An apparatus, method and system to set a control channel configuration in a response to an indication of interference in a communication system. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor 520 and memory 550 including computer program code. The memory 550 and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor 520, cause the apparatus to detect interference for the apparatus operable on a communication system from another communication system, and provide an indication of the interference to a base station. The memory 550 and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor 520, cause the apparatus to receive an indication of a relocation of at least a portion of a control channel to a protected area in response to a signal from the base station.
US09622247B2
Preamble and header bit allocation for power savings within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Within a multi-user packet, information (e.g., partial address information) related to a recipient group of wireless communication devices (e.g., as few as one wireless communication device or any subset of a number of wireless communication devices, sometimes including all of the wireless communication devices) is emplaced within a PHY (e.g., physical layer) header of such a multi-user packet to be communicated within a multi-user (MU) environment. Such recipient indicating information can be encoded with relatively higher robustness (e.g., lower coding rates, lower ordered modulation, cyclic redundancy check (CRC), etc.) that remaining portions of the multi-user packet. Various portions of the remainder of the multi-user packet may respectively correspond to different wireless communication devices (e.g., a first field for a first wireless communication device, a second field for a second wireless communication device, etc.).
US09622246B2
Techniques for performing scrambling and descrambling in a communication system are described. In an aspect, different scrambling sequences for different channels and signals may be generated based on different cyclic shifts of a base scrambling sequence, which may be a maximal-length sequence. A scrambling sequence for a given channel may be generated by (i) determining a sequence selector value based on a channel type value and at least one parameter value for the channel and (ii) cyclically shifting the base scrambling sequence based on the sequence selector value. In another aspect, a reference signal sent on variable system bandwidth may be generated with two scrambling sequences, which may be different cyclic shifts of a base scrambling sequence. Scrambling/descrambling for positive and negative frequencies for the reference signal may be performed with the first and second scrambling sequences, respectively.
US09622245B2
When a state of a radio communication device corresponds to a predetermined state, a communication control unit operates in the first mode to communicate according to the BLE standard, while when the radio communication device does not receive connect request packets, the communication control unit operates in the second mode to communicate. A rewrite switching unit switches to a rewritable state when the communication control unit operates in the first mode and to a rewriting prohibited state when the communication control unit operates in the second mode. The first mode is a mode for updating. In the first mode, the communication control unit transmits a notification for limiting the communication to the updating in an establishment process of the communication. The second mode is a mode for performing processing other than the updating. In the second mode, the communication control unit does not transmit the notification.
US09622218B2
A method and system for managing a channel in a wireless local area network is disclosed. The method includes detecting adjacent access points, transmitting a resource allocation request frame including candidate channel information which the first access points wants to a master access point among the detected adjacent access points, receiving a resource allocation response frame which is a response with respect to the resource allocation request frame from the master access point, and configuring the BSS based on channel related information included in the resource allocation response frame. Accordingly, performance of the wireless local area network can be improved.
US09622217B2
Disclosed are an uplink-downlink configuration method and device in a system using a time division duplex communication mode, which relate to the technical field of wireless communications and are used for optimizing a configuration solution of an uplink/downlink subframe allocation manner. In the present invention, the method comprises: a central node device receiving reference information which is used for configuring an uplink-downlink configuration and sent by a transmission node device managed by the central node device; the central node device configuring the uplink-downlink configuration according to the received reference information; and the central node device sending the information about the configured uplink-downlink configuration to the corresponding transmission node device or to the corresponding transmission node device and a terminal. The configuration solution of the uplink-downlink configuration in the present invention is more optimized.
US09622199B2
A method of controlling uplink signal power in a distributed antenna system includes monitoring a noise condition of an uplink signal path in the distributed antenna system and determining the noise contribution from the distributed antenna system that is presented to the base station. The receive noise floor of the base station is determined. The determined noise contribution and receive noise floor are unlisted. Based on the evaluation, the uplink gain that is applied to uplink signals from the distributed antenna system to a base station is adjusted.
US09622192B2
Providing for virtual management of wireless resources in a mobile communication environment is described herein. By way of example, access terminals in the communication environment can maintain connections with nearby network transmitters and report factors pertinent to wireless scheduling to a central entity, such as a macro base station. The macro base station can employ those factors in improving wireless communications for other serving cells within or near to a macro coverage area served by the macro base station. By maintaining information pertinent to prevailing wireless conditions, quality of service requirements, pilot signal reports, mobility management considerations, and so on, of transmissions within the cell, significant interference reduction can be implemented for the macro coverage area, or nearby coverage areas.
US09622180B1
Systems and methods for regulating alerts in a wearable device are disclosed. The alerts may be generated from a mobile device or a wearable device communicatively coupled to the mobile device. The system may include an alert storage module that receives alerts of various types, and generate a plurality of alert heaps each including respective one or more alerts. The system may determine for an alert a respective cost value associated with issuing a notification of the alert. The alert heaps may be merged to produce a cost-biased leftist heap including prioritized alerts based on the cost values of the alerts. The system may generate a queue of notification commands based on the prioritized alerts, and transmit the commands to the wearable device.
US09622165B2
A method and system for obtaining network access modes of mobile devices are disclosed. An exemplary method may include obtaining network connection information once a mobile device connects to a network and obtaining network access point information from the network connection information. In addition, the method includes determining a network access mode corresponding to the network access point information. The method and system consistent with the present disclosure may improve the accuracy for identifying network access modes of mobile devices.
US09622145B2
A method includes receiving information associated with a first data request from a base station at a server of a wireless communication network. The first data request is received at the first base station from a first mobile device. The method includes selecting a second base station to transmit data responsive to the first data request to the first mobile device based on a data type of the data and based on a location of the first mobile device. The method further includes transmitting the data from the server to the second base station.
