US09624595B2

One embodiment provides an electroplating apparatus, which includes a tank filled with an electrolyte solution, a number of anodes situated around edges of the tank, a cathode situated above the tank, and a plurality of wafer-holding jigs attached to the cathode. A respective wafer-holding jig includes a common connector electrically coupled to the cathode and a pair of wafer-mounting frames electrically coupled to the common connector. Each wafer-mounting frame includes a plurality of openings, and a respective opening provides a mounting space for a to-be-plated solar cell, thereby facilitating simultaneous plating of front and back surfaces of the plurality of the solar cells.
US09624593B2

To manufacture a chamber component for a processing chamber a first anodization layer is formed on a metallic article with impurities, the first anodization layer having a thickness greater than about 100 nm, and an aluminum coating is formed on the first anodization layer, the aluminum coating being substantially free from impurities. A second anodization layer can be formed on the aluminum coating.
US09624588B2

A system and method to generate a concentration gradient eluent flow are described. The concentration gradient eluent flow can include at least two different generants. A liquid can be pumped to an eluent generating device. A first controlling signal can be applied to a first eluent generator to generate a first generant. A second controlling signal can be applied to a second eluent generator to generate a second generant. Either the first and/or the second controlling signal can be varied as a function of time to generate the concentration gradient eluent flow.
US09624584B2

Provided are an enamel coating method and apparatus. The enamel coating method includes (a) preprocessing a surface of the metal tube by feeding the metal tube into a preprocessing chamber by an in-feed conveyor; (b) coating the surface of the metal tube with an enamel glaze supplied from an enamel glaze supply nozzle provided inside a coating chamber by feeding the preprocessed metal tube into the coating chamber; and (c) firing the coated metal tube by feeding the coated metal tube into a firing chamber, wherein the (b) coating includes spraying air toward the metal tube by an air spray nozzle provided inside the coating chamber.
US09624575B2

A thin film deposition apparatus, a deposition method using the same, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display apparatus by using the apparatus are provided. A thin film deposition apparatus is provided that includes a chamber containing a substrate holder on which a substrate is mounted, a plurality of rotary shaft units that change rotation and an inclination angle of the substrate holder, and a target unit that supplies a thin film material for formation on the substrate.
US09624574B2

A platen having different grounding structures is disclosed. Different grounding structures, such as pins, flat-end posts and mushroom-shaped grounding structures, may be disposed on the surface of a platen. Each type of grounding structure may be advantageously used with a particular type of workpiece. In one embodiment, all of the different grounding structures are mechanically biased upward, such as by springs, from the surface of the platen such that all may contact the back surface of a workpiece disposed on the platen. In another embodiment, one or more actuators are used to lift and lower subsets of the grounding structures such that only a subset of the grounding structures contacts the back surface of the workpiece. These subsets may be all a single type of grounding structure, or may be associated with a particular type of workpiece.
US09624573B2

A method for producing a transparent conductive film includes: forming a transparent conductive coating on at least one surface of an organic polymer film substrate in the presence of inert gas by RF superimposed DC sputtering deposition using an indium-based complex oxide target with a high horizontal magnetic field of 85 to 200 mT at a surface of the target in a roll-to-roll system, wherein the indium-based complex oxide target has a content of a tetravalent metal element oxide of 7 to 15% by weight as calculated by the formula {(the amount of the tetravalent metal element oxide)/(the amount of the tetravalent metal element oxide+the amount of indium oxide)}×100(%), wherein the transparent conductive coating has a thickness in the range of 10 to 40 nm, and the transparent conductive coating has a specific resistance of 1.3×10−4 to 2.8×10−4 Ω·cm.
US09624567B2

Methods of refining the grain size of a titanium alloy workpiece include beta annealing the workpiece, cooling the beta annealed workpiece to a temperature below the beta transus temperature of the titanium alloy, and high strain rate multi-axis forging the workpiece. High strain rate multi-axis forging is employed until a total strain of at least 1 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece, or until a total strain of at least 1 and up to 3.5 is achieved in the titanium alloy workpiece. The titanium alloy of the workpiece may comprise at least one of grain pinning alloying additions and beta stabilizing content effective to decrease alpha phase precipitation and growth kinetics.
US09624563B2

Provided are a stainless steel foil and a catalyst carrier for an exhaust gas purifying device which uses the foil. Specifically, a stainless steel foil contains, in percent by mass, 0.05% or less of C, 2.0% or less of Si, 1.0% or less of Mn, 0.003% or less of S, 0.05% or less of P, more than 15.0% and less than 25.0% of Cr, 0.30% or less of Ni, 3.0% to 10.0% of Al, 0.03% to 1.0% of Cu, 0.10% or less of N, 0.02% or less of Ti, 0.02% or less of Nb, 0.02% or less of Ta, 0.005% to 0.20% of Zr, 0.03% to 0.20% of REM excluding Ce, 0.02% or less of Ce, 2.0% to 6.0% in total of at least one of Mo and W, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities.
US09624561B2

A method for allowing production of high-purity perrhenic acid from crude rhenium sulfide by applying a dry process is provided. A method for producing an aqueous solution of perrhenic acid includes 1) a step for roasting rhenium sulfide under an oxygen-containing gas to collect gasified rhenium oxide; 2) a step for cooling and solidifying the gasified rhenium oxide while keeping sulfur oxide entrained in the gasified rhenium oxide a gaseous state, and subsequently performing solid-gas separation, thereby improving purity of rhenium oxide; and 3) a step for dissolving the solidified rhenium oxide into water, or heating and gasifying the solidified rhenium oxide and then dissolving the gasified rhenium oxide into water, to obtain the aqueous solution of perrhenic acid.
US09624557B2

The disclosed invention is related to methods, compositions, kits and isolated nucleic acid sequences for targeting Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) nucleic acid (e.g., HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 nucleic acid). Compositions include amplification oligomers, detection probe oligomers and/or target capture oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers.
US09624555B2

Nucleic acid amplification primers and methods for specific detection of influenza A and influenza B nucleic acid targets are disclosed. The primer-target binding sequences are useful for detection of influenza A and influenza B targets in a variety of amplification and hybridization reactions. The oligonucleotide sequences are able to differentiate between influenza A and influenza B strains through specific hybridization to one or the other virus strain, enabling specific detection of the presence of influenza A and/or influenza B in a specimen.
US09624550B2

A method for preparing a criterion for identifying the habitat of insects of the same kind, comprising the steps of: (a) determining the nucleotide sequences of DNA of one or more insects from two or more habitats; (b) aligning the nucleotide sequences determined in said step (a); (c) eliminating sites consisting of one or more nucleotides conserved in all of the nucleotide sequences aligned in said step (b) from the nucleotide sequences; (d) defining all or a part of the sites remaining upon elimination in said step (c) as type-discriminating sites; (e) comparing nucleotides corresponding to each other in the type-discriminating sites obtained in said step (d) to classify completely identical type-discriminating sites as the same type and incompletely identical type-discriminating sites as one or more different types; and (f) determining the habitat of each type classified in said step (e) on the basis of the habitats of insects belonging to each type, thereby defining the type-discriminating site of each type as a criterion.
US09624541B2

The application concerns means for determining the stage of hepatic tissue damage, in particular the hepatic fibrosis score of subjects infected with one or more hepatitis viruses. In particular, the means of the invention involve measuring the levels of expression of selected genes, said selected genes being: SPP1, and at least one gene from among A2M and VIM, and at least one gene from among IL8, CXCL10 and ENG, and optionally, at least one gene from among the list of the following sixteen genes: IL6ST, p14ARF, MMP9, ANGPT2, CXCL11, MMP2, MMP7, S100A4, TIMP1, CHI3L1, COL1A1, CXCL1, CXCL6, IHH, IRF9 and MMP1.
US09624533B2

Methods for multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification include (a) providing a sample tissue to query different target nucleic acids, (b) providing different probe sets for each of the target nucleic acids, each probe set including a first locus specific probe having a first adapter sequence and a first target specific portion and a second locus specific probe having a second adapter sequence, and a second target specific portion adjacent to the first target specific portion, (c) hybridizing the probe sets to the target sequences to form hybridization complexes, (d) ligating the hybridization complexes to form ligated probes, (e) amplifying the ligated probes to form amplicons, the amplifying step being carried out with a first universal primer including a region complementary to the first adapter sequence and a second universal primer including a region complementary to the second adapter sequence, and (f) detecting the amplicons in a detection system by sequencing each of the amplicons.
US09624529B2

A cell based assay for detection for protease activity is disclosed. In the assay a cell is engineered to express a protease substrate with at least one label, preferably on its C-terminus. Cleavage of the substrate by the protease that recognizes it results in a C-terminal fragment and a N-terminal fragment, where the fragment having the label is subject to ubiquitin proteasome degradation. The assay measures the disappearance of the label due to degradation of the fragment to which it is attached. A cell free assay is also described for detection of protease activity. In the cell free assay, the protease substrate is expressed in a solution that includes the elements of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway for degradation of the fragment. The assay measures the disappearance of the label attached to the fragment that results from cleavage by the protease.
US09624526B2

A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders. A method for determining the efficacy of neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes for the treatment of an individual diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) comprises obtaining a sample of feces from an individual, determining a quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the sample, and correlating the quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be present in the sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of treating the individual with neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzyme administration.
US09624520B2

Disclosed herein is pyrroline-carboxy-lysine (PCL), a pyrrolysine analog, which is a natural, biosynthetically generated amino acid, and methods for biosynthetically generating PCL. Also disclosed herein are proteins, polypeptides and peptides that have PCL incorporated therein and methods for incorporating PCL into such proteins, polypeptides and peptides. Also disclosed herein is the site-specific derivatization of proteins, polypeptides and peptides having PCL or pyrrolysine incorporated therein. Also disclosed herein is the crosslinking of proteins, polypeptides and peptides having PCL or pyrrolysine incorporated therein.
US09624511B2

Described are single-stranded new sequences of TT viruses, rearranged TTV sequences and hybrid molecules of a specific TT virus sequence and host cell DNA that are capable of replicating autonomously for use in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases like cancer and autoimmunity. In addition, it relates to the use of such molecules as gene vectors and artificial chromosomes.
US09624501B2

The present invention is directed to plants that display an improved oil quantity phenotype or an improved meal quality phenotype due to altered expression of an IMQ nucleic acid. The invention is further directed to methods of generating plants with an improved oil quantity phenotype or improved meal quality phenotype.
US09624500B2

The invention provides methods and compositions for modifying tocochromanol biosynthesis in plants. The present invention thus surprisingly and beneficially provides for increasing desired tocochromanol compounds in plants and enhancing the nutritional quality of human food and animal feed, without associate deleterious plant phenotypes.
US09624498B2

The present disclosure is in the field of genome engineering, particularly regulating targeted modification of the genome.
US09624495B2

Provided are nucleic acid translators capable of carrying out logic operations with improved efficiency, maximized output and reduced off-target effects, in particular in a biological system. Methods of using these translators to transduce signal are also provided.
US09624492B2

The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US09624491B2

The present invention relates to microRNAs (miRNAs) which are associated with cancer, particularly including hematologic malignancies, and particularly T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), and to the assessment and modulation thereof in the treatment and management of cancer. The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating cancer, particularly T-ALL, by modulating miRNAs, and the use of miRNAs and antagonists thereof, particularly antagomirs, for predicting and assessing response to treatment, in assays for isolating and selecting antagonists, and as compositions for the treatment and management of cancer. Methods and compositions are provided for treatment or alleviation of cancer, particularly T-ALL, with antagonists/antagomirs of miRNAs, particularly one or more of miR-19b, miR-20a, miR26, miR92, miR148 and miR223.
US09624485B2

The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in mammalian host cells, for example, primate host cells and rodent host cells. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, translation systems that include host cells (e.g., primate or rodent cells), orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases derived from eubacterial synthetases, orthogonal tRNAs, and the unnatural amino acid. The invention also relates to methods for producing proteins of interest comprising at least one unnatural amino acid in mammalian host cell systems.
US09624475B2

Provided herein are recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses that contain mutations that make the disclosed viruses attractive vaccine candidates. The viruses disclosed contain attenuating mutations designed to have increased genetic and phenotypic stability. Desired combinations of these mutations can be made to achieve desired levels of attenation. Exemplary vaccine candidates are described. Also provided are polynucleotides capable of encoding the described viruses, as wells as methods for producing the viruses and methods of use.
US09624474B2

Provided is a method of separating a rare cell from a sample comprising incubating a sample comprising a rare cell and a second cell with a particle comprising a moiety capable of binding to the rare cell to form a complex comprising the particle and the rare cell; applying the mixture to a medium having a density gradient; and centrifuging the mixture to separate the complex from the second cell.
US09624472B2

The invention provides methods for differentiating stem cells along the pancreatic lineage as well as large scale culture methods. The present invention further provides pancreatic progenitor cells derived from stem cells to provide pancreatic cells to a subject.
US09624468B2

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for generating cultures and isolated cell populations containing preplacodal ectoderms cells, otic placode cells, and inner ear sensory hair cells derived from pluripotent cells by modulating TGFβ, BMP, and FGF signaling pathways under defined culture conditions. Also described are methods for obtaining non-otic placodal tissues from pluripotent stem cells. Methods for identifying agents that induce or enhance differentiation and generation of hair cells are also disclosed. Methods for identifying cytoprotective agents for hair cells are also described.
US09624466B2

Provided is a method of culturing green algae which promotes the growth of the green algae which is in a state of being a green swarm cell by irradiating the green algae that accumulate astaxanthin with an artificial light. The green algae are grown in a liquid medium while maintaining a state in which the color of a culture solution of the green algae is green or brown by alternately and continuously radiating a red illumination light and a blue illumination light.
US09624463B2

The invention relates to a filtration system for use in a method of determining the presence and/or amount of cells, for example, viable cells, in a liquid sample, and to methods of using and manufacturing such a filtration system. The filtration system includes a cup with an upper portion and a ring portion, where the ring portion is separably coupled to the upper portion.
US09624462B2

A cell separation container includes a collection chamber and a tissue holding chamber which are partitioned by a filter. The cell separation container includes a first air pressure adjuster configured to adjust the inflow and outflow of gas in the collection chamber and a second air pressure adjuster configured to adjust the inflow and outflow of gas in the tissue holding chamber. Thus, the inflow and outflow of the outside air and the gases in the collection chamber and the tissue holding chamber can be adjusted. In the cell separation container, switching between holding a treatment liquid in the tissue holding chamber and ejecting a treatment liquid to the collection chamber can be performed by adjusting the inflow and outflow of the outside air and the gas in the connection chamber.
US09624458B2

A fibrous structure including filaments wherein the filaments comprise one or more filament-forming materials and one or more active agents that are releasable from the filament when exposed to conditions of intended use, the fibrous structure further having at least three regions. Methods of treating fabrics with a fibrous structure are also provided herein.
US09624455B2

The present invention relates to an Automatic Dishwashing (ADW) detergent composition comprising at least one cationic polysaccharide of molecular weight of less than 1,000,000 g/mol. The invention also relates to a method for eliminating, limiting or preventing the spotting and/or filming phenomena during the washing comprising the use of a detergent composition according to claim 1.
US09624453B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a lubricating oil composition having a low viscosity and an extremely high viscosity index as well as an excellent shearing stability. The present invention relates to a lubricating oil composition including the following components (A) to (C): (A) a low-viscosity synthetic oil including a compound containing an ether bond in a molecule thereof and having a kinematic viscosity of less than 10 mm2/s as measured at 40° C., in which a ratio of the number of oxygen atoms to the number of carbon atoms as constituents of the compound (O/C ratio) and the kinematic viscosity (mm2/s) of the compound as measured at 40° C. satisfy the following formula (1): Kinematic Viscosity at 40° C.≦12−[(O/C ratio)×30]  (1); (B) a high-viscosity synthetic oil as a hydrocarbon-based synthetic oil having a kinematic viscosity of 40 mm2/s or more as measured at 100° C. which includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an α-olefin oligomer or a hydrogenated product of the α-olefin oligomer, and an ethylene-propylene co-oligomer; and (C) a polymethacrylate having a weight-average molecular weight of 50,000 or less.
US09624451B2

The present invention provides a multiple function dispersant viscosity index improver, a method of making the multiple function dispersant viscosity index improver, and a lubricating oil comprising the multiple function dispersant viscosity index improver. The multiple function dispersant viscosity index improver comprises two different functional groups, each directly grafted to a polymer backbone having graftable sites. The first functional group comprises the reaction product of an acylating agent and a first amine, the first amine comprising an aromatic primary amine, and the second functional group comprises the reaction product of an acylating agent and a second amine, the second amine comprising an aliphatic primary amine. The first functional group provides the dispersant viscosity index improver with soot handling performance attributes and the second functional group provides the dispersant viscosity index improver with sludge and varnish control performance attributes.
US09624446B2

Disclosed is a renewable composition derived from the conversion of biomass at an elevated temperature, with conversion optionally in the presence of a catalyst, which is capable of reducing, and thereby improving, a low temperature property of a distillate. A process is also disclosed for mixing such renewable composition with the distillate.
US09624443B2

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. Hydrocarbon-containing materials are also used as feedstocks.
US09624441B2

A carbon to liquids system comprising: a source of syngas; a first reactor coupled in flow communication with said syngas source and configured to receive a flow of syngas therein, said first reactor comprising a polymeric material, wherein said first reactor reacts the syngas and a catalyst in a Fischer-Tropsch reaction that produces a product comprising steam, wherein the polymeric material is configured to permit the permeation of the steam therethrough; and a recycle path coupled in flow communication with said first reactor, wherein said recycle path is configured to channel the permeated steam to a vessel positioned upstream from said first reactor. A method of operating a carbon to liquids system includes receiving a flow of syngas and reacting the syngas and a catalyst to produce a product including steam. The method also includes recycling the permeated steam to a vessel positioned upstream from the reactor.
US09624440B2

In the production of fuel such as ethanol from carbonaceous feed material such as biomass, a stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide is added to the raw gas stream derived from the feed material, and the resulting combined stream is converted into fuel and a gaseous byproduct such as by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The gaseous byproduct may be utilized in the formation of the aforementioned stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
US09624436B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide for efficient and economical production and recovery of ethanol or other volatile organic compounds. One embodiment comprises contacting a solid component of a biomass material with a solution adapted to facilitate saccharification. The solid component is generated by a method comprising: introducing a biomass material to a compartment of a solventless recovery system, wherein the biomass material contains one or more volatile organic compounds; contacting the biomass material with a superheated vapor stream in the compartment to vaporize at least a portion of an initial liquid content in the biomass material; separating a vapor component and a solid component from the heated biomass material; and retaining at least a portion of the gas component for use as part of the superheated vapor stream. In one embodiment, the solid component contacted with the solution is further subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis and/or fermentation.
US09624432B2

A soil stabilization mixture comprising a mixture of soil to be stabilized, fibers and binder. The soil and the fibers are mixed together. The binder, which acts as a chemical stabilizer, is then added and mixing continues. The mixture is then applied to the soil to be stabilized and the stabilized soil is then compacted. The fibers can be recycled carpet fibers, fiber reinforced polymer, biofibers or a mixture thereof. The binder includes mixtures of Portland cement and at least one of crushed glass, metakaolin and ground blast furnace slag.
US09624429B2

Metal halide scintillators are described. More particularly, the scintillators include doped (e.g., europium-doped) ternary metal halides, such as those of the formulas A2BX4 and AB2X5, wherein A is an alkali metal, such as Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs or any combination thereof; B is an alkali earth metal, such as Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba or any combination thereof; and X is a halide, such as Cl, Br, I, F or any combination thereof. Radiation detectors comprising the novel metal halide scintillators and other ternary metal halides, such as those of the formulas A2EuX4 and AEu2X5, wherein A is an alkali metal and X is a halide, are also described.
US09624428B2

A phosphor indicated by general formula MeaRebSicAldNeOf. In the formula: Me has Sr as an essential element thereof and can include one or more types of element selected from Na, Li, Mg, Ca, Ba, Sc, Y, and La; and Re has Eu as an essential element thereof and can include one or more types of element selected from Mn, Ce, Tb, Yb, and Sm. In addition, when a=1−x, b=x, c=(2+2p)×(1−y), d=(2+2p)×y, e=(1+4p)×(1−z), and f=(1+4p)×z, parameters p, x, y, and z fulfill the following: 1.620
US09624418B2

Antifreeze proteins having an ice-binding site, such as those derived from the Marinomonas primoryensis bacterium, may be used in additive compositions, fluid compositions, and methods for depressing the freezing point of the fluid compositions. The fluid composition may include the antifreeze protein and a base fluid, such as drilling fluids, servicing fluids, production fluids, completion fluids, injection fluids, refinery fluids, and combinations thereof.
US09624414B2

A refrigerant composition consisting essentially of R227ea 3-9% R134a 25-70% R125 3-35% R32 10-35% together with an optional hydrocarbon component; wherein the amounts are by weight and are selected to total 100%.
US09624412B2

Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI) polymer adhesive coated laminating film in which the TPI coating is under cured or B-staged as well as the process for preparing the film is disclosed.
US09624406B2

Tape backings with a first major side and an oppositely-facing second major side, wherein the first major side includes coextensive, intersecting microstructured paint-retention and hand-tear patterns; and, tapes including such backings, and methods of making and using such tapes and tape backings.
US09624404B2

This invention provides a PSA sheet that allows prevention or reduction of damage such as fracture with efficient stretch removability. A stretchable PSA sheet is provided, comprising a PSA layer and a film-like substrate supporting the PSA layer. The PSA sheet has a long section. The long section has a tapered segment that extends, tapering to a first end of the length direction and the film-like substrate has a minimum cross-sectional area larger than 0.30 mm2 in the tapered segment.
US09624403B2

An adhesive film for polarizing plates has a K value of about 0.2 to about 0.5, as calculated by Equation 1. A polarizing plate includes the adhesive film for polarizing plates. An optical display includes the polarizing plate. The adhesive films for polarizing plates according to embodiments of the invention suppress light leakage due to dimensional changes in the polarizing plates at high temperature and/or high humidity. K=ΔG′×ΔR0  Equation 1
US09624401B2

A process for producing aqueous polyurethane preparations comprises the steps of: A) providing a solution in at least one solvent of at least one polymeric polyurethane bearing ionizable groups, B) using at least one neutralizing agent to partially neutralize the at least one polymeric polyurethane bearing ionizable groups, C) dispersing the at least one polymeric polyurethane bearing ionizable groups in water, D) optionally removing the at least one solvent, E) optionally diluting the mixture after solvent removal with further water, F) admixing neutralizing agent after solvent removal.
US09624399B2

A method for microencapsulating a core material, such as a blowing agent, in a single shell which has demonstrated to be challenging to microencapsulate as an individual component with a single-shell wall deposition using conventional techniques. Single-shell microcapsules of the blowing agent can be formed, minimizing steps involved in the present microencapsulation technique. Also, microcapsules formed by this method provide increased performance in end-use products, including but not limited to characteristics such as product shelf-life, ease of use, and greater expansion properties. A method of making a coating formulation including the microcapsules is further provided, as well as a fastener including the coating.
US09624397B2

Methods are provided for the production of poly(cyanoacrylate) micro- or nanofibers which include mixing the cyanoacrylate monomer with a dipolar aprotic solvent to form a poly(cyanoacrylate) gel, dissolving the gel in a solvent for acrylates to form a solution suitable for electrospinning, and submitting the solution thus obtained to electrospinning to form said micro- or nanofibers. The micro- or nanofibers thus obtained can be used to form coatings that adhere to a substrate as a result of thermal treatment.
US09624396B2

The present invention is to provide a water-based primer composition that exhibits excellent adhesion toward an adherend such as mortar. This water-based primer composition contains a high molecular weight emulsion (A) which is an emulsion of a resin having a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 or higher, and a low molecular weight emulsion (B) which is an emulsion of a resin having a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 or lower, wherein an average particle diameter of the resin of the low molecular weight emulsion (B) is 0.6 μm or less.
US09624395B2

An image recording method including the steps of applying an ink containing a coloring material and anionic resin particles to a recording medium; and applying a liquid composition to the recording medium so as to at least partly overlap with an area where the ink is applied, the liquid composition destabilizing a dispersion state of the coloring material or of the anionic resin particles in the ink. The ink contains a polyamine compound having a group formed by substituting a hydrogen atom of an amino group by a structure represented by —Rnn—H, where R is an alkyleneoxy group including an ethyleneoxy group, and the number of Rs per molecule is 5 or more and 180 or less.
US09624392B2

A photopolymerizable composition includes glyceryl monomethacrylate in an amount of from 25 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of monomers.
US09624391B2

A water-based ink composition capable of forming depicted lines with excellent drying property and with little bleed is described. Also, a water-based ballpoint pen using the water-based ink composition is described. The water-based ink composition includes a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, a water-soluble organic solvent, a colorant and water, wherein the HLB value of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is from 14 to 15, and wherein the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether has an alkyl group contains 8 to 10 carbon atoms.
US09624390B2

A process and a kit for inkjet printing high resolution color and stretchable images on dyed synthetic substrates are provided.
US09624388B2

Described is a thixotropic para-aramid gel that includes a polymer resin, an alkali-soluble anionic thickener, an adhesion promoter, and para-aramid pulp fibers. The polymer resin includes at least one of an acrylate copolymer and a styrene-acrylate copolymer. Also described is a method of producing the para-aramid gel for plaster reinforcement. The method includes mixing the polymer resin, the alkali-soluble anionic thickener, and the adhesion promoter to create a thixotropic gel, and then spinning para-aramid pulp fibers into the thixotropic gel using a high shear mixer. A method of reinforcing a plaster ceiling is also described. The method includes inserting a plurality of fasteners into a visible surface of the ceiling, leaving a portion of each fastener exposed at or above the visible surface, and applying a layer of the para-aramid-reinforced thixotropic gel to the visible surface and encapsulating the portion of each fastener within the layer.
US09624386B2

A method to prepare a metallic nanoparticle dispersion includes the steps of forming a metallic precursor dispersion or solution by adding a metallic precursor to a dispersion medium including: (a) a solvent according to Formula I, and wherein R1 and R2 represent an optionally substituted alkyl group, R1 and R2 may form a ring, (b) a carboxylic acid according to Formula II, R—COOH   Formula II wherein R is an optionally substituted C2-C7 alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, reducing the metallic precursor with a reducing agent to form metallic nanoparticles, sedimenting the metallic nanoparticles to obtain a highly concentrated metallic nanoparticle dispersion comprising at least 15 wt % of metallic nanoparticles.
US09624379B2

Provided is a heat-dissipating paint composition using a carbon material, the heat-dissipating paint composition including a dispersion solution containing a surface treated carbon material, a heat resistance additive, and an adhesion improving emulsion, so that the heat-dissipating paint composition can have excellent heat dissipation performance and can be applied to various industrial field requiring temperature control.
US09624367B2

The present invention provides a pneumatic tire that achieves a balanced improvement in initial grip performance, grip performance during running, and abrasion resistance. The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire including a tread formed from a rubber composition, the rubber composition containing a rubber component, a solventless acrylic resin, and a liquid xylene resin, and having a solventless acrylic resin content of 1 to 50 parts by mass and a liquid xylene resin content of 5 to 100 parts by mass, each per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.
US09624360B2

Curable rubber compositions and cured articles are based on the use of zinc activator compositions for the sulfur cure. Activator compositions contain zinc and a polymeric component having a plurality of COOH groups, at least some of which are neutralized with the zinc. With polymeric zinc activators, sulfur cure can be activated at levels of zinc below those used in conventional systems.
US09624358B2

The invention relates to a tire rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, an inorganic filler as reinforcing filler, a coupling agent providing the bonding between the inorganic filler and the diene elastomer, characterized in that the coupling agent is an azosilane compound of following formula (I): (G1)3-a(G2)aSi—Z—NH—C(O)—N═N—C(O)—NH—Z—Si(G1)3-a(G2)a  (I) in which: G1, identical to or different from one another, each represent a monovalent hydrocarbon-based group chosen from branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyls, having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyls or aryls, having from 5 to 18 carbon atoms, G2, identical to or different from one another, each represent a hydroxyl group or a monovalent group in the form (G3)n-OG1 in which G3 is a divalent linking group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and comprising one or more heteroatoms chosen from O, S, Si and N, n being a number equal to or higher than 0 and less than or equal to 18, Z represents a divalent linking group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a is equal to 1, 2 or 3.
US09624342B2

