US09879824B2

A system and method to detect non-ferrous debris from a non-ferrous roller bearing element. The system includes a trap in fluid communication with a lubrication fluid of the non-ferrous bearing and a sensor operably associate with the trap. The method includes trapping the non-ferrous material debris in the lubrication fluid with the trap and triggering the sensor upon detection of the non-ferrous material debris trapped within the trap.
US09879820B2

An eyeglass holder device for holding multiple eyeglasses of a variety of kinds, reading glasses, sunglasses, or protective eyewear type glasses used in a workshop, machine shop, laboratory, or other such work spaces. The eyeglass holder of the invention has a substantially crescent shaped front body portion having a plurality of flexible and thin substantially concave shaped rib structures attached to the inside surface of the front body structure creating the necessary voids to facilitate hanging the eyeglasses on the holder. An important function of the flexible rib structures is to deflect and exert tension on the eyeglasses and hold them stable within the voids to prevent them from moving around and getting damaged. The rectangular shaped back of the eyeglass holder has a recessed back side that accommodates a double sided adhesive tape to mount the holder on to a suitable surface.
US09879818B2

A bracket assembly is provided that includes a first strap, a second strap, and a first fastener. The first strap has an openable aperture including a cutout operatively connected to a keyhole. The second strap has a first aperture positioned opposite the cutout. The first fastener has a head, a neck, and a shaft. The neck is receivable in the openable aperture of the first strap with the shaft received in the first aperture of the second strap. The first fastener and the openable aperture allow the shaft to pass vertically between the cutout and the keyhole, but prevent the neck from vertically passing through between the cutout and the keyhole. The first fastener and the openable aperture allow the head to pass axially through only the keyhole.
US09879816B2

The present invention relates to a levelling unit for cameras or sensors, comprising a base, a tilting table that is tiltable with respect to the base, and two wedge rings arranged between said base and said tilting table, each wedge ring having two end faces oriented to one another in a wedge-like manner. Said tilting table is connected to said base via a cardan joint such that a relative rotation of said tilting table with respect to said base is prevented. Said two wedge rings are formed by a first wedge ring rotatably supported on said base and by a second wedge ring rotatably supported on said tilting table, wherein said second wedge ring is also rotatable with respect to said first wedge ring. A first drive is provided for said first wedge ring and a second drive is provided for said second wedge ring. According to the invention it is provided that said first drive is attached to said base and said second drive is attached to said tilting table, wherein no drive acting between said first wedge ring and said second wedge ring is provided.
US09879813B2

The pinching device has an upper jaw assembly that pivots on a lower jaw assembly to clamp a flexible tubing between two clamping surfaces to restrict flow in the tubing. The upper jaw assembly is removable and may be replaced to accommodate different sized tubing. A lock down screw of a pivotal locking nut assembly is positioned in a compression seat of the upper jaw assembly at closure to avoid movement once set.
US09879812B2

The combination of: an underground valve for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which a state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line; and a conduit assembly embedded in ground material and defining an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has a housing defining a cavity in which at least a portion of the valve resides. The conduit assembly further has a valve base assembly configured to interact with: a) the housing; and b) at least one of: i) the valve; and ii) the supply line to maintain a desired relationship between the housing and the at least one of: i) the valve; and ii) the supply line.
US09879807B2

The disclosed subject matter includes embodiments of fluid couplings that prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. A coupling device includes multiple male and female connectors that are joined to a common line. The coupling device is mated to a matching coupling device only when all the multiple male and female connectors are property joined. If any of the connectors is not property mated to a corresponding one, the coupling will leak. The coupling devices are made unique by providing an arrangement the connectors, number of connectors, shape of connectors or arrangement of interfering connector parts that ensure that any attempt to improperly couple two fluid lines will result in the incomplete mating of one or more of the connectors and thereby cause leakage of the fluid, failure of the coupling to engage, or otherwise cause the attempt to connect to fail.
US09879801B2

A conduit stake has three slender ribs, a cap upon the ribs, a head upon the cap, a slot in the head, and a hook extending outwardly from the head opposite the slot. The three ribs have a common point and extend upwardly therefrom in a cross section similar to the letter Y up to the cap. The first rib of the three has at least three notches oriented to grasp soil and gravel particles so that the stake resists withdrawal. The head has a thickness, or height, above the cap at least three times the thickness of the cap. The slot has a shape and orientation to admit a ferrous tab plate for later detection and location of the invention when concealed by gravel, other aggregate, or soil. Outwardly from the head, the hook extends a sufficient reach to admit a conduit and then turns downwardly.
US09879780B2

The present disclosure relates generally to a sliding seal between two components. The sliding seal includes a carrier having one or more cavities formed therein. The one or more carriers may contain wave springs and/or compliant seals therein. Various embodiments provide loading of the seal in both the axial and radial directions, regardless of whether a pressure differential exists across the seal, by means of springs and/or ramped surfaces. Other combinations of carrier, wave springs, and compliant seals are also disclosed.
US09879779B2

A self-retaining gasket including a main body, a first retention tab, and a second retention tab. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The main body defines a first aperture extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first retention tab and the second retention tab extend from the main body at the first aperture.
US09879778B2

A seal assembly (400) is used with a slide-out room in a mobile living quarters. The seal assembly (400) includes three sealing lips (402) which are adapted to abut a top phalange (406) of a slide-out room when the room is a retracted position. The sigma seal (400) includes a pair of opposing concave walls 404 which are adapted to collapse when the slide-out room is in a retracted position. The sigma seal (400) is further adapted to be secured to a wall or a static surface (410) of a mobile living quarters.
US09879759B1

The device is a precision motion right angle drive for use with linear and rotary stages which employs a combination of globoid worm and small diameter star gear. Coaxial with the star gear, on the same shaft, is a spur gear which drives the rotary stage gear or a linear rack. The thin star gear achieves meshing accuracy with the globoid worm permitting a large tooth angle for direct preloading without jamming. This gear combination eliminates backlash, allows a low gear ratio for low globoid worm speed, and enables the use of an ordinary spur gear to engage the stage gear without backdrive or backlash. Further, it allows for gear contact area to compensate for the thinness of the star gear. An embodiment including an integrated bearing rotary stage permits flexibility of application and avoidance of need for custom bearing designs by achieving high motion precision at low cost.
US09879758B2

The power conducting device includes at least one first and one second line guiding device. The power conducting device has a first guiding channel and a second guiding channel which can be twisted about a common axis. The first line guiding device is arranged in the first guiding channel and the second line guiding device is arranged in the second guiding channel. The line guiding devices in each case have an end member and a connecting member, the end member being connected either to a respective inner ring or outer ring, and the connecting member being connected to the respectively other outer ring or inner ring.
US09879755B2

A chain made up of bush link plates, bushes fitted into bush fitting holes, and rollers fitted rotatably on an outer circumference of each of the bush. In order to make it possible to replace the roller without removing the bush from the bush link plates, in the chain made up of the bush link plates provided with bush fitting holes, the bushes fitted into the bush fitting holes, and the rollers fitted rotatably on the outer circumference of each of the bushes, the roller is formed from split rollers made by splitting the roller into two or more parts.
US09879749B2

The present invention relates to a position sensitive shock absorber having a bypass passage adapted to communicate a working fluid between two positions in a bore, and an adjustable one-way valve arranged to direct working fluid flowing through the bypass passage, the adjustable one-way valve comprising a resiliently flexible shim having a first end fixed relative to a port, the port being in fluid communication with the bypass passage, and a free end extending from the first end and covering the port, and an adjuster having a fulcrum arranged against the shim to form a pivot, whereby when the working fluid exits the port, the free end is urged away from the port and flexes the shim about the pivot, thereby allowing the working fluid to flow through the port, and when the working fluid enters the port, the free end is urged towards the port and covers the port, thereby substantially preventing the working fluid flowing through the port, and at least one of the shim and adjuster are displaceable relative to each other, thereby moving the pivot relative to the free end.
US09879744B2

The invention relates to a shock absorber with a housing, and an inner pipe arranged in the housing, a piston rod, a piston, and which piston divides the interior of the inner pipe into a lower chamber and an upper chamber, a first valve arrangement which is arranged on the piston, a second valve arrangement which is arranged at the upper end of the inner pipe, and a third valve arrangement which is arranged at the lower end of the inner pipe. The shock absorber is distinguished by the fact that at least one proportional flow-control valve is arranged between a first connecting element of the lower chamber of the inner pipe and a second connection element at the upper chamber of the inner pipe.
US09879733B2

A power transmission device includes coaxially a first rotary body including a first gear on a drive source side, a second rotary body including a second gear on a driven side, a third rotary body including a third gear movably held to transmit a driving force, and a guide member disposed at one of the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear to contact a first end surface of a gear tooth of another of the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear, serving as a mating gear, to guide the first end surface between teeth of the one of the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear. The guide member extends toward the mating gear and a tip of the guide member is placed at a distance from an end of the one of the gears in the axial direction.
US09879725B2

Provided is a slide bearing with which friction can be reduced and the total amount of effluent oil can be reduced. In the slide bearing in which the halved members made by dividing the cylinder in two in the direction parallel to the axial direction are disposed vertically, the narrow grooves are provided at an end of the lower halved member in the circumferential direction from a mating surface on a downstream side of a rotation direction to a predetermined bearing angle and peripheral edge parts are provided outside the narrow grooves in an axial direction.
US09879713B2

An insert is removably fastened in an opening on a bicycle frame for securing cables, cable pulls, or lines routed through the opening. The insert includes a pass-through opening for the cable, the cable pull, or the line. The insert includes at least one thrust block to be inserted in the opening, by which the insert is supported in the region of the opening on the inner side of the bicycle frame after being inserted in the opening. The insert is removably fastened by at least one fastening element disposed at a distance from the thrust block such that the insert makes sealing contact at least in segments under pre-tension due to the interaction of the fastening element with the thrust block in the edge region transitioning into the peripheral contour of the underside of the insert facing the bicycle frame.
US09879710B2

A process for manufacturing products made of composite materials, is disclosed which includes the steps: screwing at least one insert provided with a threaded hole on the outer thread of at least one pin partially inserted in a removable manner in a mold; arranging on the mold one or more fiber layers provided with at least one opening in which the insert is arranged; curing resin with the layers arranged on the mold, so as to obtain a product made of a composite material which incorporates the insert and the layers; and rotating the pin in the insert for removing it from the mold. The present invention also relates to a mold, devices and a kit which can be employed for carrying out said process, as well as to products manufactured with this process and/or these means.
US09879709B2

Constituent device for furniture which comprises a base, a strut, an elastic means and a fixing means such that the base and the strut are joined to each other and in a notably perpendicular mutual position and the elastic means is in a position interposed in the joining region between the base and the strut and said elastic means being fixedly connected on the strut and also connected in a movable position close to the joining between the base and the strut, in which said elastic means is enabled and in a suitable position for the interposition between the same and the base of a notably flat exterior body, and the fixing means has the capacity to fix to said elastic means in an immovable and rigid position with the notably flat exterior body embedded and tightened between the elastic means and the base.
US09879707B2

This component-part driving mechanism changes the relative position of a second member with respect to a first member and is provided with: a contact section that is provided to the first member; a biasing section that is an elastic lip that is provided to the second member and that accumulates biasing force as a result of changes in the distance between the contact section and the elastic lip, said biasing force serving to change the relative position in a predetermined direction; and a state maintenance section that maintains a state in which the elastic lip is in contact with the contact section. The relative position of the contact section and the elastic lip is made to change in the predetermined direction as a result of repeated accumulation and release of biasing force that is caused by vibration of the elastic lip relative to the contact section.
US09879705B2

An electronic device caddy includes a first tray portion with at least two spaced lengthwise channels and an end cage and a second tray portion also including an end cage and at least two lengthwise rails slideable in the spaced channels of the first tray portion to load and accommodate different size electronic devices between the end cages. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one rail in its channel. A mounting bracket is attached rearward of one tray portion.
US09879702B2

A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in the first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in the second chamber of the cylinder having counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve supported by the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
US09879692B2

A pump (10) comprising a pump casing (20) having front and rear sides (23, 24) with a pumping chamber (38), a chamber inlet (26) and a discharge outlet (27). An impeller (40) within the chamber rotates about an axis. The chamber includes an inner region at or near the axis and an outer region remote from the axis within which is the discharge outlet. The impeller includes a shroud (42) having front and rear faces (43, 44) with a plurality of pumping vanes (46). A collection chamber (60) is provided at the rear side of the pump casing in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. The impeller includes one or more passageways (52) through the shroud, one end opening into the collection chamber and the other opening into the pumping chamber through the impeller front face. A flow inducer (70, 72) is within the collection chamber, which includes a venting outlet (62) and a transfer outlet zone in fluid communication with the outer region of the pumping chamber.
US09879677B2

A multi-stage vacuum pump comprising: first and second half-shell stator components defining a plurality of pumping chambers and for assembly together along respective longitudinally extending faces; first and second end stator components for assembly at respective longitudinal end faces of the first and second half-shell stator components; gaskets for sealing between the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled together at the longitudinally extending faces; and O-rings for sealing between the first and second end stator components and the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled; wherein annular channels intersect longitudinal recesses and each longitudinal recess comprises a stop fixed relative to the intersection, and the gasket and the longitudinal recess are configured that when the gasket is located in the recess during assembly the gasket is biased against the stop for locating an end portion of the gasket relative to the intersection.
US09879675B2

According to one embodiment, a rotary compressor accommodating an electric motor portion and a compression mechanism portion in a sealed case, wherein the compression mechanism portion comprises a cylinder, a roller, and a vane. The vane is disposed by stacking two divided vanes in a height direction of the cylinder, which is an axis direction of the rotation axis, and where a height dimension of one divided vane is H, and a minute gap between a height dimension of the cylinder and a height dimension of the two stacked divided vanes is L, a proportion of the minute gap L to the vane height dimension H per one divided vane is 0.001
US09879672B2

A gerotor pump has a pump housing defining a chamber and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An outer gear member is supported for rotation within the chamber about a first axis, the outer gear member having a series of internal teeth. An inner gear member or inner rotor is rotatably supported within the outer gear member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. The inner gear member defining a series of external teeth interposed with a series of external pockets. The inner gear member defines a fluid passage therethrough to fluidly connect two nonadjacent pockets, with another pocket independent of fluid passages. The fluid passage is configured to disrupt harmonics during operation to reduce pressure ripples and associated tonal noise.
US09879666B2

A motor-driven compressor includes a compression mechanism compressing refrigerant gas, an electric motor driving the compression mechanism, a housing made of a thermally conductive material and accommodating the compression mechanism and the electric motor and an inverter assembly controlling rotation of the electric motor. The inverter assembly includes an elastic member made of a thermally conductive material and disposed in contact with the housing, a circuit board supported directly by the elastic member, an electronic part mounted on the circuit board and a base member made of a thermally conductive material, fixed to the housing and having a closed end. The base member fixes the electronic part. The base member and the housing cooperate to form an accommodation space that accommodates the elastic member, the circuit board and the electronic part. The closed end of the base member and the elastic member forms therebetween a space.
US09879656B2

The invention relates to a rolling bearing arrangement (5) for mounting parts of a wind power plant (1), comprising three relatively rotatable annular elements (6-8) arranged concentrically with one another and at least regionally inside one another for connection to relatively rotatable parts of the wind power plant, wherein two relatively rotatable connecting elements (6-9) are separated from each other by a gap (9, 10) and partially or wholly overlap each other in the radial direction, wherein, further, provided in the region of a gap in radially overlapping regions of the annular connecting elements are at least two rows of rolling elements (34, 35), each of which rolls along a respective two raceways (32, 33) that overlap each other at least regionally in the radial direction, as well as at least one additional row of rolling elements (42) whose raceways do not overlap in the radial direction, wherein the radially innermost connecting element and the radially outermost connecting element are connected to one machine part and the radially middle connecting element is connected to the respectively other machine part.
US09879652B2

The invention concerns an adjusting device for adjusting the pitch angle of a rotor blade of a wind power installation including an adjusting motor for moving the rotor blade through the pitch angle, an actuating unit for actuating the adjusting motor with electric current, wherein the actuating unit is connected to an electric power supply network, and an emergency power supply device for supplying and actuating the adjusting motor with electric current in the event of a failure of the electric power supply network, wherein the emergency power supply device has an electric storage means for storing electric energy to provide the electric current for actuation of the adjusting motor and wherein the actuating unit is adapted to charge up the electric storage means of the emergency power supply device with electric energy.
US09879650B2

A system and method for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is described which can provide the basis for a new and improved wind turbine design suitable for a range of different power classes such as from 4 kilowatts to 10 megawatts. A vertical blade of chord length C is attached to a central hub via a main support strut of chord length C. The main support strut comprises two sections: a blade-support-section and a counterweight-support-section. Both the blade-support-section and the counter-weight-support-section have a blunt leading edge and a tapered trailing edge with the profile reversing either side of the hub axis. Two control struts comprising aerodynamic profiles support the blade wherein one control strut connects to the upper surface of the main support strut and the other control strut connects to the lower surface of the main support strut hub. The main support strut and the control struts provide lift to the wind turbine and reduce drag. The vertical blade and the main support strut comprise an integrated differential strain gauge, which is linked to a central controller and provides real time data on the integrity of the blade and strut.
US09879644B2

A fuel injector may include a housing, a pintle nozzle assembly and an actuation assembly. The housing may define a longitudinal bore, a high pressure fuel duct in communication with the longitudinal bore and a valve seat including a valve seat surface and an aperture. The pintle nozzle assembly may include a stem and a pintle and may be at least partially disposed within the longitudinal bore and be variably displaceable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the pintle nozzle assembly may abut the valve seat to seal the aperture. In the second position, the pintle nozzle assembly may be displaced from the valve seat to open the aperture. The actuation assembly may be coupled with the pintle nozzle assembly and operate to move the pintle nozzle assembly to a plurality of positions between the first position and the second position.
US09879639B2

A method for an engine is presented, wherein during a first condition, pressurized gas from an engine coolant degas bottle to an ejector positioned in a vent line coupled to a fuel vapor canister; and the contents of the fuel vapor canister are purged to an engine intake. The ejector may draw atmospheric air into the fuel vapor canister, thus enabling purging of the fuel vapor canister even when an engine intake vacuum is below a threshold. In this way, boosted engines and other engines configured to operate with reduced intake vacuum may execute canister purging events that are independent of engine intake pressure.
US09879638B2