US09622138B2
A method and system for formulating an SINR metric for cells using only the existing RSRP and RSRQ measurements. With this method and system side information is exchanged between eNBs of an E-UTRAN using the X2 interface where the X2 interface carries the X2 Application Protocol (X2AP). The side information is introduced either within X2AP messages exchanged between eNB nodes or via modification of existing X2AP messages. Serving cell system information block (SIB) messages may also be modified or new SIB messages introduced to facilitate computation of an SNIR metric at a UE.
US09622133B1
Techniques and systems are disclosed for addressing the challenges in interference and mobility management in broadband, UAV-assisted heterogeneous network (BAHN) scenarios. Implementations include BAHN control components, for example, at a controlling network node of a BAHN. Generally, a component implementing techniques for managing interference and handover in a BAHN gathers state data from network nodes or devices in the BAHN, determines a candidate BAHN model that optimizes interference and handover metrics, and determines and performs model adjustments to the network parameters, BS parameters, and UAV-assisted base station (UABS) device locations and velocities to conform to the optimized candidate BAHN model. Also described is a UABS apparatus having a UAV, communications interface for communicating with a HetNet in accordance with wireless air interface standards, and a computing device suitable for implementing BAHN control or reinforcement learning components.
US09622131B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for D2D handovers. The method may include sending to a target base station a handover request message including a proposed common identifier for a device-to-device pair and a proposed allocation of radio resources for the device-to-device pair; receiving, from the target base station in response to the handover request message, a handover request reply message including a confirmation of the proposed allocation and of the proposed common identifier; sending to a first device of the device-to-device pair a handover command including the proposed allocation and the proposed common identifier; receiving, from a second device of the device-to-device pair, a measurement report representative of the target base station; and determining whether to initiate a handover of the second device to the target base station, wherein when the handover is initiated, the first device of the device-to-device pair and the second device of the device-to-device pair are handed over to the target base station. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US09622125B2
It is described a method for controlling radio measurements of a user equipment within a cellular network system, wherein the user equipment is served by a cell of a first cell type characteristic, the cell being assigned to a base station, wherein the cellular network system includes the cell and at least one further cell of a second cell type characteristic. The method includes providing, by the base station, a radio measurement configuration to the user equipment, wherein the radio measurement configuration is indicative for parameters to be applied by the user equipment for radio measurements, the radio measurement configuration includes different parameters being assigned to different cell type characteristics, and controlling the radio measurements of the user equipment based on the provided radio measurement configuration.
US09622123B2
The dynamic determination of a handover trigger for triggering handover of a mobile terminal in a wireless network from a source base station to a target base station is based on one or more Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Each KPI indicates a quality of wireless services provided by the wireless network responsive to a particular handover trigger. If an obtained parameter that indirectly or directly impacts handover performance passes a corresponding performance test, the mobile terminal selects the handover trigger based on the KPIs. If the parameter fails the corresponding performance test, the source base station selects the handover trigger based on the KPIs.
US09622120B2
In an embodiment, a radio communication device may be provided. The radio communication device may include a first receiver configured to receive from a first cell first data representing a content encoded using a first codec; a second receiver configured to receive from a second cell second data representing the content encoded using a second codec; and a combiner configured to combine the first data and the second data.
US09622119B2
A method and an apparatus for displaying a network name are provided. A first mobility management device in a first network acquires first network name information, where the first network name information is a network name currently displayed on a user equipment UE, and/or a public land mobile network identity PLMN ID corresponding to the network name that is currently displayed on the UE, and the first network is a network with which the UE currently registers or a network of two networks with which the UE currently jointly register. If the UE switches over to a second network during a process of executing a service, the first mobility management device sends the first network name information to a second mobility management device in the second network, so that the second mobility management device sends, to the UE for displaying, a network name corresponding to the first network name information.
US09622117B2
A wireless communication apparatus uses a Wi-Fi system to transmit to another wireless communication apparatus a WiGig switching request frame (F1) requesting that the communication method for communicating with another wireless communication apparatus be switched from the Wi-Fi system to a WiGig system. The wireless communication apparatus uses RSSI when the WiGig switching request frame (F1) was received to determine whether to allow the switch from the Wi-Fi system to the WiGig system, and uses the Wi-Fi system to transmit to the wireless communication apparatus a WiGig switching response frame (F2) indicating the result of the determination.
US09622111B2
Logic may implement a hierarchical data structure for traffic indication mapping (TIM) and segment the TIM into TIM segment bitmaps to facilitate transmissions for wireless communications devices. The traffic indication provides information as to whether a device associated with an access point (AP) has data buffered by the AP. Logic of the AP may inform devices about the range of devices represented by each of the TIM segments by including a block start and block range or a TIM segment index that can be associated with a range of blocks. Logic may provide at least one page bitmap to devices for the TIM segment bitmaps to provide an indication to the devices as to whether a particular block includes an indication that any client devices have data buffered by the access point.
US09622097B2
Systems and methods presented herein provide for monitoring of noise and other interfering energy on a communication link. One system includes an interface coupled to the communication link to receive a signal conveyed over the communication link. The system also includes a monitor operable to: track energy across a frequency spectrum of the signal conveyed over the communication link for a predetermined period of time; flag, at intervals of the predetermined period of time, energy levels across the frequency spectrum of the signal that breach a threshold energy level to identify where in the frequency spectrum a breach of the threshold energy level occurs; and add the flags to determine how long the threshold energy level was breached during the predetermined period of time.
