US09719134B2

Disclosed herein are automated systems for performing various biochemical and molecular biological procedures, including processor-controlled execution of protocols involving multiple steps performed in, on, or with liquid microdroplets. Example protocols are the various Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocols, but the subject systems are not limited to performing PCR protocols. Formation of a microdroplet of the sample for use in the described systems is achieved by bringing an amount of the sample into contact with a hydrophobic milieu, such as a superhydrophobic surface or hydrophobic liquid.
US09719122B2

A plurality of isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding enzymes of the astaxanthin pathway is disclosed. The polynucleotides include: (i) a polynucleotide which encodes Phytoene dehydrogenase (crtI) and a first transcriptional regulatory sequence; (ii) a polynucleotide which encodes Beta-lycopene cyclase (lcy-B) and a second transcriptional regulatory sequence; (iii) a polynucleotide which encodes Beta-carotene ketolase (crtW) and a third transcriptional regulatory sequence; and wherein the first, second and third regulatory sequence are selected such that the expression of the Icy-B and the crtW is greater than a level of expression of the crtI. Methods of generating astaxanthin using the plurality of polynucleotide are also disclosed as well as bacterial cells comprising high levels of astaxanthin.
US09719114B2

Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.
US09719108B2

Provided are methods for introducing a sequence-specific nuclease into a plant cell comprising a cell wall. Methods are provided for genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall.
US09719099B2

The invention relates to gene expression regulatory sequences from soybean, specifically to the promoter of a soybean copper chaperone homolog gene and fragments thereof and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in a constitutive manner in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the recombinant construct with the promoter, and methods for preparing and using the same.
US09719092B2

Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of RNAi technology. By selecting particular RNAi molecules by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of RNAi molecules are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for CNTD2.
US09719084B2

A method is provided for generating RNA nanoparticles having modified nucleotides and/or having increased nuclease resistance where the RNA nanoparticles are formed cotranscriptionally by T7 RNA polymerase in the presence of manganese ions.
US09719082B2

A solid substrate for biological sample storage under dry-state and elution of biomolecules is provided. The dry, solid substrate comprises a surface modified with a plurality of hydrophilic groups; and the substrate is comprised of one or more protein denaturing agents impregnated therein under a substantially dry state. A method for elution of biomolecules from biological samples is also provided. The compositions disclosed herein provide for enhanced elution and recovery of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, from the sample. The sample is disposed on a substrate, dried to a substantially dry state; eluted from the biological sample dried on the substrate by rehydrating the substrate in an elution buffer.
US09719060B1

A brewing system for fermenting beer when isolated from any possible micro-biological contamination comprises a first holding frame in a fermentation tank, a second holding frame in a bright beer tank, a water supply subsystem that is effective to measure, filter, and expose incoming water to UV light, a mixing subsystem that is effective to connect fittings or glands clamped onto manifolds of the fermentation and bright beer tanks, and aseptic dry, sealed bags containing dry ingredients of powdered malt extract, beer mixes, hops, and yeast. The brewing system includes a valve for connecting the water supply subsystem to the fermentation tank, and a mechanism for transferring the powdered malt into a disposable second aseptic dry, sealed fermenter bag for fermentation in the fermentation tank to form fermented beer. The disposable fermenter bag has ports on a bottom manifold and is designed to fit into the first holding frame that is insulated and custom controls its temperature. A transfer mechanism directs the fermented beer into a third aseptic bag disposed on a second holding frame inside a bright beer tank in which the fermented beer is conditioned and carbonated. Finally, a dispensing mechanism is connected to the bright beer tank for discharging a consistent contaminant free beer product to serve drinking customers.
US09719057B2

A biocidal composition is provided, which comprise a mixture of the biocides Poly-(hexamethylene-guanidium chloride) and N,N-didecyl-N-methyl-poly(oxyethyl) ammonium propionate, which biocides have a synergistic biocidal effect against bacteria and fungi. Specifically, the provided composition can be as disinfectants and general biocidal products; preservatives; pest control; control; preservatives for food or feedstocks; antifouling products; embalming and taxidermist fluids; and control of other vertebrates; vermin control on domestic animals, livestock or pets; alga control; and products for use in spas or swimming pools.
US09719036B2

Apparatus for pyrolyzing or gasifying the organic content of material, including organically coated waste, biomass, industrial waste, municipal solid waste and sludge, having organic content; the apparatus comprising: an oven having a rotatable portion comprising a treatment chamber adapted to receive material for treatment; a plurality of gas inlets in at least one wall (5) of the treatment chamber through which hot gases are introduced to the treatment chamber to heat the material therein so as to cause the organic components thereof to pyrolyze or gasify; and a plurality of pockets (8) having open faces turned inwardly towards the inside of the treatment chamber on at least one wall of the rotatable portion such that, in use, material being pyrolyzed or gasified can be received from the treatment chamber into the plurality of pockets (8) via said open faces, and be substantially retained therein through an initial rotation of the oven of less than 90 degrees.
US09719026B2

Process for the fluidized-bed catalytic cracking of a weakly coking feedstock having a Conradson carbon residue equal to or less than 0.1% by weight and a hydrogen content equal to or greater than 12.7% by weight, comprising at least a step of cracking the feedstock, a step of separating/stripping the effluents from the coked catalyst particles and a step of regenerating said particles, the process being characterized in that at least one coking, carbonaceous and/or hydrocarbonaceous effluent having a content of aromatic compounds of greater than 50% by weight, comprising more than 20% by weight of polyaromatic compounds, is recycled to homogeneously distributed and weakly coked catalyst, before regeneration, in order to adjust the delta coke of the process.
US09719017B2

There is provided a liquid crystal display device which enables reductions in image sticking and droplet stains caused in production thereof without degradation of properties such as dielectric anisotropy, viscosity, the upper limit of the temperature of nematic phase, and rotational viscosity (γ1); and there is also provided a method for manufacturing such a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device is characterized in that a liquid crystal layer containing a liquid crystal composition is disposed between a substrate provided with a common electrode and a color filter layer and another substrate provided with a plurality of pixels each having a pixel electrode, each of the substrates is not provided with an alignment film but provided with an orientation controlling layer composed of at least two polymerizable compounds, each of the pixels has two or more regions having different directions of pretilt, and the liquid crystal composition contains a compound represented by General Formula (I) and a compound represented by General Formula (II).
US09719016B2

Disclosed are a liquid crystal (LC) medium containing a polymerisable compound, a process for its preparation, its use for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, especially in an LC display of the polymer sustained alignment (PSA) type, and to an LC display, especially a PSA display.
US09719011B2

A proppant comprises a particle and a polycarbodiimide coating disposed on the particle. The polycarbodiimide coating comprises the reaction product of a polymeric isocyanate and a monomeric isocyanate, in the presence of a catalyst. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the polymeric isocyanate, providing the monomeric isocyanate, providing the catalyst, reacting the polymeric isocyanate and the monomeric isocyanate in the presence of the catalyst to form the polycarbodiimide coating, and coating the particle with the polycarbodiimide coating.
US09719009B2

A process for recovering oil from a carbonate reservoir of high salinity, wherein supercritical CO2 floodings are combined with a fluorosurfactant in the tertiary recovery. Embodiments include alternating injection and co-injection schemes of the supercritical CO2 and the fluorosurfactant. A stable fluorosurfactant-CO2 foam that is not susceptible to the harsh conditions of the reservoir (temperature, pressure and salinity) can be successfully generated, leading to a reduction in the mobility of CO2, an increase in the mobility of the reservoir oil, higher contact between the injected fluid with the oil and a better sweep efficiency of the oil.
US09719002B2

The present technology relates to compositional blends that can be used as refrigerants, and more specifically to blends of vinylidene fluoride and at least one other component for use in very low temperature applications. In at least some examples, the second component can be selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and pentafluoroethane. Further, the compositions can be azeotropic or azeotrope-like.
US09718999B2

The present invention provides a curable composition containing an organic polymer having a crosslinkable silicon group, the composition having sufficient usable life and having adhesive properties with respect to an adherend (substrate) that are equivalent to those of the case where aminosilane is included. The composition comprises: (A) a crosslinkable silicon group-containing organic polymer; and (B) a crosslinkable silicon group-containing compound that forms, by means of light, at least one type of amino group selected from the group consisting of primary amino groups and secondary amino groups. The crosslinkable silicon group-containing organic polymer (A) is preferably at least one type selected from the group consisting of crosslinkable silicon group-containing polyoxyalkylene polymers and crosslinkable silicon group-containing (meth)acrylic-based polymers.
US09718998B2

An adhesive composition contains a block copolymer hot melt adhesive and a vapor releasing vapor corrosion inhibitor mixed with the block copolymer hot melt adhesive, the vapor corrosion inhibitor being in the form of particles suspended in the adhesive composition, the particles preferably having a maximum dimension of less than about 30 microns. One improvement results from inclusion in the adhesive mixture of a titanium and/or zirconium containing coupling agent, either separately or as part of the VCI particles. Another improvement results from blending the adhesive mixture in a continuous process using for example a twin screw extruder. As a result, the adhesive mixture has better uniformity and superior viscosity properties during use.
US09718993B2

“Green”, ceramic tapes intended as building blocks for making complex, fully ceramic components and devices for electronic-, lab-on-chip-, and sensing applications, the manufacture of which comprises in sequence: I. mixing of a ceramic “green” paste, II. homogenisation of a ceramic “green” paste, III. dimensioning and optionally structuring the ceramic “green” paste, IV. drying of the dimensioned and structured ceramic paste, in which: step iii) is performed in a combination of an extruder and a calender, the extruder being provided with a circular extrusion die, splitting and unfolding the extruded tube to a flat, continuous tape strip, using methylcellulose or derivatives thereof as binder, and, an additional step chosen among cutting and punching the thus dimensioned and optionally structured “green” paste, thereby making thick, “green” tapes. A method for its manufacture is also contemplated.
US09718983B2

A two component coating composition, suitable for coating onto a metal substrate, especially food and beverage cans, the coating composition comprising: a first component comprising an acrylic latex material; and a second component comprising a functional silane material.
US09718981B2

Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition. The binder composition may include a polymerization catalyst. Exemplary sequestrants may include polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides. Exemplary sequestrant concentrations may range from about 2 wt. % or less of the aqueous binder solution.
US09718979B1

An Inkjet printer includes: an inkjet printhead having an exposed corrodible structure containing silicon nitride, borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) or silicon oxide; and an ink reservoir containing said ink which is in fluid communication with said printhead. The ink includes: water; a dye; and a metal additive for minimizing corrosion of the exposed structure.
US09718978B2

There is provided an ink set including a water-based cleaning transportation liquid, and a disperse dye ink composition, in which the water-based cleaning transportation liquid includes water and at least one of an aromatic sulfonate formalin condensate and a lignin sulfonate as a dispersing agent I, without including a coloring material, and the disperse dye ink composition includes a disperse dye, water, and a dispersing agent II.
US09718972B2

An ink disclosed herein comprises a carrier liquid with a dispersion of flakes derived from a layered material. The thickness of each flake depends on the number of layers of the layered material in the flake. The thickness distribution of the flakes includes: at least 20% by number of single layer flakes; at least 40% by number cumulatively of single, double and triple layer flakes; or not more than 40% by number of flakes having ten or more layers. The layered material is selected from one or more of elemental materials such as graphene (typically derived from pristine graphite), metals (e.g., NiTe2, VSe2), semi-metals (e.g., WTa2, TcS2), semiconductors (e.g., WS2, WSe2, MoS2, MoTe2, TaS2, RhTe2, PdTe2), insulators (e.g., h-BN, HfS2), superconductors (e.g., NbS2, NbSe2, NbTe2, TaSe2) and topological insulators and thermo-electrics (e.g., Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3). Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing suitable inks and uses of the inks.
US09718971B2

A radiation curable liquid includes at least one free radical polymerizable monomer or oligomer, at least one diffusion hindered acetalyzation catalyst, and at least one diffusion hindered hydroxyl containing compound. The radiation curable liquid applied to a substrate prevents migration of very low viscous monomers, such as vinyl ether acrylate monomers, into the substrate.
US09718970B2

A nanocomposite includes a core comprising a first polymer, a shell disposed about the core, the shell comprising a sulfonated polyester, the first polymer and sulfonated polyester are different, and a plurality of silver nanoparticles disposed throughout the shell layer.
US09718965B2

The present invention relates to platelet-shaped zinc-magnesium pigments, wherein the platelet-shaped zinc-magnesium pigments comprise the 40.8 to 67.8 mol % of zinc, 32.2 to 59.2 mol % of magnesium and 0 to 7 mol % of Mn, Li, Be, Y, Sn, Al, Ti, Fe, Cu and mixtures thereof, based in each case on the total molar amount of the elements Zn, Mg, Mn, Be, Y, Li, Sn, Al, Ti, Fe and Cu, where the molar percentages add up to 100 mol %, and the median thickness h50 of the pigments is less than 1 μm. The invention further relates to the use and production of these pigments.
US09718959B2

Provided are an aliphatic polycarbonate-polyurethane composition and an aliphatic polycarbonate-polyurethane polymer using the same.
US09718958B2

Disclosed is a copolycarbonate including aromatic polycarbonate-based repeating units represented by Chemical Formula 1 and Chemical Formula 2; and aromatic polycarbonate-based repeating units having siloxane bonds represented by Chemical Formula 3 and Chemical Formula 4: copolycarbonate provides improved impact strength at low-temperature, improved YI (yellow index), and improved melt index simultaneously.
US09718943B2

A composition for preparing a polyimide-inorganic particle composite including a reaction product of a tetracarboxylic dianhydride mixture and a diamine, and a precursor of an inorganic particle, wherein the tetracarboxylic dianhydride mixture includes a tetracarboxylic dianhydride represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a tetracarboxylic dianhydride represented by Chemical Formula 2, and wherein the diamine is represented by Chemical Formula 3: wherein in Chemical Formulae 1 to 3, groups and variable as described in the specification.
US09718940B2

A composition and method for extracting, recovering, removing, and/or reducing at least one harmful compound selected from a harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful phthalate, a harmful polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), a harmful dioxin, a harmful hexachlorobenzene, or a harmful organotin from a harmful compound-containing material using harmful compound-extracting composition comprising a turpentine fluid.
US09718928B2

A block comprised of a copolymer is obtained by ring-opening polymerization of a cyclic polyarylene sulfide, so that a block copolymer is produced to have a maximum peak molecular weight measured by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) in a range of not less than 2,000 and less than 2,000,000 and have a unimodal molecular weight distribution in this range.
US09718927B2

A siloxane compound comprises a plurality of siloxane repeating units and at least a portion of the siloxane repeating units are cyclosiloxane repeating units conforming to a specified structure. A process for producing such siloxane compounds is also provided. A process and kit for producing a cross-linked silicone polymer using the described siloxane compounds is also provided. A light emitting diode (LED) comprises an encapsulant, and the encapsulant comprises a cross-linked silicone polymer produced from the described siloxane compounds.
US09718920B2

A compound of the formula: (I) wherein: R1 is selected from H, an alkyl group, an aryl group, and combinations thereof; R2 is Rf—Y—(CH2)X—; R3 is a reactive group; Rf is a perfluorinated alkyl group; Y is selected from a bond, S(O)2—N(CH3)—, —S(O)2—N(CH2CH3)—, —S(O)2—O— —S(O)2— —C(O)—, —C(O)—S— —C(O)—O— —C(O)—NH—, —C(O)—N(CH3)—, —C(O)—N(CH2CH3)—, —(CH2CH2O)y-, —O—, and —O—C(O)—CH═CH—C(O)—O—; n is greater than 10; x is 2 to 20; and y is at least 1.
US09718916B2

The present invention relates to a composition comprising 10 to 50 wt.-% of at least one polyisocyanate a-1) based on hexamethylene diisocyanate, comprising at least one oligomeric polyisocyanate based on hexamethylene diisocyanate and optionally monomeric hexamethylene diisocyanate and 50 to 90 wt.-% of at least one polyisocyanate a-2) based on isophorone diisocyanate, comprising at least one oligomeric polyisocyanate based on isophorone diisocyanate and optionally monomeric isophorone diisocyanate, with the proviso that at least one of the components a-1) and a-2) additionally comprises monomeric isocyanate of the named kind, as well as at least one sulfur-containing component. It has been shown that the above mentioned mixture of the specific isocyanate group containing components improves the thermal and mechanical properties of a cured composition. Thus prepared molded articles are particularly suitable for the preparation of spectacle lenses, inter alia due to these properties.
US09718910B2

Provided is an article having high scratch resistance and satisfactory fingerprint wipeability. Disclosed is an article having a microrelief structure containing a cured product of a resin composition on the surface, in which the indentation elastic modulus (X) [MPa] and the creep deformation ratio (Y) [%] of the cured product satisfy the following formulas (1) and (2): 80≦X≦560  (1) Y≦(0.00022X−0.01)×100  (2).
US09718908B2

Multi-stage polymerization processes that produce polymers having controlled compositions and molecular weight with improved catalyst productivity are disclosed. An example method for producing a multi-modal polyolefin comprises polymerizing the multi-modal polyolefin in the presence of a metallocene catalyst system in at least a slurry-phase polymerization stage and a gas-phase polymerization stage arranged in series in any order, wherein the multi-modal olefin comprises: (i) a first polyolefin fraction having a density of less than about 940 kg/m3, and (ii) a second polyolefin fraction having a density of less than about 930 kg/m3.
US09718906B2

A process to form an ethylene-based polymer including polymerizing ethylene and at least one asymmetrical polyene comprising an “alpha, beta unsaturated-carbonyl end” (“α,β-unsaturated-carbonyl end”) and a “C—C double bond end,” wherein the polymerization takes place in the presence of at least one free-radical initiator; and wherein the polymerization takes place in a reactor configuration comprising at least two reaction zones, reaction zone 1 and reaction zone i (i>2), wherein reaction zone i is downstream from reaction zone 1.
US09718903B2

Polymer articles and processes of forming polymer articles are described herein. The processes generally include providing a propylene based polymer formed from a metallocene catalyst and melt processing the propylene based polymer to form a polymer article.
US09718890B2

The invention concerns a method for obtaining and selecting monoclonal antibodies by an ADCC-type test, said antibodies capable of activating type III Fcy receptors and having a particular glycan structure. The inventive anti-D antibodies can be used for preventing Rhesus isoimmunization in Rh negative persons, in particular for hemolytic disease in a new-born baby or for uses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
US09718888B2

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to single chain antibody fragments which specifically bind sialyl-Tn epitope of tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72).
US09718880B2

Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against C5 that inhibits terminal complement activation, showed activity in a preliminary 12-week open-label trial in a small cohort of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The present study examined whether chronic eculizumab therapy could reduce intravascular hemolysis, stabilize hemoglobin levels, reduce transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center global Phase III trial. It has been found that eculizumab stabilized hemoglobin levels, decreased the need for transfusions, and improved quality of life in PNH patients via reduced intravascular hemolysis. Chronic eculizumab treatment appears to be a safe and effective therapy for PNH.
US09718879B2

The present disclosure relates to a method of treating pain, in particular neuropathic pain, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of VGF activity resulting from binding of VGF or a peptide of the type TLQP-21 to the receptor qC1qR. The disclosure also relates to and methods of screening for said inhibitors.
US09718877B2

This invention is in the field of treating or preventing inflammation in humans and animals and relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating or preventing various inflammatory conditions. In particular, the invention relates to compositions and methods for treating or preventing inflammatory conditions such as citrulline-related inflammatory diseases. The invention provides specific binding molecules directed against citrulline-containing epitopes for use in the therapy and prevention of inflammatory conditions.
US09718874B2

The invention relates to isolated, synthetic or recombinant antibodies and functional parts thereof specific for multiple influenza A virus subtypes. The invention further relates to the use of such antibodies for diagnosis of an influenza A virus infection and as a medicament and/or prophylactic agent for at least in part treating or alleviating symptoms of an influenza A virus infection.
US09718872B2

The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that bind to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) spike protein, and methods of use. In various embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to MERS-CoV spike protein. In some embodiments, the antibodies of the invention are useful for inhibiting or neutralizing MERS-CoV activity, thus providing a means of treating or preventing MERS infection in humans. In some embodiments, the invention provides for a combination of one or more antibodies that bind to the MERS-CoV spike protein for use in treating MERS infection. In certain embodiments, the one or more antibodies bind to distinct non-competing epitopes comprised in the receptor binding domain of the MERS-CoV spike protein.
US09718866B2

The invention relates to a peptidomimetic of an NPC-1 epitope on the MUC5AC protein which is differentially expressed in pancreatic and colorectal cancer, and diagnostic and therapeutic usages. Further, antibodies that selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics and may be used in diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
US09718863B2

The present invention relates to novel adenovirus strains with an improved seroprevalence. In one aspect, the present invention relates to isolated polypeptides of adenoviral capsid proteins such as hexon, penton and fiber protein and fragments thereof and polynucleotides encoding the same. Also provided is a vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide according to the invention and adenoviruses comprising the isolated polynucleotides or polypeptides according to the invention and a pharmaceutical composition comprising said vector, adenovirus, polypeptide and/or polynucleotide. The invention also relates to the use of the isolated polynucleotides, the isolated polypeptides, the vector, the adenoviruses and/or the pharmaceutical composition for the therapy or prophylaxis of a disease.
US09718861B2

The present invention relates to highly potent ligands at the ghrelin receptor to influence food intake or other conditions.
US09718860B2

The present invention relates to a complex of a protein comprising zinc oxide-binding peptides and zinc oxide nanoparticles, to the use thereof as a drug delivery carrier for manufacturing medicines, and to a vaccine composition and a contrast agent comprising the composite. The protein comprising zinc oxide-binding peptides significantly improves the in vivo availability of zinc oxide-binding peptides, and therefore the complex of the present invention can be used not only as a drug delivery carrier for in vivo drug delivery or intracellular drug delivery, but also for in vivo imaging or cell imaging. The complex can be used for producing separating agents for effectively separating biological materials, therapeutic agents for hyperthermia, etc., contrast agents for MRI, and beads applicable to biosensors.
US09718859B2

Novel peptide inhibitors of GSK-3, compositions containing same and uses thereof are disclosed. The novel peptide inhibitors are converted to inhibitors of GSK-3 upon interacting with the enzyme's catalytic site and hence act as disease-selective inhibitors for treating conditions associated with increased activity and/or expression of GSK-3. Each of the disclosed peptides is independently of no more than 15 amino acid residues, and has an amino acid sequence which comprises a ZX1X2X3Z(p) recognition motif of GSK-3, wherein Z(p) is a phosphorylated serine or threonine residue; Z is a phosphorylatable serine or threonine residue, and each of X1, X2 and X3 is independently any amino acid, as defined in the specification. Further disclosed are methods of identifying a putative substrate-competitive peptide inhibitor of GSK-3 which are effected by computational modeling and screening.
US09718857B2

This invention relates to a method of inhibiting neuronal cell death, including protecting neuronal cells from cell death and the effects of stress, such as high or low pH, comprising administering to the cells an effective amount of Teneurin C-terminal Associated Peptide (TCAP). The invention provides the use of TCAP to prevent and/or treat a number of brain conditions, such as hypoxia-ischemia and brain alkalosis or various brain or spinal cord injuries due to physical or physiological stresses. In one aspect the invention provides a use of TCAP to increase β-tubulin, β-actin levels in neuronal cells and/or to increase fasciculation among neuronal cells, in culture or in tissue. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating various pH induced neuronal conditions.
US09718855B2

The present invention is directed to n-alkylated synthetic nucleosides of high regiospecific purity and oligonucleotides that can be utilized for studies on reversal of cytotoxic and mutagenic DNA damage, and as diagnostic tools.
US09718852B2

This invention provides methods for attaching a nucleic acid to a solid surface and for sequencing nucleic acid by detecting the identity of each nucleotide analog after the nucleotide analog is incorporated into a growing strand of DNA in a polymerase reaction. The invention also provides nucleotide analogs which comprise unique labels attached to the nucleotide analog through a cleavable linker, and a cleavable chemical group to cap the —OH group at the 3′-position of the deoxyribose.
US09718849B2

Sulfur chelated ruthenium compounds represented by the following formula: wherein M indicates the ruthenium metal bound to a benzylidene carbon; R represents C1-C7 alkyl group or optionally substituted aryl; X1 and X2 each independently represent halogen; Y1 and Y2 each independently denote unsubstituted or alkyl-substituted phenyl; and Z independently represents hydrogen, electron withdrawing or electron donating substituent, with m being an integer from 1 to 4, and processes and compositions related thereto.
US09718845B2

The disclosure generally relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula I, including synthetic intermediates which are useful in the process.
US09718840B2

Provided are condensed 5-oxazolidinone derivatives and pharmaceutically permissible salts thereof, which have excellent anticoagulant effects, are well absorbed orally, and are useful as therapeutic drugs for thrombosis, etc. Compounds represented by formula (1) and pharmaceutically permissible salts thereof. [In the formula, L represents a C1-C4 alkylene group that may be substituted; R11 and R12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or C1-C6 alkyl group, etc. that may be substituted; X1 represents N or CR1; R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or C1-C6 alkyl group; Ra represents a C4-C7 cycloalkyl group, etc. that may be substituted; and Rb represents a hydrogen atom, etc.]
US09718836B2

An artificial antigen of aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor Sterigmatocystin (ST) and a method for preparing same. Firstly, hydroxyacetic acid is reacted with the double bound of the difuran ring in the aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST, yielding an aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST hapten with an active carboxymethoxy group. Secondly, a carboxyl group on the ST hapten is attached to an amino group on a carrier protein. At last, the artificial antigen of aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST is obtained by dialysis and lyophilize.
US09718827B2

The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of ATR protein kinase. The invention also relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of this invention; methods of treating of various diseases, disorders, and conditions using the compounds of this invention; processes for preparing the compounds of this invention; intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of this invention; and methods of using the compounds in in vitro applications, such as the study of kinases in biological and pathological phenomena; the study of intracellular signal transduction pathways mediated by such kinases; and the comparative evaluation of new kinase inhibitors.The compounds of this invention have formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, wherein the variables are as devined herein. Moreover, The compounds of this invention have formula I-A: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, wherein the variables are as defined herein.
US09718826B2

Compounds of the formula I in which R1 and R2 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of Tankyrase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system injury and different forms of inflammation.
US09718823B2

The present invention provides a 2, 6-di-nitrogen-containing substituted purine derivative having a formula (I) structure, or pharmaceutical salt or hydrate thereof, and preparation method and use thereof. The compound is broad spectrum anticancer, low toxicity, high anticancer activity and good stability.
US09718815B2

Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions that modulate kinase activity, including PI3 kinase activity, and compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment of diseases and conditions associated with kinase activity, including PI3 kinase activity, are described herein.
US09718796B2

Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulation of signaling through the Toll-like receptors TLR7 and/or TLR8. The compositions and methods have use in treating or preventing disease, including cancer, autoimmune disease, fibrotic disease, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, inflammatory disorder, graft rejection, or graft-versus-host disease.
US09718794B2

The invention relates to various polymorphic forms and amorphous form of sodium 4-((3-(4-cyclohexylpiperazin-1-yl)-6-oxo-6H-anthra[1,9-cd]isoxazol-5-yl)amino)benzate, including the polymorphic form A, mixtures of the polymorphs, process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof in a pharmaceutical composition containing thereof.
US09718792B2

This invention pertains generally to compounds of Formula I and compositions containing such compounds, as well as methods of using such compounds to treat bacterial infections. In certain aspects, the invention pertains to methods and compositions for treating infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
US09718790B2

The present invention provides novel compounds having a P2X3 and/or P2X2/3 receptor antagonistic effect.A pharmaceutical composition having an analgesic effect or an improving effect of urination disorder comprising a compound of the formula (I): wherein Rh and Ri are taken together to form a bond; Ra and Rb and/or Rd and Re are taken together to form oxo or the like; Rc is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like; Rf is —(CR4aR4b)n—R2; R4a and R4b are hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like; R2 is substituted or unsubstjtuted cycloalkyl or the like; n is an integer of 1 to 4; —Rg is —X—R3; —X— is —O—, —S— or the like; R3 is substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or the like, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof.
US09718776B2

