US09670597B2
Sports clothing, protective clothing, clothing for body shaping and clothing with a medical function, which clothing comprises at least one fabric comprising elastic fibers, which elastic fibers are produced from a polymer composition comprising a copolymer containing 20-80 wt. % of monomeric units of a dimerized fatty acid or a derivative thereof and further monomer units of at least one dicarboxylic acid and at least one diol.
US09670573B2
A method for the hot-dip coating of metal strip, in particular steel strip, in a metallic melting bath (3) is disclosed. In the method, the metal strip (1) to be coated is heated in a continuous furnace (2) and is introduced into the melting bath (3) through a snout (6) which is connected to the continuous furnace and which is immersed into the melting bath. To be able to satisfy the requirements placed on the coated strip (1) with regard to good deformability of the strip, as far as possible without cracking and peeling, and with regard to high anti-corrosion protection in a more effective and reliable manner, the disclosure proposes that, in the region delimited by the snout (6), a melt is used which is intentionally implemented differently, in terms of its chemical composition, than the chemical composition of the melt used in the melting bath (3).
US09670572B2
The invention relates to a method of post-built up heat treatment of an additively manufactured high strength component made of a gamma-prime strengthened superalloy based on Ni or Co or Fe or combinations thereof. An application of a rapid heating-up rate of 25 to 60° C./min in a specific temperature range during the first post-built heat treatment after additive manufacturing avoids or at least minimizes the gamma-prime precipitation in the component during heat-up. This results in crack-free components/articles compared to significant cracking present in conventionally heat treated components.
US09670565B2
The present disclosure relates generally to recycling lead-acid batteries, and more specifically, relates to purifying and recycling the lead content from lead-acid batteries. A lead recovery system includes a first reactor configured to receive and mix a lead-bearing material and a first carboxylate source to yield a first mixture, wherein the first mixture includes a first lead carboxylate that is dissolved in a liquid component of the first mixture. The system includes a second reactor configured to receive and mix the liquid component of the first mixture and a second carboxylate source to yield a second mixture, wherein the second mixture includes solid particles of a second lead carboxylate. The system includes a third reactor configured to receive and mix the solid particles of the second lead carboxylate and a hydroxide solution to yield a third mixture, wherein the third mixture includes solid particles of lead oxide.
US09670564B2
Described herein are methods of making metallic or elemental silver. These methods generally include a step of forming a reaction dispersion that includes a silver-containing compound, an organic acid, and a solvent that includes an alcohol, followed by mixing the reaction dispersion for a time and at a temperature effective to form a reaction product that includes metallic silver from a cationic silver species of the silver-containing compound. Also described herein are metallic or elemental silver produced by these methods.
US09670563B2
A sorbent for sorbing radioactive ions is described. The sorbent comprises a porous crystalline powder of a metal oxide or mixed metal oxide. A process for making the sorbent comprises the steps of reacting a metal halide or a mixture of metal halides and an alcohol to form a gel; heating the gel to form a particulate material; exposing the particulate material to an oxidant to form a powder; and heating the powder to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt or sinter particles of the powder so as to form the sorbent.
US09670562B2
Metal substrate for fixing member, manufacturing method therefor, fixing member, and fixing assembly
The present invention relates to a metal substrate for a fixing belt, having excellent durability. The metal substrate for a fixing belt of the present invention including an austenite stainless steel including a martensite phase includes: a region of austenite stainless steel including a martensite phase, with a nickel content of 8 mass % or more, sandwiched between regions of austenite stainless steel including a martensite phase, with a nickel content less than 8 mass %, in the thickness direction.
US09670561B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for processing a surface. The apparatus comprising a platform arranged to support a structure having an inner surface; at least one ball disposed adjacent to the inner surface; and a reflecting member having at least one reflecting surface; wherein the at least one ball is adapted to vibrate by a vibrating means and to collide with the inner surface and the reflecting surface thereby creating an impact to the inner surface.
US09670550B2
The present invention provides a method capable of detecting a cancer and/or a carcinogenic risk, and a reagent for the detection thereof. The present invention also provides a method for screening for a pharmaceutical drug for reducing a carcinogenic risk and a pharmaceutical composition. Since cancer development closely correlates with alteration in gut microbiota, cancer development and/or a risk of cancer development are detected by detecting alteration in gut microbiota and a secondary bile acid produced by an intestinal bacterium. The present invention further provides a method for screening for a pharmaceutical drug with a gut microbiota as an index, and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09670549B2
Gene signatures for determining whether a neoplasm (such as a multiple myeloma neoplasm) is sensitive to mTORi/HDACi combination therapy and/or for determining the prognosis of a neoplasm in a subject are described. Some embodiments include determining whether a neoplasm is sensitive to mTORi/HDACi combination therapy by predicting whether mTORi/HDACi combination therapy will successfully treat the neoplasm, for example increasing survival of the subject with the neoplasm. In some embodiments, determining the prognosis includes predicting the outcome (such as chance of survival) of the subject with a neoplasm. Also disclosed are reagents, for example arrays, for use with the disclosed methods, as well as computer implementation of the disclosed methods.
US09670543B2
Compositions useful for examining the PKD1 gene are provided. In addition, methods for detecting mutations of the PKD1 gene, which can be associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in humans, are provided. Methods for diagnosing a mutant PKD1 gene sequence in a subject also are provided, as are methods of treating a subject having a PKD1-associated disorder.
US09670538B2
Provided herein is technology relating to sequencing nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems for sequencing-by-synthesis using changes in pH to monitor base addition. In some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a microfabricated mixed metal oxide electrode and in some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a membrane electrode. Moreover, in some embodiments the device further comprises a reference electrode. Performing the sequencing reaction involves moving solutions and other fluids (e.g., samples, nucleotide solutions, wash solutions) into and out of the reaction vessel. Thus, in some embodiments, the device further comprises a tube or other transport mechanism or pathway attached to the reaction vessel.
US09670535B2
A microarray is designed capture one or more molecules of interest at each of a plurality of sites on a substrate. The sites comprise base pads, such as polymer base pads, that promote the attachment of the molecules at the sites. The microarray may be made by one or more patterning techniques to create a layout of base pads in a desired pattern. Further, the microarrays may include features to encourage clonality at the sites.
US09670523B2
The present invention discloses functional nitrite reductase as a potential drug target for anti-tubercular drug development. The present invention also relates to the development of an easy method for identification of nitrite in clinical samples as well as its correlation with the severity of the disease. Presence of active as well as dormant/latent stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) could be identified from nitrite in clinical samples like sputum of potential TB patients.
US09670522B2
Methods for ultrasonically imaging a heterogeneous 3D-cell population without physically probing are provided. The method can comprises: pulsing ultrasound waves having a wave frequency of about 10 MHz to about 2 GHz through a lens rod, wherein the lens rod focuses the ultrasound waves onto the cell population via a concave lens-head (e.g., comprising sapphire), and wherein the cell population is positioned on the reflective surface such that the ultrasound waves are reflected back to the lens-head; receiving the reflected waves through the lens head and the lens rod at a signal receiver; scanning the lens-head across multiple points in the x,y plane; and at each point in the x,y plane, moving the lens-head in a z-direction such that a signal is received at multiple intervals in the z-direction for each point in the x,y plane.
US09670520B2
The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.
US09670515B2
The present disclosure relates generally to the production of xylosyl-xylitol oligomers, and more specifically to biological methods for producing xylosyl-xylitol oligomers in host cells.
US09670514B2
The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a polysaccharide with high efficiency using a polysaccharide synthase. The present invention provides a method for producing a polysaccharide, including allowing polysaccharide synthase (B) to act on ribonucleoside diphosphate-monosaccharide (A) to produce a polysaccharide, wherein in 10 to 100% of the duration in which (B) acts on (A), the concentration of ribonucleoside diphosphate in a reaction solution is lower than 100 times an inhibitory concentration IC50 against polysaccharide synthase (B).
US09670510B2
Described herein are improved methods of degrading or converting cellulosic material into fermentable sugars using dithionite. Also described are improved methods of fermentation in the presence of dithionite.
US09670506B2
The disclosure relates to recombinant vectors and methods for using the same. In certain embodiments, the recombinant vectors are immunogenic.
US09670501B2
Polynucleotides, polypeptides, plant cells expressing same and methods of using same for increasing abiotic stress tolerance water use efficiency (WUE), fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant. The method is effected by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:33, 34, 30, 27-29, 31, 32, 35-52, 1401-1403, 1405-1435, 1437-1494, 1496-1542, 1544-1553, 1555-1559, 1561-1827, 1829-1866, 1868-2450, 2453-2458, 2460-2463, 2465-2481, 2483, 2485-2746, 2765-2769, 3052-3065 and 3067-3259, thereby increasing the water use efficiency (WUE), the fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), the biomass, the vigor and/or the yield of the plant.
US09670499B2
Methods for introgressing an allele of interest of a locus associated with a yield trait into Zea mays germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include providing a Zea mays plant that contains an allele of interest of a locus associated with a yield trait, wherein the locus associated with the yield trait is identifiable by PCR amplification of a Zea mays nucleic acid with a pair of oligonucleotides primers as disclosed herein, and introgressing the allele of interest into Zea mays germplasm that lacks the allele. Also provided are methods for identifying Zea mays plants that contain at least one allele associated with improved yield, improved maize plants, elite Zea mays plants, biomass produced from improved Zea mays plants, isolated and purified genetic markers, and compositions that include an amplification primer pair capable of amplifying a Zea mays nucleic acid to generate a Zea mays marker amplicon.
US09670495B2
A DNA sequence that functions as an origin in many different yeast species. From 1 to 17 mutations can be introduced into this sequence to improve its function across multiple yeasts. The resulting synthetic DNA sequence confers stable plasmid replication function in all yeast species tested, including but not limited to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lachancea kluyveri, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces wickerhammii, Hansenula polymorpha, and Pichia pastoris. Also provided are sequences that function as an optimal origin in the industrially useful Pichia pastoris.
US09670478B2
The present invention pertains to a method for modifying a nucleic acid contained in a sample comprising a step for bringing the sample into contact with a nucleic acid-modifying agent in the presence of an acidic polysaccharide and/or a nucleotide; and a method for selectively detecting a nucleic acid derived from living cells contained in the sample, comprising the following steps: (a) a step for modifying a nucleic acid contained in a sample according to the method for modifying a nucleic acid contained in a sample, which includes a step for bringing the sample into contact with a nucleic acid-modifying agent in the presence of an acidic polysaccharide and/or a nucleotide; and (b) a step for selectively detecting an unmodified nucleic acid from the sample after step (a). The present invention further pertains to a kit and composition for use in these methods.
US09670477B2
Devices for separating materials from a host fluid are disclosed. The devices include a flow chamber, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector. The ultrasonic transducer and reflector create an angled acoustic standing wave oriented at an angle relative to the direction of mean flow through the flow chamber. The angled acoustic standing wave results in an acoustic radiation force having an axial force component that deflects the materials, so that the materials and the host fluid can thus be separated. The angled acoustic standing wave can be oriented at an angle of about 20° to about 70° relative to the direction of mean flow through the flow chamber to deflect, collect, differentiate, or fractionate the materials from the fluid flowing through the device at flow rates of about 400 mL/min up to about 700 mL/min.
US09670460B2
A method is provided, including obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells, enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells, activating the population of antigen-presenting cells and, following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells. Other applications are also described.
US09670458B2
The present invention provides highly advantageous and efficient methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer for the generation of animals having valuable traits or genetic background.
US09670447B2
The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of microstructured membranes, methods of fabricating microstructured membranes, bioreactors housing microstructured membranes, and methods of using bioreactors and microstructured membranes. In some embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of cellular tissues in an environment which more accurately resembles a native environment. In some more specific embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of tumor cells on a membrane having a microfabricated pattern which mimics a native vasculature system.
US09670439B2
A method of cleaning the inner part of hot beverage system, in particular a coffee machine, with a cleaning capsule is disclosed. The capsule is inserted into the hot beverage system, the capsule defining a hollow space containing a cleaning material and an inert filling material.
US09670432B2
A method for preventing degradation of physical and chemical properties, and for increasing lubricity, of a hydrocarbon and water emulsion, comprising adding to the emulsion an effective amount of at least one copper salt of a carboxylic acid for enabling at least one bacterium species from Pseudomonas genus to become dominant in the emulsion.
US09670431B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an indirect heat drying method and a refined-coal production method, with which the stability of carrier-gas pressure balance can be improved when using indirect heat dryers to dry particulate matter. This indirect heat drying method for particulate matter uses two indirect heat dryers, and is provided with: a step (A) in which particulate matter is dried in a first indirect heat dryer; and a step (B) in which the particulate matter is further dried in a second indirect heat dryer to obtain dried particulate matter. The indirect heat drying method for particulate matter is characterized by being further provided with a step (C) in which first microparticles included in a carrier gas discharged from the first indirect heat dryer are recovered and mixed with the particulate matter supplied to step (B); and a step (D) in which second microparticles included in a carrier gas discharged from the second indirect heat dryer are recovered and mixed with the dried particulate matter obtained in step (B).
US09670424B2
A process is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. The cold stripper and the hot stripper are contained in the same vessel. A barrier prevents material from the hot stripper from entering into the cold stripper.
US09670418B2
The invention relates to a process for converting hydrocarbon inputs by thermal steamcracking to give at least one olefin-containing product stream comprising at least ethylene and propylene, by at least partly converting a hydrocarbon input in at least one cracking furnace (2), wherein the hydrocarbon input is converted under mild cracking conditions in the cracking furnace (2), mild cracking conditions meaning that propylene to ethylene are present in a ratio of 0.81 to 1.6 kg/kg at the cracking furnace exit, and the hydrocarbon input comprising predominantly hydrocarbons having a maximum carbon number of 6, preferably a maximum of 5.
US09670401B2
Methods for producing solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles from a slurry of a raw material having an alumina content of greater than about 40 weight percent. The slurry is processed to prepare green pellets which are sintered in a furnace with microwave energy at a temperature of 1480 to 1520° C. to produce solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles having an average particle size greater than about 200 microns, a bulk density of greater than about 1.35 g/cm3, and an apparent specific gravity of greater than about 2.60.
US09670400B2
Proppant particles formed from slurry droplets and methods of use are disclosed herein. The proppant particles can include a sintered ceramic material and can have a size of about 80 mesh to about 10 mesh and an average largest pore size of less than about 20 microns. The methods of use can include injecting a hydraulic fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to open a fracture therein and injecting a fluid containing a proppant particle into the fracture, the proppant particle including a sintered ceramic material, a size of about 80 mesh to about 10 mesh, and an average largest pore size of less than about 20 microns.
US09670397B2
Controlling fluid flow in a subterranean formation containing water and hydrocarbons utilizing a Gemini surfactant introduced to the formation via a wellbore. The Gemini surfactant includes a head group having two cationic groups linked by an alkyl spacer, an amide extending from each of the cationic groups, and each amide having a hydrophobic tail extending therefrom.
US09670385B2
Provided is an anisotropic conductive adhesive in which excellent optical characteristics and heat dissipation characteristics are obtainable. The anisotropic conductive adhesive contains conductive particles each comprising a metal layer having Ag as a primary constituent formed on an outermost surface of a resin particle, solder particles having a smaller average particle diameter than the conductive particles, reflective insulating particles having a smaller average particle diameter than the solder particles and a binder into which the conductive particles solder particles and reflective insulating particles are dispersed. The conductive particles and the reflective insulating particles efficiently reflect light, thereby improving light-extraction efficiency of an LED mounting body. Additionally, inter-terminal solder bonding of the solder particles during compression bonding increases contact area between opposing terminals, thereby enabling achievement of high heat dissipation characteristics.
US09670384B2
A light-reflective anisotropic conductive adhesive used for anisotropic conductive connection of a light-emitting element to a wiring substrate includes a thermosetting resin composition, conductive particles, and light-reflective insulating particles. The light-reflective insulating particles are formed by subjecting titanium oxide particles to a surface treatment with one kind selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, SiO, SiO2, ZnO, ZnO2, and ZrO2. The amount of the titanium oxide contained in the light-reflective insulating particles is 85 to 93%. The particle diameter of the light-reflective insulating particles is 0.2 to 0.3 μm, and the particle diameter of the conductive particles is 2 to 10 μm.
US09670378B2
A coating composition comprising a resinous binder and up to 10 percent by weight of the reaction product of (i) a phosphorus acid, and (ii) a polyglycidyl ether of cyclohexane dimethanol. The compositions are useful for coating containers of all sorts, such as food and beverage containers, and the reaction product provides enhanced adhesion of the coating to the substrate. The compositions can be formulated to be substantially free of bisphenol A (BPA) and derivatives thereof such as bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE).
US09670375B1
A recycled crumb rubber coating with a hydrophobic surface and a method for making the same. The coating with a hydrophobic surface includes a recycled crumb rubber coating layer comprising about 24-50 wt % of a crumb rubber, and about 25-75 wt % of an epoxy comprising a liquid epoxy resin and an epoxy hardener, and a first silane film comprising at least one silane and disposed on a surface of the recycled crumb rubber coating layer to form the hydrophobic surface. The method includes (a) mixing a crumb rubber with a liquid epoxy resin to form a first mixture, (b) mixing the first mixture with an epoxy hardener to form a recycled crumb rubber coating layer, and (c) depositing a first silane film comprising at least one silane on a surface of the recycled crumb rubber coating layer to form the hydrophobic surface of the recycled crumb rubber coating.
US09670364B2
There is provided a compound which is represented by General Formula (1) below: in General Formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, R3, R4, and R5 each independently represent a substituent group, M represents a hydrogen atom or a counter cation, each of M may be the same or different, n3, n4, and n5 each independently represent a number between 0 and 4, and R3, R4, and R5 may be the same or different in a case where n3, n4, and n5 each represent a number equal to or greater than 2.
US09670355B2
Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition for use as a vehicle interior material, including: a biomass-derived resin having biomass-derived polyethylene; and an ASTM D6866 composition having a pMC value of 35 wt %. The thermoplastic resin composition for use as a vehicle interior material uses biomass-derived resin as a replacement for petroleum-based thermoplastic resin in order to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions and have an environmentally friendly effect.
US09670354B2
A thermoplastic polymer composition which is excellent in flexibility, mechanical properties, moldability, and particularly in heat resistance and is capable of adhering to ceramics, metals, and synthetic resins even at low temperature (for example, 190° C. or lower) without the treatment with a primer, and a molded product produced by using the thermoplastic polymer composition are described. The thermoplastic polymer composition includes 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer (A), 1 to 100 parts by mass of a polyvinyl acetal resin (B), and 5 to 100 parts by mass of a polar group-containing polypropylene resin (C). The thermoplastic elastomer (A) is a block copolymer which is constituted by a polymer block including aromatic vinyl compound units and a polymer block including isoprene units, butadiene units, or isoprene/butadiene units wherein the total of a content of 1,2-bonding and a content of 3,4-bonding is 40 mol % or more, or the thermoplastic elastomer (A) is a hydrogenated product of the block copolymer.
US09670348B2
A dynamically vulcanized alloy contains at least one isobutylene-containing elastomer, at least one thermoplastic resin, and an anhydride functionalized oligomer grafted to the thermoplastic resin. In the alloy, the elastomer is present as a dispersed phase of small vulcanized or partially vulcanized particles in a continuous phase of the thermoplastic resin and the alloy is substantially absent of any sulfonamides.
US09670337B2
The invention relates to a flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane based on at least one diisocyanate and on at least one substance reactive toward isocyanate, and preferably on at least one chain extender, and also optionally on at least one catalyst, and comprising at least one flame retardant, and also optionally additives and/or auxiliaries, where one flame retardant is a metal hydroxide at least to some extent surrounded by a coating, and the metal hydroxide is aluminum hydroxide, aluminum oxide hydroxide, or a mixture of said hydroxides, and also to an associated production process and use.
US09670332B2
The invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a filler comprising at least carbon black and an inorganic filler with an inorganic filler content of less than or equal to 50 parts by weight per hundred parts of elastomer, phr, and also a crosslinking system, characterized in that the dispersion of the filler in the elastomeric matrix has a Z value of greater than or equal to 80; and also to the process for preparing such a composition.
US09670323B2
The present invention relates to a method for separating volatile substances, particularly iodine, diiodised aromatic compounds and/or mixtures thereof, from material mixtures containing said compounds. The invention further relates to a device for producing polyarylene sulphides, by means of which volatile substances, particularly iodine and diiodised aromatic compounds, can be separated from the polymers.
US09670320B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a polyimide resin powder, including the step of reacting (A) a tetracarboxylic acid component containing a tetracarboxylic dianhydride with (B) a diamine component containing an aliphatic diamine in the presence of (C) a solvent containing an alkylene glycol-based solvent represented by the formula (1): wherein Ra1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ra2 represents a linear alkylene group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1-3.
US09670318B2
The invention is directed to a fluorescent dye according to the general formula I: with C is a core moiety comprising 20 to 200 atoms; S same or different ether residues comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms; n is an integer ranging from 2 to 500; m is an integer ranging from 0 to 500; x is an integer ranging from 2 to 50; y is an integer ranging from 1 to 50; R same or different residue comprising a reactive group capable of forming a covalent bond with a biomolecule; F same or different fluorophores covalently bound to (S)n. The fluorescent dyes can be conjugated to a biomolecule and used for flow cytometry and/or by fluorescence microscopy.
US09670317B1
A material that can be used either as a standalone or coating additive that would both repel water and resist corrosion would greatly benefit the Navy. A method of making hydrophobic polymer, including combining a perylene derived monomer with a bisphenol derived monomer to produce a polymer mixture, and condensing said polymer mixture to produce a hydrophobic polymer.
US09670312B2
A process for the production of a flame-retardant polymer is disclosed. The process includes reacting a triol with an organophosphate monochloride material to produce a phosphorus-functionalized hydroxyl material. The process further includes reacting the phosphorus-functionalized hydroxyl material with a polycarboxylic acid to form the flame-retardant polymer. Phosphorus is chemically bound to a polymer chain of the flame-retardant polymer.
US09670300B2
A thermoplastic copolymer that includes a first divalent unit having a pendent ultraviolet absorbing group and a second divalent unit that is fluorinated. A fluoropolymer composition including the thermoplastic copolymer is also disclosed.
US09670287B2
The present invention provides: an antibody, which specifically reacts with hTROP-2 and has anti-tumor activity in vivo; a hybridoma, which produces the aforementioned antibody; a complex of the aforementioned antibody and a drug; a pharmaceutical composition for diagnosing or treating a tumor; a method for detecting a tumor; and a kit for detecting or diagnosing a tumor.
US09670283B2
The present invention relates to antibodies targeted to BDCA2 that deplete plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and methods of using the antibodies to treat disorders associated with pDC.
US09670276B2
The disclosure provides binding proteins that specifically bind to IL-1α and IL-1β. These binding proteins can be organized into DVD-Igs. These proteins can be used to modulate the activity of IL-1α and/or IL-1β and can be used for the treatment immunological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. In addition, their uses in the amelioration and/or treatment of pain in an individual suffering from a disease or disorder associated with IL-1 accumulation.
US09670274B2
The invention provides anti-human alpha-synuclein antibodies and methods of using the same.
US09670268B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising an enzyme-treated human serum which is useful for treatment and prevention of diseases such as a cancer and an infectious disease, and a method of preparing the same. The present invention relates to a method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising an enzyme-treated human serum, comprising a step of bringing the human serum into contact with β-galactosidase and, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an enzyme-treated human serum obtained by the preparation method.
US09670265B2
The present invention is further directed to methods and compositions for modulating the activity of the Toso protein. The invention further encompasses treatment of disorders associated with inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer using compositions that include a soluble Toso protein.
US09670264B2
Described herein are recombinant integral membrane proteins having multiple transmembrane domains that have been engineered to be less hydrophobic, through alteration of the amino acid sequence of the native protein, but retain the ability to bind their natural ligand. The decreased hydrophobicity of the described proteins makes them more water soluble than the native protein, which allows the described proteins to be expressed in bacteria in large quantities and isolated in the absence of membranes, all while retaining the ability to interact with known ligands.
US09670262B2
The present invention relates to modified SAK gene having amino acid SEQ ID 2. The present invention further relates to process for cloning and expressing modified SAK gene fusion protein which imparts improved stability to the heterologous protein of interest. Further the invention relates to process of purification of recombinant heterologous proteins from bacterial inclusion bodies using modified SAK.
US09670249B2
The present invention relates in general to the field of tissue engineering and more specifically to amphiphilic peptides and peptide matrices thereof useful in vitro and in situ biomineralization and inducing bone repair. The present invention provides peptides, which are useful in hydrogels and other pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and kits of use for bone repair and promotion of biomineralization. Certain hydrogels according to the invention comprise cells within or adhered to the peptide matrix.
US09670248B2
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to methods for recovering multiple products from industrial-scale production of a biomass of an aquatic species. Specifically, the present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to methods for cultivating Lemna for extracting a protein concentrate, a biocrude, and/or a carbohydrate-rich meal. In some embodiments, a process of recovering at least one product from biomass of an aquatic species may comprise: lysing a biomass to generate a lysed biomass; separating the lysed biomass to generate a juice and a first solid phase; filtering the juice to generate a filtered juice and a second solid phase; clarifying at least one juice to generate a clarified juice and a third solid phase, wherein the clarified juice comprises a soluble protein; coagulating the soluble protein from the clarified juice to generate a liquor comprising a wet protein concentrate; and separating the wet protein concentrate from the liquor.
US09670247B2
The invention provides compounds of formula I, II, III, or IV: wherein R1 to R11, X, and Y have any of the values defined in the specification. The compounds inhibit Na, K-ATPase α4 and are useful as contraceptive agents.
US09670241B2
An organometallic compound represented by Formula 1: M(L1)n1(L2)n2 Formula 1 wherein in Formula 1, M, L1, L2, n1, and n2 are the same as described in the specification.
US09670232B2
Molecular precursor compounds, processes and compositions for making Zn-Group 13 mixed oxide materials including IZO, GZO, AZO and BZO, by providing inks comprising a molecular precursor compound having the formula MAaZn(OROR)3a+2, and printing or depositing the inks on a substrate. The printed or deposited ink films can be treated to convert the molecular precursor compounds to a material.
US09670225B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, polymorph, prodrug, solvate or clathrate thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, R1, R2, R11, and n are defined herein. These compounds are useful as inhibitors of HIV-1 protease and, as a result, are useful in the treatment of HIV infection.
US09670214B2
The present invention provides novel heteroaryl compounds of formula (I) having a pyrimidine-containing core that is linked to a 4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl group via an amine linker. Such compounds are useful for the treatment of cancers.
US09670210B2
The present invention is directed to cyclopropylamine derivatives which are LSD1 inhibitors useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09670209B2
Compounds of formula (I) and methods are provided for the treatment of disease or conditions in which modification of cholinergic, especially muscarinic receptor activity, has a beneficial effect.
US09670200B2
The invention provides a method of sustained delivery of a tertiary amine-containing parent drug comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a prodrug compound of the invention wherein upon administration to the patient, release of the parent drug from the prodrug is sustained release. Prodrug compounds suitable for use in the methods of the invention are labile quaternary ammonium salts of tertiary amine-containing parent drugs (or tertiary imine-containing parent drugs) that are derivatized through aldehyde-linked prodrug moieties that reduce the solubility of the prodrug compound at a reference pH as compared to the parent drug. The physical, chemical and solubility properties of these derivatives can be further modulated by the choice of counterion X−. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prodrug compound of Formula I: where R1-R5 are defined in the written description of the invention. The prodrug compounds of the invention can be used to treat any condition for which the tertiary amine-containing parent drug or tertiary imine-containing parent drug is useful as a treatment.
US09670193B2
The invention relates to novel trifluoromethyl-oxadiazole derivatives of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in which all of the variables are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, pharmaceutical combinations thereof, and their use as medicaments, particularly for the treatment of neurodegeneration, muscle atrophy or diabetes/metabolic syndrome via inhibition of HDAC4.
US09670189B2
The invention relates to novel substituted condensed pyrimidine compounds of general formula (I) in which the chemical groupings, substituents and indices are as defined in the description, and to their use as medicaments, in particular as medicaments for the treatment of conditions and diseases that can be treated by inhibition of the PDE4 enzyme.
US09670187B2
The present disclosure provides processes for the preparation of a compound of formula: which is useful as an antiviral agent. The disclosure also provides compounds that are synthetic intermediates.