US09622084B2
The disclosure provides a method and system of resource reconfiguration for a cognitive-radio system. The method includes that: a reconfiguration module of a wireless communication system acquires a reconfiguration command according to a received spectrum refarming indication or by monitoring a network condition of the wireless communication system (101); and sends the reconfiguration command to a base station to implement resource reconfiguration by executing the reconfiguration command via the base station (102). With the disclosure, proper radio resource reconfiguration is performed by a reconfiguration module of each wireless communication system according to utilization of spectral resources in the system, so that the utilization of spectral resources in a primary system and between RATs may be coordinated, thereby enhancing the resource utilization rate of each wireless communication system and the spectrum utilization rate of the primary system, such as a broadcast and television system, and leading to a more balanced network load.
US09622082B2
To detect the theft of a mobile terminal (TM) connected to a radiocommunication network (RR), a device (DA) capable of communicating with a location register (HLR) initially stores an IMSI identity and an IMEI number for the mobile terminal (TM) together with secret data (DonS) provided by the owner of the mobile terminal. After authentication of the mobile terminal by a network entity, the device retrieves the IMSI identity and IMEI number for the mobile terminal, compares the retrieved IMSI identity and IMEI number with the initially stored IMSI identity and IMEI number, queries the mobile terminal (TM) by asking the user of the mobile terminal to provide the secret data if either the retrieved IMSI identity or IMEI number are different from the initially stored IMSI identity or IMEI number, and detects a theft of the mobile terminal if the secret data provided are different from the initially stored secret data (DonS).
US09622074B2
The present disclosure provides a method, a mobile electronic device, a wearable electronic device and a computer readable medium for continuing an operation initiated on the wearable electronic device on the mobile electronic device based on motion coherence between movements of the mobile electronic device and a wearable electronic device without providing an input. In the disclosure, an operation would be initiated on the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device would transmit an application data associated with the operation initiated on the wearable electronic device to the mobile electronic device. Then, an application program associated with the operation would be automatically launched on the mobile electronic device to continue the operation initiated on the wearable electronic device according to the application data in response to a motion coherence of the mobile electronic device and the wearable electronic device.
US09622070B2
Various methods are described for providing updated network subscription information for a device to one or more other devices. One example method may comprise establishing a first subscription associated with a first network operator for a device. The method may further comprise transferring the device from the first subscription associated with the first network operator to a second subscription associated with a second network operator. Additionally, the method may comprise updating one or more other devices identified in a connection map associated with the device of the transfer to the second subscription. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided.
US09622062B1
A navigating device and a vehicle are disclosed. A V2X communication circuit electrically connected with the navigating unit may be additionally provided in the navigating device; thereby a communication connection with nearby vehicles may be established via V2X communication. Since V2X is a kind of short-range communication, it is possible to perform interactions with nearby vehicle by establishing communication connection with nearby vehicles via V2X communication, and may address the technical problems that the navigating device in the related art have unitary functions and thus cannot perform interaction with nearby vehicles.
US09622054B2
A Short Message Service (SMS) delivery method and apparatus is provided for delivering an SMS message efficiently by selecting a network domain to attach to according to the service provided to a Mobile Station (MS) by the mobile operator network. An SMS delivery method of the present invention includes receiving, at a network node, an Attach/Routing Area Update (RAU) Request message including a parameter indicating an attach/update type and SMS-only service, and transmitting, when SMS in a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN) is supported at the core network node, to the mobile station an Attach Accept message including a parameter indicating that SMS in SGSN is supported. The SMS delivery method of the present invention is capable of delivering SMS message efficiently in the wireless communication system.
US09622050B2
A method for navigating is provided. The method comprises, in response to input on user equipment of a first member of a group who is travelling to a destination, one or more processors acquiring current position information of the user equipment of the first member. The method further includes one or more processors sending a first message to a server. The first message includes the current position information indicating an area where the first member was when the first message was sent. The first message is for directing a member of the group, who receives the first message when passing the area, to the same destination as the first member.
US09622049B2
A method of facilitating multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) in a communications network including one or more first evolved node Bs (eNBs) having backhaul interfaces for a first internet protocol (IP) version and one or more second eNBs having backhaul interfaces for a second IP version includes receiving, at a first network element, an initial MBMS content stream; generating, at the first network element, based on the initial MBMS content stream, a first MBMS content stream and a second MBMS content stream; transmitting the first MBMS content stream from the first network element to the one or more first eNBs using a first IP multicast address of the first IP version; and transmitting the second MBMS content stream from the first network element to the one or more second eNBs using a second IP multicast address of the second IP version.
US09622048B2
The disclosure is related to a method of identifying an incident occurring in a service area by a server. The method may include detecting abnormal traffic generation in a service area of the server, collecting text data from at least one of a social network service (SNS) system, access points and base stations associated with a location of the abnormal traffic generation, collecting sensing data from at least one of sensors installed around the location of the abnormal traffic generation, and identifying an incident occurring in the service area based on the collected text data and the collected sensing data.
US09622041B2
Systems, methods, and devices enable spectrum management by identifying, classifying, and cataloging signals of interest based on radio frequency measurements. In an embodiment, signals and the parameters of the signals may be identified and indications of available frequencies may be presented to a user. In another embodiment, the protocols of signals may also be identified. In a further embodiment, the modulation of signals, data types carried by the signals, and estimated signal origins may be identified.
US09622040B2
Apparatus is configured: to transmit angle-of-departure positioning messages from which a mobile device can calculate a direction to the mobile device from the apparatus; and to transmit a point of interest packet data unit for providing an emergency navigation service to a mobile device, the point of interest packet data unit comprising first data indicating a location of a first emergency point of interest and data indicating that the location relates to an emergency point of interest.