A benzilic acid ester compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein R represents optionally substituted fluorinated lower alkyl, is disclosed.
US09718775B2

Compounds that are derivatives of oxindole conform to the general structure of Formula (I) These compounds are believed to exhibit antioxidant properties. A composition comprises an organic material and a compound conforming to the structure of Formula (I).
US09718774B2

The invention relates to indole carboxamide derivatives of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in the description, their preparation and their use as pharmaceutically active compounds.
US09718755B2

The present invention provides methods for the production of terephthalic acid and derivatives thereof using ethylene oxide, carbon monoxide and furan as feedstocks. The process is characterized by high yields and high carbon efficiency. The process can utilize 100% biobased feedstocks (EO via ethanol, CO via biomass gasification, and furan via known processes from cellulosic feedstocks). In one aspect, processes of the invention coproduce biobased terephthalic acid and biobased styrene.
US09718754B2

Disclosed is a process for the reductive carbonylation of a low molecular weight alcohol to produce the homologous aldehyde and/or alcohol. The process includes conducting the reaction to produce the aldehyde in the presence of a single component catalyst complex composed of cobalt, an onium cation and iodide in a ratio of 1:2:4 without additional promoters. A ruthenium co-catalyst is used in the production of the homologous alcohol. The reductive carbonylation reaction does not require an additional iodide promoter and produces a crude reductive carbonylation product substantially free of methyl iodide.
US09718752B2

The invention provides a process for the recovery of an alkylene glycol from an aqueous stream comprising the alkylene glycol and the corresponding dialkylene glycol, said process comprising the steps of providing the aqueous stream comprising the alkylene glycol and the corresponding dialkylene glycol, providing a first solvent stream, combining said aqueous stream comprising the alkylene glycol and the corresponding dialkylene glycol with said first solvent stream and recovering at least a portion of the alkylene glycol by liquid-liquid extraction, wherein said solvent comprises an amine.
US09718745B2

The present disclosure provides a premixer for at least two gases, comprising: a tubular body having a closed end and an opposite, open end; a first flow passage for receiving a first gas, the first flow passage axially extending through the closed end into the tubular body in a sealable manner; a conical tube arranged in the tubular body, wherein a small end of the conical tube communicates with the first flow passage, and a large end of the conical tube extends toward the open end with an edge thereof being fixed to an inner wall of the tubular body, thereby defining a sealed distribution chamber between the tubular body and the conical tube; and a second flow passage arranged on a side portion of the tubular body for receiving a second gas, wherein the second flow passage communicates with the distribution chamber, so that the second gas can be introduced into said conical tube via the distribution chamber in a substantially radial manner. The present disclosure further relates to a radially fixed bed reactor comprising the premixer, a reaction system of oxidative dehydrogenation of butene comprising the racially fixed bed reactor, and a corresponding process.
US09718743B2

A method for preparing a light olefin using an oxygen-containing compound, and a device for use thereof, more specifically, taking methanol and/or dimethyl ether as main starting materials, using a multi-stage (n≧2) dense phase fluidized bed reactor and a multi-stage (m≧2) catalyst regenerator, which solves the problem in the prior art of the uniformity of catalyst carbon deposition and the carbon content being difficult to control and the light olefin selectivity being low.
US09718741B2

A process of converting a carbon-carbon multiple bond to a cyclopropane ring, comprising the addition of a N-alkyl-N-nitroso compound to a mixture of alkene precursor, aqueous base and Pd(II)-catalyst, with the N-alkyl-N-nitroso compound obtained directly from an alkyl amine derivative, NaNO2 and an acid via phase separation of the N-alkyl-N-nitroso compound from the aqueous phase.
US09718725B2

Disclosed herein are opaque glass-ceramics comprising at least one nepheline crystal phase and comprising from about 30 mol % to about 65 mol % SiO2, from about 15 mol % to about 40 mol % Al2O3, from about 10 mol % to about 20 mol % (Na2O+K2O), and from about 1 mol % to about 10 mol % (ZnO+MgO). Also disclosed herein are opaque-glass ceramics comprising at least one nepheline crystal phase and at least one spinel-structure phase doped with at least one colorant chosen from transition metals and rare earth elements. Further disclosed herein are methods for making these opaque glass-ceramics.
US09718721B2

According to one embodiment, a glass composition may include from 67 mol. % to about 75 mol. % SiO2; from about 6 mol. % to about 10 mol. % Al2O3; and from about 5 mol. % to about 12 mol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include K2O in an amount less than or equal to 0.5 mol. %. The glass composition may further include from about 9 mol. % to about 15 mol. % of alkaline earth oxide. The alkaline earth oxide may include greater than about 0 mol. % and less than or equal to 3 mol. % MgO, from 2 mol. % to about 7 mol % CaO, at least one of SrO and BaO. The glass composition may further include less than 1 mol. % B2O3. A ratio of a concentration of MgO to the sum of the concentration of divalent cations (MgO:ΣRO) may be less than 0.3.
US09718712B2

Methods and systems for treating caustic materials are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for treating caustic materials includes the steps of providing a first caustic solution stream including phenolic constituents and naphthenic constituents, mixing the first caustic solution stream with an acid solution, and separating phenolic acids from the first caustic solution stream. The method further includes further mixing the first caustic solution stream with additional acid solution and separating naphthenic acids from the first caustic solution stream. Still further, the method includes providing a second caustic solution stream including sulfidic constituents, mixing the first caustic solution stream with the second caustic solution stream to form a combined caustic solution stream, and oxidizing the sulfidic constituents of the combined caustic solution stream.
US09718708B2

A system for enhancing the separation of particles or fluids from water is disclosed. A settling tank or skim tank is provided with an open submersible acoustophoretic separator. In a skim tank, the separator captures and holds oil droplets or particles, permitting them to coalesce until they are large enough and have sufficient buoyant force to float to the top of the tank. In a settling or sediment tank, separator captures and holds particles until they are large enough that the force of gravity causes them to settle out of the water. The acoustophoretic device thus speeds up separation of the particles or droplets from the water.
US09718707B2

A water purifier is provided. The water purifier includes a material having an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one thermoelectric generator tile is attached to the material. The at least one thermoelectric generator tile includes a cool side facing towards the inner surface and a heat side facing away from the inner surface. At least one Ultraviolet (UV) C light source is electrically connected to the at least one thermoelectric generator tile. Water may cool the cool side of the thermoelectric generator tile while body heat may warm the heat side of the thermoelectric generator tile, thereby generating electricity which in turn powers the UV C light source. The UV C light source emits UV C light which kills microorganisms within the water.
US09718706B2

A solution for disinfecting a fluid, colloid, mixture, and/or the like using ultraviolet radiation is provided. An ultraviolet transparent enclosure can include an inlet and an outlet for a flow of media to be disinfected. The ultraviolet transparent enclosure includes a material that is configured to prevent biofouling within the ultraviolet transparent enclosure. A set of ultraviolet radiation sources are located adjacent to the ultraviolet transparent enclosure and are configured to generate ultraviolet radiation towards the ultraviolet transparent enclosure.
US09718705B2

The invention relates to a device for producing UV light. Said device provides light from light sources that operate in accordance with different physical principles. The device comprises a chamber having several gas-filled plasma chambers (11, 12), wherein the chamber has at least one area (37, 39) transparent to UV light and/or VUV light. A first group (11) of plasma chambers is filled with an ionizable gas containing mercury and a second group (12) of plasma chambers is filled with a gas that forms excimers when suitably excited.
US09718703B2

An apparatus for continuously removing an oily pollutant from polluted water includes an absorbent unit and a suctioning unit. The absorbent unit is made of a hydrophobic and oleophilic porous material and is able to absorb and to separate the oily pollutant from water when the absorbent unit is placed in the polluted water. The suctioning unit is coupled to the absorbent unit and is operable for providing a suctioning force to the absorbent unit so as to continuously remove the oily pollutant absorbed by the absorbent unit. A method for continuously removing the oily pollutant from the polluted water is also provided.
US09718696B2

A low temperature co-fired ceramic powder has a chemical composition of xR2O-yR′O-zM2O3-wM′O2, wherein R is Li, Na and/or K, R′ is Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn and/or Cu, M is B, Al, Ga, In, Bi, Nd, Sm, and/or La, M′ is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, and/or Zr, x≧0, y≧0, z≧20%, w≧15%, and x+y+z+w=1. The preparation method comprises: weighing constituent powders according to the composition of the ceramic powder, and uniformly mixing these powders as a raw material powder; and presintering the raw material powder in a muffle furnace followed by grinding, the presintering comprising gradiently heating the raw material powder to a maximum temperature of 950° C. by first rising to 350-450° C. and staying thereat for a period, then staying at intervals of 50-100° C. for a period.
US09718693B2

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a process of sequestering carbon dioxide. The process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting a metal silicate with a caustic alkali-metal hydroxide to produce a hydroxide of the metal formerly contained in the silicate; (b) reacting carbon dioxide with at least one of a caustic alkali-metal hydroxide and an alkali-metal silicate to produce at least one of an alkali-metal carbonate and an alkali-metal bicarbonate; and (c) reacting the metal hydroxide product of step (a) with at least one of the alkali-metal carbonate and the alkali-metal bicarbonate produced in step (b) to produce a carbonate of the metal formerly contained in the metal silicate of step (a).
US09718691B2

Methods and compositions for the formation of dispersions of nanotubes are provided using solution comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and an electron donor group. Also provided are methods for isolating carbon nanotubes from the composition, and use of carbon nanotube products.
US09718686B1

The present invention provides a safe, disposable and biodegradable chlorine dioxide micro generator that uses water soluble paper and hydrogel or compressed cellulose encased in filter paper pouch. The chemicals are kept in a stabilize form until activated by the addition of water. Multiple levels of protection against early exposure to water such as a foil pouch and an impermeable outer container allow for the safe transportation and storage in small, ready for deployment amounts of the chemicals. Water permeated the chemical pack housing and dissolves the paper walls of the chemical pouch housing and then the water facilitates the reaction between the acid and the sodium chlorite to form chlorine dioxide gas as will be described further hereunder. Absorbent and permeable materials packaged around the chemicals provide for the safe containment of the chlorine dioxide solution, and the expeditious aeration and release of the chlorine dioxide gas, once the chemical reaction has been completed.
US09718679B2

A Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) structure with integrated heater is disclosed. The MEMS structure with integrated heater comprises a first substrate with cavities, bonded to a second substrate, forming a plurality of sealed enclosures of at least two types. Each of the plurality of sealed enclosures is defined by the first substrate, the second substrate, and a seal-ring material, where the first enclosure type further includes at least one of a gettering element to decrease cavity pressure in the first enclosure type or an outgassing element to increase cavity pressure in the first enclosure type when activated. The first enclosure type further comprises at least one heater integrated into the first substrate adjacent to the gettering element or the outgassing element to adjust the temperature of the gettering element or the outgassing element thereby providing heating to the gettering element or the outgassing element.
US09718676B2

A method is disclosed for fabricating free-standing polymeric nanopillars or nanotubes with remarkably high aspect ratios. The nanopillars and nanotubes may be used, for example, in integrated microfluidic systems for rapid, automated, high-capacity analysis or separation of complex protein mixtures or their enzyme digest products. One embodiment, preferably fabricated entirely from polymer substrates, comprises a cell lysis unit; a solid-phase extraction unit with free-standing, polymeric nanostructures; a multi-dimensional electrophoretic separation unit with high peak capacity; a solid-phase nanoreactor for the proteolytic digestion of isolated proteins; and a chromatographic unit for the separation of peptide fragments from the digestion of proteins. The nanopillars and nanotubes may also be used to increase surface area for reaction with a solid phase, for example, with immobilized enzymes or other catalysts within a microchannel, or as a solid support for capillary electrochromatography-based separations of proteins or peptides.
US09718671B2

A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) acoustic sensor is disclosed. The acoustic sensor comprises a backplate and a diaphragm. The acoustic sensor further comprises a flexible member and optional spacer member disposed between the backplate and the diaphragm resulting in a gap between the backplate and the diaphragm. The gap can vary in response to impinging pressure on the diaphragm based on the design of the flexible member and resulting in a variable capacitance between the backplate and the diaphragm. The change in the gap can result in a change in an electrical characteristic associated with the variable capacitance and can be converted to an electrical output signal corresponding to the impinging pressure on the diaphragm. The flexible member can be part of the backplate or diaphragm.
US09718665B2

A signaling apparatus paces a free pour count and choreographs a movement to stop pouring. The apparatus emits a first signal after an approximately 200-ms time interval and a series of subsequent signals every approximately 400-ms thereafter. The first time interval approximates a first time, measured from a moment the sensor detects the start of the pour, needed to dispense a first unit of beverage through the pour spout, minus a second time needed to react to a signal and stop the pour. The 400-ms time interval approximates the time required to dispense each subsequent unit of beverage through the pour spout. In one embodiment, the signaling apparatus emits sequential pulses according to the pattern Y-Y-Y-Y-G-Y-Y-R, wherein Y is yellow, G is green, and R is red, wherein each pulse represents a quarter-ounce increment, the green pulse represents a standard pour, and the red pulse represents a full pour.
US09718662B2

Provided herein is a dispenser head for a beverage cask which has a valve head with a spring-loaded valve disc. The dispenser head includes a housing, a connection element for fastening the housing to the valve head of the beverage cask, a propellant gas inlet, configured on the housing, for connecting a propellant gas line, a ram which is mounted movably in the housing and contains a riser duct and which, by pressing into the valve head, opens the spring-loaded valve disc, a liquid outlet for connecting a beverage line and an actuating mechanism for actuating the ram. The actuating mechanism is configured as a rotational mechanism which has a spiral gearing and a hand wheel connected to the ram and to the spiral gearing.
US09718660B2

A lifting vehicle comprising: a frame carrying a front axle and a rear axle; carrying a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, respectively; a lifting boom articulated in a rear section of the frame; and a stability control system configured to control the conditions of operational stability of the vehicle, wherein said stability control system comprises: a first and a second load sensor configured to provide information about the loads acting on the front right wheel and on the front left wheel and an electronic control unit programmed for: calculating a transverse dimension of the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle according to the values provided by said first load sensor and said second load sensor.
US09718655B2

A hydraulically actuatable jib for a loading crane includes at least two jib extensions, the first jib extension being designed as an outer jib extension and the second jib extension being designed as an inner jib extension. At least two feed cylinders extend and react the at least two jib extensions. A hydraulic circuit for a working fluid includes a retraction line for retracting the feed cylinders in a pressurized manner, and the retraction line opens into the feed cylinder of the outer jib extension. A tank is provided for releasing the working fluid, and a control valve can be switched into an open position when the outer jib extension reaches a defined retraction position, particularly when the outer jib extension is substantially fully retracted. The valve thereby supplies the feed cylinder of the inner jib extension with pressurized working fluid.
US09718654B2

A telescopic boom includes a first frame having a curved portion whose section is substantially U-shaped, and a second frame connected to the first frame so that a closed section is formed. In the telescopic boom, the U-shaped curved portion of the first frame includes a plurality of protrusion portions formed at intervals in a circumferential direction of the telescopic boom, each protrusion portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the telescopic boom and being formed to have an arc-shaped section and protrude to the outside of the first frame.
US09718653B2

A heave compensator with adjustable dampening properties includes a length extension device having an inner space divided by a slide-able piston into a vacuum chamber and a liquid filled chamber, a gas accumulator divided by a slide-able piston into a gas filled chamber and a liquid filled chamber, and a gas tank having an expansion chamber. The liquid and gas chamber are fluidly connected to each other with valve controlled conduits. Further, the device includes pressure and temperature sensors that register pressure and temperature in the gas and liquid phases. The device further includes a control unit having a signal receiving unit, a writeable computer memory, a data processing unit, and a signal transmitting unit. The data processing unit contains computer software that calculates suited amounts of gas and gas pressure in the gas accumulator and/or gas tank based on the information of which lifting operation is going to be performed. The data processing unit further engages activation means such that the suited amount of gas and gas pressure are achieved and maintained during the different phases of the lifting operation.
US09718640B2

An assembly in which a button is secured to a badge reel, the assembly comprising a first structure configured to hold the button against a side of the badge reel and a second structure configured to prevent the button from being sheared from the side of the badge reel.
US09718632B2

A sheet supply device detachably attachable to an image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a sheet supply roller; an external output gear; a clutch mechanism; and first and second transmission mechanisms. The main body is provided with a sheet supply tray on which a sheet is mountable. The sheet supply roller is in contact with a sheet mounted on the sheet supply tray and configured to rotate to supply the sheet toward the image forming apparatus. The external output gear is configured to output a driving force to an outside. The clutch mechanism is configured to transmit and interrupt a driving force from the image forming apparatus. The first transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force received through the clutch mechanism to the sheet supply roller. The second transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force received through the clutch mechanism to the external output gear.
US09718630B2

A high-speed transportation system, the system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube between stations, a propulsion system for the at least one capsule; and a levitation system for levitating the capsule in the tube.
US09718625B2

An automatically cycling detecting-and-sorting device has a base, multiple accommodating elements, at least one pushing rod, multiple side rods, and a detector. An object under inspection is put in one of the accommodating elements, and the accommodating element is conveyed along a first channel of the base and is under detection of the detector. The accommodating element is conveyed to the discharging region and then conveyed back to the feeding region, or the accommodating element is pushed away and then conveyed back to the feeding region. Because each object under inspection is accommodated in an individual accommodating element, even though any object in the accommodating element fails to pass the detection, the disqualified accommodating element is pushed away individually without affecting the processing of other accommodating elements. The whole detecting, sorting and cycling proceed automatically.
US09718621B2

A sealing device for sealing the side regions of a conveyor belt having a sequence of sealing elements being arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis of the conveyor belt. The sealing elements are spaced apart and rest on the surface of the conveyor belt in a resilient manner, the individual sealing elements being arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor belt and pointing in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt by their inner end. The sealing elements consist of strip-like guide ledges.
US09718602B2

A packet is suitable to contain products in loose or organized form and comprises at least two elements such as a mobile lid, affecting the upper part of the packet, and a containing body. The containing body consists of two lateral, a rear wall, a front wall, an upper wall and a lower wall, all defining a front bulk and a lateral bulk. The elements are connected to each other by movement means. The mobile lid is suitable to assume a closed position and an open position. The mobile lid, the walls of the containing body and the movement means define a kinematic mechanism suitable to make the mobile lid assume an open position as well.
US09718597B2

A cushion includes at least one first medium container bag and at least one second medium container bag arranged in a second direction to surround an object and each extending in a first direction and capable of containing a medium that absorbs shock to the object. The at least one first medium container bag includes: a first container having a first area in cross section; and a second container protruding, from an end portion of the first container in the first direction, toward a distal end portion of the at least one first medium container bag in the first direction. The second container has a second area in cross section which is less than the first area. The second container protrudes to a position nearer to the distal end portion than each of the at least one second medium container bag in the first direction.
US09718596B1

A packaging assembly comprises a bulk box having a shock absorber to dampen a kinetic energy of product being dispensed from a conveyor system. The shock absorber may be a rectangular sheet shock absorber disposed diagonally in the bulk box, a shuttle tray shock absorber disposed in an opening of the bulk box, a deflector net disposed in an opening of the bulk box, or a inflatable bag shock absorber disposed in the bulk box, for example.
US09718595B2

A container at least to some extent composed of a sheet of composite material, where the composite material includes an aluminum foil with a first and a second surface side, a first polymer layer, bonded to at least one of the two surface sides, where the aluminum foil covers, by way of the polymer layer, at least one aperture of a holder, where the composite material and the holder together form the container, where the holder accepts at least one analytical aid in a cutout, where the aluminum foil has been molded.
US09718594B2

A toothbrush having a handle and a head in a display package is described. The head is attached to a neck which is attached to the handle. An indication element is between the head and the handle and is in electrical communication with a power source. A switch connects the indication element to the power source and has a first position where the indication element is not energized and a second position where the indication element is energized. An adequate force applied to the head and an at least partially translucent package body moves the switch to the second position. The package body has a first face and a second face. The first face and/or the second face have a rugose area configured to facilitate application of a force to the head and/or neck through the package body to place the switch in the second position.
US09718592B1

A carrier comprises a lifting assembly and a box assembly. The lifting assembly defines at least one platform surface and at least one shoulder portion. The box assembly defines at least one intermediate slot. The at least one intermediate slots receives a portion of the main member such that the at least one shoulder portion engages at least a portion of the box assembly to transfer downward loads on the box assembly to the lifting assembly.
US09718575B2

A tray made from cardboard sheet material comprising a rectangular base and a ring of side walls, including two opposed first side walls symmetric with respect to a transverse axes of the tray and two second walls, including a second rear wall and a second front wall of lesser height than the other walls.
US09718571B1

A yard waste collection and carrying device is in the form of a large flat-bottomed tray open at one end, sized to receive leaves, sticks and other materials raked into the open end. Formed of a semi-rigid rubbery plastic material, the device stores a large volume of material, has a pair of opposed side handles for carrying, and is easily deformed to curve the forward end into a pouring configuration, so that the collected materials can easily be transferred into a narrower waste can. The shape of the device is such as to be compactly stackable for storing or shipping a number of the devices together.
US09718569B2

A modified atmosphere flow-wrap system and method and components thereof are provided for packaging a food product in a reduced oxygen atmosphere in a continuous or partially-continuous process. In one aspect, the flow-wrap system includes a saturation tunnel for saturating the food products with modified gas to reduce an amount of residual oxygen therein. In another aspect, the flow-wrap system includes a flow-wrapping station with a modified gas lance that extends into film webbing used to form the food product packages to insert modified gas into the film webbing and restrict oxygen from entering the food packages.
US09718568B2

One variation of a system for packaging a foodstuff includes: a ramp; a bag dispenser adjacent the ramp and dispensing a bag into a load position; a paddle pivotable about a hinge arranged above the ramp, comprising a leading edge opposite the hinge and engaging the ramp, and extensible between a retracted setting and an extended setting, the leading edge of the paddle in contact with the ramp in the retracted setting and inserted into the mouth of the bag in the extended setting; an actuator coupled to the paddle and extending the paddle between the retracted setting and the extended setting; and a conveyor advancing the a foodstuff toward the bag dispenser, foodstuff contacting a bottom surface of the paddle and pivoting the paddle about the hinge to separate an upper layer of the bag from a lower layer.
US09718558B2

A system and method are provided for decluttering an aircraft display. Chart data, flight data and user input data are obtained. User input data reflects pilot preferences. A modified combination of chart data and flight data is generated in response to user input data. Symbology that is graphically representative of the modified combination is displayed.
US09718552B2

A seat leg assembly for a passenger seat includes a brace member to extend from a front end of a base frame of the passenger seat to a rear floor fitting; a front leg to extend from a front floor fitting to the brace member and connected to the brace member; a rear leg portion extending from a rear end of the base frame to the brace member; and a first joint structure connecting the rear leg portion to the brace member.
US09718535B2

The invention provides an aircraft with a trimmable horizontal stabilizer (13) that not requires a cut-out in resistant areas of the rear fuselage and that occupies less space that in conventional horizontal stabilizers. The rear fuselage (5) comprises at least a first section (9) having a resistant fuselage and a second section (11), aft of the first section, having a non-resistant fuselage (i.e. a fairing). The load-bearing structure (30) of the horizontal stabilizer and the trimming actuator (50) are disposed inside said second section (11). The pivot element (41) is mounted on its forward side and coupled to the first section (9) of the rear fuselage. The connection fitting (21) is mounted on its rearward side and the trimming actuator (50) is disposed so that it exerts a force in the direction of the Z-axis of the aircraft on the connection fitting (21) during a trimming operation.
US09718533B2

Aircraft fuel tank access door systems and methods incorporating one or more of an outer fuel tank access door completely encapsulated by a dielectric material and an inner fuel tank access door comprising at least one drainage feature are disclosed. These systems and methods reduce or prevent (i) fuel pooling on the inner fuel tank access door, (ii) moisture pooling between the inner and outer fuel tank access doors, and (iii) p-static build up and lightning attachment to the outer fuel tank access door to increase safety, reduce the likelihood of corrosion and ease installation of the fuel tank access door system.
US09718525B1

A marine engine for propelling a watercraft has a drive unit adapted to be pivotally connected about a steering axis to the watercraft, and a steering position sensing system. The steering position sensing system has a magnet housing operatively connected to the drive unit and having an arcuate portion, a magnet disposed in the magnet housing, a sensor housing adapted to be operatively connected to the watercraft and a sensor disposed in the sensor housing. The magnet housing and the magnet are pivotable about the steering axis with the drive unit and relative to the sensor housing. The arcuate portion of the magnet housing is spaced from the sensor housing. The sensor senses a magnetic field of the magnet to determine an angular position of the drive unit relative to the watercraft. A bracket assembly for mounting an outboard engine to a watercraft is also disclosed.
US09718522B2

The invention provides a visibility aid for watercraft in the form a stream of water illuminated from within so that the stream of water is readily visible even in unfavorable conditions. A stream of water such as the telltale from the cooling system of an outboard motor is illuminated from within by light that exhibits total internal reflection. This makes the telltale easy to see, even at night, allowing a boat operator to know that the cooling system is functioning properly.
US09718518B2

A method of connecting a member to a floating structure, the method includes disposing the floating structure in a body of water and attaching the member to the floating structure. The method also includes changing an orientation of the floating structure and aligning the member with a connection device disposed on a lower portion of the floating structure.
US09718506B1

A capturing wind power system is described that includes a plurality of pipes that extend along the vehicle length and curve towards the rear end of the vehicle. The pipes capture air to help propel the vehicle forward, improving fuel mileage. A cover may be used encase the pipes and allow a rear segment of the pipes to be removed when opening a door at the rear end of the vehicle.
US09718505B2

The present invention involves a spare tire carrier and handling device for mounting on a vehicle. The device is adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored position under a vehicle to an accessible position. The device may be mounted so as to be accessible from the rear, side, or front of a vehicle as desired.
US09718494B2

A hollow structure for installation as cross member or longitudinal member in a motor vehicle includes a hollow member which is made of light metal and has at least one hollow chamber. The hollow member has a wall which is formed with a slot. A flange sized to extend through the slot has a leg configured to rest by a formfit against a side of an inner surface area of the hollow member and at least one area which is coupled to an outer surface area of the hollow member.
US09718493B2

A shock-absorbing member comprises held sections located at a plurality of locations in a circumferential direction and comprising paired held sections and non-paired held sections, and is constructed to have a non-circular cylindrical shape in cross-section. Portions where outer-diameter side end sections of held sections that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are made continuous by way of outer-diameter side cover sections, and portions where inner-diameter side end sections of held sections that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are made continuous directly or by way of inner-diameter side cover sections, in an alternating sequence in the circumferential direction. Drive-side arm sections are placed between the non-paired held sections, driven-side arm sections are placed between the paired held sections, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the drive-side arm sections are covered by the outer-diameter side cover sections.
US09718492B2

An end determination unit determines that a steering apparatus is in an end touching state when an angle deviation, which is a difference between an actual turning angle and a target turning angle, exceeds a threshold. This angle deviation exceeds the threshold before a large axial force is generated in a steering shaft. Accordingly, is it possible to determine that the steering apparatus is in the end touching state more quickly.
US09718487B2

A method and an apparatus for a train control system are disclosed, and are based on virtualization of train control logic and the use of cloud computing resources. A train control system is configured into two main parts. The first part includes physical elements of the train control system, and the second part includes a virtual train control system that provides the computing resources for the required train control application platforms. The disclosed architecture can be used with various train control technologies, including communications based train control, cab-signaling and fixed block, wayside signal technology. Further, the disclosure describes methodologies to convert cab-signaling and manual operations into distance to go operation.
US09718477B2

A vehicle haptic feedback system includes a haptic actuator, a detection device, and a controller. The haptic actuator is configured to provide haptic feedback to a vehicle driver. The detection device is disposed in an interior of the vehicle and is configured to capture movements of the vehicle driver and output data representing the movements. The controller is coupled to the detection device and is configured to receive a signal from the detection device indicative of the movements. The controller is also coupled to a haptic effect feedback system. Based on the signal, the controller is configured to send a signal to select a haptic effect from an effect table and is configured to send a signal to the haptic actuator to provide the selected haptic effect. The haptic actuator is coupled to a driver's seat, a steering wheel, a driver's seat belt, and/or an object wearable by the driver.
US09718475B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle, the system being operable in an automatic mode selection condition in which the system is configured to select automatically an appropriate system operating mode whereby the system assumes operation in said system operating mode, the system being further configured to allow activation of an automatic progress control function in which a speed of the vehicle over terrain is controlled automatically by the system, wherein when the automatic progress control function is active the system is configured automatically to suspend changes in the selected system operating mode.
US09718473B2