Medium and high molecular weight polyester polymers are prepared in syrup form from an ester oligomer. The oligomer is converted to the polymer by polycondensation at elevated pressure and elevated temperature in a nonreactive carrier capable of forming an azeotrope with water. The ester oligomerization or polycondensation reactions desirably are monitored using a non-viscometric technique. The process has a rapid cycle time. The syrup contains the polymer and nonreactive carrier, and may more conveniently be used to make initially non-solid products such as polyester coatings than is the case when employing pelletized solid polyester resins.
US09624318B2

The invention relates to matted UV varnishes comprising silicon dioxide, the surface thereof having been modified by means of treatment with a multiple bond organopolysiloxane so as to be particularly well-suited for use as a matting material for UV varnishes, and to a method for producing same.
US09624312B2

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a composite material is prepared by blending a flame retardant modified cellulosic nanomaterial (FR-CN) filler into a polymer, wherein the FR-CN filler comprises a cellulosic nanomaterial (e.g., cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and/or cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs)) having a surface functionalized to incorporate a phosphorus-containing moiety. In some embodiments, the FR-CN filler is prepared by reacting hydroxyl groups on the surface of the cellulosic nanomaterial and a halogenated phosphorous-containing monomer (e.g., diphenyl phosphoryl chloride). In some embodiments, the surface of the cellulosic nanomaterial is further functionalized to incorporate an orthogonal functionality selected to enhance the compatibility of the FR-CN filler with the polymer by reacting hydroxyl groups on the surface of the cellulosic nanomaterial and a monomer (e.g., epichlorohydrin when the polymer is an epoxy-based polymer).
US09624305B2

Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cancer cells, including e.g. leukemias, solid tumors including carcinomas, etc.
US09624304B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the treatment or prevention of Chlamydia infections and cancer. The methods and compositions inhibit the entry of Chlamydia into a host cell expressing EMP2 by interfering with the interaction between the Chlamydia and EMP2. The methods and compositions target cancers which express or overexpress EMP2 nucleic acids and polypeptides by targeting EMP2.
US09624301B2

The disclosure provides, among other aspects, neutralizing antibodies and portions thereof that bind to ActRIIB and uses for same.
US09624300B2

Isolated monoclonal antibodies which bind to human DEC-205 and related antibody-based compositions and molecules are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, as well as therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the antibodies.
US09624299B2

The present invention provides, inter alia, an isolated cell line, 3M as well as methods for making such a cell line and methods of using such a cell line, e.g., to produce a protein such as an immunoglobulin.
US09624294B2

The present disclosure relates to isolated or recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, which inhibit or reduce the function of midkine (hereinafter, referred to as “MK”) for use in the treatment or prevention of midkine-related disorders.
US09624283B2

Peptide compounds based on the CAP37 protein are disclosed, along with methods for treating various infections, wounds, and conditions, and methods of promoting healing and acceptance of grafts, using compositions containing these peptide compounds.
US09624281B2

In one aspect the present invention is directed to mutant NGAL proteins that have the ability to bind to siderophores, such as enterochelin, and to chelate and transport iron, and that are excreted in the urine. Such NGAL mutants, and complexes thereof with siderophores, can be used to clear excess iron from the body, for example in the treatment of iron overload. The NGAL mutants of the invention also have antibacterial activity and can be used in the treatment of bacterial infections, such as those of the urinary tract.
US09624278B2

The composition includes either an isolated protein complex including MCM8 and MCM9 proteins, or nucleic acid molecules coding for the proteins that constitute the complex, or compounds inhibiting the formation and/or the stability, or the activity of the complex, for its use for enhancing or reducing animal, preferably mammal, fertility.
US09624272B2

Disclosed herein are polypeptides that bind to the hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus, and which can be used for treating and diagnosing influenza infection.
US09624270B2

Occidiofungin is a cyclic nonribosomally synthesized antifungal peptide with submicromolar activity. This invention is directed to compositions enriched for particular occidiofungin diastereomers/conformers, methods of making compositions enriched for particular diastereomers/conformers and microorganisms suitable for producing enriched compositions of particular diastereomers/conformers. Methods of treating fungal infections or plants infected by fungi are also provided.
US09624269B2

The invention provides peptide inhibitors of BACE1 that bind to the active site in a noncanonical fashion, and methods of use thereof.
US09624256B2

A coordination complex having a physiologically acceptable pKa includes a metal and a biologically active agent. The pKa of the coordination complex is less than the pKa of the biologically active agent. A pharmaceutical solution for treating a patient includes a coordination complex and water, wherein the coordination complex is at least partially soluble in the water at physiological pH and in a therapeutically efficacious concentration. A method for treating a patient includes administering a pharmaceutical solution including a coordination complex and water to a patient in need of a biologically active agent.
US09624252B2

The invention provides methods and kits for nucleic acid purification and fragment selection and recovery. By adjusting salt concentrations and/or pH of the binding buffers, only nucleic acid fragments with desired size ranges are able to reversibly and non-specifically bind to a solid surface in certain salt concentrations and/or pH conditions, and can be subsequently eluted and/or recovered from the solid surface in water and/or a low salt eluting buffer.
US09624249B2

The present invention relates to disulfide masked prodrug compounds of Formula (I), nucleoside kinase bypass compositions thereof and methods that are amenable to bioactivation by a reducing agent such as glutathione: Such disulfide based compounds, compositions, and methods can be useful, for example, in providing prodrugs for use as therapeutics.
US09624241B2

The present invention relates to tricyclic heterocycles of Formula (I): which are inhibitors of BET proteins such as BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRD-t and are useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09624239B2

The present invention relates to a novel family of inhibitors of protein kinases of Formula (1) wherein X is selected from CH2, O, S(0)n, or NR6; and process for their production and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to inhibitors of the members of the Tec, Src, Btk and Lck protein kinase families.
US09624231B2

An improved process for preparing buprenorphine and a method for increasing the yield of buprenorphine or a derivative thereof.
US09624216B2

The invention relates to inhibitors of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (mt-IDH) proteins with neomorphic activity useful in the treatment of cell-proliferation disorders and cancers, having the Formula: where Y1, X1, X2, Y2, W1, W2, W3, and R1-R5 are described herein.
US09624215B2

A novel amine derivative expressed by general formula (1) (in the formula: G1, G2, and G3 are the same or different and represent CH or a nitrogen atom; R1 represents a chlorine atom, an optionally-substituted C3-8 cycloalkyl group, or the like; R2 represents —COOR5 (in the formula, R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a carboxyl protective group), or the like; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, or the like; and R4 represents an optionally-substituted condensed bicyclic hydrocarbon group, an optionally-substituted bicyclic heterocyclic group, or the like), or a salt thereof is useful in procedures such as the treatment or prevention of conditions related to excessive keratinocyte proliferation.
US09624210B2

The invention provides certain amino-pyrimidine-containing compounds. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using the compounds for treating diseases or conditions mediated by Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk) kinase.
US09624202B2

Disclosed are compounds having the formula: wherein X, Y, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, R5, RA, m, A. L, and B are as defined herein, and methods of making and using the same.
US09624196B2

A compound of formula (XV): wherein R1 represents an amino group, a protected amino group or nitro group; or a salt thereof. The compound is a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor. The compound and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used for treatment of conditions, such as inflammatory diseases.
US09624193B2

A cyclic azine compound represented by general formula (1): wherein each Ar1 represents an aromatic group, which is unsubstituted or substituted by a C1-4 alkyl group, a phenyl group or a pyridyl group; and A represents a group selected from those which are represented by general formulae (2) to (5), described in the description. The cyclic azine compound is useful for an organic compound layer of fluorescent or phosphorescent EL device.
US09624191B2

Eight-membered ring cyclic carbonates having an oxygen or an acylated nitrogen at position 6 were prepared by reaction of precursor diols with ethyl chloroformate. The cyclic carbonates undergo organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization. In one instance, the initial polymer formed comprises a carbonate repeat unit having a Boc-protected nitrogen in the polymer backbone. Deprotecting the nitrogen with acid forms a cationic carbonate repeat unit having a positive charged secondary ammonium nitrogen in the polymer backbone.
US09624189B2

The invention relates to fluorinated compounds and their use in the field of pathological syndromes of the cardiovascular system. Novel fluorinated benzofuran derivatives of amiodarone and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof and their use for the treatment of arrhythmias are described.
US09624184B2

The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I), which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of epilepsy, neurodegenerative disease and the like. In the formula (I), each symbol is as defined in the specification.
US09624182B2

Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of lysophosphatidic receptor(s). Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such antagonists, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating LPA-dependent or LPA-mediated conditions or diseases.
US09624179B1

The invention discloses a novel quinazoline derivative LU1501 and a preparing method thereof, wherein the quinazoline derivative has a chemical name of N-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4-N-{7-methoxy-6-[(2-pyrrolidin-1-yl)hydroxyethyl]quinazoline-4-yl}phen-1,4-diamine. The quinazoline derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a solvate and a hydrate thereof have excellent anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo to MCF-7, SK-BR-3, A549, HCT 116, U-118 MG; U-87 MG and MDA-MB-468, and have preferable application prospects on preparing anti-tumor drugs.
US09624178B2

The present invention provides substituted cyclopenta and cyclopentyl pyrimidine bicyclic compounds of Formula III, and 5,6-saturated and unsaturated and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, solvates, and hydrates thereof, having antimitotic activity, anti-multidrug resistance activity, such as for example P-glycoprotein inhibition, and antitumor activity, and which inhibit paclitaxel sensitive and resistant tumor cells. Also provided are methods of utilizing these compounds for treating tumor cells and inhibiting mitosis of cancerous cells.
US09624175B2

The invention relates to inhibitors of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (mt-IDH) proteins with neomorphic activity useful in the treatment of cell-proliferation disorders and cancers, having the Formula: where A, B, U, V, Z, W1, W2, W3, and R1-R6 are described herein.
US09624171B2

Photoinitiator mixture comprising at least one alpha-amino ketone compound; and at least one compound of the Formula (I) or (I′) wherein R1 and R′1 for example are hydrogen, C3-C8cycloalkyl or C1-C12alkyl R2 and R2′ for example are hydrogen; unsubstituted C1-C20alkyl or substituted C1-C20alkyl; and R8 and R9 for example are hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl which optionally is substituted, or phenyl which optionally is substituted; exhibit an unexpectedly good performance in photopolymerization reactions.
US09624170B2

The present invention aims to provide a compound having an MAGL inhibitory action, and useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and the like), anxiety disorder, pain (e.g., inflammatory pain, carcinomatous pain, nervous pain and the like), epilepsy and the like. The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof.
US09624169B2

The application relates to novel compounds and their use in treating and preventing diseases and conditions mediated by modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels. Novel aryl- and heteroaryl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof and their use are described.
US09624168B2

The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and formula II or its pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula I or formula II; and methods for treating or preventing inflammation and lipid disorders may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, steatohepatitis, cystinosis and inflammatory diseases.
US09624158B2

New hydroxy aliphatic substituted phenyl aminoalkyi ether compounds of formula (I), compositions thereof and their use as a medicament in the treatment of nervous system diseases and/or the treatment of developmental, behavioral and/or mental disorders associated with cognitive deficits.
US09624157B2

The present invention provides a method for preparing ingenol-3-angelate.
US09624152B2

The present invention relates to novel hydroxyl compounds, compositions comprising hydroxyl compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing a variety of diseases and conditions such as, but not limited to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, impotence, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid elimination in bile, obesity, oxysterol elimination in bile, pancreatitis, pancreatitius, Parkinson's disease, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, phospholipid elimination in bile, renal disease, septicemia, metabolic syndrome disorders (e.g., Syndrome X), thrombotic disorder. Compounds and methods of the invention can also be used to modulate C reactive protein or enhance bile production in a patient. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.
US09624146B2

The present invention relates to a fluorination process, comprising: an activation stage comprising contacting a fluorination catalyst with an oxidizing agent-containing gas flow for at least one hour; and at least one reaction stage comprising reacting a chlorinated compound with hydrogen fluoride in gas phase in the presence of the fluorination catalyst, so as to produce a fluorinated compound.
US09624143B2

The invention relates to a method for producing linear butenes from methanol. The problem addressed is that of specifying such a method in which the methanol used is converted, to the largest possible extent, into butenes. The problem is solved by combining a methanol-to-propylene process with a metathesis reaction by means of which the propene obtained from the methanol is converted into linear butenes.
US09624142B2

A process for the dehydrogenation of a paraffinic hydrocarbon compound, such as an alkane or alkylaromatic hydrocarbon compound to produce an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound, such as an olefin or vinyl aromatic compound or mixture thereof, in which a dehydrogenation catalyst contacts gaseous reactant hydrocarbons in a reactor at dehydrogenation conditions.
US09624140B2

Provided is a gas generating composition that maintains stable ignition performance for a long period. A gas generating composition includes: a gas generating agent including (a) fuel selected from a triazine compound and a guanidine compound, (b) an oxidizing agent including a Combination of (b-1) basic metal nitrate and (b-2) basic metal carbonate, and (c) a binder; and (d) an absorbent. The gas generating agent and the absorbent may not be integrally molded or may be integrally molded.
US09624127B2

Certain example embodiments relate to Ni-inclusive ternary alloy being provided as a barrier layer for protecting an IR reflecting layer comprising silver or the like. The provision of a barrier layer comprising nickel, chromium, and/or molybdenum and/or oxides thereof may improve corrosion resistance, as well as chemical and mechanical durability. In certain examples, more than one barrier layer may be used on at least one side of the layer comprising silver. In still further examples, a NixCryMoz-based layer may be used as the functional layer, rather than or in addition to as a barrier layer, in a coating.
US09624126B2

Provided are a heating element, which includes: a transparent substance; a conductive heating line that is provided on at least one side of the transparent substance; bus bars that is electrically connected to the conductive heating line; and a power portion that is connected to the bus bars, wherein 30% or more of the entire area of the transparent substance has a conductive heating line pattern in which, when the straight line that intersects the conductive heating line is drawn, a ratio (distance distribution ratio) of standard deviation in respects to an average value of distances between adjacent intersection points of the straight line and the conductive heating line is 2% or more, and a method for manufacturing the same.
US09624112B2

A filter press system for water desalination may comprise: a frame; a plurality of filter plates configured to form a stack of parallel plates, each of filter plates being movably attached to the frame, the filter plates further being configured to form a multiplicity of chambers, each of the chambers being formed by adjacent filter plates, each of the chambers being lined by filter cloths and substantially filled with beads, wherein the plurality of filter plates, the multiplicity of chambers and the filter cloths are configured to allow water vapor to escape from the chambers while retaining salts from the water to form a filter cake; a heater, for heating the water in the chambers; a condenser for condensing the water vapor; and a separator for separating the beads from the filter cake after the filter cake is released from the chambers.
US09624100B2

Systems and methods for aligning a transfer head assembly with a substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment a pivot mount is used for generating a feedback signal in a closed-loop motion control system. In an embodiment, the pivot mount includes a plurality of spring arms, with each spring arm including a switch-back along an axial length of the spring arm such that a pair of first and second lengths of the spring arm are immediately adjacent the switch-back and are parallel to each other. A first strain sensing element is located at the first length, and a second strain sensing element is located at the second length.
US09624093B2

MEMS packages and modules are described. In an embodiment, a module includes a package mounted within an opening in a module board. The package includes a flexible wiring board mounted to a back surface of the module board and spanning across the opening in the module board. A die is mounted on the flexible wiring board and is encapsulated within an overmold. An air gap exists laterally between the overmold and side surface of the opening in the module board.
US09624089B1

Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for heating a drinkable or other fluid, such as water and/or ice in a hydration system. Such embodiments include heating assemblies for hydration systems, hydration systems with heating elements, electronic control assemblies for hydration systems, and various methods of heating a drinkable or other fluid, gel or semi-solid.
US09624088B2

A safety interlock nozzle for use with a safety interlock mechanism is disclosed which comprises a base having an interlock contact surface at a first end and alternating tabs at a second end, a body having alternating tabs at a first end that mate with the alternating tabs of the base, a channel within the body positioned at a second end, a ring clamp for connecting the tabs of the base to the tabs of the body, a splash guard having a first end for contacting with a filler neck housing and a second end having a slot formed therein, the second end capable of fitting within the channel of the second end of the body, and a spring for being captured within the channel in the body and the slot within the splash guard, the spring for connecting the splash guard to the body.
US09624087B2

Environmental friendly automotive fluid dispensing systems and are provided. One disclosed system provides for the controlled dispensing of an automotive fluid selected from multiple automotive fluids. A quantity of fluid to be dispensed can be designated and the system can dispense the designated quantity of the selected fluid. A pump assembly is used to transfer automotive fluid from a selected container to a dispensing gun in a controlled fashion. The product dispensing gun can include a check valve for preventing fluid from exiting the dispensing gun when no fluid is being transferred to the dispensing gun by the pump assembly.
US09624077B1

Apparatus for lifting and supporting an item above a floor includes a frame and a pair of upright telescoping post assemblies having two opposite ends and which are positionable on opposite sides of the item to be lifted. A pair of guide posts are arranged as to extend substantially vertically of the frame and adjacent the post assemblies. A carriage assembly is mounted upon each post assembly for cooperating between the item and an adjacent guide post, and jacks are utilized for moving the ends of the post assemblies apart so that by positioning the carriage assemblies in cooperating relationship with the item and moving the ends of the post assemblies apart, the item is lifted by a corresponding amount and the carriage assemblies are guided along the guide posts.
US09624070B2

The invention provides a method and apparatus for easily and efficiently manufacturing a cable bead, which features excellent wire winding performance. In this method, an annular core is held by a core rotating means. Then a reel wound with a wire is revolved in one direction through the inside and the outside of the core by a reel revolving means by holding the reel wound with a wire alternately on one side and on the other side of the core. And a wire is wound helically around the core as the core is rotated in a circumferential direction in association with the revolving motion of the reel.
US09624067B1

A guide member for use in connection with a wheel of a vehicle includes a wall and a base. The wall extends from a lower surface to an upper surface. The lower surface defines a support plane. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The base extends from the lower surface of the wall. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The base is disposed transverse to the wall at a non-perpendicular angle to define a space between the bottom surface of the base and the support plane. The inner surface of the wall and the top surface of the base define a receiving pocket configured to receive a wheel of the vehicle therein, whereby the outer surface of the wall guides a longitudinal flexible member around the wheel of the vehicle.
US09624064B2

A method of using a folding apparatus to form an outsert having product information printed thereon comprises applying a plurality of parallel lines of water to a sheet of paper; making a plurality of folds in the sheet of paper in a direction parallel to a first direction with a first folding apparatus to form a first folded article; making a plurality of folds in the first folded article in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to form an intermediate folded article; and making a final fold in the intermediate folded article in the second direction to form the outsert. Making the final fold may include forcing the intermediate folded article between a pair of adjustably-spaced folding members, the adjustably-spaced folding members to be adjustably spaced apart from each other by a distance that is within a range defined by a lower boundary of 0.25 inches and an upper boundary of 0.45 inches.
US09624060B2

The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for handling documents, such as currency, for example bank notes. A plunger (5) comprises a body (571) and a base (579) such that when the plunger is deployed to urge documents into a securable container, the plunger moves between a fully retracted position and an intermediate position with the base (579) and body (571) together, and between the intermediate position and a fully advanced position the base (579) is displaced from the body (571).
US09624056B2

A sheet feeding apparatus includes a conveyance guide member provided in an apparatus body and having a reference plane against which a sheet widthwise side edge orthogonal to a sheet feeding direction abuts. The reference plane is provided upstream in the feed direction of a downstream end in the feed direction of the sheet stacked on the stacking member in a state in which the sheet feed cassette is attached to the attachment position of the apparatus body and is provided under, in terms of a vertical direction, an uppermost sheet stacked on the stacking member in the state in which the sheet feed cassette is attached to the attachment position of the apparatus body.
US09624054B2

An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a conveyance roller, a registration roller disposed on a conveyance path extending from the conveyance roller to the image forming unit, the registration roller being configured to perform skew correction for a sheet by contacting a leading end of the sheet in a conveyance direction while rotation of the registration roller is being stopped, and rotating after a lapse of a particular period of time since the rotation of the registration roller has been stopped, a driving source configured to supply a driving force to the conveyance roller and the registration roller, and a controller configured to determine the particular period of time based on a cumulative number of sheets conveyed by the conveyance roller.
US09624051B2

A sheet conveying apparatus includes: a main unit; a tray main body pivotable between a standing position and an inclined position; and a tray cover connected to the tray main body and pivotable between a bent position and a straight position. A space formed between the main unit and the tray main body is covered by the tray cover located at the bent position relative to the tray main body at the standing position and exposed by the tray cover located at the straight position relative to the tray main body at the inclined position. The tray cover pivoting from the straight position to the bent position relative to the tray main body at the inclined position causes the tray main body to pivot from the inclined position to the standing position, so that the tray cover covers the space.
US09624046B2

A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate processing section that processes a plurality of substrates assuming a vertical posture in a batch manner; a first traversing mechanism that laterally moves a first traverse holding portion along a first traversing path between a substrate transfer position and a substrate delivery position; a second traversing mechanism that laterally moves a second traverse holding portion along a second traversing path disposed below the first traversing path between the substrate transfer position and the substrate delivery position; an elevation mechanism that raises and lowers an elevation holding portion in the substrate transfer position; and a main transfer mechanism that conveys a plurality of substrates assuming a vertical posture in a batch manner between the substrate delivery position and the substrate processing section, the first and second traverse holding portions, and the elevation holding portion each holds a plurality of substrates assuming a vertical posture in a batch manner.
US09624039B2

A method for processing containers includes periodically causing a reversible transporter to periodically transition between rotating in a first direction and rotating in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. When rotating in the first direction, the transporter feeds containers to a first processing region. When rotating in the second direction, the transporter feeds containers to a second processing region. Each processing region has as at least one processing position.
US09624037B2

A brake device for a conveying device for braking a conveying vehicle moving along a movement path, including at least one brake member for creating a braking contact with the conveying vehicle. The brake member includes at least one deflection member and at least one flexible brake body with a braking-active body section, the brake body being led in a revolving manner around the at least one deflection member.
US09624032B1

A compressible trash receptacle includes a frame, a plunger section operably coupled to the frame wherein the plunger section is disposed partially exterior of the frame, and a trash-receiving section detachably connected to the frame and in communication with the plunger section. In this manner, when no external force acts on the plunger section, the plunger section rests at an equilibrium position disposed partially exterior of the trash-receiving section. Advantageously, when an external force acts on the plunger section, the plunger section moves to a tensioned position disposed partially interior of the trash-receiving section.
US09624027B2

The present invention generally relates to dispensers for holding a consumables box containing consumable products such as, but not limited to, disposable latex gloves. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a continuous front plate with an aperture for extracting the consumable products, continuous side plates, and separable back plates that develop a load path with the continuous front plate after the dispenser has been mounted onto a mounting surface. The dispenser may include one or more spring mechanisms that urge the consumables box into a forward and centered position within the dispenser. The continuous front plate resists undesired deflection when subjected to an outward force. In another embodiment, one or more surfaces of the dispenser may be overlaid with a woodgrain laminate for aesthetic purposes.
US09624026B1

The removable dispensing cover for tissue boxes includes an oblong dispensing cover detachably mounted to a top of a tissue box. A pull tab extends from one end of the dispensing cover for selective grasping by a user for subsequent removal of the dispensing cover from the tissue box to access the tissues. An elongate dispensing thread has a portion thereof attached to the bottom of the dispensing cover, and a dispensing strip is attached to the remaining portion of the dispensing thread. The dispensing strip is attached a top tissue sheet contained in the tissue box, so that as the dispensing cover is removed from the top of the tissue box, the top tissue is also pulled along, ready for use.
US09624025B2

A pipette (110) includes an ejector member (140) with an ejector end (142) configured to be moved from the retracted position (147a) to the extended position (147b) to eject a gripped pipette tip (120) from an end portion (132) of the body (130) of the pipette (110). The pipette (110) further includes an adjustment device (160) configured to adjust the extended position (147b) of the ejector end (142) with respect to the body (130) and a lock device (200) configured to selectively inhibit operation of the adjustment device (160) to adjust the extended position (147b) of the ejector end (142).
US09624024B2

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a system and method of using a push up cereal cup or box (PUCC). The system includes a top and bottom compartment that contains at least one liquid and at least one foodstuff. The device allows consumption of a mixture of liquid and foodstuff, such as cereal and milk, without the use of any utensils.
US09624013B2

The present invention relates to a packaging container (E) comprising a base (2) closed by an overlapping cover (1) used for the storage of automotive parts, particularly, brake discs and/or brake drums, clutch discs, wheel hubs or any other parts with similar shapes for motor vehicles, package (E) being provided with structural ribs (3 and 33) and at least one opening (4), which is sealed by a pressure relief valve (5). Said pressure relief valve (5) comprises a connecting base (50) provided with an opening (500) and a closure lid (51) provided with locking and sealing means (510), which are joined to one another in an articulated way.
US09624007B2

A method of manufacturing an external cover edge of a molded cup lid and a product manufactured by the method includes an intermediate product of the molded cup lid made of plant fiber and manufactured by both “pulp suction shaping” and “thermal compression shaping” processes. A protruding-out outer cover edge is formed around the periphery of the intermediate product.
US09624004B2

The bag may include a draw tape that may be used to cinch closed the opening of the bag. The draw tape may include an elastic characteristic and may be smaller in size than the peripheral distance about the opening. The draw tape in its natural contracted state may partially constrict the opening. However, the draw tape may be stretched or expanded to enable a user to dilate the opening and fold the periphery of the opening over the rim of the canister. The draw tape may then recover or constrict to grip about the rim of the receptacle to hold the bag to the canister. In one embodiment, the bag may include a pattern proximate the bag opening to allow the bag opening to be stretched over the rim of the canister.
US09623997B2

An extensible device supporting a multidimensional sorting method for the concurrent sorting and filling of lightweight materials into plastic bags, with interlocking strip fasteners. The device comprising a planar array of at least one ribbed tubular insert, integrated vertically onto a thin plate, and supported above a work surface. Each ribbed tubular insert having an exterior surface comprising a plurality of ridges and grooves circumscribing the perimeter of the insert about its elongated axis, and containing a smooth-wall hollow core, with a top opening for loading, and a bottom opening for discharging at a distal end. The tongue and groove of the bag strip fastener securely engages with the insert ridges and grooves, thereby allowing the bags and associated fill material to be vertically suspended above the work surface. The array of inserts and bags are labeled similarly to associate the selected sorting criteria with the applicable bag contents.
US09623967B2

The invention is directed toward a UAV having a plurality of rotors position on axles extending longitudinally from a fuselage. The axles articulate the rotors from a vertical position, where the rotors provide lift, to a horizontal position, where the rotors provide thrust. The UAV is configured such that the voltage provided to each rotor may be varied to adjust rotor speed, and thus thrust, independently, giving the UAV enhanced maneuverability.
US09623965B2

A rotorcraft having at least one stabilizer device of the tail plane and/or of the tail fin type. At least one stabilizer device is a variable wing area stabilizer device comprising an airfoil member provided with a stationary airfoil surface and a movable airfoil surface. A control system is connected to a mover system for moving the movable airfoil surface in translation between a refracted position for occupying when the rotorcraft has a forward speed less than a first speed threshold, and an extended position for occupying when the rotorcraft has a forward air speed greater than a second speed threshold greater than the first speed threshold.
US09623963B2

A partly cruciform flexbeam (1) of a bearingless main rotor system of a helicopter with a hub drive and an airfoil blade. The partly cruciform flexbeam (1) comprises a flexbeam head (2) with a flat bearing laminate at one end, a root end (3) opposed to said flexbeam head (2) and a flexbeam body (6) between said flexbeam head (2) and said root end (3), said flexbeam body (6) being torsion soft with a substantially cruciform cross section. The invention is as well related to a method of manufacturing such a partly cruciform flexbeam (1).
US09623961B2