US09670186B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where X, Ra, Rb, R2, and R7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds are prodrugs of compounds having neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds; methods of using these compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing these compounds.
US09670182B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing substituted anthranilic acid derivatives of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each as defined in the description, by conversion of compounds of the general formula (IV) in the presence of a palladium catalyst and carbon monoxide. The present invention likewise relates to compounds of the general formula (IV).
US09670181B2
Substituted 6,7-dialkoxy-3-isoquinolinol derivatives as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE 10A)
The invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein R′, R1 through R7 and Ar are as defined herein. These compounds are useful as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10A) which are useful in treating central nervous system diseases such as psychosis and also in treating, for example, obesity, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, pain and ophthalmic diseases.
US09670179B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for compositions including an antibiotic containing a N-thiolated beta-lactam moiety, pharmaceutical compositions including the antibiotic, methods of treatment of a condition (e.g., bacterial infection), methods of treatment using compositions or pharmaceutical compositions, and the like.
US09670177B2
The present invention provides a malonate salt of a compound of formula (I): which is a crystalline salt. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that include the provided malonate salt and methods of using the provided crystalline forms and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer.
US09670174B2
Linear mono- and dialkyl ethers of furan-2,5-dimethanol (FDM) and/or 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (bH-MTHF), methods for their preparation, and derivative chemical compounds thereof are described. In general, the synthesis process entails a reaction of FDM or bHMTHFs in a polar aprotic organic solvent having a permittivity ( )>8, at a temperature ranging from about −25 C to about 100 C, with either a) an unhindered Brnsted base with a pKa?15 or b) a hindered Brnsted base having minimum pKa of about 16, and a nucleophile.
US09670173B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a medicament for preventing or treating hyperphosphatemia. Solution: A compound represented by a general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. (In the formula, R1: a methyl group or the like, R2: a hydrogen atom or the like, R3: a hydrogen atom or the like, A: a cyclohexyl ring or the like, X: CH or the like, Y: CH or the like, Z: CH or the like, and n: 2 or the like).
US09670168B2
Described are methods for preparing salts of 5-nitrotetrazolate that include reacting aqueous solutions of 5-aminotetrazole, an acid, and sodium nitrite in a continuous flow system at an elevated temperature.
US09670163B2
The present invention relates to solid state forms of N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide (Compound 1), pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods therewith.
US09670162B2
The present disclosure provides compounds of formula (I) that function as modulators of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) activity, and methods of preparing these compounds.
US09670159B2
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition including a compound of general formula (I) combined with a solvent and a viscosity-enhancing agent, as well as to the use thereof as a drug, in particular for treating and preventing infection with the papillomavirus, and to the method for preparing same.
US09670156B2
(S)-4-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine crystal form III (called crystal form III of (S) -oxiracetam for short) has diffraction peaks at diffraction angles 2θ, wherein the diffraction angles 2θ are equal to 10.54, 13.70, 14.44, 15.60, 17.12, 18.88, 19.24, 20.66, 20.84, 21.18, 21.82, 22.94, 23.24, 24.88, 27.20, 27.48, 28.24, 30.46, 30.80, 31.52, 32.00, 32.34, 32.90, 33.20, 34.40, 34.62, 37.30, 37.50, 38.28, 38.96, and 40.02°. The (S)-oxiracetam crystal form III of the present invention has an obvious effect on memory dysfunction, is dissolved in water fast, has high bioavailability, and can be used to prepare various pharmaceutical compositions. The (S)-oxiracetam crystal form III obtained by using the preparation method of the present invention is high in purity. The preparation method of the present invention is performed in a mild condition, is easy in operation, introduces less impurities, has desirable reproducibility, is easily controlled during production, and is applicable to industrial production.
US09670146B2
An apparatus comprises a first controller configured to control at least the flow rate of a polymerization inhibitor or acrylonitrile product to a first location where the two are mixed. The apparatus comprises a first on-line analyzer configured to measure polymerization inhibitor concentration in the acrylonitrile product at a second location, the second location downstream of the first location. The first on-line analyzer is configured to provide information relating to the measured inhibitor concentration at the second location to the first controller, the first controller configured to process the information from the first on-line analyzer and to adjust at least a first operating parameter of a first addition device if the measured inhibitor concentration at the second location is outside a first predetermined condition. A second controller and a second on-line analyzer are provided to provide similar control of water addition to acrylonitrile product.
US09670136B2
The invention relates to (hetero)aryl cyclopropylamine compounds, including particularly the compounds of formula (I) as described and defined herein, and their use in therapy, including, e.g., in the treatment or prevention of cancer, a neurological disease or condition, or a viral infection.
US09670135B2
Preparation of halogenated di-substituted benzylamines, particularly halogenated dialkylbenzylamines
The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing halogenated di-substituted benzylamines, particularly halogenated dialkylbenzylamines.
US09670132B2
Dibasic esters (diesters) and their use in plasticizer compositions are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the diesters are branched-chain esters of long-chain alkanedioic acids, such as octadecanedioic acid. In some embodiments, such plasticizer compositions are used to increase the plasticity of a polymer resin, such as a vinyl chloride resin or poly vinyl butyral. In some other embodiments, such plasticizer compositions are used to lower the glass transition temperature of a polymer resin. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plasticizer is derived from a renewable source, such as a natural oil.
US09670129B2
A process for preparing 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate by transesterifying an alkyl acrylate with 1,4-butanediol in the presence of a dialkyltin oxide such that each of the alkyl groups has 4 to 8 carbon atoms, characterized in that the amount of the dialkyltin oxide is adjusted to 0.00001 to 0.01 moles per one mole of the alkyl acrylate.
US09670125B2
High-purity dibasic acid compositions are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the dibasic acid compositions are solutions or suspensions. In some other embodiments, the compositions are solid-state compositions. In some such embodiments, the solid-state compositions comprise a dibasic acid as a crystalline solid and further comprise a low quantity of certain impurities, such as monobasic acids, various esters, and the like. Methods and systems for making such high-purity dibasic acid compositions are also disclosed.
US09670124B2
A process utilizing nitric acid and oxygen as co-oxidants to oxidize aldehydes, alcohols, polyols, preferably carbohydrates, specifically reducing sugars to produce the corresponding carboxylic acids.
US09670120B2
The present invention relates to a solid catalyst for producing ethanol from acetic acid, ethyl acetate, or mixtures thereof comprising a core region comprising a Group IIA metal and a surface region surrounding the core region and comprising one or more main metals. The total loading of the main metals in the catalyst is greater than or equal to 1 wt. %. Also more than 85% of main metals are located in the surface region, based on the total loading of the main metals in the catalyst. The surface region may comprise two or more layers.
US09670115B2
A two catalyst system is described having separate catalyst beds for the selective conversion of acetylene to ethylene which reduces the concentration of acetylene, dienes, O2, and NOx is disclosed. An ethylene containing gas stream, such as an off-gas stream from a refinery catalytic cracking unit used in the production of fuels and gas oils, is treated by first contacting the gas stream with a silver catalyst supported on a metal oxide and subsequently contacting the gas stream with a ruthenium catalyst supported on metal oxide. The two catalysts are contained within contiguous continuous reactors or reactor compartments.
US09670112B2
A process for the production of middle-distillate hydrocarbon-containing bases from a butanol feedstock, comprising: a) isomerizing dehydration of butanol feedstock; b) separating the water from butylenic effluent; c) purifying the organic liquid effluent from stage b); d) oligomerizing a feedstock that comprises at least a portion of the purified organic effluent from stage c), the entire effluent from stage g), and at least a portion of the light product from stage f); e) oligomerizing the first oligomerization effluent to produce a second oligomerization effluent; f) fractionating the second oligomerization effluent into at least three products: a light product mostly comprising C2 to C4 compounds, an intermediate product mostly comprising C5 to C9 compounds, and a middle distillate product mostly comprising compounds having at least 10 carbon atoms; g) oligomerizing at least a portion of the intermediate product, and h) hydrogenating at least a portion of the middle distillate product.
US09670101B2
A method for producing a metal detectible ceramic, including mixing a first amount of ceramic material with a second metal oxide to define an admixture, forming the admixture into a green body, sintering the green body to yield a densified body, wherein the densified body has a plurality of metallic particles distributed therethrough, and wherein the densified body is detectible by a metal detector.
US09670100B2
The present disclosure relates to the formation of polycrystalline diamond materials with fine diamond grains and nano-sized particles of a grain growth inhibitor. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond material is provided. The method includes providing a mixture of diamond particles with an average particle size of about 1 micron or less, distributing a plurality of nano-sized titanium-containing particles with the diamond mixture, to act as a grain growth inhibitor, and sintering the mixture of diamond particles and titanium-containing particles at high pressure and high temperature to create a polycrystalline structure of sintered diamond grains. The sintered diamond grains have an average size of about 1 micron or less.
US09670095B2
Crumb Rubber augmented masonry blocks including cement, aggregate, water, and crumb rubber. Crumb rubber is extracted from scrape tires after being processed and then mixed in specified percentages with aggregate, cement and water. In the present disclosure sand, which is used in the formation of conventional blocks, is replaced with crumb rubber to produce a sand-free masonry block containing crumb rubber. The developed crumb rubber masonry blocks satisfied the ASTM non-load bearing requirements in addition to satisfying the water absorption test.
US09670085B2
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a hollow glass article comprising at least one thin side wall (42), in which process: at least one parison of molten glass is introduced into a blank mold, a blank of the article is formed in the blank mold from said parison, the blank of the article is transferred into a finishing mold, and the article is formed in the finishing mold. During forming of the article, excess glass is directed towards the exterior of the side wall of the article to form a convex bulge (43) and the bulge is removed to give the side wall of the article a substantially constant thickness.The invention also relates to a corresponding machine and product.
US09670084B2
A method for treating wastewater containing TMAH and ammonium nitrogen includes the steps of (a) introducing a first solution which contains ammonium nitrogen but no TMAH into a single reactor with microorganisms comprising nitrifying bacteria and anammox bacteria, and denitrifying the first solution by the microorganisms under a dissolved oxygen concentration ranging from 0.1-0.5 mg/L and a pH value of 7-8; (b) when the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state, introducing a second solution which contains ammonium nitrogen and TMAH and has a concentration of TMAH lower than 60 mg/L into the reactor; and (c) gradually increasing the concentration of TMAH in the solution to be added into the reactor for several times whenever the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state. Accordingly, the inhibition of TMAH to the anammox bacteria can be significantly decreased, and both TMAH and the ammonium nitrogen can be treated simultaneously.
US09670083B2
A method and an apparatus for biological wastewater treatment that includes a biological selector and a physical selector. The apparatus comprises an internal biological reactor where wastewater and recycled biomass are combined to provide a high substrate and high electron acceptor gradient for generating morphological biomass features that favor granule formation over floc and filament formation, and an external gravimetric or external screen selector operating on the biomass waste stream for collecting and retaining densified biomass aggregates including dense granule selection and for wasting lighter filaments and flocs. In the method and apparatus, particles may be added to provide cores to promote the formation of aggregates encapsulating the seeded particles. The particles may be added as various materials, for example, in the bioreactor, to initiate or seed the formation of a granule, that could then be separated by or integrated with either the external gravimetric or external screen selector. Further, organisms may be selected for biological phosphorus removal, denitrifying methane oxidizers, biological sulfur or sulfide oxidation, methanogenesis.
US09670081B2
Methods and systems for treating cooling water of a retort are described. The methods and systems generate an aqueous ozone solution and combine the aqueous ozone solution with the cooling water. The methods and systems provide a safe, economical, easy to handle, and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining a retort cooling water system. The systems and methods herein remove contaminates from the cooling water, supply a continuous sanitizer created on-site, reduce the need for additional chemicals, and reduce the labor costs attributed to maintaining the retort cooling water system.
US09670076B2
An adaptable water filtration device including an upstream housing defining an upstream chamber. A filter mount is coupled to the upstream housing and extends into the upstream chamber. A first filter is removably disposed in the upstream chamber and is detachably engaged with the filter mount. The first filter is configured to filter a first contaminant from the contaminated water. A second filter is removably disposed in the upstream chamber and is detachably engaged with the filter mount. The second filter is downstream of the first filter and configured to filter a second contaminant from the contaminated water through adsorption. The water filtration system is configured to enable selective adaptation of the filtering characteristics thereof by a user by selectively disposing the first and second filters in the upstream chamber to achieve a prescribed filtering effect on the contaminated water. A prefilter may be included to prevent downstream clogging.
US09670068B2
Disclosed is a method for readily and inexpensively producing zeolite without using an organic structure-directing agent (organic SDA). Specifically disclosed is a method whereby a gel containing a silica source, an alumina source, an alkaline source and water is reacted with zeolite seed crystals, to produce a zeolite with the same kind of skeletal structure as the zeolite. The gel used is a gel of a composition whereby, when a zeolite is synthesized from this gel only, the synthesized zeolite comprises at least one of the kinds of composite building units of the target zeolite.
US09670059B2
In various embodiments, a sensor structure is provided. The sensor structure may include a first conductive layer; an electrode element; and a second conductive layer arranged on an opposite side of the electrode element from the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer may form a chamber. The pressure in the chamber may be lower than the pressure outside of the chamber.
US09670058B2
An integrated circuit includes a mechanical device for detection of spatial orientation and/or of change in orientation of the integrated circuit. The device is formed in the BEOL and includes an accommodation whose sides include metal portions formed within various metallization levels. A mobile metal component is accommodated within the accommodation. A monitor inside the accommodation defines a displacement area for the metal component and includes electrically conductive elements disposed at the periphery of the displacement area. The component is configured so as to, under the action of the gravity, come into contact with the two electrically conductive elements in response to a given spatial orientation of the integrated circuit. A detector is configured to detect an electrical link passing through the component and the electrically conductive elements.
US09670057B1
A sensor device may include an electronic device that has at least one integrated circuit device and a MEMS sensor that are each monolithically integrated with a semiconductor substrate. The sensor device may include a suspension structure that suspends the MEMS sensor over a back cavity within the semiconductor substrate. The suspension structure may be springs or a spring structure formed from etching the front side of the substrate.
US09670054B2
This stuffed article (1) of the present invention is made of ticking (2a, 2b) filled with a stuffing. The stuffing is a long-fiber wad (8) formed by integrating an effect yarn with a core yarn. The effect yarn is opened to form loop-like fibers. A plurality of strings of the long-fiber wad (8) are arranged in parallel in at least one direction, and sewn to the ticking so as to be integrated with the ticking. The long-fiber wad in the stuffed article is fixed to the ticking, and the effect yarn is integrated with the core yarn. Therefore, the present invention can provide a stuffed article where the displacement of the long-fiber wad is limited even after repeated washing, the wad is less concentrated, and the bulkiness is high.
US09670052B2
An attitude sensing arrangement for triggering a shutoff mechanism on a fuel dispensing nozzle comprising a rolling element placed inside a non-cylindrical chamber that is sealed with a plug such that the rolling element may move freely inside the chamber. A vacuum sensing path passes from a sensing port in the nozzle spout, through a vacuum sensing tube, into the non-cylindrical chamber, and into a venturi-generated vacuum chamber. The attitude sensing arrangement is configured such that the rolling element blocks a shutoff port in the non-cylindrical chamber when the nozzle is raised past a certain shutoff angle. When the vacuum sensing path is blocked by the rolling element in this manner, the shutoff mechanism closes the main fuel valve.
US09670048B2
A dispensing appliance allowing the loading of a container together with a dispensing tube is disclosed. After loading the container into the holding portion of the appliance, a dispensing cartridge is engaged into a receiving system provided in the dispensing portion of the appliance, which is movable with respect to the holding portion from a first loading position to a second dispensing position. The cartridge partially encases a dispensing tube with both inlet and outlet ends protruding out of first and second sides of the cartridge, such that the outlet portion of the dispensing tube is flexible. Upon engaging the cartridge into the receiving system, the outlet portion is engaged into a pinch valve while the inlet points towards the dispensing opening of the container. The dispensing tube inlet is introduced into the dispensing opening upon moving the dispensing portion of the appliance to its second dispensing position.
US09670047B2
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations. In addition, the system can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages. Furthermore, the controller can be operable to determine at least one location within the ingredient matrix for a selected one or more ingredient packages, and output the at least one location within the ingredient matrix for insertion of selected one or more ingredient packages.
US09670046B2
A filling machine includes a multiple filling-element arranged for installation on a circulating rotor. The multiple-filling element includes individual filling-elements, each of which comprises a filling channel. Each filling channel has a dispensing opening, and an independently controllable liquid valve. The filling-element is formed for installation on an underside of a ring bowl provided on a rotor for holding liquid filling-charge. Other function elements are common to all the individual filling-elements. These function elements include controlled fluid paths.
US09670039B1
According to the present disclosure, a projector lift is provided to raise and lower a projector from the ceiling. The projector lift includes a ceiling mount normally coupled to the ceiling, a projector mount supporting the projector, a lift assembly configured to raise and lower the second mount and projector, and a stabilizer extending between the ceiling and projector mounts.
US09670022B2
Apparatus for splicing expiring and replenishing webs of a web material includes first and second spaced platens having respective facing inner surfaces defining a passageway for transit of the expiring web, where the platens are adapted for displacement toward and away from one another in a reciprocating manner. The first platen is adapted to engage an end of the replenishing web, while the second platen is adapted to engage and position the moving expiring web. Moving the platens together with their respective inner surfaces in close proximity to one another causes a cutting die on the first platen to sever the expiring web forming outfeeding and infeeding ends of the expiring web, and to attach the expiring web's outfeeding end to the replenishing web. Attached to the second platen in facing relation to the first platen and engaging the expiring web is an ironing pad to ensure firm contact and adhesion of expiring web to the replenishing web. During web splicing, the cutting die is transferred from the first platen to the second platen to free the replenishing web from the first platen, with the cutting die engaging and collecting or holding the expiring web's infeeding end.
US09670021B2
A mandrel suitable for supporting and unwinding a convolutely wound web material is disclosed. The mandrel has a mandrel shaft with a longitudinal axis, a plurality of mandrel arms extending from the mandrel shaft, and at least one expansion element disposed upon a respective each of the mandrel arms. The mandrel shaft is capable of rotating about the longitudinal axis. Each of the mandrel arms is disposed and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The at least one expansion element is expandable radially away from the respective mandrel arm relative to the longitudinal axis. The convolutely wound web material is disposable about each of the mandrel arms. Further, the at least one expansion element is expandable into contacting and releasable engagement with the convolutely wound web material. The convolutely wound web material is fixably and releasably disposed about each of the mandrel arms.
US09670017B2
A motor controller includes a drive control portion. The drive control portion is configured to: execute feedback control of a drive current to be supplied to a drive motor, by using an inputted control signal indicating a target rotation speed for the drive motor and a detection signal of a rotation speed detection portion configured to detect a rotation speed of the drive motor; control the drive current in a first control period in which the target rotation speed is changed, such that the drive current is equal to or less than a predetermined first upper limit; and control the drive current in a second control period in which the target rotation speed is constant, such that the drive current is equal to or less than a predetermined second upper limit less than the first upper limit.
US09670016B1
A transmission device of automatic document feeder includes a pickup roller assembly, a paper-feed roller assembly, a paper-out roller assembly, a pickup gear assembly for driving the pickup roller assembly, a first transmission gear assembly, a second transmission gear assembly, a drive gear assembly and a motor. The paper-feed roller assembly includes a paper-feed shaft. The paper-out roller assembly includes a paper-out shaft. The first transmission gear assembly includes a first one-way gear and a second one-way gear. The motor bidirectionally drives the drive gear assembly. The motor drives the drive gear assembly to drive the first one-way gear together with the second transmission gear assembly or the second one-way gear together with the second transmission gear assembly to drive the paper-out shaft and the paper-feed shaft to unidirectionally rotate towards the same direction.
US09670012B2
A gas-particle processing method comprising: introducing gas into a chamber through a gas inlet; flowing the gas through the chamber from the gas inlet to the gas outlet at a first controlled mass flowrate; introducing at least one particle stream into the chamber through one or more particle inlets of the chamber at a second controlled mass flowrate; flowing each particle stream through a respective processing region in the chamber; and controlling the first and/or second mass flowrates, such that the gas-particle mixture porosity in a substantial portion of each processing region is 0.900-0.995.
US09670009B2
There is disclosed a transfer device for transferring sealed packages of a pourable food product, comprising a transporter for conveying packages along an at least partly curved path; transfer device also comprises a through opening which is arranged on one side of path and is adapted to allow the discharge of packages that have fallen along path.
US09670006B2
An apparatus for singulating products supplied in bulk, such as, for instance, fruits, potatoes, or eggs, more particularly for unround products, for instance pears or sweet peppers, comprising:an endless conveyor which extends in a transport direction (T), wherein the conveyor is provided with at least one row, extending in the transport direction, of carriers (1a; 101a) configured such that between each two successive carriers in the row a transport position for a product is formed, wherein each carrier comprises at least one roller (4; 104), arranged on a respective axis of rotation (5a, 5b; 105); wherein at least one of said rollers (4; 104) includes at least a first roller-section (21; 121) and an adjacent second roller-section (22; 122) having mutually different product engagement properties, wherein at least two successive carriers in a said row of carriers include respective rollers that each include at least a first (21; 121) and a second roller section (22; 122), wherein the second roller sections (22; 122) of the at least two successive carriers are located at mutually different axial positions.
US09670003B2
Disclosed is technology including a snub idler for a conveyor having a plurality of rollers and a frame comprising means to support the plurality of rollers in a convex or similar shape. The means to support the plurality of rollers in a convex shape may include a pair of convex arcuate or similar rails respectively affixed to a side panel of the frame. The present technology also includes a conveyor including a tail pulley, an impact load bed defining a trough and having a concave shape, and one or more snub idlers positioned between the tail pulley and the impact load bed. In this arrangement the snub idler supports a plurality of rollers having a convex or similar shape generally complementary with the concave shape of the impact load bed trough. The disclosed technology also includes a method of positioning and shaping a conveyor belt, including configuring a snub idler having a plurality of roller segments, with each roller segment having a roller, wherein the rollers define a convex or similar shape generally complementary with a concave shape of a trough defined by an impact load bed of a conveyor. This method further includes positioning the snub idler longitudinally between a tail pulley of the conveyor and the impact load bed, and supporting the snub idler with a snub idler support structure such that the roller of at least some of the roller segments of the snub idler is in contact with an upper surface of the conveyor belt and forces the conveyor belt down into the trough.
US09670000B2
A non-driving pulley included in the conveyor device has an adjustment collar between a bearing and a shaft of the non-driving pulley. The adjustment collar has an adjustment outer surface inclined relative to a reference axis XB of the shaft. The adjustment collar rotated relative to the shaft changes the state of inclination of the adjustment outer surface supporting the bearing, thereby changing the orientation of the non-driving pulley having the wrapped belt.
US09669997B2
Underground storage caverns are used for the bulk storage of hydrocarbon liquids, such as crude oil and gases, such as natural gas. The cavern is accessed through a bore hole which has casing and, for some bore holes, internal tubing with an annulus between the casing and tubing. The upper end of the cavern has a roughly cylindrical region termed the chimney. In order to check it for physical integrity, it is necessary to measure the profile of the chimney. This is also referred to as conducting a survey of the cavern. The cavern typically has hydrocarbon liquid above brine up to the surface. An inert gas can be injected above the hydrocarbon liquid to form an interface. The profile is conducted by driving the gas/liquid interface downward with gas pressure to a reference level determined by sequentially transmitting acoustic pulses to locate the reference level. Gas is injected to increase the pressure by a predetermined value and thereby drive down the interface by a known distance. The volume of the gas injected is used together with the known distance to determine a profile of the chimney. The process of injection of gas to increase the pressure by the predetermined value and measurement of the volume is repeated sequentially to determine the chimney profile at progressively lower regions, thereby producing an extended profile of the chimney.
US09669994B2
Knock down yard tools are provided which are made of flexible heavy duty sheet material joined to form a container for handling yard waste. Included are a truck bed carrier container, a skid container, a bagging container and a hand held carrier. In one embodiment, struts are provided which can be readily assembled to and disassembled from the sheet material to help hold the shape of the container. Preferably the struts are collapsible, and most preferably comprise sections held together and biased to assembly by elastic cord. In a preferred embodiment, a collection of such knock down yard tools are provided along with auxiliary tools for manipulating the yard waste and facilitate its placement in the knock down containers. The auxiliary tools include hand scoops a leaf press, and a gripper.
US09669988B2
A fixed amount discharge container includes: a syringe barrel 3; and a piston 8 inserted in the syringe barrel 3 so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction, thereby defining a fluid chamber between the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8. One of the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8 includes a guide 3c that is extended in a longitudinal direction. The other of the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8 includes a slider 9 that is movable in the guide 3c along with the other of the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8. The guide 3c is provided with a target position contact portion 3j which the slider 9 contacts when an amount of the fluid chamber is equal to a target amount.
US09669977B2
A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers within a plurality of corresponding container receiving apertures formed in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks that includes three rows of container receiving apertures and a handle extending parallel to the three rows of container receiving apertures.
US09669975B2
A cap for a container has two portions. The first portion attaches to and closes the mouth of the container. The second portion attaches to the mouth of the container to support the container in a mouth-down position that promotes draining and enables evaporation within the interior space of the container.
US09669970B2
The invention relates to a multi-flow dispensing stopper containing two U-shaped channels of different radii and a partition with a slit that ends in two openings aligned with said pouring channels. The dispensing stopper is for using in oil bottles.
US09669967B2
A bag 1 with a reclosable tape includes a reclosable tape 20 having a male fastener part 21 and a female fastener part 22 attached to one inner surface of a bag body 10, a cut tape 23 provided between mounting base parts 212 and 222 of those fastener parts, and an easily unsealable structure 50 formed on the mounting base part 212 adjacent to the cut tape 23 in an unsealing start part 30 of a side seal part 60 of the bag body. The easily unsealable structure 50 may be formed by: forming a hole portion 50a or a portion formed by a weak line on the mounting base part 212, arranging a thickness of the mounting base part 212 in the unsealing start part 30 so as to be thinner than other portions, or forming a non-adhesive part between the mounting base part 212 and the cut tape 23.
US09669961B2
A three-piece can includes a can body obtained by forming a steel sheet such that a roundness of the can is 0.34 mm or less. The steel sheet contains: by mass %, C: 0.020% or more and 0.100% or less; Si: 0.10% or less; Mn: 0.10% or more and 0.80% or less; P: 0.001% or more and 0.100% or less; S: 0.001% or more and 0.020% or less; Al: 0.005% or more and 0.100% or less; and N: 0.0130% or more and 0.0200% or less. The balance is Fe and inevitable impurities. The steel sheet has a yield strength of 440 MPa or more and a total elongation of 12% or more.
US09669948B2
A side-by-side dual-launch spacecraft arrangement is provided. The arrangement may include a dual-launch adaptor, a first spacecraft, and a second spacecraft. The first spacecraft and the second spacecraft may be mounted on the dual-launch adaptor and may be arranged side by side on the dual-launch adaptor. An aspect ratio of each of the first and second spacecraft may be within a range of 0.55 and 0.8.
US09669947B2
Systems, devices, and methods for impacting, by a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV), a net having at least three sides; and converting the kinetic energy of the SUAV into at least one of: elastic potential energy of one or more tensioned elastic cords connected to at least one corner of the net, gravitational potential energy of a frame member connected to at least one corner of the net, rotational kinetic energy of the frame member connected to at least one corner of the net, and elastic potential energy of the frame member connected to at least one corner of the net.
US09669946B2
A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).
US09669941B1
A weather indicator system and method for generating and presenting weather indicator(s) are disclosed. The weather indicator may include two or more ceiling indicators for presenting minimum and reported ceilings, two or more visibility indicators for presenting minimum and reported visibilities, and at least one scale from which the ceiling and visibility information may be presented to a viewer by the ceiling and visibility indicators, respectively. An indicator generating system could include a source(s) of weather data and an image generator configured to acquire weather data from the source(s) of weather data and generate presentation data representative of the weather indicator as a function of the weather data.
US09669937B2
In a fiber composite component for an aircraft or spacecraft which has electrically conductive fibers at least in portions, the fibers are coupled with an electrical energy source for charging with current to heat up the fibers and/or for measuring the electrical resistance of the fibers.