The objective of the present invention is to provide an evaporated fuel treatment device capable of performing a function diagnosis of a sealing valve with high accuracy even if an internal combustion engine is in operation. The evaporated fuel treatment device includes a sealing valve that blocks a fuel tank from the atmosphere, a canister, a canister internal pressure detection unit, a control part that performs an instruction for opening or closing the sealing valve and controls a purge, and a diagnostic part that performs a function diagnosis of an evaporated fuel sealing system including the fuel tank, the canister, and the sealing valve. The diagnostic part performs the function diagnosis of the sealing valve based on whether or not a canister internal pressure detected by the canister internal pressure sensor varies beyond a predetermined range.
US09879637B2

A system and method is provided that combines fan bypass components and minimizes assembly interfaces in a turbofan engine. The system and method provide a front frame structure of reduced weight that slidably installs/removes from within the combined fan bypass components.
US09879629B2

An object is to provide a starting diagnosis apparatus for an internal combustion engine system, capable of diagnosing an abnormal location of an internal combustion engine system. The starting diagnosis apparatus includes: a pressure sensor 35 which measures a cylinder pressure for each of the cylinders; a starting confirming unit 91 which confirms whether the internal combustion engine system fails to start; a cylinder-pressure increase confirming unit 92 which confirms an increase of the cylinder pressure for each of the plurality of cylinders, on the basis of a pressure measurement result of the pressure sensor 35, if the starting confirming unit 91 confirms a failure; a normal-cylinder confirming unit 93 which confirms whether the cylinder for which the increase of the cylinder pressure is confirmed by the cylinder-pressure increase confirming unit 92 is a normal cylinder; and a diagnosing unit 96 which diagnoses an abnormal location of the internal combustion engine system on the basis of confirmation results of the cylinder-pressure increase confirming unit 92 and the normal-cylinder confirming unit 93.
US09879625B2

Methods and systems are provided for improving the performance of a variable displacement engine. Split injection and spark retard may be used in active cylinders during a VDE mode to heat an exhaust catalyst and extend the duration of VDE mode operation. Split injection and spark retard may also be used in reactivated cylinders at a time of cylinder reactivation to improve restart combustion stability.
US09879622B2

Methods and systems are provided for regulating engine operating parameters such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) based on road roughness conditions. Based on increased road roughness estimation, EGR flow rate may be opportunistically raised, enabling NVH associated with elevated EGR levels to be masked by NVH associated with rough road conditions. In addition, purging of fuel vapors from a canister or a crankcase to the engine may be increased while transmission shift schedules may be advanced so as to complete the shift during the rough road condition.
US09879620B2

Methods and systems are provided for reducing vacuum at an outlet of an upstream first compressor when powering on a second compressor positioned downstream of the first compressor. In one example, a method may comprise, in response to a desired engine torque increasing above a threshold: powering on a second compressor positioned downstream of a first compressor in an intake of an engine system, and opening a compressor recirculation valve (CRV) positioned in a bypass passage coupled across the first compressor for a duration. As such, a portion of intake gasses from upstream of the first compressor may be routed to the second compressor.
US09879603B2

This invention concerns a system for cooling components in a gas turbine engine, the gas turbine engine including a compressor for driving a primary gas flow to a combustor and a turbine arranged to be driven by combustion gases from the combustor, wherein the system includes: an annular cooling flow passage arranged for fluid communication between the compressor and the turbine, the flow passage having a first inlet arranged to receive gas from the primary gas flow downstream of compressor, and a second inlet located upstream of the first inlet, wherein the annular cooling flow passage has at least one internal wall for guiding airflow from the first inlet towards the airflow from the second inlet, the airflow from the first and second inlets coalesce within the annular flow passage prior to passing along the passage in a direction from the compressor to the turbine.
US09879598B2

A diagnosis device diagnoses a cooler adapted to cool a fluid flowing through intake and exhaust systems of an engine, and includes: a downstream temperature sensor for detecting a fluid temperature downstream of the cooler; a fluid temperature calculation unit for calculating a fluid temperature upstream of the cooler based on a fluid state quantity; a sensor output value calculation unit for assuming an upstream temperature sensor configured to detect a fluid temperature upstream of the cooler, reflecting a sensor response delay in the calculated fluid temperature, and calculating an estimated sensor output value of the upstream temperature sensor; and a cooler diagnosis unit for diagnosing the cooling efficiency of the cooler based on an actual sensor input value entered from the downstream temperature sensor and the calculated estimated sensor output value.
US09879596B1

An actuator assembly moves an output shaft. The actuator assembly includes a housing having at least first, second, and third sections at least partially defining first and second cavities, with the third section between the first and second sections. A motor assembly has a rotatable drive shaft and is coupled to the third section. The motor assembly is at least partially disposed in the first cavity and the drive shaft is at least partially disposed in the second cavity. At least one drive gear is within the second cavity and is fixed to the drive shaft. At least one driven gear is within the second cavity and is coupled with the output shaft. The at least one driven gear is coupled to the third section of the housing and is rotatably coupled with the at least one drive gear to transmit rotation from the drive shaft to the output shaft.
US09879595B2

An exhaust control apparatus for an engine is provided. The apparatus includes a turbocharger, a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device, a low-pressure EGR device, and a flap controller. The turbocharger includes a turbine, a compressor, and movable flaps, and rotates the turbine by exhaust gas to drive the compressor so as to boost intake air. The high-pressure EGR device recirculates, within a first engine operating range, the exhaust gas from a position of an exhaust passage upstream of the turbine to a position of an intake passage downstream of the compressor. The low-pressure EGR device recirculates, within a second engine operating range, the exhaust gas from a position of the exhaust passage downstream of the turbine to a position of the intake passage upstream of the compressor. The flap controller controls flap openings.
US09879594B2

A turbocharger is provided including a turbine housing having a gas inlet passage. A turbine wheel having a plurality of blades is arranged within the turbine housing. A nozzle ring is disposed around the turbine wheel and includes a plurality of vanes with flow channels being defined between the vanes that are in fluid communication the gas inlet passage and with the turbine wheel. A shroud is arranged in surrounding relation to at least a portion of the turbine wheel and in spaced relation from the turbine housing. The shroud is integrally formed with the nozzle ring such that the plurality of vanes extend away from the shroud.
US09879593B2

A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a target turbocharger position module and a turbocharger control module. The target turbocharger position module determines a target position of a turbocharger based on a relationship between power generated by a compressor of the turbocharger, inertia of a shaft in a turbine of the turbocharger, and power generated by the turbine. The target turbocharger position includes at least one of a target vane position and a target wastegate position. The turbocharger control module controls the turbocharger based on the target turbocharger position.
US09879590B2

A fuel injection nozzle disposed in a center of a reentrant cavity combustion chamber has first and second nozzle hole groups whose inclination angles with respect to a cylinder center axis line are different. A nozzle hole diameter of the second nozzle hole group is larger than that of the first one. First and second nozzle holes are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction. A glow plug projects, in a height direction of the cylinder, up to a height of a spray center axis line (F2) of the second nozzle hole directed at a lower side. Therefore the glow plug can contact fuel masses formed by sprays from both the first and second nozzle holes. The glow plug is positioned between spray center axis lines (F1, F2) in the circumferential direction, and positioned at a swirl downstream side of spray center axis line (F2).
US09879589B2

A method of initializing operation of a shutter arranged relative to a grille opening in a vehicle having a power-plant includes detecting a start-up of the power-plant. The method also includes sensing a temperature of ambient air. The method also includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-opened position when the temperature of ambient air is above a predetermined value such that a flow of ambient air to the power-plant through the grille opening is substantially unrestricted. The method additionally includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-closed position when a temperature of the power-plant is maintained below a threshold value such that the flow of ambient air through the grille opening to the power-plant is substantially blocked. A vehicle using a controller configured to perform the above method is also provided.
US09879588B2

An engine oil supply apparatus includes: a cylinder block; a shaft supporting member which bears a crank journal of a crank shaft in cooperation with a journal supporting wall section; and a nozzle which injects oil to a piston. The cylinder block includes a first oil supply path which extends in a cylinder bank direction at a position of one side section of the cylinder in a width direction that is perpendicular to the cylinder bank direction, a branch oil path which branches from the first oil supply path at a position of the journal supporting wall section and which supplies oil to a crank bearing section by which the crank journal is borne, and a second oil supply path which extends in the cylinder bank direction at a position further outward than the first oil supply path in the width direction and which supplies oil to the nozzle.
US09879584B2

The catalytic converter apparatus has at least one element box which extends in a longitudinal direction and which has a first pair of first side walls which lie opposite one another, and a second pair of second side walls which lie opposite one another, and two open end sides which lie opposite one another in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of catalytic converter plates are arranged in the element box, which catalytic converter plates are oriented parallel to the first side walls, merely one part of the side walls having a rail which extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction on at least one of the end sides, on which rail the catalytic converter plates are supported. As a result, the flow properties of the element box are improved and the risk of dust deposits is avoided.
US09879583B2

A fluid container for a motor vehicle, said container having a container wall which is made out of a plastic material and is provided with at least one metal resistance heating element. According to the invention the container wall is provided with at least one PPTC element as protection against overheating, said PPTC element being connected in series with the at least one heating element.
US09879581B2

An after-treatment system includes, in series along an exhaust gas flow direction through the after-treatment system: a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) delivery device, a soot-reducing device and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst.
US09879565B2

A case assembly is provided. The case assembly comprises a first flange and a spot face in the first flange. The spot face has a D-shaped perimeter. A jacking insert is disposed in the spot face and has a D-shaped geometry. A threaded cylinder extends from the jacking insert into the first flange. A jacking insert is also provided. The jacking insert comprises a flat portion having a D-shaped geometry and a cylindrical portion having an internal thread configured to interface with a bolt.
US09879562B2

A compressor guide-vane stage for a turbine engine, the stage comprising two coaxial shrouds, respectively an inner shroud (120) and an outer shroud, with vanes (124) extending between them, the radially inner ends of the vanes being engaged with clearance (125) in orifices in the inner shroud and being secured to the inner shroud by means of a polymerizable sealing resin (126), the guide-vane stage being characterized in that a gasket (140) is mounted on the radially inner end of each vane, the gasket including a slit through which the vane passes and bearing against the radially inside surface of the shroud or in the proximity of said surface, in order to limit the passage of resin through the above-mentioned clearance while the resin is being applied to the inside surface of the shroud.
US09879554B2

An insert tube of a turbine vane is disclosed. The insert tube includes a pressure side wall, a suction side wall opposite and spaced apart from the pressure side wall, a leading edge, and a trailing edge opposite the leading edge. The insert tube includes a plurality of cooling channels spaced along the pressure side wall. The insert tube includes an indented portion located between the trailing edge and the pressure side wall.
US09879547B2

A turbine blade that includes an airfoil and a radially extending chamber therein for a coolant. The turbine blade may also include a rib configuration that partitions the chamber into radially extending flow passages. The rib configuration may include: a camber line rib that defines a near-wall flow chamber; and traverse ribs extending between the camber line rib and one of the outer walls so to divide the near-wall flow chamber into successively stacked flow passages that each include a segment of the camber line rib. The segment of the camber line rib of one of the flow passages may have a narrowing profile that includes a profile that narrows from opposing ends toward a neck disposed therebetween.
US09879545B2

A method of manufacturing a hollow aerofoil component for a gas turbine engine includes using a capping panel to cover a pocket in a pocketed aerofoil body. During manufacture, the outer surface of the capping panel is located relative to the pocketed aerofoil body. This ensures that the outer surface of the capping panel is located as accurately as possible. This means that the capping panel can be made to be as thin as possible, which in turn reduces weight and material wastage. Once the capping panel has been located in position, it may be welded to the aerofoil body in order to produce the hollow aerofoil component.
US09879543B2

A cooling system for cooling a fluid reaction apparatus of a gas turbine engine includes a vapor cooling subsystem and a film cooling subsystem. The vapor cooling subsystem has a vaporization section and a condenser section for cooling a portion of the fluid reaction apparatus. The condenser section is cooled by a fluid. The film cooling subsystem is configured for cooling a portion of the fluid reaction apparatus by discharging fluid out of openings defined in the fluid reaction apparatus. At least a portion of the fluid used to cool the condenser section of the vapor cooling subsystem is discharged out of the openings of the film cooling subsystem.
US09879542B2

A gas turbine engine component includes an airfoil and a platform. The airfoil has a pressure side and an opposite suction side. The platform is connected to the airfoil and has a first curved edge adjacent the suction side and a second curved edge spaced from the pressure side such that more than half of the platform is located to the pressure side. The platform located to the pressure side has a non-axisymmetrical surface contouring.
US09879540B2

Compressor stators (22) for gas turbine engines (10) are disclosed. An exemplary compressor stator (22) comprises a circumferential array of stator vanes (28) and a shroud (24, 26) for supporting the stator vanes (28). The shroud (24, 26) has a circumferentially extending inner endwall (30, 32) exposed to an annular gas path (20) of the compressor (14). The endwall (30, 32) has a circumferentially uniform axial cross-sectional profile (42). The axial cross-sectional profile (42) comprises at least one deviation (48, 50) from a nominal axial cross-sectional profile (44) defining an overall shape of the annular gas path (20). The at least one deviation comprises a concave deviation (48) and a convex deviation (50).
US09879529B2

In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a drilling assembly is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a flow control device that further includes: a fluid flow path having an inlet and an outlet; an electromagnetic circuit that includes a closing member made from a soft magnetic or magnetic material as a part of the electromagnetic circuit, wherein the closing member moves from a first open position to a second closed position to close the fluid flow path to produce a pressure pulse in a fluid flowing through the fluid flow path when the electromagnetic circuit is formed.
US09879522B2

Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods and apparatuses for determining a minimum miscibility pressure of a fluid with and oil composition. In various embodiments, the method can include placing a fluid into a pressure chamber at a first pressure. The pressure chamber can include at least one capillary tube having one end disposed in an oil composition in the pressure chamber. The fluid can include at least one of a gas, a liquid, and a supercritical fluid. The method can include measuring a height of the oil composition in at least one of the capillary tubes. The method can include repeating the measuring for at least one cycle using a second pressure different than the first pressure. The method can include determining the minimum miscibility pressure of the oil composition with the fluid by extrapolating from the two or more measurements.
US09879519B2

An apparatus and method may operate to mount one or more communication assemblies relative to the exterior of a casing being placed in a borehole. Two communication assemblies can be placed in longitudinally spaced relation to one another along the casing, wherein each communication assembly is configured to obtain excitation responses from electrodes of a fluid sensing component, where the excitation responses vary based on properties of fluids in one or more regions of the annulus surrounding the casing. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09879511B2

A method of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation comprises forming a flooding suspension comprising degradable particles and a carrier fluid. The flooding suspension is introduced into a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon material to form an emulsion stabilized by the degradable particles and remove the emulsion from the subterranean formation. At least a portion of the degradable particles are degraded to destabilize the emulsion. An additional method of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation, and a stabilized emulsion are also described.
US09879508B2

A wireline-assisted coiled-tubing portion is arranged to be lowered into a well in a ground. The wireline-assisted coiled-tubing portion comprises a coiled-tubing portion, the coiled-tubing portion in its entirety being arranged to be lowered into the well; and a wire which is attached to an, in the position of application, upper portion of the coiled-tubing portion, the wire extending from the coiled-tubing portion to the opening of the well at a surface, and the wire being arranged to transmit electrical energy and electrical signals. The coiled tubing portion, in its upper portion, is provided with an upper activatable sealing element arranged to seal an annulus between the coiled-tubing portion and the well; in its upper portion, is provided with at least one opening connecting the interior of the coiled-tubing portion to the surroundings of the coiled-tubing portion; in a lower portion, is provided with an activatable sealing element arranged to seal an annulus between the coiled-tubing portion and the well, the sealing element creating a lower zone below the sealing element; and in its lower portion, is provided with a tool allowing fluid flow-through so that the lower zone may be in fluid communication with the annulus through the tool, the interior of the coiled-tubing portion and the opening. A method for the controlled conveyance of a fluid in a well, and a use of a coiled-tubing portion are described as well.
US09879505B2

A one trip method of cleaning a portion of the borehole and then setting a tool such as a packer or a bridge plug locates the cleanup tools above the plug with a ported sub to allow circulation of loosened debris. The debris is directed uphole from above the plug and does not have to pass around the sealing element of the plug or through bypass ports in the plug body. The plug is then positioned in the cleaned portion and set. The cleaning tools are released from the set plug and brought to the surface. These tools could be used to clean the portion of the borehole where the tool is set or clean the entire section above the tool on the trip out of the borehole. Cleaning tools can be filter, scrapers both fixed and movable, magnets, brushes and associated tools that centralize the assembly for more effective operation.
US09879504B1

An apparatus for routing and controlling pressure of hydraulic fluid to and from hydraulic actuator cylinders of oil and gas well blow-out preventers (BOP's), has rotary hydraulic flow control valve/actuator assemblies which use a pair of integral double-acting pneumatic actuator cylinders to drive a rack gear coupled to a spur gear located inside an actuator housing fixed to a valve rotor shaft that protrudes from the valve housing through an outer wall of the housing, and has a manually operable handle attached thereto, thus enabling multiple valve/actuator assemblies to be mounted side-by-side to an hydraulic manifold. The apparatus includes an adjustable pressure regulator which inputs hydraulic fluid at full and regulated pressure to the manifold, and a bypass valve which selectably inputs hydraulic fluid at full or regulated pressure to the flow control valves. An air control manifold panel for remotely energizing the pneumatic actuator cylinders includes opening and closing push button control valves on an air manifold connected through air hoses to the actuator cylinders.
US09879502B2

A bridge plug tool for use in a well, comprising: a tool body (70); a hollow mandrel (26) extending through the tool body, the mandrel having a removable plug (32) in an upper region (37) to prevent from of fluids through the mandrel, the plug comprising a plug locking member (40) that is axially movable between a first position in which it locks the plug inside the mandrel and a second position in which the plug is released from the mandrel and can be removed; a setting sleeve (16) positioned on the tool body; a packer module (18) located below the setting sleeve; an anchor module (20) located blow the packer module; and an end fitting located below the anchor module; wherein the mandrel extends through the sleeve, packer module and anchor module to the end fitting; and wherein the end fitting comprises a first part that is configured for engagement with the mandrel, and a second part that is releasably connected to the first part and moveable between a connected position in which the second part holds the first part in engagement with the mandrel such that the end fitting is secured to the mandrel, and a disconnected position in which second part moves relative to the first part so that the first part is free to disengage from the mandrel, such that when the mandrel is secured to the end fitting, the packer module and anchor module can be held in compression between the setting sleeve and the end fitting, and when the mandrel is released from the end fitting, any such compression is released.
US09879501B2