US09622037B2
A method for determining a status of a user of an electronic device. The method includes a computer processor determining information associated with a first user of an electronic device. The method further includes identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are within a range of wireless communications to the electronic device. The method further includes defining an area monitored by the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a group of the identified plurality of electronic devices that are within the defined area. The method further includes calculating a first safe-threshold value for the electronic device based on information associated with a first user of an electronic device and monitored information from the group of the identified plurality of electronic devices. The method further includes determining a status for the first user based, at least in part, on the calculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.
US09622028B2
This disclosure relates to methods and arrangements for positioning of a communication device (102, 202, 208, 402, 502) in a communication system. Based on received radio channel information from a positioning server (112, 212, 408, 508), positioning nodes (104a-d, 204, 206, 410, 412, 510) identify (S-430, S-538, 704) a radio signal from said communication device, measure (S-432, S-433, S-540, 706) the strength of said received signal and sends (S-434, S-435, S-542, 708) signal strength information and position information of the positioning nodes to said positioning server. The positioning server then determines (S-436, S-544, 610) the position of the communication devices based on the received signal strength measurements and the position information of the positioning nodes. High accuracy in-door positioning of communication devices is achieved.
US09622025B2
A method and apparatus for scanning, by an asset tag manager during a scanning window, for wireless broadcasts from beacon devices. The method further filters the wireless broadcasts to generate a subset of the wireless broadcasts. The method continues by identifying, within the subset of the wireless broadcasts, a first wireless broadcast with a first data packet in view of an indication that a first beacon device is within a specified distance from the asset tag manager. The method proceeds by parsing the first data packet to locate a first beacon identifier associated with a first beacon device. The method also creates a second data packet with the first beacon identifier and an asset tag identifier associated with the asset. The method transmits a second wireless broadcast comprising the second data packet, the second wireless broadcast to be received by a hub.
US09622024B1
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium provides a beacon management service that includes logic that allows a user to configure a beacon system remotely and off-site relative to a location of the beacon system, and a beacon service that provides contextual data to end users based on beacons.
US09622022B2
An IP multimedia subsystem (IMS)-based service sharing system includes an IMS, a master IMS terminal registered in the IMS, and a slave IMS terminal not registered in the IMS, wherein the master IMS terminal transmits IMS registration information to the slave IMS terminal by using near field communication (NFC), and the slave IMS terminal is registered in the IMS on the basis of the transmitted IMS registration information.
US09622008B2
Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents three-dimensional sound. HOA provides high spatial resolution and facilitates analyzing of the sound field with respect to dominant sound sources. The invention aims to identify independent dominant sound sources constituting the sound field, and to track their temporal trajectories. Known applications are searching for all potential candidates for dominant sound source directions by looking at the directional power distribution of the original HOA representation, whereas in the invention all components which are correlated with the signals of previously found sound sources are removed. By such operation the problem of erroneously detecting many instead of only one correct sound source can be avoided in case its contributions to the sound field are highly directionally dispersed.
US09621996B2
A micromechanical sound transducer system and a corresponding manufacturing method, in which the micromechanical sound transducer system includes a substrate having a front side and a back side, the substrate having a through opening extending between the back side and the front side, and a coil configuration on the front side having a coil axis, which runs essentially parallel to the front side, the coil configuration covering the through opening at least partially. Also provided is a magnet device, which is situated so as to allow for an axial magnetic flux to be generated through the coil configuration. The coil configuration has a winding device which has at least first winding sections made from at least one layer of a low-dimensional conductive material, the coil configuration being configured to inductively detect and/or generate sound.
US09621995B2
A vibrating element including a diaphragm, a voice coil and a stiffening layer is provided. The diaphragm has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first surface includes a first conductive region and a second conductive region. The voice coil is disposed on the first surface. Two ends of the voice coil are electrically connected to the first conductive region and the second conductive region. The stiffening layer is disposed on the diaphragm. The diaphragm has a center region, which is enclosed and circled by the voice coil and includes an area of the diaphragm above the voice coil. The region outside the center region includes an inner circled zone and an outer circled zone surrounding the inner circled zone. At least one end of the voice coil is located in the inner circled zone and the stiffening layer covers the inner circled zone.
US09621994B1
The present invention provides for a surface acoustic transducer optimally structured to produce sound within an aircraft cabin by vibrating the interior cabin walls. Specifically, the surface acoustic transducer comprises a primary assembly comprising a voice coil assembly having a voice coil former and wire, and a transducer housing for retaining said primary assembly and a magnet therein such in movable relations. The present surface acoustic transducer may further include a spider structured to provide an improved excursion. An external housing may additionally be provided comprising a rigid retaining wall for protecting the surface acoustic transducer from potential externally applied forces and a malleable excursion cover allowing for an excursion of the primary assembly thereof.
US09621990B2
A method performed by an audio decoder for reconstructing N audio channels from an audio signal containing M audio channels is disclosed. The method includes receiving a bitstream containing an encoded audio signal having M audio channels and a set of spatial parameters, the set of spatial parameters including an inter-channel intensity difference parameter and an inter-channel coherence parameter. The encoded audio bitstream is then decoded to obtain a decoded frequency domain representation of the M audio channels, and at least a portion of the frequency domain representation is decorrelated with an all-pass filter having a fractional delay. The all-pass filter is attenuated at locations of a transient. A matrixed version of the decorrelated signals are summed with a matrixed version of the decoded frequency domain representation to obtain N audio signals that collectively having N audio channels where M is less than N.
US09621986B2
An apparatus and method for supplying power to an audio device is provided. An electronic device includes an audio device connector comprising a microphone terminal configured to receive an audio signal of a microphone from an audio device, at least one audio terminal configured to output the audio signal to the audio device, a ground terminal, a power supply unit configured to selectively generate one of a first power and a second power to be supplied to the audio device through the microphone terminal, and a controller configured to identify whether the audio device has a type that includes an additional function unit based on a voltage at the microphone terminal, and to control the power supply unit to apply one of the first power and the second power to the microphone terminal correspondingly to the type of the audio device.