An aircraft assembly including a first part having a pin and a second part having a hook that is movable in an engagement plane to engage the pin to hold the first part in a condition relative to the second part. The pin has a prominent central portion and one or more axially spaced outer portions, the prominent portion is prominent with respect to the outer portions in the engagement plane to cause contact to be made between the hook and the pin within the central portion of the pin, rather than the outer portions of the pin.
US09623946B2

An apparatus for propelling a water craft including an outboard propulsion assembly having a removable configuration that can be mounted and demounted by hand without tools and a portable size so that it can be carried by an individual.
US09623944B2

A drive system pivot assembly for a personal user powered watercraft is provided. The drive system pivot assembly pivots a drive system between a deployed position and a parked position. The drive system pivot assembly includes a catch arrangement for securing the drive system pivot assembly in the parked position.
US09623943B2

A jet propulsion boat includes a boat body, a jet propelling apparatus configured to propel the boat body, an engine configured to drive the jet propelling apparatus, and an ECU. The ECU is configured or programmed to determine that a deceleration operation is performed when an amount of operation of a first accelerator operation section is greater than an amount of operation of a second accelerator operation section. The ECU sets an upper limit value for the number of revolutions of the engine to a first predetermined value if the boat body is in a first speed traveling state and the boat body is in a turning state.
US09623936B2

A boat seat base assembly includes a pair of opposed side panels and a pair of opposed end panels joined to the side panels by means of shaped connecting members formed in one of the side panels and end panels and shaped apertures formed in one of the side panels and end panels wherein the shaped connecting members are slideably received in the shaped apertures with an interference between the shaped connecting members and the shaped apertures.
US09623935B2

A mobile, wave motion-isolated, waterborne device having a platform with a plurality of support members extending beneath the platform configured to receive an articulated joint. The device further includes a plurality of corresponding clusters of spar buoys, wherein each spar buoy has an articulated joint at a first end of the spar buoy and a ballast operably configured at the second end. The articulated joint of each spar buoy within the cluster corresponds to a swivel footing configured to receive an articulated joint. The swivel footing itself includes an articulating joint. Each articulated joint of the swivel footing corresponds to one of the support members of the platform. The cluster of spar buoys can optionally move between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. An optional movable ballast may be used in place of a stationary ballast. The invention also includes optional thrust/propulsion, steering, and damping features.
US09623934B2

A method and apparatus for replacing a tendon flex bearing on a tension leg platform includes installing a tendon tensioning tool on the Length Adjustment Joint (LAJ) of a tendon and providing a supplemental buoyancy module on the tendon. The tendon tensioning tool is used to disengage the slips from the top tendon connector. The buoyancy of the supplemental buoyancy module may then be adjusted to support the tendon whereupon the tendon tensioning tool may be disengaged permitting removal and replacement of the tendon flex bearing. Following installation of the new (or refurbished) flex bearing, the steps of the procedure may be reversed to return the tendon to its normal operating state. In certain embodiments, top clamp actuation means is provided in the tendon tensioning tool for removing slips from the top clamp.
US09623928B2

A rolling vehicle includes a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right arm members swingably supported by the vehicle body on inner sides in the transverse direction and which support the left and right front wheels in a steerable manner on outer sides in the transverse direction. As viewed from the direction along the axis of a support shaft which supports the left and right arm members on the vehicle body, the base portions of the left and right arm members rotatably supported on the vehicle body side overlap with each other, whereas the swinging center axis of the base portion of the left arm and the swinging center axis of the base portion of the right arm, of the base portions of the left and right arm members, are out of alignment with each other.
US09623927B2

A baggage container for a motorcycle is described. The baggage container includes an internal wall, which faces toward the motorcycle when the baggage container is attached to the motorcycle, an external wall at a distance from the internal wall, a front wall, which faces toward a forward area of the motorcycle when the baggage container is attached to the motorcycle, a rear wall, which faces toward a rear area of the motorcycle when the baggage container is attached to the motorcycle, and two side walls, which each extend between the internal wall and the external wall. An air guiding element which guides travel wind flowing along the external wall in a predefined direction, is situated in a transition area between the external wall and the rear wall.
US09623924B2

A two-wheeled cart is especially adapted for use as a game cart and may be easily towed by a conventional mountain bike. The cart has two interchangeable wheel positions. In the first wheel position the wheels are attached to the frame at opposite lateral sides of the cart and in this position the center of mass of a load carried on the bed of the cart is relatively low. In the second wheel position the wheels are aligned one in front of the other along the direction of travel as the cart is moved; in this position, the bed of the cart is raised to a relatively higher position than the position of the bed when the wheels are in the first wheel position so the center of mass of a load carried on the bed is relatively higher than when the wheels are in the first wheel position.
US09623916B2

A device comprising a first housing having a first flange for accommodating an engine, a second housing with a second flange for holding a transmission as well as connection device between the first flange and the second flange arranged as a flat disk connection, which connects the first flange with the second flange horizontally, wherein the connection device is double-sided adhesive tape.
US09623915B2

A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.
US09623914B2

A covering system for an interior space of a vehicle comprises at least one surface element and at least one sealing element. The surface element comprises an upper surface and at least one bounding edge extending at an angle to the upper surface. The surface element furthermore comprises at least one recess, which runs at least adjacent to the bounding edge. The sealing element has an extent corresponding at least partly with the at least one bounding edge, and a shape corresponding at least partly with the recess of the surface element.
US09623913B2

A cowl structure includes a cowl main body and a gutter extension. The cowl main body runs along a lower edge of a windshield, and has (i) a gutter open toward a vehicle upper side, (ii) an inlet port through a rear wall portion for drawing outside air into a vehicle cabin, and (iii) a glass support that supports a lower end of the windshield. The gutter extension (a) extends forwardly and downwardly from a front end of the glass support (b) has a length in the vehicle width direction, (c) is concave toward the vehicle upper side, (d) is located in a range of the vehicle width direction that includes a range of the inlet port, and (e) includes a water drainage outlet that causes water received by the gutter extension to fall from a position offset in the vehicle width direction with respect to the inlet port.
US09623906B2

The method relates to an operating method for a semi-automatic park-steer assist system and to a semi-automatic park-steer assist system of a motor vehicle for aiding in an alignment of the motor vehicle in a parking space, including a device for detecting an activation signal; a device for determining a change direction in which an alignment of the motor vehicle is to be changed; a device for detecting a set drive direction; and a control unit which controls at least one actuator in an active state of the park-steer assist system such that steerable wheels of the motor vehicle are turned in the change direction when the set drive direction is forward, and the steerable wheels are maximally turned counter to the change direction when the set drive direction is reverse.
US09623896B2

In a steering column device, a small-diameter part of an operating shaft on one side of a step part on the operating shaft between a pair of clamp parts penetrates through an impact absorbing slot along a laminating direction. By operating an operating lever, the dimension of cam mechanism in the direction of the operating shaft is increased. Consequently, between the step part and an inner face of the other clamp part, a movable-side friction plate is brought into pressure contact with a stationary-side friction plate to be held. In this situation, when a load exceeding a set value is applied to the steering column device, the movable-side friction plate slides on the stationary-side friction plate to absorb the impact.
US09623895B2

A steering device includes a cylindrical inner column, a cylindrical outer column, a column bracket, a tilt bolt, a lock member attached to the outer periphery of the tilt bolt, a first fixing mechanism, and a second fixing mechanism. The first fixing mechanism clamps the outer column by a pressing bracket in response to the rotation of an operation lever. The second fixing mechanism urges the lock member to the inner column in the tilt direction in response to the rotation of the operation lever. When the inner column moves toward a front side of a vehicle body in a state where the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism are fixed, the lock member separates from the tilt bolt.
US09623892B2

An apparatus provides a means by which a heavy cylindrical object, such as a gas cylinder, may be manually moved by a single person from a vertical standing position in a first location to a second location and, if desired, raised and placed on a storage shelf or platform. The apparatus has clamping mechanism which clamps around the girth of the cylindrical object. Once the cylindrical object is secured within the clamping mechanism, a manual force applied to one end of the cylindrical causes the clamping mechanism and the cylindrical object to pivot, raising the bottom of the cylindrical object from the surface upon which it stands. The apparatus, having ground engaging wheels, may then be pushed to the second location.
US09623891B2

A pallet jack includes a forked frame and a jacking cylinder, and is supported at least in part by left and right steering wheels. A drive wheel may be located between the left and right steering wheels, with a center of each of the steering wheels and a center of the drive wheel located in a co-planar orientation. A motor provides power to the drive wheel.
US09623883B2

In a railcar truck in which secondary springs are disposed between the railcar truck and a carbody of the railcar, the railcar truck has a pair of side beams having concavities configured to receive the secondary springs. Each of the side beams has a side beam outer wall, a side beam inner wall, a side beam lower wall and a side beam upper wall, and the side beam upper wall includes an opening through which the received secondary spring projects. The concavity is formed by the side beam outer wall, the side beam inner wall and the side beam lower wall, and receive the secondary spring through the opening.
US09623861B2

A hybrid vehicle of the present invention includes: an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a clutch and an electronic control unit. The first motor is connected with an output shaft of the engine. The second motor is connected with a driving wheel and configured to generate a driving torque at the driving wheel. The clutch is arranged between the output shaft of the engine and the driving wheel and configured to engage or disengage the output shaft of the engine and a rotary shaft connected with the driving wheel. The electronic control unit is configured to control the clutch to be engaged and control the first motor to generate the driving torque at the driving wheel, when the second motor cannot generate a predetermined output torque and the clutch is disengaged.
US09623860B2

A hybrid vehicle includes an input device that is used by a user to request an increase in the amount of charge of the power storage device. When a request for increasing the amount of charge is made using the input device, a control device controls charging of a power storage device by a generating device so that charging of the power storage device is promoted, warms a catalyst device by operating an internal combustion engine while limiting the output of the internal combustion engine, and when the warming of the catalyst device and the request for increasing the amount of charge that is made using the input device overlap each other, the control device eases the output limitation of the internal combustion engine.
US09623846B2

A vehicle surface wash apparatus using a cavitation heater fluidically coupled between a fluid reservoir and a spray nozzle to instantaneously heat wash fluid to an elevated temperature prior to dispensing the heated wash fluid through a spray nozzle onto a vehicle surface to be cleaned.
US09623839B2

A first detection device detects radio waves from a wireless key. A second detection device has a smaller detection range than the first detection device also detects radio waves from the key. The operation of an operator control element for switching the motor vehicle on and/or off performs a search process using the first detection device and then, if a key associated with the motor vehicle has not been found by the first detection device, performance of a search process using the second detection device from a fallback instant. Subsequent to the fallback instant the first and second detection devices perform a search process at least intermittently in parallel or alternately.
US09623834B1

A gas generating system is provided. The system includes a housing and a first baffle element positioned within the housing. The first baffle element includes a base portion and a wall extending from the base portion in a first direction. A second baffle element is positioned within the housing and includes a base portion, a first wall extending from the base portion in a second direction, and a second wall extending from the base portion in the second direction. The first baffle element wall extends between and is spaced apart from the second baffle element first and second walls.
US09623832B2

An airbag apparatus includes an airbag that deploys and inflates while being unfolded from an accommodating portion, when inflating gas flows into the airbag; and a regulating member that is able to regulate the deployment and inflation of an airbag. The regulating member is flexible, and includes a temporary holding portion that releasably and temporarily holds a folded portion that is a part of the airbag; an attachment portion that is attached to the accommodating portion; and a connecting piece portion that connects the attachment portion and the temporary holding portion. The temporary holding portion includes a base portion that is continuous with the connecting piece portion, and a cover portion that forms a holding concave portion for temporarily holding the folded portion, and is connected to the base portion. An opening for releasing the folded portion is provided at an inner circumference of a non-connected release edge.
US09623824B2

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle beam, such as a longitudinal beam and/or a crossbeam, in particular a bumper beam, wherein the motor vehicle beam is formed as a hollow component having a closed cross section for the passage of gas, in particular air.
US09623817B2

Methods and systems are provided for controlling an electrical system of a vehicle. Sensors are used to obtain first data for a first path of calculations and second data for a second path of calculations. The first path comprises a first plurality of calculations of generating a value of a parameter pertaining to the electrical system, and the second path comprises a second plurality of calculations of monitoring the electrical system with respect to the first path. A processor is coupled to the plurality of sensors, and is configured to determine whether a data frozen flag is active, perform the first plurality of calculations of the first path using the first data if the first data flag is inactive, and perform the second plurality of calculations of the second path if the first data flag is active.
US09623808B2

A storage unit capable of being mounted on a shelf on the rear of a vehicle is designed to protrude from the rear of the vehicle to provide more storage space. The storage unit is further designed to be removable, and may be subdivided with movable partitions. The storage unit may be further designed to provide a controlled temperature environment inside. It may be further designed specifically for use on the rear of a golf cart type vehicle, which may include adjustable feet to help hold the storage unit on the rear of the golf cart type vehicle. The storage unit may also be designed to allow for foldability, such that it can be more compactly folded and shipped, stored or transported. There may also be a storage box provided to store the folded storage unit above a vehicle such as a golf cart.
US09623805B2

Holder of a tonneau cover of a vehicle including an internally hollow box-like body accommodating the tonneau device and provided with a longitudinal slot for extracting a retractable member of the tonneau device, and with opposite closed ends, received in use in pockets carried by the vehicle body and provided with releasable coupling means for coupling to the pockets; in which the box-like body includes: two half-shells thermoformed preferably in one single piece together with a plastic hinge defined by at least one deformable tongue, which joins the half-shells to each other along respective opposite first longitudinal sides of the half-shells; the half-shells are reciprocally couplable by overlapping with respective facing concavities thereof; and a pair of opposite cup-shaped heads which, with the half-shells coupled, are fitted on corresponding opposite ends of the half-shells, to form the ends of the box-like body.
US09623790B2

A light retainer is provided with a grommet having a tubular body with an inner surface providing a cavity with a first inner groove and a second inner groove spaced lengthwise of the body from the first inner groove, the first inner groove configured to receive a heated lens and the second inner groove configured to receive a light. A heated light assembly is also provided with a grommet, a heated lens and a light.
US09623788B2

A strap tensioning buckle apparatus provides a ratchetless strap tensioning buckle apparatus for tensioning straps utilized in tying down objects. The ratchetless strap tensioning buckle apparatus has a base having a first end and a second end, a linkage pivotally attached to the base at a midpoint thereof, a handle having a first end and a second end, the handle having a shaft at the first end thereof for holding a loop of strap, the shaft further rigidly connecting the handle to the linkage, the handle pivoting via the linkage and moving the shaft in an arc from a first position to a second position, wherein moving the shaft from the first position to the second position tightens the strap and locks the strap in place.
US09623783B1

A remotely-operated storage and deployment system for a robotic vehicle includes a frame structure, a carrier, a lifting device, and a motor. The carrier includes a ramp moveable from a closed position in which a robotic vehicle can be enclosed in the carrier and an open position in which a robotic vehicle can drive into or out of the carrier. The lifting device is connected to the carrier and to the frame structure for moving a portion of the carrier between a raised position in which the portion of the carrier is raised relative to a ground surface and the ramp is in the closed position, and a lowered position in which the portion of the carrier is lowered relative to the ground surface and the ramp is in the open position. The motor is connected to the lifting device for allowing remote operation of the carrier.
US09623782B1

A fully equipped mobile laboratory, processes and methods for producing rapid, on-site determinations and reports documenting the presence/absence and quantity of environmentally hazardous materials common to construction or other projects in accordance with regulatory requirements.
US09623780B2

A suspension assembly includes an axle pivoting plate mounted to the frame at a first pivot point and rotationally fixed to the axle. Also included is a connection arm having a first end onto which the wheel is mounted and a second end for rotationally fixing the axle to the connection arm. An actuator is pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, and is pivotally connected to the axle pivoting plate at a third pivot point. The first pivot point, the second pivot point and the third pivot point are all located below the lower surface of the side rail. When the actuator is extended, the axle pivoting plate pivots about the first pivot point causing the axle and connection arm to swing rearwardly and rotate, causing the wheel to move vertically with respect to the frame to displace the trailer to a lowered position.
US09623779B2

A bed height adjustment system for adjusting height of a bed of a vehicle includes: an air spring supporting the bed; a valve unit connected to an air tank and configured to adjust height of the air spring by supplying and discharging air; a relay provided with a dump-signal line and a return-signal line each connected to the valve unit; a pressure switch configured to be switched between an ON state and an OFF state based on whether air is supplied from the valve unit; and an indicator that becomes illuminated state when powered when the pressure switch is in the ON state and becomes non-illuminated state when the pressure switch is in the OFF state.
US09623769B1

A seat pedestal includes an open base upon which a plate assembly is mounted for translational movement upon the base. The plate assembly includes a bottom plate, a seat mount for supporting a seat, and a bearing means between the bottom plate and the seat mount to permit the seat mount to rotate. One lock releasably secures the plate assembly in the driving position and another, which is self-actuating, releases the seat mount so that it can rotate freely when it is in the resting position. A stop carried by the seat mount defines a range in which the seat may be rotated. At least one pair of interlocking members couples the seat mount with the bottom plate to transfer lateral loads born by the seat to the base. The bottom plate, the bearing means, and the seat mount have concentric openings through which wires may pass for accessories such as power/heated seats, headrests, and computer screens and related accoutrements.
US09623766B2

A control method of a fuel cell system includes generating electricity in a fuel cell through reaction of an oxidant gas and a fuel gas so as to output a fuel cell voltage. An electric storage device voltage is outputted from an electric storage device. The electric storage device voltage serves as a primary side voltage. A motor driving voltage serves as a secondary side voltage and is to be applied to a motor driving device to drive a motor. The secondary side voltage is applied to an air pump driving device to drive an air pump so as to supply the oxidant gas to the fuel cell. A required air pump voltage to apply to the air pump driving device is set in accordance with a target generated electric power of the fuel cell. The secondary side voltage is set so as to satisfy the required air pump voltage.
US09623755B2

A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.
US09623744B2

A power transmission apparatus may include: a torque converting device including a first rotation element directly connected to one power source, a second rotation element selectively connected to another power source, and a third rotation element, an input device including a first input shaft directly connected to the third rotation element, selectively connected to the second rotation element, and provided with at least one input gear, and a second input shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first input shaft, selectively connected to the second rotation element, and provided with at least one input gear, a first speed output unit configured to convert toque input from the first input shaft or the second input shaft and output the converted torque, and a second speed output unit configured to convert torque input from the first input shaft or the second input shaft and output the converted torque.
US09623726B2

The present invention is concerned with a windowpane for vehicles including a glass sheet, a conductor layer which is formed on the surface of the glass sheet by sintering a silver paste containing a silver powder and a glass frit and which has at least a strip part and a terminal connection part connected to the strip part, and a connection terminal soldered onto the terminal connection part with a lead-free solder alloy, in which the conductor layer has a specific resistance of from 2.5 to 6.5 μΩcm, the strip part has a line width of not more than 0.35 mm, the lead-free solder alloy consists essentially of tin and silver and has a content of tin of 95% by mass or more, and cracking is not caused on the glass sheet even after elapsing 500 cycles in a prescribed thermal shock test; and a method for producing same.
US09623725B2

An air vent for a vehicle interior ventilation system including a diffuse air flow duct with a diffuse outlet opening for discharging the air as a diffuse or swirling jet, a movable connecting sleeve with an inflow opening and an outflow opening as a spot outlet opening, which forms a spot air flow duct at a spot outlet opening. Through movement of the connecting sleeve, different discharge directions of the spot jet from the spot outlet opening can be adjusted. The air discharged through the connecting sleeve is redirectable substantially completely in different discharge directions with pivoting of the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve has a greater cross-sectional area at the inflow opening than at the outflow opening and at least one air guiding wall is formed in the connecting sleeve.
US09623712B2

A vehicle front structure for a vehicle includes: a suspension member integrally assembled to a vehicle body; a first arm member that connects the suspension member to a wheel assembly; and a second arm member that connects the suspension member to the first arm member. The vehicle front structure includes a projection portion placed between a connection portion for the first arm member and a connection portion for the second arm member in a side rail constituting the suspension member and configured to abut with the second arm member deformed due to an input along with a collision caused in a front portion of the vehicle.
US09623708B2

A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with a central main groove, an outboard shoulder main groove and an inboard shoulder main groove extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction. The central main groove and the inboard shoulder main groove are each connected to grooves and/or sipes. The outboard shoulder main groove is widest and not connected to any grooves inclusive of a sipe or a very narrow groove. On both sides of the outboard shoulder main groove, there are formed sloping surfaces extending from the respective groove edges and merging into the tread surface. The width of each sloping surface is more than the depth thereof.
US09623707B2

The present invention is directed to a tire comprising a tread comprising: a plurality of circumferential grooves separating circumferential ribs, each groove comprising a bottom and two sidewalls; one or more groove reinforcements, each groove reinforcement laterally spaced from any other of said one or more groove reinforcements; wherein each groove reinforcement is arranged adjacent one circumferential groove; wherein at least one circumferential groove has no groove reinforcement adjacent to it; and wherein each groove reinforcement extends from the radially inner surface of the tread in a radially outward direction at least to the bottom of the adjacent circumferential groove to form at least part of the bottom of that groove.
US09623703B2

A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member, an inner member, double row rolling elements, and seals. At least one seal of the seals has a metal core press-formed from steel sheet with a cylindrical fitting portion. A radial portion extends radially inward from the end of the fitting portion. A sealing member with a plurality of sealing lips is integrally adhered to the fitting portion of the metal core. Bearing grease is contained within the bearing. Sealing grease is applied to the sealing lips. Both the bearing grease and the sealing grease use the same thickener and the worked penetration of 350 or less. The kinematic viscosity of the base oil of the sealing grease at 40° C. is set to 70% or less of the kinematic viscosity of the base oil of the bearing grease at 40° C.
US09623692B2

A printing apparatus includes a supporting member, a printing section, an image capturing section, and a receiver. The supporting member is configured to support a continuous form. The printing section is configured to cause ink to adhere to the continuous form supported by the supporting member, thus performing printing. The image capturing section is disposed in the supporting member, with a gap between the image capturing section and the supporting member. The image capturing section is configured to capture an image of the continuous form. The receiver is configured to receive ink. The receiver is disposed below the gap.
US09623691B2

An inkjet recording apparatus and an inkjet recording system includes a first ink chamber and a second ink chambers and a monitor. One of the inkjet recording apparatus can display first inquiry information and second inquiry information. The first inquiry information regards ink to be retained in first ink chamber. The second inquiry information regards ink to be retained in second ink chamber. The second inquiry information is displayed after displaying the first inquiry information. Another one of the inkjet recording apparatus can display inquiry information. The inquiry information regards to only ink to be retained in the first ink chamber but also ink to be retained in the second ink chamber.
US09623689B1

A modular inkjet printhead assembly including a plurality of printhead modules mounted on alternating sides of a central rail assembly. The rail assembly includes a beam and a rod attached to a side of the beam. The printhead modules include a jetting module having an array of nozzles, a first alignment tab having a first alignment datum and a second alignment datum, a second alignment tab having a third alignment datum and a fourth alignment datum, a rotational alignment feature including a fifth alignment datum, and a cross-track alignment feature including a sixth alignment datum. Portions of the alignment tabs of the jetting module are adapted to fit within corresponding notches in the beam. A jetting module clamping mechanism and a jetting module cross-track force mechanism apply forces to the jetting module that causes each alignment datum to engage with corresponding alignment features on the rail assembly.
US09623688B2

When an abutting member is in contact with a driving force transmission member that engages with a driving member, a biasing member biases the driving force transmission member in a direction where the driving force transmission member is disengaged from the driving member.
US09623685B2

Disclosed is an inspecting chart including a reference pattern containing a first line segment group and a second line segment group, a first-side deviation pattern, and a second-side deviation pattern. The first line segment group is formed by a plurality of first line segments printed by a reference printing head at a first given interval. The second line segment is formed by second line segments printed by a printing head on a center between two adjacent first line segments or a center of each of the first line segments, the printing head being spaced away from the reference printing head in the transportation direction of a print medium. The first-side deviation pattern and the second-side deviation pattern are printed with various deviations.
US09623681B2

A printer paper tray comprising a paper tray bezel, and a paper tray cassette coupled to the paper tray bezel, in which the paper tray bezel moves in the x and y direction independent of the paper tray cassette. A printer comprising a paper tray comprising a bezel coupled to a cassette in which the bezel moves independent of the cassette and is biased towards the cassette in the x direction. A bezel mounting system comprising a number of biasing members to bias a printer tray bezel towards a printer tray cassette in the x-direction, and a number of biasing pads to bias the bezel in a substantially centered position with respect to the cassette.
US09623677B2

A printing apparatus includes a plasma treatment unit that performs plasma treatment on a surface of a treatment object to acidify at least the surface of the treatment object; and a recording unit that performs inkjet recording on the surface of the plasma treatment subjected to the plasma treatment by the plasma treatment unit.
US09623673B2

A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet conveying unit configured to unwind a portion of a rolled sheet and convey the unwound sheet, a ribbon conveying unit configured to convey a ribbon having thereon a coloring layer that is not visible up to a predetermined temperature and becomes visible above the predetermined temperature, a thermal head configured to transfer the coloring layer on the ribbon to a portion of the unwound sheet, and a cutter configured to cut off a portion of the unwound sheet.
US09623671B2

An image processor, a printing apparatus, and an image processing method are provided that can reduce, when a plurality of types of inks are used to print an image, the color unevenness that is caused by the variation of ejecting characteristics among a pluralities of nozzles. To realize this, for a color formed by overlapping at least two colors of inks, parameters are prepared that are determined so as to reduce the color difference in the printing medium due to the variation of the ejecting characteristic among the respective pluralities of nozzles. During printing, the parameters are used to correct the first color signal owned by the individual pixels to the second color signal.
US09623664B2

A liquid storage (52) of the present invention includes a liquid storing part (55) storing liquid and a spout (56) having a flow path (56a) opened/closed according to relative attaching and detaching of a connected subject (33) being a flow destination of the liquid stored in the liquid storing part (55), and the spout (56) includes a contact face (75) having an opening part (72a) opened so as to lead to the flow path (56a), with which the connected subject (33) comes into contact when attaching the connected subject (33), and a liquid groove (76) recessed in the contact face (75) to guide and hold the liquid adhered onto the opening part (72a) when detaching the connected subject (33).
US09623661B2

An apparatus includes a print head, a cap unit configured to cap a portion including a nozzle of the print head to form a small space, and a supply unit configured to supply gas for protecting the nozzle to the small space, wherein the supply unit performs a charge on another space to be connected to the small space to have a pressure different from that in the small space, and supplies the gas to the small space by a gas flow generated by releasing the charge.
US09623658B2

A liquid ejection head includes a nozzle plate, a channel plate, a common-liquid-chamber member, and a deformable damper area. The nozzle plate includes plural nozzles to eject droplets of liquid. The channel plate includes individual liquid chambers communicated with the nozzles. The common-liquid-chamber member includes a common liquid chamber to supply the liquid to the individual liquid chambers. The deformable damper area forms a wall face of the common liquid chamber. The channel plate has an end in a direction perpendicular to a nozzle array direction in which the nozzles are arrayed. The end is opposed to a portion of the damper area and has a relief at a side facing the damper area to permit deformation of the damper area.
US09623657B2

A fluid dispenser is disclosed herein. An example of such a fluid dispenser includes a member configured to define a plurality of orifices through which a fluid is ejected and a manifold including a plurality of fluid passageways each of which is configured to have a different angle relative to the member. This example of a fluid dispenser additionally includes a plurality of slots each of which is coupled to a different one of the fluid passageways of the manifold to conduct the fluid from the fluid passageways towards the orifices. Additional features and modifications of this fluid dispenser are disclosed herein, as are other examples of fluid dispensers.
US09623646B2