In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment contains an outer assembly that includes an isolation packer corresponding to each of a plurality of zones along the wellbore, wherein each isolation packer is configured to be set in the wellbore, a release module associated with each isolation packer to release its associated isolation packer after such isolation packer has been set in the wellbore, and a disconnect module below each isolation packer that is armed using a first force and activated using a second force.
US09879495B2

A friction reduction apparatus (FRA) positioned onto a pipe string comprises a tubular housing, upper and lower mandrels having variously configured fluid flow passages and ports, a valve and a shifter. Fluid travelling through the apparatus causes the valve and shifter to reciprocate, repeatedly opening and closing flow passages. Each of these cycles creates a pulse in the fluid column creating vibrations that reduce friction in the pipe string. The FRA can be used in conjunction with a ball or dart activated tool positioned downhole from the FRA.
US09879485B2

A stabilizer for passing through a restriction includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough; a rigid blade disposed on the tubular body; and a deformable blade disposed on the tubular body, wherein the deformable blade includes a geometric profile configured to preferentially bend the deformable blade in one direction when the deformable blade encounters the restriction, and wherein the deformable blade has a height greater than a height of the rigid blade. In one example, the deformable blade is offset from a radial axis.
US09879483B2

A drill head insert or drill head attachment, in particular a drill plate made of hard metal, for a rock drill, includes cutting edges (20, 20a) configured on the feed side which extend from a tip of the drill (18) rearward in a receding manner to an outer face (12, 14) of the drill plate (10). A drill plate (10) is substantially configured in the form of a roof when viewed from the side. A free face (24, 24a) at the cutting edge (20, 20a) abuts against a cutting face (22, 22a) along a substantial part of its extension between the tip of the drill (18) and the outer face (12, 14). A substantially smooth contour of the cutting edge (20, 20a) is interrupted by at least one projection (30, 30a, 30b) which projects beyond the cutting edge (20, 20a) in the feed direction.
US09879457B1

A trolley assembly comprises a frame incorporating at least one tire encompassing a wheel bearing and a bumper comprising a first portion made of a comparably incompressible material and a second portion made of a comparably compressible material. The bumper is mounted on the frame such that the bumper moves upon impact with an object, compressing the compressible material. For example, the incompressible material may be a polyamide and the compressible material may be a neoprene extrusion.
US09879455B2

A slip resistant hinge system for doors and, in particular, frameless glass doors, is provided. The hinge includes a dovetail-shaped central raised portion that minimizes or prevents the possibility of the glass slipping when secured to the hinge. The dovetail-shaped central raised portion can be designed as part of the hinge or can be created by inserts positioned around the central raised portion of the hinge. In operation, a corresponding dovetail-shaped opening is cut into the door for receiving the hinge.
US09879445B2

An exemplary status-indicating locking assembly includes a cylindrical lock assembly and a status-indicating assembly. The status-indicating assembly includes a sensor configured to sense the status of the cylindrical lock assembly, a transmission configured to communicate the lock status to at least one side of a door, and an indicator configured to display indicia relating to the lock status on the at least one side of the door. In certain forms, the sensor, transmission, and indicator may be electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, magnetic, or combinations thereof.
US09879433B2

The present invention relates to the field of mortarless, brick- and stone-like veneer systems for walls. More particularly, the present invention relates to suspension rails for providing mortarless or mortar-optional installations of brick- and stone-like panels for covering walls. Embodiments of the invention provide a cage-type suspension rail configured to be partially embedded in the panel and a universal hanging bracket that provides pullout resistance for the panels. An exemplary suspension rail comprises: a first four-sided frame with horizontally and vertically disposed sides; a plurality of posts disposed on and perpendicular to the first frame or the cross bars; a second four-sided frame in communication with the plurality of posts; an upper tab in communication with the first frame for connecting the rail to a surface; wherein the upper tab is disposed outside a perimeter of the first frame and a perimeter of a second frame.
US09879427B2

A permanent stressed end cap for a post tensioned concrete member includes a grout retention feature adapted to retain a filler material within a void formed by a pocket former. The grout retention feature may be a generally knob or mushroom shaped, hex-headed, or square body extending from the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more protrusions extending from the exterior of the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more surface textures on the exterior of the cap.
US09879421B2

A fire-resistance angle piece and related assemblies include at least one multi-layer portion, which can provide an insulation space and/or a sacrificial layer of the angle piece. The angle piece can comprise vent openings to a space between adjacent layers of the angle piece. In some configurations, adjacent layers of the angle piece can be sealed to one another, such as along an edge portion that can be opposite the vent openings (if present) and/or a fold of the angle piece or other closed end that creates adjacent layers. Intumescent may or may not be included on the angle piece.
US09879420B2

A wall comprising an upper horizontal member to be fixed to a ceiling, a lower horizontal member to be fixed to a floor, and at least one panel provided between the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member, characterized in that the lower horizontal member comprises at least two longitudinally extending, elongate profiles of U-shaped cross-section, wherein the first profile is fixed to the floor with a base part of its U-shaped cross-section, wherein the second profile is placed on the first profile, wherein base parts of the U-shaped cross-sections of the two profiles face away from each other, wherein the lower horizontal member further comprises a third profile of U-shaped cross-section provided between the first profile and the second profile thereof.
US09879417B2

A stiffness-controllable earthquake-isolation support using negative gravity stiffness, which comprises an upper plate connected to an upper structure, a lower plate connected to a base structure at the bottom, K supporting columns arranged longitudinally between the upper and lower plates, with the supporting columns respectively connected with the upper and lower plates through a ball hinge, and L elastic connecting plates arranged laterally between the supporting columns, wherein K≧3, L≧N×K and N≧1. The earthquake-isolation support, the supporting column and the ball hinges at both ends of the supporting column form, under the action of gravity of the upper structure, the negative gravity stiffness that causes the upper structure to deviate from the equilibrium position, and the frame structure restores the upper structure to the equilibrium position, with the stiffness of the earthquake-isolation support adjustable.
US09879413B2

The invention relates to a modular structural system obtained from the combination, in sliding engagement form, of generically elongated elements A, B, C, D having sections whose perimeter is provided with protrusions and recesses which, in the spatial development of the elements A, B, C, D, form sliding channels or tracks for mutual sliding of the elements which form the structural system. The structural system may also be provided with node elements C shaped so as to have two parallel opposite surfaces, one of which is provided with sliding channels or tracks for mutual male/female engagement in corresponding sliding channels or tracks and the other surface of which is provided with a permanent or releasable connection with other elements A, B, C, D at a connection angle of 0
US09879407B2

A fitting for a faucet handle includes a body having an interior wall disposed within the body, the interior wall having a plurality of apertures. Each aperture has at least a first opening and a second opening fluidly connected by a channel, and the first opening is angularly offset relative to the second opening.
US09879406B2

The invention relates to an integrated system for saving whitewater and using soapy water in washrooms mainly in housing and especially to be used in bathrooms wherein both the whitewater and drinking water is saved in an integral manner and the soapy water generated from washing under the shower and/or in the bath is used. The invention also relates to elements for collecting, storing, filtering and pumping the soapy water, as part of the system, for using same in the cleaning of bathroom furniture and other general uses.
US09879405B2

To provide a hydraulic driving device configured to smoothly extend a hydraulic cylinder. The present invention includes the open circuit E, the closed circuit A, a control device 57, and a control lever 56a. The open circuit E is provided with a flow passage 202 for connecting an outlet port of the open circuit pump 13 and a head chamber 1a of the boom cylinder 1, a selector valve 44a provided in the flow passage 202, a discharge flow passage 404 for connecting a hydraulic fluid tank 25 and a flow passage 200, and a bleed-off valve 64 provided in the discharge flow passage 404. The control device 57 is configured in such a manner that when a manipulate signal for extending the boom cylinder 1 is input from the control lever 56a, the bleed-off valve 64 is closed, the selector valve 44a is subsequently opened, and the open circuit pump 13 is controlled.
US09879398B2

Geocell structures stabilize water body shorelines and beds, slopes and retaining wall bridge abutments in such areas of construction as the oil and gas, transport and hydraulic engineering industries, amongst others. A blank for producing a weld-free geocell is made from a polymer sheet material having incisions therein in the form of segments of parallel lines. Adjacent incisions in the same row have a distance S between the ends thereof and the relationship S/L=K1, where K1 is from 0.1 to 0.5. The incisions of adjacent rows are at a distance D from each other and have the relationship D/L=K2, where K2 is from 0.1 to 0.7. At the ends of the incisions, there are openings which are oval or circular in shape. A weld-free geocell includes at least one blank stretched in a direction perpendicular to the lines of the incisions to form a three-dimensional cellular structure.
US09879396B2

A pile top assembly includes an adapter configured to couple to an upper end of a subsea anchor, a tensioning system mounted on an upper end of the adapter, and a flexible tension member having a first end coupled to the tensioning system. The tensioning system is operable to pay in and pay out the flexible tension member relative to the tensioning system. The pile top assembly further includes means coupled to the adapter for selectively engaging the upper end of the subsea anchor.
US09879386B2

A system for coordinating a cold planer and a paver is disclosed. The system may include a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a position of the cold planer; a production monitoring system associated with the cold planer and configured to determine a milling rate of the cold planer; a communication device configured to exchange information between the cold planer and the paver; and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a second signal indicative of a position of the paver and a third signal indicative of a paving rate of the paver, determine a current distance between the cold planer and the paver based on the first and second signals, determine a target distance based on the current distance and a comparison of the milling rate and the paving rate, and determine a difference between the target distance and the current distance.
US09879376B2

A forming fabric for a papermaking machine has a machine facing side and a web facing side. The web facing side has a structured weave of warp yarns and weft yarns that define pockets on the web facing side. Each pocket is defined by four sides on the web facing side, three of the four sides each being formed by a knuckle of a single yarn, and one of the sides being formed by a knuckle of a weft and of a warp yarn, wherein the weft yarn also defines a bottom surface of the pocket.
US09879375B2

A steam iron (10) comprises a steam generator (15) comprising a main body portion (15a) including an electrical heating element (16) to heat the steam generator (15), and an ironing plate (13) coupled to the steam generator (15) via a thermal coupling and configured to be passively heated by conduction of heat from the steam generator (15) via the thermal coupling. The thermal coupling between the steam generator (15) and the ironing plate (13) comprises an indirect thermal path formed by a flange (22) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) being in contact with the ironing plate (13) and being spaced from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) also being configured to space the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) from the ironing plate (13) to restrict the conduction of heat from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) to the ironing plate (13).
US09879371B2

A washing machine having an integrated water-on-demand feature is provided. The washing machine appliance allows a user to adjust the water or wash liquid fill amount of the washing machine appliance using an actuator integrated into or positioned nearby the dispenser box, thereby enabling a simple, convenient, and effective manner of adding wash liquid without requiring a substantial number of additional parts or assembly.
US09879362B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing nanofibers storing and transferring nitric oxide, and nanofibers produced thereby. The present invention may include: a filling step for filling a first material with nitric oxide; a synthesis step for synthesizing a second material having a functional group capable of covalently bonding to the first material; a sol-gel reaction step for carrying out a sol-gel reaction of the first material filled with nitric oxide with the second material to produce a gel; and an electrospinning step for electrospinning the gel to produce a nanofiber.
US09879359B2

In a silicon carbide semiconductor film forming apparatus, first to third gasses are introduced into first to third separation chambers through first to third inlets, respectively. The first and second gasses are silicon raw material including gas and carbon raw material including gas, and the third gas does not include silicon and carbon. The first and second gasses are independently supplied to growth space through first and second supply paths extending from the first and second separation chambers, respectively. The third gas is introduced through a third supply path from the third separation chamber between the first and second gasses.
US09879353B2

Electrochemical process for coupling two phenols of different oxidation potential, and novel biphenols which can be prepared by this electrochemical coupling.
US09879350B2

A surface-coated cutting tool according to the present invention includes a coating. The coating includes an α-Al2O3 layer. Each of the α-Al2O3 layers on a side of a rake face and a side of a flank face shows (001) orientation. In the α-Al2O3 layer on the rake face side, a length LR3 of a Σ3 crystal grain boundary exceeds 80% of a length LR3-29 of a Σ3-29 crystal grain boundary and is not lower than 10% and not higher than 50% of a total length LR of all grain boundaries. In the α-Al2O3 layer on the flank face side, a length LF3 of a Σ3 crystal grain boundary exceeds 80% of a length LF3-29 of a Σ3-29 crystal grain boundary and is not lower than 10% and not higher than 50% of a total length LF of all grain boundaries. A ratio LR3/LR3-29 is higher than a ratio LF3/LF3-29.
US09879347B2

A method for surface treatment of a part made of aluminum, magnesium, or one of the alloys thereof, to protect the part from corrosion. The method comprises consecutively immersing the part in a first aqueous bath containing a corrosion-inhibiting metal salt and an oxidizing compound, and a second aqueous bath containing an oxidizing compound and a corrosion-inhibiting rare-earth salt. The method can be carried out for the chemical conversion of aluminum or the alloys thereof, and of magnesium or the alloys thereof, on parts that have not been previously treated, or after anodizing the part to seal the anodic layer.
US09879344B2

Disclosed herein is an electrode active material for a secondary battery, and more particularly to an electrode active material comprising a porous silicon oxide-based composite and the method for preparing a porous silicon oxide-based composite.
US09879341B2

Embodiments described herein provide a remote plasma system utilizing a microwave source. Additionally, generation and deposition techniques for 2D transition metal chalcogenides with large area uniformity utilizing microwave assisted generation of radicals is disclosed. Plasma may be generated remotely utilizing the microwave source. A processing platform configured to deposit 2D transition metal chalcogenides is also disclosed.
US09879332B2

A method of manufacturing a high-strength steel sheet includes, on a mass percent basis, 0.03%-0.10% C, 0.01%-0.5% Si, 0.001%-0.100% P, 0.001%-0.020% S, 0.01%-0.10% Al, 0.005%-0.012% N, the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, and microstructures that do not contain a pearlite microstructure, wherein, when Mnf=Mn [% by mass]−1.71×S [% by mass], Mnf is 0.3 to 0.6, including: forming a slab by vertical-bending type continuous casting or bow type continuous casting, wherein surface temperature of a slab corner in a region where the slab undergoes bending deformation or unbending deformation is 800° C. or lower, or 900° C. or higher; forming a steel sheet by hot-rolling the slab followed by cold rolling; annealing the steel sheet after the cold rolling; and skinpass rolling at a draft of 3% or less after the annealing.
US09879325B2

The present invention relates to a method for predicting the responsiveness of a patient to a treatment with an anti-CD20 antibody, said method comprising measuring the level of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression in B cells obtained from said patient.
US09879324B2

Described are methods of determining if a subject has a genetic predisposition to developing prostate cancer (PCa) or aggressive PCa, or to developing breast cancer (BrCa).
US09879320B2

The application concerns means for predicting whether a subject infected with one or more HCVs has a high probability of responding to an anti-HCV treatment which will comprise the administration of interferon and of ribavirin or whether, in contrast, that subject has a high probability of not responding to that anti-HCV treatment. The means of the invention in particular involve assaying the levels of expression of selected genes, said selected genes being: at least one gene from among MBL2, LGALS3BP and IL8, and at least one gene from among G1P2, CCL21 and CXCL10, and optionally, at least one gene from among AFP, CRP, CXCL11, CXCL6, CXCL9, FGF7, MDK, MMP2, SFN, TGFB2 and VEGFD.
US09879314B2

Provided is a method for detection of HLA-A*31:01 allele. One or more single nucleotide polymorphisms which characterize HLA-A*31:01 are analyzed and the presence or absence of HLA-A*31:01 is determined based on the result of the analysis.
US09879308B2

Systems and methods for culturing and monitoring, ex vivo, pharmacologic and metabolic response in a biological sample, including receiving at a fluidic apparatus the biological sample retrieved from the patient, retaining the biological sample within a channel of the fluidic apparatus, providing for the culture of the biological sample within the channel of the fluidic apparatus, flowing a fluid past the biological sample, retrieving and analyzing the fluid to determine a pharmacologic and/or metabolic response of the sample.
US09879306B2

A modified luciferase protein which is a sensor for molecules including cAMP is provided. The modified luciferase protein includes one or more heterologous amino acid sequences, at least one of which directly or indirectly interacts with cAMP.
US09879302B2

A system for determining usability of an analytical test strip includes a sample chamber to receive a fluid sample, a reagent in the sample chamber having a moisture-varying impedance, and two detection electrodes contacting the reagent. A test meter applies an AC waveform across the reagent via the detection electrodes while measuring an impedance of the reagent. A processor automatically determines whether the measured impedance of the reagent meets a dryness criterion. The meter includes a housing, a strip port connector, an impedance measurement circuit and the processor. A method for determining usability of a strip inserted in a hand held meter includes applying an AC waveform across a reagent of the strip and measuring a first electrical signal, and determining whether the strip meets the dryness criterion based on the first electrical signal. The test strip and ways of determining an analyte are also described.
US09879300B2

Disclosed embodiments concern an array for use in identifying or identifying and quantifying analytes in a sample using a macrocyclic sensor comprising a macrocyclic compound and a detectable moiety. The disclosed array may be used to discriminate among various analytes based on different features, such as post-translational modifications, isomeric post-translational modifications, and the peptide sequence around post-translational modifications. Also disclosed is a method for identifying analytes comprising a post-translational modification, as well as an enzymatic assay using the disclosed macrocyclic sensor.
US09879298B2

The present invention relates to a composition for forming an electrode, an electrochemical sensor comprising the same, and a method for determining an analyte using the electrochemical sensor.
US09879279B2

The present teachings disclose nucleic acid cassettes for expressing in an insect cell a plurality of polypeptides encoded by a gene comprising overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). A cassette comprises, in 5′ to 3′ order, a) a first insect cell-operable promoter, b) a 5′ portion of a gene comprising a first ORF of the gene, c) an intron comprising a second insect cell-operable promoter, and d) a 3′ portion of the gene comprising at least one additional ORF. Vectors and insect cells comprising the cassettes are also disclosed, as well as methods for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus in insect cells using the cassettes.
US09879276B2

