US09696342B2

The imaging mode presented here combines the features and benefits of amplitude modulated (AM) atomic force microscopy (AFM), sometimes called AC mode AFM, with frequency modulated (FM) AFM. In AM-FM imaging, the topographic feedback from the first resonant drive frequency operates in AM mode while the second resonant drive frequency operates in FM mode and is adjusted to keep the phase at 90 degrees, on resonance. With this approach, frequency feedback on the second resonant mode and topographic feedback on the first are decoupled, allowing much more stable, robust operation.
US09696340B2

A multi-axis microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) is fabricated in a vacuum sealed single packaged device. An FM vibratory gyroscope and an FM resonant accelerometer both for generating FM output signals is fabricated in the silicon chip using MEMS. A signal processor is coupled to the an FM vibratory gyroscope and to the FM resonant accelerometer for receiving the FM gyroscopic output signals and the FM accelerometer output signals. The signal processor generates simultaneous and decoupled measurement of input acceleration, input rotation rate, and temperature and/or temperature distribution within the IMU, self-calibration of the biases and scale factors of the IMU and its support electronics against temperature variations and other common mode errors, and reduction of the cross axis sensitivity by reducing acceleration errors in the gyroscope and rotation errors in the accelerometer.
US09696309B2

The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to biomarkers useful in diagnosing brain injuries. In a specific embodiment, a method for diagnosing perinatal brain injury in a patient comprises the steps of (a) determining the ratio of phosphorylated nNOS to unphosphorylated nNOS in a sample collected from the patient using an ELISA; and (b) comparing the ratio with predefined ratios of the same proteins that correlate to a patient having perinatal brain injury and predefined ratios of the same proteins that correlate to a patient not having perinatal brain injury, wherein a correlation to one of the predefined ratios provides the diagnosis.
US09696304B2

Methods are described for detecting pathogens, infectious diseases, and physiological conditions by quantifying change of impedance over time of when a biological sample is applied onto a lab-on-a-chip. The lab-on-a-chip utilizes alternating-current electrokinetic (ACEK) phenomena such that molecules move or are carried in an electric field generated by the application of an electrical signal of predetermined magnitude and frequency to an electrode array of the lab-on-a-chip.
US09696302B2

The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.
US09696299B2

The integrated modular and interchangeable unit of the present invention comprises an analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device having four entrance-exit ports identified as connection areas to a transport capillary for sample and buffer introduction, and to a separation capillary of a cartridge-cassette filled with an appropriate separation fluid for optimal separation of the analytes of interest. Affinity ligand groups are immobilized to microstructures contained within the main inner cavity or channel of the device or directly to the wall of the main inner channel for capturing one or more analytes. The inlet and outlet ends of the transport capillary are connected through a parallel design option to the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device to facilitate the path of sample and buffers through the inner cavity or channel of the analyte concentrator-microreactor (ACM) device.
US09696298B2

Provided is a composition comprising an analyte bound covalently or through a first binding pair to a polymer. In this composition, the analyte is less than about 2000 MW; the polymer further comprises more than one signal or first member of a second binding pair; and the analyte is not a member of the first binding pair or the second binding pair. Also provided is an assay for an analyte. The assay comprises: combining a sample suspected of containing the analyte with the above-described composition and a binding agent that binds to the analyte; and detecting the signal or the first member of the second binding pair that is bound to the binding agent. Additionally provided is a multisignal labeling reagent comprising a first polymer covalently bound to (a) a reactive group or a first member of a first binding pair, and (b) more than one digoxigenin molecule.
US09696295B2

Certain embodiments of the present invention include a method for rapidly designing pharmaceutical preparations for preventing viral infection that have adapted to growth in various culturing systems but maintain antigenic similarity to the original virus. The method may include serial passaging a plurality of instances of a targeted virus strain from an infected first animal in respective droplets in second animal cells, in parallel synthesizing antibodies that neutralize the targeted virus strain in a third animal, and selecting the second animal cell-adapted viral lineages that are neutralized by the antibodies to identify second animal cell-adapted viral lineages having antigenic similarity to the targeted virus strain.
US09696292B2

New time-domain response system calibration techniques are described for determining dry density and water content of soil based on electromagnetic wave propagation through it. For example, one disclosed technique use the ratio between V1, the voltage difference between the peak and trough of the response signal, and Vf, the long-term (i.e., steady-state) response of the system to the input pulse. These values are measurable, even for highly conductive soils, and calibration done in a laboratory can be applied to measurements taken in an uncontrolled field environment.
US09696283B1

In one embodiment, a photoacoustic effect measurement instrument for measuring a species (e.g., a species of PM) in a gas employs a pair of differential acoustic cells including a sample cell that receives sample gas including the species, and a reference cell that receives a filtered version of the sample gas from which the species has been substantially removed. An excitation light source provides an amplitude modulated beam to each of the acoustic cells. An array of multiple microphones is mounted to each of the differential acoustic cells, and measures an acoustic wave generated in the respective acoustic cell by absorption of light by sample gas therein to produce a respective signal. The microphones are isolated from sample gas internal to the acoustic cell by a film. A preamplifier determines a differential signal and a controller calculates concentration of the species based on the differential signal.
US09696266B2

A nondestructive inspection device 1 comprises an X-ray indicator 20, a low-energy detector 32, a high-energy detector 42, a low-energy transmittance calculation unit 72, a high-energy transmittance calculation unit 74, a detection unit 76, and a correction unit 78. The calculation unit 72 calculates a value indicating the transmittance of transmission X-rays in a low energy range. The calculation unit 74 calculates a value indicating the transmittance of transmission X-rays in a high energy range. The detection unit 76 detects a positional deviation detail of the X-ray indicator 20 according to a ratio between the transmittances calculated by both of the calculation units 72, 74. When the positional deviation detail of the X-ray indicator 20 is detected by the detection unit 76, according to the positional deviation detail, the correction unit 78 corrects X-ray luminance data detected by the detectors 32, 42.
US09696260B2

An installation for spectroscopic measurement includes a focusing system (2) for focusing a laser beam (3) on a sample (4) for analysis and a system (17) for collecting and spectroscopically analyzing light rays emitted by the plasma (15), this system (17) including, in particular, an optical fiber (18) for collecting light. The installation also includes a motor-driven system (23) for moving the optical fiber (18), an optical imaging system (25) for imaging the plasma in the form of an image, and a processor and control unit (24). The unit (24) is capable of analyzing the image formed by the optical imaging system in order to select a zone of interest and controlling the motor-driven system (23) in order to place the optical fiber in a position enabling it to collect light coming from the selected zone of interest in the plasma.
US09696241B2

The present invention provides a liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device comprising housing containing a porous nib. The porous nib in the device contacts the sample, collects the sample, stores the sample, transports the sample inside its porous matrix and releases the sample from the porous matrix upon demand.
US09696240B2

Method of determining the longitudinal pitch of blocks of a tread band having a raised pattern with a number of longitudinal grooves and transverse grooves; the method including the step of calculating a best longitudinal pitch of the blocks, to minimize pass-by noise at a given target speed, as a function of the resonance frequency of the longitudinal grooves and an integer greater than zero.
US09696234B2

A method for a vehicle, comprising: initiating an engine-off natural vacuum test based on an ambient temperature change potential over a testing duration. The ambient temperature change potential may be based on historic weather data and further based on forecast weather data. In this way, the engine-off natural vacuum test may be executed only when conditions favor an in-tank temperature change significant enough to cause a threshold change in fuel tank pressure, thus reducing the number of aborted tests and increasing the test's overall performance metrics.
US09696210B2

A process is provided for mapping temperatures in an enclosure during a combustion process. A device setting of an image-capturing device is provided. An intensity-temperature mapping is generated by performing an intensity-temperature calibration based on an intensity of an image pixel in a field of view (FOV) generated by the image-capturing device, a corresponding temperature measurement, and a selected device setting. Each emitted radiation of selected regions is detected based on a first image in the FOV. At least one region is determined whether the region is poor responsive, based on the intensity-temperature mapping associated with the device setting. The at least one poor responsive region is replaced with acceptable regions unaffected by the saturation from at least one other image captured at a different device setting for higher temperature resolution.
US09696206B2

In a terahertz-wave spectrometer, a spectroscopic prism is provided with a prism part slidable with respect to a main part thereof. Along the sliding direction, an arrangement surface in an upper face of the prism part is provided with a plurality of arrangement regions K to be arranged with objects to be measured. Therefore, after completing the measurement of optical constants for one object, the prism part is slid, so as to shift the next object onto an optical path of a terahertz wave T, whereby a plurality of objects can be measured smoothly without cleaning the arrangement surface.
US09696199B2

The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor module, an optical sensing accessory, and an optical sensing device. An optical sensor module comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a substrate. The light source is configured to convert electric power into radiant energy and emit light to an object surface. The photodetector is configured to receive the light from an object surface and convert radiant energy into electrical current or voltage. An optical sensing accessory and an optical sensing device comprise the optical sensor module and other electronic modules to have further applications.
US09696197B1

An automatic surface elevation table (Auto SET) for measuring ground surface movements and land surface subsidence. The Auto SET includes a free-floating foot resting on a sediment surface. A benchmark rod passes through a center of the free-floating foot, and is driven into the sediment surface and extends above the sediment surface. A water level recorder system is attached to the benchmark rod. The water level recorder system includes a water level recorder attached to a top of the benchmark rod, a double block pulley system having an upper end connected to the water level recorder and a lower end connected to the free-floating foot, and a counterweight attached to the upper end of the double block pulley system. The water level recorder system measures movement of the free-floating foot to determine ground surface movements.
US09696165B2

Although GPS has become a standard component of smartphones, providing accurate navigation during the last portion of a trip remains an important but unsolved problem. Despite extensive research on localization, the limited resolution of a map imposes restrictions on the navigation engine in both indoor and outdoor environments. To bridge the gap between the end position obtained from legacy navigation services and the real destination, a “last-mile” navigation system is proposed to enable plug-and-play navigation in indoor and semi-outdoor environments. The system exploits the ubiquitous, stable geomagnetic field and natural walking patterns to navigate the users to the same destination taken by an earlier traveler. Unlike existing localization and navigation systems, the proposed system is infrastructure-free, energy-efficient and cost-saving.
US09696157B2

MEMS device having a support region elastically carrying a suspended mass through first elastic elements. A tuned dynamic absorber is elastically coupled to the suspended mass and configured to dampen quadrature forces acting on the suspended mass at the natural oscillation frequency of the dynamic absorber. The tuned dynamic absorber is formed by a damping mass coupled to the suspended mass through second elastic elements. In an embodiment, the suspended mass and the damping mass are formed in a same structural layer, for example of semiconductor material, and the damping mass is surrounded by the suspended mass.
US09696153B1

The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or triangular shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a triangular shaped construction.
US09696148B2

Method and apparatus for providing an alignment indication for a nose landing gear of an aircraft. The apparatus includes surfaces that abut certain features of the nose landing gear. When the surfaces of the fixture and the features of the nose landing gear abut, the fixture is aligned with the nose landing gear and oriented such that a coherent light source emits a coherent light beam that impinges on an alignment scale. The coherent light beam can be sufficiently small that a mechanic or other user can discern the alignment of the nose landing gear to within one or two degrees. After the nose landing gear has been moved to a centered position, control rigging that communicates steering inputs from pilots to a hydraulic actuation system can be adjusted so that the steering inputs are also centered.
US09696136B2

An apparatus and a method are described which provide a range of second-order chromatic dispersion correction between a reference arm and a sample arm of an optical coherence tomographic system, while minimizing optical path length differences.
US09696123B2

A method for focusing a beam of a high energy radiation source on a reference point on the surface of a flying object, comprising: recording a number of consecutive two-dimensional images of the flying object determining the trajectory of the flight path simultaneously determining the line of sight angle between the image acquisition device and the position of the flying object calculating a three-dimensional model of the flying object displaying the currently acquired two-dimensional image marking the reference point on the displayed two-dimensional image of the flying object; calculating the three-dimensional reference point on the surface of the flying object focusing the beam of the high energy radiation source on the three-dimensional reference point.
US09696121B1

An enclosure includes an enclosure body having an enclosure cavity, the enclosure body formed from a first material, and at least one ballistic tolerant plate disposed within the enclosure cavity to form a plurality of channel enclosures within the enclosure cavity, the at least one ballistic tolerant plate formed from a ballistic tolerant material.
US09696120B1

An armor system includes a plate operably connected to a plunger, one or more solid bars of brittle material operably contained within a channel or tube, wherein the armor system is configured so that upon impact of a blast shock wave upon the plate, the plate transfers the blast shock wave to the plunger and then to the contents of the channel. Optionally, the channel also contains HFRM.
US09696116B2

A cover for use with an optic device to hold and display shooting information. The cover may have resilient retention members that allow a display to be releasably attached and detached from the cover. The display may be made from a single substrate or multiple substrates in order to make the shooting information contained thereon highly visible in a variety of conditions and shooting preferences. The display may further be customized by a user to include desired DOPE information and then printed onto the single or multiple substrates. A system and method for creating custom DOPE charts is also provided.
US09696115B2

A reticle for a projectile weapon aiming apparatus including a plurality of aiming marks, the plurality of aiming marks include a first mark positioned at the center of the reticle and at least one additional mark spaced below the first mark along a vertical center axis of the reticle, wherein adjacent marks of the first mark and the at least one additional mark are spaced apart by predetermined distances. First and second horizontal stripes are provided on each side of the plurality of aiming marks respectively, the first and second horizontal stripes offset relative to the vertical center axis with a gap provided therebetween and extending towards the perimeter of the reticle, the first and second horizontal stripes spaced a predetermined distance from a bottom of the reticle measured along the vertical center axis.
US09696114B1

A collapsible reflective optical sight for a firearm includes a base that mounts the optical sight to the firearm, a lens attached to and rotatable with respect to the base, wherein the lens includes a first optic with a reflective surface and the lens is folded with respect to the base for storage in a collapsed configuration and is angled with respect to the base in a deployed configuration for use in aiming the firearm, a light source on the base that reflects light off the reflective surface of the first optic to a user for aiming the firearm, and a mechanical sight on the base for aiming the firearm when the lens is in the collapsed configuration.
US09696109B2

An gas supply system for use with an airsoft gun to power a pneumatic engine contained within a receiver of the airsoft gun. The gas supply system includes a bottle of pressurized gas that supplies pressurized gas at a first pressure to the receiver. A pressure regulator is located between the supply of pressurized gas and the pneumatic drive engine and operates to reduce the pressure of the gas from the first pressure to a second pressure. The pressure regulator is supported on the airsoft gun and allows the pressure of gas supplied to the pneumatic engine of the airsoft gun to be regulated. The pressure regulator includes an adjustment dial that allows an operator to change the pressure of gas supplied to the airsoft gun. The pressure regulator can be located between the bottle of pressurized gas and the receiver.
US09696106B2

The present invention is a miniature crossbow apparatus expressly adapted for use as a toy or amusement device in launching toy projectiles. The crossbow apparatus may be provided in kit form such that the user may develop construction skills and satisfaction by assembling the crossbow apparatus from provided constituent parts. The crossbow apparatus preferably includes at least one feature of a captive axleless rotating trigger feature, an armed bolt (projectile) retention feature, an integrated spare bolt (projectile) retention feature, a grip comprised of O-rings feature, and a crossbow arm anti-rotation feature. The crossbow apparatus further preferably is provided with a crossbow stand (holder) that doubles a target device.
US09696101B2

A conversion set for a firearm having a grip and a slide locked by a moveable barrel and including an ejecting opening is disclosed. To permit timely opening of the slide when using a replacement barrel which does not lock the slide, the conversion set for use of a replacement barrel which does not lock the slide includes a jacket which may be connected to the slide in a detachable, form-fitting manner. The jacket has a defined mass for the predetermined movement of the slide following a shot being fired.
US09696088B2

The invention relates to a dryer for a textile fabric web, comprising a dryer chamber (2) and having at least one drum (3a) which is arranged in the dryer chamber (2) and around at least part of which the fabric web (5) is wrapped, wherein heated drying air flows through the fabric web (5) and is discharged via an interior chamber of the drum (3a), characterized in that the dryer (1) has a separate additional compartment (10) via which fresh air (11) is supplied and exhaust air (13) is discharged.
US09696082B2

An apparatus and method for distributing articles is arranged to deliver articles to selected stacking positions in two or more storage units. An article is dispensed to a first article transport and distribution section in a main storage unit, and then either delivered to a stacking position in the main unit or transported through a connecting window onto a second transport and distribution section in a satellite storage unit for delivery to a stacking position in that unit. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent bags of ice to selected stacking positions in each unit. Additional satellite storage units may be provided and included in the delivery sequence for distributing bags of ice throughout the units. The storage units may be refrigerated, merchandizing units for bagged ice, with the main storage unit associated with an ice bagged ice supply unit which dispenses bags of ice into the unit.
US09696078B2

The air-conditioning apparatus includes a compressor; a heat source side heat exchanger; a use side pressure-reducing mechanism; a use side heat exchanger and an accumulator connected by a pipe so that a refrigerant circulates therethrough; a high-low pressure bypass pipe; a high-low pressure bypass unit installed in the high-low pressure bypass pipe; and a unit controller configured to perform a refrigerant amount detection operation in which an operation frequency of the compressor is controlled so that a value of an evaporating temperature becomes an evaporating temperature target value of the compressor to discharge a liquid-state refrigerant of the refrigerant from the accumulator, and control an opening degree of the high-low pressure bypass unit in performing the refrigerant amount detection operation.
US09696068B2

In order to maintain a high cooling capability even in a case where a heating element has a lower calorific value, a boiling section of a heat receiving section in a phase change cooling apparatus includes a comb-shaped structure and a porous layer provided on a bottom portion of the comb-shaped structure between fins of the comb-shaped structure. With such a boiling section, a liquid film of a liquid phase refrigerant is forcedly made thinner. Thus, the liquid phase refrigerant is changed in phase into a gaseous phase refrigerant even in a case of a small difference between the temperature of the gaseous phase refrigerant and the temperature of the heat receiving surface.
US09696067B2

An apparatus and method for controlling the heating of an airflow. According to certain embodiments, the temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger and the speed of a compressor are used to determine a blower speed for a variable speed indoor air blower. The selected blower speed may facilitate a flow of air across a second, indoor heat exchanger at an indoor volumetric flow rate that heats the airflow to a leaving air temperature. The leaving air temperature may at least seek to attain the temperature of a variable target leaving air temperature that is adjusted based on changes in outdoor ambient temperatures. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the blower speed may be based on an indoor volumetric airflow rate that is determined, at least in part, on a determined system heating capacity and a temperature at the outdoor heat exchanger.
US09696064B2

A thermo-magnetism cycle apparatus has a first magneto-caloric element (MCE) element on a low temperature side and a second MCE element on a high temperature side. A first heat transfer medium flows in the first MCE element and a second heat transfer medium flows in the second MCE element. A third MCE element has a first flow passage that flows the first heat transfer medium and a second flow passage that flows the second heat transfer medium. The third MCE element absorbs heat from the first heat transfer medium utilizing a magneto-caloric process and dissipates the absorbed heat partially to the second heat transfer medium. As such, the third MCE element actively transfers heat between the two heat transfer media via the magneto-caloric process. The third MCE element also passively transfers heat between the two heat transfer media.
US09696063B2

Cooling systems using adsorption are described. The cooling systems use an adsorption cycle without continuous heat input and over a long duration. The cooling system can function by vaporizing a liquid at a reduced pressure. The cooling systems have applications in developing countries, in both arid and non-arid regions, allowing, for example, for the operation of refrigerators and small air conditioners without electrical input. The cooling systems can be used for cold storage. The cooling systems can present a greener alternative to conventional cooling methods in developed countries.
US09696062B2

An air conditioning apparatus includes a casing having intake and blow-out ports, a partition member dividing an interior of the casing, a heat exchanger, a centrifugal fan, and a heater. The centrifugal fan includes a bladed wheel having a plurality of rearward blades and sucks air existing in the heat exchanger compartment into the fan compartment through the fan entrance. The bladed wheel is mounted in the fan compartment such that a rotary shaft of the bladed wheel is oriented along an opening direction of the fan entrance and an opening direction of the blow-out port. The heater is mounted in a blow-out port opposed space. The blow-out port opposed space is a region opposed to the blow-out port within a fan downwind space. The fan downwind space is a space located on a downwind side of the bladed wheel within the fan compartment.
US09696060B2

A temperature controlled air diffuser with a temperature-sensitive element alters the direction of the supply airstream passing through it and into a conditioned airspace, based on the temperature of the supply airstream.
US09696059B2

A combined heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (“HVACR”) system including an HVAC sub-system and a refrigeration sub-system. The HVAC sub-system is in communication with an open space of an indoor environment and includes a first condenser, a first evaporator, and a first compressor at least partially defining a first refrigerant circuit circulating a first refrigerant for selectively conditioning an airflow within the HVAC subsystem that conditions the open space. The refrigeration sub-system is in communication with an enclosed space within the indoor environment and includes a second condenser, a second evaporator, and a second compressor and at least partially defining a second refrigerant circuit circulating a second refrigerant for selectively conditioning the enclosed space. Heat from the second refrigerant is selectively transferred to the airflow within the second condenser to reheat the airflow prior to the airflow being discharged into the open space.
US09696052B2

A controller is provided for HVAC equipment. The controller receives a set of internal temperature values, and a set of external temperature values, the set of external temperature values representing at least one non-current temperature. The controller determines a predictive internal temperature value from the set of internal temperature values and a predictive external temperature value from the set of external temperature values. The controller receives an internal humidity value representing humidity within the premise, the controller further controls the HVAC equipment to modify the humidity within the premise when the received internal humidity value is different from a humidity set point; and the humidity set point is regulated by a humidity limit value, the humidity limit value being where condensation forms, the humidity limit value being calculated using the predictive internal temperature value and the predictive external temperature value.
US09696049B2

A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous or gaseous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules, optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, optionally (f) an ozone sensor, optionally (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, and optionally (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
US09696048B2

A solid desiccant cooling system comprising a common intake delivering air (19) to a first pathway (21) for air to be conditioned, and a second pathway (31) for regeneration air and structure (24) retaining a mass of solid desiccant for cyclic movement between a first location (24a), in which the solid desiccant lies in the first pathway (21) for dehumidifying the air to be cooled by adsorption of moisture to the desiccant, and a second location (24b) in which the solid desiccant lies in the second pathway (31) for the regeneration air to take up moisture therein as water vapor. The second pathway has an air heater arrangement (35) upstream of the second location (24b) for heating the regeneration air and the first pathway (21) has an air cooler arrangement (25) independent of the air heater arrangement (35) downstream of the first location (24a). An air delivery device (40) is coupled to both of the first and second pathways (21, 31) and adapted or configured to deliver pressurized air along both the first and second pathways (21, 31). A control strategy is also provided to change the flow path of air from the common intake based on the need to satisfy alternative heating or cooling needs at different times of the day and season.
US09696044B2

Air conditioner units and methods for providing make-up air are provided. An air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger and a bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a vent aperture defined in a rear wall of the bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a dehumidification system, the dehumidification system including an evaporator assembly and a condenser assembly. The evaporator assembly is configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough. The evaporator assembly is in fluid communication with the vent aperture for flowing outdoor air from the evaporator assembly through the vent aperture. The condenser assembly is configured for adding heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough. The condenser assembly is spaced from the vent aperture for flowing outdoor air from the condenser assembly into the outdoor portion.
US09696034B2

In an embodiment, a combustion system includes a burner, at least one charging electrode, flame anchoring electrode(s), and at least one voltage power supply. The burner is configured to discharge fuel into a combustion volume in which the fuel and an oxidizer are ignited to generate a flame. The charging electrode is positioned proximate to the flame. The charging electrode provides charges to the flame to generate a charged flame. The flame anchoring electrode(s) are disposed adjacent to the burner and proximate to a base portion of the charged flame. The voltage power supply is electrically coupled to each of the flame anchoring electrode(s) and the charging electrode. The at least one voltage power supply applies one or more electrical potentials to each of the flame anchoring electrode(s) so that the charged flame is anchored at a predetermined location.
US09696033B2

The aim is to provide a gas control valve in which the specified desired value range can be subsequently shifted easily in order to optimize the range of settable temperatures for the heating device without exceeding the device- and/or installation-specific admissible use conditions. To this end, a setting element (17) which serves to change the position of a temperature-sensitive element (8) and thus to actuate a switch for activating a valve has a threaded part (12) that is screwable into the housing (1) of the gas control valve. In this case, the two are connected together in a rotationally secure manner via a releasable locking mechanism, wherein a tubular latching part (14) that is firmly connected to the threaded part (12) is arranged between the pot-like setting element (17), partially surrounding the threaded part (12) with a recess (18), and the threaded part (12). By way of a stop element (16) that protrudes from the end side, the latching part (14) projects into a guiding contour (19) which is formed by an end-side aperture located in the setting element (17).
US09696032B2

A system and process for disposal of dry fly ash that effectively confines and damps fugitive dust during the collection, sorting, transporting, storage and treatment of fly ash at a landfill. The system and process for disposal of dry fly ash utilizing an enlarged, oversized hopper positioned at the top of a hill and an elongate channel that runs between the enlarged hopper and the landfill. A bulk transport truck hauling a belly dump trailer dumps dry fly ash through an elevated platform having a centrally aligned orifice into the oversized hopper having a slurry rack and a large hopper grate. The ramps and raised platform of the enlarged hopper allow the belly dump trailer compartments to be closer to the orifice and the hopper grate in order to minimize fugitive ash during the disposal process.
US09696018B2

A light emitting diode luminaire compatible for both top mounting and wall mounting comprises a mounting adapter body suitable to top mounting and wall mounting of the luminaire, a power source for power supply to the luminaire, a radiator, a light source plate, a sucking plate and/or an arm; the mounting adapter body comprises a mounting adapter bracket centered thereof, the mounting adapter bracket can not only be connected to the sucking plate but also connected to the arm. Under the cooperation between the long striped mounting adapter body and the sucking plate and/or arm, the same luminaire can be applicable to a variety of different ways of mounting, with only a few components rather than a complete set of components changed. Thus, not only the procedure and time of production are simplified, but the production cost is greatly reduced.
US09696009B2

A filtering media for refrigerated display merchandiser for use with a refrigerated food merchandiser and which is ordinarily exposed to prevailing ambient light. The filtering media is at least a partial a cylindrical element that encircles a fluorescent light or LED light strip disposed within the merchandiser. A translucent sheet which functions as filter media to prevent harmful light from reaching the foods stuffs is disposed about the cylindrical element. The sheet is held in position via an arcuate element or with other means that retains the sheet in position. More than one sheet can be positioned on the cylindrical element which, itself, may be either transparent or translucent.
US09696003B2

A multi-directional LED lamp includes a cooling cylinder, a lamp housing unit, a lamp housing unit, a lamp cap, LED lighting unit, a driving circuit board, and a transparent lampshade unit. The transparent lampshade unit is assembled at the bottom of the cooling cylinder and covers the LED lighting unit, and a cross-sectional area of the transparent lampshade unit is greater than a cross-sectional area of the cooling cylinder, thereby outwardly protrudes from the cooling cylinder. The transparent lampshade unit includes a lower transparent lampshade and an upper transparent lampshade. The light emitting from the LED lighting unit radiates in a direction of an opposite side of the lamp cap through the lower transparent lampshade, and a part of the light reflected by the lower transparent lampshade and transmit toward a direction of the lamp cap through the upper transparent lampshade, to achieve a goal of the multi-directional lighting.
US09696000B2

An outer housing with a cover having a PVD coating; a lens; and an illumination device such as LEDs, light guides, light emitting surfaces and/or blinkers. The lens has a first area internal to the cover, and a second, transparent area extending to one side of the outer housing. The cover has a first cover element external to the lens and of a nature such that the illumination device is visible from the exterior when it is on and not visible from the exterior when it is off. The cover has a substantially opaque second cover element having an overlapping portion between the first area of the lens and the first cover element.
US09695994B2

The embodiments of present invention disclose a direct type backlight module, comprising a backplate and a plurality of strip lamps provided on the backplate, each of the strip lamps is provided with a lamp set composed of a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The direct type backlight module further comprises a plurality of wires, the lamp set of at least one strip lamp of the plurality of strip lamps is electrically connected to the power supply via the plurality of wires. The lamp set of the at least one strip lamp has two terminals, i.e., positive/negative terminals, the positive/negative terminals of the lamp set of the at least one strip lamp are electrically connected to the corresponding wires via a pair of mated connectors.
US09695983B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a partition for a fuel tank. The partition may include a sheet of material extending laterally within an interior mid-region of the fuel tank. The sheet may have a length and a width that are at least substantially equal to a length and a width of the mid-region of the fuel tank, and the sheet may be shaped to conform to an interior perimeter of the mid-region of the fuel tank. The partition may also be configured to substantially divide the fuel tank into an upper interior region located above the partition and a lower interior region located below the partition.
US09695976B2