The possibility of a lane change of a vehicle is determined by using a first inter-vehicle distance that serves as a target for the lane change of the vehicle on an adjacent lane adjacent to a lane on which the vehicle is traveling. When the lane change is determined not to be executable, the presence or absence of a possibility that the first inter-vehicle distance will extend to a length that allows for the lane change is determined by using a second inter-vehicle distance positioned in front of or behind the first inter-vehicle distance. When it is determined that there is the possibility, waiting is determined to be necessary, and when it is determined that there is no such possibility, the waiting is determined to be unnecessary.
US09718470B2

A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle has a controller within a speed and/or distance regulator, which controller is used for the regulation of the acceleration of the motor vehicle according to a setpoint acceleration. The driver assistance system also includes an input coupling unit for coupling an additional acceleration that can be predefined by the driver of the motor vehicle into the system.
US09718463B2

A drive train of a motor vehicle, with a hybrid drive having an internal combustion engine, and an electric machine, and an automated auxiliary range transmission, wherein the automated auxiliary range transmission has at least one main transmission and an auxiliary range unit mounted downstream of the main transmission, in particular as a range group, wherein an input shaft of the automated auxiliary range transmission is connected to the internal combustion engine of the hybrid drive via a controllable starter clutch, and an axle shaft of the automated auxiliary range transmission is connected to an axle drive, wherein the electric machine of the hybrid drive can be coupled to the force flux or torque flux of the drive train between the main transmission and the auxiliary range unit and/or between the auxiliary range unit and the axle drive.
US09718460B2

An electronic control unit is mounted on a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and electric motors, each of which is connected to a driving shaft to be capable of transmitting power. The electronic control unit is configured to compute compensation torque reducing a pulsation component of engine torque of the internal combustion engine and command a value in which required torque of the electric motor is combined with the computed compensation torque to the electric motor as a torque command value of the electric motor. The electronic control unit is configured to correct the torque command value so that the value opposite in sign to an average torque command value is not commanded to the electric motor when the average torque command value is smaller than an amplitude of the torque command value.
US09718456B2

A hybrid vehicle includes a traction battery, an internal combustion engine, an electric machine configured to provide torque assistance to the engine, and a controller or a powertrain control system having a controller. The controller is programmed to respond to a percentage of state of charge (SOC) allocated for torque assistance. An allocation for torque assistance is a change in SOC of the battery attributed to a current flow to the electric machine for torque assistance. When the change in SOC attributed to the current flow is greater than a predetermined change, the controller will halt the current flow to the electric machine to cease torque assistance.
US09718453B2

A first heater heats a vehicle compartment by using cooling water of the internal combustion engine. A second heater heats the vehicle compartment by using electrical power supplied by the electrical storage device. The controller during driving of the internal combustion engine, when a temperature of the cooling water is equal to or higher than a reference temperature, controls the internal combustion engine to stop; when the second heater is operated during driving of the internal combustion engine, when a state quantity indicating a state of charge of the electrical storage device is equal to or higher than a threshold, controls the second heater such that an amount of heat generation of the second heater is higher than that generated when the state quantity is less than the threshold; and sets the reference temperature to be low as compared to when the state quantity is less than the threshold.
US09718436B2

In a buckle device, wire ropes and a coiled cord run through the inside of a tubular buckle guide. Here, a partition wall is provided inside the buckle guide, and the inside of the buckle guide is partitioned by the partition wall into a wire rope side and a coiled cord side. Due to this, the coiled cord can be prevented from contacting the wire ropes inside the buckle guide.
US09718427B2

Latch systems having latch devices for releasably engaging anchors are disclosed herein. A latch system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch device having an anchor aperture configured to receive a head portion of an anchor. The latch device includes a first engagement member operably coupled to an actuator. The first engagement member can restrain the head portion between the anchor aperture and a second engagement member, and the second engagement member can urge the head portion against the first engagement member. In operation, a user can move the actuator from a first position to a second actuator position to move the first engagement member away from the head portion and release the latch device from the anchor.
US09718422B2

A front vehicle body reinforcing structure and an assembly method may include a front side member formed to extend along a length direction of a vehicle and respectively disposed at right and left sides along a width direction of the vehicle, a front fender apron member formed to extend along the length direction of the vehicle, disposed at the right and left sides along the width direction of the vehicle outside the front side member, and including a front tip end positioned at the front along the length direction of the vehicle, and a reinforcement member connecting the front tip end of the front fender apron member and the front side member to be reinforced.
US09718421B2

A fender bracket of a motor vehicle, which includes seatings for attaching a fender, a point for anchoring with a structural element of the vehicle, and an area for attaching a hinge of the bonnet, the area for attaching the hinge being separated from the anchoring point, and the attachment seatings and the attachment area being shaped such as to ensure a predetermined relative positioning between the fender and the bonnet.
US09718410B2

An assembly for releasably connecting a roof bar to a roof of a vehicle. The assembly includes a body which is affixed to the roof bar, a base which is affixed to the roof and has a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the body, a locking pin slidably engaged with the body and the base, and slidable along an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking in engages the body and the base. In the unlocked position, the locking pin engages the body or the base. The assembly also has an actuator movable along the axis to slide the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position, thereby selectively engaging the body with the base.
US09718409B2

A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate coupled within the open side of the housing and having a reflective surface thereon, and an actuation mechanism coupled within the housing. The actuation mechanism has a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof, a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate and having a resiliently deformable spring arm extending away from the mounting plate, and a socket body rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing, the spring arm of the spring plate being operably coupled with the socket body at a coupling axis therebetween. A motor is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is operably coupled with the socket body to drive rotation thereof by a reduction mechanism including a worm gear.
US09718395B1

An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle light having an adjustable light output are provided. An apparatus includes a processor configured to receive sensor data from a sensor module having a number of sensors. The processor is further able to determine a light output mode for the vehicle light in accordance with the sensor data. The sensor data indicates a vehicle or environment condition. A method of using an apparatus for controlling a vehicle light with adjustable light output is provided that includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors in a vehicle, determining a light output mode in accordance with the sensor data, and sending to the vehicle light appropriate commands for adjusting the light output in accordance with the determined light output mode.
US09718391B1

A pair of ladder rack assemblies each attachable to the bed of the truck. The pair of ladder rack assemblies are positioned apart from each other along a longitudinal length of the bed of the truck to support opposing ends of the ladder. Each ladder rack assembly comprises of a first support member attachable to the side of the truck. A first swing arm pivotally attached to the first support member, a second swing arm pivotally attached to the first swing arm. The first swing arm can move between a first position in the bed of the truck and a second position extending upward from the bed of the truck. The second swing arm can move between a first position substantially parallel with the first swing arm and a second position substantially perpendicular to the first swing arm.
US09718390B1

The aircraft transport trailer enables the loading, transporting, and unloading of a helicopter. The transport trailer comprises a wheeled trailer having a power unit, a height adjustable roller platform having a first position for loading or unloading the helicopter and a second position for transporting the helicopter, and a winch for moving the helicopter, the winch being power driven, the winch pulling the helicopter forward and releasing backward, a strap assembly being connected to the winch, and a pair of micro-switches positioned upon the trailer in cooperative engagement with the winch. Each micro-switch is positioned upon the trailer proximate to a cushioned bumper and to a towing position for the helicopter. The pair of micro-switches cut the power to the winch as the helicopter skids or wheels touch the micro-switch thereby properly positioning the helicopter upon the platform of trailer for when the trailer is raised to the second position.
US09718389B2

Provided is a container holder (1, 70) comprising a body member (3) defining a recess (2) with a bottom, a roller (5) supported by the body member such that at least a part of the roller projects into the recess to engage a container (60) received in the recess, and a biasing member (6) for urging the roller into the recess, wherein the roller is supported by the body member in such a manner that a rotational center line (B) of the roller extends in a tangential direction of a circle centered around a central axial line (A) of the recess, and the roller is enabled to slide in a radial direction of the recess and to tilt around an axial line in parallel with the central axial line.
US09718386B2

A vehicle seat includes a side frame of a seat cushion having a side frame opposing portion extending in a front-rear direction of the seat cushion, and a bracket member disposed below the side frame having a bracket opposing portion extending in the front-rear direction and opposing the side frame opposing portion. The side frame opposing portion and the bracket opposing portion are provided such that the side frame opposing portion and the bracket opposing portion come in contact with each other in a state in which the seat cushion sinks rearward and downward when a load acted on the vehicle seat from behind is transmitted to the seat cushion from the seat back via a connection part. An arrangement interval between the bracket opposing portion and the side frame opposing portion is smaller in a front side than in a rear side in the front-rear direction.
US09718381B2

Disclosed herein is a power headrest apparatus capable of automatically adjusting vertical and forward-backward movement of a headrest using motors, and of sufficiently securing an amount of forward-backward movement of the headrest using a pair of link members, which are arranged to intersect with each other in an X form, while a width of the headrest in forward and backward directions thereof is maintained below a certain level.
US09718377B2

An electrically driven vehicle includes a vehicle frame, an electrical unit, a first fixing member, and a second fixing member. The vehicle frame includes a lower frame and an upper frame. The electrical unit is connected to the lower frame and the upper frame. A lower portion of the electrical unit is connected to the lower frame with a first holding force in a vehicle up-down direction via a first fixing member. An upper portion of the electrical unit is connected to the upper frame with a second holding force in a vehicle front-rear direction via a second fixing member. The second holding force is smaller than the first holding force. The second fixing member is provided at a position in which a load applied in the vehicle front-rear direction is exerted to the second fixing member more than to the first fixing member.
US09718375B2

A 12 volt automotive battery system includes a first battery directly coupled to an electrical system, in which the first battery includes a first battery chemistry, and a second battery coupled in parallel with the first battery and directly coupled to the electrical system, in which the second battery includes a second battery chemistry with a higher coulombic efficiency than the first battery chemistry. The first battery and the second battery are non-voltage matched such that a voltage range of the second battery is higher than a voltage range of the first battery. The first battery steers power generated during regenerative braking to the second battery using internal resistance of the first battery to enable the second battery to capture a majority of the power generated during regenerative braking, and the second battery provides power to the electrical system due to the higher voltage range of the second battery when the second battery has a positive state of charge.
US09718373B2

A discharging apparatus for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The discharging apparatus comprises: an AC charging interface; a charging connection device, having a first terminal connected with the AC charging interface and a second terminal connected with an exterior equipment, and configured to transmit an AC output from the AC charging interface to the exterior equipment; an instrument, configured to send a discharging preparation instruction; a controller, configured to detect whether the charging connection device is connected with the AC charging interface, and if yes, to switch to an external discharging mode; a battery manager, configured to control an external discharging circuit in a high-voltage distribution box of the electric vehicle to be connected after the controller switches to the external discharging mode; a power battery, connected with the high-voltage distribution box and configured to provide a DC via the external discharging circuit.
US09718368B2

There is provided a charging device for a vehicle, which carries out timer charging in which the charging device, is set in a standby state without charging until charging start time comes when the charging start time is set. The charging device includes a charger that charges an electrical storage device of the vehicle with electric power supplied from a device outside the vehicle, a cable lock mechanism (260) that locks a charging cable in a state where the charging cable is connected to an inlet, and an electronic control unit (170) that determines whether to carry out timer charging or carry out instant charging without carrying out the timer charging on the basis of a state of a switch associated with operation of the cable lock mechanism (260).
US09718364B2

The disclosure relates to a drive system for an electric vehicle, comprising an electric motor, a traction battery for supplying the electric motor, an asynchronous machine, and a combustion engine for driving the asynchronous machine, wherein the asynchronous machine is arrange for charging the traction battery upon a control signal to extend the range of the electric vehicle. The traction battery has a plurality of a battery lines having adjustable output voltage for generating voltage progressions which are phase-shifted relative to one another, and each battery pack line is not only provided for supplying one of the phase connections of the electric motor but is also connected to a phase connection of the asynchronous machine. The disclosure further relates to a corresponding method for charging a traction battery having a plurality of battery lines by means of an asynchronous machine and a combustion engine disposed in series therewith.
US09718358B1

In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for performing vehicle control. Multiple target rotation rates for a vehicle shaft may be identified. A first actual rotation rate may be determined to exceed a first target rotation rate. In response, a computing system may send a first signal in order to cause a first component of a vehicle to limit the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft. A second actual rotation rate may be determined to be below a second target rotation rate. In response, the computing system may send a second signal in order to cause the first component of the vehicle or a second component of the vehicle to increase the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft.
US09718349B2

The problem to be solved is to provide a fuel feeding device for vehicles that is stably secured to a vehicle body. In the fuel feeding device for vehicles having an inlet filler pipe 1 and a fixing member 4, a flexible element 5 is provided that relatively presses the inlet filler pipe 1 toward the fixing member 4. With the flexible element 5 causing the inlet filler pipe 1 and the fixing member 4 to make pressure contact with each other, there can hardly be any gap created between the inlet filler pipe 1 and the fixing member 4 irrespective of the difference in linear expansion coefficient between them.
US09718334B2

A solar panel support assembly (12) for movably supporting a solar panel (10) relative to a surface (22) of a vehicle (624) comprises a fixed support member (14), a movable support member (16), and a locking assembly (20). The fixed support member (14) is fixedly coupled to the surface (22). The movable support member (16) is configured to retain the solar panel (10), the movable support member (16) being movably coupled to the fixed support member (14). The locking assembly (20) is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking assembly (20) is in the locked position, the movable support member (16) is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the fixed support member (14). The solar panel support assembly (12) can further comprise a mover assembly (18) that moves the movable support member (16) relative to the fixed support member (14).
US09718330B2

A vehicle side door structure is provided including: an outer panel that configures a portion at a vehicle width direction outer side of a side door and that extends along a vehicle up-down direction and a vehicle front-rear direction; an inner panel that configures a portion at a vehicle width direction inner side of the side door, that extends along the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and that, together with the outer panel, forms an internal space; an impact beam having both length direction end portions fixed to the inner panel, that is configured in a straight tube shape extending along the vehicle front-rear direction, and that is disposed at an outer panel side in the internal space; and a sensing bracket that is provided at the impact beam and that juts out from the impact beam toward the outer panel.
US09718315B2

Embodiments provide a device, an element, a passive element, methods and computer programs for obtaining tire characteristics. A device includes a transmitter inside a tire to transmit a signal at least partially indicating a first characteristic of the tire. The device further includes a passive element to at least partially influence the signal based on a second characteristic of the tire. The device further includes an element to detect the influence of the signal by the passive element and to obtain information related to the second characteristic of the tire based on the influence.
US09718308B1

A castor includes a wheel support and at least one roller mounted on the wheel support. The at least one roller has a peripheral portion provided with a hollow air chamber which is provided with a plurality of hollow air columns. One of the hollow air columns is provided with an air inlet. The at least one roller is made of soft material that is made by a blow molding operation. The soft material is initially made into a tubular blank by a blow molding machine. A gas is then filled into the soft material to blow and shape the soft material in a die at a high temperature to form the at least one roller. The at least one roller is then stripped from the die.
US09718304B2

A center cap is provided for a motor vehicle wheel. The center cap comprises a body having a front side and a rear side. A recess lever is carried on the rear side. An access aperture is provided in the body. The access aperture extends through the body and opens to the release lever whereby the release lever may be engaged and displaced from a lock position to a release position to allow removal of the center cap from the wheel.
US09718301B2

Disclosed is a dripless paint can and paint can lid. The device includes a cylindrical paint can having an inner rim disposed along the top end thereof. The inner rim includes a plurality of apertures separated at regular intervals. The apertures are adapted to drain excess paint that sits on the inner rim into the interior of the paint can. The paint can may further include a pivotally attached handle thereon to facilitate the transportation of paint. The present invention further includes a paint can lid having a plurality of protruding members thereon. The protruding members are also separated at regular intervals and can be directly aligned to the apertures on the inner rim of the paint can so that each of the protruding members can be inserted into an aperture. The protruding members lock within the apertures, thereby improving the seal between the paint can and paint can lid.
US09718300B2

A method of making a laser water transfer printing film contains steps of: providing a substrate material; coating a release layer on one side surface of the PET film by ways of a first coating apparatus; semi-solidifying a gold reservoir by using a heat solidifying apparatus; printing an ink layer on the gold reservoir by ways of a printing device; implanting a message layer on the ink layer by ways of an implanting device; embossing geometric patterns on the message layer by using a rolling device; plating the metal layer on the embossed patterns; coating a PVA solution on the metal layer by ways of a second coating device and drying the PVA solution by means of a drying device; separating the PET film from the PVA film by using a releasing device; and then rolling the PET film which has separated from the PVA film.
US09718289B2

An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a paper floating detecting unit which detects floating of a paper sheet at a first position; an ink jet recording unit which records an image on the paper sheet at a second position on a downstream side of the first position; and an image reader which reads the image on the paper sheet at a third position on the downstream side of the second position. When the floating is detected by the paper floating detecting unit, the image in a fixed front and rear range of the paper sheet is read by the image reader with a position where the floating is detected as a reference. The read image is displayed on a display device. An operator confirms the image displayed on the display device, and discriminates the type of the generated floating.
US09718288B2

A printer is disclosed. The printer uses a target located on one side of media to position an image on the other side of the media. The printer backlights the media and uses a sensor that locates the target through the backlit media.
US09718287B2

An image recording apparatus includes a recording section which is provided over a transport passage for transporting a sheet in a transport direction and which has nozzles for discharging an ink onto the sheet; a platen which is provided under the recording section with the transport passage intervening therebetween and which has a plurality of ribs provided to support the sheet while being separated from each other in a widthwise direction of the transport passage perpendicular to the transport direction, the respective ribs protruding upwardly and extending in the transport direction; and a plurality of holding members which are provided to be positioned between the plurality of ribs in the widthwise direction of the transport passage over the platen on an upstream side in the transport direction from the nozzles and which abut against an upper surface of the sheet and press the sheet toward the platen.
US09718286B2

A sheet-transport drum includes at least two sheet-supporting surfaces with suction openings. Each respective sheet-supporting surface is formed of first and second comb segments with segment teeth. Suction grooves are provided in the segment teeth and a trailing-edge suction groove is provided in the sheet-supporting surface of each respective second comb segment. A rotary valve is provided for a timed supply of suction air. A plurality of vacuum sources is provided and a trailing-edge suction groove is assigned to each respective vacuum source by the rotary valve. This ensures that the vacuum provided by a respective trailing-edge suction groove at the trailing edge of a respective sheet is reliably maintained even if a previous or following sheet is missing. A sheet-fed printing machine with the sheet-transport drum is also provided.
US09718285B2

In a printer for printing on a label of a continuous paper in a middle of feeding the continuous paper unwound from a paper sheet supply unit, while a depressed portion is disposed below a damper portion, a width adjustment guiding portion, which contacts an outer edge in a width direction of the continuous paper to guide a feed of the continuous paper, is disposed on a lower portion of the damper portion such that the lower end portion of the width adjustment guiding portion is positioned within the depressed portion.
US09718281B2

A method and system for printing to apparel includes a receptacle configured to receive articles of apparel, such as socks. The receptacle includes perforations and an inner ink absorbing layer. The receptacle is rotated beneath a print head assembly. The ink can be cured using heating devices.
US09718271B2

A printhead module includes a plurality of rows of printhead nozzles, at least some of the rows including at least one displaced row portion, the displacement of the row portion including a component in a direction normal to that of a pagewidth to be printed, wherein the displaced row portions of at least some of the rows are different in length than the displaced row portions of at least some of the other rows.
US09718266B2

A label affixing machine includes a holder, a storing device, a storing device, a peeling device and a conveyer. The storing device, the peeling device and the conveyer are fixed in position on the holder. The picking device is coupled to the conveyer. The label includes a bottom board affixed under the label, the label affixing machine configured to affix the label on an object. The picking device is configured for picking the label. The peeling device includes a second fixing module fixed in position on the holder, a second moving module coupled to the second fixing module and a robotic arm fixed in position on the second moving module. The robotic arm is configured for clamping the bottom board and peeling the bottom board from the label. The conveyer moves the picking device and affixes the label on the object.
US09718265B2

The invention relates to a method for producing a composite sheet metal part having at least one metallic region from a composite sheet metal blank which has two outer cover sheets of metal and at least one layer which is arranged between the cover sheets and consists of plastics material. The invention provides an apparatus and method by which complex formed composite sheet metal parts can easily be produced in a few steps and which still have metallic regions which can be used for joining to further parts.
US09718263B2

Provided is a manufacturing method of a flexible display device, including locally deforming a transparent window; attaching a contractive film to a flexible display panel including a display area implementing an image; bending the flexible display panel by applying energy to the contractive film; and attaching the flexible display panel to the transparent window.
US09718258B2

A film that contains a core layer positioned adjacent to an outer layer is provided. The core layer contains a relatively high percentage of thermoplastic biopolymers that are both biodegradable and renewable. Despite being biodegradable and renewable, many biopolymers tend to be relatively stiff in nature. The present inventors have discovered, however, that through selective control over the components in the core and outer layers, a film can be readily formed having good mechanical properties. Among other things, this is accomplished by blending the biopolymer in the core layer with a polyolefin. A polyolefin is also employed in the outer layer. In addition to providing functionality to the film (e.g., heat sealing, printing, etc.), the polyolefin-containing outer layer also helps counteract the stiffness of the biopolymer in the core layer, and helps improve processability, stiffness, and ductility.
US09718252B2

A component (34A, 34B, 34C) has a core formed of a stack (25, 36) of sheets (20) of material with cutouts (22A) aligned to form passages (38) in the core. An outer casing (29) spans the stack axially (51), brackets at least parts of opposed ends of the stack, and holds the sheets together in axial compression (46). Respective cooperating elements (30, 31) on the casing and the stack may register the casing with respect to the stack. Pins (24) in some sheets may engage holes (23) in adjacent sheets to register the sheets with each other. The casing may be segmented (28A, 28B, 28C). A hoop (66) may be compressed around the segmented casing. A gas turbine fuel injector may be formed of a stack (36) with an inlet element (44) compressed (46) onto the stack by the casing (29).
US09718242B2

Briefly, the present disclosure provides a film, tape or outer layer of a composite part comprising: a) at least one layer comprising a crosslinked polymer selected from the group consisting of crosslinked polyurethane, crosslinked polyurea, and crosslinked mixed polyurethane/polyurea polymer; and in some embodiments b) an adhesive layer. In some embodiments the layer additionally comprises a non-crosslinked polymer forming a semi-IPN with the crosslinked polymer. In some embodiments the non-crosslinked polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyurea, and mixed polyurethane/polyurea polymer. In some embodiments the crosslinked polymer may additionally comprise an acrylate-containing component.
US09718239B2

A three dimensional printing (3D) apparatus and a three dimensional (3D) printing method are used for forming and stacking a plurality of modeling layers into a 3D object. The 3D printing apparatus includes a body having a modeling platform, a transmission module disposed on the body, a printing module, a curing module and a laser module. The printing module, the curing module and the laser module are disposed at and controlled by the transmission module to move relative to the body, respectively. A liquid modeling material is jetted from the printing module to the modeling platform and cured by the curing module to form the modeling layers. The laser module moves along a normal direction of the modeling platform according to a condition parameter and provides a laser beam along at least one plane parallel to the modeling platform to cut and trim at least one modeling layer.
US09718230B2

The present invention discloses multilayer blown films for shrink label and related applications. These multilayer blown films can comprise a core layer containing an ethylene polymer, and inner and outer layers containing conjugated diene monovinylarene block copolymers.
US09718221B2

Cured flexible sealant may be removed from a substrate if the cured flexible sealant includes within its volume a susceptor such as metal susceptor particles. Removal proceeds by exposing the sealant with the susceptor to radio-frequency radiation sufficient to cause dielectric heating in the susceptor. The consequent heating in the cured sealant reduces the bond strength of the cured sealant. The reduced bond-strength sealant may be removed by physical methods, such as scraping etc., much more easily than the original (unexposed) cured sealant. Also disclosed are sealant compositions with susceptor, susceptor tools to introduce susceptor into cured sealant, and handheld radio-frequency heaters to apply radio-frequency radiation to cured sealant.
US09718214B2

Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades. The tool includes a first layer and a second layer that are oppositely disposed. The first and second layers include working surfaces that support at least one working element when the working element is applied to a work piece. Additionally, an intermediate structure is included between the first and second layers. The intermediate structure can include a plurality of components extending in the area between the structural surfaces and the working surfaces.
US09718213B2

The present document describes filler apparatus, washing and maintenance support station and methods of using the same. The support station is for supporting a filler container, a volumetric container and/or a sliding plate of the filler apparatus. The washing and maintenance support station comprises a support main frame; a filler container corresponding mating connector on the support main frame for releasably connecting with a filler container mating connector; a volumetric container mount receiving section on the main frame below the filler container corresponding mating connector for releasably mounting a volumetric container mount; and a sliding plate receiving support on the main frame below the volumetric container mount receiving section for releasably supporting a sliding plate substantially flat section. When displaced vertically relative to the support main frame, the filler container, the volumetric container and the sliding plate are capable of engagement with respectively the filler container corresponding mating connector, the volumetric container mount receiving section and the sliding plate receiving support to be disengaged.
US09718209B2

A guide and safety guard for a table saw, of the type having a table top and a powered saw blade with an exposed saw blade portion projecting above the table top and a movable guide fence positionable on the table top on a far side of the saw blade, has a support rail having opposite ends coupled to support members in a desired spaced relation to the guide fence of the table saw, a guard block mounted by a sleeve portion so as to be slidable on the support rail in axial directions thereon, and rotatable on the support rail so that it can be moved out of and into operative position, wherein the guard block has a height projecting above the table top in the operative position that is greater than the height of the exposed saw blade portion for protecting the hand of the user, and a guard extension fixed to a trailing side of the guard block for protecting the wrist and lower arm area of the user.
US09718201B2

A shaving razor with a handle having a gripping portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a head. A cartridge mounted to the handle and has a shaving surface with at least one blade having a blade edge, and an opposing surface. The cartridge has a forward and a rearward pivot position relative to the handle. A pivot locking mechanism positioned on the head of the handle having a pusher member that slides toward and away from the cartridge between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The pusher member in the engaged position directly contacts the opposing surface of the cartridge forcing the cartridge in the forward position preventing the cartridge from pivoting with respect to the handle. The pusher member in the disengaged position is spaced apart from the opposing surface of the cartridge in the forward position allowing the cartridge to pivot relative to the handle.
US09718193B1

Example implementations may relate to a rotary transformer configured to transmit data. In some implementations, the rotary transformer may include a primary transformer component with a primary winding magnetically coupled to a secondary transformer component with a secondary winding. The rotary transformer may also include a resonant circuit including a frequency determining element and an amplifier. The frequency determining element may consist of the primary and secondary windings connected in parallel to respective capacitors. The primary transformer component may be coupled to a fixed-frequency signal generator. The rotary transformer may include a modulator coupled to the secondary transformer component and configured to vary the phase of the resonant circuit to generate an output signal and a demodulator coupled to the primary transformer component and configured to demodulate the output signal.
US09718183B2

A display board is provided, for assembling of at least one socket thereto. The display board includes a main body and a cover member. The main body is formed with a slot. The slot is open to form an open side. The main body further includes at least one assembling portion for the at least one socket to assemble thereto and a hang portion. The cover member is connected with the main body at the open side and encloses the open side. The cover member and the main body construct an annular profile. Two opposite ends of the open side are formed with two engaging slots. Two opposite ends of the cover member are formed with two ear portions. The two ear portions are engaged respectively with the two engaging slots. The cover member is for the at least one socket to abut thereagainst.
US09718170B2

Sockets, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, and splined sockets, that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a corner of the fastener. In general, the sockets engage the flank of the fastener at a distance of about 30 to 60 percent of half a length of the flank away from the corner of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener.
US09718168B2