The present invention provides a drought tolerance associated protein, DT1, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the DT1 protein and application thereof.
US09879274B2

A method for producing a plant includes growing a plant from plant cells in which a promoter and a coding sequence under the control of the promoter have been artificially introduced; and selecting the plant in which an amount of phloem tissue is increased 2.0 times or more in comparison with a wild type plant of the same species. The promoter is a promoter for a gene encoding a protein having at least 60% identity with the amino acid sequence of tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor (TDIF) receptor (TDR) of Arabidopsis thaliana. The coding sequence encodes either (i) a protein having three common sequences composed of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3 in this order starting from the N-terminal side, or (ii) a protein having 95% or more identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5.
US09879273B2

Compositions and methods are provided for increasing methionine content in plants are disclosed.
US09879267B2

Methods and compositions are provided to determine if a cancer is resistant to treatment with anti-mitotic agents, including treatment with T-DM1. The methods relate to determining if the ABCC3 gene is amplified and/or overexpressed in the cancer.
US09879260B2

The use of miR-34a and agonists thereof in the treatment of bone loss diseases is described. Such conditions include osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other bone wasting diseases.
US09879255B2

The present invention provides oligonucleotides that inhibit the binding of miR-27a to VE-cadherin mRNA, particularly in the form of blockmirs. The invention also provides compositions comprising such oligonucleotides and methods of use of such oligonucleotides to modulate the activity of VE-cadherin, inhibit or reduce vascular permeability, treat or prevent a vascular permeability-associated disease or condition, inhibit tumor growth, treat ischaemic injury, enhance recovery from ischaemic injury, treat surgical wounds and/or promotes post-operative recovery, and promote or induce angiogenesis.
US09879253B2

The present invention provides methods of enhancing the efficacy and specificity of RNAi using single or double blunt-ended siRNA. The invention also provides single and double-blunt ended siRNA compositions, vectors, and transgenes containing the same for mediating silencing of a target gene. Therapeutic methods are also featured.
US09879252B2

The present invention relates to a method of identifying a protein that binds to a target molecule and has intracellular functionality. This method includes providing a construct comprising a deoxyribonucleic acid molecule encoding the protein which binds to the target molecule, with the deoxyribonucleic acid molecule being coupled to a stall sequence. A host cell is transformed with the construct and then cultured under conditions effective to form, within the host cell, a complex of the protein whose translation has been stalled, the mRNA encoding the protein, and ribosomes. The protein in the complex is in a properly folded, active form and the complex is recovered from the cell.
US09879241B2

The present invention relates to variants of a parent glucoamylase. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the glucoamylase variants.
US09879234B2

The invention provides nucleic acid molecules which encodes a novel fatty acid desaturase, KCS, KCR and/or LACS from Thraustochytrium aureum and Sphaeroforma arctica. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g., ARA, EPA and DHA and for screening for delta-4 desaturases.
US09879227B2

The present invention relates to modified cancer cells that are defective in the production of diffusible factors (e.g., growth factors), and to the use of such cells for impairing the growth of a population of human cells, in particular wherein the cells are human cancer cells and the population of cells is a neoplasm, tumor or cancer. The invention preferably comprises the step of modifying tumor cells by deleting or modifying endogenous genes that code for (or affect the production of), diffusible growth factors that promote cell survival and proliferation.
US09879225B2

An isolated human cell and populations thereof is provided comprising at least one astrocytic phenotype and at least one mesenchymal stem cell phenotype, wherein the mesenchymal stem cell phenotype is not an astrocytic phenotype.
US09879221B2

An IVF system for successfully utilizing spermatozoa separated into X-chromosome bearing and into Y-chromosome bearing population for insemination. The IVF system includes fertilization medium that can shorten the time from insemination to cleavage and a portable incubator for the transportation of maturing oocytes and inseminated oocytes comprising a straw (19) and an incubation element (20) that can be sealed with a cap (22).
US09879219B2

The process of growing a homogeneous polymer matrix comprising the steps of growing a viable mycelium in a liquid suspension; extracting mycelium from the liquid suspension; thereafter incubating the mycelium for a period of time sufficient to induce mycelium cohesion and to form a solid material; and thereafter drying the solid material to remove moisture and to inactivate the mycelium.
US09879216B2

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for monitoring a cell culture comprising a) one or more infrared sensors positioned adjacent to a cell culture, the one or more infrared sensors capable of recording an infrared heat signal from the cell culture; b) a power source in electrical communication with the one or more infrared sensors; c) a data storage and computation device configured to receive and analyze the infrared heat signal from the one or more infrared sensors; and d) a transmitter device in electrical communication with the storage and computation device; wherein the apparatus monitors the pattern of heat production in the cell culture. The present invention is also directed to methods for monitoring and analyzing the metabolic activity of cells using the above apparatus.
US09879215B2

A subject moving device includes: a base; a head section provided with vertically movable rods and moving along a prescribed movement path above the base; a first container section which stores a subject of movement; a second container section which receives the subject of movement; a tip stocking section which holds a plurality of tips in a state where the plurality of tips are attachable to the rods, the tips being attachable to and detachable from the rods and being configured to suction the subject of movement and discharge the suctioned subject of movement in accordance with vertical movements of the rods; a tip discarding section which collects the tips having finished the suction and the discharge of the subject of movement and having been detached from the rods; and a control section which controls the vertical movements of the rods and the movement operations of the head section.
US09879212B2

The present invention provides a system that has been devised to overcome the two most important limitations for sustained biological hydrogen production, namely contamination of the microbial hydrogen-producing cultures with methane-producing cultures necessitating frequent re-start-up and/or other methanogenic bacteria inactivation techniques, and the low bacterial yield of hydrogen-producers culminating in microbial washout from the system and failure. The system includes a continuously stirred bioreactor (CSTR) for biological hydrogen production, followed by a gravity settler positioned downstream of the CSTR, which combination forms a biohydrogenator. The biomass concentration in the hydrogen reactor is kept at the desired range through biomass recirculation from the bottom of the gravity settler and/or biomass wastage from the gravity settler's underflow. The gravity setter effluent is loaded with volatile fatty acids, as a result of microbiological breakdown of the influent waste constituents by hydrogen-producing bacteria, and is an excellent substrate for methane-forming bacteria in the downstream biomethanator.
US09879210B2

The apparatus herein relates to the large-scale production of photosynthetic microorganisms, especially algae. More particularly it relates to control of large size aqueous photosynthetic bioreactor systems to obtain such products from many microbial strains, which have heretofore only been cultured in laboratory environments in small containers.
US09879205B2

An aqueous solution contains a nonionic surfactant, a alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy phosphate and an alkyl glucoside selected from a group consisting of alkyl glucosides characterized by the alkyl group having eight or fewer carbons and when the alkyl group has eight carbons it is a branched alkyl having a linear six carbon chain with a two carbon branch, where the aqueous solution is further characterized by containing less than 0.3 weight-percent cumene sulfonic acid or its alkali salt based on total aqueous solution weight and the alkyl glucoside is present at a concentration greater than alkyl glucosides having an alkyl group with more than eight carbons, as well as its uses for increasing the cloud point and decreasing the foaming properties.
US09879200B2

Disclosed herein are lubricating compositions and methods of use of the same, including for, e.g., use in metalworking operations.
US09879198B2

The instant invention involves the use of simple and complex carboxyl esters, or mixtures thereof, of carboxyl end-capped-polytetramethylene glycols of specific structure to minimize the elastohydrodynamic shear strength of these types of fluids.
US09879196B2

This invention generally refers to a new generation of fuel additives which can provide catalytic action to improve the combustion process of fossil fuels and to a catalyst among others containing an iron compound combined with an over-based magnesium compound with molecular size particles inside the combustion chamber. Such fuel additive catalysts are particularly useful for fuel oil combustion, natural gas combustion, stationary gas turbines, natural gas-fired reciprocating engines, diesel engines, gasoline engines and all stationary dual-fuel engines.
US09879195B2

Systems and methods for processing and sorting a municipal solid waste stream are described herein. A system can include a processing sub-system configured to receive a municipal solid waste stream and to remove the non-processable waste, a processing apparatus configured and disposed to receive constituents of the municipal solid waste stream from the processing sub-system and reduce the size of the constituents of the waste stream to an average particle size of less than about ¾ inch, and separators configured to sort the waste stream into constituents based on density.
US09879191B2

A method of start-up for a gasification system includes establishing a flow of a start-up fuel external to the gasifier prior to ignition of the gasifier. The method also includes establishing a start-up liquid feed external to the gasifier during gasifier start-up. The method further includes channeling the start-up liquid feed and the start-up fuel to the gasifier during gasifier start-up.
US09879186B2

Provided is a reformate hydrotreatment method, the method comprising: under liquid phase hydrotreatment conditions, bringing the reformate and a catalyst having a catalytic hydrogenation effect into contact in a hydrogenation reactor, the hydrogen used in the hydrotreating process at least partially coming from the hydrogen dissolved in the reformate. According to the method of the present invention, the reformate separated from a reformate products separating tank can directly undergo liquid phase hydrotreatment; therefore not only can the hydrogen dissolved in the reformate be fully utilized, but the olefins in the reformate can also be removed, while eliminate the requirements for recycle hydrogen and a recycle device thereof. The reformate obtained by the method of the present invention reduces the bromine index to below 50 mgBr2/100 g, and has an arene loss of less than 0.5 wt %.
US09879160B2

The present invention is related to pressure-sensitive hot melt adhesive compositions and their applications. In particular, the adhesive compositions described herein comprise a block copolymer component, a hydrocarbon tackifier resin component, and a propylene-based polymer component.
US09879155B2

A coated substrate including: a substrate including a treated layer, a photocatalytic layer, and a protective layer between the photocatalytic layer and the treated layer, the protective layer comprising colloidal particles dispersed in a matrix, the colloidal particles including first and second types of particles that differ in their respective particle size distributions and which together provide a physical barrier by virtue of the first, smaller particles at least partially filling interstices between the second, larger particles and thereby impede photocatalyst derived degradation of the treated layer, the first type of colloid particles comprising hydrolyzed silica based material such as reactive silica condensate particles or polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, or mixtures thereof, the protective layer having an effect of less than 20 delta E units on the color and gloss of the substrate.
US09879152B2

Block copolymers (BCPs) for self-assembly applications comprise a linear fluorinated linking group L′ joining a pair of adjacent blocks. A film layer comprising a BCP, which is disposed on an underlayer and in contact with an atmosphere, is capable of forming a perpendicularly oriented domain pattern when the underlayer is preferentially wetted by one domain of an otherwise identical self-assembled BCP in which all fluorines of L′ are replaced by hydrogen. The BCP can be a low-chi or high-chi BCP. In a preferred embodiment, the BCP comprises a styrene-based first block, and a second block comprises a carbonate and/or ester repeat unit formed by ring opening polymerization of a cyclic carbonate and/or cyclic ester monomer. The linking group L′ has a lower surface energy than each of the polymer blocks.
US09879148B2

A colored fine particle dispersion including emulsified particles including a pigment and a polymer containing a constitutional unit derived from a compound (A) represented by the following general formula (I) and a constitutional unit derived from a polymerizable monomer component including a hydrophobic vinyl-based monomer: wherein BO is a butyleneoxy group; EO is an ethyleneoxy group; M is a cation; m represents an average molar number of addition of BO and is a number of not less than 1 and not more than 10; and n represents an average molar number of addition of EO and is a number of ≧4 and ≦25; a process for producing the colored fine particle dispersion; a water-based ink for ink-jet printing including the colored fine particle dispersion; and a use of the colored fine particle dispersion as a colorant for a water-based ink for ink-jet printing.
US09879140B2

The disclosure relates to curable polyureasil compounds, methods related to curing of such compounds via hydrolysis and/or condensation to form coatings on a substrate, and coated articles formed from the curable polyureasil compounds. The polyureasil compounds are generally hydrocarbon-based, including multiple urea groups and multiple hydrolysable silyl groups per molecule. The hydrolysable silyl groups can be hydrolyzed and subsequently condensed to provide a networked polymeric structure with siloxane/urea linkages between polyureasil compound precursors to form a cured polyureasil composition useful as a coating for a substrate, in particular an anti-corrosion coating for a metallic substrate.
US09879136B2

Poly(hexano-6-lactam) (also known as Nylon 6) compounds that are flame retardant using non-halogenated ingredients are disclosed. Polyphenylene ether acts as a synergist when used in specific amounts in combination with polyphosphonate to achieve a V-0 rating in a UL 94 test at thicknesses of about 3.18 mm.
US09879133B2

Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a foam. A variety of foams and foam components and compositions for forming the foams are provided. In some aspects, the foams and components including the foams can have exceptionally high energy return while also having improved durability and softness. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.
US09879126B2

The present invention provides a curable organopolysiloxane composition capable of producing a cured article that can be used as a transducer and provided with excellent mechanical characteristics and/or electrical characteristics. The present invention also relates to a novel curable organopolysiloxane composition for transducer use comprising a curable organopolysiloxane composition and a compound having a highly dielectric functional group.
US09879108B2

The composition includes (A) a pigment; and (B) a polymer having (b-1) a bulky amine moiety, (b-2) an acid group, and (b-3) a constituent unit derived from a macromonomer having a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 50000, in which the bulky amine moiety (b-1) has a nitrogen atom, carbon atoms X1 bonded with the nitrogen atom, and carbon atoms Y1 bonded with the carbon atoms X1, and a total carbon number of the carbon atoms X1 and the carbon atoms Y1 is 7 or more.
US09879099B2

A polyethylene composition made from or containing a polyethylene, having the following features: 1) a density from about 0.930 to about 0.945 g/cm3, determined according to ISO 1183 at 23° C.; 2) a ratio of MIF/MIP from about 30 to about 55; 3) a MIF from about 3 to about 25 g/10 min.; 4) a Mz equal to or greater than about 1,500,000 g/mol; and 5) a long-chain branching index, LCBI, equal to or lower than about 0.55, wherein the LCBI is the ratio of the measured mean-square radius of gyration Rg, measured by GPC-MALLS, to the mean-square radius of gyration for a linear PE having about the same molecular weight of 1,000,000 g/mol.
US09879088B2

The present invention concerns compositions and methods of use of bispecific antibodies comprising at least one binding site for Trop-2 (EGP-1) and at least one binding site for CD3. The bispecific antibodies are of use for inducing an immune response against a Trop-2 expressing tumor, such as carcinoma of the esophagus, pancreas, lung, stomach, colon, rectum, urinary bladder, breast, ovary, uterus, kidney or prostate. The methods may comprising administering the bispecific antibody alone, or with one or more therapeutic agents such as antibody-drug conjugates, interferons (preferably interferon-α), and/or checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. The bispecific antibody is capable of targeting effector T cells, NK cells, monocytes or neutrophils to induce leukocyte-mediated cytotoxicity of Trop-2+ cancer cells. The cytotoxic immune response is enhanced by co-administration of interferon, checkpoint inhibitor antibody and/or ADC.
US09879083B2

Monoclonal antibodies that bind and inhibit activation of human Notch3 are disclosed. The antibodies can be used to treat cell proliferative diseases and disorders, including certain forms of cancer, associated with activation of Notch3.
US09879078B2

A method of reducing a symptom of a clinical disorder characterized by aberrantly elevated circulating aP2 is carried out by administering to a subject an inhibitor of secreted aP2, secretion of aP2, or a serum aP2 blocking agent. For example, glucose intolerance is reduced following administration of such an inhibitor or agent. Exemplary compositions inhibit cellular secretion of aP2 or bind to circulating aP2, thereby reducing the level or activity of aP2 in blood or serum.
US09879075B2

The present invention mainly addresses the problem of providing an antibody against semaphorin 3A protein, said antibody enabling effective prevention and/or treatment of a disease, in which Sema 3A protein participates, such as a neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, cancer, infectious disease, etc. or disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. An anti-Sema 3A antibody comprising CDRs having specific amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NOS: 1-6, 60-62, 64-66, 68-70, 72-74, 76-78, 80-82, 84-86 and 88-90) enables effective prevention and/or treatment of a disease, in which Sema 3A protein participates, such as a neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, cancer, infectious disease, etc. or disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome and, therefore, remarkably ameliorates symptoms associated with such a disease.
US09879073B2

The present invention relates to the field of biochemistry and pharmaceutical technologies. The present invention provides nanobodies that bind to human pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) as well as the preparing methods and use of the same. The nanobody comprise an amino acid sequence having the formula of Q(x)2LVESGG(x)2V(x)2G(x)SL(x)LS(x)24E(x)n2 KG(x)4S(x)n3T(x)2Y(x)C(x)n4S(x)n5V(x)n6R; wherein x is amino acid; n2˜n6 are positive integers; 1≦n2≦21; 1≦n3≦19; 1≦n4≦50; 1≦n5≦22; 1≦n6≦8. The present invention take fresh frozen sections of lung as antigen, gene sequences with high affinity with hSP-A were obtained by constructing an SP-A antibody library and affinity selection, and nanobodies with high affinity and small molecular weight were obtained by induced expression of the gene sequences through a prokaryotic expression vector. Immunohistochemistry and in vivo imaging in nude mice showed the nanobodies have high specificity for targeting lung tissue.
US09879072B2

The present invention provides antibodies and immunologically functional fragments thereof that specifically bind DKK1 polypeptides. Methods for preparing such antibodies or fragments thereof as well as physiologically acceptable compositions containing the antibodies or fragments are also provided. Use of the antibodies and fragments to treat various diseases are also disclosed.
US09879070B2

Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof directed against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) surface determinant antigens and secreted toxins are disclosed. Methods of detecting, diagnosing and treating S. aureus using the antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof are also provided.
US09879068B2

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for anti-HIV (anti-CD4 binding site) broadly neutralizing antibodies having improved potency and breadth for neutralizing a range of HIV strains. Combinations of broadly neutralizing antibodies can also improve potency over a single antibody composition.
US09879065B2

The invention provides an isolated or purified T-cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for MHC Class II-restricted MAGE-A3. The invention further provides related polypeptides and proteins, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, and populations of cells. Further provided by the invention are antibodies, or an antigen binding portion thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the TCRs of the invention. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are further provided by the invention.
US09879058B2