The described embodiments relate to a method for embedding one or more electrical components in a flexible substrate. The method includes receiving a substrate of a flexible material, wherein the substrate includes a cosmetic surface and an opposing surface. The method further includes applying a carrier form to the substrate to create a carrier assembly, wherein the carrier form includes one or more positive images representative a design to be transferred to the opposing surface of the substrate. The method further includes removing or cutting a portion of material from the opposing surface of the substrate to form a new opposing surface. Subsequently, the carrier form is removed from the substrate to reveal one or more embedding cavities extending into the substrate at the new opposing surface. In some embodiments, the embedding cavities can thereafter receive one or more electrical components.
US09623644B2

A method of stencil printing includes printing a layer of non-sag adhesive onto a first substrate, adding topography to the layer of non-sag adhesive, and contacting the layer of non-sag adhesive with a second substrate. The second substrate initially contacts only about 5% or less of exposed surface area of the layer of non-sag adhesive.
US09623643B2

A method and an apparatus for manufacturing an optical display device by sequentially peeling a plurality of optical film sheets continuously supported on a long web of a carrier film and laminating the plurality of optical film sheets to a plurality of panel components are provided.
US09623639B2

An open core crash pad includes a core and a skin abutting the core to include a forming space therebetween. A foaming layer is foam-formed by injecting a foam liquid into the forming space. A foam tape prevents an overflow of the foam liquid. The skin includes a body portion and a distal end which extends from the body portion in parallel with the core. The core comprises a protrusion protruding toward the skin and formed at which the core and the distal end contact.
US09623631B2

A radiation-curable laminating adhesive is provided which contains a) at least one urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and b) at least one additional (meth)acrylate-functionalized component selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid-functionalized ester-containing (meth)acrylate monomers and polybutadiene poly(meth)acrylates. The adhesive may also contain other components such as (meth)acrylic polyol (meth)acrylates. Flexible packaging laminates may be obtained by using the aforedescribed adhesive to adhere thin polymeric and/or metallic films together, the adhesive being exposed to an amount of radiation effective to cure the adhesive.
US09623618B2

A method of producing a rubber compound for a tread portion designed to assume, with use, a porous surface with a 75 to 800 μm pore area. The method includes a first mixing step, in which a polymer base, recycled rubber, and silica are mixed together; and a second mixing step, in which a curing system is added and mixed to the compound from the first mixing step. 5 to 20 phr of recycled rubber is added at the first mixing step. The recycled rubber is 75 to 800 um in size, and is treated beforehand cryogenically. And the polymer base is selected from SBR, BR, NR and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to a rubber compound for producing a tread portion, a tread portion and a winter tire comprising said tread portion.
US09623606B2

The method of manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, in which the three-dimensional structure is manufactured by laminating a layer, includes the steps of: forming the layer using a three-dimension formation composition containing a particle and a light stabilizer A; and discharging a binding solution containing a binder and a light stabilizer B to the layer, in which, when the content ratio of the light stabilizer A contained in the three-dimension formation composition is represented by A (mass %) and the content ratio of the light stabilizer B contained in the binding solution is represented by B, a relationship of 2≦A/B≦4 is satisfied.
US09623605B2

Thermally cross-linkable photo-hydrolyzable inkjet printable polymers are used to print microfluidic channels layer-by-layer on a substrate. In one embodiment, for each layer, an inkjet head deposits droplets of a mixture of hydrophobic polymer and cross-linking agent in a pattern lying outside a two-dimensional layout of the channels, and another inkjet head deposits droplets of a mixture of poly(tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate) PTHPMA (or another hydrophobic polymer which hydrolyzes to form a hydrophilic material), cross-linking agent, and a photoacid generator (PAG) in a pattern lying inside the two-dimensional layout of the channels. After all layers are printed, flood exposure of the entire substrate to UV radiation releases acid from the PAG which hydrolyzes PTHPMA to form hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid) PMAA, thereby rendering the PTHPMA regions hydrophilic. The layers of these now-hydrophilic patterned regions together define the microfluidic channels. The cross-linking agent (e.g., triallyl isocyanurate TAIC) forms covalent cross-links between the two polymer phases.
US09623602B2

Methods for forming discrete deformations in web materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method involves feeding a web into an apparatus having nips that are formed between intermeshing rolls. The apparatus may be in the form of nested or other arrangements of multiple rolls, in which the web is maintained in substantial contact with at least one of the rolls throughout the process, and at least two of the rolls define two or more nips thereon with other rolls. In some embodiments, rolls can be used to expose a different side of the web for a subsequent deformation step. In these or other embodiments, the rolls can be used to transfer the web between rolls in such a manner that it may offset the rolls and/or web so that subsequent deformations are formed at a different cross-machine direction location than prior deformations.
US09623600B2

A method of conveying plastics material pre-forms includes the plastics material pre-forms supplied to a conveying device by a supply device. The conveying device has a first roller body and a second roller body. The plastics material pre-form is conveyed between these roller bodies. A portion of the plastics material pre-forms is supported by the two roller bodies. A further portion of the plastics material pre-forms passes through between the roller bodies. At least one first value characteristic of a state of occupation of the plastics material pre-forms is detected by a first measuring instrument. A second value characteristic is detected by a second measuring instrument downstream of the first measuring instrument in the conveying direction of the plastics material pre-forms. A setting variable of the supply device or the conveying device is controlled on the basis of the two values.
US09623593B2

The present disclosure provides a molding machine and a method of molding a part. The molding machine may include multiple molding systems (e.g., extruders) for pumping molten material into one or more mold cavities. The multiple molding systems may pump the same material or different materials into the one or more mold cavities. The multiple molding systems may be individually and/or collectively controlled. A method of molding a part may include pumping material into one or more mold cavities via multiple molding systems, ceasing pumping material into the one or more mold cavities when one or more pressures associated with the multiple molding systems are achieved, and releasing a molded part from the one or more mold cavities after the one or more pressures are achieved.
US09623589B2

There is described a process for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens and an apparatus for forming an ophthalmic lens, in particular a silicone hydrogel contact lens, wherein in a mold assembly a first and a second mold half (101, 102) are first arranged in an intermediate closed position in which the mold surfaces of the two mold halves are spaced apart from each other at a distance increase (d1) of preferably 1 to 100 μm relative to a final distance (d0) in a final closed position, and wherein, during curing of the lens forming material (202), the mold surfaces (105, 106) of the mold halves (101, 102) are actively or passively moved or moving from the intermediate closed position to the final closed position, where the distance increase (d1) is 0.
US09623585B2

Disclosed is a method for preparing graphite film, comprising steps as follows: 1) winding; 2) carbonizing at a low temperature; 3) graphitizing at a high temperature; 4) unwinding and feeding, winding up the electrographite film semi-finished product and flexible graphite paper separately; 5) calendaring to press the electrographite film semi-finished product against release film or protective film; 6) winding up and packaging. The winding process comprises steps as follows: a. winding high temperature resistant elastic material around the graphite cylinder core; b. bonding macromolecular film to flexible graphite paper, and then winding around the graphite cylinder core based on step a; c. when the macromolecular film and flexible graphite paper wound in step b reach the predetermined thickness, securing with carbon cord.
US09623583B2

A device for limiting the depth of a cut, which is to be used in portable machine tools, includes at least one cut-depth guide unit, and at least one stop unit that has at least one stop element. The stop element has, for the purpose of limiting the depth of a cut, a movement potential relative to the cut-depth guide unit along a cut-depth guide track of the cut-depth guide unit. The cut-depth limiting device further includes at least one stop movement unit which is configured to allow the stop element a further movement potential relative to the cut-depth guide unit, at least one of along and about an axis of movement, at least when in a state of operation.
US09623581B2

A device has two mutually independent tools first to manipulate the section ribbons and second to manipulate the specimen holders (grids). Each of the tools can be positioned independently during the cutting process by two mutually independent micromanipulators. The tool for manipulating the section ribbons has a metal tube, a tube of an electrically insulating material and an exchangeable tip. A resilient fiber of dielectric material fitted with an electrically conductive surface coating is exchangeably mounted in the tip and is used for delicate handling of the section ribbons.
US09623579B2

Provided are a cutting information determination method that can use a simpler process to improve yield, and a strip-shaped polarizing sheet manufacturing method using such a method, an optical display unit manufacturing method using such a method, a strip-shaped polarizing sheet, and a polarizing sheet material. A cutting position in the width direction A2, in which a polarizing sheet material MP is to be cut along its longitudinal direction A1, is determined based on the numbers of defects counted with respect to plural points in the width direction A2 of the polarizing sheet material MP. This makes it possible to determine the cutting position in such a way that a region with many defects does not fall within the cut width, so that a higher-yield cutting position can be determined. The cutting position can also be determined using a simple process in which defects are counted with respect to plural points in the width direction A2.
US09623571B2

A releasable adaptor is carried on the end of the pick-and-place vacuum nozzle which diffuses and restricts the air flow access of the nozzle to the top surface of an apertured fastener such as a nut while covering the fastener hole. The adaptor allows a standard nozzle to develop sufficient suction to lift the nut/adaptor combination and transport it to its desired target location such as a circuit board. There, the nut is released from the adaptor, which is then lifted by the nozzle and transported back to the supply location. This functionality is achieved by a unique adaptor air valve which the PNP equipment operates both mechanically and through its controlled application of negative air pressure applied to the adaptor by the nozzle.
US09623568B1

An example method may include determining a requested yaw for a body of a robot, where the biped robot comprises a foot coupled to the body via a leg. The robot may then detect, via one or more sensors, a yaw rotation of the body with respect to a ground surface, where the foot is in contact with the ground surface. Based on the detected yaw rotation of the body, the robot may determine a measured yaw for the body. The robot may also determine a target yaw for the body, where the target yaw for the body is between the measured yaw for the body and the requested yaw for the body. The robot may then cause the foot to rotate the body to the target yaw for the body.
US09623566B2

A master apparatus for a master slave apparatus, the master apparatus controlling a slave apparatus, the master apparatus including a hand operation mechanism configured to be operated by a person for opening and closing a hand mechanism including a pair of opening and closing members, the hand mechanism being connected to a slave mechanism, the slave apparatus including the slave mechanism and the hand mechanism. The hand operation mechanism includes a fixed unit, an opening and closing operation unit, and a slide unit. The opening and closing operation unit is connected to the slide unit, is capable of reciprocating with respect to the fixed unit, and is openable and closable with respect to the fixed unit. The master hand controlling device controls opening and closing of the pair of opening and closing members on the basis of an opening and closing amount of the opening and closing operation unit.
US09623565B2

A state detecting method applied to a mobile device includes: arranging a depth sensor at the bottom of the mobile device, obtaining a detection signal of the depth sensor, and determining if the mobile device is in a lifted state, a tilted state, or an edge-bordering state, based on the numerical value of the detection signal of the depth sensor. The lifted state is associated with the mobile device without contacting with a support surface. The tilted status is associated with one end of the mobile device contacting the support surface and the other end of the mobile device without contacting the support surface. The edge-bordering state is associated with the mobile device located at the edge of the support surface. Accordingly, when the mobile device is in any of the aforementioned states, an appropriate response can be implemented.
US09623563B2

Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances.
US09623561B2

A system and method for guidance of a moving robotic device through an approximated real time (ART) virtual video stream is presented. The system and method includes at least one camera for collecting images of a terrain in a remote location, at least one terrain data collecting device for collecting data from a remote location, a memory for storing images from the plurality of cameras, a communication device for transmitting the images and data over a path and a computer configured to calculate a delay between the cameras and the receiver. The calculated delay causes the computer to retrieve images and data from the receiver and memory and consequently generate an approximate real-time video and data stream for displaying the terrain-just-ahead of a moving robotic device at a distance proportional to the calculated delay and the ART video and data stream is used to guide the moving robotic device.
US09623556B1

Disclosed are robotic systems, methods, bipedal robot devices, and computer-readable mediums. For example, a robotic system may include a robotic leg connected to a main body and a robotic foot. A robotic sole joint may be connected to the robotic leg, where the robotic sole joint is located at a sole of the robotic foot. The robotic leg and the robotic foot may be movable around an axis of rotation defined by the robotic sole joint. A movement around the axis may cause a ZMP to shift from a first location to a second location in the robotic foot. A measure of force applied by the robotic sole joint around the axis may be approximately equal to zero.
US09623550B2

A work station includes tool containing or supporting features as well as workbench features, such as a work surface and work back. The work station is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In addition, the work station is preferably collapsible and securable. In one configuration, the work station has a work bench portion which can be raised or lowered relative to a base portion, wherein in the lowered position, the base portion is positioned in an interior space of the work bench portion.
US09623543B2

Flanges become stuck upon large pipes. This invention is a flange tightening tool in combination with a wrench, or other handled tool, having a fixed jaw integral with a handle and a movable jaw. The invention provides pins connected to each of the fixed jaw and the movable jaw. The pins extend mutually parallel and from the same side of both jaws. The pins generally have a round cylindrical shape with a diameter compatible to a flange aperture. The pins have a connection to the wrench utilizing a threaded tip that engages a cooperating threaded hole in each jaw. The pins are provided in various diameters, often in kit form. One pin may be longer than the other pins and both pins have left hand threading.
US09623529B2

An apparatus for conducting oral care experiments with enamel block substrates (140) and a method of forming and using the same. In one aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for conducting oral care experiments comprising: a plate having a first major surface (111) and a second major surface (112); a handle (170) coupled to and extending from the plate; and at least one enamel block substrate mounted on the first major surface of the plate.
US09623521B2

The present application provides a refrigerated display case. The refrigerated display case includes a number of tubs, a pair of end frames positioned about the tubs, and an integrated center end frame positioned between a pair of the tubs. The integrated center end frame may include a composite material retainer member and a composite material support base.
US09623519B1

A coffee filter includes a metallic member having a flat portion in which tapered exit regions are formed that extend from the bottom of the flat portion to vertices interior to the flat portion. The flat portion is provided with a hole uniformity enhancement region between the top of the flat portion and the exit region vertices that are interior to the flat portion. The top of the flat portion is micro-machined to remove a part of the hole uniformity enhancement region to a predetermined depth into the hole uniformity enhancement region. Holes are formed in the top of the flat portion extending from the micro-machined top of the flat portion through the hole uniformity enhancement region to the vertices of the tapered exit regions. The predetermined depth of the micro-machined top of the flat portion is selected to prevent the micro-machined top of the flat portion from meeting the tapered exit regions to promote and maintain uniformity of the holes.
US09623514B2

In a powder supply method in cladding, an outlet pressure of a coaxial-nozzle side of a supply pipe connecting a feeder to a coaxial nozzle is set within a predetermined range, and powder is supplied from the feeder to the coaxial nozzle.
US09623503B2

Provided is a method of manufacturing a support unit that supports a substrate. The method includes: providing a support plate formed of a non-conductive material and supporting a substrate; providing a base plate disposed below the support plate and formed of a material including a conductive material; and depositing a metallic layer at a bottom of the support plate and coupling the metallic layer and the base plate through brazing.
US09623496B2

The present invention relates to an insert for slot milling, and more specifically, to an insert for slot milling which can smoothly form a front end surface of a concave portion of a slot formed at a cutting target, and provides a safe use thereof by preventing the erroneous installation of cutting inserts coupled with insert-installation seats on both sides of a milling cutter body to prevent damage of the cutting inserts and the milling cutter. To this end, the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of cutting inserts are provided around the slot milling cutter body, one of two cutting inserts protrudes with respect to one side of the milling cutter body and the other protrudes with respect to the opposite side of the milling cutter body, and two cutting inserts are formed with different structures to prevent the erroneous installation thereof on the insert-installation seats prepared on both sides of the milling cutter body.
US09623489B2

The invention relates to a rotary tool (2), in particular a drill, having a cutting part (10) that extends in a longitudinal direction (8) from a clamping shank (6) arranged in a rearward region (22) to a tool front (12) arranged in a forward region (20), and in which helically running chip flutes (14) and continuously helically running coolant channels (36) are fashioned, such that an exit opening (42) of each coolant channel (36) is arranged in the respective chip flute (14), wherein the chip flutes (14) are each shaped with an angle of twist (α) varying in the longitudinal direction (8) such that, in the forward region (20) facing towards the tool front (12), the respective coolant channel (36) is intersected by the respective chip flute (14) so as to fashion the exit opening (42).
US09623466B2

The present invention relates to a bending assembly for bending a workpiece. The assembly includes a bending apparatus configured to bend the workpiece and form a curved portion of the workpiece. The curved portion of the workpiece has a longitudinal periphery and a curvature. The assembly includes a camera configured to produce an image of the longitudinal periphery of the curved portion of the workpiece. The assembly includes a processor configured to receive the image of the longitudinal periphery of the curved portion of the workpiece. The processor is configured to identify a plurality of measuring points spaced-apart along the longitudinal periphery of the curved portion of the workpiece. The processor is configured to determine the curvature of the curved portion of the workpiece based on the measuring points.
US09623464B2

The invention relates to a bending machine (1) for bending sheet metal workpieces (2), for example a press brake or a folding machine, comprising at least one tool carrier (3), wherein a plurality of tool parts (5) that can be moved along a horizontal tool receptacle (4) are arranged on at least one tool carrier (3), at least one adjusting device (6) for moving the tool parts (5), and coupling devices (14) associated with the tool parts (5), each for connecting a respective tool part (5) to the adjusting device (6). Furthermore, according to the invention the adjusting device (6) may comprise a threaded spindle (7) extending parallel to the tool receptacle (4) and each coupling device (14) may comprise a spindle nut segment (15), wherein the spindle nut segment (15) can be coupled to the tool part (5) or to the threaded spindle (7).
US09623455B2

The disclosure relates to the field of lining materials which are used to isolate landfill sites in order to avoid pollution of surrounding soil by ions such as heavy metals. Further disclosed is a process to increase the ion adsorption capacity of clay or dredged sediment. More specifically, the disclosed is a process comprising: a) mixing the clay or dredged sediment with an anionic polymer, and b) subsequently drying the mixture, results in a lining material having superior ion adsorption characteristics.
US09623452B2

This is a cleaning apparatus that automatically cleans the inside of a hose, end to end, by placing each end of a hose as a male into a female manifold which allows for complete exposure of the entire interior surface of a hose to the cleaning and drying process for the purpose of removing contaminants such as bacteria. A sprayer is fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold via a conduit and configured to spray liquid onto the outside of a hose as well as breathing mask components to be cleaned. A three-way valve is configured to control flow of the liquid, pumped by the pump, and the heated air, blown by the blower, into the intake manifold which provides the means to get the cleaning fluid inside a hose during the cleaning and rinsing cycles and air inside of a hose during the dry cycle.
US09623443B2

An ultrasonic device unit includes a substrate having a planar part and a recess part recessed from the planar part, an ultrasonic device which has an element array including a plurality of thin film ultrasonic transducer elements disposed in an array and is disposed in the recess part, a first flexible printed board, one end of which is superimposed on a portion of an array surface of the ultrasonic device and connected to the same, the other end of which is superimposed on a portion of the planar part and connected to the same, wherein the array surface of the ultrasonic device which the one end of the first flexible printed board is superimposed on is positioned within a plane including the planar part or a plane outside of the recess part.
US09623434B2

A substrate processing apparatus includes substrate holding unit that holds wafer W horizontally, rotation driving unit that rotates the substrate holding unit, first chemical liquid nozzle that discharges first chemical liquid toward the peripheral portion of wafer W, second chemical liquid nozzle that discharges second chemical liquid, which is different from the first chemical liquid, toward the peripheral portion of wafer, and first nozzle driving unit and second nozzle driving unit each moves the first chemical liquid nozzle and the second chemical liquid nozzle, respectively. Each chemical liquid nozzle is moved by each nozzle driving unit between processing position disposed when a chemical liquid is discharged toward the peripheral portion of wafer W, and stand-by position disposed when the chemical liquid is not discharged. Each stand-by position is disposed in the center side of wafer W compared to the processing position.
US09623433B2

A device for coating surface portions of a board material with a liquid material. The device includes a wheel which transfers the coating material and compressed air which positions the coating material. A method for surface coating and a floorboard with a finished surface portion.
US09623428B2

The invention is a fluid dispensing device suited to be connected, by means of a connection element (220), to a container (C) holding the fluid that can be dispensed from the inside to the outside of the container through an actuator element (400), comprising: a suction duct (240) suited to communicate with the fluid held inside the container (C), a dispenser duct (440) in communication with the outer space with respect to the volume (V) enclosed by the container (C), a suction/compression chamber (300) that can communicate with the suction duct (240) and the dispenser duct (440), a suction valve (260) suited to alternatively allow and prevent the passage of a fluid between the suction duct (240) and the suction/compression chamber (300) when, respectively, the suction valve is closed and open, a dispensing valve (460) suited to alternatively allow and prevent the passage of a fluid between the dispenser duct (440) and the suction/compression chamber (300) when, respectively, the suction valve is closed and open, a tight membrane (500) slidingly coupled with the walls of the suction/compression chamber (300) so that it can be translated in a predetermined direction; both the suction valve (260) and the dispensing valve (460) comprise the membrane (500). The invention concerns also a system for containing and dispensing fluids (F).
US09623427B2

A spray device, such as one used with a pressure washer, includes a housing, a chemical container coupled to the housing, and a chemical conduit coupled to the container. The chemical conduit has an inlet and an outlet forming a chemical flow path therebetween. The spray device further includes a chemical flow controller allowing a user to adjust a chemical flow rate through the chemical conduit. Further, the spray device includes a water conduit forming a water flow path through the housing, the water conduit terminating at a spray orifice. The chemical flow path and the water flow path merge at a point proximate the orifice.
US09623425B2

A showerhead including a handle portion, a showerhead portion, a water supply connector, and a mode selector positioned around the water supply connector. The mode selector is positioned around the water supply connector and includes a rotatable control knob mounted above the handle portion and configured to rotate about an axis and a rotatable valve core received within and sealed to the control knob to create a second fluid chamber between the valve core and the control knob. The valve core further defines a first aperture and a second aperture and rotation of the control knob rotates the valve core to selectively align the second aperture of the valve core with one of two or more fluid inlets while maintaining the first aperture in at least partial alignment with a second fluid outlet from the first fluid chamber.
US09623421B2

An ecocompatible container for recycling cigarette butts is constituted by a cylinder including an openable upper cover, a base and an intermediate portion which houses a common hopper in external communication with ashtrays through which the cigarette butts are introduced, wherein via the hopper, the butts are introduced into a screening basket with balls, in which the rotation of the screening basket allows, by mutual impact and friction of the balls, crushing the cigarette butts and hence effectively separating the organic portion, i.e. the filter paper and the residual tobacco that fall by gravity through holes into an underlying suitable collection container, from the resistant, fibrous portion constituted only by the filters of the cigarettes which, when sucked by a small suction motor, will fall into an underlying filter accumulation chamber.
US09623420B2

A material collider apparatus includes at least one rotor disposed for rotational movement having a plurality of circumferentially disposed pockets, each of the pockets retaining a portion of a flow velocity regulator and an adjustable retention mechanism. The adjustable retention mechanism includes a first wedge portion and a second wedge portion, the wedge portion each having inclined surfaces that are engaged with one another. An actuating member is disposed through the first and second wedge portions, in which the second wedge portion includes a mounting surface in contact with an edge of the velocity regulator and the first wedge portion includes a mounting surface in contact with an edge surface of the pocket. The second wedge portion is movable relative to said first wedge portion when the actuating member is engaged, thereby permitting tightening and release of the velocity regulator in a defined rotor pocket.
US09623416B2

A cuvette module comprises a cuvette carrier and a cuvette held by the cuvette carrier. An intermediate chamber is formed in the cuvette carrier. The cuvette carrier comprises an electrically conductive plastic material. The cuvette has a different material than the cuvette carrier and the wettability of the cuvette carrier is greater than the wettability of the cuvette. A method transfers a predetermined amount of liquid from a transport container to a cuvette, employs a cuvette module. The method makes it easier to check whether the intermediate chamber still contains a sufficient amount of liquid.
US09623411B1

In one embodiment described herein, a cartridge is provided comprising a cartridge frame; a plurality of diluents each in an expandable container; a plurality of reagents each in an expandable container; and a plurality of mixing vessels comprising empty expandable containers.
US09623400B2

The present invention provides a catalyst for producing hydrogen and a preparing method thereof. The method includes the steps of adding a first metal source, a second metal source, a third metal source and a cerium source into a first organic solvent containing a surfactant to form a colloidal mixture, wherein a metal of the first metal source is a Group IIIB metal; a metal of the second metal source is selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and Group IIIB metals, and a metal of the third metal source is a transition metal; calcining the colloidal mixture to form a metal solid solution; and allowing the metal solid solution to be carried on a carrier to obtain the catalyst. When the catalyst of the present invention is used for an ethanol oxidation reformation, the reaction temperature of the ethanol oxidation reformation can be significantly decreased. After the catalyst is used for long periods of time, the ethanol oxidation reformation still has high ethanol conversion ratio and hydrogen selection ratio.
US09623398B2

Provided herein are synthetic porous electron-rich covalent organonitridic frameworks (PECONFs). The PECONFs are useful as an adsorbent class of materials. In the PECONFs, inorganic nitridic building units are interconnected via electron-rich aromatic units to form porous covalent frameworks. The frameworks include tunable porous, electron-rich organonitridic frameworks, which are determined based upon synthetic methods as exemplified herein.
US09623394B2

The invention relates to a device and a method for the generation of molecular microarrays. The invention relates therefore to a universal approach for the generation of protein microarrays, DNA microarrays and RNA microarrays (in general nucleic acid microarrays), by production of an output molecule from a template molecule microarray via enzymatic or chemical processes and transfer of the output molecule onto the desired molecular microarray.
US09623390B2

A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.
US09623386B2

A mixing apparatus is provided that evenly mixes a powder raw material and a liquid raw material. The powder raw material is supplied to and spread out on a rotating disk to form a thin layer of dispersed particle swarms close to the periphery of the rotating disk. A rotary atomizer that synchronously rotates on the same axis is provided above the rotating disk. The liquid raw material is supplied to an inside surface of the rotary atomizer. Then, the liquid raw material is conducted to an atomizing head where the liquid raw material is atomized, and droplet swarms are horizontally radiated. The dispersed particle swarms and the droplet swarms are merged and condensed within a tapered wedge-shaped space, with the result that these swarms change into a fine and homogeneous mixture. The mixture is then radiated from the periphery.
US09623381B2

This invention is directed to separation, optimization and purification of nano-materials using self-assembled perylene diimide membranes, wherein said perylene diimide membrane is recyclable.
US09623371B1

A method for digestion and gasification of graphite for removal from an underlying surface is described. The method can be utilized to remove graphite remnants of a formation process from the formed metal piece in a cleaning process. The method can be particularly beneficial in cleaning castings formed with graphite molding materials. The method can utilize vaporous nitric acid (HNO3) or vaporous HNO3 with air/oxygen to digest the graphite at conditions that can avoid damage to the underlying surface.
US09623368B2

A process for separating a gaseous or liquid mixture by means of a separating device including a first volume and a second volume which are separated by a membrane which has selective permeability with respect to at least two components of the mixture, comprising the following steps: a) fill up the first volume of the device with the mixture to be separated; b) wait for a period of time which is in excess of the permeation lag time, but is insufficient to reach a state of equilibrium, during which time a fraction of each component of the mixture passes from the first to the second volume of the device through the membrane; and c) evacuate the first and the second volume of the device, as a result of which at least one first and one second cut of the mixture is obtained, having different molar compositions.
US09623361B2

A filtering body, in particular for a rotary separator, extends about an axis and has a two opposite axial faces, a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface; the filtering body comprises a filtering net constituted by filaments defining a plurality of pores between them; a frame, which is defined by non-porous solid elements, supports the filtering net and made in one piece with a filtering net; the frame has at least one element arranged in an intermediate radial position between the radially outer and inner surfaces.
US09623360B2

The present disclosure relates to porous ceramic articles and a method of making the same. The porous ceramic articles have microstructure of sinter bonded or reaction bonded large pre-reacted particles and pore network structure exhibiting large pore necks. The method of making the porous ceramic articles involves using pre-reacted particles having one or more phases. A plastic ceramic precursor composition is also disclosed. The composition includes a mixture of at least one of dense, porous, or hollow spheroidal pre-reacted particles and a liquid vehicle.
US09623339B2