Embodiments disclosed herein involve polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) tables and polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) that include PCD tables as well as methods and apparatuses for manufacturing thereof. Some embodiments include a canister assembly that may be used in a high-pressure/high-temperature (“HPHT”) process or other heating process to manufacture the PCD tables and/or the PDCs.
US09718148B2

A workpiece cutting apparatus includes a cutting table with a workpiece receiving surface, at least two longitudinally-extending rails extending longitudinally on opposed sides of the cutting table and substantially parallel to one another, a bridge with an elongated cutting assembly support and engagement arms at opposed ends thereof, and at least two driving assemblies. Each one of the engagement arms includes a bridge engagement member engageable with a corresponding one of the at least two longitudinally-extending rails, from below. Each one of the driving assemblies operatively connects each one of the engagement arms to the corresponding one of the at least two longitudinally-extending rails. The at least two driving assemblies are actuable to translate the engagement arms along the at least two longitudinally-extending rails. A method of cutting a workpiece using the workpiece cutting apparatus and a method for assembling a workpiece cutting apparatus are also provided.
US09718139B2

A tool for generating tooth systems by grinding when the maximum tool diameter is limited by collision contours on the workpiece has a dressable grinding tool that is tightly connected to the tool holder. In one preferred arrangement, the dressable grinding tool is glued on the tool holder.
US09718127B2

A method of manufacturing a component includes additively manufacturing a crucible; directionally solidifying a metal material within the crucible; and removing the crucible to reveal the component. A component for a gas turbine engine includes a directionally solidified metal material component, the directionally solidified metal material component having been additively manufactured of a metal material concurrently with a core, the metal material having been remelted and directionally solidified.
US09718124B2

A device for producing a cylinder crankcase using a low-pressure casting method or a gravity casting method. The device includes an outer casting mold which includes at least one mold part which, in an assembled state, forms a mold cavity that reproduces, for casting purposes, an outer contour of the cylinder crankcase. A region of the mold cavity forms a cylinder space of the cylinder crankcase. A dosing furnace contains a liquid metal. At least one gate is arranged geodetically below the mold cavity and via which the dosing furnace can be fluidically connected to the mold cavity. Sprue bushings project into the region of the mold cavity that forms the cylinder space of the cylinder crankcase. Each of the at least one gate is connected to one of the sprue bushings.
US09718121B2

The object of the present invention is to provide an embedding material composition for casting that makes it possible to conduct a favorable casting in the case where casting is conducted using a resin pattern that is different from a conventional wax pattern in disappearance temperature and disappearance behaviors through “rapid heating” excellent in treatment efficiency. The present invention relates to an embedding material composition for casting not using a heat-expandable refractory material as a main component, comprising: a binder; and a non-heat-expandable refractory material having an average particle diameter of 5 to 20 μm as main components, in which a content of the binder is 25 to 40 parts by mass and a content of the non-heat-expandable refractory material is 60 to 75 parts by mass in the case where the total amount of the main components is 100 parts by mass, and the present invention also relates to a casting process using the embedding material composition for casting.
US09718110B2

A conversion system wherein a crankshaft drives the motion of the tooling assemblies within a number of lanes is provided. The crankshaft is structured to move the tooling assemblies associated with less than the total number of lanes. That is, for example, a four-lane conversion system could include two crankshafts each actuating the tooling assemblies of two lanes. In an exemplary embodiment, each lane has a single associated crankshaft.
US09718108B2

A powered bending tool comprises a portable drive housing including a handle and having a powered drive gear. A bracket is secured to the housing defining a pivot connection spaced from the drive gear. A driven gear is pivotally connected to the bracket at the pivot connection and operatively engages the drive gear. A center guide is connected to the bracket at the pivot connection. A support is operatively connected to the bracket at one side of and spaced from the pivot connection. An arm has a near end pivotally connected to the bracket at the pivot connection and a distal end having an arm guide at another side of the pivot connection relative to the guide. The arm is selectively engeagable by the driven gear to be rotated therewith. In use, a rod is positioned below the center guide and above the arm guide and a support, and the drive gear drives the driven gear to pivot the arm so that the arm guide deforms the rod as it engages the center guide at a bend point.
US09718107B2

A belt replacement device may include: a base portion having a belt placed thereon, the belt being wound in a roll shape; a rotating portion mounted on the base portion, and rotating the belt wound in a roll shape; a transporting portion holding and transporting the belt passed through the rotating portion; a guide portion guiding the belt discharged through the transporting portion; and a loading portion to which the belt dropped from the guide portion is loaded, and the belt replacement device can improve winding workability for the belt.
US09718101B2

The present invention relates to a device for cleaning and/or disinfecting surfaces, particularly for cleaning inner surfaces of the toilet bowl. The device comprises an elongated housing connected to a bottle with the cleaning and/or a disinfecting liquid, and a pumping mechanism for pressurizing said liquid composition, and at least one nozzle for the output of said liquid composition, wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication through a conduit of the device with said pumping mechanism. The pumping mechanism is provided at one side of said housing and said at least one nozzle is provided at the opposite side of the housing.
US09718087B1

A paint applicator having improved paint-carrying capacity, release, and coverage. The applicator includes a paint-carrying surface that is treated with a silicone emulsion, a silicone emulsion comprised of a nonionic macro-emulsion of a functional polysiloxane, or a mixture thereof. Also provided is a method for treating such paint applicators in which a silicone emulsion is applied to the paint-carrying surface, and subsequently dried and cured.
US09718080B1

Provided are apparatuses for the infusion of one or more additives into the surface of a linear substrate. The apparatuses include a processing barrel having an infusion chamber defined therein as well as a linear substrate inlet and a linear substrate outlet. The processing barrel also includes an infusion fluid inlet and an infusion solution outlet in fluid communication with the infusion chamber. The infusion chamber is dimensionally reconfigurable, optionally during an infusion process.
US09718072B2

A dispenser system including a storage container a medium, having an outlet valve, a dispenser module having a medium chamber, a pumping device that is actuated to discharge medium from the medium chamber and having an inlet valve, and an actuating device. The medium chamber is a sealed chamber having a variable volume, and the dispenser module is coupled to the storage container to fill the medium chamber. During filling, the inlet valve and the outlet valve are opened such that the medium chamber communicates with the storage container. The actuating device has a magnet and a magnetic or magnetizable element interacting therewith for a volume change of the medium chamber. The actuating device causes a volume of the medium chamber to be enlarged to produce a differential pressure between the medium chamber and the storage container to convey medium out of the storage container into the medium chamber.
US09718067B2

A centrifuge drive head for releasably connecting a driving system to a rotor of a centrifuge. The centrifuge drive head comprises a base body mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation (R) and at least a first and a second coupling element, mounted on the base body for swinging outwardly about a swivel axis. The first and second coupling elements differ from each other in at least one of outer shape, mass, material and/or mounting height on the base body.
US09718065B1

A process for trichome separation from plant matter deploys water slurry agitation and/or dry sieving to produce a mixture of solid trichomes and similar sized plant debris. The plant debris in each separate fraction is then removed by gravity filtration in a dense inert liquid, which is preferably a salt or brine solution. The desirable trichomes or trichome glands float on the dense liquid, while the undesirable vegetative matter sinks to the bottom of the brine containing vessel. The trichomes are readily removed and washed before further processing.
US09718056B2

The present invention relates to a method and system for Polymerase Chain Reaction (“PCR”), High Resolution Melt (“HRM”) analysis and microfluidics, and, more specifically, to a method and system for implementing the processes of PCR and HRM on a microscale in a microfluidics chamber for certain purposes including for purposes of DNA detection and/or extraction.
US09718046B2

This invention relates to a method for preparing a bimetallic titania-based catalyst for use in hydrodesulfurization reactions.
US09718043B2

A process for forming thermoelectric nanoparticles includes the steps of a) forming a core material micro-emulsion, b) adding at least one shell material to the core material micro-emulsion forming composite thermoelectric nanoparticles having a core and shell structure.
US09718041B2

The present disclosure is directed to steam reformers for the production of a hydrogen rich reformate, comprising a shell having a first end, a second end, and a passage extending generally between the first end and the second end of the shell, and at least one heat source disposed about the second end of the shell. The shell comprises at least one conduit member comprising at least one thermally emissive and high radiant emissivity material, at least partially disposed within the shell cavity. The shell further comprises at least one reactor module at least a portion of which is disposed within the shell cavity and about the at least one conduit member and comprises at least one reforming catalyst. The disclosure is also directed to methods of producing a hydrogen reformate utilizing the steam reformers, comprising the steps of combusting a combustible mixture in a burner to produce a combustion exhaust that interacts with the steam reactor module(s) through surface to surface radiation and convection heat transfer, and reforming a hydrocarbon fuel mixed with steam in the steam reformers to produce a hydrogen-containing reformate. The present disclosure is further directed to reactor modules for use with the above steam reformers and methods of producing a hydrogen reformate.
US09718037B2

A mixing system for an aftertreatment system is disclosed. The mixing system includes a mixing tube. The mixing tube is provided in fluid communication with an exhaust conduit. The mixing system also includes a reductant injector positioned at an injection location on the mixing tube. The mixing system further includes a mixer assembly positioned downstream of the injection location. The mixer assembly includes a plurality of mixing elements provided in a series arrangement, such that each of the plurality of mixing elements is provided downstream of one another.
US09718035B2

Disclosed is a water dispensing machine and a carbonated beverage dispensing system which facilitates a combination of carbon dioxide with water in a configuration which provides a smaller footprint and reduces or eliminates dependency on remotely located carbon dioxide tanks and flavoring systems. The system may be configured to produce only carbonated water or to allow the user to select carbonated water or chilled water, and, alternatively, ambient, unchilled water. A carbonator of the system introduces carbon dioxide to a chilled water stream using an injector with slots. This inline, on demand carbonation system provides benefits over carbonator tank systems which carbonate large volumes of carbonated water in bulk.
US09718029B2

The invention resides in an apparatus for treatment of a substance. The apparatus has a substance tube for enabling a substance to be treated to pass in to the substance tube via the substance-inlet and out of the substance tube through the substance-outlet. The apparatus also has a cleaning chamber, wherein the substance tube is configured in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber to enable a substance to diffuse the permeable membrane between the substance tube and the cleaning chamber such that a substance can be substantially cleaned by a cleaner, the substance comprising blood or plasma and the cleaner comprising a cell culture. The substance tube is removably connectable with the cleaning chamber for inter-changeability or serviceability. The apparatus can further comprise a support compartment configured to connect to, or enclosing, the cleaning chamber, which functions to carry a fluid to substantially maintain the functionality of the cleaner.
US09718028B2

The invention discloses a distribution plate for supplying crossflow filtration cassettes, which comprises a surface, two opposite end walls, two opposite side walls, a feed channel in fluid communication with a feed inlet port and with a plurality of feed apertures; a retentate channel in fluid communication with a retentate outlet port, and with a plurality of retentate apertures; and a permeate channel in fluid communication with two permeate outlet ports and with a plurality of permeate apertures;wherein the feed channel, the retentate channel and the permeate channel extend in a direction essentially parallel with one or both side walls;wherein the feed apertures are grouped at a first area on the surface, the retentate apertures are grouped at a second area on the surface;wherein the permeate apertures are located at the first and/or the second area; andwherein a plurality of permeate connector channels extend inside the plate from at least one region of the permeate channel, adjacent the permeate outlet ports and the permeate connector channels provide fluidic communication between the permeate apertures and the permeate channel.
US09718024B2

To provide a method for predicting a deactivation phenomenon in a flue-gas desulfurization unit to prevent the occurrence of the deactivation phenomenon before it happens.There is provided a method for preventing the occurrence of a deactivation phenomenon in a flue-gas desulfurization unit that treats flue gas of a coal-fired boiler, the method includes calculating a deactivation potential as an index of the deactivation phenomenon based on alkaline components such as Na, Ca, Mg, and K contained in ash in the flue gas, and performing an operation management, such as adjustment of set value of a pH control system, on the flue-gas desulfurization unit depending on change of the deactivation potential.
US09718021B2

A filter cartridge arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and a housing seal member. Improvements in the preform and seal member are described which include: a single beveled surface of the seal member to facilitate installation; and, an inside region of the seal member having a tip adjacent in inwardly directed lip of the preform, to control flash during molding. A variety of media pack configurations and features are described.
US09718016B2

An apparatus is provided to extract radioactive solid particles. An extracting nozzle is used to extract radioactive solid particles. Then, a separator is used to separate out the radioactive solid particles into a storing container. The radioactive solid particles are avoided from entering a suction pump. Not only the suction pump is not polluted, but also the secondary waste is not increased. By designing a falling inlet of a suction channel at a position having a specific height, the amount of the radioactive solid particles being extracted is under control. There is a radiation-protection device outside of the storing container to minimize radiation dose. The separator and the storing container can be rapidly detached by remote operation, so that operators are avoided from receiving over-dose radiation. Hence, the present invention improves the level of technology and automation for handling radioactive waste.
US09718006B2

A multi-zoned screening apparatus is disclosed for separating fiber from a liquid medium during, for example, a grain wet mill or dry grind process. The apparatus can include a housing having a first and second zone and situated adjacent one another along a length of the housing. A cylindrical screen having a plurality of openings is situated lengthwise within the housing to correspond with the first and second zones. A conveyor is situated lengthwise within the screen and includes an elongated shaft having a first and second conveyor section and along a length of the conveyor that corresponds with the first and second zones, respectively. Each conveyor section is configured to move material in a direction along a length of the screen. In one example, the first conveyor section includes vanes and a ribbon flight helically winding about the vanes, and the second conveyor section includes a plurality of paddles.
US09718004B2

A filter medium layer includes filter media configured to capture suspended solids contained in a liquid to be treated and filtering aids configured to allow the suspended solids contained in the liquid to be treated to pass through the filtering aids. The filter media and the filtering aids are mixed together and the liquid to be treated is filtered by being passed through the filter media and the filtering aids as mixed together. A filter device includes the filter medium layer and a filter tank configured to accommodate the filter medium layer.
US09717995B2

One embodiment of an adjustable aiming aid device for first-person video games, video simulators, and similar video-based human-computer interactions in which the protagonist launches projectiles on targets. The device comprises an attachment unit and a sighting unit. The attachment unit is utilized to attach the device to a monitor, the monitor having a screen on which the software-generated visual environment is displayed. The sighting unit is utilized to position a sight at a predetermined location between the user and the screen, in a plane approximately parallel to the screen. The sight assists the user in aligning one's line of vision with the location on the screen towards which the software-simulated projectiles are launched. The sight is positioned in a different plane of focus than the screen, thus creating a new user experience. Other embodiments are described.
US09717993B2

An invention that provides discovery and transfer of assets in a virtual universe is provided. In one embodiment, there is an asset transfer utility, including an inventory component configured to display to a user within a virtual universe an inventory containing a plurality of assets owned by other users within the virtual universe, each of the plurality of assets listed anonymously. A search component is configured to search the inventory containing the plurality of assets. A selection component is configured to select a set of assets from the plurality of assets based on the search. A transfer component is configured to transfer the set of assets between the user and an owner of each of the set of assets.
US09717990B2

A network game system includes a server apparatus and a plurality of video game apparatuses connected to the server apparatus. A party includes player characters of a plurality of players. When the party battles with an opponent character, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits movie playback information to each video game apparatus for starting playback of a movie. Each of the players can skip the movie at a desired timing. A screen is displayed on each video game apparatus that has skipped the movie until the battle starts. When information is received from each video game apparatus that indicates playback of the movie has ended, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits battle start information to each video game apparatus.
US09717989B2

Embodiments of the present invention describe the addition of a haptic response to legacy games that were not originally programed to support haptics. The haptic capabilities may be added to the legacy game while it is being emulated by an emulator. The emulator is designed to generate a haptic stimulus that may be sent to the client device platform when a haptic trigger is present in the legacy game. The client device platform may then use the haptic stimulus to generate a haptic response. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US09717971B1

The chalk-dispensing golf training club is a simulated golf club head that is mounted on a golf club shaft. The chalk-dispensing golf training club is not intended to be used with a golf ball. During training sessions, the chalk-dispensing golf training club is swung as a normal golf club. As the chalk-dispensing golf training club hits the ground, the chalk-dispensing golf training club leaves a chalk mark on the ground which indicates the plane of the swing. Through analysis of the chalk mark, an assessment can be as to whether the swing would result in a straight shot, a draw shot or a slicing shot. This information can be used to adjust the trainee's foot placement and to practice swings with the adjusted foot placement. The chalk dispensing golf training club comprises a practice head, chalk, a shaft, a grip.
US09717962B1

The present invention comprises a golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, a front wall and a hosel, wherein the body defines a hollow interior. The golf club head further comprises a center of gravity height adjustment assembly wherein the center of gravity height adjustment assembly is positioned within the hollow interior of the body. The products of inertia (Ixz and Iyz) of the golf club head have an absolute value below 100 g-cm2.
US09717952B2

A resistance exercise system having, in certain embodiments, a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights.
US09717951B2

Provided is Exercise equipment including a gripping section that is gripped by a user; a weight section that is connected to the gripping section; a first electrode that is arranged on the gripping section; a second electrode that is arranged on the weight section; a measuring section that measures at least one of body fat percentage of the user and an electrocardiogram waveform of the user, using the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09717948B1

An exercising device includes two support seats and a holding member. Each of the support seats includes a transverse bar, a first mounting tube located on the transverse bar, and a second mounting tube located on the transverse bar. An angle is defined between the first mounting tube and the second mounting tube of each of the support seats. The first mounting tube of each of the support seats has an extension length different from that of the second mounting tube. The holding member includes a grip portion and two connecting portions located at two ends of the grip portion. Each of the connecting portions of the holding member is respectively inserted into any one of the first mounting tube and the second mounting tube of each of the support seats.
US09717942B2

An exercise device which includes a first and second lever pivotally attached to a frame and pivotally interconnected by a connecting rod. A first arm is pivotally connected to the frame and a second arm is pivotally connected to the ends of the first arm and the second lever opposite the ends connected to the frame. The second arm includes a seat for the user, whose body weight provides a resistance to rotation of the free end of the first lever. In one embodiment a slide assembly is engaged with the second lever to selectively vary the resistance to rotation of the first lever.
US09717941B2

An exercise apparatus for use by a person on a support surface comprises a base that includes a bottom side and a top side, the top side having a rigid support mechanism projecting upwardly therefrom. A weight has a first side and a second side and is adapted for rotational engagement with the support mechanism of the base between a first position on one side of the support mechanism and a second position on an opposing side of the support mechanism. Multiple standoffs projecting upwardly from the base are each adapted to contact and support the weight when in either the first position or the second position, defining a gap between the weight and the base to facilitate the gripping of the weight by the person. At least one auxiliary weight support may be included to receive at least one auxiliary weight thereon.
US09717934B2

A fall protection apparatus includes a heavy support base with a pivotal mast having a top member for rotation around the axis of the mast carrying a series of booms pivotal about respective vertical axes, each having an end coupling member for receiving a fall restraint harness. Each boom is formed by a tube which fractures on a fall and an elongate stainless steel strap inside the tube which bends without fracturing. The mast includes a series of telescopic rectangular mast sections with a winch driven cable and pulley arrangement for extending the first section which acts to pull the second inner section to the extended position as the first inner section moves out of the outer section. Each section includes first and second pulleys mounted at the same face of the section with the cable located between the face of the section and the face of the next section.
US09717932B2

An extract of the marine algae, Sarcodiotheca, and more particularly Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii, is described for use in cosmetic compositions. A biofermentation of Sarcodiotheca, such as for example S. gaudichaudii, is also described. This marine bioferment is useful as a skin care active ingredient for anti-aging cosmetic applications, and particularly useful when used in combination with an extracts of red algae, such as Chondrus crispus.
US09717928B2

A method of delivering a radioactive liquid includes, performing an initialization, including; extracting at least a first amount of a radioactive liquid from a source of radioactive liquid, measuring a radioactivity level for the first amount of radioactive liquid, and performing a calibration phase. The calibration phase includes, extracting a second amount of radioactive liquid from the source of radioactive liquid wherein the second amount is calculated based on the radioactivity level of the first amount to provide a total dose of radioactive liquid having a predetermined radioactivity level, and delivering the total dose and performing at least one more calibration and delivery phases.
US09717927B2

The present application is directed to devices, assemblies, systems and methods for targeting one or more sites with electromagnetic radiation. The devices, assemblies and systems are operationally configured to transform and convey electromagnetic radiation to one or more targeted sites. The devices, assemblies and systems may also convey one or more fluids or fluid solutions to the one or more targeted sites.
US09717925B2

A motion sensitive communicator (40) employs an assembly of a wireless phone (41), a motion sensor (44) and a battery (45). In operation, the motion sensor (44) power couples the battery (45) to the wireless phone (41) responsive to a sensing of any movement of a portable defibrillator (20) supporting the communicator (40). A power coupling of the battery (45) to the wireless phone (41) automatically activates the wireless phone (41) to register to a wireless network, and an activation of the wireless phone (41) enables the wireless phone (41) to execute a call to an emergency service center over the wireless network responsive to a manual actuation of the wireless phone (41). The battery (45) is power decoupled from the wireless phone (41) responsive to an absence of a call from the wireless phone (41) to the emergency service center within a time period initiated by a power coupling of the battery (45) to the wireless phone (41).
US09717919B2

A filtering algorithm implemented by a filtering module in an implantable medical device (IMD), or in an external device for communicating with an IMD, is disclosed which reviews blocks based on a number of rules. The filtering module preferably comprises both firewall and instruction analysis modules. The instruction analysis module analyzes the instructions and associated data (if present) in each block to determine whether such blocks would compromise operation of the IPG or injure a patient if executed. Instruction rules corresponding to an instruction identified in the block are retrieved by the instruction analysis module. The instruction analysis module reviews the block per the retrieved rules, and possibly also in light of current and historical IPG therapy setting or mode data, or other received but un-executed blocks. If a block is compliant, it is executed by the IMD or transmitted to the IMD.
US09717914B2

An exemplary method includes receiving a signal from an intrathoracic vibration sensor, analyzing the signal for vibration associated with deceleration of blood flow into the left ventricle, based at least in part on the analyzing, deciding whether to call for adjustment to one or more parameters of a bi-ventricular pacing therapy. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US09717905B2

An exemplary backup sound processor maintains data representative of a first set of sound processing programs associated with a first memory slot and with a plurality of cochlear implants, maintains data representative of a second set of sound processing programs associated with the second memory slot and with the plurality of cochlear implants, and detects a communicative coupling of the sound processor to a cochlear implant included in the plurality of cochlear implants. In response, the backup sound processor 1) determines an identifier unique to the cochlear implant, 2) determines that a program switch associated with the sound processor is in a first program switch position, 3) queries the first set of sound processing programs to identify a sound processing program included in the first set of sound processing programs that is associated with the determined identifier, and 4) operates in accordance with the identified sound processing program.
US09717902B2

A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. The lead includes a lead body with a hollow sheath of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end thereof. The part emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas, intended to come into contact with the wall of a target vein of the coronary system, so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer.
US09717899B2

A method of making a stimulation lead is provided. The method of making a multi-contact stimulation lead comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.
US09717898B2

Implant tools and techniques for implantation of a medical lead, catheter or other implantable component are provided. The implant tools and techniques are particularly useful in implanting medical electrical leads in implant locations such as substernal spaces or subcutaneous locations. The implant tools include a sheath coupled to a sealing device. The sheath includes a continuous lumen that is in fluid communication with a passage of the sealing device. The lead is advanced through the passage and the lumen for placement of the distal end of the lead at the implant location.
US09717896B2

Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying one or more capture components configured to accelerate a decrease in a local concentration of one or more therapeutic structures along a downstream portion of a vasculature and one or more dispensation components configured to release the one or more therapeutic structures into an upstream portion of the vasculature.
US09717886B2

A safety clip that securely and reversibly attaches to an assembly of a catheter and needle is disclosed. The safety clip securely enshrouding a needle tip of the needle following use of the needle.
US09717877B2

An apparatus includes an electrolytic cell having an electrolytic chamber to which subject raw water is introduced, at least one membrane that separates inside and outside of the electrolytic chamber, and at least one pair of electrode plates provided in the inside and the outside of the electrolytic chamber so as to sandwich the membrane, the electrode plate in the outside of the electrolytic chamber being provided to be in contact with the membrane; a direct-current power source that applies a direct-current voltage to the pair of electrode plates; and a diluent gas supplier for diluting hydrogen gas generated from the electrode plate that is to be a cathode, wherein the apparatus blows diluent gas supplied from the diluent gas supplier to the cathode thereby to constantly maintain a hydrogen gas concentration in the vicinity of the cathode during electrolysis at lower than 18.3 vol % so that mixed gas comprising the hydrogen gas and the diluent gas and having a hydrogen gas concentration of 0.1 to 18.3 vol % is supplied to a living organism.
US09717862B2

The present invention relates in one aspect to an infusion fluid warmer which comprises a casing shell having an upper wall structure and a lower, opposing, wall structure. The casing shell encloses a fluid channel or passage extending through the casing shell in-between the upper and lower wall structures and fluid inlet and outlet ports coupled to opposite ends of the fluid channel or passage to allow a flow of infusion fluid through the casing shell. A housing shell is formed in a thermally conducting and electrically insulating material and a heating element is bonded to the housing shell and thermally coupled thereto. The fluid channel or passage extends through the housing shell or extends around the housing shell such that heat energy is transferred to the infusion fluid by direct physical contact with housing shell material.
US09717860B2

An apparatus is disclosed for storing and changing needles for connection with a medicament delivery device, comprising an inner housing, a reservoir disposed within the inner housing, and a needle holder disposed within the inner housing, for fluidly connecting a medicament container of the medicament delivery device with the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a plurality of patient needles displaceably disposed on the needle holder, and an outer housing displaceably disposed about the inner housing and providing a user interface to individually select one of the plurality of patient needles, connect the selected needle with the reservoir, expose the selected needle outside of the apparatus for injection, and store the selected needle.
US09717852B2

A cartridge holder for a drug delivery device is presented having snap fastening connection means to fasten the cartridge holder to a housing of the drug delivery device, wherein the fastening connection means are provided with at least on basically rectangular window for receiving a locking element of said housing. The invention is further directed to a pen-type injector equipped with a respective snap fastening connection for the cartridge holder.
US09717851B2

An autoinjector having a lower body receiving a tank containing fluid product and a piston and a needle. The autoinjector including a central body fastened to the lower body and an actuating sleeve provided with a contact end that contacts the body of the user, the actuating sleeve moveable between a projected position and an actuation position. The actuating sleeve is in a projected position prior to and after actuation of the autoinjector, an injection mechanism is provided to inject the fluid product through the needle when the needle is in an injection position in which it is inserted in the body of the user. The autoinjector includes a tank movement device to move the needle towards the injection position, the tank movement device triggering the injection mechanism only after the needle has reached its injection position.
US09717848B2

A medical therapy system to deliver a pre-bolus volume of medicant is disclosed. The medical therapy system includes an infusion pump that has a case containing a processor, memory, a drive mechanism, a reservoir, communication hardware and a sensor system. The infusion pump further includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver to determine GPS coordinates of the infusion pump. The GPS receiver is coupled to the processor that executes stored program instructions to provide notification for confirmation to deliver a pre-bolus volume from the reservoir when the GPS coordinates of the infusion pump are within a specified proximity of GPS coordinates of a saved location.
US09717843B2

A system and method are provided for packaging and sterilizing analyte sensors. The packaging system provides a structure for securing the analyte sensors in a fixed position and fixed orientation within the package.
US09717840B2

One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives.
US09717837B2

A dialysis machine includes a dialyzer (1), a dialysate feed system (5) having a feed line (52), and a discharge system (6) having a discharge line (62). The machine further includes ultrafiltration control elements (UF) and back-filtration control elements (RF). The feed line is provided with a constriction (520) and with elements for measuring the pressure difference (523, 524) across the terminals of the constriction. The feed system further includes a ventricle bag (50), and pressurizer elements (70) for putting the ventricle bag (50) under pressure. The machine further includes an open/close system (C5, C5′) for opening/closing the discharge line (62) and the back-filtration control elements cause the discharge line (62) to close, and control the pressure applied to the ventricle bag (50), as a function of the pressure difference measured across the terminals of the constriction (520), so as to obtain a given flow rate of dialysate.
US09717834B2