The present invention is related to the use of compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that modulate astrocytic release of substances through connexin and pannexin hemichannels, for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof used in the present invention comprise any compound that differentially modulates, blocks, opens, inhibits, and/or activates connexin and/or pannexin hemichannels from astrocytes while not affecting gap junctions. The invention is also related to a method for treating psychiatric disorders, comprising administering to a mammal or human a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that modulates astrocytic release of substances through connexin and pannexin hemichannels. Pharmaceutical compositions and a screening method are also considered in the present invention. Examples are shown for connexin 43, connexin 30 and pannexin 1 hemichannel modulators shown not to affect gap junctions, in the form of both non peptide compounds and peptides which were tested in different models for psychiatric disorders, comprising PTSD, memory, anxiety and depression.
US09879057B2

Described are methods and products useful for identifying subjects with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). A number of protein antigens secreted into culture filtrate by MAP are identified and binding proteins selective for these antigens are demonstrated to be useful for detecting subjects with MAP infections including subjects with Johne's disease.
US09879053B2

This in invention relates to methods for the nucleic acid amplification of multiple variants (strains) of any pathogen present in a sample, and preferably in a sample from a pathogen infected individual. In preferred embodiments, the pathogen is a retrovirus, such as HIV. The amplified pathogen nucleic acid can be used to identify the pathogen variants present in a sample, to quantitate the pathogen present in a sample, and as a nucleic acid vaccine, or in the preparation of antigen presenting cell vaccines. Nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention or the proteins encoded thereby can be used to transfect/load antigen presenting cells. The loaded antigen presenting cells can then be used as a vaccine for the treatment of pathogen infection. In another embodiment, nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention can be used directly as nucleic acid vaccines without prior loading into antigen presenting cells.
US09879040B2

The current invention describes new metathesis catalysts, a method for their preparation and their use in metathesis reactions.
US09879032B2

The present invention relates to a compound or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof having excellent tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase inhibitory activity. The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group, or the like, R2 and R3 are the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group, or the like, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group, or the like, R6 represents a hydrogen atom or the like, each R7 may be the same or different and may each represent an optionally substituted C1-6 alkoxy group or the like, X represents —CH═, —C(—R7)═, or —N═, and m represents 1 to 4, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof.
US09879029B2

The present invention provides thieno[2,3-c]pyrrol-4-one compounds that inhibit activity of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and may be useful in the treatment of cancer.
US09879022B2

Compounds, tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds are disclosed, wherein the compounds have the structure of Formula Ia, as defined in the specification. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of synthesis, and intermediates are also disclosed.
US09879021B2

This invention relates to novel compounds which are inhibitors of the Rearranged during Transfection (RET) kinase, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation, and to their use in therapy, alone or in combination, for the normalization of gastrointestinal sensitivity, motility and/or secretion and/or abdominal disorders or diseases and/or treatment related to diseases related to RET dysfunction or where modulation of RET activity may have therapeutic benefit including but not limited to all classifications of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) including diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant or alternating stool pattern, functional bloating, functional constipation, functional diarrhea, unspecified functional bowel disorder, functional abdominal pain syndrome, chronic idiopathic constipation, functional esophageal disorders, functional gastroduodenal disorders, functional anorectal pain, inflammatory bowel disease, proliferative diseases such as non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, brain tumors, peritoneal cavity cancer, solid tumors, other lung cancer, head and neck cancer, gliomas, neuroblastomas, Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome and kidney tumors, breast cancer, fallopian tube cancer, ovarian cancer, transitional cell cancer, prostate cancer, cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction, biliary cancer, adenocarcinoma, and any malignancy with increased RET kinase activity.
US09879012B2

Click nucleic acid monomers and polymers containing such monomers are disclosed. The click nucleic acid monomers include an optionally protected thiol moiety, an optionally protected thiol-click acceptor moiety, and an optionally protected nucleobase (NB), which in some examples is an A, G, T, U, or C nucleobase. In some examples, the click nucleic acid monomer includes a N-vinyl thiol acetamide (VTA) backbone. In other examples the click nucleic acid monomer includes a N-vinyl thiol ethylamine (VTE) backbone. Methods of using such polymers, for example in place of naturally occurring nucleic acid polymer applications, such as DNA or RNA, and synthetic nucleic acid polymer applications, such as PNA or morpholino nucleic acids, are also disclosed.
US09879001B2

Compounds of formula (I) wherein X1, X2, W, R1 to R5, L and m have the meaning according to the claims, are glucosidase inhibitors, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
US09879000B2

The invention relates to aryl substituted heterocyclyl sulfones as voltage gated calcium channel blockers, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and also to these compounds for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of pain and further diseases and/or disorders.
US09878989B2

The present invention provides a compound having a cholinergic muscarinic M1 receptor positive allosteric modulator activity, which may be useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain, sleep disorder, Parkinson's disease dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and the like. The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein each symbol is as defined in the attached DESCRIPTION.
US09878988B2

Sodium channel blockers represented by the formula: are provided where the structural variables are defined herein. The invention also includes a variety of compositions, combinations and methods of treatment using these inventive sodium channel blockers.
US09878981B2

Provided is a production method of a synthetic intermediate for a heterocyclic compound having a renin inhibitory activity and useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for diabetic nephropathy, hypertension and the like. A production method of a compound represented by the formula (III-1a), the formula (III-1b), the formula (III-1c) and/or the formula (III-1d); wherein each symbol is as described in DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof, including reacting a compound represented by the formula (Ia) or (Ib): wherein each symbol is as described in DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof with a compound represented by the formula (II): wherein each symbol is as described in DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof, in the presence of an aluminum compound and a chiral amine compound.
US09878980B2

Compounds of Formula (Ia) wherein R is a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a C1-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or —NR′R′, Q is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2(CH2)p Y is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2(CH2)p Z is H or C1-C4 alkyl, R′ is H, C(O), S(O)2, C(O)2, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl or a C1-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, when substituted, aryl, heteroaryl and alkyl are substituted with halogen, C6-C12 heteroaryl, —NR′R′ or COOZ, which have diagnostic and therapeutic properties, such as the treatment and management of prostate cancer and other diseases related to NAALADase inhibition, Radiolabels can be incorporated into the structure through a variety of prosthetic groups attached at the X amino acid side chain via a carbon or hetero atom linkage.
US09878974B2

Provided are an ester of isotridecanoic acid and pentaerythritol, etc., wherein (i) the kinematic viscosity at 40° C. is in the range of 80-140 mm2/sec. and (ii) the number of terminal methyl groups per molecule of isotridecanoic acid in the isotridecanoic acid obtained by 1H-NMR measurement is in the range of 2.6-3.4 on average.
US09878970B1

The present invention relates to a novel a process for the preparation of 9-dichloromethylene-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-methano-naphthalen-5-ylamine which process comprises a) reacting cyclopentadiene in the presence of a radical initiator and CXCl3, wherein X is chloro or bromo, to a compound of formula I1, or aa) reacting cyclopentadiene with CXCl3, wherein X is chloro, in the presence of a metal catalyst to a compound of formula I1, wherein X is chloro, b) reacting the compound of formula I1 with a base in the presence of an appropriate solvent to the compound of formula III, c) and converting the compound of formula III in the presence of 1,2-dehydro-6-nitrobenzene to the compound of formula IV, and d) hydrogenating the compound of formula IV in the presence of a metal catalyst.
US09878969B2

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, comprising: (a) a compound having the formula CF3-xClxCHClCHF2-yCly and in the presence of a compound catalyst, undergoes, through n serially-connected reactors, gas-phase fluorination with hydrogen fluoride, producing 1,2,3-trichloro-1,1,3-trifluoropropane, and 1,2-dichloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane; in said formula, x=1, 2 or 3; y=1 or 2, and 3≦x+y≦5; (b) 1,2,3-trichloro-1,1,3-trifluoropropane, and 1,2-dichloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane undergo, in the presence of a dehalogenation catalyst, gas-phase dehalogenation with hydrogen, producing 3-chloro-1,3,3-trifluoropropene, and 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene; (c) 3-chloro-1,3,3-trifluoropropene and 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene undergo, in the presence of a fluorination catalyst, gas-phase fluorination with hydrogen fluoride, producing 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. The present invention is primarily used to produce 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
US09878967B2

The present invention relates to a method of converting levulinic acid or a derivative thereof to hydrocarbons and hydrogen by providing a source of levulinic acid or a derivative thereof and converting the levulinic acid or a derivative thereof in the source to hydrocarbons and hydrogen, where converting is carried out in a single reactor. The present invention also relates to methods for producing hydrocarbons and hydrogen.
US09878963B2

The invention relates to process for the preparation of an olefinic product comprising ethylene and/or propylene from an oxygenate, the process comprising the following steps: a) an oxygenate conversion step wherein a gaseous effluent comprising olefins and a water-soluble oxygenate is obtained; b) separation of water from the effluent; c) compression of the effluent; d) acid gas removal from the compressed gaseous effluent obtained in step c), wherein the compressed gaseous effluent is treated with a caustic solution in a caustic tower; and e) separating the olefinic product from the gaseous effluent treated in step d), wherein, in a final stage in the caustic tower, water-depleted compressed gaseous effluent is treated with a water stream that is essentially free of water-soluble oxygenate and a spent water stream comprising caustic and water-soluble oxygenate is obtained, which spent water stream is withdrawn from the process.
US09878961B2

A nickel-M-alumina hybrid xerogel catalyst for preparing methane, wherein the metal M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Ce, La, Mo, Cs, Y, and Mg, a method for preparing the catalyst and a method for preparing methane using the catalyst are provided. The catalyst has strong resistance against a high-temperature sintering reaction and deposition of carbon species, and can effectively improve a conversion ratio of carbon monoxide and selectivity to methane.
US09878958B2

Disclosed herein are methods for controlling and/or predicting the shrinkage and/or growth of a ceramic honeycomb structure between a green body state and a fired state by adjusting the hydrated alumina content of the batch composition. Also disclosed herein is substantially clay-free cordierite honeycombs produced in accordance with such methods.
US09878954B2

Vacuum insulated glass units having layered pillars. The glass units include two glass panes and an edge seal between the glass panes with a substantial vacuum gap between them. A plurality of pillars are located between the glass panes as spacers to maintain the vacuum gap. The pillars have a sintered ceramic, alpha alumina, or zirconia body with a tapered sidewall and a functional layer on a surface of the body.
US09878951B2

The invention provides novel articles of composite materials having hollow interior channels or passageways, or otherwise being hollowed out, and formulations and methods for their manufacture and uses. These hollow core objects are suitable for a variety of applications in construction, pavements and landscaping, and infrastructure.
US09878948B2

The present invention relates to a blend of reinforcement fibers for use in a variety of applications. In particular, the blend of reinforcement fibers can be used in cementitious compositions, such as Portland cement concrete and asphalt cement concrete compositions to reduce or preclude voids and/or cracks formed in the cement concrete upon placement. The blend of reinforcement fibers includes a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of different second fibers. The first and second fibers can be different based on coarseness/fineness, melting temperature, denier and specific chemical or material composition. In certain embodiments, one of the plurality of first fibers and the plurality of different second fibers has a melting temperature that is lower than the temperature of an asphalt cement concrete composition such that the plurality of first or different second fibers serves as a carrier/buffer to improve distribution and dispersion of the fibers in the Portland or asphalt cement concrete composition.
US09878940B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to crystallizable glasses and glass-ceramics that exhibit a black color and are opaque. In one or more embodiments, the crystallizable glasses and glass-ceramics include a precursor glass composition that exhibits a liquidus viscosity of greater than about 20 kPa*s. The glass-ceramics exhibit less than about 20 wt % of one or more crystalline phases, which can include a plurality of crystallites in the Fe2O3—TiO2—MgO system and an area fraction of less than about 15%. Exemplary compositions used in the crystallizable glasses and glass-ceramics include, in mol %, SiO2 in the range from about 50 to about 76, Al2O3 in the range from about 4 to about 25, P2O5+B2O3 in the range from about 0 to about 14, R2O in the range from about 2 to about 20, one or more nucleating agents in the range from about 0 to about 5, and RO in the range from about 0 to about 20.
US09878928B1

Chemical pretreatments are used to produce usable water by treating a water source with a chemical pretreatment that contains a hexavalent chromium and an acid to generate a treated water source, wherein the concentration of sulfate compounds in the acid is negligible, and wherein the treated water source remains substantially free of precipitates after the addition of the chemical pretreatment. Other methods include reducing the pH in urine to be distilled for potable water extraction by pretreating the urine before distillation with a pretreatment solution comprising one or more acid sources selected from a group consisting of phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid, wherein the urine remains substantially precipitate free after the addition of the pretreatment solution. Another method described comprises a process for reducing precipitation in urine to be processed for water extraction by mixing the urine with a pretreatment solution comprising hexavalent chromium compound and phosphoric acid.
US09878925B2

Described herein is a filtration medium comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a thermolysis product of (i) a carbon substrate having a surface of COxEy, wherein E is selected from at least one of S, Se, and Te; and wherein x and y are greater than 0; and (ii) a metal salt; and methods of removing chloramine from aqueous solutions.
US09878922B1

Overburden from surface coal mining in many regions can produce a rain runoff laden with selenium, in the selenate form. This occurs from rainwater leaching through exposed selenium-containing rocks in the overburden. The selenium-containing runoff water is caught in ponds. Remediation of the pond water to remove selenate is performed by treatment with sulfur-modified iron (SMI) in a contact bed of an upflow reactor vessel. The pond water after pretreatment is pumped through the SMI reactor, and can then be run through an oxidation tank and filtered to remove iron. For extending effectiveness and life of the SMI the contact bed is either periodically “fluffed” with a high-velocity upflow of water through the bed, or moved continuously through the column in a continuous medium filtration system. A biocide can be added to runoff water prior to the contact bed.
US09878909B2

The present invention relates to a composition for generating oxygen, comprising at least one oxygen source selected from chlorates and perchlorates, to an oxygen generator comprising such a composition, and a method for generating oxygen by decomposing such a composition. The present invention further relates to the use of transition metal ortho-phosphate compounds ortho-vanadate compounds and mixed ortho-phosphate-vanadate compounds as multifunctional components in the oxygen generating compositions.
US09878908B2

A liquid fuel reformer (400) includes a fuel vaporizer (415) which utilizes heat from an upstream source of heat, specifically, an electric heater (406), operable in the start-up mode of the reformer (400), and therefore independent of the reforming reaction zone of the reformer, to vaporize fuel in a downstream vaporization zone.
US09878905B2

A negative electrode includes nanotubes including a metal/metalloid, disposed on a conductive substrate, and having opened ends. A lithium battery includes the negative electrode.
US09878896B2

A meter for measuring the flow rate of fuel in a fuel dispenser comprises a housing with an axial bore extending therethrough and defining an inlet and an outlet. A flow indicating mechanism comprising one or more rotatable components are mounted in the axial bore of the housing and configured to rotate as fuel flows from the inlet to the outlet, wherein each rotation indicates fuel flow. A pulse generating device senses rotation of the rotatable components and generates an output signal indicative of the fuel flow. Finally, a vapor generating device is configured to generate vapor bubbles that flow through the flow indicating mechanism.
US09878888B2

The present invention concerns a weighing device applicable in a removable manner to the fork of a fork lift or of a lifter and including an external strip to support the load to weigh; a magnetic element arranged to allow applying magnetically the external strip to the fork; and a weighing device arranged below the external strip in such a way as to detect the weight of a load overlying the external strip. The weighing device is further configured to communicate in wireless modality with an external device for the reading of the datum of the detected weight.
US09878882B2

The present invention provides a large-tonnage slender externally powered rail-mounted unloading skip, comprising an upper bin body and a lower bin body that are respectively formed by an inner lining plate and an outer plate fixed together via a number of pin shafts, a self-locking gate, and a gate opening device. A loading opening and a coal baffle plate that is used to block coal when the coal is loaded are arranged on the upper part of the upper bin body, a self-locking gate composed of a sector gate plate and unloading rollers is arranged on the lower bin body, a coal chute is arranged on the lower part of the self-locking gate, the upper bin body and the lower bin body are connected together through flanged connection, and channel irons are welded around the walls of the upper bin body and lower bin body respectively; when the skip is at an unloading position, externally powered telescopic push rods push the unloading rollers to move in an unloading rail of the slide block, so that the self-locking gate is opened, and the coal is unloaded along a coal chute. With the reliable connection between the upper bin body and the lower bin body, effective and convenient fixing of the lining plate, and reliable opening of the gate, the skip can meet the production requirements of 10-million tonnage large-size shafts.
US09878871B2

A folding device is provided for folding a sheet comprises a jaw cylinder, a folding cylinder, a paper guide, and an actuator. The jaw cylinder has a jaw, and the folding cylinder has a hold down element and a folding blade. The folding blade is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The folding blade is in the extended positron to transfer one or more sheets to the jaw cylinder during a fold off operation, and the folding blade is in the retracted position during a collect operation. The paper guide is positioned between the folding cylinder and the jaw cylinder. The paper guide includes a static guide element and a reciprocating guide element connected to the static guide element, the reciprocating guide element movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuator is connected to the reciprocating guide element; the actuator configured and arranged to place the reciprocating guide element into the extended position during the collect operation and into the retracted position during the fold-off operation.
US09878870B2

According to an example, to eject print media from an image forming apparatus, a variable page feed velocity of a first page of print media exiting a feed zone is detected. An acceleration value and a deceleration value based on the variable page feed velocity of the first page is calculated. The calculated acceleration is applied to a media movement component in the output zone when the entire first page has cleared a media sensor in the front of the output zone, and the deceleration is applied when the tail end of the first page is in a brake zone. In some examples, a second page of print media and a variable page feed velocity of the second page exiting the feed zone is detected, and the media movement component in the output zone is accelerated to match the variable page feed velocity of the second page.
US09878866B2

A recording device includes a recording unit that performs recording on a recording medium with the recording medium being stored in a rolled state and unrolled from one end. The recording device includes a pair of abutting rollers, a support roller and a movable mechanism. The abutting rollers face each other, and convey the recording medium while the recording medium is nipped between the abutting rollers. The support roller is arranged on a downstream side of the abutting rollers in a conveyance path of the recording medium. The support roller abuts the recording medium to support the recording medium. The movable mechanism changes a position of at least one of the abutting rollers to switch between an abutting state in which the other of the abutting rollers abuts the recording medium and a released state in which the other of the abutting rollers does not abut the recording medium.
US09878865B2