An apparatus for transporting a rider comprising a vehicle adapted to support the rider wherein vehicle has a driven portion disposed along a bottom surface thereof and a track having a path sized to slidably receive the vehicle therein and a plurality of water jets disposed along the track along a path of travel of the driven portion. Each of the plurality of water jets is adapted to sequentially discharge a portion of water in a desired direction of travel of the vehicle there through when aligned with the driven portion such that the portion of water engages the driven portion.
US09623337B2

A proximity threshold of an avatar is defined with respect to proximity to an artifact located within a virtual universe domain. Activity by the avatar within the virtual universe domain is tracked, with activity data generated from the tracking. The activity data is analyzed to determine proximity of the avatar to the artifact within the proximity threshold, and a report is generated from the analyzing, the report noting a determined proximity of the avatar to the artifact within the proximity threshold. In one aspect, the report is provided to a supervisory entity.
US09623331B2

A method for providing a game replay includes: receiving information related to a replay reinforcement character from the user terminal; obtaining game play data in a process in which the game play is completed or performed; detecting a visual reinforcement element for the replay reinforcement character; and providing the detected visual reinforcement element when a replay requirement related to the game play is received from the user terminal. The present invention provides the visual reinforcement element to the user terminal thereby increasing the game satisfaction of the user.
US09623317B2

A playing card handling device is disclosed. The device includes a first side and a second opposite side. Components of the device include a card infeed tray, a card output tray and a card handling zone. The card infeed tray and card output tray are on the same first side of the device and an upper surface of the card infeed tray and an upper surface of the card output tray are in the same plane. Card handling devices of the present invention also include a touch screen display, as well as a movable card gate.
US09623313B1

A system and method for pitching balls, particularly round balls such as volleyballs. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to setting, blocking, bumping, shooting, dinking, passing, tipping, digging, serving, killing and spiking. A stable base frame is configured with an integrated operator stand. A rack bar is affixed to a front portion of the frame at an inclined angle. Three wheels are mounted on an adjustable throwing head, each wheel being powered by a motor that is adjusted independently so that the relative speed of the wheels imparts different spin to a ball that is launched from the throwing head. The throwing head can be adjusted up and down on the rack bar to be as high as a jump serve release point or as low as a at floor level to simulate a dig. The apparatus is portable and fits through standard gymnasium doors.
US09623309B2

An integrated training system for articles of footwear is disclosed. Each article of footwear includes a set of physical characteristics associated with an athletic skill. A customized training program is provided with each article of footwear to provide custom tailored training for improving the particular athletic skill associated with the selected article of footwear.
US09623308B2

Hitting training devices having a structural base, a vertical member extending upward from the structural base, a horizontal carriage having a horizontal carriage weight, a ball attached to the horizontal carriage, and a force balancing member arranged and configured to counteract the horizontal carriage weight are disclosed. The hitting training devices may be configured such that the horizontal carriage is attached to the vertical member, the horizontal carriage is configured to move horizontally with respect to the vertical member, the horizontal carriage is configured to move vertically with respect to the vertical member, the circumference of the ball is less than 13 inches, the horizontal carriage has a horizontal carriage range of horizontal motion of at least fourteen inches; and the horizontal carriage has a horizontal carriage range of vertical motion of at least sixteen inches.
US09623301B2

Golf clubs, and more particularly to a golf putter and a club head for a putter are disclosed. In one embodiment, the club head has a body having a club face, a first extension portion at the first end of the club face extending in a direction either outwardly, or rearwardly and outwardly away from the center of the club face; and a second extension portion at the second end of the club face extending in a direction either outwardly, or rearwardly and outwardly away from the center of the club face. In this embodiment, at least one of the first and second extension portions forms an angle of greater than or equal to about 40°, 45°, or some other suitable angle, and less than or equal to about 90° from an imaginary line oriented perpendicular to the club face and passing through at least one of the outermost portion of the club face at the heel or the toe of the club face. One or both of the extensions may have a weight joined thereto, which weight comprises a material having a specific gravity that is higher than that of at least a portion of the body of the club head.
US09623300B2

In general, aspects of this invention relate to blade-type iron golf clubs or golf club heads. The blade-type golf club head may comprise a body forged of a metal material. The body may include a hosel, a top surface, a sole, a heel, a toe, a ball striking surface, and a rear surface opposite the ball striking surface. The rear surface may have an upper blade portion and a lower muscle portion with the upper blade portion separated from the lower muscle portion by a blade interface. An average height of the lower muscle portion from the ball striking centerline to the toe-side boundary line may be approximately twice an average height of the lower muscle portion from the heel-side boundary line to the ball striking centerline. The mass distribution of the lower muscle portion moves the center of gravity of the club head closer to the face center location.
US09623297B2

A golf club may include a front surface, a rear surface having a recess, and an insert at least partially disposed in the recess. The insert may comprise a durometer hardness of less than about 95 Shore A and a cavity having a reinforcement member disposed therein. Preferably, the durometer hardness of the reinforcement member is also less than about 95 Shore A. The insert may further comprise an anterior perimetric boundary having a first length and a posterior perimetric boundary having a second length. The ratio of the first length to the second length may be less than 1 and greater than 0.5. In one example, the insert may have a triangular front profile and a triangular side profile.
US09623290B2

A club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6 and a grip 8. A club length L1 is 45 inches or greater and 48 inches or less. A ratio (Wh/Wc) of a head weight Wh to a club weight Wc is equal to or greater than 0.71. A moment of inertia Ix about an axis of a swing is equal to or less than 6.90×103 (kg·cm2). However, when the club weight is defined as Wc (kg); an axial-directional distance between a grip end and a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm); and a moment of inertia about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic (kg·cm2), the moment of inertia Ix (kg·cm2) is calculated by the following formula (1). Ix=Wc×(Lc+60)2+Ic  (1)
US09623289B2

An inflatable game ball and a method of constructing an inflatable game ball is described. Panel segments are formed from an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion having different sizes, with the inner panel portion being smaller than the outer panel portion. The inner panel portion and the outer panel portion are joined so that peripheral edges of the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion are aligned. Multiple panel segments are attached together to form a cover. Due to the differences in sizes between the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion, when an inflatable bladder within an interior of the cover is inflated to a fully inflated condition, variations in the dimensions of the ball caused by stretching of the cover may be reduced or minimized. In one embodiment, an alignment guide can assist with aligning the peripheral edges of the panel portions.
US09623279B2

Lever-type rowing machine, whose main rigging dimensions meet the corresponding parameters of sweep rowing or sculling boat is mounted to the base frame by using front and rear elastic suspension so that the simulator makes it possible to rotate (tilt) about its transverse and longitudinal axes and move vertically, thus making it possible to simulate the boat swings on the transverse and longitudinal axes and movement in the vertical direction. In addition, the simulator has passive and active stabilization systems, enabling the athlete to maintain a balance, and stiffness of its front and rear suspension and stabilizer system can be adjusted depending on the weight and balancing ability of user. There is also a possibility to constraint the suspension thus ensuring full stability of the simulator and exercise regime, corresponding to the exercising on common rowing machines.
US09623274B2

A versatile, functional training device of substantially elliptical shape and comprising a fluid weight that employs principles of unstable resistance as a means of increasing balance, stability, overall strength, core strength and proprioception while increasing lean muscle mass and burning calories. During operation, a user moves the device through a regimen of individualized movements, and the fluid weight moves and shifts inside the device, creating a instability at a point of resistance. The device comprises D-shaped handles with finger grooves adapted for maneuverability. The handles also may be filled with fluid to increase the weight and adaptability of the device across multiple activities and physical regimens. Measuring scales are provided on the device to measure the amount of fluid added to or removed from the device. The device may be transparent or translucent, and the fluid weight may be tinted to aid in visibility.
US09623268B2

This invention relates to nail coating compositions, to packages including the nail coating compositions, to methods of applying the nail coating composition to a nail and to a use of an additive compound to improve the properties of the nail coating composition of the present invention. In particular, the invention relates to nail coating compositions having improved chip resistance, good adhesion to the nail, a high gloss finish and a short dry-to-touch time.
US09623266B2

A magnetic-resonance-guided focused ultrasound system may be calibrated by generating ultrasound foci using ultrasound transducers, establishing coordinates of the foci and of magnetic-resonance trackers associated with the transducers, and determining a geometric relationship between the trackers and the transducers.
US09623252B2

Approaches for selecting an electrode combination of multi-electrode pacing devices are described. Electrode combination parameters that support cardiac function consistent with a prescribed therapy are evaluated for each of a plurality of electrode combinations. Electrode combination parameters that do not support cardiac function are evaluated for each of the plurality of electrode combinations. An order is determined for the electrode combinations based on the parameter evaluations. An electrode combination is selected based on the order, and therapy is delivered using the selected electrode combination.
US09623230B2

Provided is an IV flow controller which adjusts the amount of an IV material supplied to a patient through an IV tube and to which a flushing feature is added. The IV controller according to the present invention includes: a first body unit, a second body unit, a fixed roller, and a driving roller. The fixed roller is fixedly and rotatably arranged, and has a first gear unit and a second gear unit. The driving roller is accommodated such that a portion thereof is exposed, and the driving roller is moved along the lengthwise direction while controlling the flow of the IV when the exposed portion is turned. Also, in the flushing position, the driving roller rotates in cooperation with the first gear unit of the fixed roller across the IV tube so as to flush the latter. The second gear unit of the fixed roller may be configured so as to have a ratchet gear, and the second body unit has a pawl which meshes with the ratchet gear of the fixed roller in order to prevent reverse rotation. According to the present invention, flushing in the reverse direction is prevented by the ratchet gear, and thus medical accidents caused by reverse flushing can be prevented.
US09623225B2

This invention describes an electronic skin care device including therein a specimen dispenser. Specimens are dispensed from the device after the specimen information stored in the storage component located in the dispenser is processed by the device. The user skin information stored in another storage component located in the device may also be utilized so that dispensed specimens have desired properties for the user's skin care need.
US09623224B2

Systems and methods of stimulating or activating fluids for use in wound treatment systems.
US09623223B2

Provided herein are self-expanding wound dressings that include a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a liquid-expandable layer disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, wherein the liquid-expandable layer includes a plurality of liquid-expandable articles retained by a substrate, wherein the plurality of liquid-expandable articles expand to form expanded articles upon contact with a liquid. Also provided is a method of treating an individual having a bleeding wound, the method including applying a self-expanding wound dressing to the wound. Also provided are methods of manufacturing a wound dressing, the methods including forming an absorbent material into a plurality of liquid-expandable articles, coupling the plurality of liquid-expandable articles to a substrate to form a liquid-expandable layer, and positioning the liquid-expandable layer between a first outer layer and a second outer layer to form the wound dressing.
US09623222B2

A drug depot implantable at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient is provided, the drug depot comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a drug; at least one line having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the line attached to the drug depot; an anchor attached to the distal end of the line and configured to limit movement of the drug depot at or near the target tissue site, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing the therapeutically effective amount of the drug over a period of at least one day. In some embodiments, the drug depot provided can include an effective amount of at least analgesic and/or at least one anti-inflammatory agent at or near a target site, and can reduce, prevent or treat inflammation and/or pain.
US09623220B2

Suture tracking dilators and methods for removing implanted medical devices such as microstimulators or microsensors from living tissue are described. A suture tracking dilator has a slit running along its axial length. The slit can have a curved portion. A suture is attached to a medical device prior to its implantation. To remove the implanted medical device, the free end of the suture is exposed and inserted in the slit in the suture tracking dilator. The suture is held under tension at its free end, the dilator is inserted in the living tissue and the dilator follows the suture to the implanted medical device. The medical device is removed by pulling on the free end of the suture.
US09623219B2

Surgical dilators with tips having curved tapers and with a minimal distance between the distal and proximal ends of the dilator tips provide for precision placement of miniature medical devices at a target area in a body with reduced insertion force. A contour of a longitudinal cross section of the dilator tip comprises a first convex portion extending from the distal end to a first interface; a concave portion extending from the first interface to a second interface; and a second convex portion extending from the second interface to a third interface at the proximal end. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are convex relative to an interior of the tip and the concave portion is concave relative to the interior of the tip.
US09623213B2

A dilation apparatus comprises an elongate member and a dilation assembly that is slidable along the elongate member. The dilation assembly comprises a platform and an inflatable dilator. The platform and the elongate member cooperate to absorb inflation forces from the dilator directed toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, such that the dilation forces are exerted against tissue asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The dilation apparatus may be used to dilate the ethmoid infundibulum in a human patient. Various devices may be used to maintain the dilated state of an ethmoid infundibulum, including a wedge, a mesh, and a tether. An illuminator may be configured to reach around an uncinate process, retract the uncinate process, and then illuminate the ethmoid infundibulum to provide improved visualization of the ethmoid infundibulum.
US09623212B2

A guide wire includes an elongated wire body having flexibility; a distal member that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is configured to have a resin material; and a hydrophilic lubricant layer that is formed so as to cover a proximal end of the distal member and is configured to have a hydrophilic material. In addition, the hydrophilic lubricant layer has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward a proximal side. In addition, the maximum outer diameter of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the distal member. In addition, a proximal portion of the distal member has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the proximal side, and a distal end of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is positioned at the tapered portion of the distal member.
US09623206B2

A catheter having a selectively variable degree of flexibility includes an elongate tubular outer member and an elongate tubular inner member disposed within the outer member. The catheter further includes a cavity disposed in between the outer and inner members. A tubular braid of filaments may be disposed within the cavity. The outer and inner members are movable relative to each other along intermediate portions thereof when in a first configuration, and are not movable relative to each other when in a second configuration. When the inner and outer members are in the first configuration, the tubular braid of filaments is movably disposed relative to at least one of the outer member and the inner member. When the inner and outer members are in the second configuration, the inner and outer members clamp the tubular braid of filaments in a fixed position relative to the inner and outer members.
US09623204B2

The present disclosure relates to an electrolysis apparatus that includes an anode electrically connectable to a direct current electrical source. The apparatus also includes a cathode comprising a proximal segment and a distal segment. The proximal segment is electrically connectable to the direct current electrical source. Further, the apparatus includes a hydrogen collector receptacle that limits generation and collection of hydrogen at the cathode to a specified amount. The hydrogen collector receptacle encompasses a portion of the cathode. Also, the apparatus includes a delivery device that receives hydrogen from and is connected to the hydrogen collector receptacle. According to one embodiment, the hydrogen gas generated in the electrolysis apparatus and collected in the collector receptacle is less than about 4.5% of a user's breath.
US09623200B2

A reservoir for a nebulizer, and a nebulizer with a reservoir in which, to avoid undesirable rises in pressure, a fluid chamber of the reservoir is pre-collapsed and filled with an initial amount of fluid which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber. Preferably, before being filled, the fluid chamber is compressed and/or expanded by means of gas to a defined volume which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber.
US09623199B2

The invention refers to an injection device comprising a delivery mechanism for injection of a medicament, preferably through a needle, and an end of dose mechanism comprising a feedback element, wherein the end of dose mechanism is operable to be activated at a position at which the delivery mechanism reaches the end of the dose and the end of dose mechanism is further operable to force the feedback element to move into a feedback direction which is opposite or parallel to the activation direction of a release button and/or into the longitudinal direction, wherein the activation direction is preferably a longitudinal direction of the device.
US09623194B2

In a first aspect, a safety pen needle assembly is provided herein which includes a hub and a needle fixed to the hub which extends distally from the hub so as to define an injection length. A first shield is slidable relative to the hub from a first state, in which the shield covers at least a substantial portion of the injection length of the needle, to a second state, in which at least a substantial portion of the injection length of the needle is exposed; and, a second shield is slidable from a first position, in which the shield covers the proximal end of the needle, to a second position, in which the proximal end of the needle is exposed. A biasing element is disposed between the first and second shields configured to simultaneously urge the first shield distally and the second shield proximally.
US09623193B2

A safety shield for use with a hypodermic syringe device is disclosed. The safety shield is moveable relative to the syringe barrel between retracted position and a needle containing position. In the retracted position, the syringe device may be used to inject the needle into the patient. After the medication has been injected or as the needle is withdrawn from the patient, in its operative mode the shield automatically extends from its retracted position to a needle containing position to shield the point of the needle to prevent accidental sticks and without further input from the operator to render the syringe unusable after a single injection.
US09623188B2

Drug injection device (400) comprising expelling means for expelling an amount of drug from a reservoir, the expelling means comprising setting means (411) allowing a user to set a dose to be expelled, and actuation means (413) for releasing the drug expelling means to expel the set dose. The actuation means comprises an actuation member adapted to be moved between an initial position, an intermediate position, and an actuated position in which the expelling means is actuated to expel the set dose. The device further comprises an electronically controlled capturing system (420) for capturing data representing the amount of drug expelled from the reservoir by the expelling means, and switch means for starting initialization of the capturing system when the actuation member is moved to its intermediate position.
US09623178B2

A deployable infection treatment system includes a cannula device comprising a cannula body having a proximal end, a flared distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The lumen has a longitudinal x-axis extending therethrough. A sponge or drain is provided, the sponge having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein in a non-deployed configuration, the sponge is compressed within the cannula body's lumen and in a deployed configuration the distal end of the sponge expands out of the cannula body's lumen. An integrated pump and vacuum device is provided, wherein when the sponge is in a deployed configuration, the device is in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The pump controls the delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the proximal end of the sponge. The vacuum controls the extraction of the therapeutic fluid and infectious material from the proximal end of the sponge.
US09623174B2

In various embodiments, an implantable pump includes a cannula. The pump (e.g., the cannula thereof) may include, for example, flow sensors, pressure sensors, filters, and/or other components.
US09623173B2

Apparatuses, systems and methods for the wireless communication of medical devices in a subcutaneous fluid delivery system are disclosed. A system for subcutaneous fluid delivery includes a primary patch pump adapted to attach a first infusion cannula to a user and to perform a plurality of primary patch pump functions, and a secondary patch pump adapted to attach a second infusion cannula to a user. The secondary patch pump is further adapted to perform a plurality of secondary patch pump functions substantially similar to the plurality of primary patch pump functions if an error condition associated with the primary patch pump is determined.
US09623169B2

A method for filling and venting a device for extracorporeal blood treatment is disclosed, such as a patient module in a heart-lung machine, without attached patient. A filling liquid from a filling liquid container located higher than the device flows by gravity via a venous side of the system into a reservoir and flows onwards into a blood pump located at the lower end of the reservoir, wherein a first controllable valve (HC1) for a venting line of a filter is opened and, after the response of an upper filling level sensor in the reservoir, is closed. An upper level of the filter is positioned higher than the upper filling level sensor, and a start-stop motion of the blood pump is performed, as a result of which a stepped flooding of the filter is made providing for an advantageous de-airing of the device.
US09623149B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing an acellular dermal matrix, and to an acellular dermal matrix produced by same, and more particularly, to a method for producing an acellular dermal matrix, in which sucrose is added to base ingredients consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, and a base solvent or solution so as to produce a cryoprotectant, the solution is injected into the skin below the epidermis and dermis from which cells have been removed, and freeze-drying is then performed.
US09623146B2

The present invention is directed to a stabilized cross-linked hydrogel matrix comprising a first high molecular weight component and a second high molecular weight component that are covalently linked, and at least one stabilizing or enhancing agent, wherein the first high molecular weight component and the second high molecular weight component are each selected from the group consisting of polyglycans and polypeptides. This stabilized hydrogel matrix may be prepared as bioactive gels, pastes, slurries, cell attachment scaffolds for implantable medical devices, and casting or binding materials suitable for the construction of medical devices. The intrinsic bioactivity of the hydrogel matrix makes it useful as a gel or paste in multiple applications, including as a cell attachment scaffold that promotes wound healing around an implanted device, as gels and pastes for induction of localized vasculogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration, as a wound adhesive, and for tissue bulking.
US09623145B2

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a curable composition, a method for augmenting a structure in a patient with a resorbable biocompatible polymer, and a biodegradable, resorbable implant comprising a biocompatible copolymer. An exemplary embodiment of the curable composition comprises (a) 60 wt. % to 95 wt. % of one or more vinyl ester monomers and/or vinylcarbonate monomers, wherein said one or more vinyl ester monomers and/or vinylcarbonate monomers are respectively selected from compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) below: wherein n, m R1 and R2 have the meaning defined herein; (b) 0.1 to 40 wt. % of one or more multifunctional thiols; and (c) 0 to 10 wt. % of a biocompatible polymerization initiator.
US09623142B2

An article, such as a tissue bonding article, includes a flexible material, a polymerization initiator or rate modifier disposed in or on the flexible material, and a polymerizable adhesive composition permeated throughout at least a portion of the flexible material, where the polymerization initiator or rate modifier is a polymerization initiator or rate modifier for the polymerizable adhesive composition.
US09623139B2

Systems and methods for fabricating an air purification device for use typically with heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are presented. The systems include at least one pleated insert disposed within a cartridge housing and proximate a source of electromagnetic radiation. The pleated insert includes a plurality of pleat strips aligned substantially parallel to a common pleat axis. Each pleat strip has a first edge and a second edge. Portions or surfaces proximate the first edge and the second edge of each pleat strip are bonded so as to form an alternating sequence of peaks and valleys. A photocatalytic material coats at least a portion of the pleated insert. Methods for fabricating the pleated insert from a slice member having an unexpanded honeycomb structure are also presented. Other systems and methods are presented.
US09623137B2

An essential oil diffuser comprises a main body and a power plug. The main body includes a shell, an electric circuit board, a connector shell, and an ultrasonic vibration module. Wherein, a receiving room is formed in the shell, an opening is formed at one end of the shell, and a shell hole is disposed on an upper shell. The connector shell is provided in the receiving room on a side of the shell opening. A receiving room is also formed in the connector shell, to receive an essence container screwed therein. The ultrasonic vibration module is disposed in the receiving room of the connector shell, and it is provided with an atomized liquid outlet corresponding to the shell hole and the connector hole, and is sleeved in the connector shell by means of a sleeve piece.
US09623126B2

A magnetic nanoparticle includes a magnetic core and a superparamagnetic outer shell, in which the outer shell enhances magnetic properties of the nanoparticle. The enhanced magnetic properties of the magnetic nanoparticle allow for highly sensitive detection as well as diminished non-specific aggregation of nanoparticles.
US09623124B2

Disclosed herein are compositions of a multimodal detection agent and methods of fabricating the same. The multimodal detection agent comprises a plurality of metallic nanoparticles attached to a surface of a polymeric carrier. The detection agent further comprising one or more target-specific binding agents attached to the metallic nanoparticles or the polymeric carrier.
US09623119B1

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for improving search results. In one aspect, a method includes receiving documents responsive to a query, each document having an associated score indicative of the document's relevance to the query. The method includes determining, for a plurality of the associated scores, a distribution of the scores along a dimension that measures trustworthiness of the scores. The method also includes reducing each of one or more of the plurality of associated scores by an amount determined based on the score's respective trustworthiness and properties of the distribution, and ranking the documents to account for the reduced scores.
US09623100B2

The present invention relates to immunogenic conjugates comprising S. aureus serotype 5 and 8 capsular polysaccharides conjugated to carrier proteins and methods for their preparation and use. Methods for making the immunogenic conjugates of the invention involve covalent conjugation of the capsular polysaccharides with the carrier proteins using conjugation chemistry involving either 1,1-carbonyl-di-1,2,4-triazole (CDT) or 3-(2-pyridyldithio)-propionyl hydrazide (PDPH).
US09623097B2

Disclosed are yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions comprising Brachyury antigens, and methods for the prevention and/or treatment of cancers characterized by the expression or overexpression of Brachyury.
US09623091B2

The present invention provides methods of administering Factor IX; methods of administering chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor IX; chimeric and hybrid polypeptides comprising Factor IX; polynucleotides encoding such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides; cells comprising such polynucleotides; and methods of producing such chimeric and hybrid polypeptides using such cells.
US09623090B2

Methods and compositions for treating Gaucher disease are described.
US09623079B2

Methods are provided for treating a subject with a therapeutic dose of anti-CD47 agent by administering a primer agent prior to administering a therapeutically effective dose of an anti-CD47 agent to the subject.
US09623063B2

The present invention relates to selected and stabilized cell line extracts from Ajuga reptans comprising phenylpropanoids having high antioxidating capacity with a teupolioside titer of between 20% and 90% and a chromophore-free fraction of between 80% and 10%. Said extracts are for use in human and veterinary therapy and for nutritional and cosmetic purposes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a novel phenylpropanoid molecule denominated isoteupolioside.
US09623057B1

The method of making a fermented dairy product from camel milk includes heating camel milk at 85° C. for thirty minutes, cooling the milk to about 60° C. and adding a stabilizer or hydrocolloid (preferably 0.02% by weight κ-carrageenan) to avoid whey off (whey separation) problems, then cooling the milk and adding a probiotic bacterial culture. The camel milk is fermented at between 40° C. and 45° C. for a time ranging between 4 and 12 hours, depending upon the particular bacterial culture used. The fermented camel milk is subjected to three successive storage steps to enrich the D-amino acid, antioxidant and antimicrobial content, storing the fermented camel milk at a temperature of 10° C. for 14 hours, then storing the fermented camel milk in a cold room at a temperature of 4° C., and then storing the fermented camel milk in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4° C. for between 1 and 15 days.
US09623056B2

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.
US09623054B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a QOL improving or sustaining agent, a physical health improving or sustaining agent, a vitality improving or sustaining agent, a fatigue recovery or alleviating agent, or an anti-fatigue agent.[Method for Achieving the Object]A QOL improving or sustaining agent, a physical health improving or sustaining agent, a vitality improving or sustaining agent, a fatigue recovery or alleviating agent, or an anti-fatigue agent containing Lactobacillus ONRICb0240 (FERM BP-10065).
US09623048B2

The present invention relates to hepatocyte-like cells. Also disclosed are methods of making the cells and using the cells.
US09623033B2

Novel testosterone formulations are disclosed where testosterone is incorporated into a phospholipid/cholesterol system to produce a proliposomal powder dispersion. The proliposomal powder dispersions of the invention may be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients to form pharmaceutical compositions. Enterically coated oral dosage forms are disclosed as are methods of treatment for testosterone replacement therapy.
US09623020B2

A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, having a structure of: wherein A, B and D are each oxygen or sulfur, provided that least one of A, B and D is sulfur; and R1-R8 are each independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, acyl, substituted acyl, acyloxy, substituted acyloxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, aryl, substituted aryl, amino, substituted amino, halogen, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, or a thio-containing group.
US09623017B2

A 4:3 naltrexone: 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde cocrystal and its use as an opioid antagonist are disclosed. The invention also relates to a drug-in-adhesive transdermal patch containing the analgesic fentanyl, a mu opioid agonist, or an analog thereof and a 4:3 naltrexone: 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde cocrystal, as an opioid antagonist. A transdermal patch of the invention is tamper-resistant and an abuse deterrent which protects against drug misuse or abuse. The invention also provides a method of treating pain, such as acute, chronic, or intermittent pain, by applying a drug-in-adhesive transdermal patch according to the invention to the skin of a patient in need thereof. Also disclosed is an improved transdermal patch for administering fentanyl or an analog thereof, or for administering a mu opioid agonist, the improvement wherein the transdermal patch contains a 4:3 naltrexone: 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde cocrystal in an abuse limiting amount. The improved transdermal patch may be a drug-in-adhesive transdermal patch or a reservoir transdermal patch.
US09623015B2

Provided are methods for eliminating hematologic cancer stem cells in vivo, and thus preventing cancer relapse. The methods comprise a Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) antagonist (e.g., a PPARγ agonist) after the patient has had ana initial course of treatment with an anti-cancer agent (e.g., a TKI), to eliminate residual cancer stem cells which cause relapse.
US09623007B2

The present disclosure describes compositions which improve visual acuity and to methods for their use.
US09623006B2

Described herein are compounds for and methods of treating conditions or diseases in a subject by administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition containing an effective amount of an α-adrenergic modulator. The compounds and methods are also useful for alleviating types of pain, acute, neuropathic and chronic.
US09622996B2