US09621972B2
Provided is a burst-mode receiver configured to receive an optical signal having a preamble and a data payload, the burst-mode receiver including a first bias resistor coupled between a first voltage supply and a photosensor, a first capacitor coupled between the photosensor and an amplifier, a first common-mode resistor configured to supply a voltage of a common-mode voltage supply to the amplifier, a first bypass switch configured to couple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply while bypassing the first common-mode resistor, and a first data switch configured to couple the first capacitor to the amplifier, and to couple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply through the first common-mode resistor.
US09621966B2
A monitoring control system sequentially processing data collected from various data sources to find a possible phenomenon, producing an appropriate action for the found change or phenomenon, and outputting control information for causing a system to perform a notification or predetermined control. The monitoring control system includes a phenomenon detecting section configured to detect a phenomenon leading to a particular result from contiguous data received from data sources serving as data transmission element based on detecting rule definition data previously specifying a change attribute of contiguous time-series data pieces for each phenomenon leading to a particular result, and a determination section configured to extract action information associated with the particular result detected by the phenomenon detecting section to produce an event for a predetermined system based on action definition data previously specifying action information for each particular result.
US09621964B2
Techniques and systems that allow receiving a data stream and a location value. The location value, in one embodiment, is indicative of a location in the data stream at which the data stream has been aborted. This value may be determined by a sending entity and sent to a receiving entity. In various embodiments, the receiving entity may compute the remaining amount of data to be received in the data stream, and then receive that amount of data. In some embodiments, a checkpoint value may be used in conjunction with the location value to indicate an abort location for a data stream. A checkpoint value may correspond to an amount of data between successive checkpoints in the data stream. In some embodiments, upon aborting a data stream, a receiving entity receives data until a next checkpoint in the data stream.
US09621952B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring video content provided to a vehicle. In one embodiment a method includes: receiving video content at the vehicle; monitoring the video content based on guidelines data stored in a datastore; and selectively modifying the video content based on the monitoring.
US09621947B1
In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms for determining channel information are provided. In some implementations, a method for providing media guidance is provided, the method comprising: associating with a local area network; detecting at least one media device on the local area network; determining device information associated with the at least one media device on the local area network; determining, without user intervention, television provider information based on the device information; determining location information of the at least one media device; determining channel information based on the determined television provider information and the determined location information; and causing media guidance information to be presented that includes at least a portion of the determined channel information.
US09621946B2
A receiver accumulates characteristic information by tracking content being presented. When the receiver determines to present a menu of recorded content, the receiver analyzes the accumulated information to rank the recorded content based on a frequency of the characteristics and sorts the menu based at least one the analysis. The receiver may present an instance of content when it is selected. In some implementations, the instances of content are recorded as part of recording multiple instances of content received via at least one broadcast wherein the multiple instances of content are all included in a same frequency band of the broadcast and are all encoded utilizing a same code word. In one or more implementations, the menu may include content information for one or more of the instances of content in the menu, such as the number of related instances of content also stored by the content receiver.
US09621945B2
The disclosure discloses a method and system for continuously playing a media resource in a device. The method includes that a Digital Media Player (DMP) or a Digital Media Renderer (DMR) obtains breakpoint information corresponding a media resource before playing the media resource, wherein the breakpoint information includes a Message-Digest Algorithm 5 (MD5) value of the media resource, a unique device Identifier (ID) of the DMP or the DMR, and breakpoint time when the DMP or the DMR stops playing in the last playing process of the media resource; the DMP or the DMR sends to a Digital Media Server (DMS) according to the breakpoint information, a request for sending data of the media resource from a breakpoint; the DMP or the DMR obtains the data of the media resource from the DMS and plays the same. By means of the disclosure, DMPs/DMRs of different users are enabled to remember breakpoint information of a media resource to be played by each user when playing the same media resource on different DMSs and multi-breakpoint continuous playing can be supported. In addition, the breakpoint information of each user will not overlap each other.
US09621941B2
A system to provide an interactive experience with a participant device operating in relation to a vehicle is disclosed. The interactive experience may include live experience presentations synchronized across multiple participant devices. The multiple participant devices may be operating within or outside of the vehicle. The system may identify a relationship between the participant device and the vehicle. A live experience presentation on the participant device is configured based on the identified relationship. One or more of multimedia and/or multi-sensory streams may be communicated amongst the multiple participant devices and an experience service as layers. The layers are composed to generate the live experience presentation. The experience service may be implemented by an experience platform system.
US09621934B2
A file is multicast from an error-correcting multicast apparatus to a plurality of endpoints forming a first multicast group, over a network segmented into at least second and third multicast groups. The second and third multicast groups are subsets of the first multicast group. Given ones of the endpoints are assigned to the second and third multicast groups based on likelihood of experiencing similar errors. At the error-correcting multicast apparatus, over the network, a retransmission request is obtained from a first one of the endpoints, based on at least one of loss and corruption of a portion of the file during the multicasting of the file to the first one of the endpoints. The portion of the file is retransmitted, via multicasting, over the network, to one of the second and third multicast groups.
US09621930B2
A method is described for streaming video data within a network, wherein the video data includes a sequence of frames. The method includes encoding the sequence of frames and generating a plurality of substreams from the encoded frames in this embodiment. Each of the plurality of substreams is assigned an identifier, and each substream includes a common encoded frame and a non-overlapping portion of the encoded sequence. The non-overlapping portion of the encoded sequence of each substream is selected from the encoded frames based on the identifier of the respective substream. The method also includes transmitting the plurality of substreams to a receiver in an embodiment.