US09669932B2
A display for viewing by a passenger from a seat on a vehicle when the display is mounted to structure in front of the passenger when the passenger is seated in the seat. The structure has a recess and a portion surrounding the recess. The display includes an electronic visual display panel for receiving a display signal and displaying information in correspondence therewith to the passenger on the electronic visual display panel. The display further includes a housing in which the electronic visual display panel is mounted or inserted, with the housing including a periphery. At least one fastener is provided including a structural fuse. The structural fuse deforms and/or fractures under force generated by a passenger's head striking the visual display panel in an accident. Due to crumple of the fuse, movement of the housing is permitted, with the display panel inserted therein, relative to the recess.
US09669930B2
A galley cart for moving along an aisle of a vehicle is presented, the galley cart comprising a body comprising a right longitudinal portion, a left lateral portion, a rear portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions on a rear side of the body, a door opening disposed between the right and the left lateral portions on a front side of the body, an upper portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions, a lower portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions, wheels attached to the lower portion for supporting the body, a door pivotally attached to the body and adapted to mate with the door opening and a locking mechanism operatively associated with the door for selectively securing the door to the body in a closed position thereof the upper portion of the cart comprising a peripheral frame including a plurality of container-supporting portions.
US09669926B2
Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location confirmance. For certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a UFV, may: (i) obtain at least one indication of at least one location of a UFV; or (ii) attempt to counter at least one attack against a location determination for the UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth.
US09669923B2
A rotor blade control device for a helicopter, comprising a swash-ring, said swash-ring comprising a non-rotating component of the swash-ring, coupled in a non-rotatable manner to the helicopter, a rotating component of the swash-ring, at least three actuators disposed around a rotor shaft axis of the helicopter, a coupling means between the actuators and the non-rotating component of the swash-ring. The coupling means can be adjusted in terms of its pitch, for changing the position of a swash-ring coupling point on the non-rotating component of the swash-ring along the rotor shaft axis by the actuator, by means of a control shaft, in order to adjust the rotor blades. The coupling means has a pushing member, in addition to at least one lever non-rotatably connected to the control shaft, which is connected at a first end to the lever in a rotational joint, such that it can pivot about a pivotal axis, and is coupled at a second end to the non-rotating component of the swash-ring at a swash-ring coupling point, in a ball joint.
US09669922B2
A vibration control system includes an outer housing, an inner housing carried within the outer housing, a fluid passage extending through the inner housing and in fluid communication with a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir on opposing sides of the inner housing, and a gas extraction system. The gas extraction system includes a gas reservoir in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir, a removable cap secured to the outer housing, a lid removably attached to the cap, and a plurality of conduits extending through cap and lid and configured to provide fluid and gas communication between the first reservoir and the gas reservoir.
US09669920B2
A casing for a lifting aid for an aircraft, comprising at least one strake which extends essentially in a protruding manner in the direction of flight in relation to an outer surface of the casing. An aircraft including a lifting aid and such a type of casing.
US09669917B2
A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a second airship that is not positively buoyant at the launch site, launching the cargo airship, transferring lifting gas from the cargo airship to the second airship where said lifting gas is carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A high-altitude airship launch system is also provided.
US09669914B1
A power steering system for a marine steering includes a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator block that is mounted on an outer end of a ram of the cylinder, and valving. An actuator arm, mounted on the actuator block, is connected to the steering link, to the steering rod, and to the valving. The actuator arm is configured to move on the actuator block upon the transmission of steering command forces thereto by the steering rod to actuate the valving so as to drive the ram into or out of the barrel and to transmit steering forces to the steering link from the actuator block. The actuator block is configured such that it can accept standard steering links of different engine brands.
US09669907B2
A sports board rack system includes an upper support frame, an upper pulley arrangement carried by the upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a lower pulley arrangement carried by the lower support frame. A flexible rack assembly is coupled between the upper and lower support frames and includes a pair of spaced apart rack units. Each rack unit includes spaced apart board supports. The upper and lower pulley arrangements are coupled together so that the flexible rack assembly is moveable between an expanded position and a retracted position. In the expanded position the board supports are aligned with one another in a horizontal direction for placement and removal of sports boards. In the retracted position the board supports are moved closer to one another so that a separation distance between adjacent board supports in a vertical direction is reduced.
US09669904B2
Systems and associated methods for planning and control of a fleet of unmanned vehicles in missions that are coordinated temporally and spatially by geo-location, direction, vehicle orientation, altitude above sea level, and depth below sea level. The unmanned vehicles' transit routes may be fully autonomous, semi-autonomous, or under direct operator control using off board control systems. Means are provided for intervention and transit changes during mission execution. Means are provided to collect, centralize and analyze mission data collected on the set of participating unmanned vehicles.
US09669903B2
A watercraft can include a foil configured for movement between an undeployed position and a first deployed position in which the foil raises the relative position of the watercraft relative to the water line as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby facilitating planing of the watercraft. The foil can be configured for movement to a second deployed position in which the foil lowers the relative position of the stern end of the watercraft as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby modifying the wake produced by the watercraft.
US09669898B2
An electric motorcycle includes a battery case accommodating a high voltage battery, a low voltage battery, a converter that decreases the voltage of the high voltage battery to supply the decreased voltage to the low voltage battery, and a motor case that accommodates the electric motor. The converter is located in the motor case. The electric motorcycle prevents users from accessing the converter.
US09669895B2
A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
US09669893B2
A pivotal handgrip pad for use on a bicycle handlebar including a first section and a second section. Attached to the first section is a hook and loop fastener with a buckle to connect the pad to the handlebar. The second section includes a cushioned material and a layer of material that extends from the second section to the first section to enable the cushioned second section to rest on the handlebars in a lowered position so that a rider's hand may grip the second section and handlebars simultaneously, and a raised position where the rider is enabled to grip just the handlebars and not the pad.
US09669877B2
There is provided a vehicle body framework structure, the vehicle body framework structure including (1) a framework main body that is provided with a closed cross-sectional structure which is formed by joining together a first panel, and a second panel having less strength than the first panel, and (2) a cylindrical reinforcing member that is provided inside the framework main body and extends along the framework main body, a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the second panel side being formed thicker overall than a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the first panel side.
US09669876B2
There is obtained a parting portion structure for a vehicle that can enhance the rigidity of one end of a design panel that constitutes a parting portion, while imparting a feeling of sharpness to the parting portion. An end edge portion of an upper-end rear portion of a fender panel is folded back toward the opposite side of a design surface and superimposed thereon. A return line of the end edge portion is arranged adjacent to a linear second ridgeline of a side outer panel, and linearly extends along the second ridgeline. Besides, superimposed regions of the end edge portion are joined to each other by an adhesive.
US09669874B2
A vehicle having two chassis components, which are connected by a sloping plane, especially by a guidance device and/or sliding bearing along a sloping plane, a first drive wheel being situated on at least one of the chassis components, and one wheel on the other chassis component, a rotational speed differential between the rotational speed of the drive wheel and the rotational speed of the wheel being able to be induced by a device.
US09669873B2
A modular axle concept for a motor vehicle with electric drive includes a structure that supports the bodywork of the motor vehicle. The structure has an integration point or preferably a connection point, in each instance, for attachment of a coupling module, in each instance, for each wheel of the front axle and/or rear axle that can be driven electrically. The module can be connected with the electrically drivable wheel, particularly with its wheel mount.
US09669869B2
A vehicle suspension apparatus is constructed to improve stability and controllability. Suspension apparatus includes; a tire wheel to be equipped with a tire; a wheel hub mechanism to support the tire wheel; a first link member connecting the wheel hub mechanism and a vehicle body on a lower side of an axle in an vehicle up and down direction; a second link member connecting the wheel hub mechanism and the vehicle body on the lower side of the axle in the vehicle up and down direction and intersecting the first link member in a vehicle top view; and a steering rack moving in a vehicle widthwise direction and steering the wheel hub mechanism.
US09669859B2
A juvenile stroller includes a seat, wheels, and a push handle. The push handle is mounted for pivoting movement about an axis relative to the seat. The push handle pivots between a stroller position and a trailer position. Movement of the push handle to the trailer position corresponds to a front wheel or wheels movement to a stowed position.
US09669858B2
A motorized, self-propelled stroller that is controllable via a remote control unit. The motorized stroller has a motor, a power source, and a drive shaft that is operably connected to one of the stroller's axles to drive the rotation thereof. A wireless transceiver relays signals sent from the remote control unit to the motor to control the action of the motor. The motor is adapted to drive the rotation of the axle to which it is operably connected in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, with varying speeds. Reflectors extend along the lateral sides of the stroller frame and lights are disposed on the front portion of the frame, making the stroller more visible during low-light conditions and thus safer to operate. The motorized stroller further includes a motorized assembly that is adapted to fold and unfold the stroller frame in response to input from the remote control unit.
US09669857B1
A propulsion unit is provided for propelling a piece of equipment that is normally intended to be pushed by a pedestrian. The unit involves a way to support an upright rider that is sized to allow the rider to reach a handle of the hand-pushed mobile equipment; a plurality of ways to contact the ground and allowing the way to support a rider to move across a surface in a low-friction manner; a way to provide thrust in one or both of the forward and backward directions; and a way to couple the unit to the hand-pushed mobile equipment and allow the hand-pushed mobile equipment to yaw relative to the unit around a vertical axis that is approximately collinear with the vertical axis of the upright rider.
US09669853B2
The train control system includes: an on-board device 3 mounted on a train 2 traveling on a predetermined track 1; a vehicle radio set 4 that transmits and receives information of the on-board device 3; wayside radio sets 5 each of which is disposed at a predetermined location on the ground to transmit information to and receive information from the vehicle radio set 4 information; a ground device 8 placed by the track 1 and connected to the wayside radio set 5; an operation controlling device 12 that transmits operation information of the train 2 to the ground device 8; and an interlocking device 11 that performs an operation control of a turnout 6 for switching tracks. The ground device 8 detects the location of the train 2 on the basis of wireless propagation time between the vehicle radio set 4 and the wayside radio set 5, receives entering track information of the train 2 from the operation controlling device 12, and controls an interval between a preceding train 2 and a following train 2.
US09669852B2
A washout detector apparatus includes a detector member movably disposed in at least a portion of a detector housing, the detector housing is configured to be secured to a structure. A biasing device is disposed in and positioned to bias the detector member in a direction out from the portion of the detector housing towards a surface perpendicular to the structure. An indicator is coupled to the detector member to provide a condition of the surface based on movement of the detector member with respect to the surface. A method for making a washout detector apparatus is also disclosed.
US09669849B2
A wheel brake disc for a wheel of a rail vehicle, wherein the wheel has a wheel web, on which friction rings are supported which are fastened to the wheel web, wherein each friction ring has spring elements arranged in each case on the circumference of the friction rings, wherein, in the mounted state of the wheel brake disc, the spring elements are arranged in each case between the friction rings and the wheel web.
US09669844B2
A transfer device transfers an electric vehicle, that has been loaded onto a pallet, in a left-right direction or in an up-down direction relative to the direction of forward travel of the electric vehicle. The pallet is provided with: a power-receiving coil that, together with a power-supplying coil of the electric vehicle, forms an electromagnetic coupling circuit; a power-receiving circuit that receives power that is supplied wirelessly from the outside via the electromagnetic coupling circuit; and an electric motor that is driven by power received by the power-receiving circuit, and that causes the pallet to move in the left-right direction or in the up-down direction.
US09669832B2
A vehicle and methods of proximity-based engine control for a vehicle as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes determining a distance between the vehicle and a preceding obstacle. If the distance between the vehicle and the preceding obstacle is below a threshold distance, the method further includes determining whether a vehicle brake is being applied. If the vehicle brake is not being applied, the method further includes detecting a throttle position for an engine throttle. If the throttle position is above a threshold throttle position, the method further includes sending a command to modify the throttle position to a restricted throttle position. If the throttle position is above the threshold throttle position, the method can optionally include sending a command to modify ignition timing for a vehicle engine or sending a command to apply the vehicle brake.
US09669830B2
The invention regards to a method for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle, comprising the steps of producing sensor data by at least one sensor physically sensing the environment of a host vehicle and/or obtaining data conveying information about the environment of a host vehicle, generating a plurality of representation segments each segment being a portion of an entire area of representation of the environment of the host vehicle at a particular point in time wherein a relative position of the portion of such representation segment with respect to a current position of the host vehicle corresponds to a possible position of the host vehicle at that particular point in time, combining the representation segments to a spatio-temporal representation of the environment of the host vehicle; evaluating the spatio-temporal representation and outputting an assistance signal on the basis of an evaluation result.
US09669829B2
An on-board camera captures an image of a travel lane ahead of an own vehicle. At least one state acquisition apparatus acquires an acquired value indicating a state of the own vehicle. A travel lane marking recognition system recognizes a travel lane marking that demarcates the travel lane from an image captured by the on-board camera. The travel lane marking recognition system sets a reliability level of the recognized travel lane marking based on the acquired value of the at least one state acquisition apparatus. When the reliability level is higher than a first predetermined threshold, the travel lane marking recognition system performs driving control of the own vehicle based on the recognized travel lane marking. When the reliability level is lower than the first predetermined threshold, the travel lane marking recognition system performs a deviation warning of deviation from the travel lane based on the recognized travel lane marking.
US09669828B2
Distributed control of vehicles with coordinating cars that implement a cooperative control method, and non-coordinating cars that are presumed to follow predictable dynamics. A cooperative control method can combine distributed receding horizon control, for optimization-based path planning and feedback, with higher level logic, to ensure that implemented plans are collision free. The cooperative method can be completely distributed with partially synchronous execution, and can afford dedicated time for communication and computation, features that are prerequisites for implementation on real freeways. The method can test for conflicts and can calculate optimized trajectories by adjusting parameters in terminal state constraints of an optimal control problem.
US09669826B2
A driving-assistance device is disclosed. The driving-assistance device in which, when a three-dimensional object is present on a course of a host vehicle, driving assistance for avoiding a collision between the host vehicle and the three-dimensional object is implemented on a condition that an unavoidable three-dimensional object is present in a predetermined range including the course, the driving-assistance device comprises a setting unit configured to set the predetermined range in the vicinity of the host vehicle at a degree of width depending on the three-dimensional object, wherein, when a plurality of the three-dimensional objects are detected within the predetermined range, the setting unit makes the degree of width smaller than when a single three-dimensional object is detected within the predetermined range.
US09669820B1
A method of prioritizing power output of first and second power-sources in a vehicle includes identifying, via a controller communicating with a satellite, the vehicle's position on a specific road course. The method also includes receiving a request for total amount of power from both power-sources and determining first power-source power and available second power-source target maximum power based on the vehicle position. The method also includes determining, based on the vehicle position, a minimum energy reserve of a source configured to energize the second power-source and available second power-source power based on the determined reserve. The method also includes subtracting the first power-source power from the requested total amount of power to determine a requested second power-source power. Furthermore, the method includes comparing the available and the requested second power-source power and generating the smaller power value to minimize the time for the vehicle to traverse the road course.
US09669818B2
A method for detecting leaks in at least one brake pressure line, under braking pressure, of a compressed air brake device of a rail vehicle having an indirect electro-pneumatic brake, wherein the indirect electro-pneumatic brake has a master air vessel line to hold a master air vessel line pressure, and a compressed air source supplying the master air vessel line with compressed air and is controlled by the master air line pressure in a master air line, wherein the at least one brake pressure line under braking pressure extends between a valve device, which controls the braking pressure in dependence upon the master air line pressure in the master air line, and at least one brake actuator, and where the braking test method is carried out when the rail vehicle is stationary.
US09669817B2
A device for a brake system comprises a rotating plate including magnets having a first polarity. The rotating plate engages an output shaft of a motor. The device includes a non-rotating plate including magnets, one or more of which have the first polarity and one or more of which have a second polarity. The non-rotating plate moves axially between an engaged position and a non-engaged position. In the engaged position, the magnets in the rotating plate magnetically attract the one or more magnets in the non-rotating plate with the second polarity so that non-rotating plate moves into contact with the rotating plate. In the non-engaged position, the magnets in the rotating plate magnetically repel the one or more magnets in the non-rotating plate with the first polarity so that the non-rotating plate moves out of contact with the rotating plate and thus rotation of the rotating plate is allowed.
US09669816B2
Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fault within a brake booster system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include measuring the pressure of a brake booster chamber and the pressure of an inlet manifold, comparing the booster chamber and inlet manifold pressures, determining the faulty source, and restricting the use of an electrical system in case of a fault. In this way, the pressure within the inlet manifold may be reduced or maintained in the event of a fault.
US09669815B2
An engine system including a first flowpath between a first component and a second component where a first aspirator forms a portion of the first flowpath, and a second flowpath between the first component and the second component, where a second aspirator forms a portion of the second flowpath. A shut-off valve forms a portion of the second flowpath. The first aspirator and the second aspirator each have a suction inlet, and the suction inlet of the first aspirator is in fluid communication with the suction inlet of the second aspirator.
US09669813B2
In a driving support system of a vehicle, there is provided a structure that, even during operating a control based on a machine input, a driver's sense of incongruity can be reduced as much as possible and/or the steering of the driver be can reflected. The vehicle is equipped with a steering assist mechanism and a braking-driving force distribution mechanism of right and left wheels. In operations of the inventive device, a steering assist torque, applied by the steering assist mechanism, is controlled to a target value determined with reference to a target steering torque to achieve the target route, determined without depending on steering of a driver, and a driver's steering torque; and a braking-driving force difference between the right and left wheels is controlled to a target value based on a steering angle of the driver.
US09669810B2
A braking system may include a plurality of independently activatable groups of brake actuators, which may allow the braking force applied to a brake disc stack to be modified, e.g., in response a type of braking event. In some examples, a braking system comprises a brake assembly that includes a brake stack and a plurality of brake actuators. Each brake actuator may be configured to compress the brake stack when the brake actuator is activated. The braking system may further comprise a processor configured to detect a first type of braking event and, in response, activate a first number of brake actuators to compress the brake stack. The processor may further be configured to detect a second type of braking event and, in response, activate a second number of brake actuators to compress the brake stack, the first number being less than the second number.
US09669809B2
A brake ECU sets two sensor state flags to fix states of first and second master pressure sensors as an abnormal state when a value of a simultaneous timer becomes equal to or larger than an abnormal-state fixing time. The simultaneous timer serves to measure a time that the first master pressure sensor is determined to be not under a normal state and the second master pressure sensor is determined to be not under a normal state on the basis of the sensor state flags. The abnormal-state fixing time is set to a time shorter than an abnormal-state fixing time used for changing the state of each of the master pressure sensors from an invalid state to an abnormal state.
US09669808B2
An engine ECU and a brake ECU of a vehicle control apparatus performs any one of a mechanical brake which converts a kinetic energy using rotation of a driving wheel rotation into thermal energy using friction and a regeneration brake which converts the kinetic energy of the driving wheel rotation into electric energy using regeneration, during a vehicle deceleration, after an engine brake changes a deceleration ratio which is a rotation number ratio of driving wheels with respect to the rotation number of an engine.
US09669799B2
A seatbelt pretensioner is provided including an inner tube with a gas generator housed therein, an intermediate sleeve extending over the inner tube, and a spool portion housing the sleeve and the tube. The spool portion includes spiraling flutes thereon that correspond to a protruding member in the form of flutes or pegs extending from the intermediate sleeve. In response to the gas generator firing, the sleeve will be driven longitudinally, causing the protruding member to act on the spiraling flutes of the spool, thereby causing the spool to rotate. The intermediate sleeve can include a spiraling slot that receives a peg from the inner tube, so that the intermediate sleeve will rotate to compound the spool rotation.
US09669794B2
Airbag cushion assemblies comprising internal stabilizers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cushion comprising a first side and a second side opposite from the first side and a hub comprising a hub opening configured to be coupled with an inflator so as to receive inflation gases during deployment of the airbag cushion through the hub opening. A stabilizer, such as, in some embodiments, a diffuser or another inflatable structure, may be positioned within the airbag cushion and may be non-releasably coupled with the airbag cushion along at least a portion of the first side, along at least a portion of the second side, and adjacent to the hub opening.
US09669783B2
A vehicle remote control system is capable of controlling an operation device that corresponds to an operation command when the operation command for an image transmitted from a user terminal is input in a remote terminal. The vehicle remote control system includes a user terminal for transmitting an image of an operation object of a vehicle to a remote terminal, the remote terminal displays an image transmitted from the user terminal and when an operation command for an operation device displayed on the image is input, the remote terminal transmits a control signal, which is to control an operation of the operation device corresponding to the input operation command, to the vehicle, and the vehicle controls a function of the operation device according to the control signal.
US09669781B2
A steering apparatus (2) is disclosed, which includes: a steering shaft (3) having a conductive property and transferring a steering force; an outer column (10) having a conductive property and supporting the steering shaft (3) rotatably; an inner column (11) having a conductive property, being fitted in the outer column (10) to enable a relative movement in an axial direction supporting the steering shaft (3) rotatably together with the outer column (10); a bracket (12) having a conductive property, retaining the outer column (10) and being fixed to a vehicle body; and an electrifying lead (17) having a conductive property and configuring a part of an electrifying path leading to the vehicle body from the inner column (11).
US09669764B2
A mirror reflective element for a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a glass substrate, an electrochromic film and a mirror reflector. The electrochromic film is provided as a pre-cut mirror shape film and is disposed at the glass substrate. The electrochromic film comprises an electrochromic polymer layer disposed between a front polymeric film and a rear polymeric film. The front polymeric film is disposed between the electrochromic polymer layer and the glass substrate and a transparent electrically conductive coating is disposed between the front polymeric film and the electrochromic polymer layer. An electrically conductive coating is disposed between the rear polymeric film and the electrochromic polymer layer. The polymeric films have respective overhang portions that extend outboard of any other portion of the electrochromic film at respective connecting regions for electrical connection to the electrically conductive coatings.
US09669761B2
The present invention provides an around view monitoring (AVM) apparatus, including: a plurality of cameras which is mounted on a vehicle; a video composing unit which receives a plurality of videos from the plurality of cameras and composes the plurality of videos to generate an around view video; a brightness correcting unit which receives the around view video and corrects and outputs the brightness of the around view video based on an average brightness value and a variance of the brightness values for every region which is included in the around view video; and a video display unit which displays the around view video whose brightness is corrected.
US09669760B2
A warning device includes: a host vehicle information acquisition unit; a moving object information acquisition unit that acquires moving object information around the host vehicle; an intersection determination unit that determines whether a course of the host vehicle and a course of the moving object intersect; a distance calculation unit that calculates a distance from the host vehicle to an intersection position; an estimated crossing-time calculation unit that calculates a time that elapses before the moving object arrives at the intersection position; a threshold setting unit; and a warning unit that alerts a driver when the time is smaller than a threshold, wherein the threshold is set larger as the distance becomes larger, and is set larger when the host vehicle speed vehicle is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed than when the host vehicle speed is higher.
US09669751B2
An over the wheel well liquid storage tank for storing liquid in a bed of a truck includes a tank body having a main tank portion shaped to fit in an area adjacent a wheel well in the bed of a truck and an over a wheel well tank portion shaped to fit in an area above a wheel well in the bed of a truck. The main tank portion is shaped to fit in an area adjacent a proximal side of the wheel well or in an area adjacent a distal side of the wheel well. A mounting system is coupled to the tank body. The mounting system couples the tank body to the bed of a truck. The mounting system includes a channel coupled to the tank body and a mounting bracket for coupling to the channel and to the truck. The mounting system includes an adjustable bumper.
US09669735B2
The present invention relates to a seat for vehicles, comprising a backrest part with a support frame and a respective lining; a seat part; and a chassis to which the support frame of the backrest part is firmly attached and to which the seat part is attached such that it can shift forward or backward, the backrest part being provided with a rotating vane between the support frame and its lining, with an upper end attached in an articulated manner to the frame or to the chassis and with a lower end provided with a slide where a thrust pin arranged in the rear area of the seat part slides, such that the rotation of the vane with respect to the frame or the chassis shifts the seat and modifies the profile of the lining in the area covering the vane and therefore the shape of the support surface that the backrest part offers the user.
US09669731B2
A method of recycling motor power of a movable object is provided to recycle and redistribute power from at least one motor in a decelerating state. The method comprises determining whether an operating state of at least one motor of the movable object is a decelerating state, and recycling power from the at least one motor having a decelerating state. The method also comprises redistributing the recycled power to other power consuming components of the movable object. The method of present invention increases the energy efficiency and a battery life of the movable object. The movable object may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
US09669725B2
A store for electrical energy, and a holding device for at least two stores for electrical energy, in each of which a voltage divider is situated which is contactable in each via an external, additional electrical contact. Since the division ratio of the voltage divider within the holding device is characteristic for a specific holder, a voltage measurement at the tapping point between the stores' resistors is useable to determine which holder of the holding device the store is in. During a charging operation without the holding device no voltage divider is connected to the store, it is possible to identify a particular holder and to determine that the store is not in a holding device for charging. Since the store or its battery management system itself provides for energization of its own voltage divider, recognition may take place regardless of whether a charging device is directly connected to the holding device or store. Also, a wake-up function is provided via the additional electrical contact of the store.
US09669724B2
An energy storage system of a vehicle includes an energy storage device, a regulation device coupled to the energy storage device, one or more sensing devices for sensing current levels, voltage levels, temperature levels, and/or pressure levels of the energy storage device and/or on components thereof, and a control unit configured to determine dynamically a power flow in/out of the energy storage device using a fuzzy logic approach. The regulation device is configured to regulate at least one of a voltage level, a current level, and any additional state parameter of the energy storage device.
US09669723B2
An electronic storage module includes a plurality of batteries, a primary monitoring circuit configured to detect an operating state of the plurality of batteries, a microcontroller unit connected to the primary monitoring circuit via a primary communication path, and a secondary monitoring circuit connected to the microcontroller unit via a secondary communication path. The secondary monitoring circuit is configured to detect the operating state of the plurality of batteries when a determination is made of an abnormality in the primary communication path, or an abnormality in the operating state of the primary monitoring circuit.
US09669717B2
A vehicle includes: a friction braking device configured to generate a friction braking force; a generator motor configured to generate a regenerative braking force; and a control unit configured to adjust the friction braking force and adjust the regenerative braking force by controlling energization of the generator motor such that a required braking force that is required by the vehicle is generated, interrupt energization of the generator motor at predetermined timing after timing at which a specific operation, which is a combination of a plurality of operations conducted by an occupant, has completed within a threshold time, and control the generator motor so as to prohibit generation of the regenerative braking force by the generator motor when at least one of the plurality of operations combined as the specific operation has been detected within a specific period back from braking start timing at which the required braking force is generated.
US09669716B1
An energy charge controller for controlling electrical energy of a vehicle includes an estimation module and a control module. The estimation module includes a driver behavior judgment unit, a charge curve adjustment unit and an energy charge evaluation unit. The driver behavior judgment unit is configured to generate and output a driving mode signal. The driving mode signal is evaluated to generate a brake charging target datum by the charge curve adjustment unit. The brake charging target datum and a vehicle speed are evaluated to generate a chargeable braking energy value by the energy charge evaluation unit. The control module is configured to store a plurality of situational conditions, and select and output one of the situational conditions to the vehicle by comparing the chargeable braking energy value and a recoverable storage power value from an energy storage device.
US09669713B2
An auxiliary power pack for a vehicle includes an energy harvesting system for converting energy from an ambient environment into electrical power, a storage device in communication with the energy harvesting device for storing energy in response to the electrical power, and an output interface in communication with the storage device for supplying the stored energy to an electronic device. The power pack further includes a portable housing for the energy harvesting system, the storage device and the output interface. The housing is configured for removable mounting to a vehicle.
US09669704B2
The air intake structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl, a pair of right and left air duct portions, an air cleaner box, and a vehicle body frame. The front cowl includes a pair of right and left air intake ports. The pair of the right and left air duct portions guides air taken from the pair of the right and left air intake ports. The air cleaner box cleans the air guided by the pair of the right and left air duct portions. The vehicle body frame is branched backward from a steering head pipe disposed on a front side of a vehicle into a bifurcated shape with a pair of right and left. The vehicle body frame includes the air cleaner box between the branches of the bifurcated shape. The air duct portion includes a first air duct and a second air duct. The first air duct guides air to the air cleaner box from the air intake port through the vehicle body frame. The second air duct branches from the first air duct in a middle to guide air to the air cleaner box.
US09669703B2
A vehicle includes a battery, a duct through which air for cooling the battery flows, and a bumper, wherein an opening portion at an end of the duct faces an outer face of the duct inside the bumper.