A method for treating an cancer disease is disclosed comprising administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an adrenergic beta-3-receptor blocker.
US09622991B2

The present embodiments relate to compounds with physiological effects, such as the activation of hematopoietic growth factor receptors. The present embodiments also relate to use of the compounds to treat a variety of conditions, diseases and ailments such as hematopoietic conditions and disorders.
US09622989B2

According to the invention there is provided a compound of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3 and n have meanings given in the description, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate, salt or prodrug thereof for use in the treatment of osteoporosis and/or osteopenia.
US09622984B1

A method of preparing naringenin nanoparticles comprises dissolving naringenin in an organic solvent to form a solution; adding the solution to boiling water under ultrasonic conditions to form a mixture; and stirring the mixture to obtain the naringenin nanoparticles. The organic solvent can be at least one of methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane and chloroform. Ultrasonic conditions can include applying ultrasonic energy at a frequency of 30-60 kHz and a power of 100 watts for about 20-30 minutes to the mixture.
US09622977B2

Controlled release dosage forms comprising a pharmaceutically active agent capable of not more than 90% release in 12 hours in a simulated gastric juice in first order release rate USP type 1 dissolution test, comprising (a) a tablet made from polymer matrix of at least two biocompatible polymers, the pharmaceutically active agent and excipients; the tablet capable of rapid swelling without disintegration in simulated gastric juice to a size resulting in gastric retention in the stomach and controlled release of the active agent by controlled erosion and diffusion immediately after coming into contact with the gastric juice, or (b) microspheres of ungrafted chitosan or a chitosan derivative or CARBOPOL® incorporating the active agent which is not a polymeric molecule and after administration in stomach, the microspheres adhere to the gastric mucosa for a long and controlled time release of the active agent.
US09622976B2

A stable formulation of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide having both substances in separate units is prepared, exhibiting exceptional stability when subjecting to stress conditions.
US09622975B2

The present invention provides oral pharmaceutical compositions that enable the successful delivery of drugs in a pharmaceutically effective amount, particularly poly (amino acids) such as peptides, peptidomimetics and proteins. e.g. hormones to a subject via oral administration to accomplish the desired therapeutic effect. The oral pharmaceutical composition comprising a poly (amino acid) as the active ingredient, e.g. a peptide or protein, shows a rapid disintegration and/or dissolution such that the active ingredient is able to attain a therapeutic effect.
US09622973B1

A block copolymer comprising ε-caprolactone units and polyoxyethylene stearate units, wherein the block copolymer has the following formula: wherein n, m, and p are integers greater than 0. The block copolymer is prepared by polymerizing (i) ε-caprolactone and (ii) polyoxyethylene stearate in the presence of a catalyst such as stannous octoate.
US09622972B2

There is provided a sustained-release pharmaceutical composition comprising a solid, continuous network comprising an excipient with a high mechanical strength, which network also comprises pores, within which pores is interspersed a mixture of an active ingredient and a film-forming agent, characterized in that said pores are formed during the production of the composition. Compositions of the invention find particularly utility as abuse-resistant formulations comprising opioid analgesics that may be employed in the treatment of chronic pain.
US09622968B2

A pharmaceutical composition comprising an amphiphilic emulsifier, a polar liquid carrier and, optionally, a lipid component. The amphiphilic emulsifier form free-moving, optionally lipid-carrying, micelles (LMs) in the polar liquid carrier. The pharmaceutical composition is free of hemoglobin and fluorocarbon and can be used for treating conditions related to lack of blood supply and to raise the blood pressure and correct hypovolemia.
US09622958B2

The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising a latex film forming polymer, a hyperbranched functional polymer, an organic solvent and water. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one colorant. The invention also relates to a method for making up and/or enhancing the appearance of a keratinous substrate, in particular lashes, by applying these compositions to the keratinous substrate.
US09622953B2

The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of one or more catalytic oxidation compounds chosen from porphyrins, phthalocyanines and/or porphyrazines as deodorant agent. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method comprising the application, to a surface of a keratinous substance, of a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, one or more catalytic oxidation porphyrin, phthalocyanine and/or porphyrazine compounds.
US09622951B2

A personal care composition exhibiting a tan delta of about 0.30 or more at about 10° C. includes a primary surfactant, secondary surfactant, and a polyol. Methods are also provided to improve the stability of a personal care composition.
US09622950B2

Compositions containing an effective dermatological disease-treating or dermatological condition-treating active agent and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or vehicle are disclosed.
US09622949B2

A formulation for personal hygiene in the form of O/W emulsion with a pH from 5.5 to 6.5, free of surfactants, comprising an emulsifier consisting of a fatty alcohol from 14 to 22 carbon atoms or of Glyceryl Stearate or a mixture thereof, Coco Caprylate and/or Coco Caprylate/Caprate, vitamin E or an ester thereof, and Melaleuca alternifolia oil.
US09622948B2

Present invention relates to a process for manufacturing emulsion composition which comprises an oil phase dispersed in a continuous water phase which is stabilized with a surfactant as an emulsifier. The present invention is on a method for producing an emulsion comprising one or more fatty alcohol, one or more oil liquid at 20° C. and one or more surfactant wherein one or more surfactant is added to the dispersion of one or more fatty alcohol and one or more oil liquid at 20° C. in water at a temperature of 50° C. or higher, preferably 60° C. or higher with the condition that the temperature of the dispersion is at least 10° C. higher than the melting point of fatty alcohol having the highest melting point, more preferably between 60 and 85° C. wherein the emulsion thus obtained does not comprise dispersed droplets with a volume size larger than or equal to 10 μm measured directly without dilution of the emulsion at 20° C. measured with a laser particle size analyzer suitable therefore.
US09622945B2

Compositions and methods are disclosed for preventing or reducing frizzy appearance of keratin fibers, including hair, and reducing the amount of fly-away strands of hair, particularly in humid conditions, by forming a coating on hair that is resistant to water vapors from the air or surrounding environment. The compositions comprise a combination of a hydrophobic particulate material comprising a hydrophobically surface-modified oxide and one or more hydrophobic film formers in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.
US09622944B2

Gel-wipes suitable for use in personal care and household cleansing applications are disclosed, which include a substrate having a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface and a body disposed between and defined by the first and second surfaces, fibers having an outer surface and an inner core, a polymeric gel distributed throughout the substrate such that a substantial portion of the fibers contain the polymeric gel distributed throughout the inner core of the fibers; and a liquid cleansing composition, wherein the inner core of a substantial portion of the fibers and the polymeric gel are substantially free of the liquid cleansing composition; as well as methods of making the gel-wipe.
US09622941B2

A customizable holder for vials and test tubes is described herein. The holder includes a body having an inclined portion and a vertical portion joined together. A guide is present in the inclined portion for accepting elastic clamps for holding a vial or test tube. The elastic clamps have a slot and aperture therein to retain a vial or test tube.
US09622935B2

The massage machine includes a chair main body that includes: a seat part on which a person to be treated is seated, a backrest part, which is provided at a back part of the seat part, and on which the person to be treated leans, and a footrest which is provided at a front part of the seat part and supports leg parts of the person to be treated; guide rails and which are provided at the chair main body; and a first massage part and a second massage part which are configured to respectively move in the height direction along the guide rails. The first massage part moves at least from a position corresponding to the backrest part to a position corresponding to the seat part, and the second massage part moves at least from a position corresponding to the footrest to the position corresponding to the seat part.
US09622933B2

A motorized machine for passively applying a tapping force to the bottoms of a user's feet includes a motor, a pedal rocking mechanism, at least one pedal and at least one bumper configured so as to cooperate to, during operation of the motor, cause the bottom portion of the at least one pedal to tap against the at least one bumper so as to provide pulsatile acceleration to the bottom of the user's foot. The pulsatile acceleration has a force sufficient to increase pulsatile shear stress to the endothelium, of sufficient magnitude to cause the release of beneficial mediators.
US09622915B2

Microstrain-inducing manifolds, systems, and methods are presented that involve microstrain-inducing manifolds that include a plurality of shaped projections for creating microstrain. The shaped projections may be tapered projections. A system may include a sealing member for placing over the tissue site, a microstrain-inducing manifold, and a reduced-pressure subsystem that delivers reduced pressure to the sealing member. The reduced pressure causes the shaped projections to create microstrain at the tissue site. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems are also presented.
US09622913B2

An imaging-based laser system can include a laser-beam system, configured to generate and scan a beam of laser pulses with an adjustable laser-power parameter to points of a scan-pattern in an eye, and an imaging-based laser-controller, configured to image a layer in the eye, to control the scanning of the beam of laser pulses to the points of the scan-pattern, and to control a laser-power parameter of the laser pulses according to the distance of the points of the scan-pattern from the imaged layer.
US09622911B2

Ophthalmic treatment systems and methods of using the systems are disclosed. The ophthalmic treatment systems include (a) a light source device; (b) at least one optical treatment head operatively coupled to the light source device, comprising a light source array, and providing at least one treatment light; and (c) a light control device, which (i) provides patterned or discontinuous treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye); or (ii) adjusts intensity of part or all of the light source array, providing adjusted intensity treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye). The at least one treatment light promotes corneal and/or scleral collagen cross-linking.
US09622908B2

A device is provided for cooling intra nasally the brain of a patient, in particular of a patient suffering from cardiovascular emergency. The device comprises a pressurized gas container for containing a gas or a mixture of gases, and at least one cannula with a lumen, a proximal opening and at least one distal opening. The cannula is for introduction into the patient's nasopharynx. Upon operation, gas expands adiabatically upon exiting from the at least one cannula, thereby cools and provides a coolant effect on the nasopharynx and inside the nasal cavity.
US09622894B2

The apparatus has a delivery shaft 30 bearing a tubular device constrained within a moveable sheath 36, and a handle comprising a hollow shaft 124 with a static grip 126 and a grip slider 122 movable proximally or distally. The grip slider is connected to a slider block 24 fixed to a sheath hub 6 to which the sheath is fastened. A retraction wheel 120 has a spool 2 for winding a retraction wire 121 connected to a retraction block 20 in contact with the slider block enabling the slider block to be pushed as the retraction block is retracted distally. Initial incremental movement of the retraction block by winding of the retraction wire, moves the slider block and retraction block simultaneously. Subsequently the slider block is movable independently of the retraction block using the grip slider, leaving the retraction block behind.
US09622891B2

Embodiments of the present invention encompass methods of forming coatings, particularly coatings for medical devices, and more particularly, for braided or woven medical devices. Embodiments of the present invention encompass the coatings and the coated devices. The coatings may include a polymer and optionally a therapeutic agent.
US09622888B2

An open stent (a stent having open space through its thickness at locations between the ends of the stent), incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect adjacent, spaced-apart stent elements. Preferably the spaced-apart adjacent stent elements are the result of forming the stent from a helically wound serpentine wire having space provided between adjacent windings. Other stent forms such as multiple, individual spaced-apart ring-shaped or interconnected stent elements may also be used. The connecting elements are preferably longitudinally oriented.
US09622887B2

A stent graft has a cylindrical wall, an internal lumen within the cylindrical wall and a fenestration in the wall. The fenestration is closed off by a valve arrangement to prevent the flow of liquids from within the internal lumen to outside of the wall. The valve arrangement is a tube of graft material which can be closed off by pressure on its outside surface. The end of the tube remote from the fenestration can be held shut by having its periphery fastened to a flattened resilient ring. Fluid pressure on the tube of graft material causes the tube to close off to prevent fluid flow therethrough and by resilient deflection of the resilient ring the end of the tube of graft material can be opened to enable the passing of a medical device therethrough.
US09622879B2

The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A cross connector system for use during a spinal fixation procedure is provided. The system includes at least one bridge defining a coupling bore and having a pair of downwardly extending arms for coupling to a first fastener. The system includes a contoured bar having a first end offset from a second end, and a bore having a central axis. The system includes an expansion ring received within the bore, and a locking device received through the expansion ring and the coupling bore. The locking device is operable in a first state in which the contoured bar is movable about the central axis of the bore and in a second state in which the contoured bar fixed relative to the central axis of the bore.
US09622876B1

An implantable orthopedic support device and methods of using the device are disclosed. The device can have rigid structural components that can translate longitudinally with respect to each other, and in so doing can change the vertical height of the device. The structural components can be driven by a drivescrew mechanism to change the vertical height of the device.
US09622871B2

A revision implant component comprising a body having a plurality of screw holes and a tapered head configured to engage a talar dome component of a multi-component ankle prosthesis. A surgical method is disclosed which includes creating an incision in a patient, exposing a multi-component ankle prosthesis implanted in a patient, disassembling at least one component of the multi-component ankle prosthesis, affixing a revision implant component to non-damaged bone using screws, and coupling the revision implant component to a talar dome of the multi-component ankle prosthesis.
US09622869B2

The invention relates to a modular humeral prosthesis for an inverse shoulder prosthesis, comprising an anatomical shaft (1) and a separable epiphyseal head (2) which may be angularly orientated by rotation about the longitudinal axis (XX) of the anatomical shaft. The anatomical shaft and the epiphyseal head comprise complementary angular indexing means (11, 28) for relative rotational fixation.
US09622864B2

In a surgical method for improving cardiac function, an implantable scaffold or valve support device is inserted inside a patient's heart and attached to the heart in a region about a natural mitral valve. The scaffold or valve support device defines an orifice and, after the attaching of the scaffold or valve support device to the heart, a prosthetic or bio-prosthetic valve is seated in the orifice. The scaffold or valve support device is at least indirectly secured to cordae tendenae of the heart.
US09622863B2

This application relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for replacing native heart valves with prosthetic heart valves and treating valvular insufficiency. In a representative embodiment, a support frame configured to be implanted in a heart valve comprises an annular main body formed by a plurality of angled struts, the main body including a plurality of peaks formed by the intersection of respective adjacent struts. The support frame further comprises one or more leaflet-engaging mechanisms configured to engage leaflets of the heart valve. The support frame can be radially expandable and collapsible.
US09622854B2

An apparatus, system and method for providing an optical filter for an intraocular lens. The apparatus, system and method may include at least one optical filtering layer applied to at least one surface of the optic, wherein the optical filtering layer may at least partially filter light through the intraocular lens. The at least one optical filtering layer may include different types of optical filters including a neutral density filter, a chromatic filter, a photochromatic filter, and a polarizing filter. These filters may be used to reduce the transmission of light through the intraocular lens.
US09622853B2

Polymeric and co-polymeric compositions useful for preparing ophthalmic and ocular devices, such as implantable intraocular lenses (IOL) and contact lenses, and processes of forming the compositions and devices are provided. The disclosed polymeric or co-polymeric composition may include a curcuminoid compound as a UV-blocker, and is derived from a pre-polymerization mixture of monomers which comprises at least 50 weight percents acrylate monomers and exhibiting visible light transparency and ultraviolet light opacity. The disclosed co-polymeric composition may alternatively, or in addition, be derived from a pre-polymerization mixture of defined monomers.
US09622842B1

A rodent immobilizing apparatus for use during experimental procedures, dissection, and sample procurement. The apparatus has two (2) points of adherence to the dissection board, one at the head/jaw region and one at the tail region. Generally, the rodent immobilizing apparatus includes a base, a bed positioned atop the base, a bank disposed along one side of the bed, another bank disposed along the opposite side of the bed, a string/wire hook affixed to each bank with string/wire therebetween, and a tail clip/clamp positioned at an inferior portion of the bed. The bed is slidable along the banks to accommodate different sized rodents. In operation, an anesthetized/euthanized rodent is positioned supine on the bed. The bed slides along the banks, so that the string/wire is hooked within the rodent's jaw. The tail is clamped to the bed, and the bed is pulled back to stretch out the rodent, thus immobilizing the rodent completely and rapidly.
US09622837B2

A dental guard system for fitting boil and bite dental guards so that undesirable deformations of the guard are avoided during the fitting of the guard to the user. The system includes a boil and bite dental guard and an associated forming tray configured to be generally rigid but conformable in that it tends to retain its shape so as to inhibit undesirable deformations of the guard, yet enables the guard to form to the teeth of the user.
US09622832B2

The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a handle portion and a tip, wherein a tip sensor is provided on the handle portion. The tip sensor enables detection of when a tip is inserted into and/or removed from the handle. In addition, the tip sensor enables a navigation system to be notified when landmarks are probed with the surgical instrument, thereby ensuring accurate capture of the location of the landmark.
US09622831B2

In a method and an apparatus to provide updated images during a robotically-implemented surgical procedure, 3D data are obtained of a volume of a patient, which includes anatomy involved in the procedure. The anatomy is segmented from a reconstructed image of the volume. During the procedure, the surgeon applies forces on the anatomy, causing a geometric change of the anatomy. Force sensors in the surgical robot detect these forces, which are supplied to a processor that controls display of the segmented anatomy at a display screen. From the applied forces and the physical properties of the anatomy, the processor calculates the geometric change of the anatomy that has occurred and modifies the appearance and/or position of the displayed segmented anatomy on the display screen in real time during the procedure, so as to visualize the geometric change.
US09622830B2

The stand base is for a surgical microscope. The stand base is for setting up on a floor configured as a planar surface and includes at least a first weight module; a base body defining an underside and accommodating the first weight module; a support arrangement connected to the base body and supporting the stand base with at least three support points in contact engagement with the floor to permit setting up the stand base; the support points conjointly defining a support plane whereat the support points are in contact engagement with the floor; the underside of the base body facing toward the support plane; an ancillary body; the base body having a receiving arrangement in the underside for releasably accommodating the ancillary body; and, the underside of the base body and the support plane conjointly defining a smallest spacing therebetween which is greater than 10 cm.
US09622828B2

An introducer and method provides a surgical tool with a pathway through tissue to a surgical site, wherein the surgical tool includes at least one surgical instrument. The introducer comprises a flexible sheath having a distal portion including a distal end and is arranged for receiving the surgical tool. A tissue separation tip at the distal portion of the sheath advances the sheath into the tissue towards the surgical site. The tissue separation tip is arranged to form a tissue gap and provide the at least one surgical instrument access to the tissue gap for performing a medical procedure consonant with the formation of the tissue gap or the performance of work at the surgical site.
US09622827B2

A surgical robotics system with robotic arms is configurable to perform a variety of surgical procedures. The surgical robotics system includes a table, column, base, and robotic arms that are either column-mounted, rail-mounted, or mounted on a separate unit. In a column-mounted configuration, the column includes column rings that translate vertically and rotate about the column. The robotic arms are attached to the column rings. In a rail-mounted configuration, the base includes base rails that translate along the base. The robotic arms are attached to the base rails. In both configurations, the robotic arms move independently from each other and include a multiple arm segments. Each arm segment provides an additional degree of freedom to the robotic arm. Thus, the surgical robotics system may position the robotic arms into numerous configurations to access different parts of a patient's body.
US09622825B2

A robotic manipulator 100, controller 300 and system for use in flexible endoscopy, the manipulator 100 comprising a flexible member configured to be coupled to an endoscope, and an arm connected to and movable by the flexible member, wherein the flexible member has a first end connected to the arm and a second end connectable to the controller 300 to allow a physical movement of the arm to be controllable by a physical movement of the controller 300.
US09622822B2

A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed.
US09622817B2

The invention relates to a hair-shortening device. The device is based on the principle of laser-induced optical breakdown, wherein a laser pulse causes mechanical effects in tissue, which are used to cut the hair (20). The invention uses the insight that, when two or more such laser pulses are provided simultaneously, the mechanical effects can co-operate. This in turn allows cutting of the hair (20) with less total energy, down to about half the energy required for cases with pulses that are supplied sequentially. In one embodiment, the device comprises a laser source (2), a grating (6), and a beam manipulator (8), that aim a plurality of simultaneous focal spots (10) into a hair (20).
US09622801B1

A mandibular distractor device is configured for attachment to opposing sides of a mandible, e.g., a rabbit's mandible, for performing distraction osteogenesis. The distractor device includes a distractor body and an activation bar that extends through the distractor body. The activation bar can be disposed within the body such that a threaded portion of the bar is threaded to an interior wall of the anterior plate, while a smooth portion of the bar extends within the posterior plate. Once the distractor is secured to the mandible, the activation bar can be rotated incrementally to incrementally disengage the threaded portion of the activation bar from the threaded interior wall of the anterior plate. Rotation of the activation bar in this manner incrementally moves the anterior plate anteriorly within the rabbit's mouth, while the posterior plate remains in position.
US09622800B2

A hybrid bone plate has a first plate portion, having a first top surface and a first bottom surface and comprises a hard titanium alloy. A second plate portion has a second top surface and a second bottom surface and comprises a pure titanium or a soft titanium alloy. The first plate portion has a higher material yield strength than the second plate portion. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected to each other at a transition region by for example welding wherein in the transition region the first top surface and the second top surface together form a closed top integral surface and the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface together form a closed bottom integral surface.
US09622799B2

A system and method are provided that use a formable bone plate and a clamping apparatus for small bone reconstruction. The formable bone plate includes a plate body having a plurality of nodes separated by internodes. Each node includes a hole formed therein for receiving a screw, wire, tack, or other fixation device screwed or placed into a bone. A clamp engages an engagement section of the node to facilitate bending of at least one of the internodes to contour the plate to the bone in-situ or ex-situ and when at least partly screwed to or not screwed to the bone.
US09622797B2

A detection and indication device for the detection and indication of the presence or absence of a stabilization bar in the tulip head of a pedicle screw includes a housing. The housing is adjusted in such a way that it can be connected with elongated flanks of the pedicle screw or a downtube coupled to the pedicle screw in a detachable manner. A detection bar can be mounted axially movable in the housing. The relative positioning of the detection bar to the housing indicates a detection result. A system for spinal stabilization includes at least one pedicle screw with a tulip head and elongated flanks or a downtube coupled to the pedicle screw, at least one stabilization bar and a detection and display device.
US09622791B2

A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.
US09622785B2

A three-dimensional correction of the curvatures of the spine, for reducing spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, uses a pair of pedicle screws placed on each of the spinal vertebrae of the spine to be corrected, in combination with alignment elongated members or extenders temporally fixed by a proximate portion and associated with corrective rods engaged with the extenders, running along a transverse plane. Each of the corrective rods provides implant rods.
US09622763B2

The invention relates to an instrument, preferably for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a frame (27) having a proximal end and a distal end, a first working element (4) having a first origin located at the distal end and a second working element (5) having a second origin and being arranged at the distal end cooperating with the first working element, a force sensor for measuring a force exerted on at least one of the said the first and the second working elements, wherein the distal end of the frame comprises an opening (23) between the first origin and the second origin, the force sensor being arranged on the frame in a vicinity of the opening.
US09622760B2

An orthopedic jig and pins therefore are disclosed that allow the pins to be pre-loaded into apertures through the jig before the jig is positioned at a desired location with respect to a bone during an orthopedic surgical procedure. At least one of the pin and/or jig includes a retention mechanism whereby the pin can be inserted into the bore and releasably restrained therein until the jig is place is the selected position and the pins driven into the bone.
US09622757B2

A thickness gage including a transparent measurement tube configured to receive and be slidingly engaged over a tubular shaft of a retrograde reamer. The tubular shaft has linear graduation marks on its surface for identifying linear measures for use in measuring a thickness of a bridge bone gap. The linear graduation marks are located on the tubular shaft surface such that at least some of the linear graduation marks can be observed through the transparent measurement tube. Each linear graduation mark, when aligned with a proximal end of the measurement tube, provides a linear measure of the distance between a distal end of the measurement tube and a cutting member of the retrograde reamer positioned so that its central axis is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Such a distance corresponds to the thickness of the bridge bone gap.
US09622754B2

The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a cutter member such as a cutting ring within the distal portion of the pusher member, for cutting the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.
US09622746B2

An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft, and an end effector that is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector comprises and anvil and a cartridge. A longitudinal axis intersects the distal tip of the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. The cartridge defines a sight line extending along a distal surface of the cartridge from a first side of the cartridge toward the anvil. The first side of the cartridge is opposite to the anvil. The distal surface of the cartridge is neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sight line intersects the longitudinal axis near the distal tip when the anvil is in the closed position. A segment of the sight line and a segment the longitudinal axis define an angle θ. The angle θ is larger than 90°.
US09622741B2

An apparatus useful for performing various surgical procedures, including but not limited to plastic surgery such as mid face lifts, neck lifts, brow lifts, under eye lifts, breast lifts, and organ repositioning, includes a body 2, 3, 31, 52 having at least one elongate member 6, 7, 36, 51 and a guide 13, 43, 54 which cooperate to position a suture 60, 65, 120, 130 inside a layer of subcutaneous tissue, from a remote access point. A suture 60, 65 having modified portions 63 is additionally provided for use with the apparatus to implement a desired surgical procedure.
US09622728B2

A biopsy device includes a vacuum source, and an elongate member having a lumen and a sample receiving notch. The sample receiving notch has a proximal hole, a distal end wall, and a floor. The proximal hole is separated from the distal end wall along the longitudinal axis. The proximal hole is in fluid communication with the lumen. A tissue anchor has a cantilever portion with a free end. The cantilever portion is configured to extend in a direction from the distal end wall toward the proximal hole. The free end has a tip portion configured to extend toward the floor. The tissue anchor and the proximal hole are collectively configured to place tissue received in the sample receiving notch in a state of tension between the tip portion and the proximal hole when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source to the proximal hole via the lumen.
US09622714B2

A system and method are disclosed for obtaining pointing directions for every channel of a collimator which can then be used during the image reconstruction process to more accurately estimate the direction from which radiation has been received. The disclosed system and method provide for photographic measurement and analysis of individual collimator channel to determine the pointing directions for every channel in the collimator. This information is obtained by photographing the front and back sides of the collimator, and analyzing the digital image data to obtain the pointing angle of each channel. The resulting information, referred to as a “vector map” is included in the firmware of the collimator so that it can be called on during the projection and back-projection steps of the algorithm.
US09622711B2

A system and method for measuring material properties of a medium includes producing a multi-directional wave field in the medium and detecting, with a detection system capable of detecting wave fields propagating in a medium, the multi-directional wave field in at least two spatial dimensions over at least one time instance. The system and method also include determining a lowest wave speed, calculating at least one of wave speed and material properties of the medium, and generating a report indicating the at least one of wave speed and material properties of the medium.
US09622705B2

One embodiment of a system described herein can include an axis guide for placement over a patient's right and left ASIS and at least two guides attachable to the axis guide to provide a through hole that is perpendicular to the axis guide. The system can further include at least two probes that can fit through the through holes and extend beyond an end of the axis guide by a predetermined distance, as well as at least two bone engaging pins that fit through the through holes. When the guides are assembled to the axis guide and the probes are assembled to the guides, the axis guide can be placed so that the probes contact the patient's pelvis and the probes can be replaced by the pins to mount the pins to the patient's pelvis in a known orientation.
US09622699B2

A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.
US09622696B2

A test device and a rotation module thereof are provided. The rotation module includes a rotation body and a driving element. The rotation body includes a shaft, a position limiting element, a reciprocation element, and a rotation element. The shaft is pivoted in a housing. The position limiting element and the reciprocation element are telescoped on the shaft, respectively. The rotation element engages with the shaft and is located between the position limiting element and the reciprocation element. The driving element is slideably disposed in the housing and coupled to a groove of the reciprocation element. When the driving element moves back and forth, the driving element drives the reciprocation element to rotate back and forth relative to the position limiting element through the groove. The rotation element is pushed by the reciprocation element to rotate along a rotation direction relative to the position limiting element.
US09622691B2

Methods of determining when to activate an analyte, e.g. glucose, related alarm, such as a hypoglycemia alarm, of a continuous analyte monitor is provided. Also provided are systems, devices and kits. Embodiments include methods for determining when to activate an analyte alarm of a continuous analyte monitor. The methods may include receiving information from the continuous analyte monitor related to the user's analyte concentration, wherein the information is received at a data processing component. The methods may also include receiving information that is input by the user, and the information is related to the user's analyte concentration.
US09622690B2