US09621916B2
Provided is an apparatus for encoding a moving picture. When the current block is coded in intra prediction and a size of the transform block is larger than 4×4, the quantized transform coefficients of the quantized transform block are divided into a plurality of sub-blocks. The plurality of sub-blocks are scanned according to a first scan pattern determined by the intra prediction mode of the current block and the quantized transform coefficients of each sub-block are scanned according to a second scan pattern determined by the intra prediction mode of the current block. The first scan pattern for scanning the plurality of sub-blocks is the same as the second scan pattern for scanning the quantized transform coefficients of each sub-block.
US09621913B2
A method for decoding an image according to the present invention comprises the steps of: restoring a residual block by performing inverse quantization and inverse transformation for the entropy-decoded residual block; generating a prediction block by performing intra prediction for a current block; and restoring an image by adding the restored residual block to the prediction block, wherein the step of generating the prediction block further comprises a step for generating a final prediction value of a pixel to be predicted, on the basis of a first prediction value of the pixel to be predicted, which is included in the current block, and of a final correction value that is calculated by performing an arithmetic right shift by a binary digit 1 for a two's complement integer representation with respect to an initial correction value of the pixel to be predicted. Thus, the operational complexity during image encoding/decoding can be reduced.
US09621912B2
A method for decoding an image according to the present invention comprises the steps of: restoring a residual block by performing inverse quantization and inverse transformation for the entropy-decoded residual block; generating a prediction block by performing intra prediction for a current block; and restoring an image by adding the restored residual block to the prediction block, wherein the step of generating the prediction block further comprises a step for generating a final prediction value of a pixel to be predicted, on the basis of a first prediction value of the pixel to be predicted, which is included in the current block, and of a final correction value that is calculated by performing an arithmetic right shift by a binary digit 1 for a two's complement integer representation with respect to an initial correction value of the pixel to be predicted. Thus, the operational complexity during image encoding/decoding can be reduced.
US09621909B2
A method or coding image information, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: binarizing according to different techniques, index values of forward prediction, backward prediction, and bidirectional prediction, depending on whether the bidirectional prediction is applied when inter-predicting a current block; and entropy coding a binarized codeword, wherein whether to apply the bidirectional prediction when inter-predicting the current block can be determined on the basis of the size of the current block. As a result, provided are a method for binarizing an inter-prediction direction of a prediction unit having a specific size, and an apparatus using same.
US09621878B2
A video controller for synchronizing presentation of a plurality of images is provided. A color switching device is operable to continually select a color out of a set consisting essentially of a plurality of fundamental colors. Each fundamental color is selected for presentation for a fixed time segment. A light processing element is operable to block and permit transmission of light in each color selected by the color switching device during each fixed time segment. The light includes at least two streams of sequential images. A synch signal generator is in control of the light processing element and is configured to time presentation of the light by the light processing element and of control signals to a viewing device of the display. The presentation of the light and of the control signals is timed in synchrony with the fixed time segments only during a transition state of the viewing device.
US09621875B2
A stereophotogrammetry device intended to reduce the 3D surface reconstruction artifacts due to specular reflections when a unique camera body is used. Indeed, specular reflection of the camera flash on shiny objects are creating virtual objects in the scene inducing spikes in reconstruction. The device is constituted of a computing unit (C) enabling 3D reconstruction, a unique camera body (5) equipped with a non-polarized double-optics (OA) and (OB) and two light sources (2A) and (2B) separated by the same distance as the double-optics and aligned with these such that (2A) is aligned with (OA) and (2B) is aligned with (OB) relative to the subject (S). According to geometry considerations, the computing unit (C) is defining the best matching amongst four possible matches relative to the specular spot position.
US09621870B2
One or more techniques to reduce or eliminate the false depth of objects that move along the axis of ocular separation when displayed using time division multiplexing. Experiments can be performed to determine a perceived depth of an object moving with known velocity. Then, when rendering stereoscopic image pairs, the location of the object can be modified to change the perceived stereoscopic depth of the object to compensate for the false depth. In one technique, the images can be displayed with alternating left- and right-precedence to reduce the perception of false depth.
US09621869B2
Systems and methods are provided for minimizing re-projection artifacts. From a re-projection method, a distortion map determines areas of excessive stretching or compressing of pixels, which are then rendered. The re-projection and render are composited to create a new stereo image. Systems and methods are also provided for a “depth layout” process, whereby a new offset view of a 2D plate is created, allowing a stereo pair of images. Custom geometry that approximates the scene is created and 2D rotoscoping is employed to cut out shapes from the geometry. A depth map is created, from which an offset image may be re-projected, resulting in a stereo pair. Systems and methods are also provided for a fast re-projection technique, which creates a novel view from an existing image. The process generates a disparity map and then a distortion map, which is then used to create the new view.
US09621867B2
According to an embodiment, a decoding device includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire first format information, encoded data, and first filter information, the first format information indicating a resolution of a color-difference component of the encoded data; a decoding unit configured to decode the encoded data to obtain a decoded image; and a converting unit configured to convert a color-difference format of the decoded image represented by a first color-difference format by using a filter identified by the filter information.
US09621853B1
Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to service orchestration to support cloud-based, multi-party video conferencing service in a virtual overlay network environment. According to one aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a video conferencing service orchestrator can receive, from a user device, a service request for the cloud-based, multi-party video conferencing service orchestrated by the video conferencing service orchestrator. In response to the service request, the video conferencing service orchestrator can provide, to the user device, virtual network layer system software and a virtual machine container for installation on the user device. The virtual network layer system software can implement a network function to provide an interface between the user device and a service controller during a video conference. A conference image particular to the type of video conference can be installed on the virtual machine container to implement the video conference for the user device.