US09669697B2
The invention relates to a drive train (10) for a hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (12) having a motor shaft (18) for providing a torque for driving the hybrid vehicle, and comprising an electric machine (30) for providing a torque for driving the hybrid vehicle, wherein the electric machine (30), in particular for starting of the internal combustion engine (12), can be coupled to the motor shaft (18) by means of a selectively engageable planetary gear unit (38) for providing at least two different transmission ratios, wherein the electric machine (30) can be coupled by means of a transmission gearing (48), in particular a sun gear system having a transmission ratio different from 1.0, having an intermediate shaft (46) for introducing the torque into the planetary gear unit (38).
US09669692B2
Corner structure of a hollow chamber seal includes a filler piece which is situated in a corner area of the hollow chamber seal. Filler piece supports the hollow chamber seal, with deformation, and diverts supporting forces into a component on which the hollow chamber seal is situated. Corner structure reliably prevents deformation of the hollow chamber seal, even after extended use, is easy to manufacture, and is aesthetic. Filler piece has a base which is adjoined by a T-shaped head made of an elastomeric material, and the head of the filler piece when installed protrudes into the hollow chamber seal through a slit which is introduced into the hollow chamber seal, and is supported on a wall of the hollow chamber seal oppositely situated from the component, with deformation. Base is supported on the component and diverts the supporting forces on the head into the component.
US09669682B2
Air-conditioning of an engine-driven motor vehicle is started by way of an activation signal when the motor vehicle is deactivated. With the activation signal, the engine and an air-conditioning device are activated. The engine is switched on for a maximum engine operating duration which is selected in accordance with a temperature of the engine and/or an ambient temperature of the motor vehicle and/or a temperature of an exhaust gas system of the motor vehicle, in particular a catalytic converter.
US09669677B2
A vehicle active suspension system, a vehicle, and a method of controlling a vehicle active suspension system are provided. The vehicle active suspension system may include a suspension actuator and a controller. The controller may be programmed to, in response to an object being detected within a predetermined range of a vehicle while a vehicle speed is greater than a threshold speed, categorize the object into at least one of a plurality of predefined categories. The controller may be further programmed to actuate the suspension actuator according to a predefined actuation profile.
US09669668B2
A wheel module for a tire pressure monitoring system includes an inflation valve of the “snap-in” type and an electronic casing fixed thereto in a reversible manner. This valve is produced from a resiliently deformable material and includes a valve body and a metal conduit extending therethrough for introducing inflation air. The valve body has a first end provided with a thread for receiving a closure cap and a second end with a hollow metal fixing rod provided with notches fixed thereto. The electronic casing is slidingly mounted on the fixing rod and includes an element for blocking the position of the casing relative to the valve in a reversible manner. The blocking element includes a substantially U-shaped metal wire, a first end and a second end of which are inserted below retention lugs produced on the same face of the casing. This metal wire is insertable into the notches.
US09669656B2
A bicycle freewheel basically includes a driving member, a driven member, at least one first engaging member, at least one second engaging member and at least one contact member. The driving member is to be coupled to a bicycle sprocket. The driven member is to be coupled to a bicycle hub. The driving member and the driven member have oppositely arranged first and second portions, respectively. The at least one first engaging member is disposed on one of the first and second portions, while the at least one second engaging member is disposed on the other of the first and second portions. The at least one second engaging member engages the at least one first engaging member while non-freewheeling. The at least one contact member is disposed on one of the first and second engaging members, and contacts the other of the first and second engaging members while freewheeling.
US09669650B2
A whiteboard comprises a panel, four rims and four connectors. The panel comprises a writable pre-coating layer, a foaming layer and a back plate. The each rim comprises a rim main body and a number of locking pieces. The rim main body comprises a top plate, a light filter plate, an upper plate, a side plate. The light filter plate is connected between the top plate and the upper plate by melting. An inserting plate is vertically extended outwards from the side plate. A locking plate is vertically extended downwards from the rear end of the inserting plate. The locking pieces are locked at the lower ends of the locking plates. Each of the locking pieces comprises a connecting portion at the upper position thereof. A supporting portion is formed at the lower end of the connecting portion. The each connector comprises a bottom casing and a top casing. The bottom casing comprises a bottom casing main body. The top casing comprises a top cover. A lateral plate is downwards bent and extended from the outer edge of the top cover. A sealing strip is pasted at the position of the inner edge of the sealing strip contacting the writable pre-coating layer.
US09669641B2
A vacuum platen for media sheets has a sheet support wall formed with a plurality of perforations and a number of chambers formed on a bottom side of the sheet support wall. Each of the chambers is directly connected to a vacuum source. Each chamber contains an acoustic barrier member arranged to divide the chamber into at least two sub-chambers such that the sub-chambers are in fluid communication with one another and have overlapping contours when seen in a direction normal to the plane of the sheet support wall.
US09669637B2
A light scanning apparatus includes a light source, a deflector configured to deflect a light flux from the light source, and an imaging optical system configured to guide the light flux deflected at the deflector onto a scanned surface. The imaging optical system consists of a single imaging optical element, wherein, on the optical axis of the imaging optical system, the conditions 0.15≦T2/Sk≦0.3 and 0.03≦d/K≦0.08 are satisfied. A condition 0.3≦B≦0.6 is satisfied at a condensing position Y where a scanning angle θ is greatest, when the condensing position Y in the main scanning direction on the scanned surface of the light flux deflected at the scanning angle θ by the deflector is expressed by Y=(K/B)×tan(B×θ).
US09669635B2
An attachment is mountable on a carriage in place of a liquid container that contains liquid and that is mounted on the carriage having a liquid jet head for jetting liquid, so that the attachment can supply liquid introduced from outside to the liquid jet head. The attachment has a pressure control means provided in a flow passage which is formed in an attachment body and through which the liquid introduced from the outside is supplied to the liquid jet head.
US09669633B1
Ink port adapters for multi-color inkjet heads. In one embodiment, the ink port adapter includes two hose fittings for connecting to hoses, and four openings that align with four ink ports of a four-color inkjet head. The adapter includes one ink path that connects one of the hose fittings to two of the openings, and another ink path that connects the other hose fitting to the other two openings. The adapter therefore converts the four-color inkjet head into a two-color inkjet head.
US09669632B2
A compact and portable printer, scanner and copier having dimensions and a housing allowing the device to be portable for travel with a laptop computer or other tablet or portable computing device. The three in one printer has a pivotal carriage for linear and rotational movement of the carriage and an ink cartridge. The printer also has an easily accessible removable ink cartridge maintenance system.
US09669631B2
An ink supply mechanism (50) provided with: a main tank (60); a sub-tank (70) for storing ink supplied from the main tank (60) and supplying the ink to an ink jet head (2); a first communication passage (52) one end of which communicates into the ink in the main tank (60) and the other end of which communicates into the ink in the sub-tank (70); and a second communication passage (53) one end of which communicates into the main tank (60) and the other end of which communicates with a position in the sub-tank (70) higher than the other end of the first communication passage (52), and part of which is disposed at a position higher than the liquid level of the ink in the main tank (60).
US09669628B2
The wall of each supply path formed in a silicon substrate has such a shape that a plurality of regions distinguished from each other due to different inclinations to a first surface of the silicon substrate are connected to each other between the first surface and a second surface of the silicon substrate and the width of the supply path is maintained or expands from the first surface to second surface of the silicon substrate. An internal opening is formed by one of the regions that is most steeply inclined to the first surface of the silicon substrate. A region reducing the squeezing of an adhesive into the internal opening is placed between the internal opening and the second surface of the silicon substrate.
US09669622B2
Provided is a liquid detecting unit and a liquid jetting device that avoid generation of air bubbles and deposit of the components of ink due to electrolysis of the liquid when detecting liquid information. The liquid detecting unit is provided with an alternating current generation circuit for generating an alternating current to be applied to the liquid, a detection output generation unit for generating a detection output for detecting the liquid information based on a potential of a first connection point in the alternating current generation circuit and a potential of a second connection point in the alternating current generation circuit, and a detection unit for detecting the liquid information based on the detection output.
US09669612B2
A laminating sheet includes a translucent ply and an adhesive coating applied to the translucent ply. The adhesive coating is activatable by at least one of pressure and heat and is provided on the translucent ply in a configuration providing at least one form of indicia that is visible prior to the adhesive being activated. A method of manufacturing a laminating sheet is also disclosed, whereby an adhesive coating activatable by at least one of pressure and heat is applied to a translucent ply and is configured to provide at least one form of visible indicia.
US09669607B2
A laminate film comprising a core layer comprising of a high crystalline propylene homopolymer blended with an amount of hydrocarbon resin; crystalline polyethylene wax; and a fluoropolymer and/or a metal oxide nanoparticle which exhibits excellent transparency and moisture vapor barrier properties. The laminate film could further have additional layers such as a second polyolefin resin-containing layer, or a heat-sealable polyolefin-containing layer, or combinations thereof.
US09669597B2
A glass film laminate includes a carrier glass including a rough surface, a smooth surface surrounding the rough surface, the rough surface having a relatively large surface roughness and the smooth surface having a relatively small surface roughness, and a passage rough surface connected to the rough surface; and a glass film laminated on the rough surface and the smooth surface of the carrier glass.
US09669593B2
An aerospace vessel including a fuselage, a means for causing the fuselage to fly coupled to the fuselage, and an environmental control system within the fuselage. The environmental control system includes a duct made of closed cell thermoplastic foam, such as polyvinylidene fluoride foam.
US09669590B2
There is disclosed composite material lay-up equipment for applying a plurality of individual lengths of elongate fiber reinforcement material to an article, the equipment comprising: a support head; a cutting mechanism carried by the support head for severing a plurality of individual lengths of elongate fiber reinforcement material. The cutting mechanism comprises a plurality of cutting elements coupled to and moveable with respect to the support head and a cassette removably attached to the support head and having a plurality of corresponding counteracting elements statically mounted thereto. Each cutting element is displaceable relative to the corresponding counteracting element to perform a cutting stroke in which the respective cutting and counteracting elements cooperate to sever a length of elongate fiber reinforcement material extending through the nip formed between them.
US09669587B2
A composite structure is fabricated by staging at least a portion of an uncured, first composite component. The first composite component is assembled with a second composite component, and the staged portion of the first composite component is cocured with the second composite component.
US09669585B2
A computer implemented method and apparatus for embedding a 2D image in a 3D model. The method comprises generating a 3-dimensional (3D) print matrix representing a 2-dimensional (2D) image, wherein the print matrix comprises a plurality of sub-regions, the base plane of each sub-region angled with respect to a top surface of the print matrix so as to produce a plurality of shades, each shade representing a shade of the 2D image; and embedding the print matrix in a (3D) model.
US09669580B2
A heat-delivery apparatus (12) heats a heat-shrinkable sleeve (10) on a pipe (2). The heat-delivery apparatus (12) includes one or more heater elements (20) which define an interior heating surface that surrounds the sleeve (10). An air space is thus defined between the exterior of the sleeve (10) and the interior heating surface. The flow of air, that would otherwise be generated by the step of applying heat, within said air space is controlled or restricted for example by means of fins (50, 50s, 60) that control or restrict the airflow, fully or partially sealing the air space with one or more sealing members (70), or fans (80) that generate an opposing airflow (82).
US09669575B2
A process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body including extruding a molten plastic parison through a die. At least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison. The parison is introduced into a mold comprising two cavities. The hollow body is molded by conforming the parison to the mold cavities. The die includes a passage for the molten plastic which gradually modifies the shape of the parison so that it is substantially flattened on exiting.
US09669571B2
A method for producing a component from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material referred to as an organometallic sheet, and which includes an arrangement of fibers embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic material. To produce the component, the organometallic sheet is thermally shaped and then placed into an injection mold. A mold for carrying out a method for producing a component from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material is also provided.
US09669570B2
A method of injection molding a part made of composite material is provided. The method includes placing a preform in a mold; injecting a resin into the mold so as to impregnate the preform; unmolding the part after curing the resin; and subjecting the resin and the preform to pressure inside the mold while the resin is curing.
US09669569B2
The invention relates mold, particularly a mold for producing foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, the mold comprises a lid and a bowl releasingly engageable to define a mold cavity, the lid comprising: (i) a vent having a passageway for gas to escape from the mold cavity, and (ii) a plurality of grooves connected to the vent. The use of a plurality of grooves/slots in the mold cavity surface effectively acts as a siphon to draw gas away from the composition to be molded. The plurality of grooves/slots is connected to one or more vents which then allows for escape of the gas from the mold cavity to the exterior of the mold.
US09669564B2
A process is provided for treating wood products including lumber, plywood and other engineered wood products comprising the steps of applying an aqueous fire-retardant impregnate and applying a coating to the surface of the wood product. In one embodiment, said process confers fire-retardant properties to the wood products sufficient to pass the extended burn test of ASTM E-84. The present invention also provides fire retardant wood products.
US09669562B2
A hydraulic arrangement and method in connection with a cutting device includes a hydraulic input line, a hydraulic motor, a return line from the hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder for pressing the cutting device, a feed line for the hydraulic cylinder, connected in parallel with the hydraulic motor to the input line, and a directional control valve and a pressing line and a lifting line. The hydraulic arrangement further includes a throttle for throttling the flow exiting from the hydraulic motor in the return line, and a pressure valve located between the said pressing line and the pressure side of the throttle, for controlling the hydraulic cylinder on the basis of the speed of rotation of the hydraulic motor.
US09669559B2
The present disclosure relates to a punching device for punching network nodes on a mold insert, comprising: a first horizontal guide rail, a mounting seat, a first driver, a punching mechanism, a laser distance meter, a host computer, a displacement operation controller, and a work platform, wherein the laser distance meter is configured to measure at least one of thicknesses and hole diameters, spacing between the network nodes, and flatness of the mold insert, the displacement operation controller derives an appropriate value of electrical current from measurement results of the laser distance meter and sends it to the host computer, and the host computer supplies electricity to the electromagnetic mechanism in accordance with the value of electrical current, so as to perform an operation of punching the network nodes. In addition, it also relates to a method of punching network nodes on a mold insert using a punching device.
US09669552B2
A system and method are disclosed for substrate handling. The system can include a robot adapter configured to connect to a robot, and first and second end effectors connected to the robot adapter. The robot adapter is configured to move the first and second end effectors from a first, retracted, position to a second, extended, position. In the extended position, the first or second end effector is disposed within a top entry load lock for picking or dropping a plurality of substrates therein. The first and second end effectors can be selectively and independently movable. The robot adapter can be rotatable so as to selectively position one of the end effectors over the top entry load lock. Methods for quickly swapping processed and unprocessed substrates in the top entry load lock are also disclosed and claimed.
US09669539B2
An auto-feeding permanent magnet drill comprising a first permanent magnet capable of being removeably coupled to a magnetic material. A coupler plate couples to the first permanent magnet. A drill frame couples to the coupler plate, the coupler plate providing an interface to couple the first permanent magnet to the frame. User interfaces are provided to enable control for powering the drill, enabling a drill or cutter bit auto-feed feature, enabling a lubrication system and enabling a mechanical adjustment system. An electric drill is coupled to the frame, the electric drill coupled to the auto-feed feature and electronically coupled to the user interfaces. A lubrication reservoir couples to a second permanent magnet capable of coupling the lubrication reservoir to a magnetic material or work surface. A flexible distribution tube delivers lubricant from the lubrication reservoir to a nozzle, the nozzle oriented towards the cutting surface and capable of distributing lubricating fluid to the cutting surface or rotating drill bit components during a drilling operation.
US09669529B2
In a driving tool, a push lever plunger is moved upward by a push lever unit when the push lever unit is disposed at an uppermost position. The push lever unit includes a first protruding part and a second protruding part. The first protruding part is configured to contact a first contact part of a housing when the push lever unit is disposed at the uppermost position. The second protruding part is configured to contact a second contact part of the housing when the push lever unit is disposed at the uppermost position. A compressed air control unit, the second protruding part, and an ejection channel are disposed within an imaginary plane extending in an approximate vertical direction. The compressed air control unit is disposed on a side opposite to the second protruding part with respect to the ejection channel in a horizontal direction.
US09669524B1
The ratcheting box wrench includes a box wrench that includes a ratcheting socket inside of the wrench opening. The ratcheting socket is in mechanical connection with a square drive that is provided at a distal end of the handle such that a square drive bit is able to rotate the ratcheting socket. Moreover, the square drive bit is affixed to the square drive provided at the distal end of the handle, and rotation of the square drive shall drive the ratcheting socket provided inside of the wrench opening of the box wrench portion of the ratcheting box wrench.
US09669521B2
An adjustable spanner is provided. The adjustable spanner may comprise a pair of jaw arms, co-operating to move relative to one another, the co-operating jaw arms are each provided at their ends with a jaw, wherein two adjacent jaws constitute a spanner head; a housing for receiving the co-operating jaw arms, the co-operating jaw arms slide longitudinally relative to the housing for setting pre-selected discrete standard fastener sizes, wherein the jaw arms are substantially identical, and are received in the housing being rotated 180° relative to one another about their longitudinal axis.
US09669519B2
A work piece holder including, but not limited to, a bracket having a first arm, a second arm, and a gap between the first arm and the second arm. A first portion of the second arm is non-parallel with a first portion of the first arm such that a lower portion of the gap is narrower than an upper portion. The work piece holder further includes a wedge having a first side and a second side. The second side is configured to engage the first portion of the second arm. The wedge is configured to move along the first portion of the second arm. The wedge and the first arm support the work piece when the work piece is positioned in the gap and the wedge has moved along the first portion of the second arm to a position where it engages the work piece.
US09669516B2
An apparatus includes an injection part, a transfer part, a pressure supply part, a collision part and an emission part. An object is injected through the injection part. The transfer part is connected to the injection part, and bended at a plurality of points thereof. The object passes through the transfer part. The pressure supply part is connected to the transfer part and supplies a pressure into the transfer part to move the object. The collision part collides with the object moving in the transfer part to treat a surface of the object. The emission part is connected to the transfer part, and the object having the treated surface is emitted through the emission part.
US09669511B2
[Problem] To machine a workpiece such as a hard brittle material or difficult-to-cut material innovatively and accurately and to improve the machining rate significantly.[Solution Means] In grinding a workpiece W by a cup grinding wheel 3 while supplying a slurry 5 containing abrasive grains, the grinding wheel 3 is rotated at low peripheral speed. No more than 500 m/min., preferably 30 to 430 m/min., is appropriate for the peripheral speed of the grinding wheel 3. The slurry 5 at a flow rate of no more than 4.0 ml/cm2/h, preferably of 1.0 to 2.0 ml/cm2/h is dropped or sprayed little by little onto a ground surface of the workpiece W.
US09669510B2
There is disclosed a polishing cleaning mechanism configured to be in contact with a rear surface of a substrate which is held in a substrate holding unit for holding the rear surface of the substrate and perform a polishing process and a cleaning process on the rear surface of the substrate, including a cleaning member configured to clean the rear surface of the substrate, a polishing member configured to polish the rear surface of the substrate, and a support member configured to support the polishing member and the cleaning member to face the rear surface of the substrate held in the substrate holding unit, wherein a surface of the polishing member facing the substrate and a surface of the cleaning member facing the substrate differ in relative height from each other.
US09669509B2
Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments of the buggy also carry a range finding laser generating samples of the distance from the laser to a sampled point on the tubular's external surface. The laser samples are processed in real time into surface contour data. Cleaning and inspection variables such as tubular rotational speed, or buggy speed, may be adjusted responsive to measured surface contour data.
US09669503B2
A subassembly with a supporting element for a machine bed of a lathe, and of a machining unit which is arranged on the supporting element and has a machining axis, wherein a solid-body joint, via which the machining unit is arranged in a movable manner on the supporting element, is provided. A lathe for plastics spectacle lenses, having a machine bed, having a tool mount or workpiece mount which is arranged at least indirectly on the machine bed, and having a subassembly which is arranged at least indirectly on the machine bed, wherein the workpiece and the tool can be oriented in relation to one another via the solid-body joint.
US09669491B2
A method of forming a steel part is provided. The method includes the steps of coating a first steel plate to obtain a first precoat upon the first steel plate so as to define a first base, a first intermetallic alloy layer on the first base and a first metal alloy layer on the first intermetallic alloy layer. On a first face of the first steel plate the first metal alloy layer is removed in a first area of the first steel plate, while at least part of the first intermetallic alloy layer in the first area remains. A second steel plate is coated to obtain a second precoat upon the second steel plate so as to define a second base, a second intermetallic alloy layer on the second base and a second metal alloy layer on the second intermetallic alloy layer. On a second face of the second steel plate, the second metal alloy layer is removed in a second area of the second metal plate, while at least part of the second intermetallic alloy layer in the second area remains. After removal of the first and second metal alloy layers, the first steel plate is butt-welded to the second steel plate at the first and second areas to form a welded blank. A heat treatment is performed on the welded blank. The welded blank is shaped after the heat treatment into the steel part. A steel part is also provided.
US09669481B1
The present disclosure comprises methods, apparatus, components, and techniques for soldering. A soldering tool includes opposing jaw pieces adapted to grip and/or compress work pieces while applying heat. The work pieces can be heated to a temperature at or above the melting point of a solder material, whereupon the solder may be melted and applied at the work pieces. The soldering tool may be removed from the work pieces, thereby allowing the solder to solidify and form a soldered joint. Soldering tools may be powered by portable, rechargeable, and/or detachable battery packs that are readily accessible and commonly used for a wide variety of hand-operated power tools.
US09669473B2
An apparatus and method according to one or more embodiments are provided for a tool that guides a drill in drilling a hole at an angle substantially perpendicular to a non-planar work surface. The tool may be implemented, for example, as a portable drill assist tool that rests unsecured on a non-planar work surface substantially perpendicular to a target hole formed within the non-planar work surface. In one example, an apparatus includes a main body having a through hole formed therein. The through hole is configured to receive a drill bushing and an alignment pin. The apparatus further includes at least three legs configured to independently translate relative to the main body to contact the non-planar surface and maintain the through hole substantially perpendicular to the non-planar work surface when the alignment pin is passed through the drill bushing and into the target hole.
US09669471B2
An ultrasonic machining module that includes an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to receive a machining tool and a vibration-isolating housing adapted to be both compatible with a machining system and to receive the ultrasonic transducer therein, wherein the housing further includes at least one modification for isolating all vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer when the device is in operation except axial vibrations transmitted to the machining tool, thereby preventing unwanted vibrations from traveling backward or upward into the machining system.
US09669469B2
A coupling device of jigs includes a foundation, a tube, a plurality of balls, and a piston base. The foundation has a chamber, in which a part of the tube is inserted. The tube has a plurality of through holes for housing the balls. The piston base is received in the chamber, and fitted to the tube. An inner surface of the piston base has a circular groove and an abutment surface. The piston base can be moved along an axial direction of the tube between a first position and a second position. When at the first position, a part of each ball is inside the circular groove; when at the second position, an area where the abutment surface abuts against each ball is not merely a single point. Whereby, the force applied on the abutment surface is dispersed, and therefore the processing accuracy of workpieces is ensured.
US09669468B2
A toolholder assembly includes a toolholder having a toolholder shank with a non-circular cross-section, a base member having a bore with a non-circular cross-section that receives the toolholder shank, a canister positioned in the base member, a lock rod positioned in the canister, a locking ball for cooperating with the lock rod, the canister and/or the toolholder shank and an actuating element configured for cooperation with the lock rod for moving the lock rod between a locked position and an unlocked position.
US09669460B2
A method for finely powdering tungsten powder, which includes dispersing tungsten powder in an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent to form an oxide film in the surface of the tungsten powder and removing the oxide film with an alkaline aqueous solution. Also disclosed is a method for producing fine tungsten powder, which includes obtaining tungsten powder having an average particle size of 0.05 to 0.5 μm by a process including the above method for finely powdering. Also disclosed is a tungsten powder having an average particle size of 0.05 to 0.5 μm, in which the dMS value (product of an average particle size d (μm), true density M (g/cm3) and BET specific surface area S (m2/g)) is within the range of 6±0.8.
US09669458B2
A core for forming micro channels within a turbine component is provided. The core includes a base comprising a first side and a second side; and a core assembly coupled to the second side. The core assembly further includes a plurality of channel members, wherein each channel member has a first end, a second end, and a channel body coupled to and extending between said first end and said second end. The channel body includes a channel shape configured to form the micro channels within the turbine component.
US09669457B2
A rivet for blind fastening may include a screw with a handling element, a break groove, a head separated from the handling element by the break groove, and a threaded part. The rivet may also include a sleeve with a collar and a tubular shank having an internal thread intended to come into engagement with the threaded part of the screw. The handling element includes a first handling portion able to guide introduction of the rivet in a setting tool, and a second handling portion able to transmit a torque, the two handling portions being separated by a blocking portion able to limit an axial movement of the rivet in a setting tool. A setting nose may be used for installing such a rivet, and the rivet, setting nose and a setting method can be used in the assembly of aircraft structures.
US09669452B2
The present disclosure provides a pre-hemming apparatus including: an actuator which is coupled to one side of a main body; a pre-hemming body which is positioned at the other side of the main body and has a pre-hemming punch; and a driving link which connects the actuator with the pre-hemming body at the main body, has a plurality of link members that are operated by the actuator, and transmits force for pre-hemming a subject to the pre-hemming body when the plurality of link members are operated.
US09669450B2
A punch tool device vertically that is movably mounted in a punch mounting hole formed in a punch holder of a punch press includes: a punch body vertically movably provided inside a tubular punch guide vertically movably mounted in a punch mounting hole and, the punch body includes a punch edge section in its lower end portion. An elastic member is provided between the punch guide and a punch head provided on an upper end portion of a punch driver provided above the punch body. A supported section is supported by a lifter spring provided to the punch holder, is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the punch guide; and a lubricating oil path is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the punch guide so as to communicate with a lubricating oil supply path formed in the punch body, the lubricating oil path provided to be capable of coming into and out of communication with a lifter spring containing hole which contains the lifter spring.
US09669447B2
The invention relates to a device for drawing components from a blank (1) made of metal using a drawing punch (2) and a die (3), the drawing punch (2) having a cutting edge (4) for trimming the blank (1) during the drawing procedure and a run-in contour (5) being provided in the die (3). The invention also relates to a method for drawing a blank using the device according to the invention and to a use according to the invention of the method. The run-in contour (5) of the die (3) is configured such that the cutting edge (4) and the run-in contour (5) are only in cutting engagement in certain regions in the drawing punch position at the start of the cutting procedure along the cutting line (7).
US09669445B2
The invention relates to a method for reshaping a workpiece comprising a central axis, a radial inner region, and a radial outer region, in which the radial inner region of said workpiece is reshaped by means of a punch and a die by a drawing operation in the axial direction with formation of an axial shaped section. Provision is made for the workpiece, the die, and the punch to be rotated about the central axis during the reshaping process by a drawing operation and for the radial outer region of said workpiece to be subjected, during reshaping by a drawing operation of the rotating workpiece, to the action of at least one shaping roller such that a flow of material in the direction of the radial inner region of said workpiece is caused or aided. The invention further relates to a device for reshaping a workpiece.
US09669442B1
A dent removing apparatus that utilizes piston technology along with the magnetism to remove dents includes a handle, a linear actuator, an interchangeable suction cup, and an interchangeable magnetized base. The handle allows the user to grasp the apparatus while the interchangeable magnetized base engages with the dent. A magnetized bottom rim of the interchangeable suction cup perimetrically positions around the dent and the interchangeable magnetized base and engaged with the surrounding surface area of the dent. Then the dent can be pulled or push to be even with the surrounding surface area through the linear actuator as the linear actuator can be manually, pneumatically, or electrically operated.
US09669439B2
An oscillating descaler (1) for semi-finished metallurgical products comprises:—a passageway (2) delimited by two opposite input and output sections (3, 4) crossable by a semi-finished product (10) to be descaled according to a rectilinear crossing direction (X) oriented from the input section (3) to the output section (4),—a manifold (20) for a pressurized fluid extended according to a longitudinal direction (Y) defined between first and second longitudinally opposite ends (21, 22), arranged so that the longitudinal direction (Y) is not parallel to the crossing direction (X),—at least one nozzle (30) for spraying a jet (31) according to a spray direction (Z) which is coaxial to a hole (30a) of the nozzle (30) and inclined towards the input section (3) and towards one of the ends (21, 22) of the manifold (20, 20b),—motor means (M) for generating a rectilinear oscillating motion of the jet (31) along the longitudinal direction (Y).