A traffic signal mounting bracket for mounting a traffic signal on a post. The mounting bracket has a base, a cable, and a traffic signal attachment portion. The base is spaced apart from the post to maintain separation between the back of the base and the post. The cable is secured against rotation in a channel on the back of the base and extends rearwardly from the back of the base to loop around a post and is clamped between the front of the base and clamping blocks releasably attached thereto.
US09695975B2

A hood device is provided with a frame-shape base member and a hook member. The hook member is provided with a rotation unit, a hooking unit, a first engaging unit which engages with the peripheral wall of the base member when the hooking portion is used, and a second engaging unit which engages with the peripheral wall of the base member when the hooking unit is stored. Both lateral edges of the peripheral wall of the base member are provided with a rotation support unit, a first rotation limiting unit against which the first engaging unit abuts, a second rotation limiting unit against which the second engaging unit abuts, a first holding unit into which the first engaging unit is detachably fitted, and a second holding unit into which the second engaging unit is detachably fitted.
US09695968B1

An apparatus for an improved cam lock fitting having cooperating double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material. This is accomplished by providing a larger cam lobe on the outer cam lever and a smaller cam lobe on a fork shaped inner cam lever so that when the smaller cam lobe is in a closed position and protrudes into a peripheral groove on the male portion the male and female ends have a small space thereinbetween.
US09695967B2

A connection apparatus for establishing a vacuum-tight connection, in particular a flange connection, between at least two components of a vacuum arrangement, having a first coupling element for coupling to the one component and a second coupling element for coupling to the other component. The first coupling element and the second coupling element are coupled to one another via a pivotable operating lever and the connection apparatus is adjustable by pivoting the operating lever from a first position in which the coupling elements have a larger spacing from one another into a second position in which the coupling elements have a smaller spacing from one another.
US09695955B2

A valve for metering fluid under pressure includes: a valve housing having an inlet opening and a metering opening for the fluid; an outward-opening valve needle pressure equalized via an elastic hollow body which is subject to the fluid pressure; and an electromagnet which lifts the valve needle up from the metering opening against the force of a valve closing spring. The valve housing is assembled from a valve tube and one valve body on the metering end and another on the inlet end, each being connected in a fluid-tight manner to the valve tube at the tube ends. The magnet pot including the enclosed solenoid coil is secured on the valve tube on the outside by the electromagnet, and the magnetic core is secured on the valve tube on the inside in such a way that it surrounds a needle section of the valve needle.
US09695952B2

A water distribution valve for directing a flow of fluid through a swimming pool cleaning system includes a housing having an inlet and outlets. A plurality of gates are mounted in the housing, each corresponding to a respective one of the outlets. Each gate is mounted to open and close the respective one of the outlets to which the gate corresponds in response to the flow of fluid into the housing from the inlet.
US09695943B2

A slinger has a substantially L-shaped cross-section and includes a rotating cylindrical portion and a rotating circular ring portion. An inner circumferential surface of the rotating cylindrical portion is a stepped cylindrical surface in which a large-diameter portion formed at a portion close to the rotating circular ring portion and a small-diameter portion formed in the remainder are continuously connected by a stepped portion. The encoder supported by the rotating circular ring portion is formed by solidifying and securing a molten permanent magnet material in a state that a molding die collides with the stepped portion. An outer diameter of a hub is defined as φD, an inner diameter of the small-diameter portion in a free state is defined as φd1, and an inner diameter of the encoder in a free state is defined as φd2, a relationship of φd1≦φd2<φD is satisfied.
US09695930B2

Two brakes of a transmission utilize the transmission front support as a clutch housing. One brake, which selectively holds a sun gear against rotation, is located on the inside of a cylindrical wall of the front support. A second brake, which selectively holds a ring gear against rotation, is located on the outside of the cylindrical wall. The clutch pack of the inner brake is splined to the inner surface of the cylindrical wall. The reaction plate of the first clutch pack includes radial fingers that extend between axial fingers of the cylindrical wall. The portion of the reaction plate that extends to the outer side of the cylindrical wall provides a reaction for a return spring of the outer brake.
US09695922B2

A clutch device is comprised of: an end wall rotatable about an axis; an extended wall elongated as a unitary body from a first face of the end wall along the axis to define a circular slot; a clutch including a clutch member movable along the axis and capable of resting on a second face of the end wall; and a solenoid configured to drive the clutch member along the axis, the solenoid including a core conducting a magnetic flux, the core including a fitting portion slidably fitting in the circular slot, an abutment portion projecting radially outward from the fitting portion to abut along the axis on the extended wall, and a back portion projecting outward along the axis from the circular slot and retracting radially inward from the contact portion.
US09695919B2

A power transmission apparatus may include a first input shaft including at least one input gear, a second input shaft, at least one input gear. a first output shaft, more than two speed gears engaged respectively with the at least one input gear, at least one synchronizer operably connecting the more than two speed gears to the first output shaft selectively. a second output shaft, at least one speed gear engaged respectively with the at least one input gear, a reverse speed gear rotatably disposed on the second output shaft, at least one synchronizer operably connecting the at least one speed gear or the reverse speed gear to the second output shaft selectively, an idle shaft, and first and second idle gears fixedly disposed on the idle shaft and engaged respectively to one input gear on the first input shaft and the reverse speed gear.
US09695917B2

A cable actuator includes a housing and a cam disposed in the housing. The cam includes a first cable retaining portion and a second cable retaining portion. The cam is movable between a first position in which the first cable retaining portion is in an actuated position and the second cable retaining portion is in a return position, and a second position in which the first cable retaining portion is in a return position and the second cable retaining portion is in an actuated position.
US09695914B2

Construction is achieved whereby durability is maintained while size and weight are reduced. Installation plate sections are provided on the top and bottom end sections of a pair of support columns. Bolts are inserted through through-holes that penetrate through the installation plate sections in the axial direction; the bolts are then screwed into screw holes provided in the axial direction of anchor sections of an actuator body and a connecting plate, and the bolts are further tightened, whereby the support columns are securely joined and fastened to the actuator body and the connecting plate.
US09695908B2

A clamping assembly (10) comprises a body (12) defining a passage (34) through which an elongate article (100) can extend. A clamping member (16) is arranged in the passage for clamping the elongate article, the clamping member being movable between clamping and release conditions for respectively clamping and releasing the article (100). Urging means (14) comprises a spring (20) to urge the clamping member (16) to the clamping condition. The spring can be deformed to a release configuration to urge the clamping member (16) to the release condition.
US09695900B2

A shock absorber is disclosed which has a base valve assembly for controlling a flow of a working fluid between a reservoir chamber and a working chamber of the shock absorber. The base valve makes use of at least one digital valve assembly. The digital valve assembly communicates with an intermediate chamber formed between an intermediate tube and a pressure tube of the shock absorber. The digital valve assembly controls flow of the working fluid between the intermediate chamber and the reservoir chamber, to help control a damping action provided by the shock absorber.
US09695899B2

A jounce control damping system with an elongated housing containing a damping medium, a primary piston assembly, a moveable outer piston assembly, and a movable inner piston assembly disposed at least partially within the outer piston assembly. The primary piston assembly provides a first compression damping force. The inner piston engages the primary piston assembly and provides a second compression damping force when moved in a compression direction. After the inner piston assembly moves a given distance, the outer piston assembly is moved in the compressive direction and provides a third compression damping force.
US09695892B2

A compressible filler piece for a brake calliper of a railway vehicle is adapted to at least partially fill out a space needed by a component (409) of the brake calliper for its operation. The filler piece can be applied to the protection of wheel brakes of low floor passenger trains against ice and snow.
US09695886B2

A clutch housing for a clutch assembly of a vehicle, the clutch housing comprising a fluid pathway at least partially disposed within a wall of the clutch housing, the fluid pathway forming at least a portion of a fluid line between a clutch slave cylinder and a clutch master cylinder, the fluid line being configured to transfer hydraulic fluid between the clutch slave cylinder and the clutch master cylinder.
US09695885B2

A movable sleeve of a second clutch is provided between a cylindrical ring gear and a cylindrical shaft of a differential case of a differential gear unit. In a disconnect mode in which a propeller shaft is disconnected from rear wheels, the cylindrical ring gear is disconnected from the differential case by the movable sleeve of the second clutch. Thus, in the disconnect mode, a fully differential state of the differential gear unit is prevented.
US09695884B2

A piston system comprises a housing (3) comprising a first recess (6) and a second recess (7). A first piston (1) comprises a first portion embedded in the first recess (6). A second piston (2) comprises a second portion embedded in the second recess (7). An actuator (10) has a first side (20) and a second side (21). The first piston (1) selectively presses against the first side (20) of the actuator, and the second piston (2) selectively presses against the second side (21) of the actuator. The actuator may be a synchronizer of a clutch assembly.
US09695882B2

A torque limiting device includes a handle; a drive shaft attached to the handle; a torque limiting assembly coupled to the drive shaft; the torque limiting assembly further including a shaft element; a first transmission member housing the shaft element; a second transmission member, the second transmission member being fixed to the shaft element and interacting with the first transmission member.
US09695877B2

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising a first end fitting. The first end fitting comprises a tube engagement portion. The tube engagement portion comprises an outer coupling surface. The outer coupling surface comprises a first virtual cross-section. The first virtual cross-section comprises a first transverse inflection point. Each point along the first virtual cross-section has a first virtual tangent line coplanar with the first virtual cross-section.
US09695876B2

A method of assembling a bearing assembly includes fitting a first ring onto a first end of a gear shaft. A second ring is fed into a slot in the first ring. The second ring is driven through the slot in the first ring. The second ring is positioned within the first ring. The second ring is positioned about the gear shaft such that a first end and a second end of the second ring are covered by a solid portion of the first ring.
US09695875B2

A top drive thrust bearing configured for use in a heavy loaded top drive system. The top drive thrust bearing includes an upper plate; a lower plate; and a plurality of rollers disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate. The composition of the top drive thrust bearing comprising a non-vacuum arc remelted steel including, in weight percent (%), about 0.15% to about 0.18% carbon (C), about 0.15% to about 0.4% silicon (Si), about 0.4% to about 0.7% manganese (Mn), 0% to about 0.025% phosphorus (P), about 0.0005% to about 0.002% sulfur (S), about 0.0002% to about 0.0007% oxygen (O), about 0.001% to about 0.003% titanium (Ti), about 1.3% to about 1.6% chromium (Cr), about 3.25% to about 3.75% nickel (Ni), about 0.0005% to about 0.003% calcium (Ca), about 0.15% to about 0.25% molybdenum (Mo), balance iron (Fe).
US09695867B2

A resonance testing apparatus has a plurality of arms for supporting a workpiece. At least one of said arms incorporates an articulation assembly having: a strut, a joint element which is movable in response to movement of the strut, and a clamp arrangement for clamping the joint element. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is movable and a second condition in which the clamp arrangement acts on the joint element to damp or restrict movement of the strut. The assembly includes a seating for the joint element, and a biasing arrangement for the seating. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is arranged on the seating and is movable on the seating and a second condition in which the biasing arrangement acts on the seating to damp or restrict movement of the joint element on the seating.
US09695866B2

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite double-metal fracture splitting connecting rod, comprising the steps of: providing a moveable spacer at a large end of a mold cavity of a connecting rod, to divide the mold cavity into two separate parts; casting a connecting rod body and a connecting rod cap with material for the main body of the connecting rod; removing the spacer from the mold cavity when the majority of the material is solidified, then injecting material for a fracture splitting region into an empty mold cavity obtained after the removal of the spacer, and metallurgically bonding the two types of material to form a composite double-metal casting; then, separating the connecting rod body from the connecting rod cap by a fracture splitting apparatus along preset fracture surfaces; and positioning and accurately assembling through engaged staggered structures on the two fracture surfaces.
US09695864B2

A control cable assembly includes a yoke having a body and a first and second end. The yoke includes a first hinge at its first end and a second hinge at its second end. The first and second hinges may each comprise a pair of eyelets. The first eyelet on each hinge may form a closed loop, and the second eyelet on each hinge may form a partially open loop, having a gap. A first control cable may be connected to the first hinge. A second control cable may be connected to the second hinge. The control cables may be configured to pivot with respect to the yoke.
US09695857B2

A system enabling the attachment of an object to an element (1) having attachment groove(s), having at least one grooved surface (2) including at least one attachment groove whose mouth (3) is defined longitudinally by two opposing edges (5) that each include an inner salient angle, the system includes an attachment device (6, 7), the element (1), and elements for coupling (8) with the object. The attachment device includes a clamping assembly and a locking element (7) capable of being at least partially inserted in the groove, directly in any of the attachment points along the latter, the assembly being at least partially resiliently or plastically deformable when exposed to a pressure bias exerted by the locking element in order to form, by deforming the material, an anchoring and clamping element capable of anchoring under the edges (5) and/or against the salient angles.
US09695856B2

Composed element, wherein this composed element comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, which substantially are formed from a board material; wherein said panel-shaped elements are interconnected at an angle by means of coupling devices including a tongue and a groove, which coupling devices substantially are made as profiled parts in the board material; and wherein said coupling devices also include locking elements, which, in coupled condition, prevent the moving apart of the tongue and groove. The panel-shaped elements are formed on the basis of board material in the form of particle board consisting of two or more layers, which in respect to the average fineness of the particles, show a different degree of fineness, namely a basic layer with coarser particles, more particularly chips, and at least one outer layer, or at least a more outward-situated layer, which is of a finer composition than the composition of the basic layer, in other words, with particles, chips, respectively, which on average are finer.
US09695849B2

A support includes a support member including a main body and an extension body extending from the main body; a clamping member coupled to the main body and being movable relative to the main body; and a holding portion defined between the support member and the clamping member and configured to receive the electronic device. The support member and the clamp member are configured to cooperatively clamp the electronic device in the holding portion.
US09695848B2

A pinch weld clamp includes a clamp body and a channel formed in the body. The channel is configured to engage a flange or pinch weld on a vehicle. One or more set screws extend from an outer wall of the clamp body into the channel to clamp onto the pinch weld. A connecting screw is connected to the clamp body to attach a device, such as a running board, to the vehicle.
US09695826B1

A centrifugal pump comprises a pump assembly, through which a fluid can be impelled. The pump assembly includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a fluid casing, and an impellor positioned within the fluid casing, the impellor being driven by a power source and being operable to generate fluid flow within the fluid casing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The pump assembly also includes a volute area formed on a periphery of the fluid casing, the volute area being operable to receive fluid pressurized by flow induced by the impellor. A pitot tube is positioned within the volute area, the pitot tube being operable to receive pressurized fluid from the volute area and pass the fluid through an outlet having an expanding geometry that increases the flow rate of the fluid as it passes through the outlet.
US09695825B2

A rotary compressor (100A) includes a closed casing (1), a compression mechanism (48), a lower end-face plate (34), and a communication hole (50). An oil reservoir (12) is formed at the bottom of the closed casing (1). The lower end-face plate (34) divides the oil reservoir (12) into a plurality of sections (12a) and (12b) in the vertical direction. The plurality of sections of the oil reservoir (12) communicate with each other through the communication hole (50). The communication hole (50) is located on the same side as a discharge port (8b) of the compression mechanism (48) with respect to a reference plane (H1).
US09695821B2

An apparatus for compressing or pumping fluid includes a housing having an interior chamber. A rotating cam is rotatably mounted within an interior chamber and includes a reversible cam body configured to enable fluid to flow in a foreword direction and a reverse direction. The reversible cam body has a first sloped annular channel formed therein. The first end of the reversible cam body includes a ramp up portion, a ramp down portion, and inner and outer circumferential sidewalls that circumscribe the ramp to define the first sloped annular channel. The apparatus may include a circumferential cam gear located on the outer circumferential sidewall and a secondary drive shaft with a pinion gear to rotate the circumferential cam gear.
US09695820B2

A compressor capable of reducing oil foaming and reducing the waiting time taken until the heating of the compressor is completed, and a method of controlling the same, the method of controlling a compressor including sensing temperature of the oil in the compressor, if the temperature of the oil is below a reference temperature, performing a loss operation, in which an amount of heat radiation of the motor part is increased, while operating the motor part at a low speed, and if the temperature of the oil increases to be equal to or higher then reference temperature, performing an efficiency operation by converting an operation of the motor to a normal operation.
US09695814B2

A method and apparatus for reducing undesirable noise generated by a vacuum pumping system. The vacuum system operates to reduce the pressure in a chamber to a first pressure value. The system then detects that the pressure at the vacuum pump system's inlet is about to change to a second higher pressure and, in response, the speed of a booster pump in the vacuum pump system is reduced below the rated speed for the pump. When the pressure at the vacuum pump's inlet is above the second pressure, the speed of the booster pump is increased to the rated speed. Thus, the booster pump is slowed down prior the pump system becoming exposed to a rapid increase in inlet pressure.
US09695806B2

A method of controlling a fluid pump. The pump has a plurality of oscillating pistons that travel along a central axis of a piston sleeve. A plurality of pistons is of similar mass within a piston sleeve are provided, and adjacent pistons are positioned to be 180 degrees apart in phase oscillations. An electric coil is provided for each piston, and the position of adjacent pistons is determined. The current to one of the electric coils for a piston is adjusted to maintain the 180 degree difference in phase between oscillations of adjacent pistons.
US09695804B2

The invention relates to a device for reducing the load on a supporting structure comprising a housing defining a chamber, at least one object having a first face and a substantially opposite second face mounted in the chamber by means of the supporting structure and is displaceable relative to the housing leaving free a gap provided with a seal separating a first section and a second section of the chamber, an exposing means for exposing at least the first face to a gas pressure, thereby generating an upward differential pressure force at least partially compensating the object weight, wherein the seal is supported by a movable part of the housing and the device further comprises a means for adjusting the position of at least said movable part.
US09695803B2

The present invention relates to a wind direction adjustable blade type vertical axis wind turbine that is configured to allow blades to be automatically swung, thereby making more efficient use of wind power. The wind turbine includes: a rotating shaft adapted to be rotated by means of wind power; an upper plate adapted to be coupled to the upper portion of the rotating shaft; a lower plate adapted to be coupled to the lower portion of the rotating shaft; a plurality of blades disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate; and swing motion units disposed between the top end of each blade and the upper plate and between the underside end of each blade and the lower plate in such a manner as to form the center of rotation of each blade, while allowing each blade to be rotatable in accordance with the wind direction.
US09695800B2

A wind turbine blade with a plurality of flow guiding device parts attached to a profiled contour on a pressure side of the blade is described. The longitudinally extending flow guiding device parts are grouped together to form a first flow guiding device group in the transition region of the blade.
US09695792B2

A system and method for mitigating the possibility of missing ignition coil commands is presented. In one example, one or more ignition coils may not be charged and/or discharged during a cylinder cycle in response to the absence of a voltage pulse forming at least a portion of an ignition coil command.
US09695791B2

A fuel supply device for an engine is provided in which a throttle body is provided with an electrically operated fuel pump, wherein a base member integrally having a base portion that extends in the vertical direction on one side of the throttle body and a housing tube portion that is formed into a bottomed tube shape having an end wall communicating with the base portion is linked integrally to a body, a pump housing case that forms a fuel storage chamber is formed from the housing tube portion and a bottomed tubular housing cover joined to the housing tube portion via a seal member and is disposed beneath the body, and a vapor discharge path for discharging vapor generated in a fuel storage chamber is formed in the base portion so as to extend in the vertical direction and communicate with the fuel storage chamber.
US09695790B2

A hydraulic system includes a high pressure fluid source and a hydraulic actuator fluidly connected to the high pressure fluid source, and a low pressure fluid system fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator via a fluid return line, and a hydraulic valve. The hydraulic valve includes a return spring and an elongate member, which is movably arranged in its longitudinal direction for controlling a fluid flow. The elongate member is biased to a closed position by the return spring. The elongate member forms a needle, the hydraulic valve includes a needle receiving body having a needle seat and the needle is engageable with the needle seat so as to control the fluid flow.
US09695783B2

A fuel evaporative gas treatment device for a fuel tank is used in a motorcycle including a combustion engine with a supercharger. The fuel evaporative gas treatment device includes a canister which contains an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel evaporative gas from the fuel tank, a communication passage which communicates between an air intake passage for the combustion engine and the canister, and a check valve provided on the communication passage. The check valve blocks fluid flow from the air intake passage to the canister and permits fluid flow from the canister to the air intake passage.
US09695780B2

A second recirculation passage recirculates blow-by gas at an upstream section, which is upstream of an impeller of a turbocharger in an intake passage. A first passage branches and extends from a downstream section, which is downstream of the impeller in the intake passage. A second passage that forms part of the second recirculation passage connects the first passage and the upstream section to each other. A third passage, which is provided separately from the second passage, connects the first passage and the upstream section to each other. A change mechanism changes, in different manners, the flow rate of compressed gas recirculating to the upstream section through the second passage, and the flow rate of compressed gas recirculating to the upstream section through the third passage.
US09695765B2

A vapor return system of a fuel vapor collecting tank includes a vapor outlet line with a first stop valve, which is arranged in the vapor outlet line of the fuel vapor collecting tank. A first vapor return branch is arranged between the vapor outlet line of the fuel vapor collecting tank and a charge air duct of a compressor in a turbocharger. A second vapor return branch is arranged between the vapor outlet line of the fuel vapor collecting tank and a fresh air suction duct of the compressor of the turbocharger. The first vapor return branch is connected by a first check valve to the charge air duct. The second vapor return branch is connected by a second check valve to a suction inlet of a venturi nozzle situated in a bypass line between the charge air duct and fresh air suction duct via a second stop valve.
US09695762B2

This internal combustion engine provided with a variable compression ratio mechanism is equipped with a turbocharger, the opening degree of a wastegate valve is controlled to a target opening degree for each engine operating state, and when the mechanical compression ratio is changed, the target opening degree of the wastegate valve for the current engine operating state is revised.
US09695755B2

Methods and systems are provided for addressing pre-ignition occurring while operating with blow-though air delivery. A variable cam timing device used to provide positive intake to exhaust valve overlap is adjusted in response to an indication of pre-ignition to transiently reduce valve overlap. Pre-ignition mitigating load limiting and enrichment applied during a blow-through mode is adjusted differently from those applied when blow-through air is not being delivered.
US09695754B2

An exhaust brake includes a valve housing allowing an exhaust gas to flow therein. A butterfly gate is installed in the valve housing to block the exhaust gas flow and has a through hole for discharging a portion of the exhaust gas when a back pressure of the exhaust gas is equal to or higher than a reference pressure.
US09695751B2

A gas turbine engine typically includes a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. A speed reduction device such as an epicyclical gear assembly may be utilized to drive the fan section such that the fan section may rotate at a speed different than the turbine section so as to increase the overall propulsive efficiency of the engine. In such engine architectures, a shaft driven by one of the turbine sections provides an input to the epicyclical gear assembly that drives the fan section at a speed different than the turbine section such that both the turbine section and the fan section can rotate at closer to optimal speeds providing increased performance attributes and performance by desirable combinations of the disclosed features of the various components of the described and disclosed gas turbine engine.
US09695745B2

A connecting rod (10) has a pin bearing eye connected to a crankshaft and a connecting rod bearing eye (12) connected to a piston. An eccentric adjusting device (13) adjusts an effective connecting rod length and has eccentric rods (15, 16) that act on an eccentric lever (14) of the adjusting device (13). The eccentric adjusting device (13) has an eccentric (36) guided in a recess of the lever (14) and a recess for receiving a gudgeon pin (37). Lubricating oil bores extend radially of the eccentric in the connecting rod bearing eye (12) and in the eccentric (36). Lubricating oil builds up via the lubricating oil bores between the connecting rod bearing eye (12) and the eccentric (36) and between the eccentric (36) and the gudgeon pin (37). Lubricating oil bores of the eccentric (36) are diametrically larger than lubricating oil bores of the connecting rod bearing eye (12).
US09695727B2

System and method of treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and adaptive control of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection. Adaptive control of DEF injection includes intentionally underdosing the injected DEF based on an amount of DEF determined by an electronic control unit as an amount needed to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) to a compliance threshold. Since underdosing prevents ammonia (NH3) slip from occurring due to low levels of DEF, a sensor accurately senses NOx present in the exhaust gas at an output of an SCR chamber. An electronic control unit increases the amount of injected DEF based on the sensor.
US09695726B2

A method and arrangement for controlling heating and thawing of a metering arrangement with a metering device for the feeding of a reducing agent solution for the exhaust gas after treatment in an exhaust system. The metering device is connected with a supply container for the reducing agent solution via at least one pipe. At least one heating device is provided for the heating of at least one component of the metering arrangement. At least one first component of the metering arrangement is assigned a first heating device, which can be operated separately from a second heating device provided for the heating of at least a second component of the metering arrangement.
US09695719B2

An exhaust muffler device for an combustion engine includes: a first expansion chamber into which exhaust gas from a combustion engine flows; a second expansion chamber disposed downstream of the first expansion chamber; a resonance chamber that is disposed adjacent to the first expansion chamber and communicates with an exhaust passage; a discharge passage through which the exhaust gas that flows into the resonance chamber is discharged to the outside; and an exhaust valve disposed in a second partition wall between the first expansion chamber and the resonance chamber. The exhaust valve opens when pressure in the first expansion chamber attains a value greater than a predetermined value.
US09695708B2

A turbocharger bearing assembly can include a spacer that includes an axial through bore, a compressor side surface and a turbine side surface; a compressor side rolling element bearing that includes an outer race surface that faces the compressor side surface of the spacer; a turbine side rolling element bearing that includes an outer race surface that faces the turbine side surface of the spacer; and a spring seated between a first end cap disposed at least in part in the axial through bore of the spacer and a second end cap disposed at least in part in the axial through bore of the spacer where the spring biases an axially facing surface of the first end cap against the outer race surface of the compressor side rolling element bearing and where the spring biases an axially facing surface of the second end cap against the outer race surface of the turbine side rolling element bearing.
US09695707B2

A five-degree-of-freedom adjustment and positioning method and apparatus for assembly/measurement of rotor and stator of an aircraft engine; said method comprises adjusting a plane motion and a rotation of a tested piece through composite motion comprising five degrees of freedom: a 360° rotatory motion around a Z axis, a plane motion along an X axis and a plane motion along a Y axis, a rotatory motion around the X axis and a rotatory motion around the Y axis; said apparatus comprises: a clamping mechanism, a turning platform component, a translational platform component and a rotational platform component. The present invention designs a five-degree-of-freedom adjustment and positioning method and apparatus having properties of large load bearing, high precision and high stiffness, thus improving assembly efficiency and measurement accuracy of the aircraft engine.
US09695694B2

A blading for a turbine, in particular a gas turbine, is disclosed. The blades of the blading in a section near the tip have a distribution ratio (t/l) of at least 0.70, in particular at least 0.9, and/or at most 0.97, in particular at most 0.95. A downstream flow angle (α) is at most 167°, in particular at most 165°, and at least 155°, in particular at least 160°. In addition, or alternatively, an acceleration ratio (w2/w1) is at least 1.4, in particular at least 1.5.
US09695687B2

A block for use in a cutting assembly wherein the block includes a block body that contains a reservoir with coolant therein. The block body contains a top passage operative communication with the reservoir so as to receive coolant. The top passage has an axial forward top passage section terminating in an axial forward top passage end. The axial forward top passage section has an axial forward top passage section central longitudinal axis. The top passage further has an axial rearward top passage section terminating in an axial rearward top passage end. The axial rearward top passage section has axial rearward top passage section central longitudinal axis. The axial forward top passage section central longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the axial rearward top passage section central longitudinal axis.
US09695684B2

A system and method for predicting the front arrival time in seismic monitoring is disclosed The method includes measuring or computing a physical property reference signature at a calibration point, the physical property reference signature based on a change in a physical property over time due to a well injection; computing a seismic attribute reference signature at the calibration point based on the physical property reference signature; identifying a reference marker, the reference marker corresponding to a change in the seismic attribute reference signature at the calibration point over time; detecting a measured marker, the measured marker corresponding to a change in a seismic attribute of a recorded dataset over time; calibrating the measured marker; and calculating a marker arrival time for a location other than the calibration point.
US09695678B2

A system and method allows the operation of a remotely located tool in an application where there is a telescoping space out joint in such a manner that the hanger need not be released. A hydraulic piston is surface actuated to move gripping teeth against the pipe and then take the pipe with the gripping teeth so that a tool that is engaged by the string can be remotely operated while safety features for the well can remain operative. The shifted position is held with maintained control line pressure. Some release of the control line pressure will not allow the operating piston to return. Rather, a check valve holds the shifted piston position until a differential pressure on the check valve drops to a predetermined value so that the check valve acts as a dump valve. The system operates off annulus pressure if the control line is damaged.
US09695676B2