Dialysis systems are disclosed comprising new fluid flow circuits. Systems may include blood and dialysate flow paths, where the dialysate flow path includes balancing, mixing, and/or directing circuits. Dialysate preparation may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and urge blood back to the patient may be included for certain emergency situations Fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, and mixers that can be actuated using a control fluid, may be included. Control fluid may be delivered by an external pump or other device, which may be detachable and/or generally rigid, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into first and second compartments.
US09717833B2

An impeller includes a hub and a blade supported by the hub. The impeller has a stored configuration in which the blade is compressed so that its distal end moves towards the hub, and a deployed configuration in which the blade extends away from the hub. The impeller may be part of a pump for pumping fluids, such as blood, and may include a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller may reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula may have a compressed diameter which allows it to be inserted percutaneously into a patient. Once at a desired location, the expandable portion of the cannula may be expanded and the impeller expanded to the deployed configuration. A flexible drive shaft may extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient.
US09717825B2

The present invention relates to a resorbable polymeric mesh implant, that is intended to be used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant has at least a first and a second material, wherein the second material is substantially degraded at a later point in time than the first material following the time of implantation. The mesh implant is adapted to have a predetermined modulus of elasticity that gradually is decreased until the mesh implant is completely degraded and subsequently resorbed. Due to the gradual decrease in the modulus of elasticity of the inventive mesh implant, the regenerating tissue may gradually take over the load applied to the tissue defect area. Interstices between individual filaments of multifilaments create a capillary effect for cells within the body.
US09717823B2

Compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) within a matrix provided. By adding calcium and/or phosphate ions to the matrix, one may foster greater bone regeneration.
US09717819B2

The present invention relates to a polyurea system, the use of such a polyurea system for sealing, linking, gluing, or covering of cellular tissue, and a dosing system having two chambers for a polyurea system such as this. The polyurea system comprises as components: A) an isocyanate-functioning prepolymer, which can be derived by reacting aliphatic isocyanates with polyoles, and B) an amino-functioning ester of aspartic acid. According to the invention, water and/or tertiary amine is added to the system, in order to increase the reacting speed of the prepolymer with the amino-functioning ester of aspartic acid while decreasing the setting time at the same time.
US09717816B2

A deodorization and sterilization apparatus and method, which increases an amount of generated active species and collects floating bacteria or odor materials in air at one place, such that the active species make contact with the collected floating bacteria or odor materials to achieve high-efficiency sterilization and deodorization. A pair of electrodes is provided, plasma discharge is carried out by applying designated voltage between the pair of electrodes, fluid passage holes are provided at corresponding parts of respective electrodes so as to communicate with each other, and at least one absorption member to absorb floating bacteria or odor materials is disposed at the downstream of a fluid passing through the fluid passage holes.
US09717808B2

The invention relates to a kit for preparation of target radiopharmaceuticals, a method of using the kit to prepare target radiopharmaceuticals and use of the target radiopharmaceuticals. The target radiopharmaceuticals comprise a radio-nuclear loading on liposome and inhibit the tumor growth and metastatic progression of head and neck cancer, lung cancer and brain cancer. The radiopharmaceuticals may be used for treating the mentioned cancers.
US09717807B2

The present invention relates to a CT contrast agent for detecting a thrombus, comprising fibrin-targeted peptide sequence-conjugated glycol chitosan-gold nanoparticles. The CT contrast agent for detecting a thrombus according to an embodiment of the present invention may allow rapid and repeated acquisition of CT image information related to the size and location of a thrombus in cardio-cerebral vascular thrombosis, and also enables the imaging monitoring of cerebral thrombus.
US09717803B2

The present application relates to methods for the functionalization of immunoglobulins, in particular with drugs. Also disclosed herein are linking reagents, functionalized antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions, and method of treating disease and/or conditions.
US09717800B2

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising fingolimod and a weak acid cation exchange resin in the form of an ion-exchange complex and pharmaceutically acceptable 5 excipients.
US09717798B2

A composition is disclosed. The composition comprises at least one polymeric colorant having a polymer component with a colorant component covalently bound thereto, a medicament, and a liquid vehicle. The at least one colorant component does not react directly or indirectly with the medicament. Methods of using the polymeric colorants, including a method for the preparation of skin as a site for a surgical procedure and a method of treating a medical condition, are also provided.
US09717785B2

The present invention relates to the preparation of the recombinant antigen of the viral capsid of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) and modifications thereof, upon expression in a prokaryotic system, purification in the monomer form, recovery of virus-like particles (VLPs) and their use in vaccine formulations, diagnostic kits and a system for quantifying in vaccine lots of the PCV-2 antigen by means of a capture ELISA assay. The antigens and vaccine formulations can be used in animal's immunization in programs for combatting PCV-2-associated diseases in conventional swine breeding systems, and represent alternatives to the commercially available vaccines. The ELISA kit can be used for testing the quality of commercial and/or experimental vaccines against PCV-2.
US09717771B2

This invention relates to novel extracts from sugar cane and sugar beet molasses and the characterization of those extracts. The extracts are enriched in hydrophobic compounds including polyphenols, in levels 5 to 10 fold higher than found in molasses itself. Methods for extracting the extract are also described, together with new uses for the extracts as food ingredients, food modifiers and therapeutic substances.
US09717762B2

The present invention provides the use of the antigens CD49e and/or CD49f as selection markers for enrichment, isolation, detection and/or analysis of atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes and a method for enrichment, isolation, detection and/or analysis of these cells from a sample comprising cardiomyocytes. In addition substantially pure compositions of these cardiomyocyte subpopulations are provided.
US09717761B2

The present invention provides methods and uses of neural cells differentiated from adult stem cells of the oral mucosa for cell therapy of neurological and psychiatric diseases and disorders. Methods for direction of differentiation of oral mucosal stem cells into neuronal or neuron supporting cells are also provided.
US09717754B2

The present invention provides a method for the treatment of immune mediated or immune related diseases or disorders, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders and cancer in mammalian subjects. This method comprises the administration of a naturally occurring, mammalian intermediary metabolite or T cell receptor ligand, preferably a glucosylceramide, to a mammalian subject. In a preferred embodiment, such mammalian subjects are human beings.
US09717748B2

The present application relates to compounded compositions, methods of making compounded compositions, kits comprising compounded compositions, containers comprising compounded compositions, and methods of using compounded compositions. The present application also relates to anti-infective agents and methods of using anti-infective agents. For example, disclosed herein are compounded compositions comprising an anti-bacterial agent, an anti-fungal agent, and an excipient base and methods of using a compounded composition to treat or prevent a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, or both, or a suspected bacterial infection, a suspected fungal infection, or both. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US09717746B2

Synthetic ether alkyl-lysophospholipids (APLs) provide an effective treatment for subjects suffering from cholinergic seizures. Among other uses, APLs may be used to treat the effects of epileptic seizures in particular cholinergic seizures caused by exposure to insecticides or chemical warfare nerve agent exposure. Edelfosine, an APL, has been show to be particularly effective in these areas.
US09717744B2

Disclosed are methods of administering 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to treat and/or prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism and/or its accompanying symptoms in a subject having or at risk for developing secondary hyperparathyroidism.
US09717739B2

The invention relates to 17-hydroxy-17-pentafluoroethyl-estra-4,9(10)-dien-11-aryl derivatives of Formula I with progesterone antagonizing action and method of production thereof, use thereof for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and use thereof for the production of medicinal products for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular of fibroids of the uterus (myomas, uterine leiomyoma), endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeds, meningiomas, hormone-dependent breast cancers and complaints associated with the menopause or for fertility control and emergency contraception.
US09717736B2

There is provided a compound of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There are also provided processes for the manufacture of a compound of Formula 1, and the use of a compound of Formula 1 as a medicament and in the treatment of cancer.
US09717731B2

Described herein are methods and compositions comprising a covalent TEC family kinase inhibitor for use in adjuvant therapy, including adjuvant cancer therapy, vaccination and treatment of immune disorders and pathogenic infections.
US09717725B2

Embodiments of the invention provide methods of attenuating, e.g., inhibiting or reducing, cellular proliferation and migration, particularly endothelial cell proliferation and migration, including that associated with angiogenesis, as well as attenuating cancerous tumor growth and metastasis, using opioid antagonists, including, but not limited to, those that are peripherally restricted antagonists.
US09717722B2

Methods for treating a subject with tyrosinase-positive albinism; agents and compositions thereof for use in treating tyrosinase-positive albinism; and medicaments for treating tyrosinase-positive albinism are described herein. Such methods; agents and compositions thereof; and medicaments relate to chloroquine or rapamycin or compositions thereof and may further relate to nitisinone used in conjunction with the chloroquine or rapamycin or a composition of either of which.
US09717721B2

Aryl-quinolin derivatives for use in inhibiting vasculogenic mimicry, treating diseases characterized by abnormal vascular morphology or function and/or by the presence of vasculogenic mimicry in a subject in need thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds are for use in treating metastatic tumor, hyperproliferative, or angiogenic diseases. In another embodiment of the invention, the compound for use may combine an additional therapeutic agent such as anti-cancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-proliferative agents, anti-hormonal agents, or any combination thereof for use.
US09717710B2

The present invention relates to methods of treatment using [3-(4-{2-butyl-1-[4-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}-phenoxy)-propyl]-diethyl amine (“COMPOUND I”) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In various embodiments, the methods of treatment include treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia of Alzheimer's type, diabetes, insomnia, and other indications. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising COMPOUND I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09717704B2

The present invention relates to the treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's Disease or the symptoms associated therewith by daily administration of a drink formula comprising fresh marine omega-3 oil in an emulsion and resveratrol or derivatives thereof.
US09717700B2

There is disclosed a method for treating disorders modulated by at least opiate receptor activity or monoamine activity, including acute and chronic pain, comprising administering a pharmaceutical formulation comprising O-desmethyltramadol. Methods are also provided that are effective for overcoming resistance to tramadol in patients.
US09717687B2

[Problem] To provide: a lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration, contains a lipid that is bound to a peptide composed of multiple arginine residues as a constituent lipid, and includes a bacterial cell component having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent; and a method for producing a lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration and includes a substance of interest having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent.[Solution] A lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration, contains a lipid that is bound to a peptide composed of multiple arginine residues as a constituent lipid, and includes a bacterial cell component having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent.
US09717682B2

Improved pharmaceutical solid oral film dosage forms for the buccal and/or sublingual delivery of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or cosmetic ingredients are endowed with instant hydration potential and complete dissolution potentially enabling the active ingredient to become immediately available for enhanced buccal and/or sublingual absorption and/or reduced absorption through the gastrointestinal route. The improved delivery systems for solubilizing and stabilizing pharmaceutically active ingredients exhibit enhanced stability by the use of a combination of crystallization inhibitors, which together can maintain the active ingredient in a desired plurality of particles in an effective size range within a polymeric film matrix.
US09717681B2

Improved formulations containing substituted imidazole derivatives of the general formula 1, formula (I) wherein Y is —CH2— or —CO—, R1 is H, halo or hydroxy, R2 is H or halo, and R3 is H or lower alkyl (e.g. C1 to C4 alkyl, preferably C1 or C2 alkyl), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, such as an acid addition salt, e.g. the hydrochloride, of a compound of the general formula (I), are in solid fast-dispersing dosage form suitable for pre-gastric absorption.
US09717673B2

The invention relates to shampoo preparations comprising water, an acrylic emulsion polymer and at least one surfactant. The preparations provide improved styling performance and improved hair feel.
US09717665B2

Desensitizing oral care composition useful for treating dentinal hypersensitivity, comprising potassium oxalate and methods of use thereof. Delivery systems including a strip of material and such oral care compositions for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity and methods of use thereof.
US09717657B2

A composition for endodontic irrigation is provided. The composition includes a chemical depilatory during intra-canal, and chemo-mechanical instrumentation in endodontic. The composition includes calcium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium thioglycolate or calcium thioglycolate to form an effective root canal medicament. Further, the composition may incorporate mineral oil, urea, cetearyl alcohol, D&C yellow No. 8, chromium hydroxide, theobroma cocoa seed butter, iron oxides, fragrances, and ceteareth-20 to enhance its functioning. The composition disinfects, lubricates, chelates, irrigants, dissolves, and facilitates removal of the pulpal tissue and debris. Furthermore, the composition reduces and even eliminates bacteria from micro-endodontic systems. Further, the composition of the present invention enhances eradicating pathogens along with chemo-mechanical debridement of the root canal system.
US09717649B2

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of a pharmaceutical container formed, at least in part, of a glass composition which exhibits a reduced propensity to delaminate, i.e., a reduced propensity to shed glass particulates. As a result, the presently claimed containers are particularly suited for storage of pharmaceutical compositions and, specifically, a pharmaceutical solution comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient, for example, Prolia® (denosumab), Xgeva® (denosumab), Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), AMG-145, romosozumab (AMG-785), ganitumab (AMG-479), trebananib (AMG-386), brodalumab (AMG-827), and rilotumumab (AMG-102).
US09717648B2

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of a pharmaceutical container formed, at least in part, of a glass composition which exhibits a reduced propensity to delaminate, i.e., a reduced propensity to shed glass particulates. As a result, the presently claimed containers are particularly suited for storage of pharmaceutical compositions and, specifically, a pharmaceutical solution comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient, for example, daclizumab (ZENAPAX®).
US09717647B1

An occupant-actuated massager for a hydrotherapy vessel. The massager jet has an actuation point at which the occupant applies force to cause the pressurized water to flow therethrough and provide a massage via a shuttle. A valve piston is actuated to open and close based on the application of force to the actuation point. Optionally, a venturi can be used to introduce air into the water flow to provide further massage.
US09717639B2

A biomechanical stimulation device is presented. The biomechanical stimulation device comprises a base that supports an adjustable height arm and an easily removable drum connected to the arm. The drum is driven by a motor to provide an elliptical stimulation motion. An anti-rotation device prevents rotation, but allows orbital translation of drum. The drum may connect to the arm at a single attachment point. The arm 20 may be pivotally attached to the base and selectively movable to a desired position. A pair of struts may support the arm to assist in positioning the arm. The struts may be locked to prevent movement of the arm, or unlocked by a release button to allow selective positioning of the arm. The biomechanical stimulation device may further include a hand controller and other peripheral devices to provides a convenient interface for controlling the speed and run time of the biomechanical stimulation device.
US09717637B2

A lateral support assembly for attachment to a wheelchair includes a mounting portion for attachment to the wheelchair, a pad support portion for attachment to a pad, and a link sub-assembly including one or more links that connect the mounting portion to the pad support portion. The mounting portion includes an attachment part, a hinged part, and a sliding part. The attachment part is adapted to be affixed to the wheelchair and the hinged part is connected to the attachment part and is selectively pivotable about a first rotational axis. The pad support portion includes a pad bracket coupled to a secondary housing in which the pad bracket is selectively pivotable about a second rotational axis. The sliding part is connected to the hinged part and is selectively extendable forward.
US09717632B2

Provided is an auditory sensitivity adjustment device suitable to enhance concentration and attentiveness in any direction. An auditory sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes grab parts 32a and 32b for holding a pinna 50, springs 22 for applying to the grab parts 32a and 32b a force for pulling, in an extending direction, the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b, and a base 38 for rotating the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b so as to twist the pinna 50.
US09717621B2

An adjustable cervical collar is in the form of a u-shaped base with a front joined to a pair of rearwardly extending wings. Left and right chin supports are pivotally connected at their distal ends to the distal ends to of respective wings with a chin piece connected between the upper proximal ends of the chin supports. An adjustable latch is individually coupled between each wing and the lower proximal end of the associated chin supports. Preferably the latch is in the form of 1) an arcuate slot in each wing arranged around the respective pivot axis with a track formed on opposite sides of the slot and 2) a retractable locking pin carried by each chin support and movable within the respective slot, the locking pins adapted to engage the ribs in the respective track to releasably lock the chin support to the respective wing.
US09717615B2

The present invention refers to medical devices. Particularly it relates to stent devices and balloon catheter devices. In the most particular aspect of the invention it relates to balloon catheter devices carrying stents (2) with the medical balloon (3) comprising an inner layer (4) having a lower compliance rate and/or burst pressure than the outer layer (5) and an outer layer (5) having on the outer surface (6a) a higher adhesion strength than the inner layer (4), and its use in a variety of medical procedures to treat medical conditions in animal and human patients.
US09717609B2

A stent has one or more redundant crests for a ring. The redundant crest is located at a Y-crown for a peak-to-valley type stent pattern in one example. The stent may also have frangible bridges for connecting links. The stent's radial stiffness decreases when a redundant crest fractures and its axial and bending stiffness decreases when a frangible bridge breaks.
US09717606B2

A lower limb prosthesis system and a method of controlling the prosthesis system to replace a missing lower extremity of an individual and perform a gait cycle are disclosed. The prosthesis system has a controller, one or more sensors, a prosthetic foot, and a movable ankle joint member coupled to the prosthetic foot. The movable ankle joint member comprises a hydraulic damping system that provides the ankle joint member damping resistance. The controller varies the damping resistance by providing volumetric flow control to the hydraulic damping system based on sensor data. In one embodiment, the hydraulic damping system comprises a hydraulic piston cylinder assembly, hydraulic fluid, and a valve to regulate the fluid. In one embodiment, the controller alters the damping resistance by modulating the valve to vary the hydraulic fluid flow within the hydraulic piston cylinder assembly of the movable ankle joint member based on sensor data.
US09717603B2

Implantable devices for the treatment of degenerative facet joint disease, and more specifically to implantable devices for the immobilization or fusion of degenerated facet joints, particularly of the cervical spine are provided. The devices may be easily inserted into the facet joint, promoting fusion and initiating a natural healing response. Also provided are methods of treating degeneration of a facet joint using these implantable devices.
US09717595B2

Heart valve delivery systems and methods of delivering and implanting heart valves using delivery catheters are disclosed. The delivery systems can include a handle assembly which can include a first control mechanism, a second control mechanism, and a decoupling mechanism. The delivery systems can also include a delivery catheter extending from the handle assembly. The delivery catheter can include an outer shaft, which can be controlled by the first control mechanism; a prosthesis containing capsule comprising a proximal capsule portion connected to the outer shaft, and a distal capsule portion releasably coupled to the proximal capsule portion. After deploying a valve prosthesis, the capsule can be closed by activating the decoupling mechanism in the handle to rapidly close the distal and proximal capsule portions together. The delivery system can also include a centering element to guide the distal and proximal capsule portions together.
US09717592B2

A personalized prosthetic valve for implantation at a native valve treatment site includes a self-expanding mesh and a plurality of valve leaflets coupled to the mesh. The mesh may be delivered to the native valve in a collapsed configuration, and in an expanded configuration the mesh engages the native valve. The mesh in the expanded configuration is also personalized to match the treatment site, such that the outer mesh surface substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to pass therethrough. In the open configuration, blood passes through the prosthetic valve, and in the closed configuration, the plurality of leaflets are closer together and blood is prevented from flowing upstream through the prosthetic valve.
US09717590B2

An ossicular prosthesis is adjustable in length and temporarily and resiliently adjustable in angular orientation. The prosthesis includes a head for contacting a tympanic membrane, and a resilient sleeve is mounted within the head. An elongate shaft extends through the sleeve, and includes a distal end adapted to engage a footplate or stapes. The sleeve forms a resilient joint that allows the shaft to undergo an angular motion relative to the sleeve when subject to a non-axial force, and then subsequently return to its original position after the force is removed. The sleeve may also be longitudinally displaceable within the head of the prosthesis such that the shaft can undergo a damped linear motion. Also as a result of the arrangement of the sleeve, the prosthesis is adjustable to a very short length.
US09717584B2

The invention relates to a novel medical apparatus for treatment of obesity, diabetes, and/or other obesity-associated health problems. The apparatus is used to impede absorption of nutrients within the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., substantially isolating nutrients from a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus can be implanted using minimally invasive techniques, such a transesophageal approach under visualization. More specifically, the apparatus is used to impede absorption of nutrients within the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., substantially isolating nutrients from a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus may include a sleeve and at least one anchoring component attached to the sleeve with a releasable component. The sleeve may have different properties along its length or there may be multiple sleeves having different properties.
US09717578B2

A surgical tool adapted for identifying an incision site is disclosed. The surgical tool includes an intra-urethral probe and a transmitter. The intra-urethral probe has a distal end opposite of a proximal end. A distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe is insertable into a urethra of a patient and is sized and configured to prevent the distal end of the intra-urethral probe from entering a bladder of the patient. The transmitter is located at the distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe and is configured to transmit a signal from inside of the urethra to an exterior surface of skin of the patient where the signal is sensed. The signal transmitted is one of a magnetic field, a vibratory pulse, a sound, or light in a visible wavelength.
US09717577B2

A non-custom dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one tissue adhesion agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent.
US09717575B2

A hybrid dental tool is disclosed herein. The hybrid dental tool includes a flosser having a flossing head. The flossing head can include a filament stretching between the first arm and a second arm. The flossing head can include a pick receptacle. The hybrid dental tool can further include a pick that has a first end and a second end. The pick can be sized and shaped to fit within the pick receptacle such that the first and second ends are protected. The pick can releasably connect with the flossing head to allow the separation of the pick from the flossing head.
US09717571B2

A dental implant screw for holding an abutment on a dental implant includes a head and a shaft. A proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the head. The shaft includes a threaded section, an outwardly tapered section leading into a recessed section, and a stop section directly between the outwardly tapered section and the recessed section. The recessed section is directly between the head and the stop section. The threaded section is directly adjacent a distal end of the shaft and is configured to engage threads of an internally threaded bore in the dental implant to hold the abutment on the dental implant.
US09717566B2

A dental prophylaxis angle having a tool head and a hand piece includes an adjustment mechanism, which allows the tool head to be angularly adjusted between a plurality of angular positions relative to the hand piece. The tool head is axially shiftable relative to the hand piece between a locked position and an adjustment position. In the locked position, the tool head is prevented from shifting angularly relative to the hand piece. In the adjustment position, the tool head may be selectively pivoted relative to the hand piece and thereby angularly adjusted. A spring may be provided to urge the tool head into the locked position at one or more of the angular positions.
US09717563B2

A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations are displayed along with indications of range of motion limitations on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point.
US09717556B2

An endoscopic needle knife may include a collet coupled to a distal end of a tubular member of the needle knife. A cutting wire may be disposed within a cutting wire lumen of the tubular member and a central lumen of the collet. An inner surface of the collet body may create a frictional force between the cutting wire and the inner surface so that the cutting wire is resistant to longitudinal movement relative to the tubular member caused by external forces. The frictional force may also be less than a longitudinal force exerted on the cutting wire by a handle assembly or other control mechanism that is used to longitudinally move the cutting wire within the tubular member and the collet.
US09717554B2

A catheter has a composite and segmented construction in a distal section that includes deflectable members and support member arranged in alternating sequence, with each support member carrying a ring electrode and the deflectable members being flexible to allow deflection of the distal section as a whole. Carried on an outer surface of the support member is a coil location sensor. The distal section is configured with a distal irrigation fluid path extending axially through the deflectable members and the support members to deliver irrigation fluid to the ring electrode and the tip electrode. A method of constructing a catheter includes building a section of the catheter from the inside out by mounting the support members on a tubing at predetermined locations and filling gaps in between with a more flexible material to form the deflectable members by extrusion segments or injection molding over assembled components internal to the catheter.
US09717545B2

A kit including a first component having a male taper and a second component having an internal bore with a female taper. The first component and second component being engageable via the male and female tapers. The kit further including a disassembly tool having a body and an expandable portion separable from the body, such that the expandable portion has an initial outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of the internal bore of the second component.
US09717544B2

The embodiments provide devices and methods that both strengthen the bone and stimulate the bone. Bone fractures or non-unions are stabilized, integrated or healed, which results in reduction of a bone defect, such as a bone marrow lesion or edema. In addition, the distribution of forces in a joint are restored or altered to relieve pain. In general, a joint is evaluated by taking an image of the joint and one or more subchondral defects are detected. At least one of the subchondral defects may be diagnosed as the source of pain and an extent of treatment for the subchondral defect is determined. The disclosed devices and techniques are particularly suited for treating chronic defects or injuries, where the patient's natural healing response has not resolved the defect. The present disclosure also provides several exemplary treatment modalities for the different extents of treatment needed.
US09717539B2

A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, an anchor element and a delivery tool including an implant arm, an anchor arm, and a positioning arm coupling the implant arm and the anchor arm. The implant arm includes an implant shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the implant arm. The anchor arm including an anchor shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the anchor arm. The positioning arm coupled with the implant arm at a first end and coupled with the anchor arm at a second end.
US09717536B2

A vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod. The system includes: a connecting part suitable for being connected to the rod, a flexible ligature of elongate shape having two free ends suitable for connecting together the connecting part and at least a portion of a vertebra and/or a rib, and an adjustable locking member mounted on the connecting part. The connecting part defines at least one passageway for passing the ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands of the ligature can be engaged in the passageway so that the two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop extending from one side of the connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of the connecting part.
US09717535B2

An articulating assembly includes a first elongated element for attachment to a first anatomical region, and a second elongated element for attachment to a second anatomical region. In at least one embodiment, a coupling connects the first and second elongated elements. The coupling includes a moveable joint configured to allow polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable in an unlocked condition to permit polyaxial movement of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element, and a locked condition to immobilize the movable joint and fix the position of the first elongated element with respect to the second elongated element.
US09717533B2

Open implant closure structures include a helically wound guide and advancement flange form having pivot-splay accommodating and splay control surfaces with opposing load flanks in initial non-parallel relation.
US09717530B1

Dynamization struts and methods of use are provided. A dynamization strut may comprise a sleeve, a shaft, a biasing member, and a bushing. The sleeve may comprise an inner recess with a first and second section. The shaft may comprise an interior section to be disposed within the inner recess of the sleeve. The biasing member may be disposed around the interior section of the shaft, and sized to fit within the first section of the inner recess of the sleeve. The bushing may be secured against a portion of the shaft. Rotation of the bushing may provide for compressive movement of the biasing member relative to the sleeve and shaft. Compression of the biasing member may occur without a corresponding change in a total length of the dynamization strut. Rather, changes in the length of the strut may occur as a result of external compressive forces acting upon it.
US09717523B2

Disclosed is a pericardiocentesis needle component (10), comprising a guide wire (13) and a puncture needle (12). The guide wire (13) extends into and through the puncture needle (12), and the guide wire (13) comprises a bent section (32) at the distal end and a straight section at the proximal end. The bent section (32) at the distal end is formed by bending the guide wire (13), and the end of the bent section is a pointed-shape structure. The guide wire (13) is made of a highly elastic material. The pointed end rotates at least 90 degrees within a range of no more than 3 mm starting from the pointed end at the bent section (32) of the guide wire. The pericardiocentesis needle component (10) of the present invention is less likely to damage a heart during a pericardiocentesis procedure.
US09717520B2

An atherectomy catheter having an inner drive shaft which rotates a distal rotary tissue borer with a helical cutting surface which enables the catheter to cut through and cross a CTO. Additionally, the atherectomy catheter has a distal cutting element rotated by an outer drive shaft configured to cut material from the wall of a vessel at a treatment site as the catheter is pushed distally through the treatment site. The atherectomy catheter includes a collection chamber positioned proximally of the cutting element and rotary tissue borer. The atherectomy catheter directs material cut from the treatment site into the collection chamber, breaks down larger portions of material that may block or clog the collection chamber and transports the material collected from the treatment site to a proximal opening in the atherectomy catheter.
US09717518B2

A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member is disclosed. The end-effector further includes a plurality of arms, which may pivot or move relative to one another. Further, each arm includes an inner edge defining a cutting edge, and an outer edge having at least one geometric feature for manipulating tissue.
US09717514B2

The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.
US09717507B2

A tissue removal device and method of using the device to remove tissue from a patient is provided. The tissue removal device comprises a tissue removal probe and a sheath slideable relative to the probe. The probe has a tissue removal element, and the sheath has a portion that exposes the tissue removal element. The sheath distal end may be pre-shaped to bend when slid distal to the probe. The probe may have a window through which the tissue removal element is exposed.
US09717506B2