A method for securing a web end of a paper web on a first drum during a change of drum, the method includes passing the web end through a nip between a Pope roller and the second drum and applying adhesive to an area of the web end on a downward-rotating area of the Pope roller after the web end is passed through the nip.
US09878863B2

Provided are a device and method for controlling a paper interval in a paper feeder of an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus including the device. The device includes: a leading edge sensor configured to detect a leading edge of a sheet of paper when the sheet of paper is picked up and fed as a printing medium; a feed unit configured to accelerate the sheet of paper; and a control unit. If the sheet of paper arrives late at a paper sensing position of the leading edge sensor, the control unit measures a travel time during which the sheet of paper is fed to the paper sensing position, and according to the measured travel time, the control unit varies a time point at which the sheet of paper starts to be accelerated.
US09878857B2

The objective is to develop a conveying device and a conveyer device having high conveying efficiency and high reliability when an article is transferred to a conveyer line with different height. Branching units (8) of a lower-level side conveyer line (5) and an upper-level side conveyer line (6) are connected to an inclined connection conveyer line (10). The branching unit (8) has a sub conveying passage (53) for conveying an article (60) in the same direction as a conveying direction of the connection conveyer line (10). The sub conveying passage (53) has a lifting and lowering motor-incorporating roller (43) and cams (46a, 46b). When the lifting and lowering motor-incorporating roller (43) is driven, the cams (46a, 46b) rotate, and the sub conveying passage (53) is connected to the connection conveyer line (10) in an inclined attitude. As a result, the article (60) can move between the lower-level side conveyer line (5) and the upper-level side conveyer line (6) via the connection conveyer line (10).
US09878853B2

Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label. The preferred positioner orients the pre-filled container to receive the label from the printer such that information provided with the container is available for use.
US09878841B2

Disclosed is an insulated beverage dispenser having a generally cube-shaped insulated body with an interior chamber, an open top, and an outlet adjacent a bottom of the interior chamber. It includes a removable closure member for the outlet and an insulated top hingedly connected to the body to close the open top. A guideway is located on a front outer surface of the body generally adjacent the open top and is sized and positioned to receive a securement strap extended across the body without interference with opening the top. The closure member can be a liquid dispensing valve and/or a plug. An interior surface of the lid may include a recess for receiving a spare closure member for the outlet.
US09878840B2

Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.
US09878838B2

The present invention relates to a packaging system to enclose, protect, store and transport insulation materials, with the possibility to pack with no to low or high compression, to provide ventilation when packaged and to enable indoors or outdoors storage, exhibiting easy and economic as well as ecologic application, storage and transport as well as easy opening, the manufacture of such packaging and the use of such packaging.
US09878834B2

Embodiments provide an apparatus and method for dispensing a fluid, the apparatus including a container capable of retaining the fluid and having a top, bottom, front surface, and rear surface; a dip tube integrally formed with the rear surface of the container, the dip tube having a first end extending toward the top and a second end extending toward bottom; and a spout member mounted to the top of the container, the spout member including a pour spout adjacent the front surface for dispensing the retained fluid and an air vent adjacent the rear surface with a supply line in connection with the first end of the dip tube for directing air into the container.
US09878823B2

A display package for a consumer product includes a base, a surround window positioned upon the base, and a top cover positioned upon the surround window. Each of the front, back, and two opposed side walls include a respective edge defining an upper perimeter of each of the walls and each of the front, back, and two opposed side walls include a respective edge defining a lower perimeter of each of the walls, wherein these upper and lower edges are constructed such that when the surround window is positioned upon the base and the top cover is positioned upon the surround window the front exposed surface area is greater than the back exposed surface area and wherein when the surround window is removed from between the base and top cover, the edges of the top cover are constructed to mate in a close fitting relationship with the edges of the base.
US09878822B2

A replaceable fluid container for a vehicle, the container comprising: a housing comprising a fluid reservoir; an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluid from the reservoir to the vehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir for receiving fluid from the engine to the reservoir; and a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the reservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing and are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.
US09878819B2

A reusable container and a method of using same to transport fragile, yet heavy loads, is provided. The reusable container, preferably made primarily from wood, includes a base member, at least one vertical member having one or more vertical support members capable of being received in one or more interlock pockets in the base member, a top or lid and a cargo support member. These components interact in such a way as to provide for ease of assembly and disassembly by a single person, and to provide a container having great strength when assembled. More specifically, the at least one vertical member interlocks with the base member and adjacent vertical members, thus minimizing the need for supplemental fasteners.
US09878818B2

A tamper resistant box includes: a front panel; a side panel attached to the front panel at a first fold line; a back panel attached to the side panel at a second fold line; a side top flap attached to the side panel at a third fold line; and a front top flap attached to the front panel at a fourth fold line. In some examples, the side top flap can define a tapered slot extending towards the third fold line from an edge of the side top flap at a location distal from the third fold line, and a widest portion of the tapered slot can define a tapered slot width. In further examples, the front top flap can define a top slot having a top slot width that is less than the tapered slot width.
US09878815B2

A unit for the application of opening devices on respective sealed first packages of food products, comprising: at least one first gripping device configured to receive, in use, a relative opening device and movable along a first path; the first path comprising a first stretch in which the opening device is applied onto the package; a first track; a first transfer element, which is operatively connected to the first gripping device; and at least one second transfer element; the first transfer element is movable along the first track and is movable relative to and independently of second transfer element.
US09878811B2

A refillable bottle for dispensing a fluid product, comprising a container formed in a body. The bottle comprises a dispensing device and a valve for filling the container arranged to allow a product source to be brought into communication with the container to fill the container. The valve comprises a conduit for communication between the source and the container, and having a seat equipped with a flap valve movable relative to the seat between a sealed closed position and an open position of the conduit when the bottle is in an upside-down position. The valve has an upper cylindrical coupling in which the flap valve is movably mounted by forming, inside the cylindrical coupling, a downstream portion of the conduit which discharges into the container by means of a passage. The upper cylindrical coupling is cylindrical in revolution and has a notch arranged so that the passage is asymmetrical.
US09878807B2

A thrust nozzle system is provided for a satellite designed to be stabilized in autorotation over a geostationary orbit, the satellite comprising three reference axes X, Y and Z, the Y axis representing the North/South axis and the Z axis corresponding to an Earth pointing direction. The thrust nozzle system comprises a first set of thrust nozzles configured for maintaining the satellite in station, the first set comprising an even number of thrust nozzles using electrical propulsion, with a pre-adjusted orientation, the even number being equal to at least 4, the thrust nozzles being oriented along three spatial components, and having, taken in pairs, different signs of X and Y components.
US09878792B2

A stowage carousel for handling cargo aboard an aircraft is provided including a revolving conveyor having an inner ring facing a passenger cabin of the aircraft and an outer ring facing a fuselage of the aircraft. Stowage compartments are associated with the revolving conveyor. The stowage compartments are configured to receive the cargo. The stowage compartments are rotatable within the aircraft with the revolving conveyor. The revolving conveyor is situated within the aircraft partially in the passenger cabin and partially in at least one of an upper crown and a lower lobe of the aircraft.
US09878782B2

A rotor assembly for a rotary-wing aircraft, the rotor having a central hub assembly with a flexure-type, twist-shank yoke with multiple arms, each arm being adapted for a rotor blade to be mounted thereto. The arms provide for pitch changes of blades attached to the yoke through twisting of portions of the arms about a corresponding pitch axis. An inboard pitch bearing associated with each arm is attached to the hub assembly and allows for rotation of the attached blade about the pitch axis, the inboard pitch bearing also allowing for out-of-plane motion of the arm relative to the hub assembly about a flapping axis. An outboard pitch bearing associated with each arm is attached to the associated arm a selected distance from the inboard pitch bearing and allows for rotation of the attached blade about the pitch axis.
US09878780B2

An aircraft landing gear assembly includes a bi-stable, split line tube biased to assume a tubular condition to serve in place of a lock link or side stay and an actuator configured to radially enlarge the tube at a region for folding.
US09878777B2

An apparatus is provided for dynamically controlling airflow behind a carrier aircraft to redirect air flow during an in-flight recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The apparatus comprises a frame attached to an end portion of an arm member extending from the carrier aircraft. The apparatus comprises a plurality of vanes disposed within the frame. Each vane is controllable between an opened position and a closed position to dynamically modify the airflow behind the carrier aircraft during the in-flight recovery of the UAV. Alternatively, or in addition to, the apparatus comprises a plurality of compressed air jets disposed on the frame, wherein each jet is controllable to provide active airflow to dynamically modify the airflow behind the carrier aircraft during the in-flight recovery of the UAV.
US09878771B2

An incombustible, non-telegraphing substrate for facing with a decorative aviation veneer is provided. The incombustible, non-telegraphing substrate comprises a backing layer comprising a polymer resin-impregnated paper and a fire-retardant chemical included in the backing layer and rendering the backing layer incombustible. An aviation panel and a method for installing the incombustible, non-telegraphing substrate in the aviation panel assembly are also provided.
US09878765B2

A water window apparatus including a main water window element, and a plurality of retaining flanges, along with interlocking teeth that fixedly communicate with one another to fixedly retain the main water window there between. The main water window is hollow, as well as monolithic and hermetically sealed to maintain its integral buoyancy, and further has a top that includes a magnifying element that imparts magnification when viewed therethrough.
US09878763B2

A floating, offshore vessel having surface-piercing columns (e.g., a semi-submersible or a tension leg platform) has means for storage of liquid hydrocarbon liquids inside one or more columns. Hydrocarbon liquids may be stored in only two of the four columns typically found on a semi-submersible, thereby providing a safe-zone where the living quarters are located. A column houses at least one hydrocarbon storage (cargo) tank and at least one variable ballast tank, where the weight capacity of the hydrocarbon cargo tank(s) is approximately equal to the weight capacity of the variable ballast tank(s). The hydrocarbon cargo tank(s) and the variable ballast tank(s) are positioned in such an orientation that the horizontal center of gravity of the cargo tank(s) is (nearly) identical to the horizontal center of gravity of the variable ballast tank(s). Both the hydrocarbon cargo tank and the variable ballast tank may be directly accessible from top-of-column.
US09878762B2

A system for launching and recovering an underwater vehicle (18), which system comprises a crane (16) and a storage location for at least one underwater vehicle (18), wherein the crane (16) is attached to the bottom of a first container (12) and the storage location is provided in a second container (14), said first container (12) being arranged on the second container (14) during an operation of launching or an operation of recovering.
US09878745B2

A method and apparatus for shielding critical faster-moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds reduces vehicle propulsive counterforces needed to countervail mechanically magnified upper wheel drag forces combined with drag forces on the apparatus itself. The apparatus includes various upper wheel fairings of FIGS. 1-6. Each fairing shields a critical primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surface from headwinds otherwise impinging thereon.
US09878741B2

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement on a steering column (2) of a motor vehicle and consists of at least two sensors (10, 11, 20, 21) for redundant capture of the torque applied to the steering column (2) and/or for capture of the rotation angle of the steering column (2). The sensors (10, 11, 20, 21) of the sensor arrangement (9) are connected to a power supply (VDD, GND) via electrical lines (30, 31, 32, 33), each of the sensors (10, 11, 20, 21) transmitting data to a controller (8) via a signal line (16, 17, 26, 27). In order to reduce the number of connecting cables to the controller (8), provision is made for the signal lines (16, 17, 26, 27) from two sensors (10, 11, 20, 21) to be connected to the controller (8) via a common data line (34, 35, 36). Each sensor (10, 11, 20, 21) can be individually actuated by the controller (8) via the data line (34, 35, 36) and the signal line (16, 17, 26, 27) such that a signal (53) from the controller (8) prompts the addressed sensor (10, 11, 20, 21) to output its data to the controller (8) via the signal line (16, 17, 26, 27) and the data line (34, 35, 36).
US09878722B2

A monitoring device includes an estimation unit, a detection unit, and a correction unit. The estimation unit estimates a degree of degradation of a moving object based on at least an amount of movement of the moving object. The detection unit detects an environment state of the moving object at a time when the moving object is moved, as operation parameter values including an amount of an operation at a time when an operation unit is operated and an operation time. The correction unit corrects the degree of degradation, which is estimated by the estimation unit, based on the operation parameter values detected by the detection unit.
US09878715B2

An in-vehicle system includes a vehicle position detection unit and a vehicle position calculation unit that detect a vehicle position, a road condition prediction unit that predicts a road condition at a position in front of the detected vehicle position, an automatic driving continuation determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle automatic driving can be continued at the position in front of the vehicle based on the road condition predicted by the road condition prediction unit, and an automatic driving cancellation warning unit that warns of cancellation of the vehicle automatic driving when the automatic driving continuation determination unit determines that it is difficult to continue the vehicle automatic driving.
US09878713B2

A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an engine of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which the engine is restarted while the vehicle is in motion by bump starting it if the speed of the vehicle falls within predetermined speed limits but is otherwise restarted using a starter motor. The number of starts for which the starter motor is used is thereby reduced advantageously reducing wear of the starter motor and increasing the life and/or reducing the duty cycle of the battery or source of power used for the starter motor.
US09878695B2

A pneumatic brake booster for a motor vehicle having a booster housing, the interior space of which is divided by at least one axially movable wall loadable with a pneumatic differential pressure into at least one working chamber and at least one vacuum chamber. The movable wall includes a diaphragm plate and a rolling diaphragm which is arranged sealingly between the booster housing and the control housing, having a control valve which controls the differential pressure, is arranged in the control housing, and which controls a connection of the working chamber to the vacuum chamber or atmosphere, having at least one extraction duct which is integrated into the control housing for connection of the vacuum chamber to the working chamber, wherein the extraction duct can be blocked by the control valve. A device is also provided between the vacuum chamber and working chamber to improve the noise behavior.
US09878690B2

A method and apparatus 10 for interacting remotely with a vehicle 12 comprising data transfer means 22 for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device 18 operable by a user and a vehicle databus 24 located within the vehicle 12. Optionally, the data transfer means 22 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device 18 via a web server 14, a web portal or other internet-connected host system. The data transfer means 22 may be arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network 13. After the vehicle engine has stopped, communication of messages may continue on an intermittent basis, or may be suspended after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. High priority messages may be communicated at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.
US09878685B2

An airbag apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: an airbag which is inflated when gas flows into the airbag, and has a left opening hole formed in a left surface, and a right opening hole formed in a right surface; and a cylinder which is disposed in the airbag while connecting the left opening hole and the right opening hole, and has a vent hole through which the gas flowing into the airbag is discharged.
US09878679B2

A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera module having a camera and a circuit board. With the camera module disposed at the windshield, the camera has a field of view forward of the vehicle and through the vehicle windshield. The camera includes (i) an imager and (ii) a lens. The camera is electrically connected to circuitry established at the circuit board via a flexible electrical connection. The circuitry, via the flexible electrical connection, provides power to the camera and receives image data from the camera, and may control the camera. With the camera module disposed at the windshield, the circuit board is angled relative to a principal axis of the field of view of the camera.
US09878673B2

The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to an unobtrusive and easily deployed cargo restraint device capable of restraining items placed onto a vehicle seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cargo restraint device that is configured to keep said cargo from slipping or falling off a vehicle's seat while maintaining accessibility to said cargo, and allowing for the full use of the vehicle seat for passengers without the need to remove the cargo restraint device.
US09878669B2

A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic reflective element with first and second conductive pads established at a fourth surface of the reflective element and in electrical connection to respective electrically conductive coatings of the reflective element. A back plate has first and second spring-loaded connectors disposed in passageways established through the back plate. A circuit element includes first and second conductive traces in electrical connection with the electro-optic control circuitry. With the circuit element attached at the back plate, (i) the first spring-loaded connector contacts and is biased into engagement with the first conductive pad and the first conductive trace to electrically connect the first conductive trace to the first conductive pad and (ii) the second spring-loaded connector contacts and is biased into engagement with the second conductive pad and the second conductive trace to electrically connect the second conductive trace to the second conductive pad.
US09878663B1

The system gathers a current set of biometric data for a driver of a vehicle from an Internet of Things (IoT) device during a driving phase. The system gathers a set of external factor data from a cloud resource during the driving phase. The system adjusts a threshold value for a first threshold between a normal biometric condition and a first abnormal biometric condition for the driver for a first biometric parameter according to the set of external factor data. The system determines whether the gathered biometric data of the driver is consistent with the normal biometric condition or the first abnormal biometric condition according to the adjusted first threshold value. If the gathered biometric data is consistent with the first abnormal biometric condition, the system performs a selected one of a set of actions to alleviate the first abnormal biometric condition.
US09878660B1

A system and method are disclosed for preventing a restricted individual from operating a motor vehicle. The system monitors a speed of the individual via a smart device associated with the individual. The system activates a monitoring function based on a detected speed of the device, which may evidence the individual riding in a motor vehicle. The system them verifies that the user of the device is the restricted individual through a variety of different identification methods. Once identified, the system accesses various data sources associated with one or more ride applications running on the smart device in order to determine whether the restricted individual has requested a ride from a third party during a relevant time period. After analyzing the data, a determination is made as to whether the individual is driving, or whether more information is needed.
US09878659B2

A vehicle state indication system includes a detection system and a light indicator. The detection system is configured to sense an external moving object. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and being disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle in a direction of the external moving object detected.
US09878640B2

A vehicle seat includes a link mechanism for liftably connecting a seat cushion to a support base directly or indirectly mounted to a vehicle body. The seat cushion is composed of a seating frame with side frames arranged at both right and left ends. The link mechanism includes link members connecting the support base and side frames, and a link connecting member connecting the link members together. Flange portions are formed at both end portions of the extending direction of the link connecting member. End surfaces of the extending direction of the flange portions and facing surfaces of the link members facing the end surfaces are abutted, and the end surfaces and the facing surfaces are joined by welding.
US09878637B2

A method of docking an electric vehicle at a charging station may include identifying the vehicle as it approaches the charging station and transmitting a distance parameter from the charging station to the vehicle. The distance parameter may be a measure of distance. The method may also include determining a desired speed of the vehicle based on the distance parameter using an algorithm in the vehicle, and controlling the vehicle to attain the determined desired speed.
US09878633B2