The invention provides a system and method for lining a borehole. The system comprises: an expandable tubular element extending into the borehole, wherein an end portion of a wall of the expandable tubular element is bent radially outward and in axially reverse direction to define an expanded tubular section extending around an unexpanded tubular section; a pipe extending through the expanded tubular section; a connecting device for connecting the pipe to the unexpanded tubular section, the connecting device allowing the pipe to rotate relative to the unexpanded tubular section around a longitudinal axis of the pipe; a rotating device for rotating the pipe relative to the unexpanded tubular section around said longitudinal axis; and an actuator for moving the pipe in axial direction into the expanded tubular section to extend the expanded tubular section and thereby to form a liner of the borehole.
US09695674B2

A system is described for injecting small controlled amounts of fluid, such as de-emulsifier, into a flowing line at high pressure, in a high-pressure environment such as a subsea environment. The system is connected to the flowing line by tubing lines. It is enclosed either in a high-pressure vessel able to withstand high external pressure or in a vessel that is pressure-matched with the environment. The system is able to inject a controlled volume of fluid into the flowing line at relatively low injection rates.
US09695673B1

A tool for cleaning valves and other devices in subterranean wells. The tool is cylindrical in shape and has several components, including a pressurized gas housing, a fluid housing, and multiple jet ports extending radially. The tool is lowered into the subterranean well and positioned so that the multiple ports are aligned with the valve or other device to be cleaned. A jarring action on the tool releases the pressurized gas into the fluid housing, thereby forcing the fluid out of the fluid housing and through the multiple jet ports. The fluid flowing through the multiple jet ports cleans the valve or other device.
US09695665B2

A subsea chemical injection system has a subsea structure, a manifold connected by jumper to the subsea structure, a coiled tubing, a disconnect mechanism affixed to the coiled tubing, and a hose extending from the disconnect mechanism to the manifold such that the chemical flowing through the coil tubing can selectively flow through the disconnect mechanism and through the hose to the subsea structure. The disconnect mechanism is adapted to selectively release from the hose. The disconnect mechanism has a connector affixed thereto. A hydraulic fluid supply is connected to the connector so as to selectively release the connector from the hose. Control lines can extend from a surface location to a control module and the disconnect mechanism for selectively delivering for receiving signals from the subsea structure.
US09695654B2

A wellbore servicing system disposed at a wellbore, the wellbore servicing system comprising at least one wellbore servicing equipment component, wherein a flow path extends from the wellbore servicing system component into the wellbore, and a flow-back control system, wherein the flow-back control system is disposed along the flow path, and wherein the flow-back control system is configured to allow fluid communication via the flow path in a first direction at not less than a first rate and to allow fluid communication via the flow path in a second direction at not more than a second rate, wherein the first rate is greater than the second rate.
US09695651B2

An apparatus and method for providing a tubular connection in the form of a liner tieback connection or a liner hanger in a slim hole well as found in deep wells. When installing the casing sections, a first casing section having a profiled surface distinct from a surface of an adjacent casing section is provided. A liner is run into the first casing section and a part of a portion is radially expanded to morph against the inner surface of the first casing section at the profiled surface and form a sealed joint. Various arrangements of profiled surfaces are provided. The liner may also have a profiled surface. By adapting the casing section to receive the liner directly, a slim hole well construction is achieved.
US09695650B2

A gripping tool includes a gripping element and at least one gripping surface formed on the gripping element. The at least one gripping surface includes a plurality of teeth extending from the gripping element an outer layer. A method to surface process a gripping surface of a gripping tool includes providing the gripping surface in an environment comprising a source of additive material and heating the gripping surface at a temperature and a time to diffuse the additive material a depth into the gripping surface to form a diffusion layer.
US09695642B2

A drilling system is disclosed. The drilling system includes a drill string and a drill tool coupled to the drill string. The drill tool includes a cylindrical body. The drill tool further includes a plurality of blades on exterior portions of the cylindrical body. Additionally, the drill tool includes an instrumented cutting element on one of the plurality of blades. The instrumented cutting element includes a cutting table and a substrate coupled to the cutting table. The substrate includes a cavity. The instrumented cutting element further includes a core in the cavity and an electrical connector coupled to the substrate. The instrumented cutting element further includes a coil wire coupled to the electrical connector and surrounding portions of the core. The coil wire is configured to generate a signal in response to the instrumented cutting element being proximate to a magnetizable material.
US09695640B2

A drill head is provided with three main cutting edges each having a straight direction of extension with a predominant radial direction component. The directions of extension limit two adjacent main bore dust discharge sectors, each spanning a main sector angle. Three drill head cutting legs each forming a main cutting edge where the three main cutting edges have different lengths along their directions of extension. Concentric ring shaped removal areas overlap at least partially such that a triple removal area coverage is provided in an outer ring zone and a double removal area coverage is provided in an inner ring zone.
US09695622B2

A hinges structure (10) includes a first hinge (12) and a second hinge (14), each of them being fixed at a part to a fixed system F and at the other part to a wing B. The hinges structure (10) includes a cam mechanism for an automatic closing of the wing B and a fluid-operated device adapted to move a fluid from a first chamber to a second chamber through the rotational motion of the wing B. The speed of displacement of the fluid may be conveniently adjusted through a valve and consequently, the closing speed of the wing may be controlled.
US09695617B2

An access controlled storage device may include multiple doors, each having a different lock, to insure safety and security of the contents of the storage device. In one example, the access controlled storage may include a first outer door having a physical lock and a second interior door having an electronic lock. The physical lock and the electronic lock may require different keys. Additionally or alternatively, unlocking the interior door may require unlocking of the first door in an authorized manner. Access and inventory data may be transmitted to or received from remote devices through wireless communication networks.
US09695609B2

The invention's innovation in the field of safety of aquatic sport of platform diving is a method and apparatus to diminish the risk of the athlete's injury caused by an accidental collision with the platform after the take-off by timely activating a device that places a protective padding covering the top of the platform.
US09695606B1

An engineered wood flooring removal apparatus for use with a buffer machine to remove bottom ply and adhesive layers of the wood flooring is provided. The apparatus effectively dislodges the bottom ply and adhesive layers with enhanced efficiency while minimizing the production of hazardous airborne particulates. The apparatus includes a base member rotatably mounted to the buffer machine, a support pad coupled to the base member, a disc member coupled to the support pad, and a plurality of cutting members coupled to the disc member. Each cutting member has an upper exposed head and a lower member that extends through the disc member, the support pad and the base member. The upper exposed heads of the cutting members contact the bottom ply and adhesive layers of the engineered wood flooring and dislodge the layers during a rotation of the base member when the buffer machine is enabled.
US09695604B2

A device for conveying thick matter including a thick matter pump; a feed line which leads away from the pump; a boom which receives the feed line and which includes at least one boom arm and which is arranged on a swivel bogie, wherein the swivel bogie is rotatable for angular orientation of the boom through a drive, in particular a hydraulic motor with a transmission arranged thereon, and a measuring device which includes rotation angle sensors for measuring the rotation angle of the swivel bogie, wherein the rotation angle of the swivel bogie is measured through direct measurement of a rotation angle of the drive or of the transmission arranged between the motor and swivel bogie.
US09695599B2

Floor covering, made of floor elements, which, at least at two opposite sides, comprise a male and a female coupling part, which allow that two of such floor elements can be interconnected at the respective sides at the respective sides by pushing one of these floor elements with the associated male coupling part, by means of a downward movement, home into the female coupling part of the other floor element, wherein at least one of said coupling parts, either the male coupling part or the female coupling part, is made as least partially in a filled synthetic material composite, such as extruded wood.
US09695581B2

A flush operating apparatus includes: a flush valve for opening and closing a discharge port on a storage tank; a manual operating unit, provided on the flush water tank and capable of manually operating the motion of the flush valve; a powered operating unit capable of operating the motion of the flush valve with power; and a control device for receiving a toilet flush start signal transmitted from either an instruction device by which a user instructs a toilet flush operation, or from a body sensor for sensing a user and activating a power drive motor; wherein the powered operating unit is separately installed from the manual operating unit, and is installed so as to be removable from the flush water tank in accordance with flush water tank apparatus or toilet main unit usage conditions.
US09695569B1

A device for sealing the opening of a manhole. The device includes a seal coupled to a lid; a valve; and a compression inducing device. The lid is set within an existing manhole frame and operates without modification. The seal is coupled to a lower surface of the lid and contacts a lip within the frame. The seal is compressed to the lip and the compression inducing device is used to grip the frame below the lip to maintain the compressive state of the seal. The manhole cover is placed on top of the lid. Gases escape through the valve. Water or moisture is prevented from passing through the seal or valve. One or more grooves or ribs are optionally included to create a gap between the lid and the manhole cover for the routing of released gases.
US09695565B2

The present disclosure generally relates to marine rig equipment, and specifically to a mobile jackup rig having one or more moveable cranes. The one or more moveable cranes are configured to operate along a rail, and the one or more moveable cranes are positioned to reach more than one work site location. In one embodiment, a mobile jackup rig includes at least one two-rail system having a first guide-track rail and a second guide-track rail, and at least one moveable crane positioned to operate along the two-rail system. In another aspect, a mobile jackup rig may include at least one moveable pedestal crane positioned on at least one curved or straight guide-track rail system.
US09695562B2

A snow vaporization assembly includes a vehicle that has a cab and a box. The cab has a front side and the box has a top side. A collection unit is attached to the vehicle and the collection unit collects snow while the vehicle is driven. A vaporizing unit is positioned within the box and the vaporizing unit is in fluid communication with the collection unit. The vaporizing unit converts the snow collected by the collection unit into steam. The vaporizing unit expels the steam from the vehicle.
US09695560B2

A barrier system including an elastic net coupled to a cable, an energy absorption member coupled between the cable and an anchoring assembly, and an actuation assembly coupled to the net and configured to rotate the net about an axis of rotation between a closed position restricting vehicle access through the barrier system, and an open position allowing vehicle access through the barrier system.
US09695545B2

A non-marring nozzle attachment that may be used with a vacuum device to clean delicate surfaces such as lint screens. The non-marring nozzle attachment may use a non-marring material with a beveled surface to allow for a vacuum to safely and effectively clean delicate surfaces. The non-marring nozzle attachment may further include spaced slits to allow for more intimate contact between the nozzle tip and a surface to be cleaned. The vacuum device may be mounted near the desired area of use to a variety of rigid surfaces without having to penetrate the rigid surface with nails or screws.
US09695544B2

A laundry dryer is provided with a modular air recirculation subassembly fitted beneath a rotatable drum of the dryer. The subassembly has an air recirculation passage provided between an air supply passage and an air exhaust passage of the dryer. The air recirculation subassembly further has a flow directing flap at the juncture of the air inlet passage and the air recirculation passage to direct the recirculation air flow toward a heater and away from an inlet end of the air supply passage. The air recirculation subassembly may include a filter positioned across the air recirculation passage upstream of the heater, which filter is removable through the air exhaust passage. The subassembly may further include a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the warmer air exiting the exhaust passage to the cooler air entering the air supply passage, and a recirculation air flow regulating flap.
US09695537B2

A laundry machine and a control method thereof are provided in which laundering ability may be improved while also improving efficiency and noise/vibration. The laundry machine employs a plurality of drum motions by varying drum rotational speed, drum rotational direction, and drum starting and stopping point, to provide different motion of laundry items in the drum.
US09695535B2

A overlock sewing machine includes a switch limiting arm rockable integrally with a main shaft fixing operating arm and an arm including arms which are actuated by operating a threading switching knob to engage with the switch limiting arm to rock a rocking lever portion and being engageable with a slide plate to move the position of the slide plate to a sewing executable position upon operating the threading switching knob to the sewing executing position side.
US09695528B1

Disclosed is a portable mini loom utilizing a base section having opposed first and second end edges defining an overall length, a first Ends Per Inch (EPI) zone disposed proximate the base first end edge and extending inwardly along a desired length of the base, and a second EPI zone disposed proximate the base second end edge and extending inwardly along a desired length of the base. Each EPI zone preferably utilizes three separate EPI arrays, of differing EPI, capable of permitting a weaver to select one of such EPI arrays to create a thread warp of a predefined EPI, such as, 8, 10 or 12 EPI. One array utilizes slots disposed along the ends of the base capable of receiving the warp thread. The other two arrays comprise separate sets of through holes disposed across the EPI zone each capable of receiving the warp thread.
US09695527B1

A universal hand loom kit includes a peg board with an array of holes. Long pegs are provided each configured at one end to be releasably inserted into one of the holes in the peg board and having an exposed length when mounted on the peg board within the range of 2″-4″ or approximately 50 mm-102 mm. Short pegs are provided each configured at the one end to be releasably inserted into one of the holes in the peg board and having an exposed length when mounted on the peg board less than the length of the long pegs. A shuttle stick, a long needle weaver, a short tapestry needle and a comb are included. The kit can be used to create two dimensional woven tapestry-type products and three dimensional embellishments such as flowers, pompoms, tassels and fringes.
US09695510B2

An atomic layer deposition apparatus, including: a chamber with an internal volume; a fixture assembly to hold a substrate within the internal volume of the chamber; a plurality of gas injection ports to facilitate the introduction of gas; at least one precursor gas arrangement to introduce precursor gas into the internal volume; and at least one inactive gas dispersion arrangement to introduce inactive gas into the internal volume. The inactive gas dispersion arrangement is in the form of a primary dispersion member configured to concentrically focus the precursor gas towards a surface of the substrate. A modeling system for an atomic layer deposition apparatus is also disclosed.
US09695509B2

A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing vessel configured to process a substrate; a first purging part configured to perform a first purge to supply inert gas at a first flow rate into a substrate container accommodating the substrate; and a second purging part configured to perform a second purge to supply inert gas at a second flow rate into the substrate container, the second flow rate being lower than the first flow rate.
US09695500B2

A mask frame assembly including a frame including a first opening, a first mask including second openings that each has an area smaller than the first opening and a first surface having portions of the first surface connected to the frame. The mask frame assembly includes second masks disposed on a second surface of the first mask extending across the first opening in a first direction and arranged in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular. The second masks include pattern parts having a shape corresponding to the second openings. The pattern parts each include pattern holes configured to allow a deposition material to pass through. The second masks include a rib part disposed between the pattern parts. The rib part includes dummy holes each having an area greater than each of the pattern holes. The first mask is configured to block the deposition material passing through the dummy holes.
US09695497B2

In a method for a finishing work of a spray-coated surface, an inner surface of a cylindrical hollow member is roughened by forming a helical groove thereon. A thermal spray coating is formed on the inner surface that is roughened, and a finishing work is carried out by cutting the thermal spray coating along a helix of the groove by use of a cutting tool. According to the method for a finishing work, a finishing work of a thermal spray coating with non-uniform hardness can be carried out efficiently.
US09695493B2

A dual phase or complex phase steel strip showing no tigerstripes. The steel strip having an ultimate tensile strength Rm classifying for 1000 MPa steel category, includes (in mass percent) C 0.09-0.19%; Mn 1.9-2.6%; Si at most 0.1%; Cr 0.4-0.8%; Mo at most 0.3%; Ni at most 0.4%; Al 0.02-1.3%; and optionally one or more of the following elements: Nb at most 0.08%; P equal to or more than 0.0005%; N equal to or less than 0.015%; Ti equal to or less than 0.1%; V equal to or less than 0.1%; B equal to or less than 0.01%; wherein the sum of Cr, Mo and Ni is at least 0.5%; the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
US09695485B2

The invention relates to a method for processing steel slag to produce a hydraulic mineral binder with a high hardening potential and to recover iron. There is provision for this purpose to provide a feed product comprising steel slag with MnO. This feed product is further processed as a melt by introducing reducing agent into the melt. A lime saturation factor of between 90 and 110 is hereby to be achieved in the mineral melt portion. Subsequently the melt is cooled in a defined manner and elementary iron is mechanically separated from the solidified melt. The solidified melt is then supplied for use as hydraulic mineral binder. Furthermore the invention relates to a hydraulic mineral binder.
US09695484B2

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sugar product and method for fabricating the same is provided. The method includes mixing an acid compound and lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, zinc chloride or iron chloride or lithium bromide, magnesium bromide, calcium bromide, zinc bromide or iron bromide or heteropoly acid to form a mixing solution, adding a cellulosic biomass to the mixing solution for a dissolution reaction, and adding water to the mixing solution for a hydrolysis reaction to obtain a sugar product. The present disclosure also provides a sugar product fabricated from the method.
US09695472B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide devices methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction regions containing electronic sensors to monitor changes in solutions contained in the reaction regions. Test and fill reaction schemes are disclosed that allow DNA to be sequenced. By sequencing DNA using parallel reactions contained in large arrays, DNA can be rapidly sequenced.
US09695471B2

Provided herein are systems and methods for nucleotide incorporation reactions. The systems comprise polymerases having altered nucleotide incorporation kinetics and are linked to an energy transfer donor moiety, and nucleotide molecules linked with at least one energy transfer acceptor moiety. The donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer when the polymerase and nucleotide are proximal to each other during nucleotide binding and/or nucleotide incorporation. As the donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer, they generate an energy transfer signal which can be associated with nucleotide binding or incorporation. Detecting a time sequence of the generated signals, or the change in the signals, can be used to determine the order of the incorporated nucleotides, and can therefore be used to deduce the sequence of the target molecule.
US09695470B2

The invention provides improved methods for synthesizing polynucleotides, such as DNA and RNA, using enzymes and specially designed nucleotide analogs. Using the methods of the invention, specific sequences of polynucleotides can be synthesized de novo, base by base, in an aqueous environment, without the use of a nucleic acid template. Because the nucleotide analogs have an unmodified 3′ OH, i.e., as found in “natural” deoxyribose and ribose molecules, the analogs result in natural polynucleotides suitable for incorporation into biological systems.
US09695467B2

A system and method for the processing of nucleic acids containing fluids involving manipulation of magnetically responsive particles contained therein are disclosed. In the system, a holder holds a plurality of containers containing the fluids, a heating device applies thermal energy to the fluids for incubation, and a separating device magnetically separates the particles. The heating and separating devices move into at least one operative position for processing the fluids and at least one inoperative position with respect to the containers, in which the containers are kept stationary at least during and in-between incubating the fluids and manipulating the magnetically responsive particles.
US09695462B2

The present invention is related to a method for evaluation of drug efficacy of a medicine having a therapeutic or preventive effect against a disease related to EL activity wherein phosphatidylinositol or lysophosphatidylinositol is used as an indicator. The present invention is also related to a method for screening an inhibitor of EL activity using phosphatidylinositol and a kit for use in the method.
US09695460B2

Disclosed is a method for quantifying L-tryptophan involving a step for mixing a specimen, L-tryptophan oxidase, and water, a step for allowing the obtained reaction solution to stand a predetermined period of time in the presence of oxygen, and a step for measuring the reaction product resulting from action of enzymes present in the reaction solution after allowing to stand. Also disclosed are a kit used to quantify the L-tryptophan containing L-tryptophan oxidase, and an enzyme sensor using the L-tryptophan oxidase. This method, kit and enzyme sensor use an L-tryptophan-specific enzyme, so are capable of quantifying L-tryptophan even in the presence of other amino acids.
US09695446B2

The present invention relates to direct protein delivery with engineered micro vesicles.
US09695444B2

Disclosed are: a virus vector in which a gene encoding an antigenic polypeptide is integrated in human parainfluenza virus type 2 gene, wherein the antigenic polypeptide is expressed in the form of a fusion protein with a viral structural protein; and a method for producing the same. The virus vector of the present invention contains a quantitatively large amount of the antigenic peptide on the virus particle and can efficiently deliver the antigenic polypeptide to a target cell.
US09695441B2

Soybean event 9582.814.19.1 comprising genes encoding Cry1F, Cry1Ac (synpro), and PAT, affording insect resistance and herbicide tolerance to soybean crops containing the event, and enabling methods for crop protection and protection of stored products.
US09695439B2

The present invention relates to control of pest infestation by inhibiting one or more biological functions. The invention provides methods and compositions for such control, By feeding one or more recombinant double stranded RNA molecules provided by the invention to the pest, a reduction in pest infestation is obtained through suppression of gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and to particular combinations of transgenic pesticidal agents for use in protecting plants from pest infestation.
US09695437B2

The present invention relates to an isolated COP1 nucleic acid sequence from a maize plant and the isolated COP1 nucleic acid sequence is named as ZmCOP1. The present invention also relates to a method of using the ZmCOP1 nucleic acid sequence to control the shade avoidance response of a crop plant for high density farming and yield enhancement.
US09695436B2

Methods are provided for enhancing yield and nitrogen use efficiency in plants, and to methods of increasing biomass and seed yield in plants grown under nitrogen limiting conditions using variants of enzymes involved in nitrogen assimilation or metabolism from non-plant organisms.
US09695425B2

In one embodiment, a B cell specific aptamer-siRNA chimera is provided. The B cell specific aptamer-siRNA chimera may include an RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R and an siRNA molecule conjugated to the RNA aptamer via a nucleotide linker. In another embodiment, a B cell specific RNA aptamer is provided. The RNA aptamer may be a molecule that binds to BAFF-R that has the sequence SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38 or SEQ ID NO:39. In some embodiments, the RNA aptamer is conjugated, via a nucleotide linker, to an siRNA molecule that suppresses expression of one or more target oncogenes in one or more B cells. In one aspect, the one or more target oncogenes are selected from Bcl6, Bcl2, STAT3, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E2 and c-myc. In another embodiment, methods for treating a B cell malignancy in a cancer patient are provided. Such methods may include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic composition, the therapeutic composition comprising a B cell specific RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R.
US09695423B2

The present invention is related to a ribonucleic acid comprising a double stranded structure whereby the double-stranded structure comprises a first strand and a second strand, whereby the first strand comprises a first stretch of contiguous nucleotides and whereby said first stretch is at least partially complementary to a target nucleic acid, and the second strand comprises a second stretch of contiguous nucleotides whereby said second stretch is at least partially identical to a target nucleic acid, and whereby the double stranded structure is blunt ended.
US09695419B2

This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling, variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides, uses of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives, and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are the isolation and identification of polynucleotides polypeptides variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.
US09695412B2

The present invention relates to single cell array micro-chips and fabrication, electrical measurement and electroporation method thereof. The single cell array microchip comprises a substrate (1), a plurality of positioning electrodes (2) formed in an array, a plurality of measuring electrode-pairs (3) formed in an array, and a micro sample pool (4). The invention integrates cell array positioning with electrical measurement and electroporation for living cells, which is characteristic of label-free and noninvasive methods to manipulate, position particles/cells as well as further measure their electrical parameters. Therefore, single-cell-array positioning and multi-mode in-situ real-time measurement can be realized for intensive analysis. Since the positioned cells are immobile, the precision of the electrical measurement of cells is effectively improved, so is the efficiency of electroporation with lower cell mortality rate.
US09695409B2

This invention relates to, in part, compositions of beta-lactamases and methods of using these enzymes in, for example, gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) disorders such as C. difficile infection (CDI).
US09695407B2

The present disclosure relates to cellulase variants. In particular the present disclosure relates to cellulase variants having reduced binding to non-cellulosic materials. Also described are nucleic acids encoding the cellulase, compositions comprising said cellulase, methods of identifying cellulose variants and methods of using the compositions.
US09695405B2

The present invention relates to variants of a parent alpha-amylase, the variant having improved stability or activity at low calcium conditions or at low pH.
US09695400B2

We provide IDH1 gene-defective cell lines (e.g., IDH1R132H heterozygous and IDH1R132H homozygous) derived from dissociated human astrocytoma samples. The cells can be used alone or in combination with each other or other cell types as a tool for determining the impact of IDH1R132H on cellular biology, tumorigenesis, and metabolic profiles. The cell lines may be used to test and identify therapeutic targets and to screen for molecular therapeutic agents.
US09695398B2

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for the concentration of cells from a cell suspension into unprocessed tissue, such as adipose tissue. Also disclosed herein are systems for optimizing hydration of tissue and cell enriched grafts.
US09695394B1

Disclosed herein are cell separation devices, methods and systems, as well as compositions and reagents for use in cell separation methods.
US09695390B2

Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one set of embodiments, droplets may be sorted using surface acoustic waves. The droplets may contain cells or other species. In some cases, the surface acoustic waves may be created using a surface acoustic wave generator such as an interdigitated transducer, and/or a material such as a piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric substrate may be isolated from the microfluidic substrate except at or proximate the location where the droplets are sorted, e.g., into first or second microfluidic channels. At such locations, the microfluidic substrate may be coupled to the piezoelectric substrate (or other material) by one or more coupling regions. In some cases, relatively high sorting rates may be achieved, e.g., at rates of at least about 1,000 Hz, at least about 10,000 Hz, or at least about 100,000 Hz, and in some embodiments, with high cell viability after sorting.
US09695385B2

Surfactant compositions comprising an alkoxylate, a sulfate, or ether sulfate of a C10-C12 monounsaturated alcohol are disclosed. The alkoxylate, sulfate, or ether sulfate may derive from undecylenic acid or undecylenic alcohol. Compared with their saturated analogs, the monounsaturated alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates are less irritating, making them valuable for personal care, laundry, cleaners, and other household applications. Microscopy studies show that the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates have favorable phase behavior over a wide range of actives levels, expanding opportunities for products with greater compaction. When combined with cationic surfactants, the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates exhibit synergy, and they have improved solubility compared with their saturated analogs. The surfactants find value for the personal care, laundry and cleaning, emulsion polymerization, agricultural products, oilfield applications, and specialty foams industries.
US09695382B2

The present invention provides a chromatographic separation process for recovering a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) product from a feed mixture which is a fish oil or which is derived from fish oil, which process comprises the steps of: (i) purifying the feed mixture in a chromatographic separation step, to obtain a first intermediate product; and (ii) purifying the first intermediate product obtained in (i) in a simulated or actual moving bed chromatographic separation step, to obtain a second intermediate product; and (iii) purifying the second intermediate product obtained in (ii) in a simulated or actual moving bed chromatographic separation step, to obtain the PUFA product; wherein an aqueous organic solvent is used as eluent in each separation step; saturated and/or monounsaturated fatty acids present in the feed mixture are removed in the first separation step; the PUFA product is separated from different components of the feed mixture in steps (ii) and (iii); and the PUFA product obtained in the third separation step contains EPA or an EPA derivative in an amount greater than 90 wt %.
US09695373B2

A natural gas dehydration system and method includes a contactor, a flash tank, and a still interconnected by a desiccant circulation system. A reboiler is coupled to the still and the flash tank to burn the flash gas from the flash tank and heat the desiccant. A secondary burner is associated with a vent stack of the reboiler to burn the flash gas from the flash tank when not firing the reboiler.
US09695371B2

An apparatus for a three-stage cooling and scrubbing system for the treatment of hot crude gases and liquid slag downstream of an entrained flow gasification. Crude gas and slag are firstly cooled and prescrubbed in a first stage by injection of water from ring and/or wall nozzles into a free quench space. Crude gas and slag are then fed together with excess water into a waterbath as a second stage before intensive spraying is once again carried out as a third cooling and scrubbing stage in an annular space.
US09695370B2

The invention relates to a method of inhibiting corrosion by corrosive fluids, and more specifically to inhibiting corrosion of a metallic surface. The method comprising adding to the corrosive fluid a specifically selected ionic liquid which is added in an amount, based on the total weight of the corrosive fluid, effective to mitigate or alleviate corrosion.
US09695368B2

This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.
US09695366B2

The invention relates to novel demulsifiers for use in the demulsification of oils from water and vice versa, including the demulsification of crude oil from sea water or brine. In particular, the present invention relates to novel demulsifiers which are environmentally friendly, or ‘green’, and which can be used without restriction on-site in offshore oil drilling fields, for example in the North Sea. The novel demulsifiers are based on the reaction product of alkoxylated polyols or polyol esters with dicarboxylic acids.
US09695358B2

A compound is provided containing silicon, aluminum, strontium, europium, nitrogen, and oxygen is used that enables a red phosphor having strong luminous intensity and high luminance to be obtained, and that enables the color gamut of a white LED to be increased with the use of the red phosphor. The red phosphor contains an element A, europium, silicon, aluminum, oxygen, and nitrogen at the atom number ratio of the following formula: [A(m-x)Eux]Si9AlyOnN[12+y−2(n−m)/3]. The element A in the formula is at least one of magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium, and m, x, y, and n in the formula satisfy the relations 3
US09695352B2

A method comprises obtaining or providing a treatment fluid comprising compounds comprising a structure of the formula (I) or (Ia) or compounds of the formula (Ib) and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation.
US09695350B2

Ampholyte polymeric compounds that comprise at least one nonionic monomer, at least one sulfonic acid-containing monomer, and at least one cationic monomer may be useful as friction reducing agents in treatment fluids for use in subterranean operations at a concentration of about 0.001 v/v % to about 0.5 v/v % of the treatment fluid. Such operations may involve introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation optionally at a rate and/or a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture in the subterranean formation.
US09695346B2

The present invention provides an adhesive for floor structure that can provide a floor structure inhibiting floor squeaks or joint gaps from occurring and that enables a floor finishing material to be peeled easily from a sub-floor material when repairing the floor finishing material.The adhesive for floor structure of the present invention contains a hydrolyzable silyl group-containing polyoxypropylene-based polymer (I), calcium carbonate, and a hollow filler. The adhesive for floor structure of the present invention can be used for adhesively integrating a floor finishing material 20 with a sub-floor material 30 laid on a floor base 1.
US09695341B2