A measurement device includes a housing that has an attached biosensor that includes a reagent selectively responding to a specific analyte in a biological fluid, and is configured so as to be carried by a user, an analyte measurer that measures a concentration of the specific analyte with a biosensor, and a motion measurer that measures a motion level of the housing. A living activity level calculator calculates a living activity level of the user based on the motion level measured by the motion measurer, a recorder records the living activity level calculated by the living activity level calculator, and a controller associates the concentration of the specific analyte measured by the analyte measurer with an event of living activity of the user, estimated based on the living activity level recorded in the recorder, and records them in the recorder.
US09622689B2

Generally, methods of analyte monitoring management, and articles of manufacturing related thereto, are provided. The methods include receiving analyte measurement data and analyzing the analyte measurement data for health related parameters. Recommendations are determined for creating or modifying a treatment program based on the analysis, and provided within a user-interface that enables a user to create or modify the treatment program. Further, generally, methods of for managing analyte measurement data, and articles of manufacturing related thereto, are provided. The methods include receiving analyte measurement data that represent data collected over a time period, and analyzing the analyte measurement data for analyte episodes within that time period. Threshold based episodes and/or rate-of-change based episodes may be determined.
US09622685B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a user a training load schedule for peak performance using earphones with biometric sensors. In one embodiment, the system includes earphones, including: speakers; a processor; a heartrate sensor electrically coupled to the processor; and a motion sensor electrically coupled to the processor. In this embodiment, the system also includes a memory coupled to a processor and having instructions stored that, when executed by the processor: display on a display an initial load schedule stored in a memory to the user; calculate a fatigue level of the user based on signals generated by the heartrate sensor; modify the initial load schedule based on the calculated fatigue level to create a dynamic load schedule for the user; and display on the display the dynamic load schedule to the user.
US09622683B2

A system is described herein for evacuating gas as it is leaking from a patient's airway. The system comprises a gas evacuation flowpath configured for collecting a gas flow escaping from the patient when inserted into the patient's airway. A vacuum source is connected to the gas evacuation flowpath. Devices that may be employed as part of the system and a method for evacuating gas from a patient are also described.
US09622681B2

In a medical apparatus including a medical imaging system and a medical position and navigation system (MPS), the medical imaging system including an imaging transmitter, periodically emitting imaging radiation and an imaging detector, the medical position and navigation system including at least one MPS transmitter periodically transmitting MPS radiation and at least one MPS detector, the MPS radiation electromagnetically interfering with at least one mode of operation of the imaging detector, a device for eliminating interference to the imaging detector caused by positioning radiation, the device comprising a synchronizer, coupled with the medical imaging system and with the medical position and navigation system, synchronizing the imaging detector and each the at least one MPS transmitter, so that neither of the at least one MPS transmitter transmits during the at least one mode of operation of the imaging detector.
US09622679B2

A method for multichannel multifrequency analysis of an object, applying a set of excitation signals to the object and sampling the response signal from the object, using uniform and non-uniform undersampling. Non-uniform sampling of the response signal is performed, i.e., the sampling is performed for two or more different frequencies in one observation time slot. Also, uniform sampling of the response signal is performed, i.e., the sampling of a signal, corresponding to one frequency, is performed for two or more channels within one observation time slot and then sampling the same signal for another frequency for two or more channels within the next observation time slot.
US09622672B2

A system for measuring electrical signals in a biological subject includes a variable gain amplifier with a predetermined transfer function that generates amplified signals corresponding to an input from electrical signals in the biological subject over a predetermined range of frequencies and amplification gain levels, an analog to digital converter generating digital data corresponding to the amplified signals, and a signal processing device receiving the digital data for the plurality of amplified signals. The signal processing device applies an inversion filter with another transfer function that is an inverse of the transfer function of the variable gain amplifier to remove an effect of the transfer function from the digital data, and generates an output signal corresponding to the electrical signals in the subject with reference to the filtered digital data.
US09622671B2

Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.
US09622666B2

Hardware and software methodology are described for a non-invasive approach to blood pressure measurement in pulmonary artery and systemic arteries by using wall displacement and blood velocity that are measured using ultrasound, microwave techniques and/or other radiofrequency (RF) techniques.
US09622664B2

Devices and methods for detecting heart failure (HF) events or identifying patient at elevated risk of developing future HF events, such as events indicative of HF decompensation status, are described. The devices and methods can detect an HF event or predict HF risk using one or more physiologic sensor signals including an electrogram and a heart sound signal. A medical device can use the physiologic signals to calculate one more signal metrics indicative of systolic function of the heart, including relative timing between first and second signal features selected from signal features generated from the electrogram or the heart sound signals. The medical device can detect an HF event using the signal metrics, or use the signal metrics to calculate a composite risk indicator indicative of the likelihood of the patient later developing an event indicative of worsening of HF.
US09622662B2

A hyperspectral imaging system having an optical path. The system including an illumination source adapted to output a light beam, the light beam illuminating a target, a dispersing element arranged in the optical path and adapted to separate the light beam into a plurality of wavelengths, a digital micromirror array adapted to tune the plurality of wavelengths into a spectrum, an optical device having a detector and adapted to collect the spectrum reflected from the target and arranged in the optical path and a processor operatively connected to and adapted to control at least one of: the illumination source; the dispersing element; the digital micromirror array; the optical device; and, the detector, the processor further adapted to output a hyperspectral image of the target. The dispersing element is arranged between the illumination source and the digital micromirror array, the digital micromirror array is arranged to transmit the spectrum to the target and the optical device is arranged in the optical path after the target.
US09622658B2

OCT imaging systems are provided for imaging a spherical-type eye including a source having an associated source arm path and a reference arm having an associated reference arm path coupled to the source path. The reference arm path has an associated reference arm path length. A sample is also provided having an associated sample arm path coupled to the source arm and reference arm paths. A lens having a focal power optimized for a diameter of the spherical-type eye is provided along with a reference arm path length adjustment module coupled to the reference arm. The reference arm path length adjustment module is configured to automatically adjust the reference arm path length such that the reference arm path length is based on an eye diameter of the subject.
US09622654B2

A device for corneal imaging is disclosed. The device comprises a first camera and processing means. The first camera is configured for imaging a cornea of a user of the device and/or an eyewear worn by the user. The processing means is operative to acquire a first image from the first camera, identify a first reflection by the cornea and/or a second reflection by a reflective surface of the eyewear, and determine a first optical transformation representing the first reflection and/or a second optical transformation representing the second reflection. Embodiments of the invention provide an improved corneal imaging solution for user operated computing devices by taking specular reflections originating from one or more reflective surfaces of an eyewear worn by the user into consideration. Also disclosed are a corresponding method, computer program, and computer program product.
US09622649B2

An endoscope with a T-shaped flexible circuit board includes: a base mounting frame, a flexible circuit, a photosensitive element, two light emitting elements and a camera. The photosensitive element, the two light emitting elements and the camera are mounted onto the T-shaped flexible circuit board, then the flexible circuit board deforms to fit in the base mounting frame. During assembly, the photosensitive element, the two light emitting elements and the camera are maintained in the same orientation, and the T-shaped flexible circuit can be pushed into the base mounting frame simply by applying a force in a single direction parallel to the orientation direction of the photosensitive element, the two light emitting elements and the camera.
US09622648B2

An insertion device includes a movement section provided in an inserting section or an attachment unit attached to the inserting section, and moving to cause a propulsive force to act on the inserting section, a holdable grip provided to a proximal direction side with respect to the inserting section, and a driving source driven so as to generate a movement driving force to move the movement section. The insertion device includes a base member to which the grip is abutted, and a coupling member including a driving source-side abutting surface to which an outer peripheral surface of the driving source is abutted, and coupling the driving source to the base member.
US09622645B2

RGB image signals are inputted. B/G ratio is calculated based on B image signal and G image signal. G/R ratio is calculated based on the G image signal and R image signal. In a feature space formed by the B/G ratio and the G/R ratio, an expansion process and a compression process are performed. In the expansion process, an angle between a first center line and coordinates in a specific region, which contains the first center line, is changed at an angle change rate Wnx. In the compression process, an angle between the first center line and coordinates outside the specific region is changed at an angle change rate Wny smaller than the angle change rate Wnx.
US09622643B2

A fabric care device comprising a body having first and second ends for attaching respective first and second fabric care attachments, wherein at least one of the first and second ends is adapted to detachably attach one of the first and second fabric care attachments. An attachment for a fabric care device selected from the group consisting of a depiller, a delinter, a fabric pile restorer, and a brush.
US09622636B1

The washcloth includes a pouch with an opening, the opening having an elastic fabric around the perimeter of the opening enabling the opening to be stretched to fit a soap bar larger than the opening itself and into the pouch. The soap bar is inserted into the pouch, thereby enabling a person to hold and use the soap bar and washcloth concurrently while bathing or showering. The washcloth enables a person to wash a portion of the body with one hand while holding the washcloth with the soap bar in direct contact with the body while the soap bar is retained in the pouch. The flexible opening also maintains the soap bar in the pouch as the soap bar being used by the person in the shower or bath shrinks. The washcloth may also be inverted and soap is applied indirectly to a portion of the body through the washcloth.
US09622635B2

An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush assembly to pivot the deck with respect to said chassis. The autonomous floor-cleaning robot also includes a side brush assembly mounted in combination with the chassis and powered by the motive subsystem to entrain particulates outside the periphery of the housing infrastructure and to direct such particulates towards the self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem.
US09622631B2

A surface cleaner including a housing and a blade assembly with a blade element. The blade assembly is movable between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the housing. A spring is coupled between the housing and the blade assembly, and the spring applies a force on the blade assembly to move the blade assembly toward the lowered position. The blade element is allowed to move toward the raised position, against the force, such that the force maintains the blade element in contact with a surface to be cleaned. In addition, when in the raised position, the blade element is held against the force and inhibited from moving toward the lowered position.
US09622629B1

A toilet brush that is self-cleaning and retractable for hygienic storage. The toilet brush includes a handle, a connecting shaft, a tubular enclosure, a removable brush, a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources, and a battery. The handle is terminally connected to the connecting shaft to provide a user with a grasping element. The removable brush is adjacently and concentrically to the connected shaft, opposite the handle. The tubular enclosure houses the removable brush and is positioned concentric with the connecting shaft, adjacent to the removable brush. Additionally, the tubular enclosure is slidably mounted to the connected shat, opposite the handle. The plurality of UV light sources kills or inactivates microorganisms on the removable brush. As such, the plurality of UV light sources is distributed about an inner surface of the tubular enclosure and is powered by the battery. The battery is internally mounted within the connecting shaft.
US09622628B2

The disposable folding potty made of sheet layer material consisting of walls connected by side edges defining the inner space of the potty in the form of an accordion and having folds in the bottom part, and including a bag with an absorbent pad between its seat and its walls, where there are two more edges folding outwards (22) than inwards (22′), and the walls (21) are connected with the seat of the potty (14) by glued rectangular wings (15) which are placed on the end of the vertical walls (21), folded in the same direction. The potty has side rubber bands (101) hooked onto the base of the potty and the seat which help with the opening of the potty and its stabilization once opened. The potty also has a rubber band (18) and foil handles (19) for closing and transportation.
US09622626B1

The clip assembly includes a tube that has a top end and a bottom end. A first disk is coupled to the tube. The first disk is positioned proximate the bottom end of the tube. A second disk is removably coupled to the top end of the tube. The roll of paper towels is inserted onto the tube. The roll of paper towels is retained between the first and second disks. A clamp is coupled to the bottom end of the tube. The clamp selectively engages the object. The tube is retained on the object.
US09622620B2

A hand-held device for cutting small food items includes a housing, a cutting member disposed adjacent a lower end of the housing, a plunger movable with respect to the housing toward and away from the cutting member, and a spring cooperating with the plunger. The housing includes a side wall having an opening through which small food items are loaded into an interior compartment of the housing. The plunger includes a ram for contacting a small food item loaded into the interior compartment of the housing, a button for being pressed by an operator's thumb to move the ram toward the cutting member, and a plunger rod connecting the button with the ram. The spring cooperates with the plunger biasing the ram away from the cutting member. Wings can be provided on the housing.
US09622618B2

Coffee grinder includes two grinding discs that can be rotated in opposite directions, the axial distance between which defines the degree of grinding of the coffee powder produced. The grinding discs are mounted one over the other within a grinder body, the lower grinding disc being rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation while the upper grinding disc can be adjusted non-rotatably and by an eccentric shaft relative to the lower grinding disc in the direction of the vertical axis of rotation. By rotating the eccentric shaft with a motorized drive, the space between the grinding discs can be changed. This enables almost infinite regulation of the degree of grinding when preparing the coffee.
US09622613B2

A beverage forming system and method in which a wall member mounted to a frame of the system defines a first portion of a chamber, and a cartridge holder movably mounted relative to the frame and the wall member defines a second portion of the chamber. The cartridge holder may have an opening to receive a cartridge and be arranged to hold and move a cartridge between an open position and a closed position. A cover, which may be moveable relative to the wall member and/or the cartridge holder, may be arranged to cover the opening of the cartridge holder with the cartridge holder in the closed position. Thus, with the cartridge holder in the closed position and the cover covering the opening, the cartridge holder, the wall member and the cover define the chamber in a closed state in which a cartridge held by the cartridge holder is enclosed.
US09622608B1

A shoehorn including an elongated blade defining a laterally extending arched geometry with lateral sides that are higher than the center portion and a substantially hollow handle defining a design feature selected by the user inspired by a favorite pastime such as golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, or other generally spherical members is provided. A method of producing a shoehorn including a handle feature inspired by a particular hobby of the user includes providing a polymeric material, injection molding the polymeric material into the shape of a blade as described above, and saving a significant amount of manufacturing material (at least 50%) by molding the handle feature with a substantially hollow center and about one half of the handle defining a plurality of cores therein is also provided.
US09622602B2

A method and system for a barrier system configured to controllably block egress from and ingress to a predetermined area is provided. The barrier system includes a barrier panel including a barrier screen that is at least one of transparent and translucent such that viewing the predetermined area through the barrier system is permitted, the barrier screen is removable from the barrier panel and replaceable with another different barrier screen selectable by a user. The barrier system also includes a support device including an attachment assembly configured to support the barrier panel in a vertical orientation through a side of the barrier panel.
US09622597B2

Garment rack and garment transport system. A collapsible and mobile garment rack is disclosed that can be easily and efficiently erected and collapsed by a single user. The erected garment rack can be used to hang garments across a hanger pole and display shoes on an elevated shoe rack. The garment rack is self containing and collapses easily and efficiently into a tray and cover board. The garment rack is easily maneuvered while erected or collapsed on a set of casters located at the bottom of the garment rack. Additionally, the garment rack can be used as part of a clothing transport system which comprises a clothing transport bag that attaches to the top of the cover board while the garment rack is collapsed. This way, the garments and garment rack can be transported as one unit.
US09622589B2

An air mattress with an internal pump, includes a plurality of air cell groups lined up in a lengthwise direction of the air mattress, each of which groups is made from a plurality of bladder-shaped cells, all of the bladder-shaped cells of said air cell groups being rod-shaped cells extending in a widthwise direction of the air mattress, and being lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress, an air supply/release pump, an air tube linking said air cell groups and said air supply/release pump in a system for each air cell group of two or more air cell groups out of said air cell groups, a connector for connecting said air supply/release pump and said air tube detachably, and a controller for controlling the pressure within the bladder-shaped cells for each of the air cell groups among the air cell groups.
US09622583B1

A folding chair is provided. The folding chair comprises a chair framework and a chair cover installed on the framework. The framework comprises a back pipe, rear foot pipes, seat frame pipes, armrest pipes, armrest supporting pipes, a rear crossed pipe, a front crossed pipe and connecting pipes respectively arranged. The back pipe is respectively provided with a U-shaped hinge, a back sliding piece and a connection fixing piece from top to bottom. The back pipe is rotatably connected with one end of the rear foot pipes through the connection fixing piece; one end of the connecting pipes is rotatably connected with the back sliding piece sleeved on the back pipe; the middle is rotatably connected with the seat frame pipe; the other end of the connecting pipes is rotatably connected with the rear foot sliding piece sleeved on the rear foot pipe.
US09622582B2

A collapsible chair includes a collapsible seat having a front portion and an opposing rear portion and a collapsible back. The collapsible back includes a first back support member and a second back support member. Each of the first back support member and the second back support member includes an arcuate portion extending toward the front portion of the collapsible seat. A back membrane is coupled to the back support members and spans a distance between the back support members.
US09622577B2

A gun safe is disclosed. In some embodiments, the gun safe may include a safe body defined at least by a back, a first side, a second side, a top, a bottom, and a front, the front comprising an opening; a door coupled with the first side and/or the front and configured to open and close; a lower shelf coupled with the door having a first shape; and an upper shelf coupled with the door, the upper shelf having a second shape and comprising a plurality of holes configured to secure a barrel of a firearm.
US09622575B2

A storage propane tank storage cabinet including a frame, a door operably attached to the frame, and a locking bar operably attached to the frame, the locking bar configured to move from a first position to a second position, wherein, when in the second position, the locking bar covers a portion of the door proximate a top corner of the door and proximate a bottom corner of the door to prevent unauthorized access to an interior of the frame is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
US09622572B1

A lyre for retaining musical copy or other leaf-style items is particularly suited for marching band brass instruments. The configuration incorporates the use of a saddle which is selectively positioned on the instrument to permit a user to read the copy in a hands-free scenario. Straps are employed to cinch the saddle into place on the instrument while a lyre extends perpendicularly from the saddle. This particular lyre is designed to accommodate a larger amount of copy.
US09622569B2

A folding table is disclosed which has a table top and a leg assembly. The leg assembly includes a pair of unitary legs and a pair of collapsible legs. Each unitary leg has a top end and a bottom end. Each collapsible leg includes a lower leg portion and an upper leg portion pivotally coupled at its lower end through a second pivot. The lower leg portion has top end with a locking flange which extends outwardly so as to abut the upper leg portion when the collapsible leg is in a fully extended position. The lower leg portion has a bottom end. The bottom ends of both the unitary legs and the collapsible legs contact the support surface while the folding table is in both its extended and collapsed configurations.
US09622565B2

An injection-molded plastic sealing cap having a tubular cap body with a longitudinal axis, which cap body transitions integrally into a plate that extends at least predominantly in a radial direction, in which the inner circumference of the tubular cap body has at least one holding projection that protrudes radially inward into the inner space that is circumferentially encompassed by the cap body, wherein the plate has a window that is associated with the at least one holding projection and is aligned with the holding projection with which it is associated, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sealing cap.
US09622559B2

An interchangeable handbag system includes a stand alone foundation handbag having an inner storage accommodating surface and an outer decorative surface. The foundation handbag may have regions, such as a hollow interior, front panel, a rear panel and a bottom panel connected by at least one edge to form a hollow container open at a top end thereof. Alternately the foundation handbag may be a flexible open-top container with a closed bottom, where the hollow interior, front and rear regions are part of the continuous container. The handbag system includes one or more reversible and/or non-reversible outer bottomless band trim covers that fit over a portion of the foundation bag in a nested arrangement. The bottomless band trim covers may fit over a portion of the foundation bag and/or another bottomless band trim cover. The bottomless band trim covers and foundation bag are connected by one and/or multiple fastening structures.
US09622543B2

A shoe lacing system is provided that can include a shoelace attachment portion disposed on a tongue of the shoe lacing system between a pair of shoelace receivers, the shoelace attachment portion includes notches disposed on the shoelace attachment portion to receive and couple the shoelace. The shoe lacing system can include a pair of sliding members coupled underneath a pair of shoelace receivers that are adapted to move along a track underneath the pair of sliding members, the ends of each of the loop segments are coupled to either one of the pair of shoelace receivers or one of the pair of sliding members. The shoe lacing system can include shoelace loops that are tensioned by pulling each of the shoelace loops and crossing and coupling each of the shoelace loops to notches disposed outside of each of the pair of shoelace outlets.
US09622540B2

A shank for an article of footwear including a substantially planar base portion extending within a first plane in the longitudinal and lateral directions and a substantially planar ramp portion designed to absorb footwear loads in a vertical direction, the ramp portion extending, in an uncompressed state, within a second plane that is oblique to the first plane. The base portion and the ramp portion are arranged such that they do not overlap in the vertical direction. A sole assembly is also described and includes an outsole divided into a first portion located at a forefoot portion of the sole assembly and a second portion located at an arch portion of the sole assembly. The second portion is designed to contact the midsole in a compressed state and form a gap between when a load is removed. Related methods of manufacturing are also described.
US09622539B2

A skate boot comprising an outer shell including medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Each of the medial and lateral side portions has an upper edge. The skate boot also comprises a lace member mounted to either of the upper edges of the medial and lateral side portions. The lace member has at least one opening for receiving an insert. The lace member has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the at least one opening and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the at least one opening. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.
US09622522B2

A garment transformable among two or more configurations comprising a flexible tube and a fastener mechanism. The flexible tube comprises a tube wall defining first and second openings. The tube wall comprises first and second apertures. The fastener mechanism is adapted to adjustably close at least a portion of the first aperture to vary an effective length of the first aperture. The flexible tube is adapted to be worn by a user in an arm-covering configuration. Preferably, the flexible tube is also adapted to be worn in a scarf configuration, a first dress configuration, a second dress configuration, and a skirt configuration.
US09622517B2

The present invention is directed to a full zippered garment having improved access to an inner undergarment worn by the wearer. Desirably, the flap located on the front of the pants provides the functions and the appearance of a normal pair of pants and use as a stain barrier thereat.
US09622511B2

A leakproof atomizer includes a cigarette holder assembly, an atomization assembly, a heating assembly, and a liquid storage assembly. The liquid storage assembly is provided with an annular wall for dividing an internal cavity thereof into a first and a second liquid storage chambers in communication with each other via liquid holes in the annular wall. When the liquid storage assembly is assembled with the heating assembly and the cigarette holder assembly is disassembled from the liquid storage assembly, a bottom portion of the atomization assembly is separated from the heating assembly and hermetically connected with the liquid holes. When both the cigarette holder assembly and the heating assembly are assembled with the liquid storage assembly, the cigarette holder assembly presses downwards the atomization assembly, the atomization assembly is separated from the liquid holes, and the bottom portion of the atomization assembly is press-fitted with the heating assembly.
US09622510B2

The object of the application is a transfer disc (2) for the transferring of tobacco industry's rod-like articles (5) provided with lugs (3), where the disc is characterized in that a front surface (3A) of the lug (3) is inclined in a direction corresponding to the direction (T1) of rotation of the transfer disc (2), and the lug (3) is configured so that it hits a rod-like article (5) above the longitudinal axis (X) of the rod-like article (5).
US09622509B2

A method and device for the plasma perforation of tipping paper, wherein a low temperature plasma is generated on the surface of the tipping paper by briefly ionizing a gas mixture using an energy source that is as close in form to a point as possible, wherein the ionizable gas mixture is locally restricted to a very small surface region of the tipping paper.
US09622506B2

A food composition and method of making is provided, the food composition comprising a soft food and at least one thickening agent, a polymerized edible matrix encapsulating the soft food and at least one thickening agent, wherein an outer surface of the soft food and at least one thickening agent substantially adheres to an inner surface of the polymerized edible matrix encapsulating the soft food and at least one thickening agent.
US09622505B2

The process of producing maple syrup from maple sap can include concentrating the maple sap to a sugar content of between 30 and 50° Brix using membrane filtration, including increasing a differential pressure of the membrane filtration in accordance with an increasing of an osmotic pressure as the sugar content increases to eventually reach the sugar content of between 30 and 50° Brix; and subjecting the concentrated maple sap having a sugar content of between 30 and 50° Brix to evaporation until it transforms into maple syrup.
US09622495B2

Methods are provided which include steeping and/or spraying a harvested cereal grain, such as barley, wheat, rye, millet, corn (maize), rice, or oats, in or with an aqueous solution including an effective amount of chlorine dioxide to provide a treated cereal grain. The treated cereal grain obtained from chlorine-dioxide steeping and/or spraying generally has a reduced microorganism and/or toxin content, and may be subjected to additional malting processes.
US09622488B2

The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of plants against pathogens, elimination of insects and to increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables that includes coating the plant with undiluted aloe vera gel.
US09622485B2

This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.
US09622479B2

Compounds having one of the following formulae: wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl or aryl and R1 and R2 may be the same or different, wherein R1 is alkyl or aryl, or wherein alkyl is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl having C1-20 and wherein aryl is an aromatic ring having C1-15. Also methods of using the compounds, including method of inhibiting an ethylene response in a plant.
US09622478B2

Embodiments of the invention relate to compositions for topical administration to dogs and cats comprising the active components dinotefuran and flumethrin, and methods for the treatment and prevention of flea and tick infestation comprising topical administration of such compositions.
US09622472B2

Described herein are methods and compositions for enhancing pathogen immunity in plants and improving plant growth.
US09622453B2

Ranchers and other owners of livestock commonly have a need for a transportable means of setting up a corral for numerous purposes. Sorting must take place in a remote location or a location without a permanent corral, which are prohibitively time consuming and expensive to build. In many cases, a simple, but robust, fencing structure is needed to guide the cattle in the proper direction into a separate sorting corral. A preferred embodiment of the Portable Cattle Wing is comprised of two twenty-four foot panels; two twenty-two foot panels; two twelve foot panels; two four foot gates; two twelve foot gates; a main frame; a plurality of swing-out braces; and a goose-neck hitch.
US09622451B2

The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-191 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races Bl:1 to Bl:32 and CA-I to CA-VIII, resistance to currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, as well as having a hollow main vein, broad base leaves, a small head size and a small plant size. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-191 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-191 RZ.
US09622434B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV045887. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV045887, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV045887 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV045887 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV045887.
US09622429B2

The invention relates to the use of a peptide comprising a six-member ring created by the disulfide bond between two cysteines in the increase of biomass of a photosynthetic organism, for its application in the wood industry, in obtaining energy coming from renewable sources and in agriculture.
US09622424B2

A wavelength emitting electronic device for enhancing growth of a plurality of plants includes a supporting frame member, at least one printed circuit board (PCB), and an optically transmittive material. The supporting frame member includes a first surface and a second surface. The PCB includes an array of light sources. The PCB is detachably attached to the second surface of the supporting frame. The array of light sources receives electrical signals from a circuit rectification module power source. Each light source of the array of light sources emits light of predetermined wavelengths. The optically transmittive material is fixedly attached to the supporting frame member for transmitting the light emitted by the array of light sources to the plants for enhancing growth of plants.
US09622418B2

An apparatus for inserting a tag into a bale of agricultural material during bale production is configured such that the tag is inserted within the bale material within reading distance of an outer surface of the final bale. In square bales, the tag is placed in either the first or last slice of the bale. In round bales, the tag is place in the outer circumferential layer of the bale as it is formed. The tag may be gravity fed or forcibly fed into the stream of crop material as it passes from the baling apparatus pick-up to the baling chamber.
US09622405B2

A sickle cutting apparatus includes a plurality of triple finger knife guards which are arranged side by side along the cutter bar to cooperate with a reciprocating sickle bar carrying a row of double blade knife sections and a set of hold-down members carrying hold-down fingers. The hold-down members are arranged alternately as a single finger and double finger with each hold-down member being connected to the cutter bar in association with a respective triple guard. In this way the hold-down fingers are arranged at alternate guard fingers leaving the intervening guard fingers open. The system includes both pointed guards with no tang and stub guard so that the user can select either to be used with the hold-downs. The hold down fingers are all individually adjustable so that the double hold-down have two adjustment screws which can be individually operated causing flexing of the bridge between the double fingers.
US09629295B2

A soldering iron station and a method thereof for a soldering joint connection validation, the method including: identifying a type of the soldering cartridge being used; performing a preliminary validation by measuring the soldering tip temperature, after the soldering event has started; monitoring the power level delivered to the soldering tip to detect liquidus occurrence; determining the thickness of an intermetallic component (IMC) of the soldering joint; determining whether the thickness of the IMC is within a predetermined range, within a predetermined cooling time period; and indicating that a reliable soldering joint connection is formed, when the thickness of the IMC is within the predetermined range, within the predetermined cooling time period.
US09629292B2