US09621851B2
Systems and methods for augmenting web conference sessions with multimedia content based on text extracted from audio content transmitted during the web conference. In one embodiment, a conference application or other application can receive audio content from at least one client participating in a web conference. The web conference can connect multiple clients for live sharing of audio and video. The conference application can also extract at least one text item from the audio content. The conference application can also generate augmented electronic content by combining electronic content received via the web conference with additional electronic content based on the at least one text item. The conference application can also provide the augmented electronic content via the web conference.
US09621850B1
A system and method enable broadband communication between a remote or airborne station and a terrestrial network linking any other station around the earth. The airborne station connectivity may be routed either via a proximal LEO SAT belonging to a high density LEO SAT constellation as well as via a proximal ground based station directly connected with the terrestrial network. Latency values available to the airborne station are within tolerance for video conferencing by employing steerable antenna elements onboard the airborne station to establish connectivity with and actively track one or more proximal LEO SATs. The airborne station maintains connectivity with the ground based station where available via cellular geographical transmission patterns to deconflict specific bands of limited spectrum as well as protocols specific to the local wireless network. The high density LEO SAT constellation is networked and connected to the terrestrial network via several global down links.
US09621848B2
A transmission management apparatus manages transmission states of a plurality of transmission terminals including a first transmission terminal and a second transmission terminal. The apparatus includes a terminal management table storage unit configured to store therein a terminal management table in which terminal information including an identifier and an identification name of each transmission terminal is managed; a receiving unit configured to receive a terminal information request signal from the first transmission terminal, the terminal information request signal indicating a request for information for identifying the second transmission terminal, the first and second transmission terminals being in transmission therebetween; a terminal state acquisition unit configured to acquire the information for identifying the second transmission terminal from the terminal management table in response to the terminal information request signal; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the information acquired by the terminal state acquisition unit to the first transmission terminal.
US09621831B2
An image capture device includes multiple pixels, each of which has multiple photoelectric conversion elements. Each of first pixels which are some of the pixels outputs a signal based on charges obtained by adding together the charges generated in the photoelectric conversion elements. Each of second pixels outputs a signal based on charges generated by a photoelectric conversion element disposed at a first position, without outputting charges generated by a photoelectric conversion element disposed at a second position among the photoelectric conversion elements. Each of third pixels outputs a signal based on charges generated by the photoelectric conversion element disposed at the second position, without outputting a signal based on charges generated by the photoelectric conversion element disposed at the first position.
US09621826B2
An image sensor having a pixel unit in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and a scanning unit that selects row or rows and causes signals to be output from pixels in the selected row or rows, each of the pixels comprising: a photoelectric converter; a storage portion; a transfer portion configured to transfer a signal charge generated by the photoelectric converter to the storage portion, if each of the pixels is included in the selected row or rows; and an output portion configured to output a pixel signal corresponding to the signal charge transferred to the storage portion. In a merged readout mode, a capacitance of the storage portion of a pixel in a row or rows except a predetermined row among the plurality of selected rows is different from that in the predetermined row.
US09621815B2
A photographing apparatus and a photographing control method are provided, including an exposure-commencement instructing device configured to provide an instruction to commence an exposure of the image sensor, and an exposure-commencement controller configured to commence a driving of the movable member via the driver upon the image sensor being instructed to commence an exposure by the exposure-commencement instructing device in a non driving state of the movable member, performed by the driver, and after a predetermined unstable-operation period of time of the low-pass filter operation lapses from the commencement of the driving of the movable member, the exposure-commencement controller commences an exposure of the image sensor.
US09621809B2
A display control apparatus includes a first display unit in an eyepiece viewfinder, a second display unit configured to be visible without the user's eye being in contact therewith, and a display control unit configured to perform control to display a soft keyboard on the second display unit without displaying the soft keyboard on the first display unit in response to an operation for displaying the soft keyboard during display on the first display unit.
US09621807B2
An optical device that is capable of reducing eccentric aberration while reducing image blur. A first shake correction unit corrects image blur optically based on a shake amount that is detected by a shake detection unit. A second shake correction unit corrects image blur optically based on a shake amount that is detected by the shake detection unit. The second shake correction unit has a different image blur correction effect from the first shake correction unit. The optical device has a mode in which shake correction is performed using the first shake correction unit without using the second shake correction unit.
US09621803B2
A method for correlating views of two or more video camera systems includes obtaining a plurality of data point coordinate sets to represent relative positioning between the camera systems and data point objects in the environment. The views may be correlated through Interpolation or extrapolation using the obtained data point coordinate sets. Devices such as lasers may also be used to correlate views of two or more video camera systems.
US09621801B2
An imaging apparatus to communicate with an external apparatus via a network includes an image capturing unit, a rotation unit, a reception unit, first and second control units, a determination unit, and a control switching unit. The rotation unit rotates the image capturing unit in a predetermined direction. The reception unit receives a control command including information for designating acceleration when the rotation unit rotates the image capturing unit. The first control unit controls the rotation unit at the designated acceleration. The second control unit controls the rotation unit at acceleration that is different from the designated acceleration. The determination unit determines whether a speed at which the rotation unit rotates the image capturing unit is within a predetermined range. The control switching unit switches between the first control unit and the second control unit according to a determination result of the determination unit, and control the rotation unit.
US09621799B2
An imaging apparatus includes a first detector configured to detect an elapsed time after starting to shoot an image in a specific shooting mode for shooting the image by moving the imaging apparatus in a predetermined shooting direction, a second detector configured to detect amount of movement of the imaging apparatus, and a controller configured to control display of a display unit to display, in the specific shooting mode, a first indicator fixedly positioned on the display unit and a second indicator movably positioned on the display unit. The controller decides a first amount of movement in the predetermined shooting direction according to the detected elapsed time and a second amount of movement in an opposite direction according to the detected amount of movement of the imaging apparatus, and controls a display position of the second indicator based on the first and second amounts of movement.