Adhesives, methods to bond substrates together with the adhesives, and articles of manufacture comprising the adhesives are described. It has been discovered that an adhesive with a polymer content greater than 70 weight percent can be formulated with a blend of (i) a metallocene catalyzed polypropylene polymer that has a density range of about 0.70 to about 0.91 g/cm3 and a melt viscosity less than 50,000 cP at 190° C. and (ii) a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed amorphous polybutene and/or polypropylene copolymer. Such adhesives have high creep resistance making them particularly well suited for disposable personal care garments.
US09695335B2

The instant invention provides crosslinkable compositions, and method of producing the same. The non-aqueous single phase crosslinkable composition comprises: (a) a polyol having an average of 2 or more hydroxyl functional groups; (b) polyaldehyde, or acetal or hemiacetal thereof; and (c) an acid catalyst having pK of less than 6; and (d) optionally one or more organic solvents.
US09695305B2

The present disclosure relates to a polyolefin-natural fiber composite composition for extrusion molding, and more particularly to a polyolefin-natural fiber composite composition, which comprises polyolefin resin, natural fiber, thermoplastic elastic rubber and an anhydrous maleic acid-grafted polypropylene-based compatibilizer, and is useful as a material for an extrusion molded article by obtaining an effect of improving dimensional stability, mechanical properties and surface quality through adjusting three-dimensional structure and particle size of the polypropylene-based compatibilizer and binding rate of the maleic acid.
US09695298B2

A chlorosulfonated polyethylene latex, which is safe for living bodies and the environment and can be used as a latex component in a resorcin-formalin-latex adhesive, contains an aqueous dispersion medium, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, and an emulsifying agent of a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate of formula (I) below and a fatty acid salt. The latex is excellent in standing stability and mechanical stability. In formula (I), R1, R2, n, and M represent an alkyl group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, hydrogen or a methyl group, an integer of 2 to 40, and an alkali metal, respectively. R1—O—(CH2CHR2—O)n—SO3M  (I)
US09695297B2

The invention aims to improve temperature resistance for a curable composition based on a silyl-terminated polymer. This is achieved by using a combination of at least two phenolic compounds, of which one is free of thioether groups, while the other contains at least one thioether group in at least one alkyl side chain. The invention further relates to the use of the curable composition as an adhesive, sealant and/or coating substance and to the use of the combination of phenolic compounds to increase the temperature stability in curable compositions.
US09695295B2

Compositions based on self-extinguishing expandable vinyl aromatic polymers in granules comprising: a. a polymeric matrix and, homogeneously englobed in the polymeric matrix, b. 3-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding system; c. 0.005-5% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of a brominated flame-retardant agent; d. 0.001-2% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of a synergic additive; e. 0.005-5% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of at least one stabilizing additive selected from: i. pyrophosphates of alkaline or alkaline earth metals, an ammonium group or a unit deriving from melamine; ii. melamine polyphosphate; iii. partially or completely salified polycarboxylic acids; iv. citrates of alkaline or alkaline earth metals; v. polyfunctional alcohols with 2 or more alcohol functions; vi. esters of poly-functional alcohols.
US09695294B2

An epoxy resin composition includes: an epoxy resin; a curing agent; a curing accelerator; and an inorganic filler, wherein the curing accelerator includes a 4-valent ammonium salt or a 4-valent phosphonium salt represented by Formula 1, wherein A1 is nitrogen or phosphorus; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C30 hydrocarbon group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C30 hydrocarbon group including a hetero atom; X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6 are each independently an oxygen atom (O), a sulfur atom (S), or NH; and Y1, Y2 and Y3 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C30 hydrocarbon group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C30 hydrocarbon group including a hetero atom.
US09695286B2

A family of silicone rubbers (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane) carrying one or more cyanoacrylate groups and their methods of production are provided. These silicone rubbers endowed with cyanoacrylate groups are useful in a variety of wound care applications, including wound closures, adhesives, sealants and skin protectors. The silicone rubber moiety provides oxygen and moisture permeability (i.e., “breathability”), biocompatibility, optical transparency, and good mechanical properties, while the cyanoacrylate group imparts instantaneous adhesion/attachment to living tissues such as skin on par with that of contemporary cyanoacrylate-based wound care products.
US09695283B2

Provided is a display device that can be made thin, lightweight, and flexible, has no problems of cracks and peeling caused by thermal stress, and is excellent in dimension stability and the like. The display device includes: a supporting base including a polyimide film; and a gas barrier layer formed on the supporting base, in which the polyimide film has a transmittance of 80% or more in a wavelength region of from 440 nm to 780 nm, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 15 ppm/K or less, and has a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion from the gas barrier layer of 10 ppm/K or less.
US09695279B2

Provided are a fluoreneol-based monomer, a polymer for preparing a resist underlayer film obtained therefrom, a resist underlayer film composition containing the polymer, and a method for forming a resist underlayer film using the resist underlayer film composition, wherein the fluoreneol-based monomer is represented by Chemical Formula 2 below:
US09695273B2

Novel oligomers and polymers derived from the reaction of benzoxazine compounds with a mixture of epoxy compounds and amine compounds are disclosed. The compositions are useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.
US09695271B2

A continuous process comprising a) separating an epoxy novolac resin comprising oligomers having an average functionality of greater than 2.5 and a hydrolyzable chlorine content of less than 450 ppm with a continuous evaporator apparatus to form i) a first distillate vapor fraction comprising epoxy novolac resin having more than 75 weight percent of 2 functional components and wherein the mass of the first distillate vapor fraction is in the range of from 15 to 40 weight percent of the starting epoxy novolac resin; and ii) a first bottom fraction comprising epoxy novolac resin having less than 5 weight percent of 2 functional components and having a glass transition temperature of at least 15 C higher compared to the starting epoxy novolac resin when cured; b) recovering the first bottom fraction product; and c) condensing the first distillate vapor fraction to form a first condensed distillate vapor fraction; d) separating the first condensed distillate vapor fraction with a second continuous evaporator apparatus to form i) a second distillate vapor fraction wherein the mass of the second distillate vapor fraction is in the range of from 40 to 70 weight percent of the first condensed distillate vapor fraction; and ii) a second bottom fraction; e) recovering the second bottom fraction product; and f) condensing the second distillate vapor fraction to form a second condensed distillate vapor fraction product comprising at least 98 weight percent of 2 functional components with a total chlorine content less than 900 ppm, is disclosed.
US09695269B2

The present invention relates to the use of a compound of formula (I): wherein: R represents a linear or branched alkyl group, comprising from 3 to 27 carbon atoms, said alkyl group being substituted with at least two hydroxyl groups, and which may optionally contain one or more unsaturations; and R′ is selected from sugars or sugar-alcohols; for preparing polyurethanes and polyesters.
US09695252B2

Disclosed herein are recombinant protein scaffolds and recombinant multifunctional protein scaffolds for use in producing antigen-binding proteins In addition, nucleic acids encoding such recombinant protein scaffolds, recombinant multifunctional protein scaffolds, and antigen-binding proteins are provided Vectors and cells useful for expression of the described proteins are also provided, as are methods of use.
US09695248B2

The invention includes stable multimeric, particularly dimeric, forms of PSMA protein, compositions and kits containing dimeric PSMA protein as well as methods of producing, purifying and using these compositions. Such methods include methods for eliciting or enhancing an immune response to cells expressing PSMA, including methods of producing antibodies to dimeric PSMA, as well as methods of treating cancer, such as prostate cancer.
US09695243B2

Antibodies that bind CSF1R are provided. Antibody heavy chains and light chains that are capable of forming antibodies that bind CSF1R are also provided. Polynucleotides encoding antibodies to CSF1R are provided. Polynucleotides encoding antibody heavy chains and lights chains are also provided. Methods of treatment using antibodies to CSF1R are provided. Such methods include, but are not limited to, methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis, bone loss, and multiple sclerosis.
US09695241B2

The present invention relates to antibodies that bind human angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), and may be useful for treating cancer alone and in combination with VEGF pathway inhibitors, especially cancer driven by VEGFR2 and Ang2, including gastric, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian, colorectal, and breast cancers.
US09695231B2

Disclosed is an isolated antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. The antibody is capable of binding to a muramyl peptide, or a derivative or an analog or a salt thereof. The muramyl peptide comprises muramic acid and an amino acid selected from the group consisting of alanine, isoglutamine, glutamic acid, and a salt thereof. Also disclosed are methods of producing the antibody, compositions comprising the antibody, methods of treating using the antibody, uses of the antibody, methods of detecting muramyl peptide, an assay for detecting muramyl peptide, an antibacterial agent, hybridomas and kits.
US09695228B2

Monospecific and bispecific EGFR and/or c-Met FN3 domain containing molecules, isolated nucleotides encoding the molecules, vectors, host cells, and methods of making thereof are useful in the generation of therapeutic molecules and treatment and diagnosis of diseases and disorders.
US09695223B2

Provided herein are compositions and methods useful for reducing glucose inhibition in transporting xylose, arabinose and other monosaccharides, into a yeast cell.
US09695208B2

N-acyl modified sialic acid (α-(2→6))-D-aminopyranose derivatives, their synthesis methods and uses are disclosed. Sialic acid (α-(2→6))-D-aminopyranose derivatives represented by formula 1 are synthesized by using D-aminogalactose (glucose) and sialic acid as raw materials, which are coupled with carrier proteins or polypeptides to obtain glycoprotein (glycopeptide) conjugates. Acetyl is replaced by derivative acyl in the structures of said compounds, therefore the compounds show good activity in antitumor vaccines.
US09695206B2

This invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of human p21 using RNA interference. The RNA interference molecules can be used in methods for preventing or treating diseases such as malignant tumor. Provided are a range of siRNA structures, having one or more nucleotides being modified or chemically-modified. Advantageous structures include siRNAs with 2′-deoxy nucleotides located in the seed region, as well as other nucleotide modifications.
US09695196B2

This disclosure relates to an improved synthesis of cephalosporin antibiotic compounds such as ceftolozane, and compositions and methods of use thereof. Thiadiazolyl-oximinoacetic acid compounds such as TATD can be reacted to yield the activated thiadiazolyl-oximinoacetic acid methanesulfonate ester compounds useful in the manufacture of cephalosporin antibiotic compounds.
US09695189B2

Cleavable crosslinkers of Formula (I) useful reagents in biochemical drug research and development such as antibody drug conjugates are disclosed.
US09695176B2

The disclosure generally relates to the novel compounds of formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which are CGRP receptor antagonists. The disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using the compounds in the treatment of CGRP related disorders including migraine and other headaches, neurogenic vasodilation, neurogenic inflammation, thermal injury, circulatory shock, flushing associated with menopause, airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US09695173B2

The present invention relates to the use of ergot derivatives or ergolines, and in particular of lisuride and terguride for the prophylaxis and treatment of constrictive capillary arteriopathy. Constrictive capillary arteriopathy refers to the diseases pulmonary arterial hypertension, endogenously induced or exogenously induced glomerulosclerosis as well as secondary Raynaud's syndrome.
US09695168B2

The present invention is directed to imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine derivatives of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which are LSD1 inhibitors useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09695167B2

The present invention is directed to [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine derivatives of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which are LSD1 inhibitors useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09695166B2

In one aspect this invention relates generally to compounds of Formula: and sub-formulas thereof, or a tautomer of each thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of each thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of each of the foregoing, where X1, L1, L3, and R3 are described herein.
US09695163B2

The present invention is directed to thiazole compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors. The present invention is also directed to uses of the thiazole compounds described herein in the potential treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US09695162B2

The present invention includes compounds having structural formula (Ia): or salts or solvates thereof. These compounds are useful as sweet flavor modifiers. The present invention also includes compositions comprising the present compounds and methods of enhancing the sweet taste of compositions.
US09695154B2

Disclosed are compounds of formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein Y, Ra, Ra′, Rc, Rf, X2, Rd, Rd′, Re, Re′, m, and G have the values described herein and stereochemical configurations depicted at asterisked positions indicate absolute stereochemistry, useful as inhibitors of Sumo Activating Enzyme (SAE). Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the disclosure and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative, inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases or disorders.
US09695139B2

Cured epoxy resins are widespread because of their excellent mechanical and chemical properties. Typically, epoxy resins based on bisphenol A diglycidyl ethers or bisphenol F diglycidyl ethers are used, but these are problematic for many sectors because of their effect on the endocrine system. The present invention relates to glycidyl ethers of limonene-based diols and/or polyols, and to curable epoxy resin compositions based thereon as alternatives to the bisphenol A diglycidyl ethers or bisphenol F diglycidyl ethers, or the epoxy resin compositions based thereon.
US09695137B2

Analogs of PPAR5 and analogs of 20-OH-PGE2, which are PPAR5 agonists and 20-OH-PGE2 antagonists, respectively, and methods of using the same for inducing osteogenesis or chondrogenesis, are disclosed.
US09695136B2

A process for preparing heonone (meth)acrylate by transesterification of alkyl (meth)acrylate with heonone.
US09695131B2

Substituted uracil derivatives of formula (I), processes for their preparation, their use alone or in combinations for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases.
US09695120B2

The present invention is directed to novel pyrrolidine carboxylic acid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions, and their use in treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases as agonists of g-protein coupled receptor 43.
US09695119B2

Provided are methionine analogs which may be useful for inhibiting protein synthesis, inhibiting microbial growth and/or treating infectious diseases. In some instances, the analogs exhibit bactericidal, antibacterial, anti-infective, antimicrobial, sporicidal, disinfectant, antifungal and/or antiviral properties. Also provided are methods of treatment and methods of preparation, as well as kits and unit dosages.
US09695115B2

The invention relates to a method for preparing isocyanates by phosgenating the corresponding amines, wherein low-boiling secondary components, excess phosgene, and the co-product hydrogen chloride are separated from the crude liquid isocyanate stream, which is obtained after the phosgenation has occurred, within a maximum of 60 minutes, and wherein the crude liquid isocyanate stream is not exposed to temperatures above 250° C. until said separation.
US09695113B2

Alternative continuous downstream processes for the production of 5-acetamido-N,N′-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide (“Compound A”) are described. Compound A is a key intermediate in the production of iodixanol and iohexol, which are two of the biggest commercially available non-ionic x-ray contrast media agents.
US09695111B2

Proposed is a method of producing soluble silicates with organic cations at a given silicate modulus in the range of 1.5 to 20. The method consists of the reacting liquid suspension of a silica sol with the aqueous solution of a strong organic base. The silicate modulus is a molar ratio of SiO2:M2O, wherein M is an organic alkali cation. The aqueous solution of a strong organic base has a constant of base dissociation pKb equal to or greater than 4. If necessary, the soluble silicates with organic cations are obtained in a powdered form by evaporating the solution of the soluble silicates under vacuum below 4.2 kPa and at a temperature in the range of 20 to 30° C. and the product of evaporation are then dried by spraying.
US09695105B2

The invention relates to a process to prepare complex oligomeric structures obtained from vegetable oils. The process allows to use a mixture of triglycerides containing dicarboxylic acids produced by the oxidative cleavage of vegetable oils as a starting material, these oils being subjected to a step of heating (condensation) followed by a step of esterification with alcohols at temperatures up to 250° C.
US09695104B2

The invention relates to a process for transvinylation of a carboxylic acid feedstock with a vinyl ester feedstock to obtain a vinyl ester product and the corresponding acid of the vinyl ester feedstock in the presence of one or more ruthenium catalysts, wherein a) the vinyl ester feedstock, the carboxylic acid feedstock and a ruthenium catalyst are fed to the reactor, and b) the transvinylation reaction is carried out, characterized in that a carbonyl-free Ru(III) carboxylate is used as the ruthenium catalyst and in that no carbon monoxide is supplied, c) the reaction is carried out at a temperature of 110 to 170° C., d) upon completion of the transvinylation reaction, the vinyl ester feedstock and the corresponding acid are separated from the reaction mixture by distillation, e) the vinyl ester product is separated by distillation from the bottom product of the distillation, and f) the remaining reaction mixture is recycled into the reactor.
US09695099B2

The present invention relates to a process for preparing acrylic acid from acetic acid and formaldehyde, which comprises (a) provision of a stream S1 comprising acetic acid and formaldehyde, where the molar ratio of acetic acid to formaldehyde in the stream S1 is in the range from 0.5:1 to 2:1; (b) contacting of the stream S1 with an aldol condensation catalyst comprising vanadium, phosphorus and oxygen to give a stream S2 comprising acrylic acid, where, in (b), the space velocity WHSV is in the range from 0.35 to 7.0 kg/kg/h.
US09695095B2

A process for preparing a selective hydrogenation catalyst is described, wherein is provided a catalyst precursor, comprising at least one group VIII metal in the metallic form, and at least one support formed of at least one oxide, characterized in that a step is performed of contacting the said catalyst precursor in the metallic form, in the liquid phase and in the presence of a reducing and/or inert atmosphere, with a non-polar solvent containing a silicon compound, the said silicon compound is selected from the silanes containing at least one Si—H bond and at least one Si—C bond, the silanols and the cyclic siloxanes.The selective hydrogenation process implementing the said catalyst is also described.
US09695090B2

A composite material combining—a precious metal or an alloy containing a precious metal—and a boron-based ceramic having a melting point greater than that of said precious metal and a density at most equal to 4 g/cm3.
US09695086B2

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a treat chlorine bypass dust while preventing increases in chemical cost and concentrations of heavy metals in clinker, and ensuring stability in quality of cement. In a chlorine bypass facility 1 extracting a part G of combustion gas, while cooling it, from a kiln exhaust gas passage, which runs from an inlet end of a cement kiln to a bottom cyclone, and recovering a high chlorine concentration chlorine bypass dust D5 from the extracted gas G1, a slurry S containing chlorine bypass dust and SO2 gas or/and CO2 gas are contacted with each other to obtain solid content. The slurry containing chlorine bypass dust and an exhaust gas from the chlorine bypass facility or/and the exhaust gas from the cement kiln can be contacted with each other, and the solid content can be fed to a cement finishing process, which allows cement with low CaO and Ca(OH)2 contents and with stable property such as setting time to be produced.
US09695083B2

A method of forming high strength glass fibers in a refractory-lined glass melter, products made there from and batch compositions suited for use in the method are disclosed. The glass composition for use in the method of the present invention is up to about 64-75 weight percent SiO2, 16-24 weight percent Al2O3, 8-12 weight percent MgO and 0.25-3 weight percent R2O, where R2O equals the sum of Li2O and Na2O, has a fiberizing temperature less than about 2650° F., and a ΔT of at least 80° F. By using oxide-based refractory-lined furnaces the cost of production of glass fibers is substantially reduced in comparison with the cost of fibers produced using a platinum-lined melting furnace. High strength composite articles including the high strength glass fibers are also disclosed.
US09695082B2

Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses containing specific oxides of tetravalent elements are described which crystallize at low temperatures and are suitable in particular as dental materials.
US09695079B2

A production method of an optical fiber preform includes first preparing a first preform having a plurality of glass preforms and a first cladding portion disposed between the plurality of glass preforms, and first arranging a second cladding portion to surround the first preform. At the first arranging, a material gas and a combustion gas are ejected from a burner to produce glass particles. The first preform and the burner are moved relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the first preform. The glass particles are deposited on the first preform.
US09695070B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a method of regenerating a capacity of a flow-through capacitor. A target value for a water property concentration in a discharge water stream exiting the flow-through capacitor is established. A feed value for the water property concentration in a feed water stream entering the flow-through capacitor is measured. An amount of the water property concentration to be added to the feed water stream is calculated based on the feed value to achieve the target value for the water property concentration in the discharge water stream. An amperage of the flow-through capacitor and a flow rate through the flow-through capacitor is controlled to add ions to the feed water stream to achieve the target value for the water property concentration in the discharge water stream. In some embodiments, the amperage can be set and the flow rate controlled to achieve the target concentration.
US09695064B2

A reverse osmosis system according to the present disclosure includes a first membrane array, a second membrane array, a hydraulic pressure booster, and a motor-generator. The first membrane array is configured to generate a first permeate stream and a first brine stream from a feed stream. The second membrane array is configured to generate a second permeate stream and a second brine stream from the first brine stream. The booster is configured to use energy from the second brine stream to increase pressure of at least one of the feed stream and the first brine stream. The motor-generator is coupled to the hydraulic pressure booster and is operable to use energy from a power supply to drive the hydraulic pressure booster. The motor-generator is also operable to use energy from the second brine stream to provide power to the power supply.
US09695062B2

A biocidal fluid purification cap (2) for a fluid container (1), preferably one storing purified water for use in laboratory environments and especially purified water for cell culture and water for molecular biology. The purification cap (2) includes a cap body (3) including an engagement feature (20) for removably attaching the cap body (3) to a mating engagement feature on a spout of the fluid container (1) to hermetically close a spout opening, at least one LED (7a) adapted to emit light in the UV-C range, electronic circuitry (15) for driving the LED(s) (7a), and a power supply for the electronic circuitry (15). The LED(s) (7a) is/are arranged in said cap body (3) so as to be separated from the environment by an UV-transparent window (6) provided in the cap body (3) such that light emitted from said LED(s) (7a) enters the opening of the spout when the cap (2) is attached to the spout of the container (1).
US09695059B2

A process for preparing sodium bicarbonate particles, comprising the steps of: (a) adding at least one alkali metal carbonate to an aqueous solution in order to form an aqueous composition; wherein the alkali metal carbonate comprises sodium carbonate and wherein the aqueous composition comprises at least one polycarboxylic acid and/or the salts thereof, in an amount of at least 200 ppm based on the weight of the aqueous composition; and (b) precipitating solid particles comprising sodium bicarbonate crystals and separating said sodium bicarbonate particles from the aqueous composition, in order to obtain sodium bicarbonate particles and an aqueous mother liquor.
US09695053B2

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of precipitated silica formed of aggregates of large primary silica particles, at the surface of which occur small primary silica particles, in which the acid used in at least one of the process steps is a concentrated acid.
US09695037B2

The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for sealing one or more MEMS devices within an encapsulated cavity. A first material layer can be positioned on a substrate, the first material layer comprising a first cavity and a second cavity that each have one or more openings out of the first material layer. At least the first cavity can be exposed to a first atmosphere and sealed while it is exposed to the first atmosphere while not sealing the second cavity. The second cavity can then be exposed to a second atmosphere that is different than the first atmosphere, and the second cavity can be sealed while it is exposed to the second atmosphere.
US09695035B2

A foldable stirrup for mounting animals such as horses has a support arm for engagement with a stirrup leather and a base pivotaly coupled to the support arm for supporting a rider's foot while mounting when the stirrup is in an open configuration. The base and the support arm are inwardly foldable together to a folded configuration. A mounting assist strap configured to engage the stirrup and provide a point of securement on the animal to be mounted is provided. Methods of mounting an animal using the foldable stirrup and mounting assist strap are provided.
US09695034B2

An apparatus for conveying viscous material out of a barrel-like container having a container bottom and a container wall that extends upward from the container bottom has a follower plate for closing off the container, which plate is movable in the direction toward the container bottom, lying against the inner surface of the container wall, which surface faces the container interior, and which plate has a dome that extends upward from an underside intended to lie on the viscous material, which dome opens, in the center, into a material exit opening. The apparatus has a pump for conveying the viscous material through the material exit opening. At least one displacement body projects into the dome through the material exit opening and is connected with the pump for displacement of the material situated in the dome and/or air situated in the dome, and at least one closeable venting opening vents the dome.
US09695033B1

A system for accurately dispensing small amounts of custom blended liquids for vaporizing in an electronic cigarette device comprising a plurality of interactive display devices; a controller for relaying input from a first interactive device to a second and a third interactive device and a liquid dispenser. The dispenser in electronic communication with the second interactive device and controller and comprising a plurality of containers for holding liquids; a plurality of spouts, each spout for dispensing the liquids as a mixture; and a plurality of pumps for moving the liquids from the containers to the spouts. A plurality of calibrated delivery devices for further custom blending the liquid by addition of a liquid flavoring can also be used. The liquid dispenser is configured to eliminate cross-contamination of components when dispensing.
US09695031B2

A beverage dispensing arrangement (10) for dispensing beverage into beverage cups (25) that are secured within a beverage cup carrying container (19). The arrangement (10) includes a dispensing bench (11) on which the cup and carrying container assembly (19) can be supported at a beverage dispensing assembly (20) for dispensing beverage into the cups (25) of the assembly (19). The assembly (20) includes at least two dispensing taps (28, 30) that are spaced apart relative to the spacing of the cups (25) of the container (19) to overlie the open ends of the cups (25) when the container assembly (19) is placed in a beverage receiving position.
US09694999B2

A scanning device and an image forming apparatus are provided. The scanning device includes a position-changing module that is provided on a base frame separately from a cover and changes a position of at least one selected from a pickup module and a friction module to release a nip that is formed between the pickup module and the friction module. Thus, paper jams may be easily solved and the nip may be prevented from being unnecessarily released.
US09694998B2

An image reading apparatus includes a document tray, and an automatic document feeding unit disposed at an upper side of the document tray to transport documents as to pass through the upper side of the document tray. The automatic document feeding unit includes a body; a document supplying tray having a first width corresponding to a width of a first document to be scanned and at which the first document to be scanned is loaded; and an auxiliary guide having a second width that is smaller than the first width to correspond to a second document having a width smaller than the width of the first document and is installed at the document supplying tray. The auxiliary guide includes a guide portion to support both widthwise sides of the document to be scanned while entered toward an upper side of the mounting unit.
US09694992B2

Provided herein is a pneumatic tube system station having a rotating carriage with multiple carrier ports. The multiple carrier ports allow for receiving multiple carriers and/or staging multiple carries for dispatch. In one arrangement, one or more carriers may be securely maintained within the station while permitting users to continue utilizing the station.
US09694989B2

One embodiment of this workpiece handling system has conveyor belts and a load lock. A first swap robot holds and transports workpieces between a build station and the load lock. A gantry robot transports the workpieces between each of the conveyor belts and the first swap robot. In one instance, processed workpieces are transported from the first swap robot to a first conveyor belt and unprocessed workpieces are transported from a second conveyor belt to the first swap robot using the gantry robot. A second swap robot also may be used with the first swap robot to load and unload workpieces from the load lock.
US09694987B1

Conveyor glide plates inserted between conveyor rollers provide support between the rollers. The glide plate main body includes forward and rear flexible flaps forming a leading edge and a trailing edge extending from the main body which includes an attachment member for cooperatively engaging a conveyor roller support member such as a clip or bracket used to affix the rollers to the conveyor. The front portion of the forward distal end of the glide plate includes a concave curve extending from the leading edge downward forming a turned-up lip extending from the main body of the glide plate following the adjacent roller. A rear flap having a distal end angled downward slightly at the trailing edge extends toward a following roller or following glide plate. The width of the glide plate is selected based on the width of the conveyor or length of the roller.
US09694985B2

A belt conveyor system for creating an overland material transport assembly on a ground surface comprises a frame configured for transportation over the ground surface, a plurality of pivotally connected conveyor belt support sections, a head pulley assembly mounted to the first end of the frame, a tail pulley assembly mounted to one of the conveyor belt support sections, and a conveyor belt. The frame includes first and second elongate rails, each of which have a first support surface and a second support surface spaced from the first support surface. The plurality of pivotally connected conveyor belt support sections are supportable on the frame in a transport configuration wherein the plurality of support sections are accordion-folded relative to one another and are generally perpendicular to the first and second elongate rails. The plurality of pivotally connected conveyor belt support sections are movable to a material transport configuration wherein the plurality of support sections are unfolded to be generally parallel to the first and second rails. The belt conveyor is carried by the head pulley assembly, the plurality of conveyor belt support sections and the tail pulley assembly.
US09694983B2

A conveying device with an extensively extended conveying element that is led in a revolving manner along a conveying direction, is deflected at the head-ends of the conveying device and is laterally enclosed by side closure beams. The conveying device includes a drive device with a drive motor to drive the conveying element. The drive device is arranged between the two head-ends, between the side closure beams, and between the upper conveying section and the lower return section of the conveying element. The drive device includes a drive element that is arranged in a revolving manner about two deflection pivots spaced from one another in the conveying direction, and is driven by the drive motor. The drive element supports the upper conveying section of the conveying element, which is arranged at the top, and with this forms a contact fit for transmitting a drive force onto the conveying element.
US09694981B2

A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to a conveyor like chain, and has a container gripping body mounted on the base, and wherein the base and body have cooperating elements of a quick release locking structure for stabilizing the mounting and configuration of lengthy gripper bodies on gripper bases.
US09694965B2

Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers having product volumes and structural support volumes are provided with a valve mechanism to facilitate dispensing fluid product from the product support volume. One or more tension-inducing elements may be used to provide the valves with the ability to permit dispensing of fluid product from the product volume upon application of greater than a minimum threshold but less than a maximum threshold of squeeze force to an exterior of the flexible container. The valve may also be re-closable to prevent fluid product from being dispensed subsequent to use. The flexible container may further be provided with a product sensory experience sampling mechanism to provide for consumer interaction with one or more characteristics of the fluid product contained in the product volume without compromising the integrity of the product volume.
US09694959B2

The present invention relates to blister components for blister packages formed from multilayer thermoplastic films. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blister component has a layer sequence configuration of A/B/C/B/A. Preferably, layer A is a first exterior layer comprising cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), layer B is an interior layer comprising a high density polyethylene (HDPE), a blend of high density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene nucleation additive and optionally, a hydrocarbon resin (HDPE-Blend), or a bimodal high density polyethylene having a distribution of a low molecular weight region and a high molecular weight region (HDPE-Bimodal), or a high density polyethylene having a thickness of between 38.1 pm to 190.5 pm (1.5 mil to 7.5 mil), layer C is a central core layer. Alternatively, the blister component has a layer sequence configuration of A/B/C/B/D, where layer D is a second exterior layer.
US09694956B2

A dispensing and mixing device designed to be fixed on an opening of a receiving container and adapted to receive an autonomous container having an opening closed by a closure film and containing an additive product to be dispensed into the interior space of the receiving container which contains a different product, is described. The device has a holding element adapted to receive and retain the autonomous container in the region of its opening, and an assembly element designed to be fixed on the opening of the receiving container and to receive said holding element by screwing.
US09694955B2

A mechanism or feature incorporated into or on the lid of a one piece child-resistant container which allows customization of the container by attachment of an independent, separate ancillary piece or identifier cap to the lid. The identifier cap may snap onto or be pushed onto the lid in a secure manner.
US09694952B2

A method for manufacturing a flexible container including a body, a base including an emptying spout and a cover including a filling spout, includes: cutting, from a sheet of flexible material, four main panels of the body and the base and four cover panels, each main panel having a square or rectangular shape having four sides, the bottom side being extended by an approximately trapezoidal extension, whose end towards the bottom is extended by a tab, the extension and tab forming the base and emptying spout, each cover panel having a substantially trapezoidal shape with a base towards the bottom and whose end towards the top is extended by a tongue forming the filling spout; forming a fold in each main panel along the top side; fixing the fold to form at least one loop per main panel; assembling and securing together the four main panels and four cover panels.
US09694943B2

A zipper tape with a cut tape that makes it possible to reduce the number and area of parts bonded to a bag body, reduce the defectives rate, and unseal a bag in a reliable manner at a predetermined position; and a packaging bag provided with the zipper tape with a cut tape.
US09694939B1

A container is in an integral form, and has a body, two handles, a handle combination structure, a folding combination structure, and two lids. The handles are connected with the body, and connecting portions between the handles and body are bendable. The handle combination structure is formed on the handles to selectively combine the handles. The folding combination structure is formed on the handles and the connecting plates to selectively combine the handles and the body. The lids are connected with the body, are respectively located in spaces which are respectively formed in the body and the handles, and connecting portions between the body and the lids are bendable.
US09694927B2

A bag securing device is described that fits over the corner of a corner of a produce shipping container once a shipping bag contained therein has been opened and splayed over the edges of the container. By fitting the devices to each of the four corners of the container, a shipping bag is securely held therein substantially eliminating the risk of the bag being pulled from the container when the contents, such as lettuce, are dumped there from for further processing.
US09694924B2

A hand held tool for the tensioning and severing of cable ties, including reciprocating means for tensioning the cable tie tail, locking means to prevent further tensioning upon the attainment of a preselected tension level in the tie tail, and severing means to sever the tie tail from the cable tie head.
US09694918B1

The present invention provides a method for disturbance compensation based on a sliding mode disturbance observer for a spacecraft with a large flexible appendage, comprising steps of: a) building a spacecraft attitude control system; b) constructing an external system, the external system being incorporated with an uncertain portion of a damping matrix of a flexible appendage of the spacecraft; the external system being incorporated with an uncertain portion of a rigidity matrix of the flexible appendage of the spacecraft and describing a sum of flexible vibration and environmental disturbance; c) configuring a sliding mode disturbance observer for estimating the value of the sum of flexible vibration and environmental disturbance; d) compounding a nominal controller with the sliding mode disturbance observer in step c) to obtain a compound controller; the compound controller compensating for the sum of flexible vibration and environmental disturbance.
US09694910B2

A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.
US09694908B2

The claimed versions belong to tilt rotors nonexpendable aircrafts. In general, the convertiplane has a fuselage, a wing and engine groups. In one embodiment each engine group is designed in the form of at least one engine positioned with the possibility to turn, provided that the engines in groups are designed in view of the condition of thrust change relative to each other and/or groups and engine groups are positioned at the tip of corresponding wing at front fuselage and tail fuselage. In a second embodiment the wing is designed combined in the form of forward-swept wing and aft-swept wing, each engine group is designed in the form of at least one engine positioned with the possibility to turn, provided that the engines in groups are designed in view of the condition of thrust change relative to each other and/or groups and groups are positioned at the tip of corresponding wing. The claimed versions allow simplification and weight reduction of AC structure, increasing of its maneuvering ability at every flight stage, improvement of its aerodynamic quality such as stability and aerodynamic efficiency.
US09694907B2

The invention relates to a device which includes two longitudinal deflecting surfaces or two pluralities of longitudinal deflecting surfaces, which are symmetrical on either side of the plane formed by the roll and yaw axes of the device and substantially in line with the roll axis and parallel to same, an air flow generator including at least one axial fan suctioning ambient air by means of at least one propeller faired in a flow path and, downstream of said propeller, an air distributor-diffuser, consisting of two adjacent semi-distributors each defining a curved duct directing the air to an outlet opening and toward the longitudinal deflecting surface or plurality of longitudinal deflecting surfaces.
US09694905B2

A retractable rotor blade assembly includes a rotor hub assembly having a rotor hub wall, a pitch disc mounted to the rotor hub wall for undergoing rotation about a longitudinal axis, and retractable rotor blades configured to be extended and retracted relative to the rotor hub assembly. Each of the rotor blades has an interlink assembly, a blade base, and a damper for dampening movement of the interlink assembly during extension and retraction of the rotor blade. The interlink assembly includes a plurality of interconnected link base subassemblies each configured to be translated along a span of the rotor blade such that each subsequent link base subassembly becomes stacked one atop the other while remaining connected to a next link base subassembly. The blade base is interconnected between the pitch disc of the rotor hub assembly and one of the interconnected link base subassemblies.
US09694901B2

An aircraft landing flap includes a flap member having an abrasion-resistant coating coated on an abrasion region exposed to mechanical rubbing contacts with an aircraft spoiler. The coating comprises a polyurethane matrix based on aliphatic components and fillers embedded in the polyurethane matrix so as to increase resistance to abrasion.
US09694900B2

An actuator assembly includes an actuator body, a ram, and a cross pin. The actuator body has an internal axial cavity bounded by an actuator body wall and defines a pivot axis. A longitudinal slot extends along a portion of the length of the actuator body wall and is in communication with the internal axial cavity. The ram is slidably received within the axial cavity of the actuator body. The cross pin is mounted to the ram and extends laterally from the ram and into the longitudinal slot for converting linear motion of the ram into rotational motion about the pivot axis for displacing a control surface of an air vehicle.
US09694894B2

An aerial vehicle comprises an elongate envelope within which are at least one first compartment for holding a lighter than air gas and at least one second compartment for holding atmospheric air and said at least one second compartment having an inlet and an outlet and at least one pair of wings extending laterally from the envelope; said wings being planar units with a leading and trailing edge, the width of the wings from their leading edges to their trailing edges being substantially less than the length of the envelope with airfoil portions fitted between the leading and trailing edges of the wing: the top and bottom of the wings are mirror images of one another; in which forward motion of the vehicle is obtainable without trust through alternate diving and climbing motion.
US09694891B2

A steering control fin for mounting to a trolling motor includes a skin formed into a substantially symmetric closed fin shape having a fin width. The skin has a first end surface contoured to match the shape of a motor, and a trailing edge having an anti-rotation interlock cut-out near the first end surface. A reinforcement collar has a reinforcement collar surface that substantially matches the first end surface. An internal support structure is mechanically coupled to the steering control fin to provide a structural support which maintains the substantially symmetric closed fin shape. An end cap skin is mechanically coupled to a second end surface of the skin. One or more mounting straps are mechanically coupled to the skin and each of the reinforcement collars. The mounting straps mechanically affix the control fin to the trolling motor. A method of maneuvering a boat or ship is also described.
US09694889B2

Mechanical systems and methods including, in some embodiments, a mounting plate affixed to an exterior facing horizontal planar deck surface of a ship; a foundation structure mounted to the mounting plate and supporting at least a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder; and at least a first lift mechanism for selectively vertically driving the first and second sail cylinders from a vertically retracted position to a vertically deployed position.
US09694886B2

Provided is a driving apparatus of a variable pitch propeller having blades, each of which has a pitch angle changed in a rotational direction of a propeller shaft, and a pitch adjuster for adjusting the pitch angle. The pitch adjuster includes blade actuating shafts that are connected to eccentric stubs coupled to lower ends of the blades and are disposed inside the propeller shaft so as to allow linear reciprocation and to push or pull the eccentric stubs, and a power converter that converts a rotating motion of the propeller shaft into a linearly reciprocating motion of the blade actuating shafts.
US09694881B1

A body surfing device comprising a base and a wing attachment, having a wing strut and a wing extension that is substantially parallel to the base. The base can have a protrusion extending from its bottom surface that the wing strut is affixed to. Multiple wing extensions can be affixed to the wing strut. Leg fins can also extend from the base. A folding wing attachment that attaches to the bottom surface of the base of a body surfing device is also provided. The folding wing attachment has wings that fold to a substantially planar position along the bottom surface of the base and hinges that allow the wings to fold to create a strut and wing extension. Also provided is a body surfing device having a base, shoulder straps attached to the base, a back strap extending between the shoulder straps, and an extension strap extending therefrom.
US09694880B2

A personal watercraft is designed to be ridden in a elevated seated position. The watercraft is generally shaped like a surfboard, including the nose, tail and fin or fins and includes a shaped raised seat and kick board to accommodate and conform to the riders body disposed in a seated position, so that the rider can propel and navigate the watercraft using a two bladed paddle like one for a kayak. The raised seat and backrest and wave spitting nosecone combination kick board is an ergonomically designed space for the rider's body to be seated on the top of the board in a seated position, creating a stable and dynamic platform for water exploits, With a higher the center of gravity, and allowing the rider to guide the craft with more leverage while riding braking waves by leaning in a desired direction.
US09694878B2

A mooring device includes a canister, a spool having two side walls with teeth around their perimeters, a mooring cable wrapped around the spool, a lid having a first piece and a second piece, and two pairs of stops extending from the bottom surface of the lid. The two pairs of stops engage the notches of the two side walls of the spool when the first piece of the lid rests in the closed position. The stops disengage from the notches when the first piece of the lid is open. A thumbpad allows a user to move the stops from a lock position to an unlocked position without opening the lid. The device extends and retracts the cable to accommodate tidal and other water action.
US09694875B2

An inflatable hull including at least one air casing that has two walls placed one over the other. The walls each include a fabric sheet, are connected therebetween by a plurality of connecting wires distributed over the entire surface of the sheets while forming a structure suitable for being inflated to a pressure capable of rigidifying the structure, and are capable of ensuring the buoyancy of the hull separately from any reported buoyancy element. The casing has a first transversely cross-sectional curvature and a second longitudinally cross-sectional curvature that is present over at least the front portion of the casing. One of the walls corresponds to the inside of the curvature, and the other of the walls corresponds to the outside of the curvature. The casing has at least one clip set up such as to form a stem.
US09694873B2

An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.
US09694871B2

A shock absorber includes: a cylinder; a piston; a piston rod; and a damping-force generating device that controls a flow of oil, caused by sliding of the piston in the cylinder, wherein the damping-force generating device includes: a valve body that generates a damping force according to opening and closing of the valve body on a channel in which the oil flows; a valve seat on which the valve body seats to close the channel; and an actuator that includes a plunger generating thrust to the valve body in a valve closing direction and a plunger chamber in which the oil is filled in order to actuate the plunger, and the plunger chamber communicates with a downstream side in a flowing direction of the oil with reference to a place where the valve body seats on the valve seat.
US09694836B2

In a method and system for monitoring rail operations and transport of commodities via rail, a monitoring device including a radio receiver is positioned to monitor a rail line and/or trains of interest. The monitoring device including a radio receiver configured to receive radio signals from trains, tracks, or trackside locations in range of the monitoring device. The monitoring device receives radio signals, which are demodulated into a data stream. That data stream is then decoded to find an identification number, which identifies a particular train carrying a commodity. From an analysis of the radio signals and/or identification of the position of the train, information about the train and/or the commodity it is carrying is derived and then reported to an interested party.
US09694833B2

A disk brake includes a floating caliper, a pair of brake pads, a driving piston and a caliper return mechanism. The floating caliper includes a base portion which is slidably supported via a guide pin to a support and a pair of pressing arms which extend from the base portion to pinch a disk rotor. The brake pads are provided in tip portions of the pressing arms so as to face side surfaces of the disk rotor. The driving piston is provided on one of the pressing arms so as to drive one of the brake pads toward one of the side surfaces. The caliper return mechanism is arranged in at least one of both end portions of the guide pin on a side opposite to the driving piston side so as to elastically bias the base portion to the side opposite to the driving piston side.
US09694819B2

A vehicle is equipped with a rotational velocity acquisition unit that acquires a rotational velocity of a rotary electric machine that imparts a steering force or a steering additive force to a steering system. A drive control device controls a left and right driving force difference by a driving device on the basis of a rotational velocity of the rotary electric machine.
US09694817B2

A method for displaying vehicle information includes: setting a driving velocity and an inter-vehicle distance after activating a smart cruise control function; performing a smart cruise control according to the set driving velocity and the set inter-vehicle distance and displaying smart cruise control-related information in an augmented reality display region located in a front portion of a driver's own vehicle; comparing an actual inter-vehicle distance between the driver's own vehicle and a nearby vehicle to the set inter-vehicle distance during performance of the smart cruise control; determining an information displayable region in the augmented reality display region when the actual inter-vehicle distance is less than the set inter-vehicle distance; and displaying display information corresponding to the set inter-vehicle distance in the information displayable region.
US09694813B2

Operations of an autonomous vehicle while waiting to make a turn from a center turn lane are described. In response to determining that the detected object intends on turning through the center turn lane from a transverse direction, it can be determined whether an object turning path for the detected object would impinge upon the autonomous vehicle in the center turn lane. If the object turning path would impinge upon the autonomous vehicle, determining a driving maneuver for the autonomous vehicle that would move the autonomous vehicle to a new position within the center turn lane to allow the autonomous vehicle to make the turn according to an adjusted vehicle turning path while also allowing the detected object to turn through the center turn lane according to an adjusted object turning path without impinging upon the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined driving maneuver.
US09694809B2

An engine stop device includes: a detection part that detects a difference between a current position of a crankshaft and a target stop position of the crankshaft; and a control part that controls a motor based on the detected difference so that the crankshaft is able to approach the target stop position when an engine is stopped or after the engine is stopped. The control part selects one of a plurality of maps that define a relationship between a moving distance and a rotational speed based on the detected difference, and controls the motor based on the selected map.
US09694803B2

A parking brake for a body mounted brake cylinder having either a single locking mechanism cooperates with a threaded shaft that is centrally mounted within the brake cylinder or with multiple locking mechanisms that are positioned symmetrically about the centerline of the brake cylinder push rod so that the push or piston rod can still accommodate arcuate motion of the level of the braking system. The locking mechanism may be controlled by a mechanical linkage or through a pneumatic circuit. Activation of the locking mechanisms prevents axial movement of the brake piston. As a result, engagement of the locking mechanism may be used to prevent a release of the brakes after then have been applied to provide an automatic parking brake.
US09694793B2

A vehicle braking control device includes: a mode switch for making a switching request for braking force characteristics of a vehicle; a motor cylinder device for generating braking force characteristics based on the switching request made by the mode switch; a brake fluid pressure sensor for detecting operation of the brake pedal; and an ECU for prohibiting the braking force characteristics of the motor cylinder device from being changed in a case where the mode switch is operated while the operation of the brake pedal is detected by the brake fluid pressure sensor.
US09694789B2

A switching device includes an operation lever capable of being turned in a first direction and in a second direction with respect to a neutral position, a first switch to detect a condition when the operation lever is moved to a first operation position, a second switch to detect a condition when the operation lever is moved to a second operation position symmetric to the first operation position, and a control unit to control a multistage function in a stepwise manner to switch operating states in a stepwise manner such that the condition of control of the multistage function is switched up in a stepwise manner based on a condition detected by the first switch and such that the condition of control of the multistage function is switched down in a stepwise manner based on a condition detected by the second switch.
US09694782B2

The present application discloses a control device for an automatic transmission mounted in a vehicle including idling stop means for automatically stopping an engine when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, and restarting the engine when a predetermined restart condition is satisfied in an engine automatically stopped state. The control device for the automatic transmission includes a first friction element and a second friction element fastened in a starting stage of the automatic transmission; and hydraulic-pressure controlling means for controlling hydraulic pressure for fastening the first and second friction elements. The first friction element includes a return spring that urges a piston of the first friction element to a release side. The second friction element includes a friction plate, a pressing piston that presses the friction plate, and a clearance adjustment piston that supports the pressing piston so as to allow relative movement of the pressing piston.
US09694780B1

An airbag cover can include a sidewall to couple the airbag cover with a housing of an airbag assembly. The airbag cover can further include a panel adjoined to the sidewall at a hinge, and the panel can cover at least a portion of an opening defined by the housing through which an airbag positioned in the housing is deployable when the airbag cover is coupled to the housing. The airbag cover can include one or more tear seams that are breakable by the airbag as the airbag is deployed to form at least a portion of the panel into a door that rotates about the hinge to permit egress of the airbag. The airbag cover can further include a stress-relief region in the sidewall that is laterally adjacent to the hinge, and the stress-relief region can flex as the door rotates about the hinge to inhibit the door from separating from the sidewall during deployment of the airbag.
US09694776B2

A lateral access limitation system for a vehicle includes a first structural member configured to be coupled to a side portion of the vehicle, a second structural member including a first end and an opposing second end, the first end and the opposing second end of the second structural member releasably coupled to the first structural member, and a third structural member coupled to the second structural member. The third structural member is positioned to prevent unintended access to a protected region. The second structural member and the third structural member are configured to selectively pivot about both the first end and the opposing second end of the second structural member to facilitate accessing the protected region.
US09694772B2

A battery mounting structure for a vehicle includes: a battery frame made of fiber reinforced resin and fastened and fixed to a vehicle body via a plurality of first fastening portions; a battery fastened and fixed to the battery frame via a plurality of second fastening portions; and a ductile member provided between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion.
US09694771B1

A system and method for facilitating a personalizing settings in a driving apparatus using user's biometric information are provided. Individual users of an automobile are facilitated to set personal settings through a biometric information device in the driving apparatus. In one embodiment, a given user of the driving apparatus is facilitated to provide his/her fingerprint in a first mode through the fingerprint scanner to store settings of a set of currently configured components as the personalized settings for those components. The given user is facilitated to subsequently provide his/her fingerprint in a second mode through the fingerprint scanner to retrieve the personalized settings for the set of configured components and have the set of components configured in accordance with those settings. In some examples, security is provided to determine whether a given user is authorized to personalize certain customizable components in the driving apparatus.
US09694759B1

A hitch mounted accessory rack system having a lower base unit that includes a hitch beam and a hitch beam vertical support extending from the hitch beam; a cantilevered upper base unit that includes a support beam and a support beam vertical support extending from the support beam, and wherein the support beam vertical support is at least partially received within the hitch beam vertical support; a center-point adjustable sleeve assembly that is adjusted in relation to the hitch beam vertical support and the support beam vertical support; one or more accessory arms extending from the sleeve assembly; and one or more crossbar assemblies positioned along the support beam.
US09694752B2

A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side and further includes a substrate having a reflective surface thereon extending within the open side of the housing and an actuation mechanism moveably coupling the substrate with the housing. The actuation mechanism includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity at a first end thereof. The mounting plate defines a socket open opposite the first end and first and second scalloped surfaces adjacent the socket. The actuation mechanism further includes an actuation wheel rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing and engageable with the socket to cause rotation of the mounting plate and engageable with the first scalloped surface to secure the mounting plate in a first position and with the second scalloped surface to secure the mounting plate in a second position.
US09694744B2

A flexible lighting system includes a printed circuit board, a flexible multiple electrical conductor strip, a light source, and a flexible light conductor. The light source is mounted on the flexible multiple electrical conductor strip and is electrically connected to the printed circuit board by the flexible multiple electrical conductor strip. The flexible light conductor is mounted on the flexible multiple electrical conductor strip to conduct light from the light source. A component, such as, a gauge can have a display with a graphical element that is illuminated or backlit by the flexible light conductor.
US09694738B2

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a license-plate-sized enclosure that includes translucent and opaque films with personalized images and a printed circuit board. The license plate enclosure may incorporate shaped-arrays of LEDs that are substantially conformed to the shape of the translucent portions of the films and are used to illuminate the translucent portions.
US09694736B2

A vehicle state indication system includes a light indicator and a controller. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and is disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle at least in a forward direction of the vehicle. The controller is programmed to determine whether the vehicle intends to enter the first state or the second state, and to activate the first on mode while the vehicle intends to enter the first state and the second on mode while vehicle intends to enter the second state.
US09694732B2

A valve assembly for mounting a pump to a storage tank of a vehicle includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and a wall extending axially between the upper flange and the lower flange, the lower flange being offset by the wall relative to the upper flange to facilitate installation of the pump on the vehicle.
US09694718B2

A vehicle seat including: a seat cushion, a cushion frame; and a pair of slide rails on which the cushion frame is mounted and which is configured to support the cushion frame to be slidable relative to a floor, each slide rail including an upper rail, wherein two engaging portions are respectively provided to the upper rails, wherein four fitting portions which abut against and fit into the engaging portions are provided to the cushion frame, wherein each of the fitting portions includes at least two wall portions extending in a vertical direction, and wherein guide portions are provided at lower sides of the wall portions, the guide portions being configured to guide the fitting portions to be fitted into the engaging portions when the cushion frame comes close from above to the upper rails mounted on the floor.
US09694716B2

A vehicle seat includes: a front tilt mechanism including a front panel that is bridged between left and right side frames of a seat cushion and connected with the left and right side frames at connection points, the front panel being configured to pivot about the connection points in a height direction to adjust an angle of a seating surface of a front portion of the seat cushion; and an air conditioner mounted to the seat cushion, the air conditioner including: a slide mechanism that allows to change a distance between a front pivot-mounting part and a rear pivot-mounting part with a slide movement, wherein the air conditioner is bridged between the lower surface of the front panel and the cylindrical pipe and configured to allow the front panel of the front tilt mechanism to pivot about the connection points with a slide movement of the slide mechanism.
US09694714B2

An apparatus for classifying a passenger in a vehicle includes a seat cushion for a seat in the vehicle, the seat cushion having an adult detection area and a child detection area. A first chamber is disposed in the adult detection area and a second chamber is disposed in the child detection area. A margin improvement unit includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a first pressure based on a first weight applied to the first chamber and a second pressure based on a second weight applied to the second chamber. The margin improvement unit is configured to output a first adjusted pressure value based on the first pressure and a second adjusted pressure value based on the second pressure. The first adjusted pressure value is greater than the second adjusted pressure value when the first weight is substantially equal to the second weight.
US09694704B2

A peak cut power calculation unit calculates peak cut power transmittable to an overhead wire as power exhibiting monotonic non-increase with respect to a resistance value of the overhead wire between a vehicle and a substation. In addition, a peak cut unit controls electrical charging/discharging of a rechargeable battery with power of a difference between load power and transmission peak cut power when the load power is equal to or more than the peak cut power.
US09694703B2

A charging device includes: a housing; a heat radiation member storage room to which a part of electric parts in a power conversion unit is attached, and which houses a heat sink including fins; an electric parts storage room housing other electric parts of the power conversion unit and a control unit; a first suction port introducing a gas into the heat radiation member storage room and a first exhaust port discharging the gas; a second suction port introducing the gas into the electric parts storage room and a second exhaust port discharging the gas; a first fan introducing the gas into the heat radiation member storage room and a second fan introducing the gas into the electric parts storage room; a suction-side waterproof cover that covers the first and second ports; and an exhaust-side waterproof cover covering the first and second exhaust ports.
US09694692B2

A vehicle controlling system includes a high-voltage circuit including a motor for driving a vehicle and a generator driven by an engine; an intermediate-voltage circuit including a battery and having a potential lower than the potential of the high-voltage circuit; a low-voltage circuit having a potential lower than the potential of the intermediate-voltage circuit, accessories being disposed to the low-voltage circuit; a transformer disposed between the high-voltage circuit and the intermediate-voltage circuit; and a down converter disposed between the intermediate-voltage circuit and the low-voltage circuit. The controlling system further includes a generator controller to control the generator such that the generator generates power equal to or higher than the sum of power consumed by the motor and power output from the transformer to the intermediate-voltage circuit at a temperature of the battery lower than a predetermined temperature, and a transformer controller to control the transformer such that the transformer outputs power equal to or lower than power output from the down converter to the low-voltage circuit at a temperature of the battery lower than the predetermined temperature.
US09694689B2

A control device for a vehicle, the control device including, in a housing that is installed under a floor of the vehicle: a power converter configured of a semiconductor switching circuit; a control unit that controls the output of the power converter so as to supply a required load to a power; a wiring that is connected to the power converter; a voltage detector that detects a voltage applied to the wiring and outputs the detected voltage to the control unit; and a shielding unit that shields radiation noise from the wiring to the voltage detector, wherein the control unit is disposed on a first side of the housing along a traveling direction of the vehicle, the power converter is disposed on a second side of the housing along the traveling direction of the vehicle and the voltage detector is disposed between the power converter and the control unit.
US09694684B2

A method to provide priority based power management of off-board devices being power by a vehicle comprising: determining an operating mode of the vehicle, the operating mode being an electric operating mode or a fossil fuel operating mode; determining a current state of charge (SOC) of a battery pack of the vehicle; supplying power to the off-board devices when the current SOC of the battery pack is above a minimum threshold value when the vehicle is operating in the fossil fuel operating mode; prioritizing the off-board devices when the vehicle is operating in the electric operating mode; and powering the off-board devices based on a prioritization level of the off-board devices and the current SOC of the battery pack when the vehicle is operating in the electric operating mode.
US09694683B2

A mixer drum driving apparatus having a mixer drum carried on a frame of a mixer truck to be free to rotate and a drive source configured to drive the mixer drum to rotate includes a rotary motor configured to drive the mixer drum to rotate as the drive source, a power supply configured to supply power to the rotary motor, and a power generator configured to generate power as the mixer drum rotates and charge the generated power to the power supply.
US09694682B2

An adaptive, automatically-reconfigurable, vehicle instrument display method and system are described that continuously looks for a specified physical action of a driver operating the vehicle and, upon determining that the specified physical action of the driver has occurred, automatically effects a change to at least one widget in the instrument panel display of the vehicle.
US09694681B2

A device having at least one sensor, a controller, and a display device designed for a vehicle which is configured for at least partial automatic driving. The at least one sensor is configured to acquire information items. The device senses an automatic driving state in which the vehicle drives automatically and displays simultaneously on the display device, in the automatic driving state, conditions which are to be complied with to maintain the automatic driving state, together with information indicating whether the respective condition is met. Also disclosed is a device configured to determine compliance with the conditions as a function of the information items.
US09694661B2

A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a first motor generator, a dynamic damper, and a power split mechanism. The dynamic damper includes an output-side rotating member, a spring element, and a second motor generator connected to the output-side rotating member so as to transmit the power. The dynamic damper is configured by connecting the output-side rotating member and the second motor generator via the spring element. The power split mechanism splits a power from the engine to the first motor generator and to the output-side rotating member. The control device includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit configured to change execution modes of rattling noise suppression control based on a spring characteristic of the dynamic damper. The rattling noise suppression control is a control to suppress rattling noise resulting from rotational fluctuations of the engine.
US09694658B2

A device for receiving a cover of a convertible motor vehicle includes A device for receiving a cover of a convertible motor vehicle, including a first pivot part and a second pivot part, each being supported on a vehicle body so as to be pivotal between two pivot positions; a floor part fastened on the first pivot part and the second pivot part; and at least one drive device coupling the first and second pivot parts with each other, so that pivot movements of the first pivot part induced by the drive device cause pivot movements of the second pivot part and pivot movements of the second pivot part induced by the drive device cause pivot movements of the first pivot part.
US09694656B2