A battery monitoring apparatus that monitors a state of a battery for driving an electric motor includes: a voltage measuring unit configured to measure an analog voltage of each of battery cells; an A/D converter configured to convert the measured analog voltage of each of the battery cells to a digital voltage; a filter configured to perform filtering on the digital voltage converted by the A/D converter; and a control unit configured to receive a cell voltage from the A/D converter or from the filter depending on a change in battery cell voltage and/or a battery use time. The battery monitoring apparatus has advantages in that measurement precision can be increased while data rate is maintained by employing a hybrid filter which is a combination of an average filter and an IIR filter, so that the measurement precision can be increased with minimum additional cost.
US09878632B2

A control system for controlling the supply of power from an energy storage system to a DC bus of a vehicle propulsion system is disclosed herein. The control system includes a controller programmed to monitor real-time operating parameters of a plurality of energy storage units of the energy storage system, access degradation models for the plurality of energy storage units, and optimize usage of the plurality of energy storage units during real-time operation of the vehicle propulsion system based on the degradation models.
US09878631B2

A system and method for management of an energy storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The energy storage system may comprise a battery system for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle. Vehicles may be in a group of fleet. The management system may be configured to use data and information available from data sources over a network or by instrumentation/sensors for vehicle systems. Data and information could be used in a system to manage the configuration and operation of the energy storage system and components, manage/control inventory and use/life-cycle of components, and/or aggregated/analyzed in analytics function for systems and components. Predictive control of the battery system may be implemented through a management system using data sources external to the vehicle. Inventive concepts and features of the systems and methods are indicated in the specification and FIGURES.
US09878625B2

A vehicle includes a high voltage battery, a charger and an ECU. When electric power from an external power supply is equal to or less than first predetermined electric power and first power feeding control to feed electric power to a low voltage system power line is performed, the ECU is configured to control the charger to: continue the drive of the charger when a first predetermined time has not elapsed from a start of the first power feeding control or when charged electric power of the high voltage battery is greater than second predetermined electric power that is smaller than the first predetermined electric power after the first predetermined time has elapsed; and stop the drive of the charger when the charged electric power of the high voltage battery is equal to or less than the second predetermined electric power after the first predetermined time has elapsed.
US09878623B2

A battery charging control system for a vehicle includes: a high voltage battery supplying power to a driver of the vehicle; an auxiliary battery supplying power to an electric load of the vehicle; a first voltage converter connecting between the high voltage battery and the auxiliary battery; a second voltage converter connecting between the high voltage battery and the electric load; a switch having one side connected to a circuit line between the first voltage converter and the auxiliary battery and the other side connected to a circuit line between the second voltage converter and the electric load; and a controller controlling a turn on/off of the first voltage converter and the second voltage converter and a turn on/off of the switch depending on whether the first voltage converter and the second voltage converter is broken and the auxiliary battery needs to be charged.
US09878613B2

A structure for opening and closing a fuel door may include the main body e rotatably coupled to the vehicle body, and having a binding portion formed on a surface of the main body, a housing formed in a pipe shape and mounted on the vehicle body, and having a plurality of openings at a side of the housing, a pop-up rod having a fastening portion formed at an upper end of the pop-up rod and engaged with the binding portion, a first spring mounted to allow the pop-up rod to move upward toward the main body, and a locking rod which has a first end inserted into a fixing groove formed at a side of the pop-up rod when the locking rod moves forward, to restrict a sliding movement of the pop-up rod, in which the locking rod may be formed in a dual fork shape.
US09878609B2

Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle comprising, during a first condition comprising when an active grille shutter (AGS) position change over a second interval is less than a threshold position change: stalling an AGS motor for a first interval; calculating a fuel economy change over the first interval; and determining a degradation of an AGS sensor based on the fuel economy change being greater than a threshold fuel economy change over the first interval. In this way, various degradation modes of the AGS including faulty AGS position sensors and a mechanical AGS degradation can be differentiated. Furthermore, in the event of an AGS position sensor degradation, the AGS position can be inferred so that operation of the AGS and the fuel consumption reduction advantages conferred therefrom can be preserved.
US09878606B2

A planetary gear mechanism has a sun gear disposed to a rotating shaft, a plurality of pinion gears, a carrier supporting the plurality of the pinion gears, a ring gear meshing with the pinion gear on the outer diameter side of the carrier and a case holding the ring gear on the outer diameter side thereof. The ring gear is slidable in the axial direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the case. The planetary gear mechanism has a load transmission member abutting to an inner diameter side end portion of the ring gear and holding the carrier and the ring gear so as to be relatively rotatable. The load transmission member transmits an axial load from the ring gear to the carrier.
US09878602B1

An extended-range sun visor assembly for a vehicle includes an arcuate track adapted for mounting to a vehicle roof panel whereby a first track segment extends vehicle-rearwardly and a second track segment extends vehicle-inwardly. A sun visor panel is slidably mounted to the arcuate track. The assembly may further include a bezel adapted to attach to and overlay the arcuate track. The bezel may include an integrated grab handle, and is configured to capture a portion of a vehicle headliner between the arcuate track and the bezel. The first track segment is dimensioned to allow the sun visor panel to translate vehicle-rearwardly to block glare entering a vehicle side window portion adjacent a vehicle B-pillar trim element, and the second track segment is dimensioned to allow the sun visor panel to translate vehicle-inwardly to block glare entering a vehicle windshield central portion.
US09878600B2

A vehicle hood shield for use in protecting a vehicle hood from damage while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle hood shield can be attached through the use of different adhesive taping configurations. Further, in some embodiments an attachment clip can be used to retain the vehicle hood shield to the vehicle hood.
US09878592B2

A method for defogging of a vehicle includes: determining whether the defogging of the vehicle is necessary based on at least any one of an outdoor temperature, an operation state of a cooler of an air conditioner, and an operation state of a blower of the air conditioner; defogging to control an air direction mode to add or increase an air volume supplied to a window if it is determined that the defogging of the vehicle is necessary. The air direction mode is maintained in a current state if it is determined that the defogging of the vehicle is not necessary.
US09878587B1

A robotic body includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first wheel, and the second section includes a second wheel. A coupling assembly couples the first section and the second section. The coupled first section and second section are movable together via operation of the wheels. The coupling assembly includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a spindle disposed in the interior chamber of the housing, and a bearing device disposed in the interior chamber and between the housing and the spindle. The bearing device allows the spindle to rotate inside the interior chamber and relative to the housing. The first section is coupled to the housing and the second section is coupled to the spindle. The first section rotates relative to the second section according to a rotation between the spindle and the housing.
US09878581B2

A laminate which is obtained by providing a layer of an adhesive composition, wherein an epoxy-modified elastomer is blended, between a film of a thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer composition and a layer of a rubber composition, and in which the adhesion between the film and the layer of a rubber composition is further improved. This laminate is characterized in that: the adhesive composition contains a tackifying agent, a vulcanization accelerator, an elastomer and an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic carboxylic acid having a pKa of 1.5-4.0; 50-100% by mass of the elastomer is an epoxy-modified elastomer; and the amount of the aromatic carboxylic acid is 0.5-5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the elastomer.
US09878576B2

An adaptable wheel has a central hub, radial segments connected to the central hub at a proximal end and extending radially from the central hub, each radial segment having a linear actuator configured to change a length of the radial segment; a shoe connected to a distal end of the radial segment for contacting a surface being traversed by the wheel; and a locking mechanism for selectively preventing linear motion of the linear actuator. A control system for an adaptable wheel includes a distance sensor on a vehicle for determining distance to a surface in the path of the vehicle and a computer for receiving distance information from the distance sensor and, responsive to the distance information, determine a desired length of a segment of an adaptable wheel for maintaining a hub of a wheel level, and provide control signals to a linear actuator of the segment.
US09878560B2

An inkjet recording method of the present invention includes preparing an inkjet recording apparatus having an inkjet head that has N (N≧4) nozzle arrays, so as to respectively discharge inks of at least four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and black, having nozzles arranged in a first direction at a predetermined pitch P for discharging a curable ink which is cured by providing active energy, each of the nozzle arrays is arranged to be shifted in the first direction so as to have distances of more than 0 among each virtual line extending from each nozzle in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, in which the viscosity of any of the respective inks at 25° C. is 10 to 30 mPa·s.
US09878548B2

A digital printing machine includes at least one print head for inkjet printing, a drum for transporting printing material, and a spittoon for collecting ink coming from the print head. The drum has a mounting for the spittoon. The spittoon includes a support and an absorber fixed thereto. The absorber is quasi flush with the outer circumference of the drum, and the support and the absorber together form a replaceable disposable unit. A spittoon for use in a digital printing machine is also provided.
US09878546B2

When a liquid ejection head and a first wiping unit are moved relatively to clean a surface, the first wiping unit making a first wiping member travel in a first direction, a direction opposite to the first direction is used as a moving direction of the head with reference to the first wiping member in relative moving therebetween. When the head and a second wiping unit are moved relatively to each other to clean the surface, the second wiping unit making a second wiping member travel in a second direction having a component of a direction opposite to the first direction, a direction opposite to the second direction is used as a moving direction of the head with reference to the second wiping member in relative moving therebetween to move the second wiping unit and the head relatively to clean the same area on the surface.
US09878544B2

An ink jet printer with a print assembly includes an ink jet print head, the print assembly configured to be movable between a first position in which print head is positioned over a substrate to be printed upon and a second position in which the print head is positioned away from the substrate. The print head purges ink at the second position. A wiper assembly is positioned between the first position and the second position of the print assembly. The wiper assembly has a first orientation in which the wiper assembly does not contact the print head when the print assembly moves between the first position and the second position. The wiper assembly has a second orientation in which the wiper assembly contacts the print head when the print assembly moves between the second position and the first position. A fluid distribution device provides fluid to clean the wiper assembly.
US09878541B2

There is provided a water-based ink set for ink-jet recording, including: a water-based black ink containing a self-dispersible pigment, a water-soluble organic solvent of which vapor pressure is less than 1 Pa, and water; water-based color inks of two or more colors each containing a color pigment, a resin dispersant, a water-soluble organic solvent of which vapor pressure is less than 1 Pa, and water, wherein an average value of blending amounts of the water-soluble organic solvents in all of the water-based inks constituting the water-based ink set is in a range of 15% by weight to 35% by weight, and the water-based ink set satisfies the following condition X and condition Y, condition X: C−K≧0.6 condition Y: A≦1.5.
US09878539B2

A liquid discharge apparatus includes an individual flow passage member; and a common flow passage member joined to the individual flow passage member in a first direction. The individual flow passage member has nozzle groups formed on a surface on a side opposite to the common flow passage member and connecting hole groups formed on a surface on a side of the common flow passage member; and the common flow passage member has manifold flow passages corresponding to the connecting hole groups respectively. Each of the nozzle groups includes nozzles aligned in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and each of the connecting hole groups includes connecting holes aligned in the second direction and connected to the nozzles respectively. Each of the manifold flow passages extends in the second direction and is connected to the nozzles via the connecting holes.
US09878534B2

A liquid ejection head includes: a piezoelectric actuator configured to be deformed depending on a driving pulse applied thereto so as to eject liquid filled in a pressure chamber from a nozzle, a ratio of a first local maximum value which is a largest value among a plurality of local maximum values of an ejection speed of the liquid depending on a pulse width and a second local maximum value which is a second largest value thereamong satisfying a predetermined condition; and a control unit configured to successively apply a first driving pulse and a second driving pulse to the piezoelectric actuator.
US09878533B2

A method and a device for ink-jet printing onto containers is described, in which at least one container is rotated and/or transported along a curved path, and associated surface velocities of partially circumferential portions of a lateral container surface are measured, where the printing times and/or a rotational velocity of the containers associated with the partially circumferential and/or intermediately disposed portions are adapted to the surface velocities. Changes in the print advance rate caused by different surface velocities in front of print heads can thereby be compensated. This allows for uniform print resolution and seamless joining of partial prints.
US09878532B2

An imaging device can include an imaging drum to support a carrier fluid. A roller can remove a portion of the carrier fluid from the imaging drum. A fluid container can collect the carrier fluid from the roller. A fluid remover on the container can be used to remove the carrier fluid from the roller.
US09878531B2

A method of forming printing sleeve for mounting on a cylinder in a printing press is provided. The method includes providing a permanent hydrophilic tubular layer on a tubular base; selectively providing a first temporary hydrophobic layer on the hydrophilic tubular layer to form a first imaged printing sleeve, the temporary hydrophobic layer forming a first image; printing, by the first imaged printing sleeve, a first print job including the first image on a substrate; and removing the first temporary hydrophobic layer from the permanent hydrophilic layer such that the permanent hydrophilic layer remains intact on the tubular base. A lithographic printing sleeve for a printing press is also provided.
US09878530B2

Laser cutting of multilayer optical film bodies comprising polyester and polycarbonate materials.
US09878523B2

[Problem] Provided is a laminated film which exhibits good general adhesiveness to PVAs, EVAs and PVBs having a wide range of saponification degrees as well as good moist heat-resistant adhesiveness.[Means for Solution] The laminated film comprises a resin layer (α) composed of an aliphatic urethane structure-containing resin composition (I) on at least one side of a thermoplastic resin film, the resin layer (α) satisfying the following properties (i) and (ii): (i) the resin layer (α) has a surface free energy (sum of the dispersion force and the polar force) of not less than 30 mN/m and not greater than 45 mN/m; and (ii) the resin layer (α) has a polar force of not less than 5.0 mN/m and not greater than 15.0 mN/m.
US09878519B2

A fender for straddled vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base made of a crystalline resin and disposed above a wheel, and a film which is in close contact with the back side of the base facing the wheel. The hardness of the surface of the base is lower than the hardness of the interior of the base. The hardness of the film is higher than the hardness of the surface of the base.
US09878513B2

The present invention discloses a decorative material rolling mill having an adjustable roll gap, which includes: a left frame and a right frame connected to each other; and an upper roll and a lower roll, two ends thereof being axially disposed on the left frame and the right frame; and a driving mechanism for driving the upper roll and the lower roll to rotate; and further includes: a rolling gap adjustment mechanism for driving the upper roll or the lower roll to move vertically along the left frame and the right frame, thereby adjusting a rolling gap between the upper roll and the lower roll according to the thickness of a shearing die. The present invention uses a rolling gap adjustment mechanism to adjust a rolling gap between an upper roll and a lower roll, thereby accommodating thickness differences among die sheets, upper rolling plates, and lower rolling plates from different manufacturers. Various rolling gap adjustment mechanisms disclosed by the present invention are simple in structure and convenient to use.
US09878512B2

A machine for forming a container from a blank assembly including a tray blank and lid blank includes a frame, a mandrel assembly mounted to the frame, a pre-folding assembly, and a glue panel presser assembly. The mandrel assembly includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel positioned downstream from the first mandrel. The first mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a first portion of the container, and the second mandrel has an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a second portion of the container. The pre-folding assembly is configured to fold a first portion of the blank assembly around the first mandrel to form a partially formed container. The glue panel presser assembly includes a first presser plate configured to form a first manufacturer joint, and a second presser plate configured to form a second manufacturer joint.
US09878510B2

A pressing apparatus includes a driving device, a platform configured to support a workpiece, a movable support mounted to the driving device, a pressing member rotatably mounted to the movable support, and a limiting block mounted on the platform. The movable support is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the platform. The limiting block rotates the pressing member down pressing the workpiece between the platform and the pressing member when the movable support moves.
US09878508B2

A tire tread may be formed by simultaneously extruding a tread cap formed of a first material and a tread base formed of a second material having a substantially different stiffness property than the first material. One tread element may have a strip of the second material extending from the tread base into the tread cap and, a second tread element may also have a strip of the second material extending from the tread base into the tread cap.
US09878506B2

Method for making a tough and compliant hydrogel. A precursor hydrogel is made of a first polymer selected to maintain high elasticity and a second polymer selected to dissipate mechanical energy. The precursor hydrogel is stretched to a multiple of its original length to form a pre-stretched hydrogel. The pre-stretched hydrogel is allowed to relax and is soaked in a biocompatible solvent to reach equilibrium swelling of the pre-stretched hydrogel whereby shear modulus of the hydrogel is reduced.
US09878502B2

In a method for processing a fiber compound structure, an unhardened fiber layer is arranged on a surface section of the fiber compound structure. A pressure cushion is arranged above the surface section. The pressure cushion has a pressure cap and a pressure-tight cap mat pressure-tightly connected to a circumferential border of the pressure cap such that the cap mat limits a pressure area together with the pressure cap. An overpressure in the pressure area is generated. The pressure cushion is pressed onto the fiber compound structure such that the overpressure presses the cap mat against the fiber layer while supporting the fiber compound structure on a side of the fiber compound structure that is opposed to the surface section. The fiber layer is hardened
US09878501B2

A method of manufacturing a frangible laminate is provided. The method comprises constructing a reinforced polymer matrix, cutting the reinforced polymer matrix into a plurality of laminae, forming a laminate via stacking the plurality of laminae and at least one energy dissipating member, and consolidating the laminate.
US09878494B2

The invention relates to a device for constructing models in layers. A region for constructing models, preferably a construction platform, and a material applying device (4, 5) for applying material onto the region are provided. The material applying device (4, 5) is arranged in a movable manner over the region. The material applying device (4, 5) is designed as a portal (1, 1′) such that the material applying device can be moved over the region at least via two linear guides (2) arranged at opposite sides of the region, and the material applying device is arranged around the region such that a portal (1, 1′) is formed by at least two portions that extend laterally with respect to the region. At least one additional material applying device (4, 5) for applying an additional material onto the region is provided.
US09878492B2

The problem to be solved is, when printing a 3D object by using a 3D printer of fused-deposition-modeling type or another type, to enable printing it even when the filament is not supported from underneath by avoiding filament drop by generating force to push the extruded filament to the neighbor filament, and to enable arraying the filaments to a horizontal direction.To avoid filament drop, force that pushes the newly extruded filament to the neighboring filament is generated, and filament drop is avoided. To do so, compression or extension power is generated by controlling the filament cross section by controlling the filament cross-section (i.e., the extrusion amount) and stiffness of the filament is controlled by controlling the temperature or light.
US09878479B2

Described herein are methods and processes of manufacturing irradiation crosslinked polypropylene foam. In some embodiments, this includes extrusion of all material components, including a liquid crosslinking agent, to manufacture extruded structures for production of irradiation crosslinked polypropylene foam.
US09878475B2