A handpiece for dental or surgical applications has a chuck for rotatably clamping a tool such as a bur, the chuck being drivingly connectable to a drive mechanism such as to rotate the tool about a rotation axis thereof, a push button operatively connected to the chuck, configured to release the tool from the chuck upon depressing the push button, a spherical element, preferably a ball, fitted within or mounted at the push button, arranged and configured such that, when the push button is depressed, the spherical element enters into contact with the chuck, the spherical element being of a material with a high hardness on the Vickers scale of >2000.
US09717504B2

A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.
US09717502B2

A vaso-occlusive device delivery assembly includes a pusher assembly having proximal and distal ends, a conductive sacrificial link disposed at the distal end of the pusher assembly, and a vaso-occlusive device secured to the pusher assembly by the sacrificial link. The pusher assembly includes first and second conductors extending between the proximal and distal ends thereof. The sacrificial link is electrically coupled between the first and second conductors, such that the first conductor, sacrificial link and second conductor form an electrical circuit, and, when a disintegration current is applied through the sacrificial link through the first and second conductors, the sacrificial link thermally disintegrates, thereby releasing the attachment member and vaso-occlusive device from the pusher assembly.
US09717497B2

An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a blade assembly, and a lockout assembly. The first jaw removably couples with a staple cartridge. The second jaw is movably coupled with the first jaw. The blade assembly translates relative to the first jaw and includes a first tab. The lockout assembly includes a resilient member that biases the blade assembly to a lockout position. The lockout assembly engages the first tab of the blade assembly in the lockout position to prevent the blade assembly from translating distally relative to the first jaw when a staple cartridge is absent from the first jaw or when a spent staple cartridge is disposed in the first jaw.
US09717480B2

In order to verify a surgical operation image matching, a model of a target is manufactured. Then, a reference body is attached to the model. Then, three-dimensional reference data regarding to the model is obtained. Then, grid patterned light is emitted onto the model to obtain reflection image. Then, three-dimensional shape is measured from the reflection image, and measurement image is obtained from the three-dimensional shape. Then, the measurement image and previously obtained three-dimensional reference data are matched. Then, reference position of the target in the three-dimensional reference data is compared with estimated position of the target, which is estimated by the reference body in the measurement image. Therefore, the matching of the surgical operation can be verified.
US09717478B2

A method of displaying the influence of an aspect of a model includes acquiring a two-dimensional echocardiogram having a variable intensity; relating the two-dimensional echocardiogram to a plurality of mapping points, the mapping points existing in a three-dimensional model space; determining a degree of influence value for a mapping point; and displaying the mapping point with a visual attribute that corresponds to the determined degree of influence value.
US09717475B2

Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments are directed to transducer mounting configurations that enable polymer piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) to be used with a Doppler color flow rotational IVUS imaging system. In one embodiment, a rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate body; a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate body; and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate body. The ASIC is electrically coupled to the PMUT and includes a pulser, an amplifier, a protection circuit, and timing and control circuitry for coordinating operation of the pulser, amplifier, and protection circuit. The PMUT transducer is mounted with a tilt angle such that the IVUS catheter can be used to collect Doppler ultrasound blood flow data in conjunction with the IVUS imaging.
US09717470B2

An X-ray imaging method includes acquiring a differential phase contrast imaging X-ray scan with an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a grating arrangement having a source grating, a phase grating and an analyzer grating. The source grating is misaligned in respect to an interferometer such that moiré fringes are detectable in the plane of the detector. A translation signal is computed for translating the source grating for achieving a predetermined moiré pattern. The positioning of the source grating is adjusted in an X-ray projection direction based on the translation signal such that at least 2 pi of phase changes are covered with the Moiré fringes over the width of the detector. And a further differential phase contrast imaging X-ray scan is acquired.
US09717469B2

According to one embodiment, Switching units are configured to switch the intensity of X-rays to be generated by an anode. An X-ray controller controls the switching units to switch the intensity of the X-rays to be generated by the anode, and controls a rotor control power generator to rotate the anode. When a value approximately equal to an integer multiple of an X-ray intensity switching period designated by a user coincides with the rotor rotation period, the X-ray controller controls the rotor control power generator to shift the thermoelectron collision ranges of the anode in the first turn from thermoelectron collision ranges in the second turn.
US09717460B2

Smart phones capable of detecting electrical impedances of and providing electronic pulse stimuli to acupuncture points located on a human body are disclosed. An example smart phone is equipped with a hardware diagnosis module and a hardware treatment module that function based on the principle of holography of protruding parts of the human body, in addition to having regular smart phone functions. The diagnosis module may receive electrical impedance data detected from protruding parts of a human body and determine the type of illness according to the analog electrical impedance data. The treatment module may generate electronic pulse stimuli on acupoints located on the human body (such as ears, hands and feet), thereby performing electronic acupuncture treatment. The example smart phone may also detect blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen value and blood glucose values of the human body.
US09717459B2

Portable operatively simple touch screen apparatus uses testing methods and systems that are free of age and language constraints include special signal processing techniques that provide a temporal resolution highly sensitive for probing cognitive function. The embodiments include or make use of one or more modules implemented at least partially in a set of instructions in software and configured to measure user reaction times to visual stimulus on a touch screen device having a capacitive sensor touch-sensitive surface and a detector of audio waves resulting from touch on the touch-sensitive surface. The modules employ recordation of acoustic vibrations resulting from a user's touching a target location on the touch screen surface spaced from a touched starting location on that surface, in one embodiment, to measure temporal response to a visual stimulus placed at the target location.
US09717457B2

In an aspect, an accessory for an activity is provided, and includes an accessory housing, an impact detection device and a secondary module. The impact detection device includes at least one impact sensor selected from the group of sensors comprising an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The secondary module includes at least a battery configured for powering both the impact detection device and the secondary module. The impact detection device and secondary module together further include a microcontroller and a memory. The impact detection device is removably connectable to the secondary module and is connectable to another secondary module in another protective accessory.
US09717453B2

Methods, systems and kits for the identification, assessment and/or treatment of a subject having multiple sclerosis are disclosed.
US09717449B2

Systems and methods for processing sensor data are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for calibration of a continuous analyte sensor. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for classification of a level of noise on a sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for determining a rate of change for analyte concentration based on a continuous sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods for alerting or alarming a patient based on prediction of glucose concentration are provided.
US09717448B2

Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a continuous transdermal monitoring system comprises a sensor package. The sensor package may include a pulse oximetry sensor having a plurality of light detectors arranged as an array. One exemplary method for continuous transdermal monitoring begins by positioning a pulse oximetry sensor system, similar to the system described immediately above, adjacent to a target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by detecting a light reflected by the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by transmitting a pulse oximetry reading(s), based at least in part on the light reflected by the target tissue segment, of the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by analyzing the pulse oximetry reading(s). Then, the method continues by assessing the accuracy of the pulse oximetry reading from the first light detector relative to the pulse oximetry reading from the second light detector.
US09717438B2

A medical device and method for detecting a ventricular arrhythmia event is disclosed. The medical device includes input circuitry configured to receive an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, processing circuitry coupled to the input circuitry and configured to identify at least one fiducial point of a first heartbeat signature and at least fiducial point of a second heartbeat signature of the ECG signal, and feature extraction circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry. The feature extraction circuitry is configured to determine at least one difference between the at least one fiducial point of the first heartbeat signal and the at least one fiducial point of the second heartbeat signal. Machine learning circuitry is coupled to the feature extraction circuitry and is configured to select a ventricular arrhythmia class based on the at least one difference.
US09717432B2

Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. A pair of flexile wires is interlaced or sewn into a flexible backing, serving as electrode signal pickup and electrode circuit traces. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum, which significantly improves the ability to sense cutaneously cardiac electric signals, particularly those generated by the atrium. The electrode patch is shaped to fit comfortably and conformal to the contours of the chest approximately centered on the sternal midline. To counter the dislodgment due to compressional and torsional forces, non-irritating adhesive is provided on the underside, or contact, surface of the electrode patch, but only on the distal and proximal ends. Interlacing the flexile wires into the flexile backing also provides structural support and malleability against compressional, tensile and torsional forces.
US09717428B2

Devices and methods provide for the sensing of physiological signals during stimulation therapy by preventing stimulation waveform artifacts from being passed through to the amplification of the sensed physiological signal. Thus, the sensing amplifier is not adversely affected by the stimulation waveform and can provide for successful sensing of physiological signals. A common mode voltage is applied to the stimulation electrodes while sensing during a recharge period where the common mode voltage approximates the stimulation pulse being received at the sensing electrodes. This common mode voltage is determined based on measuring a common mode signal for at least one of the inputs of the amplifier or by deriving the proper common mode from monitoring the output signal of the amplifier to observe the elimination of artifacts during stimulation. Blanking switches may be used to blank the sensing of the peak of the recharge period should that peak be relatively large.
US09717425B2

A noninvasive physiological sensor for measuring one or more physiological parameters of a medical patient can include a bump interposed between a light source and a photodetector. The bump can be placed in contact with body tissue of a patient and thereby reduce a thickness of the body tissue. As a result, an optical pathlength between the light source and the photodetector can be reduced. In addition, the sensor can include a heat sink that can direct heat away from the light source. Moreover, the sensor can include shielding in the optical path between the light source and the photodetector. The shielding can reduce noise received by the photodetector.
US09717415B2

Apparatus and methods are described including inserting a tool into a blood vessel, and, while the tool is within the blood vessel, acquiring an extraluminal image of the blood vessel. In the extraluminal image of the blood vessel, a location of a portion of the tool with respect to the blood vessel is detected automatically. In response to detecting the location of the portion of the tool, a target portion of the blood vessel that is in a vicinity of the portion of the tool is designated automatically. Using the extraluminal image, quantitative vessel analysis is performed on the target portion of the blood vessel. Other embodiments are also described.
US09717414B2

A method for isolating a potential anomaly in imaging data comprising: providing a set of at least one given anomaly property representative of a given anomaly; providing a anomaly property identifier for identifying each of the at least one given anomaly property; in the imaging data, isolating a first zone having a first property and a group of at least one other zone, each of the at least one other zone having a corresponding property different than the first property; in the imaging data, and resulting from the isolation of a first zone and a group of at least one other zone, providing a transition zone selected from a group consisting of: a closed zone separating the first zone and the group of at least one other zone; and a closed zone extending in one of the first zone and the group of at least one other zone; applying the anomaly property identifier for identifying each of the at least one given anomaly property on at least the transition zone for providing a computed indication for a selected zone, the selected zone being at least the transition zone; determining if the computed indication for the selected zone is concording with each of the at least one given anomaly property; and if the computed indication for the selected zone is concording, assigning an indication of potential anomaly candidate zone to the selected zone to thereby isolate the potential anomaly.
US09717406B2

There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of folding apparatus for ocular purposes for the first time. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing.
US09717396B2

A video endoscope with sideways viewing direction including an endoscope shaft having a jacket tube, an entry window joined hermetically to the jacket tube at the distal end of the jacket tube, a sideways viewing optical subassembly and a sensor module having an optical sensor, wherein the sensor module is disposed on a distal side of a longitudinally extended sensor module carrier that is rotatably mounted with respect to the jacket tube. In the video endoscope, the sideways viewing optical subassembly can be formed as an attachment which can be plugged distally onto the sensor module and/or the sensor module carrier and which is rotatably mounted with respect to the sensor module and/or the sensor module carrier, wherein the attachment has at least one lock which interacts with at least one corresponding lock on the jacket tube, such that the attachment is rotationally fixed with respect to the jacket tube.
US09717393B2

A household appliance, such as dishwasher, includes a bulk unit-dose dispenser configured to hold multiple unit doses of treating chemistry and dispense the treating chemistry at the appropriate time in a cycle of operation. The bulk unit-dose dispenser can include a multiple compartments moveable along a track, and the compartments can be sequentially moved into registry with a dispensing opening of the appliance.
US09717390B2

A steam cleaning apparatus comprising: a main body having a boiler and a pump; a main power switch; a cleaning head coupled to a main body through a joint; a yoke in the main body or the cleaning head, the yoke having an arm contacting a position sensitive switch so that when the main body is in a non-use position, the position sensitive switch prevents the main switch from supplying power, and when the main body is in an in-use position, the position sensitive switch allows the main switch to provide power.
US09717388B2

A pad changer capable of automatically replacing a pad used to wipe out dust on a floor, a cleaner and a cleaner system having the pad changer are provided. The pad changer to replace a pad mounted to a cleaner includes a replacement unit. The replacement unit includes a separation cartridge to separate the pad from the cleaner and receive the separated pad therein, and a mounting cartridge to receive a pad therein and mount the pad to the cleaner.
US09717376B2

An apparatus for washing skin uses a brushless electric motor and a spring. The apparatus may include a case; an operation unit installed outside the case; a power supply unit installed at one end inside the case; the brushless electric motor installed inside the case; a control unit to output an electric signal; a face-washing brush fitted with a shaft of the brushless electric motor to be rotated forward and reverse as the brushless electric motor is operated; a holder and a spring.
US09717375B2

A dispensing system includes a housing including a cover portion attached to a base portion. The cover portion includes an opening. The dispensing system includes a dispensing assembly within which a material is contained and from which the material is dispensed. The dispensing assembly is supported within an interior of the base portion and in fluid communication with the opening. At least one of the cover portion is movable relative to the base portion or the base portion is moveable relative to the cover portion. A position of the cover portion relative to the base portion is adjusted between a first position, in which the cover portion does not engage the dispensing assembly such that the material is not dispensed through the opening, and a second position, in which the cover portion engages the dispensing assembly such that the material is dispensed through the opening.
US09717361B2

A spring-loaded adjustable window rack for hanging window treatments. A window rack is formed from a plurality of slide members, a plurality of multi-directional connectors, and at least one spring-loaded coupler, wherein the plurality of slide members is attached to each other by the plurality of multi-directional connectors. Each of the at least one spring-loaded couplers is attached in between a specific connector from the plurality of multi-directional connectors and a corresponding slide member from the plurality of slide members. By compressing the at least one spring the window rack can be slid into a window frame, wherein the spring force holds the window rack in place. A window treatment support can be attached to the window rack for creating three dimensional window treatment arrangements.
US09717351B2

Embodiments of the disclosure can include systems and methods for providing articulating point-of-sale (POS) apparatuses or devices, such as displays. In one embodiment, an articulating point-of-sale (POS) display assembly may include a base and a movable arm attached to the base. The movable arm may be configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the base. The assembly may further include a pivotable display device attached to the movable arm. The pivotable display device may be configured to pivot from a third position to a fourth position with respect to the movable arm. The assembly may also include an arm joint attaching the movable arm to the base, and a pivot joint attaching the pivotable display device to the movable arm.
US09717344B2

Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.
US09717343B1

A chair backrest panel positioning device includes a backrest panel frame and a backrest panel. The backrest panel frame has a hollow configuration, is formed along the rear side of the seat of a chair, and has two upper lateral portions configured for retaining predetermined portions of the backrest panel respectively. The backrest panel is separately formed, may or may not conform in shape to the backrest panel frame, and features proper elasticity. The backrest panel frame further has two lateral portions which are at a predetermined height and are configured for clamping the corresponding areas of the backrest panel respectively. Once mounted to the backrest panel frame, the backrest panel can be leaned on elastically.
US09717342B2

A device configured to relieve pressure caused by the full weight of a patient on the buttocks area of the patient when in a sitting position, by instead placing and averting the pressure on the thighs. The device may be efficacious for use after a buttock augmentation surgery including, but not limited to, Butt Implants, Brazilian Butt Lift, Fat Transfer, Fat Grafting, Butt Shots, Liposuction & any other procedure affecting the lower rear area of a human trunk. These procedures prevents a patient from sitting directly on the buttocks.
US09717338B2

A file cabinet with a roller positioned on the bottom of the cabinet in proximity to a front edge of the cabinet to prevent the cabinet from tipping over when acted on by a force generally perpendicular to the front edge. The roller also provides a method of moving the file cabinet by rolling the file cabinet.
US09717336B1

A chair wedge includes: a first tier having a downward sloped first top surface from a first tier top rear edge to a first tier top front edge; a second tier recessed within a center portion of the first tier and having a downward sloped second top surface from a second tier top rear edge to a second tier top front edge, and wherein the downward sloped second top surface is at a lesser angle relative to a base surface than is the downward sloped first top surface; a cavity formed in a space differential between the downward sloped first top surface and the downward sloped second top surface; and a rear wall defined at an inward most portion of the cavity and configured in combination with the cavity to stop a chair leg from further movement when placed within the chair wedge.
US09717332B2

A seating system with an elastically moveable backrest capable of being arranged in different configurations in a settee area of a bowling center is disclosed. The seating system includes a configurable seating arrangement including at least one bench seat configured to accommodate one or more users and a respective number of elastically moveable backrests for each of the one or more users. The configurable seating arrangement further includes a bracket assembly which attaches the respective number of elastically moveable backrests to the at least one bench seat.
US09717328B1

A desktop device for lifting and lowering a keyboard and monitor includes: a vertically-movable stand-unit fixed to a bottom-base and having a securing outer-pipe and a vertically-movable inner-pipe penetratingly fitted therein; a monitor-holder and a keyboard-supporting plate both disposed at the vertically-movable inner-pipe; a control unit having a slide control-key and mounted on the keyboard-supporting plate; and a pneumatic rod with an extensible rod having one end. A gas-releasing pin is disposed at the end of the extensible rod, and the pneumatic rod received in the vertically-movable inner-pipe. The top of the pneumatic rod is pivotally fixed to the top of the vertically-movable inner-pipe, allowing another end of the pneumatic rod to connect with a connector pivotally fixed to the bottom-base. A slide control-key is disposed at the keyboard-supporting plate and connected to a control-cable which is pulled and released to press on and release the gas-releasing pin.
US09717314B2

According to various embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device (PED) includes a stand that is configured to support a PED in an upright position. The stand may be pivotally coupled to a sliding member that can move along the case's back side. The sliding member and stand may move between a first position in which the stand supports the device in an upright position and a second position in which the stand lies flush with the rear face. Thus, the stand may selectively support the case in an upright position or be compact for easy storage.
US09717313B2

A sunshade includes: a support frame; and a canopy connected to the support frame and including a light-transmissible fabric sheet of undyed yarns and an opaque enamel coating coated on at least one side of the fabric sheet. A method of preparing a canopy includes: providing a light-transmissible fabric sheet of undyed yarns; coating an enamel composition on at least one side of the light-transmissible fabric sheet to form an opaque enamel coating on the light-transmissible fabric sheet; and drying the opaque enamel coating.
US09717303B2

An injection molded sole (10) has an upper ungrooved portion (2) and a lower tread portion (4). At least two, continuous, undulating S-shaped grooves (6) extend generally longitudinally of the tread portion between the toe and heel ends thereof, and a plurality of grooves extending generally transversely intersect the longitudinally extending undulating grooves. The grooves have a minimum depth of about 5 mm and define individual separated tread areas (28) which can be moved apart during flexing of the sole (10). The flexibility of the sole is such that when it is incorporated in footwear, it does not restrict rolling movements of the foot when walking so that a gait can be adopted which is akin to barefoot walking.
US09717302B2

An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.
US09717300B2

A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.
US09717299B2

A textile with high weave density which comprises a main-yarn made of a Japanese paper yarn and a sub-yarn thinner than the main-yarn interwoven with each other, wherein the textile has a weave texture structure including warps A and wefts A made of the main-yarn, and warps B and wefts B made of the sub-yarn, wherein in the weave texture structure, warp rows have a repeating row structure where a plurality of warps B are located between two warps A and weft rows have a repeating row structure where a plurality of wefts B are located between two wefts A, and wherein the warps A and the wefts A cross each other in a plain weave texture structure.
US09717296B2

A locking clip and anchor assembly for a tether. The clip includes an opening with at least one tab extending into a portion of the opening. The clip is also configured to attach to a tether or strap. In exemplary embodiments, the anchor assembly includes a post, biased support, biasing mechanism, and base. The clip is configured to be connectable to the post and movable to latched and unlatched conditions with respect to the anchor assembly. In the latched condition the clip has a limited range of rotation possible about the post.
US09717292B2

A knee protection device includes congruently joined outer and inner cover members having cooperatively disposed arcuate configured portions disposed to minimize engagement between strap portions of the outer and inner cover members with a back portion of a knee portion of a leg of a person using the device. The device further includes an outer pad member fabricated from relatively pliable material and disposed adjacent to the outer cover member, and an inner pad member fabricated from relatively more pliable material than the outer pad member and disposed between the outer pad member and the inner cover member. The positions of the outer and inner pad members, relative to the outer and inner cover members, are maintained by thread inserted through the outer and inner cover members and adjacent to the pad members after the pad members have been centrally disposed between the cover members. The cover members are peripherally joined together, and hook and loop members are secured to end portions of the cover members to enable the end portions of the cover members to ultimately be secured about the back portion of the knee portion of the leg of a person using the device.
US09717284B2

A brassiere comprising a wing having a top edge and a bottom edge, at least one strap and at least one cup for receiving a breast, the cup having an around cup edge section, an underarm edge section, a neckline edge section and an apex, the around cup section of the cup having a wire, wherein the brassiere further comprises a control panel generally extending from the apex of the cup into the wing, the control panel having an upper edge and a lower edge and wherein the wire terminates proximal to the lower edge of the control panel.
US09717283B1

In an embodiment, a body slimming garment system comprises a connection strip bonded to an overshirt at the yoke of the overshirt. The connection strip extends and is bonded to an inner belt around the torso of a user. One or more wings are bonded to the posterior of the inner belt extending radially from the user. The inner belt comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasp locker components arranged adjacently. A primary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components, and one or more clasping lockers on a side of the primary wing. A second side of the primary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasping locker components each arranged adjacently. A secondary wing comprises one or more hook-and-eye components and one or more clasp lockers.
US09717281B2

Underwear adapted to add an inner structure to a traditional covering comprising waistband and fabric panels conventionally covering the buttocks, hips, and genital areas. The inner structure may include a fabric panel bearing a ridge intended to occupy the cleft separating the buttocks, with the fabric panel adhering closely to the buttocks. The inner structure may also or instead include a fabric scrotum guard which covers the rear of the scrotum and which separates the scrotum from the inner thighs and separates the right and left perineal folds where inner thighs meet the lowermost trunk. The scrotum guard may include adjustment structure for adjusting tightness of the fit with the Y formed at the scrotum and the entire perineum. The front of the traditional covering may have an opening for retrieving the penis which opening is arranged horizontally rather than in the traditional generally vertical orientation.
US09717273B2

There is provided a method of manufacturing a combustible heat source having a barrier, the method including providing a mold defining a cavity; placing a particulate component in the mold cavity; placing a laminar component, adjacent the mold, to cover the cavity opening; and compressing the particulate component to form the combustible heat source, wherein, during the compression step, the barrier is formed by punching the laminar component using a punch and the mold, the punch acting on the barrier to compress the particulate component and affix the barrier to the combustible heat source.
US09717266B2

The present invention relates to a multi-layered drink in which the adjacent layers have a difference in density of 0.4 to 10 kg/m3 and each layer contains at least one hydrocolloid.
US09717261B2

Provided are roasted coffee beans useful for producing a coffee beverage having rich body and taste and suppressed in unpleasant taste. The roasted coffee beans of the present invention have an L value of 10 to 20, a content weight ratio [(B)/(A)] of hydroxyhydroquinone (B) to hydroquinone (A) of 3.5 or less, and a content of chlorogenic acids (C) of 0.3 to 1.5 g relative to 100 g of the roasted coffee beans.
US09717255B2

The quality of a cake quality may deteriorate if the amount of eggs in the recipe is reduced. This deterioration can be counteracted by adding a phospholipase to the cake batter, as seen by an increased cake volume and improved cake properties after storage, e.g. increased cohesiveness, increased springiness, and increased elasticity. The cake quality (as measured by these parameters) can be further improved, even up to the level of the original cake, by adding a non-egg protein together with the phospholipase. Accordingly, a cake is prepared by a method, comprising: a) preparing a cake batter by mixing cake batter ingredients, said ingredients comprising non-phospholipase treated egg lecithin and phospholipase, and b) baking the cake batter to make the cake.
US09717254B2

A cutting tool for producing decorative cake components is provided. The cutting tool includes a roller including a plurality of cutters located on a radial outer surface thereof and two end portions located on opposite ends of the roller.
US09717246B1

The present invention provides improved solutions and related methods for effecting enhanced penetration of wood preservatives through the synergistic action of an amine oxide employed in combination with an alkoxylated oil and a buffering agent. Preferred materials and quantities are recited. The system of the present invention may be employed with artificially stiffened wood.
US09717245B2

A foliar product for use in agriculture and horticulture comprising heterocyclic nitrogen source, chelating agent and metal salts. The heterocyclic nitrogen source is Hexamine. The chelating agent is disodium salt of Hydroxy Ethylidene Di Phosphonic Acid (Na2HEDP). The metal salts are chelated using the chelating agent Na2HEDP. The foliar product provides complete raw material requirement, which enables plants to synthesize various products. Further, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the foliar product. Advantageously, the present invention eliminates undesirable side effects in plants and helps plants survive environmental or biological stress conditions.
US09717242B2

A compound of formula (Ie′): wherein Ar′, R1, R4e and Y are as defined herein and a method of controlling pests using the compound.
US09717237B2

Compositions are provided that provide release of insect repellant or fragrance over an extended period of time. The compositions comprise a hydrophilically-modified cross-linked silicone elastomer and an acrylic rheology modifier.
US09717233B1

A layout blind for use in a marshy environment or in a dry field with a support frame and a fabric cover. The frame is supported on extendible legs and has three foldable sections. A U-shaped head frame and a U-shaped foot frame are pivoted to the support frame. First and second U-shaped flap support frames are pivoted between the head frame and the foot frame and are foldable about a pivot hinge with a stop.
US09717225B1

Double bent metal wires having a spring loaded configuration forming clasps, devices, apparatus, systems and methods for easily attaching and detaching hooks to fishing lures, feather hooks, jig heads, fishing lines, and the like. The clasp can have screw type threads for being threaded into an end of a fishing lure. The opposite end has a hook with a spring catch for closing the hook and allowing the clasp to attach to a loop end of a fishing hook. The spring catch is formed from two legs each having bent ends attached to a base of the hook by a crimp ring. To open the loop on the clasp, the spring catch can be pushed away from the hook opening, for attachment to loop ends of fishing hooks, and the like. The clasps can be used with attaching jewelry strands such as necklaces, bracelets, chains, and anklets together.
US09717222B2

Provided is a gene in drosophila designated as dSLC5A1. This gene is responsible for taste independent nutrient sensing. Activation of neurons expressing this gene results in hunger behavior. Provided are compositions and methods for identifying agents that can interfere with hunger behavior.
US09717220B2

An aquarium filter with water stream diversion system and method of use thereof, having an intake, an outlet, and a pump to draw water into the intake and discharge water from the outlet. The system further includes a water stream diversion conduit having a first open end, an opposite second open end, and a fluid channel between the first and second open ends. The first open end of the conduit can releasably connect to the intake of the pump or the outlet of the pump. When the conduit is connected to the outlet of the pump, the water is diverted from the outlet of the pump into the conduit, for discharge from the conduit. When the conduit is connected to the intake of the pump, water is drawn into the conduit and discharged from the conduit into the intake of the pump.
US09717212B1

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064113. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064113. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064113 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064113 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09717205B1

Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 46G13N7, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123621. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 46G13N7 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.
US09717203B2

The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX3080-01WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX3080-01WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX3080-01WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX3080-01WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX3080-01WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX3080-01WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US09717200B2

The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ9Z13-9076. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of line PSQ9Z13-9076, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09717199B2

The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ9Z13-9075. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of line PSQ9Z13-9075, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09717193B2

The invention provides seed and plants of squash hybrid SV9054YG and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of squash hybrid SV9054YG and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a squash plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another squash plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09717178B1

Described herein are systems and method for monitoring and controlling field operations including planting and harvesting operations. In one embodiment, a data processing system of a machine includes a data transfer and processing module that communicates bi-directionally with different types of controllers and sensors mounted on the machine or an implement attached to the machine. The data transfer and processing module is configured to execute instructions to receive signals from these controllers and sensors, process these signals, and generate data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine. At least one display device is coupled to the data transfer and processing module. The at least one display device displays the data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine or implement to a user or operator.
US09717176B2