A plurality of pivotably connected slats can be movable between a closed position wherein the slats cover the vehicle box, and an open position. At least one slat can include a first and second end fittings having first and second fixed locking elements, respectively. Each of first and second side rails can include a movable locking element movable between a locked position in which the movable locking elements in the closed position engage an adjacent one of the fixed locking elements to restrict movement of the at least one slat away from each side rail, and an unlocked position in which the movable locking element is disengaged from the adjacent one of the fixed locking elements allowing movement of the at least one slat toward the open position.
US09694653B2

A transparent laminated glass is described. The transparent laminated glass can comprise a transparent outer pane, at least one polymer layer, and a transparent inner pane. Uses of the transparent laminated glass are also described.
US09694649B2

Electric heating having at least one first resistance heating device and a second resistance heating device, at least one pulse width modulation device, which is capable of a pulse width modulated operation of the first resistance heating device and/or the second resistance heating device, as well as at least one switching device. For a heating operation, the switching device can be capable of selectively switching the first resistance heating device and the second resistance heating device between a first heating mode in which the first resistance heating device and the second resistance heating device are electrically connected in series, and a second heating mode in which the first resistance heating device and the second resistance heating device are electrically connected in parallel. A vehicle having electric heating as well as to a method for controlling electric heating is also provided.
US09694646B2

In a refrigeration cycle device, a first evaporator for cooling a first cooling target and a second evaporator for cooling a second cooling target are arranged in parallel between a radiator and an accumulator, a first pressure reducer is arranged upstream of the first evaporator, and a mechanical expansion valve as a second pressure reducer is arranged upstream of the second evaporator. The refrigeration cycle device includes a refrigerant passage through which a portion of a refrigerant flowing out of the radiator flows while bypassing the second pressure reducer and the second evaporator, and is decompressed by a separate pressure reducer from the second pressure reducer, so as to return the refrigerant containing a liquid phase refrigerant to the accumulator, in a cooling operation mode for cooling only the second cooling target.
US09694634B2

An apparatus for seating a bead of a tire adjacent a bead seat of a wheel is disclosed.
US09694633B2

A movable tire inflation apparatus includes an inflation device and a fixing structure. The inflation device includes a casing defining an accommodation room. The accommodation room is equipped with an inflation component, and an electrical control module which is connected electronically to the inflation component. At least one magnetic positioning member is disposed at one side of the casing. The fixing structure is disposed at an outer side of the inflation device in such a manner to fix the inflation device on an outer side of a wheel and the magnetic positioning member is magnetically positioned at one side of the wheel. In this way, the movable tire inflation apparatus is fixed on the outer side of the wheel and connected to the wheel by the inflation device, to inflate a tire as the wheel is moving, providing advantages in easy carriage, repair convenience and safety improvement.
US09694628B2

A pneumatic tire for all-terrain vehicle is disclosed which comprise a tread, and a plurality of primary blocks extending in a tire circumferential direction disposed symmetrically on the tread with respect to a center line of the tread, each primary block being evenly spaced with each other; two pairs of secondary block arrays arranged respectively on areas between any two adjacent primary blocks which are symmetrical with respect to the circumferential center line of the tread; a prior ground engaging edge created on a ground engaging surface when the ground engaging surface of the primary blocks may be inclined to a moving direction of the tire; and a plurality of stepped humps located on the prior ground engaging edge. The turning manipulation performance of the tires in sandy land can be highly improved while the straight-running traction performance is not affected due to the above configuration of the invention.
US09694625B2

Device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel includes maintaining the emblem in a substantially vertical orientation. Maintaining the emblem in a substantially vertical orientation comprises a detection component for detecting the orientation of the emblem. The emblem also comprises a motor provided with an output shaft. The output shaft of the motor rotates integrally with the emblem such that the motor rotates the emblem to place it in a substantially vertical orientation depending on the orientation of the emblem detected by the detecting component.
US09694623B2

A drawing apparatus includes a drawing unit, a test-writing portion, and a control unit including a drawing tool identification unit.At least one drawing tool is loaded in the drawing unit and the drawing tool draws on a drawing target and a drawing medium different from the drawing target. A drawing medium is placed on the test-writing portion. The drawing tool identification unit acquires a test target image from an area on the drawing medium drawn with the drawing tool in the test-writing portion, and identifies a type of the drawing tool loaded in the drawing unit on the basis of the test target image.
US09694621B2

A method produces an applicator for applying liquid or pasty media (1), having a container (3) storing the medium (1), and an application element (5, 13) attached to the container (3) in a usage position such that the application element provides the medium (1) for application outside the container (3) by capillary action. A hose of thermoplastic plastic is extruded and inserted into a mold, forming a container (3) closed at the bottom by expanding the hose in the mold. The container (3) located in the mold is filled with the medium (1). The container (3) is separated from the hose to form an opening accessible at the top side of the container (3). The application element (5, 13) is put into the usage position by inserting the application element through the opening of the hose and fastening the application element (5, 13) while simultaneously creating a closure of the container (3) by moving movable mold parts of the mold.
US09694616B2

The present invention provides a calendar desk pad, comprising a base member, a plurality of monthly calendar pages bound to the base member, wherein the calendar pages have at least one perforation or fold line located between the days or weeks on the calendar.
US09694614B2

A printed publication comprise: a plurality of printed pages, wherein multiple written articles are printed on one or more of the printed pages; a microchip affixed to the printed publication, wherein the microchip comprises multiple digital files, wherein each of the multiple digital files is a digital file enhancer that is related to a specific written article from the multiple written articles; a positioning structure, wherein the positioning structure enables a positioning structure device to determine which written article from the printed pages is currently visible to a user; a correlating hardware logic, wherein the correlating hardware logic correlates a specific digital file, from the multiple digital files, with the written article that is currently visible to the user to identify a relevant digital file from the microchip; and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver transmits the relevant digital file from the microchip to a receiving device.
US09694611B2

A liquid discharging apparatus having a carriage that is capable of moving in a scanning direction and that has a discharging portion capable of discharging a liquid, a scale portion for confirming a position in the scanning direction of the carriage, and a cleaning portion that moves in the scanning direction of the carriage and is capable of cleaning the scale portion by contacting the scale portion. In such an apparatus, the cleaning portion is capable of displacement at a first state where contacting the scale portion and a second state where not contacting the scale portion.
US09694603B1

An example support structure assembly is described as including a brace, a media guide, and a compression member. An example brace includes a structure defining a mount area on a first surface of the brace and a first protrusion extending from a second surface of the brace. An example media guide includes a blade member, a hinge member, and a second protrusion extending away from the hinge member. An example compression member is coupled to the first protrusion of the brace and the second protrusion of the media guide to place a force on the media guide where a vector defines the force with a first component magnitude in a first direction towards the mount area that is greater than a second component magnitude in a second direction away from the mount area.
US09694602B2

Provided is an elongated housing which allows easy maintenance without being separated from the device body. The elongated housing, which is accommodated in a device body so that a lengthwise direction thereof becomes a first direction, includes a plurality of first rollers and a plurality of second rollers disposed on a first surface of the elongated housing to be arranged in a row along the first direction; and a plurality of third rollers and a plurality of fourth rollers disposed on a second surface of the elongated housing to be arranged in a row along the first direction, wherein the elongated housing is movably supported between a first state of being accommodated in the device body and a second state of being drawn from the device body in the first direction.
US09694594B2

A printing apparatus includes a first circulation flow path which includes an outgoing path and a return path, a heating section which heats the ink, a branching section which branches the outgoing path, a branch path in which the ink flows to the ink reservoir section from the branching section, and a control section capable of switching between a first state in which the ink which is heated by the heating section is returned to the ink reservoir section through the first circulation flow path and a second state in which the ink is returned to the ink reservoir section through the branch path, in which in at least a portion of a period from a start-up of the printing apparatus until image formation is carried out, a mode is set to the second state and during the image formation, the mode is set to the first state.
US09694592B2

A removable single-block assembly for an ink circuit of a continuous inkjet printer, including a plate having a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet and a third fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a third fluid outlet, this assembly further including a first pump called a pressure pump, a second pump called a recovery pump, and a filter, fluid connection means to allow fluids to flow: between said first fluid inlet, the first pump, and said first fluid outlet, between said second fluid inlet, the filter, and said second fluid outlet, and between said third fluid inlet, said second pump, and said third fluid outlet, and means for mounting and dismounting the assembly on the ink circuit.
US09694579B2

A fluid level sensor is configured for identifying a fluid level in a small volume reservoir, such as a fluid reservoir in an ejector head. The reservoir includes a plurality of vertically arranged chambers. A plurality of piezoelectric transducers is distributed over the chambers in a one-to-one correspondence. At least one electrical conductor is electrically connected to each piezoelectric transducer in the plurality of piezoelectric transducers to enable each piezoelectric sensor to receive an electrical signal to a portion of a wall of the chamber to produce an acoustical wave in the chamber and to transmit an electrical signal from each piezoelectric transducer in response to a fluctuating pressure on each piezoelectric transducer produced by the acoustical wave in the chamber.
US09694573B2

A material deposition technique is disclosed for transferring material to a substrate. The material may be a foil on a carrier and the substrate may be printable paper. A computer-controlled, material application subsystem is provided having a material roller assembly including one or more material pressing rollers. The entire assembly is configured for controlled rotation such that the material pressing rollers alternately engage and disengage an impression cylinder. In a first rotatable position, the material roller assembly is rotated so that one of the material deposition rollers over which the material carrier is fed engages the impression cylinder and deposits the material onto the substrate as it passes beneath the roller. In a second rotatable position, the material roller assembly is rotated so as to disengage the material roller from the impression cylinder thereby precluding deposition of material onto the substrate as it passes beneath the roller.
US09694572B2

Provided is a device of bonding substrates together, which includes a first holding unit configured to vacuum-draw a first substrate and to adsorptively hold the first substrate on a lower surface thereof and a second holding unit installed below the first holding unit and configured to vacuum-draw a second substrate and to adsorptively hold the second substrate on an upper surface thereof. The second holding unit includes: a body portion configured to vacuum-draw the entire surface of the second substrate; a plurality of pins installed on the body portion and configured to make contact with a rear surface of the second substrate; and a support portion installed on the body portion at the outer side of the pins, the support portion having a reduced contact area over which the support portion makes contact with an outer peripheral portion of the second substrate.
US09694569B2

A polyimide metal laminated plate has a first metallic film, a first thermoplastic polyimide film laminated on a surface of the first metallic film, a first thermosetting polyimide film laminated on a surface of the first thermoplastic polyimide film distal from the first metallic film, and a second thermoplastic polyimide film laminated on a surface of the first thermosetting polyimide film distal from the first thermoplastic polyimide film. The polyimide metal laminated plate has no adhesive layer, so the polyimide metal laminated plate not only has good heat resistance, flame resistance, anti-chemical properties, and dimensional stability, but also meets the thinning tendency of FPCB. In addition, by the first thermosetting polyimide film and the second thermoplastic polyimide film having a water vapor transmission rate equal to or more than 170 g-μm/m2-day, the delamination and whitening of the polyimide metal laminated plate is prevented.
US09694567B2

A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus with an increased adhesive strength between a component having an adhesion fixing face and a bracket is provided by appropriately controlling the adhesion gap. Materials for a bracket and a housing are selected so that the value obtained by dividing the linear expansion coefficient of the housing fixed to the inner periphery of the bracket by the linear expansion coefficient of the bracket having a portion for mounting a stator coil of a motor is not lower than 0.5 but not higher than 2.0. An adhesion fixing face formed on the outer periphery of the housing is adhesively fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the bracket with an anaerobic adhesive or an epoxy-based adhesive.
US09694560B2

There is provided a multi-layer adhesive for reducing squeeze out. The multi-layer adhesive comprises a first adhesive layer having a first adhesive property and a second adhesive layer having a second adhesive property. The second adhesive property is different from the first adhesive property. The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer form a film adhesive. In another embodiment, there is provided a structure comprising a first component and a second component bonded with the multi-layer adhesive.
US09694556B2

Disclosed is a fibrous web having a first region and at least one discrete integral second region, the second region having at least one portion being a discontinuity exhibiting a linear orientation and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least another portion being a deformation having a plurality of tufted fibers integral with but extending from the first region.
US09694554B2

An apparatus, a system and method to crumple paper from a dispenser that stores the paper on a paper roll wound around an airshaft. The paper roll sits within a dispenser, and the paper roll contacts a shelf section inside the dispenser. The paper is dispensed from the paper roll through a crumpler on the shelf section. Crumpling paper occurs by contacting a protrusion on the crumpler against the paper to crumple the paper as the paper passes through the crumpler.
US09694546B2

A method is provided to compensate for misplacement of tows by a fiber placement machine automatically controlled by programmed instructions. The method includes laying down a test layup of fiber tows using the machine; scanning the test layup to determine the position of the test layup relative to reference standards; determining misplacements in the position of the test layup; and, modifying the programmed instructions to compensate for the misplacements.
US09694542B2

A method for molding a three-dimensional object, includes building up layers formed of bonded powder to form a three-dimensional object; and forming a support below the three-dimensional object. The method is performed by a three-dimensional object molding apparatus that includes a powder lamination molding apparatus to form a three-dimensional object by building up layers formed of bonded powder; and a molding data generator to generate data for each layer of the three-dimensional object that the powder lamination molding apparatus laminates, in which a support is formed below the three-dimensional object.
US09694537B2

A bonding method includes ultrasonically welding a protruding portion extending on a surface of a first substrate member to a surface of a second substrate member by applying ultrasonic vibration to the first substrate member. A protruding stopper portion for stopping welding is provided on the surface of the first substrate member formed with the protruding portion, or on the surface of the second substrate member to come in contact with the protruding portion in a pressed state, to be disposed around the protruding portion in the pressed state. The ultrasonically welding includes a first process for applying ultrasonic vibration at amplitude as a first value to the first substrate member, and a second process for applying ultrasonic vibration to the first substrate member at amplitude as a second value lower than the first value after the first process.
US09694533B2

The containers are thermoformed at a thermoforming station from blanks cut out from a sheet of thermoplastic material. Before thermoforming the containers, at least some blank zones in the sheet are heated, the hot blanks are cut out from the heated zones and the hot blanks are conveyed to the thermoforming station.
US09694532B2

A bottle for dispensing fluids into a capless filler system, the bottle configured with an elongated smooth neck designed for insertion into a capless filler opening to actuate and displace one or more flapper seals when emptying the fluid into the capless filler. The bottle is sealed with a cap with a first set of screw threads that engages the neck at a top portion with a second set of screw threads on an interior surface of the top portion of the neck. The cap can be a child proof cap. The bottle can be made of plastic that is clear or opaque.
US09694529B2

Disclosed therein are an extrusion die for synthetic wood which can provide a natural wood pattern similar with real wood by forming various wood patterns on the surface of synthetic wood manufactured through extrusion molding, manufacturing apparatus and method using the same, and synthetic wood manufactured by the same. The extrusion die includes: a pair of molds respectively having rectangular extrusion holes for allowing extrudates forming an inner layer to pass through the extrusion holes; and surface layer forming parts having flow paths which are oppositely formed on contact faces of the molds in such a way as to keep a predetermined gap and formed in a top and bottom asymmetrical manner for injecting other extrudates supplied, the surface layer forming parts serving to form a surface layer having different wood patterns on the outer circumference of the inner layer. The present invention can realize the natural wood pattern similar with real wood by forming various wood patterns on the surface of the synthetic wood by the extrusion die having an asymmetric flow path therein.
US09694527B2

An injection molding machine that uses a mold and a native controller to operate according to an original mold cycle to mold plastic objects is retrofitted with a retrofit controller; the retrofitted machine uses the mold and the retrofit controller to operate according to a retrofit mold cycle to mold plastic objects. When molding according to the retrofit mold cycle, the injection molding machine can obtain a faster cycle time.
US09694525B2

An edge-gated injection molding apparatus is disclosed having an injection manifold assembly for distributing a melt stream of moldable material to a plurality of mold cavities aligned on opposing sides of the injection manifold assembly. The injection manifold assembly includes a plurality of melt outlets with each melt outlet being in fluid communication with a respective mold cavity, and a plurality of biasing components disposed along a centerline of the injection manifold assembly. A nozzle seal is disposed between each injection manifold assembly melt outlet and its corresponding mold cavity, with an upstream end of the nozzle seal being slidably disposed against its respective melt outlet. Each biasing component is disposed between a pair of melt outlets and corresponding nozzle seals for biasing the melt outlets and nozzle seals outward from the centerline of the injection manifold assembly toward their respective mold cavities and applying a preload thereto.
US09694520B2

A method of manufacturing a portion of a portable electronic device includes forming a fibrous laminate sheet to provide a laminate body, and connecting a rim with the body. The rim includes a connector for coupling with a complementary part.
US09694519B2

A method for producing multi-layered elastomeric film or article, the method comprising: (i) dipping a mould into a composition for producing an elastomeric film having a total solids content of between 5%-40% to produce a layer of elastomeric film composition on the mould, (ii) partially drying the layer of elastomeric film composition on the mould to reduce the total water content of the elastomeric film composition to a level of not less than 22%, (iii) dipping the mould coated with the partially dried layer of elastomeric film composition into a composition for producing an elastomeric film having a total solids content of between 5%-40% to produce a further layer of elastomeric film composition on the mould, (iv) optionally repeating the partial drying step (ii) and the further dipping step (iii), and (v) drying and curing the layers of elastomeric film composition on the mould.
US09694516B2

The invention relates to a fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 for sewing together reinforcing fibers, in particular to form a fiber preform, for the production of a fiber-reinforced composite component by means of impregnation with a curable polymer material.According to the invention, the fixing thread 1, 5, 10, 16 has an interface 4, 9, 15, 19 for locally increasing the ductility of a matrix formed by the curable polymer material and has at least one core thread 2, 6, 11, 12, 17, so as in particular to reduce the tendency for microcracks to form in the matrix of the finished composite component in the regions where the fixing threads 1, 5, 10, 16 penetrate.The interface 4 may be formed, for example, by an enclosure of the core thread 1 by a thermoplastic polymer material, for example by polyethylene, polypropylene or the like.
US09694509B2

A staple-refill 11 is provided with: a casing 12 in which a plurality of sheet-type connected staples 10 are stacked; a staple inserting port 14; a staple discharge port 16; a cover member 15 which covers the sheet-type connected staples 10 in the casing 12 from a side of the staple inserting port 14; and a notch portion 18 formed in the casing 12 and extending from an edge of the staple inserting port 14 in an insertion direction.
US09694492B2

A device for picking up objects comprising a magnetic head and handle, wherein a movable component is set between the magnetic head and the handle; a lens is movably set on the magnetic head; the lens comprises a front cover and a rear cover; two lamps and a magnetic block are set on the magnetic head, one of the lamps is fixed on the front of the magnetic head by a rotating shaft.
US09694486B2

A hand held hammer includes a handle incorporating a series of outwardly extending pegs providing gripping power between the user's hands and the handle. In some embodiments, the pegs are spaced far enough part to make it overly painful to swing the hammer bare handed. In some embodiments, the cumulative surface area of the pegs occupy less than 8% of the surface area of the handle. The pegs may be embedded in a plastic handle, captivated to the exterior of a conventional handle or may comprise an integral part of a plastic handle.
US09694483B2

In one illustrative embodiment, an adapter for transferring electrical signals to a pneumatic tool may comprise a housing having a tool interface and a charger interface, the tool interface shaped to receive a portion of the pneumatic tool, the charger interface shaped to be received by a charger unit that is configured for charging a battery of an electric tool, a tool connector disposed at the tool interface and configured to be removably coupled to electronics of the pneumatic tool, a charger connector disposed at the charger interface and configured to be removably coupled to electronics of the charger unit, and an adapter circuit disposed within the housing and coupled to both the tool connector and the charger connector, wherein the adapter circuit is configured to receive a first power signal via the charger connector and to supply a second power signal via the tool connector.
US09694480B2

The present invention is a nut-driving apparatus and method that comprises a shank with an embedded magnet mounted at the end and a spring-loaded socket mounted above the magnet, which when pulled, separates the socket from the magnet, releasing any attracted metal shavings to allow for easy cleaning.
US09694479B2

A socket wrench contains: a body including a first face, a second face, and an accommodating cavity having a stop ring arranged on the first face. A ratchet holder is accommodated in the accommodating cavity and has a polygonal groove, a first peripheral segment, a second peripheral segment, and a toothed portion. The first peripheral segment is inserted through the stop ring, the toothed portion engages with a ratchet driving device beside the accommodating cavity, and the second peripheral segment is inserted into the second face and has an elastic element fitted thereon. A clamping device includes a guiding portion having a small-diameter contacting section and a large-diameter retracting section. The small-diameter contacting section is located adjacent to the first face, and the first peripheral segment has at least one locking member moving in the polygonal groove along the small-diameter contacting section and the large-diameter retracting section.
US09694472B2

A tool holder, particularly a hand-held power tool holder, is provided for an oscillating and/or rotational drive of at least one insertion tool. The tool holder includes at least one holder-side fastening element that is provided at least substantially for a coupling with the at least one insertion tool. The tool holder also includes at least one bearing unit provided for movably mounting the at least one holder-side fastening element in a movement at least partially deviating from an axial direction. The movement at least partially deviating from the axial direction of the at least one fastening element is provided at least substantially for creating a fastening force in the axial direction.
US09694468B2

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.
US09694466B2

A method for lens processing includes the steps of: holding an optical member as a processing target such that an optical axis of the optical member is orthogonal to a central axis of a ring-shaped grinding tool; and grinding the optical member by causing the optical member to abut on an end face of the grinding tool while rotating at least the grinding tool around the central axis. The grinding of the optical member includes causing at least one of the optical member and the grinding tool to move relatively to the other along the optical axis while rotating only the grinding tool to grind a part of an outer periphery of the optical member in a planar shape.
US09694462B2

The present disclosure relates to a grinding machine. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a centerless grinding machine comprising a damping device. The present disclosure also relates to a spindle for a grinding machine, and to a damping device for a spindle of a grinding machine, particularly for a grinding spindle or regulator spindle of a centerless grinding machine, wherein the damping device comprises at least one damping unit including an auxiliary mass section, an elastic section and a damping section, which are integrated in the spindle, and which jointly define a damped vibratory system for increasing the dynamic stiffness of the spindle.
US09694461B2

A transfer center for machining at least one workpiece is disclosed, having a machine frame, having a plurality of preferably stationary machining spindles arranged in the machine frame—particularly in a machining head, having a workpiece carrier on which at least one workpiece to be machined is arranged by means of a respective clamping device, and having a workpiece manipulator arranged in the machine frame, onto which workpiece manipulator the workpiece carrier is flange-mounted and which is movable by drive means in at least one spatial direction in relation to the machine frame. To achieve a high machining accuracy in parallel machining, according to one proposal, the transfer center—in order to compensate for a deviation between the actual position and the desired position of the workpiece or workpieces—has a position compensation system with at least two pressure elements situated between the workpiece or workpieces and the machine frame, whose operating directions enclose an angle with each other.
US09694460B2

When measuring the dimensions of a tool having a cutting portion at an edge of a planar portion, first a plurality of points are measured on the planar portion using a measuring probe, then a planar formula for a measurement plane containing the planar portion is determined from these measured values. Next, the measuring probe is moved along the measurement plane expressed by the planar formula from the exterior of the cutting portion toward the cutting portion until the measuring probe contacts the cutting portion. The position of the cutting portion is determined based on the position of the measuring probe when the measuring probe comes into contact with the cutting portion.
US09694442B2

An apparatus for forming electrical solder connections in a disk drive unit includes: a nozzle device for carrying out soldering on two pre-welding surfaces; a solder ball feeding device for transferring a single solder ball to the nozzle device; a gas pump device for supplying pressurized gases to the nozzle device; a laser device for emitting laser beams to the solder ball; and a control device including at least one sensor for at least detecting status of the solder ball or pressure in the nozzle device or distance between the nozzle device and the pre-welding surfaces, and a control unit connected with the at least one sensor. The present invention can easily control the solder ball, the pressurized gases and the laser beams, thereby keeping the pressure of the nozzle device and the laser energy stable and, in turn improving the soldering result.
US09694439B2

A bearing component part for use in a diffusion welding process, comprising a core part presenting a first circumferential surface, at least one annular part presenting a second circumferential surface, wherein the core part and the annular part are attached to and along each other in a circumferential manner through their first circumferential surface and second circumferential surface. The at least one annular part is substantially u-shaped in a cross sectional view, comprising two opposing sides connected by a base side together forming a space. The at least one annular part is arranged to receive a first material in the space formed by the u-shape.
US09694438B2

A method of manufacturing a hollow component, such as a fan blade for a gas turbine engine, includes the steps of: (a) providing first and second panels and a membrane; (b) providing a stop-off material on at least one of the first and second panels and the membrane to define regions where no diffusion bonding is to take place; (c) assembling the panels and the membrane together so the membrane is between the panels; (d) diffusion bonding the panels and the membrane together. The method is such that when assembled in step (c) the membrane does not extend to at least one edge of the first and second panels, so that in that region the first and second panels are diffusion bonded directly to each other.
US09694426B2

There is provided a cutting tool having high wear resistance and fracture resistance by reducing the occurrence of thermal cracking on a cutting edge even during a cutting process of a heat-resistant alloy in which the cutting edge reaches high temperatures. The cutting tool is made from a cemented carbide that is composed mainly of a WC phase and contains 11.5-12.5% by mass of Co and 0.2-0.6% by mass of Cr in terms of Cr3C2. The WC phase has a mean particle size of 0.85-1.05 μm, an antimagnetic force (Hc) of 13.0-16.0 kA/m, and a Rockwell hardness (HRA) of 89.5-90.5.
US09694422B2

In one embodiment, a method is provided for fabrication of a semitransparent conductive mesh. A first solution having conductive nanowires suspended therein and a second solution having nanoparticles suspended therein are sprayed toward a substrate, the spraying forming a mist. The mist is processed, while on the substrate, to provide a semitransparent conductive material in the form of a mesh having the conductive nanowires and nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are configured and arranged to direct light passing through the mesh. Connections between the nanowires provide conductivity through the mesh.
US09694418B2

An up-drawing continuous casting apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an up-drawing continuous casting apparatus including a molten metal holding furnace (101) configured to hold molten metal (M1) therein, and a shape determining member (102) placed on a molten metal surface of the molten metal (M1) and configured to determine a sectional shape of a casting (M3) to be casted when retained molten metal (M2) led out from the molten metal surface passes through the shape determining member (102). The shape determining member (102) includes inner shape determining plates (1041, 1042) connectable to each other, and an inner shape determining plate (1043) serving as a connecting member configured to connect the inner shape determining plates (1041, 1042) to each other.
US09694415B2

A method for manufacturing a mechanical part by hot stamping, and a mold and a system thereof. The method includes: heating a steel plate blank at a predetermined heating temperature; and placing the steel plate blank into a mold of the mechanical part, and stamping the steel plate blank to form wrinkles at a rounded corner of the mold and form the mechanical part in the mold: wherein, the mold of the mechanical part includes a female mold and a male mold, a stamping gap configured to accommodate the steel plate blank is provided between the female mold and the male mold, and a width of the stamping gap at the rounded corner of the mold is larger than a thickness of the wrinkles.
US09694412B2

The present invention provides a servo press system and a drawing method using the servo press system. The drawing method according to the aspect of the present invention includes: a stopping step of stopping the slide for a first period in a course of a stroke for performing drawing; a keeping step of reducing the die cushion force to below a predetermined die cushion force and keeping the die cushion force for a second period within the first period for which the slide is stopped; and a restarting step of restarting the slide after keeping the die cushion force for the second period, wherein drawing including the stopping step, the keeping step, and the restarting step is performed at least one time in the course of the stroke for performing drawing.
US09694394B2

A ultrasonic cleanser includes: a housing; a ultrasonic sprayer, configured inside the housing; a ultrasonically vibrational scraper, coupled to the housing and extended out of the housing partly; a main circuit board, configured inside the housing, an output end of the main circuit board being in connection with the ultrasonic sprayer and ultrasonically vibrational scraper, and providing high frequency vibration signals; a button, configured on the housing and in electric connection with the main circuit board; and a power source, configured inside the housing, in electric connection with the main circuit board and providing power needed for the action of the main circuit board. The structure mention above combines two kinds of face cleansing manners; users may clean their faces with spray or scrape dirt on their faces by means of the physical approach with a scraper, thereby achieving a function combination and good clean effect.
US09694393B2

Disclosed are various embodiments for a singulator that has a port for diverting items. An item is received on at least one conveyor segment of a singulator. The item is transported using at least one conveyor segment to a side wall of the singulator. The item is transported using at least one conveyor segment through a port in the side wall of the singulator.
US09694388B2

A process of fabricating the waterproof coating may include selecting a substrate, utilizing a sol-gel comprising a silane or silane derivative and metal oxide precursor to coat the substrate, and optionally coating the substrate with a hydrophobic chemical agent and/or other chemical agents to create a surface with nanoscopic or microscopic features. The process may utilize an all solution process or controlled environment for fabricating self-cleaning and waterproof coating that prevent wetting or staining of a substrate, or may utilize a controlled environment.
US09694385B2