US09669434B2
A mop includes a handle rod, a mop head, and an actuator handle. The handle rod defines a central handle rod axis. The mop head connects with the handle rod and includes a cleaning element mounting structure, a cleaning element, and a standoff. The actuator handle connects with the handle rod and the cleaning element mounting structure. The actuator handle is movable with respect to the handle rod for moving the mop head with respect to the handle rod between a use position and a storage position.
US09669431B2
A method of collecting and processing organic waste material is disclosed, comprising, placing organic waste in an identifiable can liner, placing the can liner in a general waste stream, and at a later point in time removing the can liner from the waste stream while maintaining the integrity of the contents therein.
US09669423B2
The present invention relates to a spark discharge generator. The spark discharge system of the present invention includes a plurality of columnar electrodes and a ground plate having a plurality of outlet holes at positions corresponding to the columnar electrodes. The use of the spark discharge generator enables the production of a three-dimensionally shaped nanostructure array on a large area in a uniform and rapid manner.
US09669417B2
An apparatus for electrostatically spraying a coating product. The apparatus includes a sprayer with first and second pipes which control the flow of the coating product. Air is controlled by at least one valve. The sprayer includes a device for controlling the opening/closing of the valve, a high voltage unit. A generator includes a module for controlling power supplied to the high voltage unit. The sprayer includes a first sensor suitable for detecting the position of a shutter of the valve relative to a seat and for outputting a signal used by the control module to control the power supplied to the high voltage unit, and a second sensor suitable for detecting the position of a switch positioned on the spray gun and for outputting a signal used by the control module to control the power supply of the high voltage unit.
US09669412B2
This invention relates to a micronizing device for fluid jet mills which presents a containing body (2) internally delimiting a substantially cylindrical grinding chamber (3), a plurality of nozzles (18), each presenting a mouth (22) opening onto a radially internal side wall (8) of the grinding chamber (3), a supply duct (9) for material to be micronized, opening into the grinding chamber (3) and at least one injection duct (12) for pressurized fluid, in fluid communication with said nozzles (18). The nozzles (18) present a pressurized fluid injection direction (X-X) which is tangent to an imaginary circle included inside the grinding chamber (3). The radially internal side wall (8) presents, at each nozzle (18), a first portion (23) which is substantially perpendicular to the injection direction (X-X) of the respective nozzle (18).
US09669409B2
A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers. One or more of the chambers may be a processing chamber which includes two ports configured to selectively engage the at least one external port of the body, and a fluid processing material such as an enrichment material or a depletion material. In some embodiments, one or more chambers may include a separation channel, and an electric field may be applied across the separation channel.
US09669406B2
In one aspect, the invention provides a sample assembly to be used in a fluorescent measurement device. The sample assembly comprises a sample carrier, a sample holder that comprises at least one receptacle and a movable platform. The sample carrier is shaped in such a way that it can be secured into the receptacle by a suitable locking means. The sample holder is held in place on the movable platform through any suitable means, such as for example, a magnetic means. The movable platform is capable of moving in a linear trajectory, an arcuate trajectory and combinations thereof. The movement of the movable platform and hence, the entire sample assembly is effected by at least one stepper motor.
US09669401B2
Disclosed herein are ozone reactive polymers comprising a structural repeat unit represented by the following formula XLI: wherein A is absent or a linking group selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted arylene, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkylene, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkylene; each of R1 and R2 is, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl; and wherein the structural repeat unit comprises at least 10% by weight of the polymer.
US09669398B2
A method for making a carbon nanotube-metal particle composite is provided. Carbon nanotubes, polymer monomers, a first solution containing metal ions, and a second solution containing carboxylic acid radical ions are provided. The carbon nanotubes and the polymer monomers are mixed in a solvent to form a first mixture. The polymer monomers are adsorbed on the carbon nanotubes. A second mixture is formed by mixing the first mixture, the first solution, and the second solution. The polymer monomers, the first solution, and the second solution react with each other to form a coordination complex mixture containing the metal ions. The coordination complex mixture is adsorbed on the surface of the carbon nanotubes. A reducing agent is added into the second mixture to reduce the metal ions of the coordination complex mixture to metal particles, simultaneously, the polymer monomers are polymerize to in situ form the carbon nanotube-metal particle composite.
US09669394B2
Improved catalyst supports, supported catalyst, and method of preparing and using the catalysts for the hydrodesulfurization of a residuum hydrocarbon feedstock are disclosed. The catalyst supports comprise titania alumina having 5 wt % or less titania and have greater than 70% of their pore volume in pores having a diameter between 70 Å and 130 Å and less than 2% in pores having a diameter above 1000 Å. Catalysts prepared from the supports contain Groups 6, 9 and 10 metals or metal compounds, and optionally phosphorus, supported on the titania alumina supports. Catalysts in accordance with the invention exhibit improved sulfur and MCR conversion in hydrotreating processes.
US09669382B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream. The method includes isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream in a reactor to produce an intermediate isomerized stream. The intermediate isomerized stream is fractionated to produce an off gas stream and a heavy isomerized stream, where the off gas stream includes an off gas recycle stream. The off gas recycle stream is dried in an off gas dryer to produce a hydrogen recycle stream, where the off gas drier includes an off gas dryer membrane separating the off gas recycle stream from an off gas purge stream. The off dryer membrane includes a perfluorosulfonated ionomer. The hydrogen recycle stream is then fed into the reactor.
US09669377B2
An ionic liquid reactor unit and a process for controlling heat generation from an ionic liquid reactor unit. The ionic liquid reactor unit may include an external heat exchanger. The effluent from the reactor is separated in a separation zone allowing the hydrocarbon phase to transfer heat to a cooling fluid. The heat exchanger may be a tube-in-shell, a spiral plate heat exchanger, a hair pin heat exchanger. The heat exchanger accommodates the separation of the ionic liquid from the hydrocarbon phase, and may allow for the ion liquid to be drained.
US09669375B2
An improved process for producing substantially non-polar doped or un-doped cerium oxide nanoparticle dispersions is disclosed. The cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles of an aqueous colloid are transferred to a substantially non-polar liquid comprising one or more amphiphilic materials, one or more low-polarity solvents, and one or more glycol ether promoter materials. The transfer is achieved by mixing the aqueous and substantially non-polar materials, forming an emulsion, followed by a phase separation into a remnant polar solution phase and a substantially non-polar organic colloid phase. The organic colloid phase is then collected. The promoter functions to speed the transfer of nanoparticles to the low-polarity phase. The promoter accelerates the phase separation, and also provides improved colloidal stability of the final substantially non-polar colloidal dispersion. Importantly, the glycol ether promoter reduces the temperature necessary to achieve the phase separation, while providing high extraction yield of nanoparticles into the low-polarity organic phase.
US09669374B2
Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for transport of energy and/or materials. In one aspect, a method includes generating gaseous fuel (e.g., from biomass dissociation) at a first location of a low elevation. The gaseous fuel can be self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A liquid fuel can be generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the gaseous fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor, and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The liquid fuel can be delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.
US09669363B2
The present invention provides high permeance copolyimide membranes and methods for making and using these membranes for gas separations such as for hydrogen purification and for acid gas removal from natural gas. The random copolyimide polymers used to make the copolyimide membrane may be UV crosslinked to improve selectivity in separating mixtures of gases or in purifying liquids. The membranes may be fabricated into any known membrane configuration such as a flat sheet or a hollow fiber.
US09669361B2
To prevent biological fouling in an electrodialysis device, an electrodialysis device including a membrane electrolysis stack are created. Every membrane electrolysis stack comprises membranes stacked on top of each other and respectively dilute and concentrate compartments arranged therebetween, at least one first and at least one second membrane alternating in succession in the membrane electrolysis stack. At least one first membrane is selected from a group comprising an anion exchange membrane and a bipolar membrane, and at least one second membrane is selected from a group comprising a monoselective anion exchange membrane, a monoselective cation exchange membrane and a proton-selective exchange membrane, with the proviso that the second membranes are respectively selected independently of each other and that at least one first membrane in the membrane electrolysis stack is a bipolar membrane.
US09669353B2
An alkalinity control agent is sprayed upstream of a compressor in a first impurity separator to discharge impurities containing at least sulfur oxides in exhaust gas together with drain from an aftercooler in the first impurity separator.
US09669349B1
A method of separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing fluid stream is disclosed, the method including the step of contacting the oxygen-containing fluid stream with an oxygen-selective zeolite adsorbent comprising at least 90% chabazite, wherein the chabazite is a single phase chabazite having an Si/Al ratio of 1.2 to 1.8. The single phase chabazite may comprise a mixture of at least two types of cations.
US09669344B2
The present invention relates to a hot gas filtration system and a process for regenerating such a hot gas filtration system, said filtration system comprising a filter vessel, a tubesheet separating the interior of said filter vessel into a raw gas section and a clean gas section, and a plurality of filter elements. Said filter elements, arranged in two or more groups, are connected to the tubesheet with a clean end and extend with a raw gas portion into the raw gas section. Two or more plenum chambers are accommodated in the clean gas section and groupwise accommodate the clean gas ends of the filter elements, each of said plenum chambers comprising a gas exchange opening providing a direct fluid communication with the clean gas section. The hot gas filtration system furthermore comprises a blowback arrangement comprising a blowback gas reservoir and a blowback gas pipe for each group of filter elements, said blowback gas pipes having an outlet positioned in said clean gas section of the vessel, said outlet of the blowback gas pipes being directed at the gas exchange opening of the plenum chambers, said outlet of said blowback pipe having a free cross-sectional area of from about 10% to about 90% of the free cross-sectional area of said gas exchange opening.
US09669329B2
The present invention provides an annular centrifugal contactor, having a housing adapted to receive a plurality of flowing liquids; a rotor on the interior of the housing; an annular mixing zone, wherein the annular mixing zone has a plurality of fluid retention reservoirs with ingress apertures near the bottom of the annular mixing zone and egress apertures located above the ingress apertures of the annular mixing zone; and an adjustable vane plate stem, wherein the stem can be raised to restrict the flow of a liquid into the rotor or lowered to increase the flow of the liquid into the rotor.
US09669327B2
A separation system can include one or more vapor-liquid contact trays. A vapor-liquid contact tray can include a set of panels. Two adjacent panels can be connected at a joint at overlapping edges of the panels. The first panel can include slots extending through the first panel proximal to a first offset bend. Tabs of the first panel can extend downward toward an underside of the first panel. The tabs can originate from an edge of the slots proximal to the deck and extend downward relative to a horizontal plane of the deck. The second panel can include a plurality of strips that have a second offset bend extending from a deck of the second panel extending through a slot and to underlie the first panel. A strip of the plurality of strips can define an opening through which a tab of the first panel can extend.
US09669319B2
A cable in suspension (clear span) supports a trolley. At the upper end, a launch block fixed to the cable registers the trolley in all directions, including a safety release link holding the trolley near the launch block. After release and descent with a rider, the trolley strikes an attenuator of distributed springs and spacers. The spring stack absorbs momentum from the trolley, but a leash limits recoil “bounce” after reversing the trolley. A second, recoil, leash resists recoil by capturing a subset of the springs between respective ends of itself and the first leash. The doubly leashed trolley will oscillate to a stop in an equilibrium position.
US09669317B2
One aspect of the disclosure relates to a system configured to provide a virtual space, in accordance with one or more implementations. Users of virtual spaces may encounter barriers in a game. During these barriers, users may receive and/or provide assistance to other affiliation members. One aspect of the disclosure relates to allowing affiliations or other groups to utilize in-game items to assist other players in game progress in an online game. This may incent positive player actions towards affiliation members, may enhance engagement between affiliation members, may provide an incentive for users to join an affiliation, and/or have other results. These results may ultimately contribute to enhanced retention, enhanced monetization, enhanced user satisfaction, and/or other enhancements.
US09669306B2
A system and method for entering text within a video game application are described. For example, a system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: a video game hosting service to execute a video game in response to user input; a client device to communicate with the video game hosting service over a first communication channel, wherein the client device has a first user input device communicatively coupled thereto, and wherein control signals for the video game are generated in response to input from the first user input device and transmitted from the client device to the video game hosting service over the first communication channel, the video game hosting service controlling a video game in response to receipt of the control signals; a display device communicatively coupled to the client device, the display device to display video of the video game; wherein the video game hosting service further includes program code to open a second communication channel to receive text input, the second communication channel being separate and independent from the first communication channel and usable by a data processing device capable of generating text input, wherein in response to receipt of text input over the second communication channel, the video game hosting service causes the text input to be displayed on the display device communicatively coupled to the client device.
US09669304B2
Methods of pairing a controllers for game play is presented. In one example, a method of pairing controllers to a base computing device for playing a game executed on the base computing device is provided. The method includes receiving a pairing request from one of a first or a second controller. The pair request is generated in response physical contact between the first and second controllers. The method assigns the first and second controllers as a first pairing for a first player and assigns the first pairing to a first color. The method includes transmitting the first color to the first or second controllers, such that at least one of the first and second controllers for the first pairing is configured to illuminate in the first color. Additional pairs of controllers will be assigned a different color, so that each player has a color differentiated color on their respective controller.
US09669295B1
This disclosure relates to unlocking game content for users of an online game based on amounts of collaborative gameplay. Groups of users interacting with the online game cooperatively are identified and amounts of cooperative gameplay engaged in by the individual groups are quantified. Content in the online game is made available to the groups of users based on the quantified amounts of cooperative gameplay. In implementations, the quantification of the amount of cooperative gameplay engaged in by the groups is made independent from achievement and/or successful accomplishment of any game objective in the online game by the groups.
US09669293B1
Methods and systems for verifying and/or modifying game data for a location-based game, such as a parallel reality game, are provided. Game data for the location-based game can be verified and/or modified by establishing one or more mini-games to be played within the location-based game. Players can be encouraged to play the mini-game by providing a reward, such as a virtual reward that can be used in the location-based game or by providing another suitable reward. Mini-game data received from a plurality of players of the mini-game can be aggregated and used to update game data for the location-based game. In this manner, game elements, game objectives, and/or game play for all players in the location-based game (even players that do not play in the mini-game) can be adjusted based on the aggregated responses to the mini-game.
US09669291B1
A system and method to facilitate moves in a word game includes a game asset distribution module that adjusts the respective distribution weights of letters in a set of alphabet letters. The letters are distributed to players in a word game with a probability proportional to the distribution weights. The game asset distribution module includes an analysis module to analyze the game board, lists of playable words, player skill levels, and relationships of particular letters in word formations. Accordingly, distribution weights of the letters are adjusted in order to facilitate allocation to the player of those letters which will facilitate word formation, ensure at least a minimum playable word experience, and enhance an overall user experience, even amongst players with significantly different skill levels.
US09669290B2
The present invention dates to a board game in which a three piece rivalry system allows for interaction of player pieces in a battle simulation type game.
US09669288B2
A method and device for conducting a wagering game includes receiving an ante wager. A player hand of game pieces is dealt and a final player hand is formed by selecting as many sets as possible of game pieces with complementary game indicia from the player hand. For example, the object of the game may be to form as many straights as possible from the player hand. The final player hand is evaluated by comparing the final player hand to a standard, such as a pay table, a final dealer hand, and/or final player hands of other players. Payouts are issued if the final player hand is a winning hand based on the evaluation. Optionally, side wagers may be offered on the constitution of the final player hand.
US09669287B2
A braking system for a wheeled apparatus and an improved wheeled apparatus, such as a skateboard, are described where the braking system allows for easy, quick and universal mounting onto the deck of a typical board.
US09669286B2
A process and tool for the application of wax onto watersport boards including, but not limited to, surfboards, longboards, foam top boards, skim boards, standup paddle boards, boogie boards, wake skateboards, and wake surfboards. The process includes shredding wax with the use of a handheld grating device having a cutting blade with grating holes. The process further includes distributing the grated wax fragments onto the surface of the watersport board while continuing to rub the wax over the cutting blade of the grating device and layering the grated wax fragments over areas of the board surface where grip is needed, and then gently pressing the wax fragments onto the surface of the board to create a texture for ideal grip and traction needed to stand on and control the watersport board. One or more scraper edges on the grating device allow for removal of the wax from the board surface.
US09669273B2
A golf bag is provided with a lower frame, an inner frame, two positioning support members, an upper frame, an outer support member and a cover. The two slots are provided at two opposite sides of the inner frame, the magnetic member is disposed on the inner surface of each of the slots, the first receiving cavities are formed on the lower frame, the magnetic end of the positioning support members are inserted in the slots and attracted by the magnetic members, and another end of the positioning support members are inserted in the first receiving cavities, all these arrangements contribute to strengthening the connection between the inner and lower frames, consequently stabilizing the structure of the golf bag.
US09669272B2
A golf club head includes a primary component and a secondary component, wherein the secondary component is rotatably or pivotally associated with the rear surface of the primary component. The secondary component is adjustable between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the primary component such that the golf club head has a first sole contour when the secondary component is in the first orientation and a second sole contour when the secondary component is in the second orientation, the first sole contour being different from the second sole contour.
US09669268B2
A golf ball includes a thermoplastic inner core and a thermoset outer core layer. The inner core has a surface hardness of about 40 to 80 Shore C and a center hardness of about 30 to 75 Shore C, the center hardness being less than the surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. The cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thermoplastic inner core comprises a highly-neutralized ionomer including an acid copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid; a plasticizer; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source present in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 70 to 100% of the acid groups present. The outer core layer includes a polybutadiene rubber and has a surface hardness greater than an interior hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of less than about 25 Shore C.
US09669260B2
A position tracking apparatus includes: a depth image obtaining unit for obtaining a depth image; a database created by collecting depth images received from the depth image obtaining unit; a feature extracting unit for extracting features from each pixel of the depth image; a classifier training unit for training a classifier in order to determine the position of the parts of the body by receiving a feature set for each part of the body as inputs which are extracted by using the feature extracting unit from all of the depth images in the database; and a position determination unit for extracting features for each pixel of the depth image received by the depth image obtaining unit using the feature extracting unit in a state in which the classifier training unit trains the classifier, and for tracking the three-dimensional position of each part of the body through the classifier.
US09669255B2
A glute ham developer comprising a pad assembly and a foot retention assembly. The pad assembly includes a retention sub-assembly coupling a base pad portion to an existing box. The foot retention assembly including a base plate having a foot surface and a support surface. A mating channel extends from the support surface of the base plate. The mating channel is releasably coupled to an existing outside support spaced apart from the existing box. A roller assembly extends from the foot surface of the base plate. The roller assembly has a pair of roller axles in a spaced apart orientation relative to each other defining a foot receiving region therebetween.
US09669251B2
An exercise apparatus including a vertical support, an arm assembly having first and second arms for engaging the outside of the legs of a human and a coupling assembly for securing the arm assembly to the vertical support. The coupling assembly can include a slide assembly for permitting the arm assembly to move vertically on the support element between an upper position and a lower position as the human moves downwardly relative to the vertical support and a pivot assembly for permitting the first and second arms to move between a contracted position and an extended position as the legs are pivoted away from each other. The first and second arms can be urged towards the contracted position. Methods for operating the exercise apparatus are provided.
US09669250B1
An apparatus adapted to function as an exercise belt having two (2) adjustable ends formed as hooks and operable to be secured about sides of a chair or a seat in a motor vehicle. The adjustable ends further include a threaded means to allow both adjustable ends or either adjustable end to be threaded in or out to achieve a desired length. The desired length is selectively adjustable so that a user may isometrically push against the exercise belt while seated and have the exercise belt provide resistance to exertion provided by the user.
US09669246B2
Aqueous film forming firefighting composition concentrates are provided that contain an effective amount of a monomelic zwitterionic or anionic C6 perfluoroalkyl surfactant having a molecule weight less than 800 daltons. The compositions also contain an effective amount of a foam stabilizing agent, and an effective amount of at least one non-fluorinated surfactant. The composition has less than 0.8% F, and is substantially free of any surfactant containing a perfluoroalkyl group containing more than 6 carbon atoms. The composition meets Military Specification MIL-F-24385F.
US09669239B2
A system for treating at least one sensory capacity of a person with the help of a stimulation device comprises an electronic converter of a sensory signal into an electronic signal for controlling at least one transducer for emitting signals that are images of the sensory signal. The stimulation device for direct ultrasound stimulation of the sensory cortex of a brain comprises at least one support that is implantable in a skull and that includes at least one internal wall and at least one ultrasound transducer carried by the support. Means for emitting focused ultrasound waves through the internal wall of the support towards a determined zone of the sensory cortex of the patient's brain in order to generate modulation of the brain activity in the cortex are provided. The ultrasound transducer is driven by the electronic converter to emit focused ultrasound signals that are images of the sensory signal.
US09669234B2
A light-beam therapeutic apparatus for ensuring patient safety. The light-beam therapeutic apparatus includes an apparatus body portion having a light source; a light guide rod that guides light from the light source, a connecting socket, a cooling fan, an electronic component that performs control required for a therapy, and a control display panel that displays contents of the therapy; a therapeutic portion including a light guide portion including a plurality of bundled optical fibers, and a pad portion formed of the optical fibers spread out adjacently to one another into a flat-panel shape. The therapeutic portion is formed into a light-receiving plug that is insertable into a connecting socket of the apparatus body portion. The light-receiving plug is configured to be kept in a coupled state by an attracting action of a permanent magnet provided on a side of the connecting socket.
US09669233B2
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wound-care assembly The wound-care assembly includes a base layer. A film layer is operatively coupled to the base layer and a fluid conductor is in fluid communication with a wound and a vacuum source. The wound-care assembly further includes a fiber-optic patch comprising a plurality of fiber-optic strands. The fiber-optic strands are pressed into contact with an interior surface of the wound by the fluid conductor. The fiber-optic patch provides ultraviolet light to the wound and the relative vacuum is applied to the wound via the vacuum source and the fluid conductor.
US09669232B2
Magneto-electric nanoparticles in a subject interact with an external magnetic field to cause stimulation of neural networks in the subject. Electric signals in the neural network are coupled to magnetic dipoles induced in the nanoparticles to cause changes in electric pulse sequences of the subject's brain.
US09669230B2
Systems and methods for treating cardiac arrhythmias are disclosed. In one embodiment, an SICD comprises two or more electrodes, a charge storage device, and a controller operatively coupled to two or more of the electrodes and the charge storage device. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to monitor cardiac activity of the heart of the patient, detect an occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia based on the cardiac activity, and determine a type of the detected cardiac arrhythmia from two or more types of cardiac arrhythmias. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is one of a first set of cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller sends an instruction for reception by an LCP to initiate the application of ATP therapy by the LCP. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is not one of the first set cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller does not send the instruction.
US09669227B2
Electrical stimulation therapy is provided for a patient. A user is informed that a user-supplied electrical stimulation waveform can be entered into an electronic programmer. At least in part via a user interface of the electronic programmer, it is detected that the user-supplied electrical stimulation waveform has been received by the electronic programmer. A determination is made to whether the user-supplied electrical stimulation waveform is compliant with a set of predetermined restrictions. In response to a determination that the user-supplied electrical stimulation waveform is compliant with the set of predetermined restrictions, a pulse generator is instructed to generate electrical stimulation pulses based on the user-supplied electrical stimulation waveform.
US09669212B2
A disposable electrical stimulation device and method for providing therapeutic treatment and pain management in a convenient, compact configuration. Electrode size and shape and relative configuration can be varied according to an intended application and use, or a universal configuration can be provided for use on almost any area of the body. The common structure of communicatively coupled dual electrodes including control circuitry and a power source accommodates a range of different sizes, configurations, stimulation treatment intensities, and other physical and electrical characteristics that can be pre-customized and packaged for specific, limited time use. The device can therefore be used in methods of providing therapy, managing pain, and achieving other treatment goals by electrical stimulation.
US09669210B2
An electrical stimulation lead includes at least one anchoring unit and each anchoring unit includes a lead attachment element. Some anchoring units include one or more anchoring fins attached to the lead attachment element and extending away from the lead attachment element when in a deployed position for contact with patient tissue to anchor the lead within the patient tissue. Each anchoring fin also has a retracted position in which the anchoring fin folds down and lies next to the lead attachment element. Other anchoring units include one or more anchoring tabs defined by the lead attachment element. Each anchoring tab is partially separated from a remainder of the lead attachment element by at least one cutout and extends away from the remainder of the lead attachment element when in a deployed position for contact with patient tissue to anchor the lead within the patient tissue.
US09669201B2
One applicator for use with ointment includes a housing defining a holding chamber. The holding chamber has a single entrance distinct from a single exit and is flexible such that deformation of the housing reduces capacity of the holding chamber and forces contents of the holding chamber to pass through the exit. A one-way valve is at the entrance for allowing the ointment to enter the holding chamber through the entrance and restricting the ointment from exiting the holding chamber through the entrance. A tip extends from the housing adjacent the exit. The tip has a proximal end meeting the housing and a pliant distal end spaced apart from the housing. The tip distal end is flared from the tip proximal end and has a generally planar leading surface. A channel in the tip extends from the exit to the leading surface, and is flared at the leading surface.
US09669200B2
Systems and methods of localizing or delivery cells, biologics and/or drugs to a specific target area to treat pelvic health disorders are provided. A treatment composition including cells, biologics and/or drugs are associated with magnetic particulates, and the positioning of these materials is facilitated through use of a magnetic field-generating device that is configured to be placed on or into a pelvic anatomical structure. Certain embodiments directed to the treatment of ED in male patients can include a cell based therapy system.
US09669197B2
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a method for providing access within a patient that may include inserting a medical device through an opening of the patient. The medical device may include an overtube having a lumen and a slot and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the overtube, wherein the elongate member may include an expandable member configured to expand and collapse. The method may further include positioning the medical device proximate a site in the patient, positioning the overtube relative to the elongate member such that a portion of the expandable member faces the slot, and the slot faces the site, and expanding the portion of the expandable member out of the slot and toward the site.
US09669196B2
A multilayer balloon catheter is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the outer layer is adapted to resist shredding and premature rupture. The outer layer is formed of a material having a glass transition temperature that is lower than the transition or melting temperature of the inner layer. By forming the balloon on a mold at a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the outer layer and the glass transition or melting temperature of the inner layer, the outer layer will undergo a thermal relaxation that will alleviate some of the axial orientation of the polymer chains that develop during the formation of the multilayer balloon. This relaxation leads to a resistance to shredding when the balloon is expanded during operation.
US09669192B2
The present invention provides insertable medical devices having elastic surfaces associated with bioactive agent-containing microparticulates and a coating material. Upon expansion of the elastic surfaces the microparticulates can be released to a subject.
US09669189B2
A catheter proximal section is preferably formed from a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, and includes a proximal terminal end that defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter. The proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool. An inner surface of each of the relatively soft and rigid parts may be located opposite one another, on either side of the catheter lumen. The relatively soft and rigid parts may be included in a sealing assembly that further includes an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the proximal section catheter.
US09669183B2
Described herein are methods and devices for selectively applying fluids (particularly anesthetics) to a target tissue from within a blood vessel while minimizing the amount of fluid applied to non-target tissue. The injection catheters described herein may include an elongate body, a directional injector, and one or more holdfasts for securing the catheter before extending the injector. The methods of selectively applying anesthetic to a target structure generally include the steps of inserting an injection catheter into a body vessel, positioning the injection catheter within the body vessel near the target structure, anchoring the injection catheter before extending a directional injector from the injection catheter, and applying anesthetic from the injection catheter to the target structure.
US09669182B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation and methods of treating breathing disorders by utilizing the apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation.
US09669179B2
A device for securing a tube includes a strip defining upper and lower surfaces and an attachment array on the lower surface thereof. First and second attachment members are coupled to the strip adjacent end portions thereof and define attachment arrays facing in the same direction as the upper surface of the strip. A third attachment member defines opposed surfaces having respective attachment arrays. A first of the attachment arrays is releasably engaged with the attachment array of the strip. The strip is configured to wrap around a tube with the attachment arrays of the attachment members and a second attachment array of the third attachment member releasably engaged with a strap member for securing the tube therebetween. The first and second attachment arrays of the third attachment member are configured such that the first attachment array defines a greater holding force than the second attachment array.
US09669178B2
A patient interface device includes a patient sealing assembly having a cushion and a frame member having a faceplate portion and an extension portion extending from the faceplate portion. The cushion is coupled to the faceplate portion. A forehead member engages the forehead of the patient, and a flexible elongated member is coupled to the extension portion. A drive assembly selectively causes the second end portion of the flexible elongated member to move relative to the extension portion in a first direction. Movement of the flexible elongated member relative to the extension portion in the first direction causes movement of the frame member relative to the forehead member in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
US09669174B2
An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.