A laser cladded agricultural blade is provided. The blade includes a blade body. The blade body is of a first hardness. The blade body is additionally provided with a cladding material of a second hardness, wherein the cladding material comprises an amorphous metal. The cladding material is applied by a laser cladding process.
US09717174B2

A method and apparatus for an improved hand tool device wherein a handle may rotate at least 45 degrees to adjust to the user to help reduce the risk of injury and increase power application while gardening by adjusting and creating a favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool device into the ground.
US09723769B2

An alignment film includes a first pre-tilt functional group, a second pre-tilt functional group and a first vertical alignment functional group, which are linked to polysiloxane on a substrate. The first vertical alignment functional group includes a cyclic compound and is aligned substantially perpendicularly to the substrate. The first pre-tilt functional group is cross-linked to the second pre-tilt functional group and tilted with respect to the substrate.
US09723761B2

A data center (100) includes at least one rack room (in for example module 140) having a floor and a plurality of rack storage areas on the floor, each rack storage area being arranged to accommodate a plurality of racks (143) in which a plurality of rack-mountable electronic components may be housed, one or more controllable air circulation systems (in for example module 122), one or more cold aisles (144) in the rack room, each cold aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area, and one or more hot aisles (145) in the rack room, each hot aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area. There may be a large air duct, in the form of a personnel corridor (123), for transporting, under the control of the one or more air circulation systems, cooling air, above the floor, to the one or more cold aisles. The air supply corridor/duct (123) may have a height greater than 1.5 m above the floor and a cross-sectional area of at least 2 m2 and a maximum dimension in the plane of the cross-section of less than 3 m.
US09723756B1

One or more racks in a rack computing system include shelving systems with mounting portions to receive computer systems in the mounting portion. The mounting portion can include an air flap structure that can restrict airflow through internal space of the mounting portion when a rack computer system is absent from the mounting portion. The air flap structure can retract to enable a computer system to be mounted in an internal space of the mounting portion. A mounting portion can include at least a portion of a backplane assembly that can be aligned to couple with a rack computer system mounted in the mounting portion to communicatively couple the rack computer system with one or more communication networks. The mounting portion can include an ejection mechanism that can eject an installed computer system from the mounting portion.
US09723752B2

A heat dissipating system including a casing body, a heat source and a piezoelectric fan is provided. The casing body includes an upper casing and a bottom case, wherein at least one of the upper casing and the bottom casing includes at least one air inlet. The heat source and the piezoelectric fan are both disposed in the casing body. The piezoelectric fan has an opening facing the heat source while the air inlet is adjacent to the opening. Air is adsorbed into the opening through the air inlet and is exhausted out towards a direction of the heat source by the piezoelectric fan.
US09723745B2

In one implementation, an apparatus includes a securing component configured to attach the line card ejector to a chassis of a network communication device, prevent removal of a line card from the chassis when the securing component is in a first configuration, and allow removal of the line card from the chassis when the securing component is in a second configuration. The apparatus also includes an ejection component configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the line card from the chassis of the network communication device. The apparatus further includes a sensor component configured to detect an imminent removal of the line card from the chassis of the network communication device.
US09723741B2

A housing arrangement of a power electronics device includes one power module or several identical power modules, each module with at least one part connected to a hazardous voltage, the arrangement further including a housing part having room for at least one power module. Each power module includes an enclosure part which essentially surrounds the power module and includes electrically insulating material. All the external connections of the power module are placed on one single wall of the enclosure part. The power modules and the enclosure part of the power modules are arranged such that when the power module is installed to the housing part the power module is electrically insulated from the housing part and external connections of the power module are directed to the front side of the housing part.
US09723733B2

A telecommunications aggregator enclosure includes a housing and a cover movably connected thereto. The cover is movable between open and closed positions. A printed circuit board is disposed in the housing. At least one first optical termination is connected to the printed circuit board to receive cables from a base station router. At least one second optical termination is connected to the printed circuit board to receive cables from at least one metro cell. A power supply module is connected to the printed circuit board to supply power thereto.
US09723722B2

A method for printing on a substrate, the method may include determining actual locations of substrate holes; printing a first ink on an object at locations that correspond to the actual locations of the substrate holes and curing the first ink to provide a holes mask; and wherein after the substrate is positioned on the object so that holes mask seals bottoms of the substrate holes then printing the second ink on the substrate thereby forming a predefined pattern on the substrate.
US09723716B2

According to various embodiments, a contact pad structure may be provided, the contact pad structure may include: a dielectric layer structure; at least one contact pad being in physical contact with the dielectric layer structure; the at least one contact pad including a metal structure and a liner structure, wherein the liner structure is disposed between the metal structure of the at least one contact pad and the dielectric layer structure, and wherein a surface of the at least one contact pad is at least partially free from the liner structure, and a contact structure including an electrically conductive material; the contact structure completely covering at least the surface being at least partially free from the liner structure of the at least one contact pad, wherein the liner structure and the contact structure form a diffusion barrier for a material of the metal structure of the at least one contact pad.
US09723714B2

An electronic circuit device having a circuit stack, such as an electronic display device with a display stack, includes a protective backing having multiple layers or with a graded layer that protects the electronic circuits from both low velocity impacts and high velocity impacts. The protective backing may have an elastic layer and a viscoelastic layer or have a graded layer with a graded structure that gradually transitions between an elastic region on a first side and a viscoelastic region on a second side. The elastic first layer or region protects the display stack from low velocity impacts while the viscoelastic layer or region protects the display stack from high velocity impacts. The elastic layer or region may be arranged such that it does not add substantial stiffness to the overall circuit stack when it is flexed relatively slowly under normal use.
US09723711B2

Flexible electronic structure and methods for fabricating flexible electronic structures are provided. An example method includes applying a first layer to a substrate, creating a plurality of vias through the first layer to the substrate, and applying a second polymer layer to the first layer such that the second polymer forms anchors contacting at least a portion of the substrate. At least one electronic device layer is disposed on a portion of the second polymer layer. At least one trench is formed through the second polymer layer to expose at least a portion of the first layer. At least a portion of the first layer is removed by exposing the structure to a selective etchant to providing a flexible electronic structure that is in contact with the substrate. The electronic structure can be released from the substrate.
US09723706B2

A particle accelerator including an electrical field system and a magnetic field system that are configured to direct a particle beam of charged particles along a designated path within an acceleration chamber. The particle accelerator also includes a foil holder having a beam window and a positioning slot that at least partially surrounds the beam window. The positioning slot is dimensioned to hold an extraction foil such that the extraction foil extends across the beam window and into the path of the charged particles. The positioning slot is defined by interior reference surfaces that face the extraction foil and retain the extraction foil within the positioning slot. The reference surfaces permit the extraction foil to move relative to the reference surfaces when the particle beam is incident on the extraction foil.
US09723701B2

A light string includes a plurality of lights and a plurality of non-polarity capacitor corresponding to the lights; wherein, the lights are electrically connected in series and to be powered by an AC power supply; each of the non-polarity capacitor is connected in parallel to a corresponding one of the lights. When the light string is powered on, the non-polarity capacitor is charged and absorbs the surge current which may occur. Thus, the voltage dropped on each light rises slowly and the lights are safe. The non-polarity capacitor also performs power compensation and electrical connection.
US09723700B2

There is provided an illumination apparatus including an illumination unit, a reception unit, and a control unit configured to control illumination of the illumination unit in accordance with a default illumination pattern. When the reception unit receives an illumination pattern, the control unit performs illumination control different from the illumination according to the default illumination pattern.
US09723694B2

A light emitting diode (LED) street lamp control system includes a control module and an LED street lamp unit coupled with the control module. The control module includes a dimmer module, a driving module, and a light source module coupled with the driving module. The dimmer module is coupled with the control module and receives a signal from the control module. The dimmer module also can transmit a signal to the control module. The dimmer module is coupled to the driving module by an access module to control the driving module to control the light source module.
US09723689B2

Method of light intensity automatic regulation wherein after the device is connected to the power system parameters of minimum voltage values are set so that the electronic control system remains in standby mode, and the motion and dusk sensors are in standby mode, and those sensors are synchronized with the electronic control system, then to the electronic control system the value of input signal is entered which is generated by the motion sensor at which the operating cycle of the device is started, and also the value of the output signal generated by the dusk sensor whereupon voltage supplied to the light source increases, up to the maximum value, sources of light display 100% illumination intensity, the illumination time after which voltage supplied to the light source decreases to the minimum value as a result of which the source of light does not illuminate and the device goes into standby mode.
US09723685B2

A short detection circuit is provided for detecting a short circuit condition of an LED. A voltage threshold is set which is dependent on the LED operating current, such that there are at least two different voltage thresholds at two different LED operating currents. This means false detections can be reduced and the LED current operating range can be increased over which the short detection functions.
US09723669B2

An LED lighting system is disclosed comprising: a heatsink; a plurality of strings of LEDs each string comprising one or more LEDs each having a junction and being mounted on the heatsink, and a controller comprising a memory unit and a processor and being configured to supply a current to each of the strings of LEDs; the processor comprises: a first temperature estimation subunit configured to generate an estimate of a temperature of the junction of a one of strings of LEDs; a heatsink temperature estimation subunit configured to estimate a temperature of the heatsink unit from the first estimate; and a second temperature estimation subunit configured to provide an estimate of a temperature of the junction of a second string of LEDs, from the estimated temperature of the heatsink. A controller for and method of operating a plurality of LEDs are also disclosed.
US09723664B2

Control methods and apparatuses providing a holding current for a TRIAC dimmer are disclosed. A control method is suitable for a power controller powered by an operation power source. A high-voltage device in the power controller is connected between the operation power source and an input power source, from which the high-voltage device drains a conduction current. An operation voltage of the operation power source is detected, and, during a startup procedure, the conduction current is forwarded to charge the operation power source. A detected voltage representing an input voltage of the input power source is provided, and if the detected voltage is below a setting voltage, the conduction current is forwarded to a ground line instead of charging the operation power source.
US09723663B2

The invention relates to a lighting system (1) comprising a lighting device (3) for emitting light in a high-power mode and for providing a further function like a sensing function in a low-power mode and a switch (4) connecting the lighting device with a power supply (2). The switch is switchable between a high-power state, in which a higher power is provided to the lighting device via the switch, which allows the lighting device to emit the light in the high-power mode, and which may be regarded as being an ON state, and a low-power state, in which a lower power is provided to the lighting device via the switch, which allows the lighting device to provide the further function, and which may be regarded as being an OFF state. Thus, for instance, a sensing function can be provided, even if the switch is in its OFF state.
US09723662B2

A power source module for an LED lamp includes a filament-simulating circuit electrically connected to a first bi-pin terminal and a second bi-pin terminal of the LED lamp, each of the first bi-pin terminal and the second bi-pin terminal configured to allow a current to flow from one pin to the other pin via the filament-simulating circuit during a pre-heat process executed by a ballast; a current limiting circuit electrically connected to the filament-simulating circuit configured to limit a current from the filament-simulating circuit; a first rectifier electrically connected to the current limiting circuit configured to rectify the current from the current limiting circuit; and a filter electrically connected between the first rectifier and at least one LED of the LED lamp configured to smooth the current from the first rectifier.
US09723659B2

Provided is a portable, thermoelectrically powered device, such as a flashlight or headlamp. The device comprises at least one thermoelectric generator for extracting body heat from a user, the Thermoelectric generator located on and extending through an elongated open ended outer shell, a heat sink in contact with an inner surface of the thermoelectric generator and configured to provide an elongated first cooling channel therethrough, circuitry in electrical communication with the thermoelectric generator, the circuitry comprising a transistor oscillator, a step-up transformer and a decoupling capacitor, the circuitry in electrical communication with a power sink, such that in use, a temperature gradient across the thermoelectric generator is sufficient to result in generation of at least about 25 μW of power.
US09723652B2

A communication device for handling a cell reselection comprises a storage unit for storing instructions and a processing means coupled to the storage unit. The processing means is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage unit. The instructions comprise performing a measurement on at least one cell one time in an extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) cycle to obtain a measurement result; stopping performing at least one layer filtering mechanism on the measurement result; and transmitting the measurement result to a network.
US09723645B2

A communication device for handling a device-to-device (D2D) communication comprises a storage unit for storing instructions and a processing means coupled to the storage unit. The processing means is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage unit. The instructions comprises receiving an announcement message comprising a proximity-based service (ProSe) Application Code comprising a public land mobile network (PLMN) identity; receiving system information comprising a plurality of PLMN identities; setting a monitored PLMN identity to the PLMN identity, if the plurality of PLMN identities comprises the PLMN identity; and transmitting a match report message comprising the monitored PLMN identity.
US09723641B2

A wireless communication network that forms an ad-hoc network without the arrangement of a controlling station sets a period that a communication apparatus can utilize with priority and performs isochronous communication in the period as required. When isochronous communication has not been performed or after isochronous communication has finished in the priority utilization period, other communication apparatuses perform arbitrary communication. When another communication is performed in a communication apparatus's own priority utilization period, the start of isochronous communication is temporarily delayed. In an ad-hoc communication environment, data having a real-time characteristic, such as AV content, can be efficiently transmitted through the isochronous communication.
US09723637B2

A method for connecting a terminal to a telecommunication network via an access point. After a request to connect a terminal to a first access point, the first access point determines if it has access to a resource for serving the terminal and, if possible, serves the terminal. If not, the first access point requests, from at least one second access point to which is it connected, a resource for serving the terminal; and in the event that the resource is available to the second access point, the first access point transfers, to the terminal, data for enabling the terminal to connect to the second access point.
US09723628B2

The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for handling unreliable scheduling grants in a WCDMA-communication system. A user equipment detects that a received scheduling grant is unreliable and adjust its serving grant based on that information. The user equipment is also able to report continuously received unreliable grants as an event to the network, allowing the network to adapt its operation to reduce the unreliable grants.
US09723620B2

A communication device comprising: a receiver operable to receive radio transmissions according to a first communication protocol; a transmitter operable to transmit radio transmissions according to a second communication protocol; and an arbiter connected to the receiver and transmitter; wherein the arbiter is configured to: receive from the transmitter an indication of a first transmit operation intended for performance during a first time period and one or more intended transmit characteristics of the first transmit operation, including a representation of the intended transmit power; determine whether the receiver intends to perform a communication operation during the first time period; determine in dependence on the transmit characteristics and the receive quality, a set of one or more threshold transmit characteristics for the first transmit operation; and cause the transmitter to proceed with the first transmit operation only if its transmit characteristics are constrained in accordance with the threshold transmit characteristics.
US09723605B2

A network node (100), a wireless device (102) and methods therein, for controlling uplink transmission from the wireless device (102), e.g. in a time division multiplexing scheme. The network node (100) signals (1:2) an Absolute Grant Scope, AGS, bit to the wireless device (102), wherein the AGS bit indicates one of: the wireless device (102) is granted for uplink transmission (204) during a single Transmit Time Interval, TTI, and the wireless device (102) is granted for uplink transmission (206) until a next grant is signalled to the wireless device (102).
US09723602B2

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. In one configuration, the apparatus may be a UE. The apparatus may receive a message (e.g., via an ePCFICH) from an eNB and may process an ePDCCH using the message. The apparatus may receive a message via an ePCFICH indicating resources for ePDCCH, the ePDCCH being a localized ePDCCH and/or a distributed ePDCCH and process the ePDCCH using the message. The apparatus may receive an ePCFICH from an eNB, where the ePCFICH is a function of at least a PCI or a virtual cell identifier. The apparatus may process an ePDCCH using a default set of resources when an ePCFICH is not detected. The apparatus may receive an ePCFICH value and may determine either a starting symbol index for an ePDCCH or one or more ePDCCH resource sets based at least on the ePCFICH value.
US09723597B2

Disclosed are a method, a device and a system for transmitting control information, which relate to the field of communication technologies. In order to feed back response information in an application scenario of dynamic TDD subframe, the present invention provides the following technical solution: determining a subframe set corresponding to uplink subframe n, the subframe set comprising dynamic subframes; determining feedback response information according to the subframe set; and sending, in uplink subframe n, the feedback response information to a base station through a physical uplink channel, wherein n is a subframe serial number of the uplink subframe.
US09723590B2

A method for obtaining a monitoring frequency channel number, and an access terminal, where the method includes, when an Evolution-Data Optimized session of an access terminal is in a closed state or in an initialization process, and when a first expected frequency channel number obtained according to a first session seed and a first sector parameters message is different from a current frequency channel number of a signal currently received by a access terminal, generating, a second session seed, receiving, a second sector parameters message, obtaining, by the access terminal, a second expected frequency channel number according to the second sector parameters message, the second session seed, and a non-coherence parameter, and setting, the second expected frequency channel number as the monitoring frequency channel number when the second expected frequency channel number is the same as the current frequency channel number.
US09723584B2

Disclosed are a network-based device, method and computer-readable medium for operating an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to provide registration review. The method embodiment includes tracking and storing all current registrations for each user in an IMS system, receiving a request from a user for a status of the user's current registrations and presenting, in response to the request, the current status of current registrations for the user.
US09723577B2

A method is provided for performing, by a user equipment (UE), a power headroom reporting (PHR) procedure in a wireless communication system. The UE determines whether at least one PHR has been triggered and not canceled, and whether an uplink (UL) resource can accommodate a PHR media access control (MAC) control element (CE) plus its subheader as a result of a logical channel prioritization (LCP). The UE transmits the PHR MAC CE, if it is determined that the at least one PHR has been triggered and not canceled, and that the UL resource can accommodate the PHR MAC CE plus its subheader.
US09723574B2

An imbalanced area pilot frequency transmission power enhancement method and a base station are provided. In accordance with the transmission power and increment of a main public pilot frequency channel prior to power enhancement, post-power enhancement main public pilot frequency channel transmission power is obtained. The transmission power of a downlink traffic channel is the same as transmission power prior to power enhancement. In accordance with the transmission power of the main public pilot frequency channel prior to power enhancement, the downlink traffic channel transmission power is also obtained. The post-power enhancement main public pilot frequency channel transmission power and the downlink traffic channel transmission power are used to transmit data in the main public pilot frequency channel and the downlink traffic channel, respectively.
US09723573B2

Provided is a communication device, which is enabled to improve the throughput of a communication system by reducing the difference of a transmission power between an SCCH and an SDCH thereby to satisfy the required quality of a PAPR. In this device, an MCS selection unit (111) of a transmission unit (110) decides, with reference to a CQI lookup table, an MCS pattern (MCS1) of the SDCH, an MCS pattern (MCS2) of the SCCH and information (multiplex information) on multiplex positions on the time axes of those two channels, on the basis of the CQI information. On the basis of the MCS2 and the MCS1, encoding modulation units (112 and 113) perform encoding and modulating operations. According to the multiplex information, a channel multiplexing unit (114) time-division multiplexes the SCCH and the SDCH thereby to generate a transmission signal.
US09723572B2

Methods and systems for facilitating uplink power control (PC) and scheduling in a wireless network are provided. In one example, common interference patterns are obtained from long term channel statistics, and used to perform local PC and scheduling by distributed base stations (eNBs). In some implementations, the common interference patterns are obtained through statistical narrowing techniques that identify common ones out of a plurality of potential interference patterns. The common interference patterns may specify maximum interference thresholds and/or individual eNB-to-eNB interference thresholds which may govern the local PC and scheduling decisions of the distributed eNBs.
US09723565B2

A radio base station (1), which is to be pre-blockaded, transmits a pre-blockade initiate notification to radio base stations (2A-2F) neighboring the radio base station (1). Further, the radio base station (1) reduces the transmission power thereof at a predetermined reduction rate at a initiation time of the pre-blockade. Meanwhile, each of the radio base stations (2A-2F) receives the pre-blockade initiate notification and increases the transmission power at a predetermined increase rate at the initiation time of the pre-blockade, the absolute value of predetermined increase rate being equal to that of the predetermined reduction rate at the radio base station (1).
US09723561B2

An apparatus for wireless communications is disclosed. The apparatus includes a processing system configured to configure a subset of a plurality of RF receiver chains coupled to respective antennas to receive in an omnidirectional manner, the subset comprising at least one RF receiver chain of the plurality of RF receiver chains; determine a first energy level of at least one signal received via the subset while the subset of RF receiver chains is configured to receive in the omnidirectional manner; configure the plurality of RF receiver chains to directionally receive from a target device based on the first energy level; determine a second energy level of the at least one signal received via the RF receiver chains while the RF receiver chains are configured to directionally receive from the target device; and generate data from the at least one signal based on the second energy level.
US09723554B2

A communications device and network may collaborate to conserve battery life. The communications device may provide battery life status when attaching to a network. And the network may adjust treatment of the communications device depending upon the status.
US09723552B2

A collaborative method for a node includes forming a local network with at least one other node using a lower power subsystem; selecting a master node from among the local network based on a first set of criteria; and communicating with a back end server over a wireless wide area network (WWAN) using a higher power subsystem. An apparatus may include a first subsystem for communicating with a local network; and a second subsystem having an active mode and an inactive mode, the second subsystem for communicating with a wireless wide area network (WWAN) when in the active mode, the apparatus selecting the active mode or inactive mode based on a set of criteria.
US09723551B2

A method in a radio network node for ranking cells within a group of cells in a cellular network is provided. The radio network node is serving a first cell, in the group of cells. The radio network node receives (201) power level measurements from one or more user equipments. The power level measurements respectively indicate a power level in at least one cell of the group of cells where the respective one or more user equipments is active. The radio network node then ranks (202) importance of the cells in the group of cells, both based on the power level measurements, and on the number, for each cell out of the group of cells, of user equipments whose power level measurements indicate that the respective cell has the highest power level.
US09723545B2

Methods, systems, and devices are described for Wi-Fi peer-to-peer (P2P) communications. A seeker user equipment (UE) may identify a desired service to be provided via Wi-Fi P2P communication. The seeker UE may broadcast a probe that identifies the desired service. An advertiser UE may receive the probe from the seeker UE. The probe identifies a desired service for the seeker UE that is to be provided via Wi-Fi P2P communication. The advertiser UE may transmit a probe response to the seeker UE only when it is determined that the advertiser UE is capable of providing the identified desired service.
US09723539B2

A relay wireless communication device is discovered using probe request. A source device that intends to transmit one or more frames to a destination device transmits the probe request to request a probe response from one or more potential relay devices. A relay device transmits a probe response to the source device when the relay device may operate to forward the one or more frames from the source device to the destination device. The relay device employs one or more considerations to determine its eligibility to serve as relay for the source and destination devices. The source device selects one of the potential relay devices based on their provided probe responses. The source device may select an optimal relay device based upon two or more received probe responses.
US09723534B2

A method and apparatus are provided for a handover (HO) in an evolved Node B (eNodeB). The method includes receiving a measurement report from a user equipment (UE); transmitting, to a mobility management entity (MME), a handover required message including information indicating whether the HO is for a circuit switched (CS) network or both a CS network and a packet switched (PS) network; and receiving, from the MME, a handover command message. The information is used, by the MME, to split a voice bearer from another bearer.
US09723532B2

A system for traffic management between a WiFi network and an LTE network that includes a network interface assignment module for determining from an operator side of the WiFi network and the LTE network a set of WiFi Access Points (APs) and LTE base stations for each user that provides a least a highest quality of experience for each of the users using input strength for all users to potential WiFi access points and LTE base stations. The system may further include an interface switching service (ISS) module that includes a control logic and a network HTTP proxy for delivering network switching instructions to devices of users. The control logic receiving instructions from the NIA module and sending signal to the devices of the users to switch from WIFI and LTE networks through the LTE network based upon signal strength of the users.
US09723528B2

Methods and apparatus to provide packet switched service continuity during circuit switched fallback operation are described. One example method includes determining that a target system does not support packet switched handover; determining if non-3GPP access for packet switched service is available; and triggering handover to the non-3GPP access.
US09723523B2

Methods and systems for managing Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) service continuity include, with a source node in a communication system, providing an MBMS, processing an event that indicates that a User Equipment (UE) being serviced by the source node is to be transferred to one of a number of candidate nodes, receiving a congestion bit from each of the candidate nodes, and providing data to the UE that causes the UE to be serviced by a target node selected from the candidate nodes based at least in part on values of the congestion bits from each of the candidate nodes.
US09723519B2

The present invention discloses a protocol processing method applied when control is decoupled from forwarding, a control plane device, and a forwarding plane device. The method includes: causing a control plane device to send an indication to a forwarding plane device according to a processing manner of a packet service processing protocol, and to deliver a negotiation parameter of the packet service processing protocol to the forwarding plane device; and causing the control plane device to receive a negotiation result of the packet service processing protocol, and to create a data path between a user equipment and a network device. The negotiation result is uploaded by the forwarding plane device and obtained according to information that includes the negotiation parameter of the packet service processing protocol.
US09723517B2

An apparatus performs in parallel a first communication conforming to a first wireless communication method and a second communication conforming to a second wireless communication method by distributing transmission data to the first communication and the second communication so that first and second transmission data are distributed to the first and second communications, respectively. The apparatus detects an unallocated data amount indicating an amount of a first portion of the first transmission data that is different from a second portion of the first transmission data that is allocated to wireless resources of the first communication. The apparatus controls, based on the detected unallocated data amount, a ratio of an amount of the first transmission data distributed to the first communication, to a total amount of transmission data distributed to both the first and second communications.
US09723516B2

Methods and apparatuses are described in which an unlicensed spectrum is used for Long Term Evolution (LTE) communications. A first method includes receiving feedback information from a user equipment (UE) via a primary component carrier (PCC) uplink in a licensed spectrum. A second method includes transmitting feedback information from a UE to an evolved Node B (eNB) via a PCC uplink in a licensed spectrum. The feedback information may address signals transmitted to the UE via a downlink in an unlicensed spectrum.
US09723511B2

Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a mobility management node and SGW or Gn/Gp-SGSN, and corresponding methods therein, for downlink data buffering in a wireless communications network. Such buffering is useful when the wireless device is in a power saving state e.g. PSM or eDRX. Thus, since the downlink data is buffered, there is no longer a need for multiple Downlink Data Notifications to be sent.
US09723509B2

There is provided a method, an apparatus and a computer program product, wherein the method comprises applying at least one procedure for inter-frequency measurements of at least one carrier, wherein a first procedure is applied when a carrier having at least one cell deployed for providing non-continuous coverage radio access is to be measured and a second procedure is applied when a carrier having at least one cell deployed for providing continuous coverage radio access is to be measured, and performing the inter-frequency measurements according to the applied procedure, when the procedure for the inter-frequency measurements is on.
US09723506B2

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for a terminal to report channel state information in a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: calculating one or more pieces of channel quality information from a signal measurement resource configuration and a plurality of interference measurement resource configurations associated with the signal measurement resource configuration; and transmitting a channel state report including the calculated channel quality information.
US09723504B2

A sounding method in a cellular wireless communication system, comprising at least one mobile station and at least two base stations. One base station is a serving base station for the mobile station and the at least one further base station is a neighboring base station. The serving base station generates a schedule for measurement signals and transmits said schedule to the mobile station and to the neighboring base station. The mobile station transmits measurement signals in accordance with the schedule to the serving base station and to the neighboring base station. Furthermore, the neighboring base station calculates a mean channel state for the uplink channel from the mobile station to itself and transmits the mean channel state to at least one further base station, so that said base station can be provided with channel estimations for uplink channels between the mobile station and all base stations.
US09723500B2

The present invention provides a network optimization system, device, and method, including: determining, by a radio resource management functional entity, radio resource statistical data that is based on a TTI time granularity, acquiring radio resource configuration information, and managing a radio resource of a cell in which the radio resource management functional entity is located; determining, by a distributed optimization functional entity, first time granularity data and a first key performance index KPI, determining first reference configuration information, determining a first optimization plan according to the first statistical data and the first reference configuration information, and optimizing the first KPI; and determining, by a centralized optimization functional entity, second statistical data that is based on a second time granularity, and a second KPI, determining second reference configuration information, determining, according to the second statistical data and the second reference configuration information.
US09723498B2