Manufacturing a multilayer tubular fibrous reinforced food casing having a tubular fibrous web located between an inside viscose regenerated cellulose layer and an outside viscose regenerated cellulose layer includes injecting a peeling agent in an outside viscose stream, injecting an adhesion promoter in an inside viscose stream, and impregnating the tubular fibrous web with viscose by applying the inside viscose stream to an inside surface of the fibrous web and applying the outside viscose stream to an outside surface of the fibrous web.
US09694382B2

A manufacturing apparatus of a coating film product rolls a mixture coating material by a first roll and transfers the mixture coating material to a coated object in motion to thereby manufacture the coating film product. An arithmetic average roughness Ra on a roll surface of the first roll is higher than a value 0.05 times of a particle size “d10” in which an integrated distribution of particle sizes of particles included in the mixture coating material is 10% and lower than a value 20 times a particle size “d90” in which an integrated distribution is 90%.
US09694373B2

A water atomization device for water evaporation and/or dust control. The device includes: a generally longitudinally hollow housing; a fan; a motor; and a hollow manifold. The housing extends between an inlet end and an outlet end, with the inlet end defining a first air inlet to an interior of the housing. The fan is within the housing, between the inlet end and the outlet end. The motor drives the fan. The manifold is shaped to generally correspond to that of the outlet end and has a plurality of water injector nozzles directed substantially inwardly and away from the outlet end. A distal edge of the outlet end is longitudinally spaced apart from a proximal edge of the manifold to define a second air entrainment inlet to an interior of the manifold.
US09694372B2

A system for coating a non-rotating pipe work piece including: valves, flow lines, and a mixing block for receiving a first and a second component material each delivered at a pressure, flow measurement devices to measure the flows of the components, a static mixer in fluid communication with the mixing block for receiving the combined components, a C-shaped plate member arranged around the work piece, a drive mechanism to oscillate a partial rotation of the C-shaped member about the work piece with the rate of oscillations controlled by a logic controller, at least two spray guns disposed on the C-shaped member to spray towards the outside surface of the work piece, a drive mechanism to traverse the at least two spray guns longitudinally with the rate of traverse controlled by a logic controller; and the logic controller(s) programmed to control based on a number of input and measured parameters.
US09694370B1

An economical shower conversion arrangement for enabling physically challenged persons to shower while seated without assistance embodying a showerhead mount including a pivotable control arm or handle connected to the showerhead assembly which arm is securable in multiple use positions so as to be easily reached and operated by a person seated in a shower chair to adjust the direction of water flow from the showerhead by application of a manual force upon the arm, which arm may be pivoted into a non-use position that does not obstruct use of the shower by non-disabled or standing persons, and including an adjustable balance support to aid in controlling the handle assembly while reducing the amount of stress on the pipe connections and fittings.
US09694368B2

The present invention relates to a magnetic reagent, a magnetic reagent kit, a method for treating magnetic carriers, and a treatment device therefor, with an object of quickly and efficiently treating magnetic carriers of a micro particle diameter including nanosized magnetic carriers.The magnetic reagent or magnetic reagent kit includes: a plurality of magnetic carriers which can be magnetized by being exposed to a magnetic field, can be bonded to a predetermined chemical substance or living organism in a liquid, and that have a particle diameter that enables them to be suspended in the liquid; and a plurality of treatment promoting magnetic particles which can be magnetized by being exposed to a magnetic field and thus can have the magnetic carriers adsorbed on the surface thereof, are formed so that they can be moved within the liquid by movement of the liquid or by a magnetic field, and promote a treatment for capturing or re-suspension of the magnetic carriers.
US09694363B2

A mineral material processing plant includes a frame, and a crusher and a screen which are supported on the frame, and a conveyor which is, in an operation position, arranged to discharge material which is fed into the plant to said crusher or screen. The conveyor includes separate first conveyor and second conveyor which are connectable successively to a transport connection, and the first conveyor is arranged to be moved to a transport position mainly to a first side of the crusher, and the second conveyor is fixed above the screen to be moved with the screen to the transport position mainly to a second side of the crusher. A method for operating a processing plant is also disclosed.
US09694343B2

A process for producing a cellulose based sorbent material for the removal of water soluble contaminants from water and other aqueous solutions comprising reacting one or more biomass based cellulose containing raw materials with dilute phosphoric acid where the reaction mixture containing said cellulose containing materials is heated to a reaction temperature and after completion of the reaction time, separation of the dilute phosphoric acid solution from the remaining insoluble raw material, neutralization of the solution by means of a suitable neutralizing agent resulting in precipitation of the modified cellulose, and then separating, washing and removing excess water from the resultant precipitate.
US09694339B2

A chemical synthesis device that can easily control the temperature of a fluid in a channel is provided. An embodiment of a chemical synthesis device according to the invention includes a substrate provided with a first channel in which a plurality of fluids are subjected to a chemical synthesis and a second channel for controlling a temperature of the fluids flowing through the first channel.
US09694336B2

A method for controlling the temperature in a polymerization reactor equipped with a cycle gas line for withdrawing reactor gas from the reactor, leading the reactor gas through a heat-exchanger, which is cooled by a cooling medium, which is conveyed in a cooling system through the heat-exchanger, and feeding the reactor gas back to the reactor by adjusting the temperature of the cooling medium entering the heat exchanger, wherein the temperature of the cooling medium entering the heat exchanger is controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the cooling medium in a part of the cooling system by a flow control system comprising two continuously operating flow control devices of different size, which are connected in parallel, a process for polymerizing olefins and a process for controlling the flow rate of a fluid medium.
US09694333B2

Described herein is a process for recovering a branched, ether-containing fluorinated emulsifier from an anion exchange resin by (1) contacting the anion exchange resin with a recovery fluid to form an eluate, the recovery fluid comprising an ammonium salt, water, and a water-miscible solvent, wherein the fluorinated emulsifier is of the formula: [Rf-(0-R′f)n-0-CF(CF3)-C(0)0-]i M+1; and (2) separating the anion exchange resin from the eluate.
US09694332B2

A discharge gate for a gypsum slurry mixer is provided, and includes a gate adapter having an inlet opening configured for receiving the slurry, and an outlet opening configured for delivering the slurry to a dispensing device. The gate adapter has two different transitioning cross-sectional geometries at opposite ends. Specifically, the gate adapter includes an inlet section having a quadrilateral inlet opening; an outlet section having a substantially circular outlet opening; and a transition section sandwiched between the inlet and outlet sections.
US09694328B2

A beverage package includes a bottle including a base, a sidewall extending from the base, a shoulder extending from the sidewall, and a neck extending from the shoulder and including an interior, an interior surface, and a mouth having an end surface. The beverage package also includes an aerator separate from the bottle, extending across the interior of the bottle neck, and disposed entirely within the interior of the neck and spaced axially from the end surface of the bottle neck, and including an inlet end, an outlet end axially spaced from the inlet end, an outer wall in contact with the interior surface of the bottle neck, and a baffle disposed radially inwardly of the outer wall and axially between the inlet and outlet ends.
US09694326B2

This composite hollow fiber membrane comprises a gas-permeable non-porous homogeneous layer which has a polyolefin resin (A) as the main component and a porous support layer which is made of a polyolefin resin (B) and which supports said non-porous homogeneous layer, and the composite hollow fiber membrane is characterized in that the polyolefin resin (A) of non-porous homogeneous layer is a block copolymer of ethylene units and at least one type of olefin unit selected from α-olefin units having a carbon number of 3-20. By this means, a gas-permeable composite hollow fiber membrane is provided which has good gas permeability, reduces the impact of condensate on the performance of a gas dissolving module, and has excellent elution properties.
US09694322B2

The present invention is directed to a method of mitigating noxious exhaust pollutants in a system comprising an oxidation catalyst monolith in front of a NOx depletion device. In particular, the method of the invention proposes to use hexagonal cell geometry of the oxidation catalyst monolith in order to increase its oxidative power.
US09694307B2

The present invention relates to a filter assembly comprising at least one media pack arranged in a frame structure in which the at least one media packs is pleated and having opposing first and second open ends, and a corresponding method for manufacturing such a filter assembly for removing particles from an air stream. The method for manufacturing a filter assembly for removing particles from an air stream said comprises for each media pack sealing the first and second open ends in a first molding step, thereby providing a sealed first edge and a sealed second edge of each respective media pack, and subsequently arranging the at least one media pack in the frame structure and in a second molding step securing and sealing the sealed first edge and the sealed second edge, respectively, to at least one frame element of the frame structure.
US09694302B2

The present invention provides a chromatographic separation process for recovering a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) product from a feed mixture, which comprises: (a) purifying the feed mixture in a first chromatographic separation step using an eluent a mixture of water and a first organic solvent, to obtain an intermediate product; and (b) purifying the intermediate product in a second chromatographic separation step using as eluent a mixture of water and a second organic solvent, to obtain the PUFA product, wherein the second organic solvent is different from the first organic solvent and has a polarity index which differs from the polarity index of the first organic solvent by between 0.1 and 2.0, wherein the PUFA product is other than alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, an ALA mono- di- or triglyceride, a GLA mono- di- or triglyceride, a linoleic acid mono- di- or triglyceride, an ALA C1-C4 alkyl ester, a GLA C1-C4 alkyl ester or a linoleic acid C1-C4 alkyl ester or a mixture thereof.
US09694299B1

A bubble blowing assembly for blowing bubbles with manually pumped air includes a tubular housing that may be gripped by a user. A pump is operationally coupled to the tubular housing. The pump urges air into the tubular housing. A primary reservoir is operationally coupled to the tubular housing. The primary reservoir may contain a fluid. A nozzle is operationally coupled to the tubular housing. A fluid hose is operationally coupled between the tubular housing and the primary reservoir. The fluid hose selectively directs the fluid into the nozzle. A first air hose is operationally coupled between the tubular housing and the nozzle. The first air hose directs the pumped air into the nozzle. The nozzle generates the bubbles when the user pumps the pump. A secondary reservoir is coupled to the tubular housing. The secondary reservoir collects excess fluid from the nozzle.
US09694291B2

A system and method for interactive game support may be provided. A player may have a mobile device configured to run a game support application. The game support application may maintain game and player attributes and monitor interactions with game devices. In some embodiments, a command-control center server may be communicatively coupled with the at least one mobile device or game device so as to facilitate game management.
US09694277B2

Embodiments of the present invention split game processing and rendering between a client and a game server. A rendered video game image is received from a game server and combined with a rendered image generated by the game client to form a single video game image that is presented to a user. Control input is received by a client device and then communicated to a game server, potentially with some preprocessing, and is also consumed locally on the client, at least in part. An embodiment of the present invention processes and renders some or all of a character's interactions with game objects on the client device associated with the character. A character is associated with a client device when control input associated with the character is received from a user of the client device.
US09694274B2

The present invention is a card matching electronic board game with the object each individual player matching cards. Each player gets passed cards and can either accept or pass the card which must then be swiped in the player's station card swipe and then passes the card. If a player is too slow swiping light and sounds are activated at the player's station. A player who has the number of matching cards can then press a lighted press button. The electronic game board controller determines the number and location of active lighted press buttons needed, usually one less than the number of active players. The last player attempting to press a lit press button is the looser of the session with a predetermined number of losses decide when a player is out of the game. The last person not out of the game is determined the winner of the game.
US09694266B2

A sports training device includes a target having a mounting arm and an attachment. The mounting arm includes a set of front holes and a set of back holes. The hole sets are separated by at least a quarter of the circumference of an in situ support. The attachment includes a strap, hook, and tab. The first and the second ends of a strap are threaded through the front hole set thus forming a loop and then threaded through the back hole set. The strap ends are threaded through the holes on the tab. A hook is positioned on the loop. The tab includes a hole for the hook and two pair of tab holes for the strap. The first end is threaded through the first pair of tab holes while the second end is threaded through the second pair of tab holes.
US09694264B2

Golf bag, comprising a front panel and a back panel having therebetween a bundle of shaft receptacles for therein receiving a golf club by the shaft thereof. Front and back panel are pivotably connected with each other at a bottom of the golf bag, and are adjustable relative to each other between a collapsed, substantially flat position in which front and back panel run substantially along each other, and a folded-out, substantially wedge-shaped position in which front and back panel diverge and in which between their free ends a presentation surface is located. The shaft receptacles terminate in the presentation surface and with mutual spacing are grouped in rows which nm along each other with an intermediate distance, so that golf clubs whose shaft is received in a shaft receptacle have their heads positioned on the presentation surface in rows spaced apart with an intermediate distance.
US09694262B1

A putter comprising an adjustable hosel structure is disclosed herein. In particular, the putter comprises a hosel assembly comprising a shaft receiver and two interlocked bars that connect the shaft receiver to the putter head. A plurality of bolts connect the bars to the shaft receiver and the putter head, and these points of connection are joints about which the bars move, and which can be restrained to immobilize the hosel assembly or otherwise reversibly fix it in place so that a longitudinal shaft axis is aligned with a desired portion of the putter head. The hosel assembly preferably is adjustable along a horizontal, heel-to-toe axis, and is partially disposed, and secured, within a pocket on the heel side of the putter head.
US09694261B2

A golf club head comprising features for adjusting the location of the center of gravity along all three axes is disclosed herein. In particular, the head comprises a body with a channel in its sole, at least one slidable receptacle sized to engage the channel, and a slidable weight. The channel preferably comprises a first floor and a pair of rails, while the slidable receptacle comprises a first base portion, a first bolt, and a first upper portion with a slot having a second floor and another pair of rails. The first upper and base portions grip the channel's rails when the first bolt is tightened. Similarly, the slidable weight comprises a second upper portion, a second base portion, and a second bolt, and the second upper and base portions grip the slot's rails when the second bolt is tightened.
US09694260B1

A putter head having variable face thickness or multiple materials and adjustable weighting features is disclosed herein. The variable face thickness may comprise a plurality of geometric shapes on the striking face surface with spacing between them that decreases in a top to bottom direction, or the face may include a plurality of angled carbon rods. The putter also includes an adjustable weight cartridge that can pivot in a toe-heel direction.
US09694257B1

A golf club head having multiple structural columns is disclosed herein. A body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown or return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the structural columns extends from the crown or return section to the sole section within the hollow interior to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The structural columns are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior.
US09694253B2

A golf club head, comprising a striking surface having an outer cover layer comprising a polyurethane or polyurea having a material Shore D hardness of 40 to 70, a layer thickness of 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and a flexural modulus of 5 to 110 kpsi.
US09694252B2

A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.
US09694249B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of manufacturing a golf ball comprising forming a spherical core having less-variable compression deformation amount and stabilized properties. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a golf ball, comprising the steps of: blending (a) a base rubber, (b) an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, (d) a carboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof having a number-average particle size ranging from 15 μm to 60 μm, and (e) where necessary a metal compound to prepare a core rubber composition; molding the core rubber composition into a spherical core under specific conditions; and forming at least one cover layer on the spherical core.
US09694236B2

A transformable exercise device used both for stability and strength training is disclosed. Embodiments include a main portion comprising a sphere that may be used wholly in the manner of a medicine ball, kettlebell, rolling device, or separated into two hemisphere elements and used for various exercises including push-ups, standing balance, agility training, and weight training. The two hemisphere elements may be easily and securely locked together with a U-shaped locking mechanism that, when actuated, is congruent with the surface of the sphere to create a medicine ball configuration. The locking mechanism may be modified with various handle attachments, or removed and replaced with separate components added externally to the device providing various hand or foot placements, or alter the nature of the exercise equipment. The device may be used in conjunction with current technology to provide visual and auditory feedback on user's balance or repetitions while performing exercises.
US09694224B1

An exercise device includes a first tubular frame having a flexible fabric attached thereon, a second tubular frame having a rigid board mounted thereon, and at least three elongate support members disposed between and separate the first tubular frame and the second tubular frame. Each of the elongate members includes a first end fixedly mounted on the first tubular frame and a second end fixedly mounted on the second tubular frame, such that a first cross plane of the first tubular frame is substantially parallel to a second cross plane of the second tubular frame. When the second tubular frame is placed on a substantially flat surface, the exercise device can be used as a jumping exercise device. When the first tubular frame is placed on the substantially flat surface, the exercise device can be used as a stepping exercise device.
US09694219B2

The inventive concept is a safety device, which is an emergency safety system constructed so as to be clamped to a climbing tree stand typically used by an outdoorsman, particularly a hunter. The objective of the device is to safely expedite the vertical positioning of a tree mounting strap during ascent and/or descent of a tree. This is accomplished by means of symmetrical left and right assemblages of rigid mounting arms, brackets, and retention clasps which, when combined, hold a the tree mounting strap loosely around the circumference of a tree trunk. Should the climber experience an imminent fall from the tree, the arms of the safety device will cause the un-tensioned tree mounting strap (to which the hunter's body safety harness is attached) to collapse against the tree trunk. This tightening action will arrest the fall immediately and prevent serious injury.
US09694216B2

A face mask includes an electrostatically-precipitating filter configured to be removably coupled to a face of a user, a controller operatively coupled to the electrostatically-precipitating filter, and a fastening member configured to removably couple the electrostatically-precipitating filter to the face of the user. The controller is configured to selectively control operation of the electrostatically-precipitating filter in response to an input received by the controller.
US09694210B2

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose radiation therapy system. The radiation therapy system comprises a base, a treatment couch, a rotatable gantry, and at least two radiotherapeutic apparatuses. The treatment couch and the rotatable gantry are arranged on the base. The at least two radiotherapeutic apparatuses include at least one focused radiotherapeutic unit with multi-source and at least one intensity modulated radiotherapeutic unit, and are together installed on the rotatable gantry movably.
US09694209B2

A particle beam transport section comprises a horizontal deflection electromagnet which deflects a particle beam to a direction which is parallel to an accelerator median plane of a circular accelerator, a first perpendicular electromagnet which deflects a particle beam whose travelling direction is deflected by the horizontal deflection electromagnet to a direction which is different from a direction which is parallel to the accelerator median and a second perpendicular electromagnet which deflects the particle beam whose travelling direction is deflected by the first perpendicular deflection to a direction which is parallel to the accelerator median plane, wherein the horizontal deflection electromagnet is provided on a floor which is different from a floor where a particle beam irradiation unit is provided.
US09694201B2

A method of radio-ablation in conjunction with embolic implants used for pre-embolization of branch arteries in radio-ablation of the liver or other diseased tissue.
US09694196B2

An apparatus and method are utilized to transiently implement diamagnetic behavior in both permanently and transiently magnetized particles.
US09694194B2

Systems and methods for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin. The system includes: a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator that emits electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin; and a deep tissue diathermy device that applies heat to the region of the patient's skin up to temperature T. The system simultaneously applies the heat and the PEMF to the region of a patient's skin.
US09694193B2

The present invention relates to a device for treating biological cells in an object, the device comprising: —a single winding coil element; —an electrical generator connected to the single winding coil element, the single winding being configured to be positioned essentially around the object; wherein the electrical generator is configured to discharge into the single winding coil element so that the single winding coil element generates a short duration pulsed electromagnetic field by magnetic induction in the single winding coil element, the electromagnetic field having a field strength that is sufficiently high to affect, preferably increase the permeability of cell membranes and/or intracellular membranes of the biological cells contained in the object when in operation the object is placed inside the single winding coil element.
US09694192B2

An implantable medical device (IMD) having a rechargeable and primary battery is disclosed, as are algorithms for automatically selecting use of these batteries at particular times. In one IMD embodiment, the primary battery acts as the main battery, and an algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the primary battery until its voltage reaches a threshold, after which the algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the rechargeable battery when it is sufficiently charged. In another IMD embodiment, the rechargeable battery acts as the main battery, and an algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the rechargeable battery if it is sufficiently charged; otherwise, the algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the primary battery. Further disclosed are techniques for telemetering data relevant to both batteries to an external device, and for allowing a patient to choose use of a particular one of the batteries.
US09694188B2

A system may include a processor configured to automatically obtain magnetic resonance imaging compatibility information relating to compatibility of an active implantable medical device implantable in a patient with an MRI modality from at least two information sources. The processor may also be configured to automatically determine compatibility of the active implantable medical device with the magnetic resonance imaging modality based on the magnetic resonance imaging compatibility information.
US09694180B2

A method of testing subjects' perception of complex shapes created by patterned multi-electrode direct stimulation of a retinal prosthesis is described. The complex shapes can be geometric shapes or characters such as letters of the alphabet and numbers.
US09694179B2

An exemplary system includes 1) a cochlear implant module configured to be implanted within a patient and comprising cochlear implant circuitry configured to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient, 2) an implantable sound processor module configured to be implanted within the patient and comprising sound processor circuitry configured to optically transmit data and/or power to the cochlear implant circuitry, and 3) an optical connector assembly configured to facilitate removable coupling of the implantable sound processor module to the cochlear implant module by way of the optical connector assembly. The optical connector assembly comprises one or more optical fibers configured to facilitate the optical transmission of the data and/or the power from the sound processor circuitry to the cochlear implant circuitry while the implantable sound processor module is removably coupled to the cochlear implant module by way of the optical connector assembly.
US09694177B2

A device for electrically controlled of ions, comprises a first electrolyte; a first electrode, which is arranged in direct or indirect contact with the first electrolyte, an encapsulation; and an ion conductor, which is arranged to receive and/or deliver ions from/to the first electrolyte. The encapsulation is arranged to effectively enclose the first electrolyte, and the ion conductor is arranged to transport ions from/to an outside of the encapsulation.
US09694173B2

A method of forming a medical device contact element includes annealing an elongated rod of Ti-15Mo alloy material to form an annealed rod having a Young's Modulus of less than 13.5 Mpsi and an elastic range or strain of at least 0.7%. Then forming a contact ring element from the annealed rod and assembling the contact ring element into a medical device. Contact rings and lead receptacles including the same are also described.
US09694172B2

Devices or methods such as for stimulating excitable tissue or sensing physiologic response or other signals that can use separate fixation mechanism is described. An implantable apparatus can include a modular electrostimulation electrode assembly that can include a first module and a second module that can be end user-attachable to each other and end user-detached from each other. The first module can include an electrostimulation electrode fixation support member that can be laid flat against or otherwise conform to a surface of a heart, and can define a centrally located open portal such as for permitting electrode access to the surface of the heart. The second module can include an electrostimulation electrode that can be inserted through the portal of the fixation support member such as to contact the surface of the heart such as to deliver chronic electrostimulation to the heart.
US09694169B2

A gel assembly comprising a polymeric gel layer between metal layers. A gel assembly process comprising providing a colloidal polymer in solution, drying the solution to form a polymeric gel layer and forming metal layers on either side of the polymeric gel layer. A method of drug delivery comprising loading a polymeric gel layer with drug, forming metal layers on either side of the polymeric gel layer, wherein the polymeric gel layer comprises a material that is sensitive to a stimulus, and subjecting the polymeric gel layer to the stimulus to release the drug from between or through the metal layers.
US09694167B2

A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter.
US09694162B2

A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.
US09694161B2

The catheter has a catheter body and a deflectable section with a flat deflection beam having a different deflection initiation location on each side of the beam to provide nonsymmetrical bi-directional deflection via a single continuous puller wire with two longer parallel segments connected by a U-bend segment anchored at a distal end of the beam. A spacer is provided on each side of the beam to guide and bind the respective puller wire segments and maintain a predetermined separation distance between the puller wire and the beam, including a neutral bending axis of the beam, for reducing the beam's bending moment. One or more heat shrinking tubes may surround the spacer and the beam to tightly constrain the puller wire to the beam.
US09694156B2

Introduced are a bed device system and methods for: gathering human biological signals, such as heart rate, breathing rate, or temperature; analyzing the gathered human biological signals; and controlling the bed device system, e.g., a temperature of the bed device, based on the analysis.
US09694155B2

A method to induce an immediate psychosomatic change in a patient optimal for a particular medical procedure, is provided. The method uses a brain-computer interface integrating a loop of biofeedback and neurofeedback components, interactive, immersive, 3D virtual reality (VR) modules utilizing hypnotic or guided-response, learning, placebo and experience-ratification principles. The method will differentiate between low and high hypnotizable patients as well their specific abilities and limitations by their distinct brain patterns and will deliver VR output content appropriate for the current and targeted psychosomatic state of the patient, needs, and stage of a particular medical procedure thus being applicable to any medical patient regardless of abilities. The device will continuously measure the patient's physiological markers and will customize the intensity, order, timing, and content of the output “dose.” The method is designed to be quickly implemented, entertaining and minimally obtrusive to distressed medical patients and medical settings.
US09694151B2

The invention relates to an on-site medical gas production plant (100) comprising a unit (50) for purifying gas, such as air, a first compartment (A) for storing purified gas, and a main gas line (10) fluidically connecting the gas purification unit (50) to the said first storage compartment (A). It furthermore comprises a three-way actuated valve (VA) arranged on the main gas line (10) upstream of the first storage compartment (A), and furthermore connected to the atmosphere (at 12) via a vent line (11), as well as an operating device (4) which controls at least the three-way actuated valve (VA), and at least a first gas analysis device (D1) of which a first measurement line (29) is fluidically connected (at 28) to the main line (10), upstream of the three-way actuated valve (VA), and which is electrically connected to the said operating device (4).
US09694150B2

A laryngeal-mask airway device including provision for drainage of the esophagus including an inflatable main-cuff and a backplate having a laryngeal-side and a pharyngeal-side. The backplate also has an external tube joint adjacent to the proximal region of the main-cuff. The backplate is hermetically bonded to the periphery of the main-cuff establishing separation between a laryngeal-chamber region and a pharyngeal region. A distally open evacuation tube includes a distal portion which longitudinally traverses the interior of the distal region of the main-cuff in sealed relation therewith for operative engagement and communication with the inlet of the oesophagus. The evacuation tube traverses the laryngeal-chamber region generally adjacent to the laryngeal-side of the backplate and passages through a proximally located tube-joint to the pharyngeal region. An airway tube also extends into the tube joint for communication with an airway port to provide a flowpath between the airway tube and laryngeal-chamber region.
US09694142B2

A device for percutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents includes a head, a wheel rotably mounted on the head, the wheel having an axis of rotation and an outer surface, a plurality of needles disposed upon the outer surface, each needle having a tip projecting away from the axis of rotation of the wheel, and a reservoir mounted on the body, the reservoir containing a fluid, the reservoir having an opening near to the wheel such that the fluid is disposed on the wheel through the opening.
US09694141B2

Described is a needle safety device comprising a needle hub including a plurality of resilient arms having detents, a needle having a distal tip, and a needle shield telescopically coupled to the needle hub. The needle shield includes a plurality of axial slots adapted to engage the detents on the resilient arms and the detents are axially movable in the slots. The needle shield includes a plurality of grooves separated from the slots by separation walls and the grooves are adapted to engage the detents. When the needle shield is in a first position relative to the needle hub, the needle shield covers the distal tip of the needle and the detents are engaged in the slots. When the needle shield is in a second position relative to the needle hub, the distal tip of the needle protrudes through an aperture in the needle shield and the detents are engaged in the slots. When the needle shield is in a third position relative to the needle hub, the needle shield covers the distal tip of the needle and the detents are engaged in the grooves. In the third position, the detents are adapted to abut the separation walls and prevent proximal movement of the needle shield relative to the needle hub.
US09694138B2

According to the invention, a safety device for a pre-filled syringe comprises a hollow support body to retain the pre-filled syringe therein, a hollow needle shield that is slidable relative to the support body and guiding means for guiding the movement of the needle shield relative to the support body. The guiding means comprise a guide pin, a guide track and a cut-out adjacent to the guide track. The guide pin protrudes into the guide track and moves within and along the guide track when the needle shield is slid relative to the support body. The cut-out allows a side wall of the guide track to be deflected in a lateral direction perpendicular to a central axis of the safety device.
US09694135B2

A revolving multi-cartridge syringe device includes a needle and two or three revolving holders, each for receiving a cartridge containing medical fluid to be injected. The holders can be pre-loaded with the cartridges, with a first cartridge placed in a loaded position ready to dispense. After fluid in the first cartridge is injected into a patient, a second holder and cartridge are revolved into the loaded position, without breakdown of the syringe. The process can be repeated with a third cartridge. The engagement of each cartridge with the needle, retraction from the needle, and rotation of the revolving holder are all implemented by sliding a sliding actuator in either a first direction or a second, opposite, direction, depending on which action is desired. Thus, injection and reloading of the cartridges can be easily actuated by the user through manipulation of a single slidable actuator, without requiring withdrawing the needle from the mouth area to reload.
US09694131B2

A fluid injection system for use with a syringe is disclosed. The fluid injection system includes a housing, a drive member at least partially disposed within the housing, at least one radially retractable pin disposed within the drive member, and a sensor positioned to sense rearward movement of a sensing pin in the drive member. The at least one pin is adapted to form a radially retractable abutting connection with a plunger of the syringe in response to axial movement of the drive member. Further, at least a portion of the pin is radially extendable and retractable through at least one radial passage in the drive member, and is retracted within the radial passage during forward movement of the drive member, and extends radially outward through the radial passage during rearward movement of the drive member.
US09694124B2