US09669167B2
A multifunctional glucose monitoring system and method of measuring glucose level, determining insulin dosage, and indicating insulin dosage on a syringe is disclosed. The multifunctional glucose monitoring system includes standard functionality with respect to acquiring a blood glucose reading. However, in addition, the multifunctional glucose monitoring system includes a dosage algorithm for calculating an insulin dosage based on the blood glucose reading and any other useful parameters, and includes a built-in marking device for marking the calculated dosage level on the barrel of an insulin syringe that is installed in the body of the multifunctional glucose monitoring system. A method includes the steps of measuring the glucose level, determining an insulin dosage, and indicating the insulin dosage on a syringe.
US09669163B2
A dispensing device and the method of making same for dispensing medicaments to a patient that includes a housing, a first assembly connected to the first end of the housing that includes a body portion, and a penetrating sub-assembly. The first assembly also includes a rate control chip of novel construction that is connected to the penetrating sub-assembly and functions to control the rate of flow of medicinal fluid to the patient. Disposed within the housing is a second assembly that includes a shuttle, a collapsible container carried by the shuttle and a plurality of variable force springs that function to thrust the collapsible container into penetrating engagement with the penetrating member of the penetrating assembly and then to collapse the collapsible container to deliver the medicinal fluid to the patient. Connected to the second end of the housing is a novel third assembly that includes an operating member that functions to controllably move the shuttle forwardly of the housing.
US09669151B2
A method comprising obtaining a bodily fluid from a subject; contacting the bodily fluid with an adsorbent material comprising a synthetic carbon particle (SCP) to produce a first filtrate having a level of disease mediators (y); contacting the first filtrate with an adsorbent material comprising the SCP and an anion exchange resin where the ratio of SCP to anion exchange resin is from about 0.1:100 to 100:0.1 to produce a second filtrate; contacting the second filtrate with an adsorbent material comprising the SCP and a cation exchange resin where the ratio of SCP to cation exchange resin is from about 1:100 to produce a third filtrate; and administering the third filtrate to the subject.
US09669140B2
A drying rack includes a first rack, a second rack and a movable core member. The second rack is pivotally connected with the first rack. The movable core member includes a receptacle configured to receive an associated cleaning device. The movable core member is operatively connected for pivotal movement with and pivotal movement with respect to each rack so as to change a relative location of the receptacle with respect to at least one of the first rack and the second rack based on a relative position of the first rack with respect to the second rack.
US09669133B2
A pouch structure formed from extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from small intestine submucosa (SIS) that includes an internal region configured to receive a medical device therein. The pouch structure is configured to modulate inflammation of damaged biological tissue and induce cell and tissue proliferation, bioremodeling of the damaged biological tissue, and regeneration of tissue structures with site-specific structural and functional properties, when implanted in a subject.
US09669117B2
Implantable materials may be used in an iatrogenic site. Applications include radioopaque materials for fiducial marking.
US09669114B2
The present invention relates to contrast medium composition and a method of bio imagination using the same. The contrast medium composition of the present invention includes a biomolecule, DNA nanostructure, as an active ingredient, is fundamentally non-cytotoxic and non-immunogenic and is not likely to induce safety problems that may be observed in other organic or inorganic contrast medium composition. In addition, the contrast medium composition of the present invention not only facilitates diagnosis of disease through sufficient contrast enhancement effect by showing excellent cellular uptake and intracellular stability and can visualize even SLNs which is difficult to be visualized traditionally, so can judge metastasis of cancer easily and apply lower invasive treatment.
US09669088B2
H5N1 influenza viruses isolated from animals and humans since 2003 separate into distinct clades based on hemagglutinin amino acid sequences. According to the invention, multiple clades are used in influenza immunization. Thus there is a prime-boost immunization schedule where a subject receives a priming dose of a first clade of H5 influenza A virus and a boosting dose of a second clade of H5 influenza A virus. There is also an immunogenic composition comprising hemagglutinin antigens from more than one clade of H5 influenza A virus.
US09669083B2
The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising isolated Clostridium difficile CDTb and/or CDTa protein. In particular the isolated Clostridium difficile CDTb protein is suitably a truncated CDTb protein comprising the receptor binding domain or a mutated CDTb protein incapable of binding to CDTa, and the isolated Clostridium difficile CDTa protein is suitably a truncated CDTa protein which does not comprise the C-terminal domain. In particular the invention also relates to fusion proteins comprising a CDTa protein and a CDTb protein and also fusion proteins between an isolated Clostridium difficile toxin A protein and/or an isolated Clostridium difficile toxin B protein fused to a CDTb protein.
US09669081B2
The present invention relates to prostate cancer markers, compositions comprising such markers, and methods of using such markers to induce or increase an immune response against prostate cancer. An immune response against the markers correlates with an immune response, in particular a humoral immune response, against prostate cancer cells which immune response is preferably associated with prophylaxis of prostate cancer, treatment of prostate cancer, and/or amelioration of at least one symptom associated with prostate cancer.
US09669076B2
A Factor VIII composition formulated without albumin, comprising the following formulation excipients in addition to Factor VIII: 4% to 10% of a bulking agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, glycine and alanine; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8. Alternatively, the formulation can comprise 2% to 6% hydroxyethyl starch; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8. In a further embodiment, the formulation can comprise: 300 mM to 500 mM NaCl; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; and a buffering agent.
US09669066B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker extracts for treating muscle diseases, and more specifically to a pharmaceutical composition containing, as an active ingredient, Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker extracts or flavone compound isolated therefrom for treating muscle diseases or a dietary composition for improving muscle function. Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker extracts or flavone compound isolated therefrom according to the present invention reduces protein catabolism in the muscles and increases muscle cell differentiation and anabolism, and is thus effective for preparing pharmaceutical composition for treating muscle diseases and dietary composition for improving muscle function.
US09669053B2
Methods for treating cancers, tumors, and neoplasms using a composition comprising one or more generally regarded as safe (GRAS) compounds selected from the group of components consisting of vitamins, selenium, fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty acid esters, and mixtures of two or more said components, either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with one or more anti-cancer drugs or devices or other anti-neoplastic agents, treatments, or devices are provided. In some instances, concomitant hyperthermia therapy is employed. Also provided are compositions and kits containing the compositions, for implement various aspects of the invention.
US09669051B2
A pharmaceutical composition composed of a dietary fiber composition composed of from about 48% to about 90% (w/w) glucomannan, from about 5% to about 20% (w/w) xanthan gum, and from about 5% to about 30% (w/w) alginate in combination with at least one of metformin or sitagliptin or a combination thereof is described. The pharmaceutical composition is effective to lower elevated blood glucose levels and total blood cholesterol levels in a subject significantly more than the dietary fiber composition alone or a composition consisting of at least one of metformin or sitagliptin or a combination thereof.
US09669044B2
The present invention relates to novel fungicidal compound including an aminoglycoside analog having certain substituents at the 6 position of ring III that exhibit improved antifungal activity but possess minimal antibacterial properties in combination with fungicidal azoles. The aminoglycoside compounds are analogues of kanamycin A. Also provided are methods of synthesizing and methods of using the compounds of the present invention. The compounds of the present invention are useful in treating or preventing fungal disease.
US09669043B2
The present invention relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition for serotonin reuptake inhibition, wherein the composition comprises pentacyclic terpenoid glycosides, preferably asiaticoside and madecassoside optionally along with excipients. Also the present invention relates to a process of preparation of novel pharmaceutical composition for serotonin reuptake inhibition, wherein the process comprising steps of: (a) obtaining extract from the plant Centella asiatica; (b) treating the extract with the solvents to remove fatty substances, chlorophyll and other colorants; (c) purifying the extract through HPLC to obtain the eluted solvent; and (d) concentrating the eluted solvent to arrive at the composition. The invention also relates to the use of a composition comprising pentacyclic terpenoid glycosides, preferably asiaticoside and madecassoside optionally along with excipients to manufacture a medicament for serotonin reuptake inhibition in a subject in need thereof.
US09669029B2
This invention is directed to compounds, which are PDE10A enzyme inhibitors. The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula I. The present invention further provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a drug addiction comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I. The present invention further provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a psychiatric disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I.
US09669026B2
The embodiments described herein include methods and formulations for treating autoimmune disorders. The methods and formulations include, but are not limited to, methods and formulations for delivering effective concentrations of levocetirizine and montelukast to a patient in need. The methods and formulations can comprise conventional and/or modified-release elements, providing for drug delivery to the patient.
US09669019B2
Disclosed are sublingual formulations of apomorphine in unit dosage form formulated for sublingual administration, where the unit dosage form is a mucoadhesive film containing a pH neutralizing agent and apomorphine particles containing an acid addition salt of apomorphine, and where the mucoadhesive film is formed by the steps of: (i) combining a film-forming mucoadhesive polymer, apomorphine particles comprising an acid addition salt of apomorphine, and a solvent to form a mixture; and (ii) pouring the mixture onto a surface and evaporating some of the solvent to form a first film comprising the apomorphine particles, where the steps further include contacting or impregnating the first film or mixture with a pH neutralizing agent to produce the mucoadhesive film containing the apomorphine particles and the pH neutralizing agent.
US09669018B2
Disclosed are methods of preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is a mucoadhesive film by: (i) combining a film-forming mucoadhesive polymer, apomorphine particles containing an acid addition salt of apomorphine, and a solvent to form a mixture; and (ii) pouring the mixture onto a surface and evaporating some of the solvent to form an intermediate film including the apomorphine particles; where the method further includes contacting or impregnating the intermediate film or mixture with a pH neutralizing agent to produce the mucoadhesive film containing the apomorphine particles and the pH neutralizing agent.
US09669012B2
Disclosed herein are delivery systems including coated and uncoated yarns, yarn precursors, threads, fibers, and other substrates for the constant or near-constant release of active compounds, as well as methods for manufacturing such delivery systems. The yarns, yarn precursors, threads, fibers, and other substrates can include a cross-linked hydrophobic elastomer and an active compound. One or more coatings that are impermeable or substantially impermeable to the active compound may partially or fully occlude the yarn or substrate to control release rates of the active compound. The delivery systems may be used in a variety of applications, including the making of articles of clothing, textiles, and fabrics, and may be used in methods of treating various conditions and diseases.
US09669009B2
A high dose rapidly dispersing three-dimensionally printed dosage form comprising a high dose of levetiracetam in a porous matrix that disperses in water within a period of less than about 15 seconds is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the dosage form and of treating a condition, disease or disorder that is therapeutically responsive to levetiracetam.
US09669001B2
A composition for use on skin and wounds, comprising a photo-catalyst which is capable of preferentially staining biofilms the composition being for use in the diagnosis and treatment of biofilms in wounds.
US09668996B2
The present technology provides methods for preventing or treating dry eyes in a subject in need thereof. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising C16:1n7-palmitoleate, its derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a combination thereof.
US09668991B1
The present invention is directed to a colonic composition including a core having at least one short chain fatty acid selected from the group consisting of butyrate, acetate and propionate, and combinations thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof; wherein at least one of acetate or propionate is present in the core; and at least one digestion-resistant layer covering the core, the digestion-resistant layer disintegrating in the colon. The present invention is also directed to methods of treatment using the above composition.
US09668989B2
The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible.
US09668982B2
A pharmaceutical dosage form includes an effective amount of L-menthol for treating a gastrointestinal disorder. The L-menthol is within a plurality of particulates having a core including crystalline L-menthol dissolved in a terpene-based essential oil. A proteinaceous coating of a continuous film of proteinaceous material is over the core.
US09668979B2
The present invention provides a microcapsule pharmaceutical composition of at least a bisquinoline drug. said microcapsule comprises a drug core of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a bisquinoline drug and a polymeric coating over the core. This microcapsule pharmaceutical composition has desirable pharmaceutical properties, including taste masking effect and a high stability.
US09668974B2
The invention provides extended release pro-liposomal, non-aqueous, pharmaceutical formulations of a local anesthetic in the form of a clear oily solution and methods for making same. The formulations can be administered by infiltration into an incision, or by injection.
US09668973B2
The invention suggests amphoteric lipids wherein one or more amphoteric groups having an isoelectric point between 4 and 9 are substituted on a membranous or membrane-forming amphiphilic substance, as well as liposomes containing such compounds.
US09668971B2
The subject of the invention is a veterinary product or a nutrition product intended in particular for the prevention and treatment of hypocalcaemia in ruminant animals. The product is in the form of a bolus comprising calcium chloride and an effervescent mixture. Advantageously, the bolus enables a high bioavailability of the calcium and does not cause lesions on the digestive tract of the animal.
US09668967B2
The present invention provides a formulation comprising: i) a lipid matrix; ii) at least one thiolated antioxidant; iii) optionally at least one bioactive agent; and iv) optionally at least one chelating agent.
US09668965B2
A topical composition includes an amount of a concentrate derived from Ecklonia maxima (sea kelp) effective for treating the skin, hair and/or nails and a dermatologically acceptable carrier.
US09668964B1
Disclosed is a method of treating skin, the method comprising topically applying to skin in need of treatment a composition comprising Michelia figo extract, wherein the composition treats the skin condition.
US09668961B2
The present invention refers to a novel in vitro method for detecting anti-senescence or pro-senescence activity of a compound, and to compounds with anti-senescence activity detected by said method, in particular to Salvia Haenkei extracts, and to compositions comprising said extracts.
US09668948B2
Products and methods are disclosed for reducing the production of unwanted odors from the pudendum. The products include an acidifying composition comprising one or more carboxylic acids such as mandelic acid or salts thereof and xanthine compounds such as caffeine or salts thereof. The methods include application of the products to the pudendum in any of a variety of ways to effectively reduce unwanted odors.
US09668944B2
Dental composition comprising (i) a particulate filler; (ii) a polymerizable hydrolysis-stable compound of the following formula (1) AXn wherein A is a linker group containing at least n nitrogen atoms and optionally one or more acidic groups, X are moieties containing a polymerizable double bond and forming an amide bond with a nitrogen atom of A, which X may be the same or different and are represented by the following formula (2) wherein R1 and R2 are independent from each other and represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group or a group —(CH2)m—Z, wherein Z is COOM, OPO3M2, PO3M2, SO3M, and M is independently a hydrogen atom or a metal atom, and m is an integer of from 0 to 6, L is a bond, a C1-6 alkylene group; and n is an integer of at least 1; provided that at least one X cannot be a (meth)acryl group; and (iii) an initiator system.
US09668941B2
An electronic pill box having a housing with a base and grid and into which a blister pack is selectively engaged. The blister pack includes a plurality of vials prefilled with medication and sealed with a cover imprinted with pertinent information. Each vial is received in a chamber in the base having an LED and a sensor for determining whether medication has been removed therefrom. The LED and sensor are operatively engaged with a microprocessor including programming for dispensing medication from the pill box. An alert is issued if medication is not removed from an illuminated vial after a predetermined time interval. When all medication has been dispensed therefrom, the blister pack is replaced with another prefilled blister pack A card with patient information thereon may be provided on the prefilled blister pack and is detached and stored in the housing prior to loading the blister pack therein.
US09668940B2
Computer systems and non-transitory computer readable media for determining an amount of an ingredient for a preparation for a requested therapy (e.g., an order or a prescription) includes an identifier, volume, and amounts of first and second compounds in each of a plurality of premix solutions. A predefined formulary comprising a formulary concentration of each of a plurality of additions is provided. A premix solution is selected. An amount of a first additions to be added to the premix solution may be selected. A number of bags of the premix solution, needed to satisfy a volume associated with the selected premix solution, are optionally reserved. An additive volume is determined at least by the specified first amounts of the first addition and a corresponding formulary concentration.
US09668934B2
A female sexual stimulation device includes a main body having a generally blunt first end, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first dildo that extends linearly outward from the main body in a direction that is away from the first end. A second dildo extends outward from the bottom surface of the main body, and includes a curved shaft that forms an obtuse angle. A chin cup is provided along the top surface of the main body adjacent to the first dildo, and a flap is positioned along the bottom surface adjacent to the second dildo. One or more removable and reconfigurable handles are secured to the blunt first end.
US09668933B1
A roller which an individual may use to perform a variety of self-applied exercises for massage, myofascial release and other exercises. The roller is cylindrical having a resilient outer surface on which are a plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially extending bands of similar projections which manipulate the body of the individual when the individual rolls against the surface of the roller. The projections are equally circumferentially spaced in each band extending around the cylindrical body. The material and shape of the projections are selected to provide greater resistance to bending or flexing to forces applied axially than to tangentially applied forces.
US09668931B2
A post-stroke stimulation device including a garment to be applied to a portion of a body of a stroke patient to be treated. The post-stroke stimulation device includes at least one tactile actuator adapted to supply tactile stimulation to the skin of the stroke patient. The tactile actuators are controlled to be activated and deactivated in a random pattern or a pattern selected by a medical professional.
US09668920B2
A corneal marking system and methods for its use, has a first tilt-detecting device attached to a corneal marker, adapted to produce a signal when the corneal marker is in a horizontal position. In another version, the first tilt-detecting device is adapted to produce a signal when the corneal marker is in tilted to a pre-selected value and a second tilt-detecting device is attached to the patient's head to measure the tilt of the head and is adapted to produce a signal when the head is tilted to match the pre-selected value of the first tilt-detecting device. In a third version, the first and second tilt detectors send signals to a signal detector which emits a signal when the first and second tilt detectors indicate substantially the same amount of tilt. In each case, the cornea is marked when the appropriate signal is emitted.
US09668916B2
A conjunctival cover including an annular generally curved shell having a conjunctival portion structured to conform to and overly at least part of the conjunctiva of an eye. The annular generally partially spherical shell defines a generally central opening. The central opening is sized to leave a cornea of the eye substantially or partially uncovered when the conjunctival cover is applied to the eye.
US09668911B2
A medical apparatus for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient is provided. The medical apparatus has an elongate member with a middle portion, a first fixation element and a second fixation element. The middle portion applies a force to a segment of a patient's airway.
US09668899B2
A coronary predilatation and stent deployment catheter assembly includes a single sheathless unitary catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, a predilatation balloon located at the distal end of the body, and a stent inflation balloon located along the body a distance of between about 5 millimeters and about 15 millimeters proximally of the predilatation balloon. An expandable stent is disposed over the stent balloon. A predilatation balloon inflation connection is located proximally of the stent inflation balloon and in fluid communication with the predilatation balloon through a predilatation inflation lumen. A stent balloon inflation connection is located proximally of the stent inflation balloon and in fluid communication with the stent inflation balloon through a stent balloon inflation lumen. At least one radiopaque marker is disposed on the predilatation balloon and at least one radiopaque marker is disposed on the stent inflation balloon. A guidewire lumen extends through the body distal of the predilatation balloon inflation connection and extending through the body to the distal end of the body.
US09668891B2
A method of reducing blood flow within an aneurysm includes: injecting a contrast agent into a blood vessel including an aneurysm; expanding a stent, from a delivery device, across the aneurysm; and confirming that a stagnated area forms in the aneurysm. The stagnated area can form a crescent shape, a mushroom shape, a hemispherical shape, and/or a flat side. Upon confirming that the stagnated area forms in the aneurysm, the delivery device can be withdrawn from the blood vessel. The stagnated area can include the contrast agent. If the stagnated area does not form in the aneurysm, a second occluding device may be deployed. After withdrawing the delivery device, substantially all of the aneurysm progressively thromboses.
US09668886B2
Blade-type prosthesis assemblies include a socket securable to a wearer of the prosthesis assembly and a blade securable to the socket. The blade has a blade body extending between a blade bottom and a blade top. The assembly further includes a base plate securable to the blade bottom. The base plate includes a shroud retainer element. The assembly further comprises a blade shroud covering at least a portion of the blade body and securable to the shroud retainer element and at least one of the socket and the blade body.
US09668883B2
A trial kit for a hinged knee implant system is disclosed. The trial kit includes a tibial base plate trial, an adaptor and a tibial bearing insert trial. The adaptor and insert trial can be assembled and the assembly mounted on the tray trial by sliding the assembly in an anterior-posterior direction on the tray trial. The adaptor has a post with a cross-piece. The insert trial has openings and channels to receive the post and cross-piece. The openings are sized, shaped and oriented so that the cross-piece of the elongate post must be oriented in different directions to pass through the different openings.
US09668879B2
An expandable intervertebral cage device includes a first base plate and a second base plate, a proximal block with internal threading that mechanically couples the first base plate and the second base plate, and a distal block comprising an internal passage. The device has exactly two arm assemblies, one on each side. Each arm assembly includes a first arm mechanically coupled to the first base plate and the distal block, and a second arm is mechanically coupled to the second base plate and the distal block. A screw is arranged partially within the internal threading of the proximal block and passes through the internal passage of the distal block, such that rotation of the screw relative to the proximal block causes a change in distance between the proximal block and the distal block, and a corresponding change in the spacing and lordosis of the device.
US09668864B2
A prosthetic ball for use in a ball and cup joint system includes a spherical cap articulation portion defined by a first radius of curvature, and a toroidal articulation portion defined by a second radius of curvature having a circular origin such that the toroidal articulation portion is defined by a portion of the inner surface of a spindle torus.
US09668863B2
Porous biocompatible structures suitable for use as medical implants and methods for fabricating such structures are disclosed. The disclosed structures may be fabricated using rapid manufacturing techniques. The disclosed porous structures has a plurality of struts and nodes where no more than two struts intersect one another to form a node. Further, the nodes can be straight, curved, portions that are curved and/or straight. The struts and nodes can form cells which can be fused or sintered to at least one other cell to form a continuous reticulated structure for improved strength while providing the porosity needed for tissue and cell in-growth.
US09668862B2
The invention relates to a biological or artificial valve prosthesis (4, 5) for use in the human or animal body for replacement of an organ valve or a vessel valve, in particular a cardiac valve prosthesis or venous valve prosthesis, with a stent (8) or without a stent, with a supporting valve framework, with at least one valve (7) and with at least one conductor loop (2) that forms the inductance of an electrical resonance circuit. In order to provide a simple and inexpensive valve prosthesis that can be viewed in the MR imaging technique and is also easy to implant, the invention proposes that the at least one conductor loop (2) forms the valve framework and/or the valve (7) or supporting areas of the valve framework and/or supporting areas of the valve (7).
US09668854B2
An intraocular lens with a lens comprises a main lens part having a main lens surface and a main optical axis defining radial, tangential and axial directions; and a recessed part having a recess surface and extending between said main optical axis and a circumference of said lens, the recessed part comprising a secondary lens part with a secondary lens surface having a positive relative optical power with respect to an optical power of said main lens surface. The main lens surface extends in an outward radial direction towards a main lens outer circumference section remote from said the optical axis. The main lens outer circumference section and the main lens surface define an imaginary main lens outer circumference section that would have at least partially provided a main lens outer circumference together with the main lens outer circumference section in case the recessed part would have been absent; and an imaginary main lens surface section that would have been part of the main lens surface in case said recessed part would have been absent, the recess surface being recessed with respect to the imaginary main lens surface section. The recessed part extends in an outward radial direction to an outer recess boundary remote from said main optical axis, the outer recess boundary extending along or beyond said imaginary main lens outer circumference section as seen in an outward radial direction.
US09668851B2
An artificial stomach for replacing the normal stomach of a patient includes a food reservoir adapted to collect food, an inlet connected to a first opening of the food reservoir and further being adapted to upstream connect to the patient's gastrointestinal tract, and an outlet connected to a second opening of the food reservoir and further being adapted to downstream connect to the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
US09668839B2
An oral care system that provides a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal by using a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect, where the system includes means for directing the liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing the liquid to the means for directing the liquid onto the surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect; and a reservoir for containing the liquid.
US09668837B2
A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of a chroma component, such as manganese, through a thickness of the green body. The green body is substantially white with a substantially consistent optical characteristic of chroma across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of decreasing gray color through a thickness of the dental prosthesis.
US09668830B2
This invention discloses an orthodontics adjusting bracket changing the traditional orthodontics logical thinking. The orthodontics adjusting bracket can reduce the chance for removing teeth, decrease the sequelae of removing wisdom teeth, avoid temporomandibular joint-pain-dysfunction syndrome and cheeks depressed, extend lifetime of dental formula, and lower down the social security expenditure. This invention can fundamentally improve dental engagement to avoid the secondary injury of traditional orthodontics treatment and improve the loading of social security expenditure. According to this invention, the difficult mission of correcting wisdom teeth in traditional orthodontics treatment will become easily and smoothly.
US09668825B2
Disclosed are endodontic filling materials and methods. A method for filling a dental root canal may include providing a hydrosetting filling material and inserting the hydrosetting filling material into the dental root canal, the material setting in the root canal to form a biocompatible filling. The hydrosetting filling material comprises a hydrogel former and a filler. The hydrogel former is at least one of a reactive organic hydrogel formers, an inorganic hydrogel formers, and a non-reactive organic hydrogel formers, and the filler is at least one of a self-hardening and a non-hardening filler. Plural filling material precursor compositions that collectively contain hydrogel formers and fillers may be provided.
US09668823B2
A dental instrument 1 adapted for performing osteotomy includes a mounting shank 2 and, in line therewith, a working portion 3 including cutting zones 3A, of which at least part is covered by a coating of carbon-enriched tungsten carbide except for a plurality of annular bands 10 distributed along the length of the working portion to indicate the depth of penetration of the tool into a portion of jaw.
US09668820B2
The invention relates to an image guided surgery system comprising —a surgical instrument (14), —a tracking system for locating and tracking an object (20) in a surgical environment, the tracking system including a tracking sensor system, in particular a tracking camera system (16); and —a medical navigation system (15) processing tracking data from the tracking system and image data of the object (20), and outputting image data and navigational assistance on a display (13). The instrument (14), the tracking system including the sensor system (16) and the medical navigation system including the display are integrated in one single portable unit (10), or the instrument (14) and the medical navigation system including the display are integrated in one single portable unit (10), while at least the sensor system (34) of the tracking system is arranged at a location near a region of interest determined by the object (20) and the field of surgery.
US09668818B2
Disclosed is a system to assist in selecting and/or suggesting an instrument for a procedure. The suggestion may be based upon or include analysis of image data of a subject. The instrument may be suggested for placement inside a tubular structure.
US09668813B2
A connecting member removably connects a plurality of pen needles together, thereby providing a convenient way for a patient to carry multiple pen needles. The connecting member may be integrally formed with the outer cover of the pen needle or may be a separate member that removably receives the pen needle. An outer cover of a pen needle is provided with gripping means to facilitate gripping and handling of the outer cover. A lid connects to the outer cover to seal the outer cover. The lid also has gripping means to facilitate gripping and handling the lid. A cap is provided that has a first opening for receiving a first end of the outer cover and a second opening for receiving a second end of the outer cover.
US09668811B2
An elongated flexible medical device is inserted into a patient's body via a natural orifice, and advanced through the natural orifice to a location proximate innervated tissue that influences renal sympathetic nerve activity. The medical device can be advanced into a body organ and to a location within the organ proximate the innervated tissue. The organ may comprise an organ of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract. The medical device may be advanced through and beyond an access hole in a wall of the organ, and situated at a location proximate the innervated tissue. One or both of imaging and ablation energy is delivered from a distal end of the medical device to the innervated tissue. Innervated renal tissue can be ablated using various forms of energy, including RF energy, ultrasound energy, optical energy, and thermal energy.
US09668803B2
This disclosure describes impedance computation techniques that may reduce the effect of crosstalk, thus generating more accurate impedance measurements. In particular, an ablation system models the electrical interaction among the active electrodes and a common return electrode using a star-configuration resistor model. The ablation system computes one or more parameters of the star-configuration resistor model and adjusts the therapy based on at least the computed parameters of the star-configuration resistor model.
US09668802B2
An electrosurgical system includes an energy applicator adapted to direct energy to tissue, an electrosurgical power generating source, and a surface-contact detection device. The surface-contact detection device is operably associated with the energy applicator. The surface-contact detection device is communicatively-coupled to the electrosurgical power generating source. The surface-contact detection device includes at least one optical transmitter to generate optical signals, a lens member configured to reflect optical signals generated by the optical transmitter when the lens member is disposed in contact with tissue, and at least one optical receiver to receive optical signals reflected by the lens member. The electrosurgical power generating source is adapted to transmit energy to the energy applicator when it is determined that the lens member is disposed in contact with tissue.