A method for seamlessly and automatically updating an access point or router. The method includes receiving an update for the access point and determining a status of a network traffic associated with the access point. The method further includes determining an update time for applying the update based on the determined status of the network traffic and applying the update to the access point at the determined update time. An access point receives an update for the access point, and waits for a time to apply the update. The access point waits until there is no interactive traffic in which a user is actively using the network. The access point applies the update and reboots. By waiting until there is no interactive traffic, the update process mitigates interruptions to the user's active use of the network.
US09723497B2

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for network assisted interference cancellation (IC) and interference suppression (IS) for multiple services. According to aspects a user equipment (UE) may determine information regarding system parameters for one or more types of communications services used to transmit potentially interfering signals in one or more neighbor cells, wherein a type of the information determined depends on the type of communications service. The UE may perform interference management using the determined information to cancel or suppress interference caused by the potentially interfering signals.
US09723496B2

In order to cancel any interference due to the second signal (e.g., from a non-serving cell) from a signal received at a UE, without receiving additional control information, the UE blindly estimates parameters associated with decoding the second signal. This may include determining a metric based on sets of symbols associated with the signals in order to determine parameters for the second signal, e.g., the transmission mode, modulation format, and/or spatial scheme of the second signal. The parameters for the signal may be determined based on a comparison of the metric with a threshold. When a spatial scheme and a modulation format is unknown, the blind estimation may include determining a plurality of constellations of possible transmitted modulated symbols associated with a potential spatial scheme and modulation format combination. Interference cancellation can be performed using the constellations and a corresponding probability weight.
US09723491B2

According to one embodiment, a system and computer-readable storage medium for storage of software directed to the management of associations between network devices is described. The computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one hardware processor on a network device, causes performance of operations, comprising: (1) determining a desired operating state for a client device under analysis, the client device being associated with a first network device of a plurality of network devices; (2) detecting if a triggering event has occurred based on a comparison of the desired operating state for the client device under analysis to an actual operating state for the client device under analysis; and (3) in response to detecting that the triggering event has occurred, causing the client device to wirelessly connect to a second network device of the plurality of network devices in lieu of the first network device.
US09723472B2

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for wireless communication are described at a device. A device may utilize telescopic discovery techniques to efficiently preserve a wireless connection until a previously connected device returns within range of the connection. In one example, the device may transmit a discovery request intended for the other device according to a first interval after determining the wireless connection. If a response is not received, the device may adjust the transmission interval to be a second interval. The device may then compare the second interval with a maximum interval to determine whether the second interval is greater than the maximum interval. If the second interval is less than the maximum the device may transmit a discovery request according to the second interval. Otherwise, the device may transmit discovery requests according to the maximum interval until a discovery response is received from the other device.
US09723466B2

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for control of service. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at an application client at the user equipment, access control information, wherein the access control information indicates whether access to a network is allowed; and determining, at the application client, whether to allow a call attempt by the user equipment based on at least the received access control information. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US09723456B2

Disclosed herein is a broadcast signal transmitter. A broadcast signal transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input formatting module configured to perform baseband formatting and to output the data of at least one Physical Layer Pipe (PLP), a BICM module configured to perform error-correction processing on the PLP data, a framing and interleaving module configured to interleave the PLP data and to generate a signal frame, and a waveform generation module configured to insert a preamble into the signal frame and to generate a broadcast signal by performing OFDM modulation.
US09723447B2

A method for safely and efficiently requesting transportation services through the use of mobile communications devices capable of geographic location is described. Individual and package transportation may be provided. New customers may be efficiently serviced, and the requester and transportation provider locations may be viewed in real time on the mobile devices.
US09723443B2

Optimized delivery of locally applicable Internet content to users. A cache of locally applicable Internet content is maintained in a local content server, based upon a monitoring of locations of users requesting Internet content. Requests for Internet content are received from user equipment through a wireless network base station, and served from the local content server, which is logically proximate to the wireless network base station. The caching of locally applicable Internet content may be maintained on a layered basis. Secure action request receipt and corresponding performance, and item condition alerts are also described.
US09723436B2

A mobile device is associated with a mobile communications network. The mobile device comprises: a transmitter for sending a request, to the mobile communications network, for a secure location verification (LV) message; a receiver for receiving the requested LV message, wherein the LV message is digitally secured so as to enable a selected third party application program to verify an authenticity of the LV message, wherein the LV message comprises location data determined by the mobile communications network as representing a location of the mobile device and identification data for identifying the mobile device; and the transmitter for sending the received LV message to the third party application program so as to enable the third party application program to verify the location of the mobile device.
US09723433B2

A medical monitoring and communication system for wireless communication between an implantable medical device, a mobile user device, and a remote server includes a sensor device coupled to the implantable medical device. The sensor device is configured to default to a master mode prior to pairing with the mobile user device, listen for a request to connect from the mobile user device, refrain from communicating with the mobile user device responsive to the request to connect from the mobile user device being invalid, and switch to a slave mode to allow cooperative pairing with the mobile user device responsive to the request to connect from the mobile user device being valid. The mobile user device facilitates communication between the sensor device and the remote server when the mobile user device and the sensor device are cooperatively paired.
US09723430B2

A computer-implemented method, carried out by one or more processors, for vehicle to vehicle communication. In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving a first message selection, where the first message selection includes at least information associated with a road hazard. The method further comprises identifying a first directional RFID communicator of a first vehicle with a second directional RFID communicator of a second vehicle. The method further comprises, responsive to identifying the first directional RFID communicator of the first vehicle, sending the first message selection to the first directional RFID communicator from the second directional RFID communicator.
US09723391B2

Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic function, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms.
US09723389B2

A speaker is provided in the present disclosure. The speaker includes a membrane, a voice coil connected to the membrane, and a solder pad formed on the membrane. The membrane includes a conductive silicone portion and a non-conductive silicone portion. The voice coil includes a coil portion for driving the membrane to vibrate, and a line lead portion led out from an end of the coil portion. The line led portion is connected to the solder pad, and the solder pad is formed on the conductive silicone portion of the membrane. The conductive silicone portion is connected to an input terminal of the speaker to receive an electric signal for driving the voice coil.
US09723384B2

A UART device includes a glue logic configured to receive data from either a computer processing unit (CPU) interface of the UART device or from a receiver interface of the UART device; determine whether the data was received from the CPU interface or the receiver interface; and add a most significant bit (MSB) to the data. A value of the MSB is based on whether the data was received from the CPU interface or the receiver interface. The UART device may write the data with the added MSB to a data buffering and storage component.
US09723382B2

In an embodiment, the present invention is an enclosure for housing electronic equipment, which includes a frame for mounting the electronic equipment, a gateway connected to the frame and in communication with a management application, a door removably mounted to the frame, the door including a plurality of door-mounted electronic devices, at least one of the door-mounted electronic devices requiring an interface that is different from at least one other of the door-mounted electronic devices, a door module attached to the door, the door module providing a plurality of interfaces wherein each of the plurality of door-mounted electronic devices is connected to one of the plurality of interfaces, and a communication link between the door module and the gateway, at least a portion of the communication link consisting of a single communication cable.
US09723368B2

The embodiment of the document discloses a method for play synchronization control in a video recommendation service, comprising a synchronization server receiving play progress information reported in real time by a controlling party terminal and controlled party terminal during a play process of a recommended video; the synchronization server calculating according to play progress information reported by the controlling party terminal to obtain a current play time point for the recommended video of the controlling party terminal, and sending the play progress information containing a current video play time point for the recommended video of the controlling party terminal to the controlled party terminal; the controlled party terminal calculating according to the play progress information to obtain the current play progress of the controlling party terminal, and adjusting the play progress of the recommended video to be consistent with the current play progress of the controlling party.
US09723352B2

An interaction system and method for interaction between a handheld device and a television comprises the configuration and connection of a first HDMI transferring module and a television screen in addition to a configuration and connection of a second HDMI transferring module, a touch screen, a gesture managing module and a display managing module. A user interface system and method for interaction between a handheld device and a television can utilize a handheld device having a touch screen to operate the television without requiring the assistance of other hardware units, such as a mouse or keyboard. All the operations can be done by using only the handheld device, thereby reducing the costs of devices.
US09723351B2

This disclosure describes devices, systems and techniques relating to a dongle device that is designed to provide broadcast video capabilities to an electronic device. In one example, a dongle device is configured to communicatively couple to an electronic device, wherein the dongle device comprises a multimedia receiver that receives a broadcast that includes multimedia data, and a web server that communicates the multimedia data to a web browser of the electronic device.
US09723348B2

The present disclose relates to a computing cloud serving as a collaboration platform where internet connected electronic devices such as smart phones and tablets can log in to author, to review, to edit, to download and to play back digital content. By using different applications, the user may optionally play the role of an author, a reviewer or a consumer to digital content. User-authored digital content as well as recorded music are all stored in the cloud. Professional editing is possible by making overlay audio tracks and sound effect changes available on the client device and earmarking the timing relations among media clips in each media clip's associated metadata. An edited professional playlist is reusable by replacing some sound tracks in iterative host vs client actions. Personalized media insert is integrated into the normal streaming media as part of the inter-user media services or subscription services.
US09723347B2

A method, system, or device to display media segment on an electronic device. The method includes receiving a fingerprint for a media segment and a unique identifier (UID) from an electronic device and determining a media segment ID for the media segment using the fingerprint. The method can include generating and submitting a first query for the media segment ID and the UID in a record database and determining that a first count in the record database for the media segment ID and the UID exceed a first threshold count. The method can include identifying an overlay content segment to display and sending the overlay content segment to the electronic device. The method can include receiving a notification from the electronic device indicating that the electronic device displayed the overlay content segment and increment a second count in the record database for a overlay content segment and a UID.
US09723343B2

A method includes forecasting demand for media content items of a media distribution system based on historical demand information to generate forecasted demand. The method includes generating a mixed integer program model based on storage constraints of a plurality of distribution nodes of the media distribution system, bandwidth constraints of the media distribution system, and the forecasted demand. The method includes performing a Lagrangian relaxation operation using the mixed integer program model. The method includes determining values of a cost function based on a result of the Lagrangian relaxation operation. The method includes assigning each of the media content items to a corresponding distribution node of the plurality of distribution nodes based on the cost function and the forecasted demand.
US09723342B2

An approach is provided for determining a program clock reference (PCR) value validity, for avoiding inaccurate variable delay reference (VDR) values, and for avoiding a mismatch in a data packet between a sequence number and a packet number for a wireless display extension. The approach involves determining to generate a data packet carrier having an optional PCR value, a VDR) value, and a validity indicator. The approach may further involve processing the data packet carrier to determine whether the data packet carrier has the optional PCR value. The approach may also involve causing, at least in part, a surrogate PCR value to be generated based, at least in part, on a determined absence of the optional PCR value from the data packet carrier.
US09723338B2

An apparatus (100) is proposed for inserting graphics into a television/video signal. The graphics generally includes text portions which are language-specific. For broadcasting the signal in at least two reception regions having different languages (DE, UK), differentiated graphics are therefore needed, which are inserted into the television/video signal in order to obtain the (at least) two television transmission signals to be broadcast in the (at least) two reception regions. For this purpose, the apparatus is provided with at least two text memories (118, 119), one for each one of the (at least) two different languages, for storing, for each graphics, text portions corresponding to each one of the (at least) two different languages, and at least two sub-circuits (renderers 150, 152) for inserting the (at least) two graphics signals into the television signal.
US09723335B2

Enriching video-based content with additional content is enabled by defining metadata for a video comprising a place holder and matching attribute. When the video is viewed, a matching server is utilized to select an object to be inserted in the place holder according to the matching attribute. The matching server selects the object according to video content, represented by matching attribute, according to user related information, and according to type of place holder. The place holder may be utilized to dynamically insert an interactive object to the video. The inserted object may be seamlessly inserted to the video.
US09723334B2

Disclosed are efficient and user-friendly systems or methods configured to capture and share video data in real time, at a later date, or a combination thereof in an authorized manner via social media. In certain aspects, these systems and methods include capturing video, for example, from a “Jumbotron” during a sporting event or other live venue event in an authorized manner (e.g., abiding by applicable copyright laws) and sharing this captured footage with other via social media.
US09723332B2

A method, a system, and an apparatus for evaluating video quality are disclosed to improve accuracy of the evaluation. The method includes: obtaining information about a transmitted video; resolving the information about the transmitted video to obtain video frame parameters, where the video frame parameters include a compression distortion parameter and/or a video quality distortion parameter with packet loss; and calculating a video frame quality parameter according to the video frame parameters. An apparatus and a system for evaluating video quality are provided. The embodiments of the present invention improve accuracy of video quality evaluation without reference.
US09723331B2

This disclosure describes techniques for signaling deblocking filter parameters for a current slice of video data with reduced bitstream overhead. Deblocking filter parameters may be coded in one or more of a picture layer parameter set and a slice header. The techniques reduce a number of bits used to signal the deblocking filter parameters by coding a first syntax element that indicates whether deblocking filter parameters are present in both the picture layer parameter set and the slice header, and only coding a second syntax element in the slice header when both sets of deblocking filter parameters are present. Coding the second syntax element is eliminated when deblocking filter parameters are present in only one of the picture layer parameter set or the slice header. The second syntax element indicates which set of deblocking filter parameters to use to define a deblocking filter applied to a current slice.
US09723327B2

A method for luma-based chroma intra-prediction in a video encoder or a video decoder is provided that includes filtering reconstructed neighboring samples of a reconstructed down sampled luma block, computing parameters α and β of a linear model using the filtered, reconstructed neighboring samples of the reconstructed down sampled luma block and reconstructed neighboring samples of a corresponding chroma block, wherein the linear model is PredC[x,y]=α·RecL′[x,y]+β, wherein x and y are sample coordinates, PredC is predicted chroma samples, and RecL′ is samples of the reconstructed down sampled luma block, and computing samples of a predicted chroma block from corresponding samples of the reconstructed down sampled luma block using the linear model and the parameters.
US09723326B2

An image encoding method includes: selecting, for each processing block, one of intra prediction modes specified by a coding standard, and performing intra prediction according to the intra prediction mode, wherein the intra prediction modes include a lower-left reference mode in which a processing block located at lower left of a current processing block is referred to, the processing blocks include a first processing block and a second processing block located at upper right of the first processing block, the second processing block being equal in size to the first processing block, the coding standard defines that information on the second processing block is written into a bitstream after information on the first processing block, and in the intra prediction, (i) selection of the lower-left reference mode is prohibited and intra prediction is performed on the second processing block, and, (ii) intra prediction is performed on the first processing block.
US09723325B2

When a block (MB22) of which motion vector is referred to in the direct mode contains a plurality of motion vectors, 2 motion vectors MV23 and MV24, which are used for inter picture prediction of a current picture (P23) to be coded, are determined by scaling a value obtained from averaging the plurality of motion vectors or selecting one of the plurality of the motion vectors.
US09723321B2

A decoding method includes obtaining random access point (RAP) reference layer number information indicating a number of layers referred to for performing inter layer prediction on RAP images among current layer images and non-RAP reference layer number information indicating a number of different layers referred to for performing inter layer prediction on non-RAP images, from a video stream including images encoded for a plurality of layers, obtaining RAP reference layer identification information for a layer referred to for predicting the RAP images based on the obtained RAP reference layer number information, from the video stream, obtaining non-RAP reference layer identification information for a layer referred to for predicting the non-RAP images based on the obtained non-RAP reference layer number information, and reconstructing a RAP image and a non-RAP image based on layer images indicated by the obtained RAP reference layer identification information and the obtained non-RAP reference layer identification information.
US09723317B2

A method of generating a media file using a media file format in which a set of pictures including one or more pictures is coded and stored such that each picture is divided, in coding order, into two or more slices, and coded data of each slice is stored as NAL unit data, the method comprising: dividing each slice into two or more rectangular-shaped tiles and coding the two or more rectangular-shaped tiles; and providing a slice index box in the media file format such that a value indicating an ordinal position of each slice to which each tile belongs in each picture is described in the slice index box.
US09723315B2

A system an method for determining to select frames from a video sequence that have high visual appeal and can be coded at high quality when frame rates of coded video drop to such low levels that perceptual sensations of moving video are lost. A metric is derived from a candidate input frame, and such metric is used to determine whether to increase or decrease a weight accorded to the candidate input frame. In an embodiment, the metric may be the auto-exposure data associated with the candidate input frame.
US09723312B2

A method and system of image compression with random access capability are provided. The method includes segmenting an image into blocks, each block including predefined samples; transforming the predefined samples into a frequency domain; applying a first quantization factor to the transformed predefined samples; determining whether application of the first quantization factor results in a bit count that is within a tolerance range of an allowable bit count; and adaptively computing a second quantization factor in response to determining that the bit count is not within the tolerance range of the allowable bit count.
US09723310B2

An image processing device includes a first subdividing unit that subdivides an image, a second subdividing unit that subdivides an image subdivided by the first subdividing unit along an axis that is independent from an axis of subdivision by the first subdividing unit, a differential unit that generates a difference between an image subdivided by the second subdividing unit and an image stored in an image storage unit, and a coding unit that codes a difference image generated by the differential unit.
US09723309B2

The invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting a gradual transition picture in a bitstream. The method comprises: accessing a bitstream including encoded pictures; and determining a gradual transition picture in the bitstream using information from the bitstream without decoding the bitstream to derive pixel information.
US09723299B2

A device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, in which a user may control a 3D display device more conveniently and exactly. The 3D display device comprises a 3D display unit a measurement unit configured to obtain location information indicating a location of a user located in front of the 3D display unit, and a processor configured to control the 3D display unit and the measurement unit, wherein the processor obtains a first angle, which is a horizontal angle between the 3D display unit and the user, by using the location information, maintains an image displayed on the 3D display unit if the first angle is within a preset first angle range, and rotates the image displayed on the 3D display unit based on a vertical axis of the image and in a left or right direction according to the first angle if the first angle departs from the preset first angle range.
US09723294B2

Rendering a stereoscopic image of a 3-D environment, including: tracing a path of ray from a camera to a light source for every pixel in a view window; determining shading of all pixels in the view window; and adjusting the shading for all pixels to show horizontal displacement but substantially reduce vertical displacement in the stereoscopic image. Keywords include shading and horizontal displacement.
US09723289B2

Predetermined three-dimensional video parameter settings may be dynamically adjusted based on scene content. One or more three-dimensional characteristics associated with a given scene may be determined. One or more scale factors may be determined from the three-dimensional characteristics. The predetermined three-dimensional video parameter settings can be adjusted by applying the scale factors to the predetermined three-dimensional video parameter settings. The scene may be displayed on a three-dimensional display using the resulting adjusted set of predetermined three-dimensional video parameters.
US09723286B2

An image processing apparatus includes: an adjusting unit configured to perform a color adjustment process on an input image and generate an output image: a determining unit configured to determine an approximate expression which approximates conversion characteristics of the color adjustment process; and an outputting unit configured to output color adjustment information including information representing the approximate expression determined by the determining unit, wherein when the adjusting unit performs the color adjustment process on a partial region of the input image, the outputting unit outputs, as the color adjustment information, information including the information representing the approximate expression determined by the determining unit and region information representing the partial region.
US09723283B2

An image processing device of an embodiment includes: an input circuit to input a first to a third image signal respectively corresponding to different first to third colors of an image; a first generator to generate a fourth image signal by adding the first and second image signals; an enhancing circuit to apply edge enhancement processing to the third and fourth image signals; an output circuit to output the third and fourth image signals having undergone the edge enhancement processing in correspondence to a plurality of different areas of the image; a dividing circuit to divide the output third image signal and the output fourth image signal into a plurality of fifth image signals and a plurality of sixth image signals respectively; and a second generator to generate a luminance signal based on the plural fifth and sixth image signals.
US09723278B2

A multi-DMD projection system uses an extended X-cube color splitting/recombining prism to implement splitting and recombining functions at different sections of the cube. Light directed from a white light source is split into red, green and blue components in a lower section of the cube. The components are directed to respective first, second and third DMDs for separate modulations and reentered into the X-cube prism by TIR prism for recombining at an upper section of the cube.
US09723276B2

A broadcast system and method of changing allocations therein include a plurality of broadcast system components and a broadcast operation channel management system having a database. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a first allocation chart for the broadcast system with a first effective time and communicates at least a portion of the first allocation chart to the plurality of broadcast system components. The plurality of broadcast system components determines a local time and when the local time is equal to or greater than the effective time, operates with the first allocation chart. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a second allocation chart for the broadcast system with a second effective time. The broadcast operation channel management system communicates at least a portion of the second allocation chart to the plurality of broadcast system components. The plurality of broadcast system components operates with the second allocation chart when the local time is equal to or greater than the second effective time.
US09723275B2

A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus includes a processing device. The processing device outputs a surrounding image as viewed from an eyepoint behind a host vehicle, including a current location of the host vehicle, to a display device mounted on the host vehicle on the basis of an image captured by a camera located a predetermined distance behind the current location of the host vehicle while the host vehicle is travelling forward or the host vehicle is stopped.
US09723262B1

A web-based video conferencing system and method for providing remote visitation with inmates incarnated in a prison. All visitations are initiated by the inmates and no endpoint control by prison personnel is required. Inmate terminals in the prison communicate via Internet with visitor Internet-enabled devices. Payment for services is paid by visitors using an on-line payment service relieving prison personnel of any handling of money. All calls (excluding clergy, lawyers, etc.) are typically recorded and no routine monitoring is required by prison personnel. A fee-per-minute is charged. Time is tracked for each call and the call duration and remaining time for a call based upon the maximum allowed call length and an inmate's available minutes are displayed for both the visitor and the inmate.
US09723259B2

A video synchronization apparatus and method by adding sync data to an ancillary data space of a video signal are provided. A sync data adding apparatus may include a sync data generator to generate sync data; and a sync data adder to add the sync data to an ancillary data space of a video signal.
US09723254B2

A system and method of extending a recording time of a recording event within a receiving device is set forth. The receiving device includes a memory and a controller. The controller generates a recording event request for content having a start time and a first end time and begins to store content in a memory of the first receiving unit starting at the start time. The controller reviews a program associated characteristic of the content when the end time is reached and when the program associated characteristic corresponds to the content, changes the first end time to second end time later than the first end time.
US09723250B2

A method and an apparatus for recording image data in an electronic device are provided. The method includes storing image data of different directions obtained via a plurality of cameras. In the method for storing image data in an electronic device, first image data and second image data are obtained. A state of an object of the second image data is determined while the first image data is stored. When the state of the object of the second image data meets a certain condition, the second image data is stored together with the first image data.
US09723241B2

The present invention provides an image sensor circuit with a power noise filtering function and a control method thereof. The image sensor circuit includes: an image sensing unit, for sensing an image, to generate an image sensed signal; a power noise sensing unit, for sensing a power noise, to generate a power noise signal; a differential amplifier circuit, which is coupled to the image sensing unit and the power noise sensing unit, for receiving the image sensed signal and the power noise signal, to generate a differential filtered signal by a differential amplification operation between the image sensed signal and the power noise signal; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit, which is coupled to the differential amplifier circuit, for receiving the differential filtered signal, to generate a digital image signal.
US09723238B2

An image processing device includes a switch signal generator, an amplifier, a ramp generator, and an attenuation control circuit. The switch signal generator generates switch control signals based on a level of an image signal that corresponds to a pixel signal output from a pixel. The amplifier includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The ramp generator generates a ramp signal. The attenuation control circuit adjusts an arrangement of capacitors according to the switch control signals to control whether to attenuate each of the pixel signal and the ramp signal, and transmits signals generated as a result of the adjusted arrangement to the first input terminal and the second input terminal.
US09723229B2

Systems, methods, and devices for thermal detection. A thermal detection device includes a visual camera, a thermal detector, a controller, a user interface, a display, and a removable and rechargeable battery pack. The thermal detection device also includes a plurality of additional software and hardware modules configured to perform or execute various functions and operations of the thermal detection device. An output from the visual camera and an output from the thermal detector are combined by the controller or the plurality of additional modules to generate a combined image for display on the display.
US09723216B2

A method for generating images. The method includes capturing first image data representing a first scene taken optically at a first magnification index, wherein the first image data comprises a first region of an image. The method includes capturing second image data representing a second scene taken optically at a second magnification index that is less than the first magnification index, wherein the second image data comprises a second region of the image. The method includes digitally zooming the second image data in the second region to the first magnification index. The method includes digitally stitching the second image data in the second region to the first image data in the first region.
US09723215B2

A mobile device includes a camera, a user interface system, and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the user interface system. The processor is typically configured for running a first application. The first application is typically configured for (i) accessing the camera, (ii) upon the initialization of the first application, initializing the camera, and (iii) maintaining the camera in an initialized state as long as the first application is running. The application may be further configured for focusing the camera and maintaining the camera in a focused state as long as the first application is running.
US09723205B2

An apparatus including a processor and a user interface unit including a displaying surface (220) and an image sensor array (240) integrated therewith. The image sensor array includes a group of image sensors (340a, 340b, 340c), each image sensor being configured for capturing an image. A first image is captured with each active image sensor of the group of image sensors, a number of images is chosen from the first images and a second image is formed from the chosen images.
US09723197B2

A blur estimation method and apparatus which utilizes Gaussian differences at multiple resolutions, upon which iterative convolution is performed to match sharpness measures between two images. Blur differences are combined with an iteration number selected from multiple resolution levels based on comparing a sharpness ratio as the blur difference estimate. Blur difference estimate is then applied through a depth model to arrive at a depth estimate. Blur difference depth estimation can be utilized for controlling operation of focus control hardware in an imaging device.
US09723189B2

A portable electronic-device adapted to photograph an object including a first camera module, a second camera module, a processing unit and a control unit. The first camera module obtains a first reference image according to a first predetermined focal length. The second camera module obtains a second reference image according to a second predetermined focal length. The processing unit determines the photographed focal length according to the first reference image and the second reference image. The control unit controls the first camera module or the second camera module to photograph the object according to the photographed focal length. The first camera module and the second camera module face toward a direction corresponding to the object.
US09723188B2

Provided are an image sensor, a method of manufacturing the image sensor, and an electronic device including the image sensor. An image sensor according to an embodiment may include a photoelectric conversion element, a pixel lens formed over the photoelectric conversion element and comprising a plurality of light condensing layers, wherein an upper layer of plurality of light condensing layers has a smaller area than a lower layer, and the pixel lens comprises a color filter substance.
US09723186B2

A low-cost resin lens is disclosed for use in miniature cameras. The resin lens features a low profile that is particularly well-suited to consumer products such as smart phones. The resin lens is mounted to an integrated circuit die that is attached to a standard four-layer substrate. The integrated circuit die includes electronic and/or optoelectronic circuits to support digital image capture, transfer, and processing. Image correction software adjusts the image to correct for distortion introduced by the resin lens.
US09723184B2

The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a camera module including a rear-opened front body, a rear body coupled to a rear side of the front body to form an inner space, a lens part coupled to the front body, an image sensor accommodated at the inner space to convert a light having passed the lens part to an electrical signal, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) accommodated at the inner space and mounted with the image sensor, and a closed curve-shaped packing member interposed between the front body and the rear body, wherein the packing member includes a support part extensively formed from the packing member to an inner side, and the front body or the rear body includes a support part accommodation groove having a shape corresponding to that of the support part, whereby adhesionability during assembly of packing member can be maximized to thereby minimize an installation defect, a depressed or stamped phenomenon of a packing member that may occur during assembly process.
US09723181B2

The present invention discloses a gesture recognition apparatus including a substrate, a light emitting device, an image sensor and a processing unit. The light emitting device is for emitting a light beam according to a first clock signal. The image sensor is disposed on the substrate and is for receiving the light beam reflected by an object according to a second clock signal to generate an object image. The processing unit is disposed on the substrate and is for recognizing the object image detected by the image sensor to provide a command signal. There is a correlation between a period of the first clock signal and a period of the second clock signal. The present invention also provides a complex optical apparatus.
US09723178B2

A printed color prediction method includes: a step of acquiring the spectral reflectance in a protective film non-coating region of a printed matter that the protective film does not coat; a step of estimating the optical physical property value of the protective film; a step of acquiring the spectral distribution of an observation light source; a step of estimating the color change property due to the interaction between the printed matter as a base matter and the protective film; and a step of predicting the colorimetric value of a protective film-attached printed matter, based on the acquired spectral reflectance of the printed matter, the optical physical property value of the protective film, the spectral distribution of the observation light source and the color change property due to the interaction.
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