A cardiac support system comprising an intake region for the intake of blood, an outlet region for discharging the intake blood, a pump arrangement for conveying the blood from the intake region to the outlet region, a pump-aorta connection, and a suction connection from the intake region to the pump, parts of the function of the heart being taken on by said cardiac support system, and a cardiac support method having the steps of taking in blood from within the left half of the heart, pumping, and transferring aspirated blood into the aorta with the cardiac support system.
US09694121B2

A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge. Devices and methods are described herein which are directed to the treatment of a patient's heart having, or one which is susceptible to heart failure, to improve diastolic function.
US09694120B2

A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering at least one agent to a wound site. The method includes the steps of providing a delivery tube having an outlet at a wound site, covering the wound site with a drape and introducing agent at an agent inlet port of the delivery tube. The agent passes along the delivery tube through the drape to the wound site. The agent can be a wide variety or mixture of fluids such as but not limited to pain relief medicament, anti-biotics, saline solution and/or hydrating fluid.
US09694112B2

The present invention relates to systems for and corresponding methods of delivering a therapeutic agent to a vessel wall of a body lumen by providing a compound capable of being crosslinked after intraluminal release onto a vessel wall so that the therapeutic agent is temporarily retained at the site of delivery by the crosslinked compound.
US09694109B1

A placental construct is provided. The placental construct includes a therapeutically effective amount of human birth tissue material and a nanoparticle composition. Methods of treatment with the placental construct and a corresponding kit are also provided.
US09694105B2

Bioremodelable tissue prostheses having a vasculature that is infused with a biomaterial composition.
US09694102B2

Fired magnesium oxide stabilized transformation toughened zirconia ceramic can be for or of an implant or implant component of a one-piece unicompartmental knee spacer device; a multi-piece unicompartmental joint aligning device; a temporal mandibular joint cap implant; a vertebra cap; an ankle joint ensemble or component; a bridge, a tooth or teeth; a patellofemoral joint implant; a tibial tray for a knee joint replacement implant; an intermediary articulation plate for a tibial tray and liner for a knee joint replacement implant; or the intermediary articulation plate assembled in combination with the tibial tray.
US09694098B2

A remotely deployable vapor delivery device is described that is conveniently and effectively deployed in a hard-to-reach location. The device is approximately spherical in shape, and includes an integrated reservoir containing the desired vapor producing substance, an evaporative surface and means for continuous flow of the vapor producing substance from the integrated reservoir to the evaporative surface which provides an approximately constant vapor delivery rate. The advantages of the embodiments include a device that can be conveniently tossed or rolled, is compact in size, provides a maximal amount of stored vapor producing substance, has an efficient usage rate of the stored vapor producing substance and provides a long operating lifetime. Other advantages of the embodiments described include hands-free activation, self-righting after deployment, tamper resistance, non-energized operation, a modest number of low cost parts that are readily manufactured and assembled, and easy retrieval.
US09694094B1

Method and apparatus for generating UV and for treating a material with UV utilizing gas filled plasma-shells that emit UV during gas discharge. The UV treatment includes UV curing or inducing a chemical reaction.
US09694086B2

The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US09694082B2

This invention provides for compositions, methods and devices for rapidly converting silk fibroin solution into a silk fibroin gel using direct application of voltage, in a process called electrogelation. The silk fibroin gel may be reversibly converted back to liquid form by applying reverse voltage or may be converted further to β-sheet structure by applying shear force or other treatments. The electrogelated silk may be used as an extracted bulk gel, spray or stream of gel for processing into materials or devices, or may be used as silk gel coating to devices. Active agents may be embedded in the silk gel for various medical applications. This invention also provides for methods and compositions for preparing adhesive silk pH-gels. For example, the method comprises reducing pH level of a silk fibroin solution to increase the bulk or local proton concentration of the silk fibroin solution, thereby forming adhesive silk gels.
US09694079B2

Compositions comprised of a delivery vehicle or delivery system and an active agent dispersed within the delivery vehicle or system, wherein the delivery vehicle or system contains a polyorthoester polymer and a polar aprotic solvent. Also disclosed are low viscosity delivery systems for administration of active agents. The low viscosity delivery systems have a polyorthoester polymer, a polar aprotic solvent and a solvent containing a triglyceride viscosity reducing agent. Compositions described include an amide- or anilide-type local anesthetic of the “caine” classification, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), along with related methods, e.g., for treatment of post-operative pain or for prophylactic treatment of pain. The compositions are suitable for delivery via, e.g., direct application and instillation, intradermal injection, subcutaneous injection, and nerve block (perineural).
US09694076B2

The present invention is to provide a vesicle composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) 0.0001 to 20 mass % of an organic acid represented by general formula (1): wherein R1 represents a natural sterin having a single hydroxy group or a hydrogenated product thereof or a residue which remains after a hydrogen atom is removed from the hydroxy group of bile acid, R2 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkali earth metal, ammonium, an alkanolammonium having 2 to 9 carbon atoms in total, an alkylammonium or alkenylammonium having 1 to 22 carbon atoms in total, pyridinium substituted with an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms or a basic amino acid, (B) 0.0001 to 10 mass % of a sphingosine, and (C) water, and having a pH of 2 to 11.
US09694074B2

Disclosed are nanovectors of formula (I) that can be used simultaneously for the targeting, imaging and treatment, by photodynamic therapy, of cancer cells, and to biodegradable silicon nanoparticles containing a variety of photosensitizing molecules, in particular porphyrins, capable of targeting diseased cells and inducing cell death by excitation in the near-infrared region (>600 nm) in monophotonic and biphotonic modes. In formula (I), (AA) is a porous silicon nanoparticle.
US09694068B2

Compositions and methods for producing plant-derived immunogenic compositions that confer immunity against smallpox in a subject are provided. Plants engineered to produce antigenic proteins as well as expression cassettes comprising nucleic acids encoding proteins thereof are described. Methods of immunizing subjects with plant-derived compositions are also provided.
US09694059B2

The present invention relates to an ex vivo, fast and efficient process to obtain activated antigen-presenting cells that are useful for therapies against cancer and immune system-related diseases. At the same time, it is related to a cellular composition that contributes to stimulate the activated antigen-presenting cells to induce a specific immune response against tumors in patients with cancer or other pathologies involving immune responses.
US09694055B2

The invention is directed to methods of inducing cell recruitment and tissue regeneration at a target site in a subject. It is also based, in part, on the discovery that a subject's own biologic resources and environmental conditions can be used for in situ tissue regeneration and thereby reduce or eliminate the need for donor cell procurement and ex vivo manipulation of such donor cells. Methods are disclosed for recruitment of a subject's own stem cells to a target region by inducing a sustained positive pressure at a target site, such as the kidney, thereby increasing the number of pluripotent cells capable of differentiating to regenerate the target tissue.
US09694042B1

Embodiments of a method and supplement for preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress, including ulcer conditions, in animals are disclosed. The supplement comprises mastic gum and lecithin. The supplement may also comprise B vitamins, one or more prebiotics or probiotics, and one or more minerals as well as, pH buffers and flavoring. A disclosed method of preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress comprises orally dosing an animal with the supplement at least one daily.
US09694038B2

Acute and chronic diseases of the organs are treated in patients using a rational, multi-tier approach. A patient can be pretreated with growth factor proteins or gene therapy, followed by the administration of adult stem cells or other cell therapy. The patient can be a fetus treated in utero or removed from the womb. The progress of treatment is monitored by ultrasound, MRI, CAT scan, cardiac echo, EEG, EKG, EMG or blood tests, with growth factor treatment and/or stem cell administration adjusted according to the results of the monitoring or clinical status of the patient.
US09694037B2

Bioimplants and methods of making the bioimplants are provided. The bioimplants comprise biological tissues having conjugated thereto adjunct molecules. The biological tissues are sterilized with a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a water soluble carbodiimide. The processes of making the bioimplants include a process in which an adjunct molecule is conjugated to a biological tissue during the sterilization process.
US09694025B2

Disclosed herein are antimicrobial compounds compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, the use and preparation thereof. Some embodiments relate to cyclic boronic acid ester derivatives and their use as therapeutic agents.
US09694007B2

An oral complex composition which comprises (i) a core comprising a swellable hydrogel-forming agent and pseudoephedrine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) a first coating layer encasing the core which comprises a water-soluble substance; and (iii) a second coating layer deposited on the first coating layer which comprises levocetirizine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with polyvinylalcohol, povidone, polyvinylalcohol-polyethyleneglycol graft copolymer or a mixture thereof, has an improved levocetirizine releasing rate and does not show a delayed release behavior even after a long storage period. Accordingly, the inventive oral complex composition is useful for treating perennial or seasonal allergic diseases including nasal obstruction, sneezing, and rhinorrhea.
US09694001B2

Provided is a novel method for treating cancer using an HSP90 inhibitor which exhibits a markedly superior antitumor effect and has a reduced side effect.An antitumor agent is characterized in that an azabicyclo compound of the following Formula (1) or a salt thereof is administered in combination with other antitumor agent(s).
US09693997B2

The present invention discloses compounds of Formula I: wherein the variables in Formula I are defined as described herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using the compounds of Formula I in the prevention or treatment of HCV infection.
US09693994B2

In some aspects, methods for treating a bacterial infection in a mammalian subject are provided. In some embodiments, a class IIa HDAC inhibitor such as, e.g., a HDAC4 inhibitor, may be used to treat a bacterial infection such as, e.g., anthrax, pertussis, tuberculosis, or cholera.
US09693992B2

Compounds which directly inhibit IRE-1α activity in vitro, prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds and prodrugs are useful for treating diseases associated with the unfolded protein response or with regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD) and can be used as single agents or in combination therapies.
US09693988B2

An aqueous formulation for topical application to the skin comprising water, a water-miscible organic solvent, and benzoyl peroxide, wherein the concentration of the organic solvent is sufficient to provide a stable suspension of benzoyl peroxide in the aqueous formulation without the inclusion of a surfactant in the formulation, wherein the ratio of concentrations of water and organic solvent in the formulation is sufficient to maintain the benzoyl peroxide in saturated solubility in the formulation following, application to the skin, and wherein the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in the formulation is less than 5.0% and at least 1.0% w/w. The formulation may further contain a chemical compound in addition to benzoyl peroxide that is effective in the treatment of acne. The aqueous formulations of the invention are useful in the treatment of acne and acne rosacea.
US09693987B2

Provided herein are methods for treating subjects having a cancer, such as a relapsed or refractory solid tumor, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a cytidine analog. In certain of the methods, the cytidine analog is administered alone or in combination with one or more anti-cancer agents. Also provided are methods for using a cytidine analog, to treat diseases and disorders including disorders related to abnormal cell proliferation, hematologic disorders, and immune disorders, among others. In certain of the methods, the cytidine analog is formulated in an oral dosage form and administered orally.
US09693986B2

In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the risk of a cardiovascular event in a subject on statin therapy and, in particular, a method of reducing the risk of a cardiovascular event in a subject on statin therapy having a fasting baseline triglyceride level of about 135 mg/dL to about 500 mg/dL, and administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising about 1 g to about 4 g of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester or a derivative thereof.
US09693985B2

In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the risk of a cardiovascular event in a subject on statin therapy and, in particular, a method of reducing the risk of a cardiovascular event in a subject on statin therapy having a fasting baseline triglyceride level of about 135 mg/dL to about 500 mg/dL, and administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising about 1 g to about 4 g of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester or a derivative thereof.
US09693980B2

The present specification discloses pharmaceutical compositions, methods of preparing such pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and uses of treating a chronic inflammation and/or an inflammatory disease in an individual using such pharmaceutical compositions.
US09693979B2

Described herein are oral pharmaceutical compositions comprising liquid dosage forms of sodium naproxen in soft gel capsules. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises sodium naproxen, 0.2-1.0 mole equivalents of a de-ionizing agent per mole of naproxen, polyethylene glycol, and one or more solubilizers such as propylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or a combination thereof.
US09693972B2

Described herein are methods, compositions, systems, and kits that effectively deliver a laxative to a patient along with effective electrolyte replenishment by delivering both a laxative and electrolytes via a food item. The food item is prepared by either combining, mixing, or integrating the ingredients that form the food item together with one of or both of a laxative and electrolytes so that the ingredients in the food item either eliminate or significantly reduce the poor taste associated with either the electrolytes or the laxative. Eliminating or reducing the poor taste associated with either electrolytes or laxative, greatly improves patient satisfaction and compliance with ingesting these substances in order to, for example, prepare the GI tract of the patient for a medical or surgical procedure.
US09693971B2

Provided are feed supplements for the alleviation of gastrointestinal tract disorders and associated systemic disorders in ruminants, methods for producing feed supplements and feeds and feed additives containing such feed supplements. Furthermore, medicaments for the treatment of diseases which are associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly rumen acidosis and parturient paresis, are specified.
US09693960B2

A method of controlling or adjusting release of an active ingredient from a dosage form comprising the active ingredient and a polysaccharide derivative has been found. The method comprises the steps of a) providing a composition comprising a polysaccharide derivative and a controlled amount of a liquid diluent, based on the dry weight of the polysaccharide derivative, b) subjecting the composition to a dry-grinding operation to provide a dry-ground polysaccharide derivative, and c) incorporating the dry-ground polysaccharide derivative and an active ingredient into a dosage form.
US09693958B2

The present invention provides for a process for preparing liposomes, lipid discs, and other lipid nanoparticles using a multi-port manifold, wherein the lipid solution stream, containing an organic solvent, is mixed with two or more streams of aqueous solution (e.g., buffer). In some aspects, at least some of the streams of the lipid and aqueous solutions are not directly opposite of each other. Thus, the process does not require dilution of the organic solvent as an additional step. In some embodiments, one of the solutions may also contain an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This invention provides a robust process of liposome manufacturing with different lipid formulations and different payloads. Particle size, morphology, and the manufacturing scale can be controlled by altering the port size and number of the manifold ports, and by selecting the flow rate or flow velocity of the lipid and aqueous solutions.
US09693954B2

The invention provides methods and compositions for local manipulation of regenerative processes via exogenous factor delivery.
US09693949B1

A method of treating pain, e.g., acute post-operative pain, by administering to a human patient(s) a therapeutically effective dose of tramadol intravenously in a dosing regimen which includes one or more loading doses administered at shortened intervals as compared to dosing at steady-state is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the dose of tramadol is from about 45 mg to about 80 mg and the second (and optionally) third doses are intravenously administered at intervals of from about 2 to about 3 hours, and thereafter the tramadol is intravenously administered at a dosing interval of about 4 to about 6 hours, until the patient no longer requires treatment with tramadol. In preferred embodiments, the intravenous dosing regimen provides a Cmax and AUC of tramadol is similar to the Cmax and AUC of an oral dose of 100 mg tramadol HCl given every 6 hours. In certain preferred embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 50 mg IV tramadol at Hour 0, followed by 50 mg at Hour 2, 50 mg at hour 4, and 50 mg every 4 hours thereafter (e.g., until the patient no longer requires treatment with tramadol).
US09693946B2

Methods of producing lignin peroxidase are provided. Also provided are methods and cosmetic compositions suitable for skin and hair lightening as well as kits and an article-of manufacturing including active ingredients for skin and hair lightening.
US09693943B1

Compositions containing octocrylene, octinoxate, octisalate, homosalate and having improved sun protection factor (SPF) properties, as well as methods of improving sun protection factor (SPF) properties of compositions, are provided.
US09693940B2

The present invention relates to a topical composition comprising at least one collagen protecting and/or collagen enhancing agent and a silica-titanium dioxide composite particle having a particle size Dv0 of greater 0.3 μm, a Dv100 of less than 35 μm and a Dv50 of 4.0 to 10 μm, wherein the silica-titanium dioxide composite particle consists of 20-45 wt.-% titanium dioxide particles having a particle size Dv50 of 100 to 300 nm embedded in a matrix of silica. Furthermore the invention relates to the use of such silica-titanium dioxide composite particles to ameliorate the sensory properties of a topical composition comprising collagen protecting agent and/or collagen enhancing agent as well as to reduce the short and long term eye contour puffiness, dark eye circles, crow's feet and fine lines.
US09693935B2

A Personal care 100% plant derived, biodegradable solid granules that sustain beneficial essential oils, and or plant/herbal extracts and emulsify in hot water to create an emulsified therapeutic solution is disclosed. This invention improves over existing liquids in that it's solid granule form is completely plant derived and biodegradable and can sustain essential oils and antioxidants without the requirement of chemical preservatives, and can be packaged in eco-friendly, compostable paper. It improves over existing solid forms in that it is a 100% water soluble granule that emulsifies easily in hot water to form an easy to use liquid product.
US09693934B2

The present invention relates to a cosmetic tissue comprising microemulsion particles, and to a production method for same and method of using same. The present invention provides a cosmetic tissue to which is securely attached a dried composition comprising microemulsion particles of no more than 5,000 nm. Also, the present invention provides a production method for cosmetic tissue comprising: a first step of obtaining a composition comprising microemulsion particles of no more than 5,000 nm; a second step of coating the composition onto a tissue substrate; and a third step of drying the composition, and the present invention provides a method of using same. According to the present invention, after the skin has been cleaned, removal of the remaining water fraction and coating of a dermatological beauty composition are carried out in one go, thereby allowing easy-to-use and effective cosmetic enhancement to the skin.
US09693931B2

It comprises a connecting member and an arm structure having at least one hose connector associated with at least one skin treatment machine applicator. Device is suitable for maintaining the applicators at a given position when in use. A skin treatment assembly is further provided comprising a suction machine for applying pressurized air to a patient through applicators connected to corresponding hoses and the support device.
US09693926B2

A apparatus includes an a exoskeleton system with a plurality of sensors for generating signals indicating a current motion and a current arrangement of at least the exoskeleton system, a hip segment, and at least one lower limb. The lower limb includes thigh and shank segments for coupling to a lateral surface of a user's leg. The thigh segment includes a first powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the hip segment, a second powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the shank segment, and a controller coupled to the sensors, the first powered joint, and the second powered joint. The controller is configured for determining a current state of the exoskeleton system and a current intent of the user based on the signals and generating control signals for the first and second powered joints based on the current state and the current intent.
US09693925B2

A first call pouch includes an inner layer forming a compartment comprising at least one sidewall, a bottom wall and a top having a zippered opening. The inner layer is water resistant, proof, or sealed to contain fluids. The inner layer further including one or more pockets formed therein for storage of related items including gloves. The zippered opening is a bi-directional zipper extending substantially the entire length of the bag. An outer layer encapsulates the inner layer. The outer layer includes at least one outer sidewall, an outer bottom wall, and an outer top wall that shares the zippered opening with the inner layer whereby opening of the bi-directional zipper provides access to the inner compartment. Further, the outer bottom has a pocket adapted to receive a pad, and the outer layer top wall has at least one pocket.
US09693919B2

A patient transport device includes an inflatable torso support and one or more straps coupled to sides of the inflatable torso support. Each strap can be configured at least as a single loop. A strap concealment device can be coupled to the inflatable torso support to span a major face of the inflatable torso support. The strap concealment device can include a central panel spanning the major face and one or more side panels extending from a perimeter of the central panel. The one or more side panels can terminate at an edge distally disposed from the central panel at a bunch-gathering binding. The one or more side panels can be selectively foldable between a first position concealing the inflatable torso support and some or all of the one or more straps and a second position exposing the inflatable torso support and the one or more straps.
US09693914B2

There are provided a rear wheel rotatably provided in a body, a seat disposed on a top surface side of the body, a seat link mechanism by which the seat is supported to be movable up and down between a raised position and a lowered position on the top surface side of the body, and a brake mechanism which inhibits the rear wheel from rotating in interlock with the seat link mechanism, when the seat is raised from the lowered position to the raised position.
US09693910B2

An absorbent core structure for disposable absorbent articles, having improved fluid handling properties.
US09693902B2

An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.
US09693897B2

In certain embodiments, a handpiece system includes an ultrasonic handpiece and a spatula. The ultrasonic handpiece includes a vibration source and a horn. The vibration source is configured to produce ultrasonic vibrations, and a horn is configured to transform the vibrations into ultrasonic motion. The spatula is coupled to the horn and configured to move according to the ultrasonic motion. The spatula may have any suitable shape and size.
US09693895B2

A gas mixture apparatus includes a measurement control system, an activation system, a pressurized chamber with one or more gases, and a mixing chamber. The apparatus can also include additional pressure regulation control systems. The gas mixture apparatus can be used to introduce and automatically perform the steps to achieve a desired concentration of the one or more gases contained in the pressurized chamber. The gas mixture apparatus can include the pressurized chamber within the apparatus itself such that no external devices are necessary for introducing the one or more gases into the mixing chamber.
US09693894B2

Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.
US09693890B2

An intrauterine device includes a central support member, first and second internal flexures and first and second external flexures. The first and second internal flexures each include a first section having a first stiffness, a second section having a second stiffness, and third section having a third stiffness, wherein the second stiffness is more flexible than the first and third stiffness and wherein the first section of each internal flexure is coupled to the central support member. The first and second external flexures are coupled to the central support member and coupled to the third sections of the first and second internal flexures, the first and second external flexures in combination with the first and second internal flexures being configured to extend from a collapsed position parallel to the central support member to a deployed position flexing away from the central support member.
US09693879B2

An alignment guide is described that includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a housing attachable to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A guide arm the extends from the housing at a predetermined angle along a second axis. A spirit level is connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.
US09693878B2

Provided is a preoperatively designed guidance tool for intraoperative use during acetabular cup replacement surgery, comprising: a patient-specific template having at least one surface that registers with a selected surface of the patient's acetabulum; and a guide portion that provides an orientation or a position and orientation of an acetabular cup according to a preoperatively planned orientation or position and orientation. The guidance tool may further comprise a verification tool that cooperates with the guide portion and includes at least one mating surface that registers with a selected surface of the patient's anatomy, wherein correct positioning of the verification tool on the patient's anatomy confirms correct orientation of the patient-specific template in the patient's acetabulum. Also described herein are methods of acetabulum cup replacement surgery, and methods for transferring a preoperatively planned orientation or position and orientation of an acetabular cup to a patient during acetabulum cup replacement surgery.
US09693873B1

Embodiments of the invention is directed to methods of forming a bone-like material, by placing a matrix into a culture container, adding cells to the matrix, placing the tissue-cell construct into the culturing environment and incubating the construct under appropriate conditions for the time required to produce an amount of bone-like material of sufficient volume to be harvested for further processing. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to the use of the bone-like material formed by methods of the invention in implantation procedures.
US09693870B2

Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.
US09693860B2

Embodiments hereof relate to a transcatheter valve prosthesis including a tubular fabric body, a first or inflow tubular scaffold attached to a first end portion of the tubular fabric body, and a second or outflow tubular scaffold attached to a second end portion of the tubular fabric body. A prosthetic valve component is disposed within and secured to an intermediate portion of the tubular fabric body that longitudinally extends between the first and second end portions of the tubular fabric body. The intermediate portion is unsupported such that neither of the first and second tubular scaffolds surrounds the intermediate portion of the tubular fabric body. The intermediate portion may include one or more windows for coronary access and may include one or more commissure reinforcement members coupled thereto to provide support for the prosthetic valve component.
US09693859B2

A prosthetic heart valve includes an annularly collapsible and re-expandable supporting structure extending between an inflow end and an outflow end and including a plurality of struts, a plurality of leaflets disposed inside the supporting structure and operative to allow flow in a first direction from the inflow end to the outflow end and to substantially block flow in an opposite direction from the outflow end to the inflow end, a sheet circumferentially disposed on an inner surface of the supporting structure and coupled to the supporting structure, a reinforcing core coupled to at least one of the plurality of leaflets, and a plurality of stitches coupling the reinforcing core to the sheet and one of the plurality of leaflets.
US09693856B2

Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In general, various inserter tools are provided for simultaneously delivering an expandable sheath and an expander into bone. With both components of the implant mounted on the same tool, the sheath and a ligament can be advanced into a bone hole and the expander, which trails behind the sheath during delivery of the sheath, can be advanced into the sheath to expand the sheath and anchor the sheath and ligament within the bone hole.
US09693854B2

A method for treating a lung may include forming a channel between a first airway and a second airway through a tissue of the lung to allow air trapped within the first airway to flow through the channel and the second airway, and inserting a support member into the channel.
US09693853B2

A lung device for restoring lung elasticity includes fixation members and a connecting member. The fixation member includes a first radially expandable fixation member and a second radially expandable fixation member. The first radially expandable fixation member defines a first profile in an expanded state and a lumen. The second radially expandable fixation member defines a second profile in an expanded state and a lumen. The connecting member extends between and connects the first and second fixation members. The lung elasticity restoring device is capable of reversibly extendable between an inspiration configuration and an expiration configuration, may be extendable to the inspiration configuration, and biased to the expiration configuration by the connecting member.
US09693844B1

The present dental tool cleaning device generally provides a possibility to clean the burrs and brushes (files) of the remained tooth material on them after operation on patient. An improved dental tool cleaning device includes a container, comprising a lower portion which includes a neck with an opening and a first lid with a first nozzle, and an upper portion which includes a second lid comprising a second nozzle and an inlet fluid connector with the fluid channel.
US09693840B2

A dental milling tool and corresponding method is provided. The dental milling tool includes a ball head portion which is rounded in a semispherical manner and which, at its largest outer diameter, approximately 1-4 mm, transitions into an axial cutting portion that runs in the axial direction with said diameter at the outer circumference in a constant manner, the axial cutting portion being adjoined by a shaft portion which extends axially with a larger or at least equally large shaft diameter. A milling method for producing dental prosthesis parts is provided wherein a dental prosthesis white body which is to be sintered into the completed dental prosthesis part is milled out of a pre-sintered ceramic white body, in particular a zirconium dioxide white body, on a multi-axis CNC milling machine with a milling tool according to one of the preceding claims using 3D freeform milling process along generated travel paths.
US09693835B2

A manual device, in particular for dental use, for dispensing a pasty filler, may reduce the viscosity of the filler by the introduction of vibrational energy. The device may include a device housing, a detachable container for the pasty filler that includes an outlet nozzle at a front end thereof, a vibration generator with an oscillating body, and pressure generating means for exerting pressure on the pasty filler, wherein the oscillating body is detachably connected to the container in a middle region thereof.
US09693829B2

Provided are a microscopic surgery system and a navigation method guided by optical coherence tomography. The microscopic surgery system may include: an object lens; a surgical microscope unit configured to perform two-dimensional imaging on an area to operate on via the object lens; an optical coherence tomography unit configured to perform two-dimensional tomography imaging on the area via the object lens, with an imaging field calibrated according to that of the surgical microscope unit; a processor configured to obtain navigation information based on the two-dimensional imaging by the surgical microscope unit and the two-dimensional tomography imaging by the optical coherence tomography unit, the navigation information comprising positional information of a body part to operate on and a surgical instrument for operating on the body part; and an output unit configured to output the navigation information to guide the surgical instrument to the body part.
US09693826B2

An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially through an optical fiber end with a conical shaped tip for 360° radial emission. In some embodiments, a conical reflective surface is distally spaced opposite to and faces the emitting tip for enhancing radial emission efficiency by reflecting out any designed or remnant forwardly transmitted energy in radial directions. Other devices include flat emitting faces sealed within protective, radiation transparent covers. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure. Because the energy is substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall, the need for a local anesthetic along the treatment area of the blood vessel may be substantially avoided.
US09693825B2

An apparatus facilitating percutaneous delivery of laser energy includes: a hollow needle having a cutting edge at an insertion end thereof; and a laser fiber fixedly embedded within the hollow needle, the embedded laser fiber within the needle being permanently fixed within the hollow needle as one non detachable unit.
US09693819B2

An ablation apparatus including a maneuvering mechanism, a conductive element attached to the apparatus, a sensor attached to the apparatus and an output device in communication with the sensor is provided. The sensor senses vibration during the ablation procedure and sends a signal to the output device to reduce power to the conductive element.
US09693811B2

A cervical spine spacer includes a spacer body configured to be disposed between adjacent cervical vertebrae in the cervical spine and to maintain a desired spacing between the adjacent cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine spacer also includes a channel passing completely through the spacer body from a first surface of the spacer body to a second surface of the spacer body and a fastener configured to pass through the channel. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to contact one of the adjacent cervical vertebrae and the channel is sized to accommodate the fastener passing through the channel at a plurality of angles.
US09693803B2

A puncture needle for an endoscope includes a flexible sheath having a longitudinal axis and deformed to be bent by a raising base, a flexible needle tube having a needle tip and a distal opening section and that is movable in the sheath with respect to the sheath, and a stylet having a distal end surface that is able to advance and retreat in the needle tube and protrude and withdraw from needle tube along the longitudinal axis of the sheath, wherein the stylet retracts the needle tip such that the needle tip of the needle tube is separated from an inner surface of the sheath as the distal end surface of the stylet comes in contact with the inner surface of the sheath formed in the bent shape.
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