US09668793B2
An anatomically customized plantar bone plate and system for an angularly stable fixation for the arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal I joint. The bone plate has a distal plate portion which extends in the longitudinal direction and in which a distal bore is formed for receiving a bone screw at a stable angle, a proximal plate portion which extends transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a central plate portion which extends between the distal and the proximal plate portions and which is made with a curved plate portion with at least one bending zone for the purpose of anatomical customization. A plantar bore for receiving a bone screw to be fixed to the sole of the foot at a stable angle and a bore that is medially inclined for receiving a bone screw to be fixed in a medially inclined manner at a stable angle are arranged in the proximal plate portion adjacently to each other transverse to the longitudinal direction.
US09668788B2
A system for applying a manipulative force to a target region of a spinal column during a surgical procedure is provided with at least four pedicle screws, at least four elongated levers configured to temporarily engage with the pedicle screws, a linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a axial direction such that they move in unison, and a cross-linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a transverse direction such that they move in unison. When the system is assembled, it permits an operator to move the at least four elongated levers in unison to simultaneously rotate the at least four pedicle screws about a spinal column roll axis. Related methods are also provided.
US09668786B2
Various embodiments described herein provide devices and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side, a second attachment side, a spacer tray, and a securing means. The spacer tray extends from the first attachment side and is slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side. The spacer tray is adapted to be positioned between a spinous process of a first vertebra and a spinous process of an adjacent second vertebra, and the spacer tray includes a trough formed in a top surface of the spacer tray. The securing means is configured to engage the trough of the spacer tray to secure the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.
US09668784B2
A facet screw system and method includes an implant assembly having a screw with a removable head, a locking nut, and a collet. An insertion instrument is used to insert the screw, compress the facet joint, locks the implant, and breaks off the head of the screw providing a lower profile implant.
US09668778B2
An instrument system for carrying out a surgical procedure on vertebrae by a posterior or posterolateral approach, made up of at least one tube and at least one spinal screw capable of engaging with the proximal end of said tube and having a head with multi-axial mobility, characterized by also comprising a wedge for temporarily blocking the position of the screw head.
US09668777B2
A pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tulip is provided for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis. The tulip includes opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis. A rod is received by the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots. A coupling collar includes a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound such that a snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw formed. The coupling collar includes a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod. A set screw is for adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis such that a second deformable face is positioned for contact with the rod. The first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith.
US09668768B2
System and methods are provided for adaptively and interoperatively configuring an automated arm used during a medical procedure. The automated arm is configured to position and orient an end effector on the automated arm a desired distance and orientation from a target. The end effector may be an external video scope and the target may be a surgical port. The positions and orientations of the end effector and the target may be continuously updated. The position of the arm may be moved to new locations responsive to user commands. The automated arm may include a multi-joint arm attached to a weighted frame. The weighted frame may include a tower and a supporting beam.
US09668767B2
The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and methods relate to controlled removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens. The atherectomy devices have features to convey the materials away from the operative site without the need to remove the devices from the body lumen. Additional aspects include controlled rates of tissue removal as well as other safety features to prevent accidental cutting of the lumen wall.
US09668762B2
A medical device that includes an outer tube assembly that includes a straight outer tube, an inner tube assembly that includes a straight inner tube disposed within the outer tube, and at least one interference member on the outer tube assembly and at least one interference member on the inner tube assembly. The inner tube and the outer tube are configured to rotate relative to each other to resect tissue at a distal end of the inner and outer tubes. The interference members are configured to prevent a force exerted along a longitudinal axis of the inner tube from separating the inner and outer tubes without rendering the medical device unusable.
US09668755B2
Surgical instrument for the removal of bone material with a surface from which at least one tooth projects, preferably teeth made from plastic material designed to come into contact with bone to remove a portion thereof, characterized in that the width (1) of the tooth or each tooth (5), that is the smallest width dimension at the level of the said one surface of the instrument from which it projects, is between 1 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 4 mm.
US09668750B2
The present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to bone material removal devices (2100), for example, devices which change effective diameter. In some embodiments, a bone removal device comprises an expandable portion. In some embodiments, the expandable portion comprises one or more bone removing elements such as cutting teeth (2106). In some embodiments, a cutting tooth is movable between an open position, in which it is configured to widen a bore in a bone, and a closed position. In some embodiments, a cutting tooth of the bone removal device is formed with a curved, such as convex, cutting face (2114).
US09668742B2
An occlusion device for placement within a body vessel may include a wire constructed support structure having a covering applied thereto. The covering includes a mixture of PET and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The covering is applied to the support structure via an electrospinning process to produce a non-woven fiber covering having increase strain capabilities relative to an electrospun PET covering without UHMWPE. The device has a nominal state that is radially expanded and a delivery state that is radially compressed and longitudinally extended for disposal within a low-profile delivery sheath. The covering increased strain capability allows for the device to have relative large diameter in the nominal state while still being capable of low-profile delivery. This occlusion device can provide faster occlusive capability when deployed and does not rely on delayed embolization. The covering extends across the vessel upon deployment to provide instant occlusion.
US09668738B2
A distal assembly of an endoscopic surgical device, and a related method, having a first arm and a second arm pivotal relative to the first arm. Each arm is configured to hold a part of a two-part fastener at a distal end of the arm. A closing mechanism is positioned proximate a proximal end of each of the first and second arms opposite the distal end of each of the first and second arms. The closing mechanism is configured to move in relation to the first and second arms so as to close over at least one of the first and second arms to cause the distal ends of the arms to come together. An actuation member is also attached to the closing mechanism actuable to cause the closing mechanism to move in relation to the first and second arms.
US09668731B2
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.
US09668728B2
A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.
US09668726B1
An apparatus for passing one or more sutures in tissue repair and/or other surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a curved needle mounted on the hand assembly and through a shaft. The curved needle remains within the jaw assembly and can be actuated out of the jaw assembly without deformation of the needle and by linear advancement of a needle linkage.
US09668724B2
Systems and methods are provided for percutaneously suturing tissue. An elongated deployment member having a guide member coaxially disposed over a shaft member may be used to carry a needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may be carried at a distal end of the elongated deployment member and include a plurality of needles releasably secured to the needle deployment member, wherein each needle is routed coaxially within the distal end of the needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may further include a needle pusher driven by a link coaxially disposed within the shaft member, wherein the needle pusher is configured to advance each needle through the distal end of the needle deployment member and coaxially over the proximal end of the needle deployment member to position the plurality of needles at a piercing angle in a proximal direction.
US09668720B2
Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for re-positioning or displacing a patient's esophagus a safe distance away from the patient's heart during an atrial ablation surgical procedure. An esophageal displacement catheter is disclosed that is configured to reposition a patient's esophagus 20 mm or more away from the ablation location in the patient's heart. The catheter is easy to use, and according to some embodiments may be configured to transmit torque on substantially a 1:1 basis between its proximal and distal ends if a distendable section of the catheter needs to be re-positioned in the patient's esophagus.
US09668689B2
A method including a dosimetry device having at least one sensor in a housing and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimtery processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the sensor; storing the readings; conducting an analysis of the stored readings to determine an injury risk assessment; and outputting at least one of the conducted analysis of the determined injury risk assessment or the stored readings.
US09668684B2
Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to self-powered analyte determining devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that include a working electrode, a counter electrode, and an optional resistance value, where the working electrode includes analyte sensing components and the self-powered analyte determining device spontaneously passes a current directly proportional to analyte concentration in the absence of an external power source. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.
US09668668B2
The present disclosure is directed to an electrogram summary. In various examples, a subset of cardiac episodes are selected and displayed based on a set of summary rules. The subset of cardiac episodes includes at least one episode from each of a plurality of episode categories with at least one cardiac episode. In some examples, the order in which the cardiac episodes selected are displayed is based on the set of summary rules. The electrogram summary may include images or information regarding each of the selected cardiac episodes.
US09668658B2
A first calculation unit receives phase characteristics Pa(f) and Pb(f) outputted from frequency transform units, calculates a propagation time difference based on a phase difference between the two phase characteristics in a high-frequency component thereof, and calculates a pulse wave velocity by dividing a difference in the distances of vascular pathways from the heart to respective measurement areas. Meanwhile, a second calculation unit calculates a pulse wave velocity by dividing the stated difference in the distances by a appearance time difference at a predetermined position in respective pulse waveforms obtained by rendering the measurement signals Pa(t) and Pb(t) on a time axis. A comparison unit compares the pulse wave velocities, and in the case where the ratio thereof is outside a predetermined range, an evaluation result indicating that it is possible that a predetermined pathologic change is present in the vascular pathway is outputted to a display processing unit.
US09668654B2
The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.
US09668649B2
Devices, systems, and methods perform diagnostic and/or treatment procedures on an eye using a pupilometer to determine a change in pupil size, a processor and a variable illumination source. In response to a change in pupil size as determined by the pupilometer, the processor may determine an optical light output sufficient to induce a pupillary response and mitigate the change in pupil size. The system directs the desired optical light output to the eye with the variable illumination source optionally to prevent the pupil size from exceeding certain limits so as to improve torsional tracking of markers of the eye.
US09668629B2
Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body and a dust container separably mounted on the cleaner body. The dust container includes a dust collection body including a first chamber in which air and dust are separated from each other and a second chamber in which the dust separated in the first chamber are stored and a pressing member rotatably reciprocated between the first and second chambers within the dust collection body to compress the dust stored in the second chamber in one direction while moving from the first chamber to the second chamber.
US09668625B2
A vacuum appliance comprising a drum and a vacuum head. The drum may include a base and a cylinder sealed to the base. The vacuum head may include a lid and a blower. The lid preferably includes a portion that is detachably mounted to an open upper end of the drum. The blower may be mounted to, atop, or within the lid. In any case, the blower induces a vacuum within the drum and moves through the vacuum. The base or the cylinder may include a drain to drain fluid and debris contained within the drum. The lid may include a lower portion sealed to and defining the open upper end of the drum. The cylinder or the lid may include an air inlet through which the blower draws air and entrained debris.
US09668620B2
To solve problems such as tearing in using or manufacturing sanitary thin paper for household use that is embossed and applied with aqueous chemicals. The problem is solved by a method for manufacturing toilet paper, comprising: a chemicals applying step of printing and applying aqueous lotion chemicals onto band-like continuous crepe paper by a printer, while a pattern with a non-chemicals-application portions and chemicals-application portions is formed; and an embossing step where the embossing convex portions are brought into press-contact only to the non-chemicals-application portions of the continuous crepe paper so that the continuous crepe paper is embossed.
US09668619B2
A baffled chamber bathing device and a method of making same are provided. The baffled chamber bathing device includes a generally elongated piece of porous fabric having a length. The piece of porous fabric can be folded along its length along a first fold and a second fold to form a tri-folded structure having a width. The bathing device includes a plurality of dividers each extending laterally across the width of the tri-folded structure and which define a plurality of baffled chambers. At least one of the plurality of baffled chambers created by the tri-folded structure and the plurality of dividers includes an opening into which a soap segment is capable of being inserted and securely held within the respective baffled chambers by the tri-folded structure.
US09668616B2
The present invention relates to an automatic frying machine comprising: a frying process part having divided spaces, wherein a plurality of module-type process units which carry out each of predetermined frying processes are detachably disposed in the divided spaces; and a transfer part which is in communication with the plurality of process units of the frying process part and which carries a basket having frying materials in and out of the plurality of process units and moves the basket, wherein the transfer part comprises: a basket which carries the frying material in and out through an opening formed on the plurality of process units; a transfer unit which raises and lowers the basket and slides it back and forth; and a horizontal moving part which moves the transfer unit horizontally.
US09668614B1
A disposable pan has an imperforate bottom in a rectangular configuration with front, rear, and side edges. Sides extend upwardly from the bottom. The sides have free upper ends forming an upper opening. A grill has a periphery in a rectangular configuration. The periphery has a front wire, a rear wire, and side wires. The grill has a plurality of central wires. The central wires extend between the front wire and the rear wire and between and parallel with the side wires. The grill has support wires extending between the front and rear wires adjacent to and parallel with each side wire. Each support wire has downwardly extending bends forming legs positioned on the bottom of the pan. The grill has transverse wires with ends coupled to the side wires. Each wire is formed of aluminum foil in a spiral cross sectional configuration.
US09668610B2
A tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is shown. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed.
US09668605B2
The present invention describes a beverage production apparatus (1), comprising:—a mixing chamber (21) for producing a beverage from a soluble ingredient and a liquid, and—a chamber receiving area (22) for receiving the mixing chamber (21), the mixing chamber (21) being removable from the chamber receiving area (22), wherein the chamber receiving area comprises an upper part (22a), said upper part being removable from the beverage production apparatus (1).
US09668600B1
A multi-level serving tray carrier is disclosed providing a means of transporting food trays as well as a means of providing a service if such food. The tray carrier, although capable of transporting and providing service access from multiple food trays, only requires an area of counter space ordinarily consumed by a single food tray. The tray carrier opens in such a manner as to provide access to all levels of food trays carried thereby while simultaneously providing great stability.
US09668596B2
A frame hanger including a substantially planar fixed section, wherein a portion of the perimeter of the fixed section defines a substantially linear mounting guide edge. A single arm is rotatably mounted to the fixed section between a fully extended state and a fully retracted state. While in the fully retracted state, no portion of the arm extends beyond the mounting guide edge of the substantially planar fixed section. In a fully extended state, a pointed end of the arm extends beyond the mounting guide edge of the planar fixed section. A barrier prohibits rotation of the arm, when in the fully extended state, greater than a predetermined acute angle relative to the mounting guide edge. The arm and fixed section lie either in a common single plane or two planes substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, the arm is integral with and non-rotatable relative to the fixed section.
US09668595B2
Systems and kits for decorating walls include a plurality of décor assemblies and a plurality of complementary fastening structures. The décor assemblies include a décor element and a releasable fastening structure providing first fastening elements. The complementary fastening structure includes a base, a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the base, and second fastening elements. The first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system. During use, a complementary fastening structure is releasably applied to a wall, and is connected to and supports one of the décor assemblies via the releasable fastening system. The releasable fastening system can comprise low profile hooks and loops, exhibiting relatively low holding power.
US09668594B2
A tray support device includes a base and a front face extending upward from a front edge of the base. At least one support member is movable from a collapsed position on the base to a deployed position spaced above the base. At least one prop may be selectively positionable relative to the base and the support member to move the at least one support member between the collapsed position and the deployed position. A tray is supported on the at least one support member and abuts the front face. In the deployed position, the support member holds the tray at a forward angle, to facilitate access to the goods in the tray by customers.
US09668590B1
A product display unit includes a base having a forward end cap at one longitudinal end. At least one pusher track extends in a longitudinal direction from the end cap. The pusher track includes a locking feature for retaining a pusher rail therein. The pusher rail has a corresponding locking feature such that the pusher rail is locked into the pusher track by compression of the pusher rail against the pusher track. The display has at least one pusher having a wound spring. The forward end cap has a retaining groove for a retaining tongue at one end of the wound spring. The pusher has inwardly projecting side rails defining a channel for insertion therein of the pusher rail.
US09668589B2
A portable changing table is disclosed. The portable changing table comprises a flexible support material and a support pocket disposed within the flexible support material. A rigid planar material is disposed within the support pocket and rigidly supports the flexible support material. An extension extends from the flexible support material and forms a securing envelope configured to attach to a child safety seat or a child stroller. Securing straps attach to the flexible support material and are configured to attach the flexible support material to a child safety seat or a child stroller. The securing straps and securing envelope provide tension across the flexible support material to provide a rigidly supported substantially horizontal surface where a caregiver can change a diaper or clothes of the infant or small child.
US09668587B1
A detachable bed base contains: a first connection assembly, a second connection assembly, multiple support rods, two frames, and multiple screw elements. The first connection assembly includes multiple first hollow tubes, and the second connection assembly includes multiple second hollow tubes. Each of multiple first C-shaped slats has two first through holes for accommodating each of multiple fixing bolts, and each of multiple second C-shaped slats has two second through holes for accommodating said each fixing bolt, wherein said each fixing bolt houses each of multiple pins. Two frames hold the first connection assembly and the second connection assembly, and each frame includes a first extension and two second extensions. The first extension has two hooks, and each of the two second extension has a coupling holder, a fitting trench, and a positioning member. Furthermore, multiple supporters lock the first column, the second column, and the coupling holder together.
US09668586B2
A camp bed frame includes two bed bearing tubes and two pillow tubes alternately arranged and forming a rectangular closed frame. At least one of the two bed bearing tubes has a retractable and localizable bed bearing monotube. In use, the two bed bearing tubes are inserted into respective sleeves of a bed cover; one pillow tube is inserted into the corresponding sleeve of the bed cover and mounted at the ends of the bed bearing tubes; the retractable bed bearing monotube is retracted; the other pillow tube is inserted into the corresponding sleeve of the bed cover and mounted at the ends of the bed bearing tubes; and finally, the retractable bed bearing monotube is stretched out until the bed cover is tensioned tightly and positioned. The present application also discloses a camp bed adopting the camp bed frame.
US09668585B2
A convertible furniture piece has a compact profile while folded with the seat cushions residing at a comfortable and ergonomic height and an esthetically pleasing streamlined appearance. The convertible furniture takes advantage of a leg assembly that is anchored within the thickness of the mechanism panels so as to stack the foot and body panels closer to each other. The leg assembly is also anchored at a position other than the edges of the panels to help conceal the leg assembly below the bed.
US09668580B2
A body support structure including a pair of laterally spaced apart supporting arms defining a gap therebetween, wherein each of the supporting arms includes an upper support having an upwardly extending upright and a forwardly extending seat support defining a seat part, and a lower support having an upwardly extending upright spaced apart from the upright of the upper support in a vertical plane. The uprights of the upper and lower supports define a backrest part. A pair of armrests each includes an upwardly extending portion connected to a respective one of the forwardly extending seat supports and a forwardly extending portion pivotally connected to the backrest part. A cross brace extends between and is coupled to the supporting arms proximate the pivotal connection. A flexible membrane extends between and is coupled to the supporting arms.
US09668575B2
A furniture leg protective sock is constructed of a stretchable/expandable non-friction material, which is double-layered to form an outer layer, an inner layer, and a gap therebetween. The furniture leg protective sock includes friction material which is located on the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock and a stabilizing material, which is located in the gap between the inner surface of the inner layer and the inner surface of the outer layer, to provide rigidity and stretchability to furniture leg protective sock. The furniture leg protective sock also includes non-penetrating material, which is located in a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock to prevent a furniture leg from piercing through the furniture leg protective sock.
US09668570B2
A compact folding furniture piece constructed as a table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure and includes a spring mechanism securing together as a flexible unit a support mount, an articulated vertebral column, and a table base. The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface. In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest.
US09668567B2
An adjustable device for supporting a load includes a belt for fastening about a user's waist. A rod includes two rigid elements. One of the elements is longitudinally slidable relative to the other element so as to adjust a length of the rod. A lower end of the rod is attachable to the belt and an upper section of the rod is attachable to a shoulder harness that is placeable on the user's shoulders for carrying the load. A control is operable by the user when carrying the load to unlock a locking mechanism that, when locked, fixes the length of the rod. When the control is operated concurrently with movement of the user's shoulders relative to the user's waist, the length of the rod is changed to adjust a distribution of a weight of the load between the user's shoulders and waist.
US09668561B2
An airtight cosmetic powder box includes an outer box having an upper lid and an outer box body. The outer box body includes a receiving space receiving an inner box unit. The inner box unit includes an upper cover and an inner box body. The inner box body includes an inner receiving space. A seal ring is received in an annular groove in a top face of the inner box body. The upper cover is pivotable relative to the inner box body between an open position and a closed position. The upper cover includes an annular rib extending from a bottom face of the upper cover. The annular rib is received in the annular groove of the inner box body. The bottom face of the upper cover and an inner peripheral face of the annular rib sealingly contact the seal ring, providing an airtight cosmetic powder box.
US09668558B2
Disclosed is a stack of individually separable packages for a plurality of contact lenses, each individual lens being packaged between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is provided by a first one of the individually separable packages and the second surface is provided by a second one of the individually separable packages.
US09668557B2
Protective cases for transporting a planar-shaped object includes a body including side, front, rear, and bottom walls coupled at edges thereof to define a housing having a cavity therein, an opening defined by uppermost edges of the side, front, and rear walls, and a lid secured to at least one of the uppermost edges of the side, front, and rear walls. The side, front, and rear walls and the lid each comprise a multilayer construction including an exterior layer, an interior layer, and at least one protective layer enclosed therebetween. The side, front, and rear walls include at least an impact-absorbing layer and optionally a rigid layer, and the lid includes at least an impact-absorbing layer.
US09668550B2
A wearable device that may transform between an annularly bent state and a flat state is provided. The wearable device includes a plurality of segment members including a top portion and a bottom portion having a shorter length than the top portion; a plurality of connecting members that are disposed to correspond to the plurality of segment members, wherein each of the plurality of connecting members is connected to be mutually rotatable with two segment members disposed respectively on both sides thereof; a bistable spring that is supported on a plurality of segment members to provide elasticity in a direction into the annularly bent state and retentivity of the flat state; and a flexible display device that is supported on the top portion of the plurality of segment members.
US09668547B2
A slider body of a slider includes a slider main member and a slider sub-member. The slider main member includes at least a portion of a first blade and at least a portion of a second blade which are connected to each other through a guide column. The slider sub-member includes a pair of first flange sections and is assembled with and fixed to the slider main member. The slider can easily be attached to a fastener chain. Since the slider stably has a predetermined distance between the first and second blades, it is possible to secure satisfactory sliding properties and operability of the slider.
US09668544B2
A last system and a method of making the last system are disclosed. The last system includes a last member and an exterior layer. The exterior layer becomes deformable when heated above a characteristic temperature. The method can include forming a braided footwear component on the last system. The exterior layer may be joined with the braided footwear component by heating the last system above the characteristic temperature.
US09668541B2
An article of footwear has a shoe upper, a sole connected to the shoe upper and the sole is provided with peripheral walls which together define a cavity therein. A layer of material extends across and is connected to the walls or adjacent to the walls at a perimeter of the layer of material, the layer of material dividing the cavity into at least a first chamber and a second chamber. The layer of material and the walls on one side of the perimeter of the layer of material define the first chamber, and the layer of material and the walls on the other side of the perimeter of the layer of material define the second chamber. The sole is configured such that movement of the layer of material within the cavity causes simultaneous changing of interior volume between the chambers and thus pumping of air into or out of the chambers for air circulation of the article of footwear.
US09668530B2
A fabric having resilient prominences on at least one surface is described for improved thermal protection, drag reduction and quick drying. Resilient prominences are bulges that extend outward from a fabric surface and trap some volume of air or other material therein. For example, a resilient prominence may be dome shaped and extend outward from the fabric plane. A resilient prominence is resilient in shape, whereby the resilient prominence may be compressed and then popped back into substantially the original shape. Reflective and/or absorptive materials may be configured on the surface of the fabric to provide camouflage from IR cameras. Reflective material may be configured on the fabric to reflect heat back to the wearer of a garment made with the fabric described.
US09668527B2
A pair of disposable hand coverings has a body formed of a front film layer and back film layer sealed together about a periphery to form a pair of opposing hand coverings each having a finger section at opposite closed ends and each having a wrist section with at least one line of weakening at the wrist sections to ease separating each of the pair of hand coverings.
US09668526B2
Disclosed herein are devices for preventing or treating an injury to an individual. Also provided are devices and methods for alleviating pain or discomfort caused by equipment or other padding or articles of clothing or uniform. The device can include a disposable padded tape having a plurality of force absorbing zones. It can also include an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a body contacting surface.
US09668523B2
A device includes a casing extending in a longitudinal direction, a vaporizer configured to generate, a vapor, a mouth-end insert at an end of the casing, and a power supply configured to supply power to the vaporizer. The mouth-end insert includes a single, non-recessed end surface, and a plurality of non-diverging outlets in the mouth-end insert. The outlets are generally coplanar at the single, non-recessed end surface of the mouth-end insert.
US09668518B2
Technologies are generally described for systems, devices, and methods effective to receive a battery of an electronic cigarette in a mobile device case. A mobile device may be received in a first portion of the mobile device case in such a way that the mobile device is accessible to a user. The battery of the electronic cigarette may be received in a compartment of a second portion of the mobile device case. The compartment may be formed by one or more walls of the mobile device case. The first portion of the mobile device case may be contiguous with the second portion of the mobile device case.
US09668517B2
An electronic cigarette is provided, and the electronic cigarette comprises an outer sleeve, a battery and a controlling module both mounted inside the outer sleeve; the electronic cigarette further comprises a mounting seat which the controlling module is mounted on, and an electrode terminal mounted on the mounting seat and electrically connected to the controlling module; an end of the electrode terminal, aloof from the controlling module, is connected to a conductive wire by soldering. By implementing the electronic cigarette in the present application, the following advantages can be achieved. The electronic cigarette adopts that the conductive wire is soldered on the first electrode terminal, the second electrode terminal or the third electrode terminal, so that the conductive wire is electrically connected to the controlling module, and soldering operation can be easily achieved, which can improve production efficiency of the electronic cigarettes and decrease product defective rate.
US09668510B2
A cooler with an insulated housing comprising an encircling wall, base and lid, the insulated housing defining a storage cavity and having an air channel communicating from the storage cavity to outside the insulated housing, the air channel being defined by channel walls and forming at least in part a cylinder; and a vacuum pump integral with the insulated housing, the vacuum pump comprising a piston arranged to reciprocate within the cylinder under manual control from outside of the insulated housing. A method including placing material within a storage cavity of an insulated cooler, the material having an average temperature different than an ambient temperature; closing a lid over the storage cavity; and operating a vacuum pump to reduce the air pressure within the storage cavity. A combination of the cooler and ice within the storage cavity.
US09668505B2
Disclosed are edible compositions, for example, edible films and gummi confectioneries, that mask the taste of bitter tasting foods and/or foods that contain proteins such as meats and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, etc. The edible compositions include a delivery vehicle, a protein masking agent constituting about 0.01% to about 25% dry weight thereof, and a bitter masking agent constituting about 0.1% to about 7% dry weight thereof. The composition may also include other ingredients including flavoring agents, sweetening agents, and sensates.
US09668480B2
The invention relates to the use of N-cyclopropyl-N-[substituted-benzyl]-3-(difluoromethyl)-5-fluoro-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide or thiocarboxamide derivatives and/or salts thereof for improving growth in crops, comprising preventively and/or curatively controlling resistant strains of fungi, particularly for controlling strains of fungi resistant to SDHI fungicides. The invention further relates to associated methods.
US09668474B2
A structured surfactant system with a very high degree of clarity. The system comprises water and a mixture of at least one surfactant having a HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance) value of less than 10, and at least one surfactant having an HLB value of 10 or greater. The structured surfactant system forms multilamellar vesicles and has suspending properties without added electrolytes, carbohydrates, or polymeric thickeners. This makes the structured surfactant system particularly useful in personal care compositions.
US09668467B2
A system and methods for trapping animals including an enclosure adapted to be suspended above a trap area. The enclosure may be movable from the suspended position to a lowered position to enclose a trap area. The system further includes a user-directed control system to remotely control the position of the enclosure in order to trap animals within the enclosure.
US09668465B2
A dual-bearing reel, includes a reel body, a handle, a spool, a spool shaft, a friction material an operating portion. The reel body has a first reel body portion and a second reel body portion. The handle is attached to the first reel body portion. The spool is disposed between the first reel body portion and the second reel body portion. The spool shaft is configured to integrally rotate with the spool. The friction material is configured to brake rotation of the spool shaft by frictional force. The operating member is rotatably disposed about the spool shaft in the second reel body portion, a portion of the operating member being exposed from an outer perimeter surface of the second reel body portion, and the operating member is configured to adjust the braking force by the first friction material by being rotated.
US09668461B1
An easy to install and fish safe skimmer assembly for ponds and other water features is provided. The skimmer assembly includes a skimmer housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is substantially open and in fluid communication with the water feature in a manner such that fish in the water feature can swim in and out of the upper portion of the skimmer housing without being trapped by a physical barrier. The lower portion is enclosed and is in fluid communication with a conduit for transporting filtered water back into the water feature. The skimmer assembly further includes a barrier that separates water within the skimmer, a debris collector, and a floating weir disposed in the debris collector and moves in a vertical direction relative to the skimmer housing when a suction force is applied to force water to flow through the skimmer housing.