An electronic component is mounted on a substrate according to a mounting mode which is set in advance in the following mounting information when component mounting work is performed. In the mounting information, any one of a first mounting mode in which an electronic component is transferred and mounted to a mounting position which is corrected based on a positional-shift amount between a position of printed solder and a position of an electrode and a second mounting mode in which the electronic component is transferred and mounted to the mounting position by considering only the position of the electrode as a reference, is set as a mounting mode for performance for each electronic component.
US09629283B2

A compressible thermally conductive sheet comprises a plurality of through holes in a foam material substantially connecting first and second heat transfer surfaces to provide thermal pathways between surfaces. The though holes are filled with a non-foam thermally conductive composition in which thermally-conductive particulate filler is dispersed in a polymeric matrix. Also disclosed is a heat management assembly comprising the compressible thermally conductive sheet.
US09629275B1

A carrierless mass storage device retainer assembly for retaining a carrierless mass storage device in a vertical orientation comprises a generally horizontal supporting surface, a generally vertical backplane and a retainer. The supporting surface is configured to receive a first side surface of a carrierless mass storage device and to support it from below with its second side surface facing upwards in a generally vertical direction. The backplane is positioned adjacent an end of the horizontal supporting surface and has a connector configured to establish an electrical connection between the carrierless mass storage device and the backplane. The retainer comprises a bail coupled to the supporting surface and shaped to extend around the carrierless mass storage device and to contact at least its second side surface when it is installed.
US09629269B2

An eletrical wiring device includes a housing having a front outer surface is visible during use and in an installed position, a side surface and a rear surface. Printed indicia is provided on the side surface of the housing or a front surface of the housing for identifying the location of compliance installation instructions for installing the electrical wiring device in a wiring system. The printed indicia is oriented to be visible by the installer during installation of the electrical wiring device and is oriented to be covered by a faceplate after installation of the electrical wiring device. Printed compliance installation instruction indicia is provided on the housing for installing the electrical wiring device in the electrical system. The compliance installation instruction indicia is oriented to be visible by the installer during installation of the electrical wiring device in the electrical system.
US09629268B2

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, and there is provided a mobile terminal including a terminal body having a front surface and a rear surface, a rear input unit comprising a first button portion externally exposed from the rear surface to receive a push input with a first function and a second button portion provided with keys disposed at both sides, respectively, around the first button portion to receive a push input with a second function different from the first function, and a sensor disposed at a lower portion of the first button portion, wherein the second button portion is provided with a through hole accommodating the first button portion to dispose the first button portion between the keys, and the sensor is disposed to overlap with an inner region of the through hole, and at least part thereof is formed to overlap with a first switch for activating the first button portion.
US09629266B2

A mounting device for a display module includes a positioning member and an installation member. The positioning member includes a limiting portion and a positioning piece. The limiting portion defines a first receiving slot. The positioning piece defines a cutout. The installation member is secured to the positioning member and includes an elastically deformable limiting block. The installation member defines a second receiving slot and a limiting slot. A limiting rib is located on the limiting block and in the limiting slot. The first receiving slot and the second receiving slot rotatably receive a rotating shaft of the display module therebetween. The limiting block abuts a connecting shaft connected to the rotating shaft and blocks the connecting shaft in the limiting slot. The cutout is adapted to receive the connecting shaft when the rotating shaft is rotated to rotate the connecting shaft out of the limiting slot.
US09629265B2

A cooling structure is designed for an electronic device including a plurality of fans causing cooling air, a plurality of electronic parts serving as heat sources, and a plurality of power source units, all of which are arranged inside the housing. The electronic parts are positioned in the downstream side of cooling air produced by the fans, while the power source units are positioned in the further downstream side of cooling air compared to the electronic parts. The power source units are spaced out from each other in the perpendicular direction to the cooling airflow direction of cooling air such that the power source units do not overlap with the electronic parts in the cooling airflow direction in plan view. The cooling structure prevents cooling air, which is temporarily warmed by the electronic parts, from directly flowing into the power source units, thus improving a cooling effect.
US09629264B2

A display device housing and corresponding receiving bracket may provide a snap-in or screwless configuration to place a monitor into a wall bracket or self-standing display housing. In one example the apparatus includes a display housing that includes an electronic display affixed to a mounting bracket which rests along the perimeter of the electronic display and which comprises at least two spring loaded securing tabs, and a receiving bracket configured to house the display housing and the mounting bracket in a secure position with at least two receiving slots form-fitted to receive the at least two spring loaded securing tabs and provide a secure spring loaded locking position that maintains the display device housing and the mounting bracket in a locked position.
US09629262B2

A frame is secured to a first circuit board by provisions and respective fasteners to form a first circuit board assembly. A second circuit board has a second connector portion for mating with the first connector portion of the first circuit board. A holder overlies the second circuit board. The holder has a recess with an opening for the second connector portion to extend through. A clearance gap between the interior perimeter of the recess and the outer perimeter of the circuit board assembly allows alignment or registration of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. A lid is connected to the holder via one or more fasteners to secure the first circuit board assembly with respect to the second circuit board.
US09629258B2

Provided are a semiconductor substrate manufacturing apparatus and a substrate treating method, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for performing a reflow treating process on a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus treating apparatus includes a load port on which a carrier accommodating a substrate is seated, a substrate treating module including one reflow treating unit or a plurality of reflow treating units for performing a reflow process on the substrate, and a substrate transfer module including a transfer robot transferring the substrate between the load port and the substrate treating module, the substrate transfer module being disposed between the load port and the substrate treating module. The reflow treating unit includes a process chamber having a treating space therein and an exhaust member exhausting a fluid within the process chamber. The exhaust member includes a plurality of individual exhaust lines connecting a plurality of process chambers to each other and a common exhaust line connected to the plurality of individual exhaust lines to exhaust the fluid to the outside of the substrate treating module.
US09629256B2

The present invention relates to connector tools for seating connectors on a substrate such as a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, the connector tools can be made by wire electrode discharge machining (WEDM) process. In the embodiments, the connector tool includes reinforced ribbed end walls, ribbed internal walls, interconnected walls and contours that reduce tool and connector damage. In other embodiments, the connector tools include guiding structures that align the connector tool to the connector before seating the connector so that the connector tool aligns to the connector pins and body to avoid damage to the connector and/or the substrate. In another embodiment, the connector tool has guiding skirts and surfaces to capture the connector in position then seat the connector. Thus, the invention reduces connector and substrate damage during manufacturing, reduces tool damage, and lowers product costs by boosting manufacturing yields.
US09629254B2

Disclosed herein are embodiments of an epoxy casting resin system which can be used to at least partially cover an electronic component or mechanism. In some embodiments, the epoxy resin can have a low viscosity, while maintaining advantageous physical, thermal, and electrical properties. Further described are methods for making embodiments of the epoxy casting resin.
US09629245B2

The invention provides a spacer for soldering comprising an elongate body having one end provided with a tapped hole and an opposite end provided with a transverse bearing surface having a smooth centering peg projecting therefrom, the peg has a longitudinal outer passage extending over at least a fraction of its length as far as the transverse bearing surface to enable molten solder to penetrate by capillarity as far as the transverse bearing surface. The invention also provides a module including such a spacer.
US09629243B2

An electronic component-embedded module mountable on a motherboard has a multilayer board wherein a cavity is formed in order to place an electronic component. The multilayer board includes a board-side resin layer with external electrodes for mounting onto the motherboard and board-side via-conductors connected thereto, an intermediate resin layer with intermediate via-conductors connected to the board-side via-conductors, and a component-side resin layer stacked on the intermediate resin layer and having component-side via-conductors. The component-side via-conductors include first component-side via-conductors connected to the intermediate via-conductors and second component-side via-conductors bonded to the electronic component and connected to the first component-side via-conductors. An intermediate volume ratio obtained by dividing a total volume of the intermediate via-conductors by a volume of the intermediate resin layer is less than a component-side volume ratio obtained by dividing a total volume of the component-side via-conductors by a volume of the component-side resin layer.
US09629242B2

Provided is an optically transparent electrode of which the visibility of the electrode pattern is low. The optically transparent electrode is produced by joining two optically transparent conductive materials each having, on one side of the optically transparent base material, a large lattice 11 formed of a grid-like conductive part and a connector 12 which has at least one connector lattice 16 and which electrically connects adjacent large lattices 11, and is characterized by that the two optically transparent conductive materials are overlapped so that the centers of the connectors 12 thereof approximately coincide, and by that at least one of the two optically transparent conductive materials has a broken lattice 31 where a part of a thin line is broken and electrical conductivity is lost at a position corresponding to the overlapped connectors 12 and/or to a portion surrounded by the large lattice 11 and the connector 12.
US09629241B2

A printed circuit board, a ball grid array package and a wiring method of a printed circuit board are provided. The printed circuit board comprises: a substrate, the substrate including a plurality of insulating layers stacked and a plurality of conductive layers disposed between adjacent insulating layers; a plurality of pads, disposed in a two-dimensional matrix on a surface of the substrate; and a plurality of via holes, disposed corresponding to each pad and running through the substrate and the corresponding pad. The ball grid array package according to an embodiment of the invention comprises the above-described printed circuit board.
US09629234B2

There is provided a wiring member including: a wiring substrate including wirings including a ground line, and a first insulating layer that covers the wirings and has an opening portion exposing at least a portion of the ground line; a first conductive sheet sandwiched between a second insulating layer and a conductive bonding layer disposed on the first insulating layer and electrically connected to the ground line through the opening portion; a second conductive sheet including first and second electrically connectable portions to another member, the first connection portion disposed between a portion of the first conductive sheet and the wiring substrate to be electrically connected to the conductive bonding layer of the first conductive sheet; and a shielding member that is disposed to be electrically connected to the second connection portion of the second conductive sheet.
US09629218B1

A bleeder circuit for use with a driver circuit having input circuitry that receives an ac input signal and outputs a rectified voltage signal at a positive terminal. The driver circuit further including converter and output circuitry operably coupled to a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The bleeder circuit including a first resistor having a first terminal coupled to the positive terminal, and a heat sensor positioned to detect an increase in temperature of the first resistor. The heat sensor produces a heat sense signal in response to the temperature increase. A bleeder heat controller is coupled to receive the heat sense signal and produce a heat control signal in response thereto. A switching device controls a bleeder current flowing through the first resistor. The switching device receives the heat sense signal, which turns the switching device off when the temperature of the first resistor exceeding a predetermined threshold.
US09629212B2

A control unit for a LED assembly includes a first and second LED unit, the LED units being serial connected. The LED assembly, in use, is powered by a switched mode power supply. The control unit being arranged to receive an input signal representing a desired output characteristic of the LED assembly, determine a first and second duty cycle for respective LED units associated with a nominal current of the switched mode power supply, for providing the desired output characteristic, determine the largest of the first and second duty cycles for respective LED units, determine a reduced current based on at least the largest of the duty cycles, adjust the first and second duty cycle for respective LED units based on the reduced current, and provide an output signal for the LED assembly and the switched mode power supply based on the adjusted first and second duty cycles and the reduced current for obtaining the desired characteristic.
US09629202B2

In a method of operating a device configured to communicate according to at least a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, a time division multiplexing (TDM) pattern is obtained. The TDM pattern is defined for communication according to the first communication protocol is obtained. The TDM pattern defines communication periodicity that includes a scheduled period and an unscheduled period. A guard interval is reserved within the unscheduled period, and the unscheduled period is used for communication according to the second communication protocol. The guard interval is used to transition to an inactive state with respect to the second communication protocol.
US09629201B2

A system and method for operating a human control interface (HCI) for one or more devices in a wireless network. A first device in the wireless network determines an amount of noise in the wireless network, and selects one of a plurality of sounding techniques based at least in part on the determined amount of noise. The wireless communications device further detects a pattern of Doppler shifts in a received set of wireless signals using the selected sounding technique, and identifies a Doppler signature based at least in part on the pattern of Doppler shifts. The wireless communications device then associates the Doppler signature with a user input for controlling a second device in the wireless network.
US09629179B2

A method for processing local access connections is provided. When a user terminal is in a connected state and accesses through a hybrid mode home nodeB, a mobility management entity of a core network detects that closed subscriber group (CSG) membership of the user terminal changes or times out (401). The mobility management entity of the core network initiates releasing of all the activated local access packet data network (PDN) connections or notifies the home nodeB to trigger a local gateway to initiate releasing of all the activated local access PDN connections (402).
US09629175B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for scheduling user data, and the method includes: acquiring a power limitation manner in which power limitation is implemented on user data of a user; acquiring an actual scheduling weight of the user after the power limitation is implemented in accordance with the power limitation manner; and transmitting the user data of the user on a resource block according to the actual scheduling weight of the user. This method combines different power limitation manners with scheduling criteria and updates the scheduling weight according to the power limitation manner, so that a scheduling result is more in line with a channel state, and system performance is improved.
US09629172B2

A mobile telecommunications network is configured to dynamically adapt transmitted content according to the channel quality of the network link connecting a destination mobile device to the mobile telecommunications network. Channel quality indicators (CQIs) for the mobile devices associated with the mobile telecommunications network are cached at one or more support nodes of a core network. Components of the core network therefore can request the CQI of a mobile device from a corresponding support node rather than repeating a process of determining anew the condition of the network linking to a mobile device each time content is to be communicated to or from a mobile device. A service provider receiving the CQI for a mobile device from the cache of a support node can adapt the content to be provided to the mobile device to the particular conditions of the network represented by the CQI.
US09629168B2

A data transmission apparatus in a communication system includes a reception unit configured to receive terminal information from a plurality of terminals through a new frequency band for transmission and reception of data between the plurality of terminals and an AP (access point); a determination unit configured to determine access timing of the terminals to the AP by using the terminal information, and generate terminal access information including information on the access timing; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the terminal access information and beacon frames to the terminals, wherein the terminals access the AP and transmit data frames to the AP, at the access timing based on the beacon frames.
US09629165B2

A transport block size (TBS) of a first uplink message (RACH Msg3) transmitted on a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) during a random access procedure in a User Equipment (UE) accessing a radio access network may be determined by receiving a pathloss threshold parameter. A downlink pathloss value indicative of radio link conditions between the UE and a base station (eNB) serving the UE is then determined. A smaller value of TBS is selected from a set of TBS values if the determined pathloss value is greater than an operating power level of the UE minus the pathloss threshold parameter. A larger value of TBS is selected if the pathloss value is less than the operating power level of the UE minus the pathloss threshold parameter and the TBS required to transmit the RACH Msg3 exceeds the smaller TBS value.
US09629158B2

A method includes, for a selected user equipment for signals corresponding in part to the selected user equipment and received by antennas from a number of cells, wherein each cell has one or more antennas, and wherein each signal is from an individual one of the antennas, performing the following: estimating carrier frequency offset for each cell using one or more of the signals from the cell; performing frequency offset correction on each signal from each cell by using at least the estimated carrier frequency offset for an associated cell; estimating a channel for each frequency offset corrected signal; and combining, using the estimated channels, each of the frequency offset corrected signals to generate one or more estimates of one or more symbols transmitted from the selected user equipment. A second frequency offset correction may be performed subsequent to the combining. Apparatus, computer programs, and software are also disclosed.
US09629157B2

A method of controlling a frequency selection of a PLL used in cooperation with a device of a wireless communication network, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) network, the method comprising: —receiving a first set of signal measurements; —comparing the first set of signal measurements with a first threshold and, selectively switching the PLL frequency from a first value to a second value as a result of the comparison of the first set of signal measurements with the first threshold; —further receiving a second set of signal measurements; and, —comparing the second set of signal measurements with a second threshold, different from the first threshold, and selectively switching the PLL frequency from the second value to the first value as a result of the comparison of the second set of signal measurements with the second threshold.
US09629153B2

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for adaptive dwell time for scan procedures. An access terminal (AT) may identify a scan period associated with performing a scan procedure on a first channel. The AT may analyze a channel congestion metric during the scan period and determine based, at least in part, on the channel congestion metric whether to exit the first channel. The AT may provide a probe request for transmission on a second channel during a remaining portion of the scan period based on the determination to exit the first channel.
US09629149B2

It is an object of the present invention to adequately report the SRS transmission timing and SRS parameters to a mobile terminal apparatus, when an aperiodic SRS is adopted, and efficiently use radio resources to be used for SRS transmission. A radio base station apparatus that reports SRS transmission control information to a mobile terminal apparatus and controls transmission of an SRS by the mobile terminal apparatus, and the radio base station apparatus has an SRS setting section that selects bit information to report to the mobile terminal apparatus, from a table having bit information to indicate not to trigger the SRS and bit information to indicate to trigger the SRS using a default SRS parameter, and a reporting section that reports the bit information for the mobile terminal apparatus using a downlink control channel.
US09629148B2

A method is provided for transmitting and receiving at least one of control information and a response signal at a user equipment (UE) in a carrier aggregation based wireless communication system. A first cell group having a primary cell (PCell) is configured. A second cell group having one or more secondary cells (SCells) is configured. A procedure of transmitting and receiving at least one of specific cell-related control information and a response signal is performed. If the first cell group and the second cell group are managed by a same base station, at least one of the control information and the response signal is transmitted and received on the first cell group or the second cell group. If the first cell group and the second cell group are managed by different base stations, at least one of the control information and the response signal is transmitted and received only on one of the first cell group or the second cell group according to control information type.
US09629137B2

A wireless communication system is disclosed. A method and apparatus for allowing a user equipment (UE) to transmit uplink control information through a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) are disclosed. A method for allowing a UE to transmit uplink control information through a PUSCH in a wireless communication system includes receiving configuration information about a plurality of PUSCH feedback modes, identifying information indicating a specific PUSCH feedback mode for the PUSCH by using uplink allocation information for the PUSCH, and transmitting the uplink control information through the PUSCH in accordance with the specific PUSCH feedback mode.
US09629136B1

Disclosed is method and apparatus to help reduce PRACH interference. In accordance with the disclosure, when a first base station determines that there is a threshold level of interference from a second base station, the first base station transmits to the second base station a directive that causes the second base station to reduce PUSCH transmission in PUSCH resources that are coincident in frequency with the first base station's PRACH. In a scenario where two base stations provide overlapping coverage and operate on the same frequency as each other, and where coverage of the second base station may interfere with coverage of the first base station, this process may thereby help to minimize or eliminate interference that PUSCH communication in the second base station's coverage area would have on PRACH communication in the first base station's coverage area.
US09629128B2

A method in a communication network includes obtaining descriptions of a plurality of communication channels each communication channel associated with a different one of a plurality of receivers; and generating a plurality of steering vectors, one for each of the plurality of receivers, using the descriptions of the plurality of communication channels; wherein each steering vector is used to transmit data to a corresponding one of the plurality receivers via a plurality of antennas and over a corresponding one of the communication channels simultaneously and wherein each steering vector is used to communicate data on a different one of the plurality of communication channels, and wherein each steering vector is generated to reduce interference on a corresponding communication channel caused by simultaneous transmission of data on other communication channels.
US09629114B2

Method for wire-free transmission of data packets between network nodes in a control network, wherein the data packets each have a preamble for synchronization, which preamble consists of a predetermined number of preamble symbols; wherein, in a first operating mode (FIG. 5a), each preamble-subsymbol (Cj, Cj+1) of a preamble symbol in the preamble is coded by the phase angle of a transmitted single signal pulse; wherein, in a second operating mode (FIG. 5b), in order to increase the signal recognition performance, for the preamble which is transmitted in the data packet, a signal pulse sequence (SIF) for coding the preamble-subsymbol (Cj, Cj+1) is transmitted instead of a single signal pulse, in which signal pulse sequence (SIF) the single signal pulse is transmitted repeatedly.
US09629113B2

An information broadcasting and interaction system includes: a control device; a Bluetooth smart network connected with the control device, including a plurality of node devices and sense devices, and configured to operate in a mesh mode, a beacon mode, or a deep sleep mode; and a plurality of user devices connected with the Bluetooth smart network. Each node device is configured to relay control and broadcast information or feedback information between the control device and any specific device in the Bluetooth smart network, and to broadcast customized information to the user devices in a predetermined range. Each sense device is configured to collect data with a sensor integrated with the device, and relay the data to the control device.
US09629111B2

Methods of operating a position network center, which includes at least one server, may include receiving timing-error data corresponding to a plurality of unsynchronized or loosely synchronized transmitters from at least one position network receiver. Moreover, the methods may include transmitting data indicating a plurality of timing errors by the plurality of unsynchronized or loosely synchronized transmitters to a wireless user device that receives signals from the plurality of unsynchronized or loosely synchronized transmitters. Related position network centers, position network receivers, and wireless user devices are also described.
US09629099B2

A radio communication apparatus and transmission power control method are disclosed, which can maintain communication with handsets while avoiding an increase in radio interference to another radio communication system as much as possible when radio communication is performed with one or more handsets. The handset transmits a communication start request signal to a base unit. Upon verifying the reception of the communication start request, the base unit measures the RSSI level of the communication start request signal transmitted from the handset, determines a transmission power value based on a power control table that has been updated with the measured RSSI level, and controls the transmission power of a control signal transmitted to the handset.
US09629096B2

A method of communicating in a picocell within a macrocell includes automatically setting an uplink transmit power of a mobile station to avoid uplink interference between the picocell and the macrocell. A disclosed example includes determining an allowable interference from the picocell to the macrocell. A path-loss between a mobile station and a macrocell is determined. An uplink transmit power of the mobile station for communicating in the picocell is determined based upon the determined allowable interference and the determined path-loss.
US09629093B2

A programmable transmitter circuit may be coupled to a controller circuit. The controller circuit may be configured to generate control signals based at least on a signal. The transmitter circuit may include a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell may include a respective first current source and a respective second current source. Each unit cell may be configured to be set in an activated state or a deactivated state based at least on the control signals. For a unit cell of the plurality of unit cells, when the unit cell is set in the activated state, the respective first current source or the respective second current source may be configured to generate a current to be applied to a load.
US09629087B2

The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for optimizing the power consumption of a terminal in a mobile communication system. The method for optimizing power consumption of a terminal in a mobile communication system comprises: a determination step of determining whether there is a need for changing a configuration for a discontinuous reception operation of the terminal; and a transmission step of transmitting, to a base station, a request message for a change in the discontinuous reception operation, if it is determined that the change is needed.
US09629077B2

In an information processing apparatus, a transmission unit transmits information stored by a storage unit to a communication apparatus when an access point corresponding to the information stored by the storage unit is an access point to which the communication apparatus is connectable, and transmits to the communication apparatus information on an access point selected using a displayed list when an access point corresponding to the information stored by the storage unit is not an access point to which the communication apparatus is connectable. The information processing apparatus communicates with the communication apparatus via an access point corresponding to information transmitted by the transmission unit.
US09629072B2

Provided is an apparatus and method for managing a neighbor list in a broadband wireless communication system. In the method, a user terminal generates a CINR list through initial cell scanning to transmit the generated CINR list to a base station. The base station transmits the CINR list to a server. The server updates a neighbor list of the base station on the basis of the CINR list.
US09629070B2

A wireless access point search device improved in a manner of storing search results. A wireless LAN interface searches for a wireless access point. A result receiving section stores an access point information item on the wireless access point found by the wireless LAN interface. When the sum of the number of access point information items stored in the result receiving section and the number of new wireless access point items on respective new wireless access points found by the wireless LAN interface is larger than a predetermined value, a panel controller determines, whether or not to store a new access point information item on each new wireless access point in the result receiving section, based on radio field intensity of the new wireless access point.
US09629063B2

Systems and methods are presented for topology discovery in a multi-hop ad hoc network. The method operates on two time and distance scales. Nodes periodically transmit messages to their immediate neighbors that enable the discovery of their two-hop network topologies (i.e., within two hops). Less frequently, nodes broadcast messages network-wide that enable the discovery of the global network topology at all nodes. In multi-hop ad hoc network architectures that are characterized by efficient broadcast protocols—e.g., Barrage Relay Networks—the proposed method provides a particularly efficacious means for global topology discovery.
US09629054B2

In a wireless communication system, a mobility factor is used to influence handoff. If a subscriber station has been in a low mobility state for some period of time, the system may handoff operation from a first service type to a second service type. If the mobility factor indicates that the subscriber station is moving, the system may handoff operation from the second service type back to the first service type.
US09629049B2

A UE performs a first communication with a base station provided in a cellular communication network and performs a second communication with an access point provided in a WLAN. The UE performs a cellular/WLAN interworking to perform a switch between the first communication and the second communication. The UE performs the switch between the first communication and the second communication based on a RAN assistance parameter provided from the cellular communication network. The UE determines, after an elapse of a predetermined time from an event that all of the first communication was switched to the second communication based on a first RAN assistance parameter provided as the RAN assistance parameter, whether to perform a switch from the second communication to the first communication based on a second RAN assistance parameter newly provided as the RAN assistance parameter.
US09629041B1

Disclosed is a method and system to help rectify errors in operation of a wireless communication system. When a base station detects one or more errors in operation of the system, the base station will automatically request and receive from an adjacent base station a set of one or more operational parameters that the adjacent base station is set to provide, and the base station will substitute the received operational parameters for those that the base station is set to provide to UEs. This process may thereby help to avoid recurrence of certain errors in operation of the system.
US09629038B2

A disclosed example method for requesting neighboring network information from a device involves encoding a request for neighboring network information and sending the request to an authentication server to obtain the neighboring network information. The example method also involves receiving a response to the request, retrieving the neighboring network information contained in the response, and decoding the neighboring network information. The decoded neighboring network information is stored.
US09629037B2

A method in a first content centric networking (CCN) access point of a CCN network of enabling seamless mobility of a mobile device is disclosed. The method includes detecting a handover initiation event that is an indication that a handover of the mobile device from the first CCN access point to a second CCN access point from a group of one or more CCN access points of the CCN network is initiated. In response to detecting the handover initiation event, the method continues with starting transmission, to the group of CCN access points, of one or more pending interests associated with the mobile device. The method further includes detecting a handover completion event, and stopping, in response to detecting the handover completion event, the transmission of the one or more pending interests associated with the mobile device.
US09629033B2

An example method is provided in one example embodiment and may include grouping a plurality of user equipment served by a serving cell radio into one or more groups based on an approximate location of each of the plurality of user equipment and a proximity of each of the plurality of user equipment in relation to each other; selecting a master user equipment for each group; receiving inter-frequency measurement information or inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) measurement information associated with one or more neighboring cell radios; receiving a first service request for a first user equipment of a particular group; and selecting a particular neighboring cell radio for a service hand-out of the first user equipment based, at least in part, on the first service request and inter-frequency measurement information or inter-RAT measurement information received from a particular master user equipment for the particular group.
US09629026B2

A communication system according to an embodiment includes: a cellular base station; and a wireless local area network (WLAN) management apparatus configured to manage one or more WLAN access points. The WLAN management apparatus is used for a cellular-WLAN aggregation in which data of a user terminal is transmitted and received using both a cellular communication and a WLAN communication while the user terminal maintains a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the cellular base station. A direct communication path bypassing a core network is established between the cellular base station and the WLAN management apparatus.
US09629023B2

A user apparatus that transmits and receives a discovery signal, including: collision detection means that detects a collision in a received discovery signal; collision notification means that, when a collision of a received discovery signal is detected by the collision detection means, transmits collision information indicating that a collision occurs in the received discovery signal; collision information reception means that receives collision information; and collision determination means that determines whether a collision occurs in a transmitted discovery signal transmitted by the user apparatus based on the collision information received by the collision information reception means.
US09629020B2

A dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) system may include a dynamic spectrum policy controller (DPC) and a dynamic spectrum controller (DSC) that together dynamically manage the allocation and use of resources (e.g., spectrum resources) across different networks. The DPC and DSC may store DSC context information, and use this information to perform various DSA operations. For example, the DSC may determine whether there is bandwidth available for allocation within cells in a first telecommunication network, generate a resource register request message that identifies the amount of bandwidth that is available, and send the generated resource register request message to the DPC using a DSAAP component/protocol. The DSC may receive the resource register response message and a bid success message via the DSAAP, and send a resources allocated message to the DPC via the DSAAP to commit the requested amount of bandwidth for use by the second telecommunication network.
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