US09621787B2
An image pickup apparatus detachably mounting a lens unit including a plurality of optical members includes an image pickup unit that accumulates charge in synchronization with a vertical synchronizing signal to generate an image signal, and a control unit that generates control information for each of the plurality of optical members of the mounted lens unit and communicates the control information with the lens unit in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal. The control unit is configured to perform a first communication in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal, and to perform a second communication, for controlling an optical member different to the optical before a next first communication that is performed in synchronization with a next vertical synchronizing signal. The first communication and the second communication are predetermined packet communications in which optical members to be controlled among the plurality of optical members are different from each other.
US09621782B2
An image capturing apparatus includes: an image capturing element in which a plurality of pixels are formed and arranged and phase difference pixels are formed within an effective pixel region; a photographing lens; and a control unit which analyzes a captured image signal by the image capturing element, obtains a phase difference amount from detection signals of two of the phase difference pixels that make a pair, and performs a focusing control of the photographing lens, in which the control unit calculates, as a sensitivity ratio, a ratio of an integration value of light receiving sensitivity of the phase difference pixel within a range of an incident angle of the photographing lens, and an integration value of light receiving sensitivity of a pixel other than the phase difference pixel, and corrects a deviation in light receiving sensitivity between the two phase difference pixels.
US09621774B2
A camera module, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a printed circuit board, on which an image sensor is mounted; a lens barrel installed on the printed circuit board and having at least one lens installed therein; an actuator module which is assembled in the lens barrel and includes first and second actuators having first and second moving lenses, respectively, installed therein, wherein the first and second moving lenses respectively perform and auto focusing function on an image formed at the image sensor and an image stabilization function; and a connector which is formed in the lens barrel and connected to the actuator module such that electricity can flow therebetween.
US09621771B2
Switch boxes and other such utility boxes must some time be monitored by video. And most of the time, they are behind a door for security and safety reasons In order to image them, the imaging system must then be located very close to them, that is, inside the enclosure. Disclosed herein are systems and corresponding methods for imaging and monitoring utility panel elements arranged on a utility surface. Example embodiments include an optical focusing element to focus rays from utility panel elements and image the elements onto an imaging plane that is non-parallel with a utility surface, and an imaging surface configured to acquire a representation of the image. Example systems and corresponding methods provide for thermal imaging of utility panel elements at close proximity to the elements and within an enclosure. An advantage of these systems and methods is that utility panel elements such as fuses and switches may be imaged even when located within an enclosure and remotely monitored.
US09621766B2
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus including a skeleton component separation unit configured to separate a skeleton component illustrating a perspective structure from a source image, a mist/fog correction unit configured to calculate, based on color information in each color channel of the skeleton component, a correction factor that lowers brightness of a pixel as the pixel is brighter and correct, based on the correction factor, brightness of each pixel of the source image, and a brightness restoration unit configured to restore brightness of the brightness-corrected source image to brightness of environmental light as target brightness.
US09621765B2
A method for converting color data includes reading from a memory the color data represented in a first color space; converting the color data into un-premultiplied color data; converting the un-premultiplied color data from the first color space to a second color space; converting the un-premultiplied color data in the second color space into first premultiplied color data; and writing the first premultiplied color data to the memory.
US09621760B2
Information is encoded in an image signal by exploiting spectral differences between colors that appear the same when rendered. These spectral differences are detected using image sensing that discerns the spectral differences. Spectral difference detection methods include using sensor-synchronized spectrally-structured-light imaging, 3D sensors, imaging spectrophotometers, and higher resolution Bayer pattern capture relative to resolution of patches used to convey a spectral difference signal.
US09621757B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image scanning section, an exit tray, and an upper housing. The image scanning section scans an image of an original document. The exit tray is disposed below the image scanning section. A sheet bearing an image is ejected onto the exit tray. The upper housing houses the image scanning section. The image forming apparatus has a sheet ejection space that is formed between the exit tray and the upper housing. A user's hand is inserted into the sheet ejection space for taking out the sheet from the exit tray. The upper housing includes a bottom plate having a surface that faces the exit tray. The bottom plate includes a plurality of reinforcing members that are disposed on the surface of the bottom plate and that extend in a direction in which the user takes out the recording medium from the exit tray.
US09621756B2
An optical scanning device includes a light source that emits light, a deflector that deflects and scans the light emitted from the light source in a main scanning direction, a housing, a synchronization detection sensor, and a sensor board. The synchronization detection sensor is mounted in the housing, detects scanning light from the deflector, and outputs a write timing reference signal of image data. The sensor board is mounted with the synchronization detection sensor. The aforementioned sensor board is formed with a light transmitting hole for allowing a part of the scanning light to pass therethrough when an incident position of the scanning light for a light receiving surface coincides with a center position of the aforementioned light receiving surface in a sub-scanning direction on an extension line of a center line of the light receiving surface of the aforementioned synchronization detection sensor in the sub-scanning direction.
US09621752B2
An image forming apparatus includes an information obtainer, a memory, a candidate determining unit, and an image forming device. The information obtainer obtains feature information from the target recording medium. The memory stores at least one set of recording medium information regarding the target recording medium associated with the feature information and at least one set of image forming condition information corresponding to the recording medium information. The recording medium information is identification information. The candidate determining unit determines a candidate recording medium information from the recording medium information stored in the memory based on the feature information of the target recording medium obtained by the information obtainer. The image forming device forms an image on the target recording medium based on the image forming condition information in the memory according to the candidate recording medium information determined by the candidate determining unit.