US09668454B2
A livestock feeding device is provided. The feeding device has a body member including a base portion, side walls and a top portion. The device also includes an inner volume defined between the side walls, the base portion and the top portion, wherein the inner volume receives hay for feeding livestock. The feeding device includes an aperture extending through the top portion to provide feeding access to the inner volume. The feeding device also comprises an consumption restriction plate for metering the amount of hay eaten by livestock, wherein the consumption restriction plate is adjustable up and down within the inner volume in response to the amount of hay within the inner volume.
US09668453B2
An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes corn cob, a lubricant, and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.
US09668452B2
A process for producing milk foam includes pumping milk through a milk line with a milk pump having an adjustable speed for adjusting the capacity of the milk pump. Milk from the milk line and air are mixed inside a first mixing chamber to produce a milk foam. Properties of the milk foam, including a consistency of the milk foam, are a function of the speed of the milk pump. A device for producing the milk foam includes a milk container; an outlet; a milk line connected between the milk container and the outlet; a first mixing chamber installed in the milk line to mix milk and air to produce milk foam; and a milk pump having an adjustable speed coupled into the milk line.
US09668450B2
A stevia cultivar, designated ‘817096’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the plant parts of stevia cultivar ‘817096’, to the plants of stevia ‘817096’ and to methods for producing a stevia plant produced by crossing the cultivar ‘817096’ with itself or another stevia variety, including methods using marker assisted breeding. The invention further relates to hybrid stevia seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ‘817096’ with another stevia cultivar.
US09668448B1
A novel maize variety designated PH2DNB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2DNB with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DNB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2DNB or a locus conversion of PH2DNB with another maize variety.
US09668439B2
The invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing methods for marker assisted selection to create plants of a soybean variety that exhibit a mid/low linolenic acid content with a commercially significant yield and an agronomically elite phenotype. The invention also provides derivatives and plant parts of these plants. Further provided by the invention are methods for the use of these plants. The invention is significant in that oil with decreased linolenic acid exhibits numerous beneficial characteristics yet prior art varieties with decreased linolenic acid also exhibited decreased yield and poor agronomic quality.
US09668437B2
The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV1175PS and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV1175PS and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09668433B2
An irrigation system and method is provided that includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members, with each tubing member having a tubing proximal end attached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having a tubing distal end attached attachable to a distal lateral fluid conduit to form an irrigation array. Two types of cross members are provided, a spacer cross member and a tubing cross member. The cross members hold each of the perforated tubing members in a grid-like pattern forming a tubing/spacer array or a tubing/tubing array. The longitudinal perforated tubing may be cut to accommodate the shape of a landscape format. Methods are provided for joining or ending the cut portions. The irrigation array is created, attached to a water supply, and buried below the surface of the ground.
US09668432B2
A subsurface irrigation mat includes at least one perforated tube, a web made of a first capillary textile, and a casing made of a second capillary textile. The casing surrounds substantially an entire circumference of the perforated tube along at least a portion of a length of the tube. At least one attachment secures the casing to the web so that the casing extends across the web. Water leaving through the holes in the perforated tube can saturate the casing, seep into the web from the casing, and then be carried across the web by capillary action. The result is a substantially uniform discharge of water from the web into a root zone of plants growing in a layer of a growing medium located above the web.
US09668430B2
There is provided a cleaning apparatus for unclogging an irrigation emitter inlet filter by dislodging or crushing or breaking a trapped solids. In some embodiments, a ram pushes the trapped solids out of a fluid inlet of the emitter. In other embodiment, a constriction provided for retaining a particle has a changeable interior cross section. By changing the cross section of the constriction, the constriction is unclogged. In alternative embodiments the filtration member may include two rigid members moving in relation one to the other or the filtration member may be elastic. In further alternate embodiments the cleaning may be activated automatically or manually.
US09668421B2
A vibration sensor is mounted on the central shaft, such that it senses vibrations induced into the feed roll assembly in a direction transverse to the rotational axis of the feed roll.
US09668419B2
A windrower has a hydrostatic header drive system with a header drive pump and one or more header drive motors. The windrower also has a chassis with wheels coupled thereto, an engine, and a ground drive system coupled to the wheels and the engine. A control system has plural sensors having first, second, and third sensors, wherein the first sensor monitors engine load, the second sensor monitors hydrostatic header drive pressure, and the third sensor monitors ground speed. The control system has one or more controllers configured to receive input from the plural sensors, compare the input with respective target values for engine load, header drive pressure, and ground speed throughout a range of ground speeds defined based on an operator configured maximum ground speed, and automatically adjust the ground speed based on the comparison.
US09668415B2
A cane harvester including a support member and a basecutter assembly carried by the support member. The basecutter assembly includes a plurality of basecutter units and a control system. The plurality of basecutter units include first and second basecutter units. The first basecutter unit has a first set of blades and the second basecutter has a second set of blades. The first set of blades are rotatable by the first basecutter unit, and the second set of blades are rotatable by the second basecutter unit. The control system is configured to synchronize the first set of blades with the second set of blades.
US09668409B2
A cutting system for a harvester, the cutting system including a knockdown roller, at least two row dividers, at least two base cutting elements, and at least two inner base cutting discs. Each of the at least two base cutting elements is disposed in the structure of a respective one of the at least two row dividers. Each of the at least two inner base cutting discs is disposed behind the knockdown roller. The cutting system further includes two arms and a lifter roller. Each of the two base cutting elements is connected to a respective one of the two row dividers by a respective one of the two arms. Each of the two base cutting elements is positioned entirely forward of the knockdown roller and the lifter roller.
US09668407B2
The pivoting action sickle drive has a low profile allowing incorporation in or below a floor of a header of a plant cutting machine to allow passage of cut plant material thereabout. The drive includes a substantially flat rotatable input element, and a drive arm connected eccentric thereto for eccentric rotation along an epicyclical path. The arm extends to a connection with a pivot arm of a pivot element that connects to a knife arm that drives a sickle knife assembly, such that the pivot element, knife arm and knife assembly will be reciprocatingly driven by the eccentric rotation of the drive arm. A second drive can oppositely drive a second sickle knife assembly, such that opposite forces generated by the drives will cancel. The drives can be packaged in a forwardly tapered or curved enclosure, and the pivot elements can be correspondingly shaped to streamline the drives.
US09668399B2
Apparatus and associated methods for a coulter disk system relate to a lateral actuator module having a programmably positionable control member that is coupled to a gang of coulter disks and is operable to position a control point of the coulter disks at a predetermined position between two opposing, laterally-spaced end-of-travel positions. In an exemplary embodiment, a gang may be mechanically connected to and laterally positioned by the control point. The predetermined position may be, in some examples, dynamically calculated according to a predetermined function and based on information about conditions of the soil in contact with the coulter disks. Various embodiments may dynamically adjust the position of a gang of coulter disks to dynamically and automatically optimize the conditioning effectiveness of the gang of coulter disks in response to parametric information about the soil conditions.
US09668397B2
An integrated brush-tine vehicle for brushing top dressing material between grass blades. The vehicle employs at least four brushes to contact each blade of grass located beneath the brush pattern of the vehicle. The vehicle includes adjustable tines to cooperatively work with the brushes to move the top dressing material down between grass blades.
US09674995B2
To provide a component supply unit capable of reliably cutting a cover tape and reliably exposing an electronic component when using a new storage tape and supplying the electronic component. A tape processing unit includes a cutter successively cutting a cover tape of a storage tape along a traveling direction following traveling of this storage tape. The cutter includes a blade portion having an angular blade portion so inclined frontwardly downward that a blade is angularly formed, and an upper C-chamfered surface (upper worked surface) which is a flat portion whose width in the horizontal direction gradually narrows from a lower end upwardly to reach the angular blade portion on an upper end formed on a forward end portion of this blade portion.
US09674993B2
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of a flame retardant, electrically conductive adhesive material. In an exemplary embodiment, a flame retardant, electrically conductive adhesive material suitable for use as tape generally includes a layer of adhesive. A layer of electrically conductive fabric is on the layer of adhesive. A flame retardant coating is on the layer of electrically conductive fabric. The flame retardant coating includes a carbon-containing resin.
US09674992B2
The invention relates to an electromagnetic interference shielding film comprising an electromagnetic wave absorptive layer which contains electromagnetic wave absorptive particles; a conductive layer which contains conductive particles, and the conductive layer is disposed on a surface of the electromagnetic wave absorptive layer; a metallic layer disposed on another surface of the electromagnetic wave absorptive layer; and an insulating layer disposed on the metallic layer. The electromagnetic interference shielding film according to the invention can prevent the circuits and components from the electromagnetic interference.
US09674987B2
Provided is a heat dissipation device. The heat dissipation device includes a thermal conductive plate (1), a shape of which is the same as a shape of a Secure Digital (SD) card. The thermal conductive plate (1) is used to be inserted into an SD card connector, and partially contacts with at least one inner surface of the SD card connector; the thermal conductive plate (1) is made of thermal conductive metallic material, and one or more contacting parts (10) of the thermal conductive plate (1) that contact with the SD card connector are set to be thermal conductive metallic material, and outer surfaces (12), other than the one or more contacting parts (10), of the thermal conductive plate (1) are set to be insulating material. The present technical solution solves the problem that the implementing effect of heat dissipation schemes already existed for terminals is fairly bad in the related technologies, and improves heat conduction and heat dissipation speed. The heat dissipation device occupies less space in the terminal, and enhances heat dissipation efficiency.
US09674983B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include heat-rejecting media thermally coupled to one or more information handling resources, a connector for receiving a modular information handling resource, the connector having a latch for facilitating insertion or removal of the modular information handling resource to or from the connector, and a removable baffle for directing a flow of air proximate to the heat-rejecting media. The removable baffle may have two substantially planar sides and an edge substantially perpendicular to the two planar sides, such that when the removable baffle is located within a chassis including the heat-rejecting media and the connector, the latch engages with the edge to mechanically maintain a location of the removable baffle within the chassis.
US09674982B2
A cooling module is used to cool an electronic component, the cooling module includes a shell and a radiator which is received in the shell. The shell includes a receiving portion which is used to receive the radiator. Two sides of the receiving include two latch pieces, the latch piece defines a latch hole. Two sides of the radiator include two protrusive blocks, the latch piece can be elastically deformed to let the protrusive block be inserted into the latch hole to fix the radiator in the shell.
US09674981B1
A structure of a server rack and sidecar combination. The structure may include; a server rack having an opening and a server door on a front side of the server rack; a sidecar mounted to a side of the server rack, the sidecar has an access area on a front side of the sidecar, wherein the server rack opening and the access area are accessible form a common side; an adapter mounted to the accessible common side, wherein the adapter does not restrict access to the server rack opening and the access area, the adapter has at least three vertical sides; and a cable management bar located within the at least three vertical sides.
US09674979B2
A multi device system includes a rack with a rack slot. A device chassis is positioned in the rack slot. The device chassis includes first device slot with a first device entrance, and a second device slot with a second device entrance. A first device stop member extends from the device chassis and into the first device slot. The distance between the first device stop member and the first device entrance is adjustable, and the first device stop member is configured to move a first device in the first device slot through the first device entrance. A second device stop member extends from the device chassis and into the second device slot. The distance between the second device stop member and the second device entrance is adjustable, and the second device stop member is configured to move a second device in the second device slot through the second device entrance.
US09674974B1
A detachable anti-write device for a memory card includes: an insulated housing including an upper cover and a lower cover which are connected to each other; and an anti-write switch disposed a lateral edge of the insulated housing and connected to the insulated housing by a break away connecting member. The anti-write device can be irreversibly broken and detached from the memory card, therefore is capable of improving the security of the data stored in the memory card.
US09674971B2
A terminal device includes a device housing and a printed wiring board, accommodated within the device housing, having a display element mounted thereon. The device housing includes an opening formed at a position corresponding to the display element, a partition wall provided between the opening and the printed wiring board. The partition wall is formed into a tubular shape with the opposite ends thereof opened, and the partition wall has one open end which faces the opening and the other open end which faces the display element.
US09674969B2
A flexible printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A flexible printed circuit board having a flexible region and a rigid region includes an inner board layer, an outer board layer laminated on the inner board layer and having a cavity formed in the rigid region, and a laminate exposing a pad in the cavity and laminated on the inner board layer in the rigid region where the pad is formed. The laminate includes a coverlay layer and a copper foil layer arranged so that the coverlay layer faces the inner board layer.
US09674952B1
An electrical interconnect includes a copper pillar and solder cap. The copper pillar and solder cap are formed onto a contact pad or an under bump metallurgy (UBM). In some applications, the contact pad or UBM is part of an electronic component, such as a semiconductor chip. In other cases, the contact pad is part of laminated substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), or a ceramic substrate. The copper pillar and the solder cap are printed using an ink printer, such as an aerosol ink jet printer. A post heat treatment solidifies the interconnection between the contact pad or UBM, the copper pillar and the solder cap.
US09674946B2
In a conductive laminate, a transparent conductive thin film laminate 2 including at least two transparent conductive thin films and a metal layer 3 are formed in this order on at least one surface of a transparent base. In the transparent conductive thin film laminate 2, a first transparent conductive thin film 21 that is closest to the metal layer 3 is a metal oxide layer, or a composite metal oxide layer containing a principal metal and at least one impurity metal. Transparent conductive thin film 22 other than the first transparent conductive thin film is a composite metal oxide layer containing a principal metal and at least one impurity metal. The content ratio of impurity metal in the first transparent conductive thin film is not the highest of content ratios of impurity metal in the transparent conductive thin films which form the transparent conductive thin film laminate 2.
US09674937B2
A circuit board including a core layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first build-up layer and a second build-up layer formed on the first surface and the second surface of the core layer, respectively, and including a conductive pattern and a conductive via; and an outer layer formed on the surface of the first build-up layer and the second build-up layer, wherein at least one build-up layer of the first build-up layer and the second build-up layer comprises a photosensitive insulating layer in which a cavity is disposed and a thermal dissipation unit disposed in the cavity.
US09674924B2
Methods and apparatus related to controlling illumination in a space. The method may include determining a heading of a daylight blocking element and/or a lighting fixture (301) and automatically adjusting at least one characteristic of the daylight blocking element and/or the lighting fixture based at least in part on the determined heading (305). The method may additionally or alternatively include proactively determining likely daylight conditions at a future time and beginning to adjust at least one characteristic of a daylight blocking element and/or a lighting fixture prior to the future time (202/203). Daylight blocking elements and/or lighting fixtures are also provided that may facilitate one or more aspect of the methods of controlling illumination.
US09674917B1
An illumination system and method is provided for readily mapping a plurality of scenes along a dimcurve form a natural show for one or more groups of LED illumination devices. Mapping can be performed using a graphical user interface on a remote controller wirelessly linked to the illumination devices. A keypad is preferably configured for button control of changes to color temperature as a function of brightness along each of the various dimcurves for each of the various groups of illumination devices controlled by a corresponding keypad to allow momentary or persistent override and reprogram of the natural show. Modification to a scene further comprises modifications to scenes before and after the currently modified scene to provide a smoothing dimcurve modification. Global keypad can be used to control multiple zones arranged throughout a structure to switch between a natural show that emulates outdoor sunlight conditions to a panic show when an intruder is detected.
US09674904B2
Determining an amount of light output from a solid state lighting (SSL) unit based on a dimmer setting includes determining the dimmer setting of the dimmer during a readout mode by analyzing a power signal received from the dimmer, the dimmer setting indicating a desired level of light, determining power needed at input terminals of the SSL unit for an SSL load to output the desired level of output light, and determining a value of an adjusting signal for adjusting the power at the input terminals of the SSL unit during a power reception mode, based at least in part on the determined dimmer setting, causing the SSL unit to output the desired level of light.
US09674902B2
Embodiments of the invention concern a removable cover for placement over food to be cooked in a microwave oven. The cover includes punchable perforations around the perimeter of the cover. The perforations are to be optionally punched out by the user to provide one or more holes for egress of moisture during cooking. The cover is configured as a dome, pyramid, cone or similar shape.
US09674896B2
An ultra dense and ultra low power microhotplates using silica aerogel and method of making the same, comprising spin coating an aerogel layer followed by SiO2 as capping interlayer, and Nichrome (Ni80/Cr20) for heating element to increase the efficiency of metal oxide gas sensors. There may be multiple thin layers of aerogel separated by interlayers such as of SiO2.
US09674893B2
A method for processing, by a gateway, an X2 message, and a method for transmitting, by a first eNode B (eNB), an X2 message in a wireless communication system are discussed. The method for processing an X2 message according to one embodiment including receiving, by the gateway, an X2 setup request message and target information from a first eNodeB (eNB); transmitting, by the gateway, the received X2 setup request message to a second eNB based on the received target information; receiving, by the gateway, an X2 setup response message from the second eNB; and transmitting, by the gateway, the received X2 setup response message to the first eNB. The target information is additional information of the X2 setup request message. The first eNB is a home eNB (HeNB).
US09674892B1
Preshared keys are assigned to client devices, users, or user groups. The set of valid preshared keys or keys derived therefrom is distributed to network devices such as wireless access points. A client device attempts to establish a secure network connection with a network device using its assigned preshared key. A network device identifies the client device's preshared key by selecting a candidate key from its set of valid preshared keys. The network device determines a validation cryptographic checksum based on the selected candidate key. If the validation cryptographic checksum matches the client's cryptographic checksum, the network device establishes a secure network connection with the client device using this candidate key. If the validation cryptographic checksum does not match the cryptographic checksum provided by the client device, the network device repeats this comparison using different candidate keys selected from its set of valid preshared keys until a match is found.
US09674870B1
In general, techniques are described for aggregating, within a network device, internal forwarding routes for multiple control protocols and allocating next hops for the routes among individual service units of a decentralized control plane for the network device. The techniques may also include aggregating internal forwarding routes for data protocols and allocating next hops for the routes among individual forwarding units of a decentralized data plane for the network device. In one example, a mobile gateway includes a plurality of subscriber management service units that present a uniform interface to nodes within a mobile service provider network. An allocation manager apportions a control protocol session identifier namespace into a plurality of contiguous, non-overlapping protocol session identifier ranges and allocates the ranges among the service units. The service units execute the control protocol by utilizing respective allocated ranges, which the aggregate internal forwarding routes use to identify the associated service units.
US09674869B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate a fast access in a wireless communication system, such as OFDMA. According to various aspects, the system and methods are described for transmitting an access probe, receiving a first grant message, wherein the first grant message comprises a portion representing a first identification, transmitting a message using a second identification, wherein the second identification is not equal to the first identification. Also, generating an access grant in response to receiving the access probe wherein the access grant comprising a portion representing a first identification.
US09674864B2
A User Equipment, UE, of a cellular communication system transmits scheduling assistance data to a base station comprising a base station scheduler which schedules uplink packet data. The scheduling assistance data relates to uplink packet data transmission from the UE. The UE comprises a channel controller which is operable to cause the scheduling assistance data to be transmitted from the UE to the base station in a first physical resource of an uplink air interface. The first physical resource is not managed by the base station based scheduler. The scheduling assistance data may specifically be transmitted in a first transport channel multiplexed with other transport channels on a physical resource. The transport channels may be individually optimized and may have different termination points and transmission reliabilities. Specifically, the transport channel supporting the scheduling assistance data signaling may have a high reliability and be terminated in the base station.
US09674850B2
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for establishing a radio bearer include a User Equipment (UE) that divides IP data flow of a service into multiple service data flows having different QoS requirements according to media parameter information, determines QoS parameters of each service data flow, and sends each service data flow and the corresponding QoS parameters to an Access Point (AP). The AP allocates wireless resources for each service data flow according to a local QoS strategy, builds the corresponding wireless bearing, and binds the service data flow and the wireless bearing. The UE also builds the corresponding wireless bearing for each service data flow and binds the service data flow and the wireless bearing. During uplink and downlink data transmission, the AP and UE can map each service data flow to the corresponding wireless bearing for transmission according to the QoS requirements of different service data flows.
US09674849B2
A system and method for transmitting signals via multi-input single-output (MISO) broadcast channel with imperfect channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT). The transmitter receives each CSI of from the plural receivers, determines a transmit power and a transmission rate based on the CSI qualities of the plural receivers calculated from the each CSI, and transmits the signal using the transmit power and the transmission rate. The signal comprises a user specific message, a first common message and a second common message to compensate imperfect CSIT.
US09674845B2
Soft buffer management is disclosed in which a base station determines a first number of component carriers (CCs) monitored by a user equipment (UE) and determines a second number of CCs for partitioning a soft buffer for storing one or more unsuccessfully decoded data packets, wherein the second number is different than the first number. Various aspects provide for determination of the second number of CCs using clear channel assessment (CCA) clearance information with regard to unlicensed CCs used in the communication system.
US09674841B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting and receiving data in a wireless communication system. Resource allocation information is received and hopping-related information is identified. A resource for transmitting data is determined based on the resource allocation information and hopping-related information, and data is transmitted on the determined resource. A sub-band is determined from a plurality of sub-bands based on the first hopping parameter and a resource in the determined sub-band is determined based on the second hopping parameter.
US09674838B2
The present invention is designed to enable 1-CC transmission when carrier aggregation is carried out by aggregating a first component carrier, which is used in a macro cell, and a second component carrier, which is used in a small cell. A user terminal according to the present invention receives duration configuration information, which indicates a first duration to communicate with a macro base station by using the first component carrier, and a second duration to communicate with a small base station by using the second component carrier, configures the first duration and the second duration based on the duration configuration information, transmits uplink signals for the macro base station by using the first component carrier in the first duration, and transmits uplink signals for the small base station by using the second component carrier in the second duration.
US09674836B2
A method for coexistence with a pulsed interference source in a communications network includes identifying transmission time intervals (TTIs) that are affected by pulses from the pulsed interference source and changing a transmission parameter for the TTIs that are affected by pulses.
US09674831B2
A communication method, a base station, a radio communication node, and a user equipment are provided. A base station determines first resource configuration information, where the first resource configuration information is used for indicating N radio resource sets that are used when N radio communication nodes separately perform communication with a user equipment UE, and the radio resource includes a time domain resource and/or a frequency domain resource. The base station sends the first resource configuration information to the UE, where the UE communicates with a corresponding transmission point by using respective radio resource sets of transmission points, and the respective radio resource sets of the transmission points do not intersect. Therefore, a base station does not need to schedule a radio resource, thereby lowering a delay requirement on a backhaul link and eliminating interference.
US09674827B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the communications field and provide a control channel transmission method and apparatus. The method includes: grouping REs except a DMRS in each physical resource block pair of L determined physical resource block pairs used to transmit a control channel into N eREGs, and calculating the number of valid REs except other overheads in each eREG of the N eREGs; and then mapping each of the eCCEs onto M eREGs according to the number of valid REs included in each eREG of the N eREGs of each physical resource block pair, and sending the eCCE by using the resource elements included in the eREG.
US09674826B2
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting control information in a base station for a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving, from a terminal, a channel quality indicator (CQI); determining at least one control channel element (CCE) for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) based on the received CQI and an identifier (ID) of the terminal; and transmitting, to the terminal, control information on the PDCCH including the determined at least one CCE. A number of the at least one CCE is determined based on the CQI.
US09674823B2
A method is described for transmitting uplink control information at a communication apparatus configured with a plurality of cells including a Primary Cell (PCell) and a Secondary Cell (SCell) in a wireless communication system operating in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode. One or more downlink signals requiring Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback are received in a set of subframes. Reception response information about the one or more downlink signals is transmitted through a Physical Uplink Control CHannel (PUCCH) on a subframe configured for Scheduling Request (SR) transmission. When a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the reception response information and SR information are multiplexed and transmitted using a first HARQ-ACK PUCCH resource. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, for a positive SR, the reception response information includes information about an ACK count for the one or more downlink signals and is transmitted using a SR PUCCH resource.
US09674821B2
A wireless communications system includes a base station and a mobile station. The base station transmits a second control signal used for configuring a first interval during which a first control signal having a plurality of formats is monitored and a second interval that is different from the first interval. The mobile station monitors the first control signal for the plurality of the formats during the first interval, and monitors the first control signal for formats fewer than the plurality of the formats during the second interval.
US09674813B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the efficient estimation of the movement state of a terminal in a mobile communication system. The method for the estimation of the movement state of a terminal in a mobile communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: receiving, from a base station, cell counting information to be used in counting for cell change; determining whether or not counting is restricted using the cell counting information during the cell change; if the counting is not restricted, counting the number of cell changes; and estimating the movement state of a terminal using the counted number of cell changes. According to the present invention, the movement state of a terminal can be efficiently estimated in a mobile communication system in which a plurality of cells having different sizes are arranged.
US09674812B2
Methods, media, apparatus, and systems are described for improved and enhanced node location determination related to one of a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A first and second other node in the network are instructed to detect any message broadcast from the one node over a period of time. The server receives a first indication from the first other node, where the first indication relates to a characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the first other node during the time period. The server receives a second indication from the second other node, where the second indication relates to the characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the second other node during the time period. The server then determines a location of the one node based upon a difference in the first and second indications.
US09674808B1
In a wireless communication system, a client terminal may first establish time and frequency synchronization with the network. While establishing the time and frequency synchronization, a client terminal may need to detect additional parameters about the network, such as physical cell identity, before it can initiate communication with the wireless communication system. Detecting the network parameters in presence of time and frequency offsets increases the complexity of the initial cell search procedure that includes time and frequency synchronization as well as detection of network parameters. A method and apparatus are disclosed that achieve frequency synchronization using frequency domain cross-correlation earlier in the cell search procedure, which in turn reduces the complexity and improves the performance of the latter stages of cell search procedure and the overall performance of the client terminal.
US09674806B2
The present invention involves defining the operation of a terminal for determining which time alignment timer is to be applied to a certain condition when specific time alignment timers operate for each carrier-wave group in the event a wireless communication system uses a carrier aggregation technique. According to the present invention, a terminal may perform communication without malfunctions using a time alignment timer suitable for a certain condition. A method for a terminal to operate a time alignment timer according to the present invention comprises the steps of: operating a first time alignment timer for a first timing advance group (TAG) including a first cell; operating a second time alignment timer upon receipt of a timing advance command for a second TAG that does not include the first cell; and, if the first time alignment timer has expired, deeming the second time alignment timer to also be expired.
US09674800B2
A method for wireless communications is provided. The method includes applying independent power controls to two or more carriers from a set of high speed packet access signals. The method includes monitoring power across the two or more carriers to determine power levels for the set of high speed packet access signals. The method also includes automatically scaling at least one of the independent power controls in view of the determined power levels for the set of high speed packet access signals. The method also includes setting the minimum power offset of the data channel independently on each carrier.
US09674797B2
A method and an apparatus for efficiently transmitting or reporting a Power Headroom Report (PHR) of a User Equipment (UE) are provided. The method of transmitting the PHR of the UE in a mobile communication system includes configuring an extended PHR including an indicator corresponding to a variation factor of a maximum transmission power of the UE, and transmitting the extended PHR from the UE to a Base Station (BS). The BS may be notified of a maximum transmission power of the UE and a variation factor corresponding to the maximum transmission power in order to enable efficient scheduling.
US09674772B2
A method and apparatus for acquiring information on an access point (AP) in a wireless communication system is provided. An AP information management entity of a cellular system transmits a request for information on an AP, which is located within coverage of an eNodeB (eNB), to an AP server which is located outside of the cellular system, and receives a response, which includes a result code of the request, from the AP server. The AP information management entity is one of an eNB, mobility management entity (MME), or a new entity of the cellular system.
US09674769B2
A method of beacon detection performed by a small cell device includes: exchanging beacon parameters with a user equipment (UE); entering a low power mode after exchanging the beacon parameters with the UE; receiving, from the UE, a beacon in a random access channel (RACH) preamble containing the beacon parameters while in the low power mode; entering a high power mode in response to receiving the beacon; and associating with the UE while in the high power mode. The method of beacon detection allows a small cell device to transition from a low power mode to a high power mode in an efficient manner. The transmission may be triggered by a user equipment that is entering a service area of the small cell device.
US09674756B2
Embodiments are disclosed for handover between wireless carriers in multiple devices. In an example configuration, an in-vehicle computing system of a vehicle includes a first network interface configured to communicate over a first wireless carrier, a second network interface configured to communicate over a second wireless carrier, a processor configured to control communication via the first network and the second network, and a storage device storing instructions executable by the processor to connect to a computing device over the first wireless carrier. The instructions are further executable to send a select message to the computing device via a remote server, the select message identifying the second wireless carrier, receive a confirmation message from the computing device initiating communication over the second wireless carrier, and receive data from the computing device over the second wireless carrier.