There is provided a molding method for efficiently and accurately molding a hollow part of a thermosetting resin with a simple mechanism, a mold, and a molded article. A mold used for molding of a thermosetting resin includes an upper mold, an intermediate mold, and a lower mold which can be stacked with each other. Primary molding for molding segment parts and secondary molding for bonding the segment parts are sequentially performed by placing or retracting the intermediate mold to switch between a runner for primary molding and a runner for secondary molding.
US09878474B2

The present invention is directed to a system and method for making hollow foam balls and other molded objects. A mold is provided that is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A raw material is loaded into a plurality of molding cavities of the mold when the mold is in its open position, and a first alternating electric field is applied across the mold to heat the raw material in the molding cavities and thereby form a plurality of molded pieces. The mold is then moved from its open position to its closed position whereby a first group of molded pieces is aligned with a second group of molded pieces. A second alternating electric field is applied across the mold to heat bond the first group of molded pieces with the second group of molded pieces and thereby form a plurality of molded objects. Finally, the mold is moved from its closed position to its open position to enable unloading of the molded objects from the mold.
US09878468B2

A method of recycling plastic e-waste material and products made from recycled e-waste involves one or more separate streams of different plastic waste which are reduced to small granular form, blended together or separately or used separately before insertion into a compounder which reduces the small sized plastic particles to a semi-molten emulsion. The emulsion is placed in a press and molded to a final product shape. The final product is finished and inspected. The products from the recycled plastic e-waste can be used as substrates on road signs.
US09878463B2

A chain saw includes a housing, a sprocket wheel which is provided in the housing for driving a saw chain, and a chain guide for guiding the movement of the saw chain. The chain guide extends out longitudinally from the housing and is movable longitudinally relative to the housing. The chain saw includes a chain tensioning device. The chain tensioning device comprises a driven member arranged on the chain guide and a driving member which drives the driven member to move the chain guide longitudinally and a rotating device rotating the driving member. A stepless clutch device is arranged between the rotating device and the driving member. The chain tensioning device presses the chain guide while it tensioning the saw chain. Thus it prevents effectively the chain guide from loosing after the saw chain is tensioned. The operation of the chain tensioning device is labor-saving. The chain tensioning device has a stable structure and it is hard to be worn.
US09878461B2

A rigid punch tool for cutting vents into plastic thermoformed containers. More specifically, a rigid punch tool comprising a holder with a plurality of slots; and a plurality of punches, each punch comprising a blade, a base, and attachment points, wherein, for each punch, the base of the punch fits into one of the plurality of slots in the holder, the base of the punch is wider than the blade of the punch, and bolts or pins fit in the attachment points to secure each punch to the holder.
US09878460B2

Attachment/detachment of tablet cutting blades to/from a tablet cutting blade replacement jig inserted into and withdrawn from a tablet splitting apparatus to receive and deliver the tablet cutting blades is facilitated even in a dispensing site. The cutting edges of the tablet cutting blades are allowed to be exposed without detaching the tablet cutting blades. The tablet cutting blade replacement jig (60) includes: a jig main body (61) that can be inserted into and withdrawn from support members (28) in place of a falling tablet guiding member; blade holders (64) for retaining tablet cutting blades (41) within notches (63) of the jig main body (61); operating members (72) that are manually operated to switch between maintenance and release of retention of the tablet cutting blades; and urging members for maintaining the switched state even though the switched state is on a retention maintained side or is on a retention released side. Two openable-closable plate-shaped bodies (61a and 61b) are disposed in the jig main body (61), and the tablet cutting blades (41) are held with their cutting edges oriented toward inward surfaces of the two plate-shaped bodies (61a and 61b) in a closed state.
US09878458B2

The present invention relates to a unitary razor blade and to a shaving razor using the same, and more particularly, to a razor blade which is shaped into a geometrical structure so as to achieve the maximized strength thereof. The razor blade according to the present invention comprises: an edge portion having a curved cutting edge; a connection portion which extends from the edge portion and which is formed into a curve; and a support portion extending from the edge portion to support the edge portion and the connection portion, where the edge portion, the connection portion and the support portion are combined into a single body.
US09878453B2

A workpiece container stores at least one workpiece having a bottom surface and a peripheral edge. In one embodiment, a workpiece support structure is located within the container enclosure, which forms multiple vertically stacked storage shelves within the enclosure. Each storage shelf includes, in one embodiment, a first tine and a second tine for supporting the workpiece in a substantially horizontal orientation. The bottom surface and peripheral edge of a workpiece seated on a storage shelf extends beyond the outer edge of both the first tine and the second tine. An end effector may engage these extended portions or “grip zones” of the workpiece.
US09878449B2

Provided is a manipulator system including: a manipulator that has an insertion section composed of a flexible section and a bending section and that has a bending-section drive unit for driving the bending section; an operation input unit; a flexible-section shape detecting unit and a bending-section shape detecting unit that detect curved shapes of the flexible section and the bending section, respectively; compensation-value setting units that set a compensation value on the basis of the curved shape detected by each of the shape detecting units; and a control unit that generates a curvature control signal for driving the bending-section drive unit according to an operating instruction input via the operation input unit and furthermore corrects the curvature control signal using the compensation value and transmits it to the bending-section drive unit.
US09878447B2

Data about a physical object in a real-world environment is automatically collected and labeled. A mechanical device is used to maneuver the object into different poses within a three-dimensional workspace in the real-world environment. While the object is in each different pose an image of the object is input from one or more sensors and data specifying the pose is input from the mechanical device. The image of the object input from each of the sensors for each different pose is labeled with the data specifying the pose and with information identifying the object. A database for the object that includes these labeled images can be generated. The labeled images can also be used to train a detector and classifier to detect and recognize the object when it is in an environment that is similar to the real-world environment.
US09878438B2

A hand tool assembly generally comprising a handle and a tool head combined by a connector. The handle has a first end and a second end. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connector is combined with the second end of the handle. The second end of the connector is combined with the head of a tool by inserting the connector into a socket/opening in the tool's head. The second end of the connector is flexible thereby allowing it to conform to the shape of the socket regardless of whether the socket is straight or curved. A rigid tube insert is positioned a short distance into the handle second end and extends a short distance outward from the handle second end. Adhesives or fasteners may be used to help secure the components together.
US09878433B2

The invention relates to a power tool, in particular a hand power tool (1), comprising an electric drive motor (2) which may be operated by means of a motor switch element (8) and a gearbox (3) driven by the drive motor (2), with a first and at least one second speed. According to the invention, the motor switch element (8) is coupled to the gearbox (3) such that the same can be switched from the second speed to the first speed by means of the motor switch element (8).
US09878431B2

A tactical entry tool for creating an entry point through a building structure is provided. The tool includes a shaft portion including a shaft, and a head portion attached to a first end of the shaft. The head portion includes two heads, with each head including a head shaft extending from the shaft to form a ‘Y’ shaped structure and a break head portion attached to the head shaft at an opposite end from which the head shaft is connected to the shaft. Each break head portion includes a plurality of teeth surrounding the perimeter of the break head portion and a plurality of breaker tips extending from the break head portion.
US09878429B2

The present disclosure provides an apparatus having a base with at least one guide formed along a length thereof. A fitting clamp and a tube clamp are coupled to the base and spaced apart from one another. A drive mechanism is operable for moving at least one clamp relative to the other clamp along the guide of the base so as to slidingly assemble a tube and fitting together.
US09878428B2

A torque wrench includes a solenoid driven release mechanism and a transceiver for wirelessly transmitting and receiving parameter set.
US09878426B2

A method for manufacturing a grinding wheel which is formed by fitting a cylindrical grindstone chip including abrasive grains to a base metal formed to be of a columnar shape, comprises an adhesive agent applying step, a linear guide member arranging step for arranging and attaching a plurality of linear guide members on at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the base metal and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical grindstone chip, in parallel with a rotation axis of the base metal and with an equal distance separated in a circumferential direction from one another and a base metal and grindstone chip fitting step for fitting the base metal and the cylindrical grindstone chip to each other by relatively moving the base metal and the cylindrical grindstone chip, interposing therebetween the plurality of linear guide members arranged and attached with the equal distance separated from one another.
US09878425B2

Polycrystalline compacts include smaller and larger hard grains that are interbonded to form a polycrystalline hard material. The larger grains may be at least about 33 times larger than the smaller grains. An interstitial material comprising one or more of a boride, a carbide, a nitride, a metal carbonate, a metal bicarbonate, and a non-catalytic metal may be disposed between the grains. The compacts may be used as cutting elements for earth-boring tools such as drill bits, and may be disposed on a substrate. A particulate mixture includes a first plurality of grains of hard material having a coating formed over the grains of hard material. The coating comprises at least one of a boride, a carbide, a nitride, a metal carbonate, a metal bicarbonate, and a non-catalytic metal. A second plurality of grains of hard material has a grain size at least 33 times larger than the first plurality.
US09878419B2

The present invention relates to lining carrier for a sanding pad lining, in particular for use with a sanding pad for pressing sanding surfaces against workplaces in segment-belt and wide-belt sanding machines. Here, the lining carrier has at least one recess, in particular a groove.
US09878414B2

A cutting fluid tank includes: a fluid ejection apparatus configured to eject fluid toward cutting fluid containing chips and to be capable of varying at least one of a direction and a position of ejection with time in an interior of a tank body configured to store the cutting fluid containing the chips flowed from a work portion of a machine tool. The fluid ejection apparatus includes an ejection head having an ejection port rotatable about an axis of rotation. The ejection port is at a twisted position with respect to the axis of rotation, and the ejection head is rotated by a reaction force of the fluid ejected from the ejection port. Part of the cutting fluid stored in the cutting fluid tank is used as the fluid to be ejected from the ejection port.
US09878403B2

A Ni-based alloy for a welding material including, by mass, 0.001 to 0.1% of C, 18 to 25% of Co, 16 to 20% of Cr, 2.5 to 3.5% of Al, 9.0 to 15.0% of Mo+W, 0.001 to 0.03% of B and the balance being Ni and inevitable impurities.
US09878402B2

An aluminum alloy brazing sheet having a core material of an aluminum alloy, and a filler material cladded on the core is disclosed. The core material is an aluminum alloy having about 0.05 to about 1.2 mass Si, about 0.05-about 1.0 mass % Fe, about 0.05-about 1.2 mass % Cu, and about 0.6-about 1.8 mass % Mn, balance Al and the inevitable impurities. The filler material includes an aluminum alloy having about 2.5-about 13.0 mass % Si. Also, there is provided a method of manufacturing such an aluminum alloy brazing sheet.
US09878399B2

Methods and systems for welding are disclosed, including generating electromagnetic radiation from an ultrashort pulse laser; coupling the electromagnetic radiation from the ultrashort pulse laser to a scanner comprising a scanning and focus range, wherein the scanner is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the ultrashort laser and to scan and focus the electromagnetic radiation onto a joining interface of one or more materials; using a computer to adjust the pulse repetition rate and the average power of the ultrashort pulse laser; using one or more stages to position the joining interface; using a dichroic filter positioned between the scanner and the one or more materials; and focusing an imager and processor through the dichroic filter and onto the joining interface to monitor the joining interface of the one or more materials within the scanning and focus range of the electromagnetic radiation. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09878394B2

A nozzle assembly for a welding torch, a welding torch that includes said nozzle assembly, and a method of using the welding torch is provided. The nozzle assembly generally comprises an insulator having a plurality of grooves around an outer periphery, a plurality of sealing members disposed within the grooves of the insulator; and a nozzle body slip-fit around the insulator, such that at least one of the insulator and the nozzle body define position indicia.
US09878391B2

A solder supply device provided with solder cup 70 housing liquid solder that is cylindrical and open at one end, and supply nozzle 74 that is inserted into the solder cup, that supplies solder from inside the solder cup by moving the solder cup by supplying air to space 86, wherein a fixed amount of air is supplied in a case in which the solder cup movement distance is less than a specified distance, and a greater amount of air than the above specified amount is supplied in a case in which the solder cup movement distance is the set movement distance or greater. That is, when supplying solder, in a case in which the volume of the space to which air is supplied is a specified volume or greater, a greater amount of air is supplied than the air supply amount for when the volume of the space is a specified volume or less. Thus, even in a case in which the volume of the space is equal to or greater than the specified volume, it is possible to supply the same amount of solder as the solder supply volume in a case in which the volume of the space is less than the specified volume, thus it is possible to control operation of the solder supply device considering differential head.
US09878384B2

Herein a cutting insert for a power skiving tool is disclosed. The cutting insert includes an insert body having a bottom surface extending in a first plane, and a body axis extending substantially in parallel with the first plane. The insert body has a cutting end portion and opposite thereto, an abutment surface. The abutment surface extends substantially perpendicularly to the body axis and to the first plane. The cutting end portion is provided with a first and a second cutting edge, the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge being directed in a same cutting direction. Herein, further a power skiving tool including such cutting inserts is disclosed.
US09878383B2

The invention concerns a method for the machining of the tooth edges between an axially facing surface and the tooth flanks of a gear with a machining tool that has a toothed contour. For the material-removing cutting operation, the machining tool, rotating about the axis of its toothed contour, is brought into rolling engagement with the toothed workpiece under a crossing angle different from zero between the rotary axes of the machining tool and the toothed workpiece.
US09878382B2

An abrasive article includes a substrate having an elongated body, a plurality of discrete tacking regions defining a discontinuous distribution of features overlying the substrate, where at least one discrete tacking region of the plurality of discrete tacking regions includes a metal material having a melting temperature not greater than 450° C., a plurality of discrete formations overlying the substrate and spaced apart from the plurality of discrete tacking regions, and a bonding layer overlying the substrate, plurality of discrete tacking regions, and plurality of discrete formations.
US09878381B2

A horizontal band saw machine includes a pair of jaws, a pair of saw blade wheels, a band saw blade looped over the saw blade wheels, a pair of saw blade guides, a contact guide attached to the other of the pair of jaws, a coupling bracket connected to the other of the pair of saw blade guides to locate a distal end thereof below the other of the pair of saw blade wheels, and a follower member provided at the distal end of the coupling bracket. The contact guide and the coupling bracket are configured to move one of the pair of saw blade guides until the follower member contacts with the contact guide when the band saw blade is fed circularly in a state where the band saw blade is clamped by the one of the pair of saw blade guides.
US09878380B2

Throat plates for table saws and table saws are disclosed. In some embodiments, the throat plates and/or saws have at least one securement mechanism to secure and prevent inadvertent removal of the throat plate from the throat of the saw. In some embodiments, at least one of the securement mechanisms also provides a height adjustment mechanism and/or prevents vertical removal of the throat plate. In some embodiments, the throat plate has an accessory mounting port that provides a portal for accessories, including safety accessories, to extend through the plate from beneath the table of the saw. In some embodiments, the port extends from the plate's outer perimeter to divide the plate's rear end portion into a pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, these members are independently secured to the table saw and retained apart from each other by one or more of the securement mechanisms.
US09878376B2

The invention provides a clamping system (1) for a rotary tool (70), for example a milling cutter or drill. The clamping system (1) includes a base element (10), a collet (30) and a clamping nut (50), said clamping nut (50) friction-locking the rotary tool (70) within the base element (10) with the collet (30). In order to avoid a relative rotation of the base element (10) and the collet (30), the clamping system (1) has a form locking anti-twist protection which blocks a rotation of the collet (30) relative to the base element (10).
US09878375B2

A tool holder for non-positively holding a rotatable tool by a receiving body containing a receiving opening with slits extending radially from the inner wall towards the exterior and running in the longitudinal direction of the receiving body. To permit a simple production process, the receiving body has an insert fixed into a receiving section.
US09878370B2

A bimodal metal nanocomposite of ceramic nanoparticles in a metal or metal alloy matrix has a microstructure showing a first “hard” phase containing the ceramic nanoparticles in the metal or metal alloy matrix, and a second “soft” phase comprising only the metal or metal alloy with few or no ceramic nanoparticles. The stiffness and yield strength of the bimodal metal nanocomposite is significantly increased compared to the metal or metal alloy alone, while the ductility of the metal or metal alloy is retained. A process for making the bimodal metal matrix nanocomposite includes milling a powder mixture of micrometer-size metal flakes and ceramic nanoparticles for a time sufficient to embed the ceramic nanoparticles into the metal flakes.
US09878368B2

A method of manufacturing a component in a die casting cell that includes a die casting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, isolating a first chamber from a second chamber of the die casting system, melting a charge of material in the first chamber, sealing the second chamber relative to the first chamber, and simultaneously injecting the charge of material within the second chamber to cast the component and melting a second charge of material within the first chamber.
US09878365B2

A trimmer assembly for removing portions of sidewalls of cans is provided. The trimmer assembly includes a chute configured to receive the removed portions of sidewalls of cans. The chute includes an angled extending wall configured to prevent removed portions of sidewalls of cans from travelling past the chute without entering the chute without interfering with motion of the cans.
US09878357B2

Disclosed is a flexible roll forming device including: bases respectively disposed on opposite sides with respect to a process direction center line in a left/right direction, each having an opening formed in an upper side thereof connected to an inside thereof, and rails configured thereon on opposite sides of the opening in a lateral direction of the process; forward/backward moving cyclinder having a slide plate provided to be movable along the rails on the base; turning reducer rotatably provided to the slide plate; and upper and lower forming rolls provided on the turning cylinder for subjecting a material fed thereto to flexible roll forming by using the upper and lower forming rolls while varying positions in the lateral direction of processing with the forward/backward moving cylinder, and angles from a process direction with the turning reducer.
US09878356B2

The invention relates to composite adsorbent materials, and in particular, to highly porous carbon-based composite materials for the adsorption and stabilization of inorganic substances. The composite adsorbent material comprises a porous carbon carrier matrix and an adsorbent species, wherein the adsorbent species is precipitated within the pores of the carrier matrix. The invention extends to various uses of such adsorbent materials, for example in water purification, recovery of metals from waste streams and remediation applications, and where the adsorbant material is amended into soil, waste etc. for the purpose of breaking pollutant-receptor linkages.
US09878339B2

An applicator head for discharging a pasty medium from a container, including a metering chamber, a first housing part bounding the metering chamber in sections, with an actuating element, and a second housing part. The first housing part and the second housing part form a constructional unit connectable to a container storing the medium and closing the container. By actuating the actuating element, the medium is conveyed out of the container into the metering chamber and/or is discharged from the metering chamber. A sealing element of a plastically or elastically deformable plastic is provided, and is arranged such that the container is closable in a sealing manner by the constructional unit. The sealing element is manufactured as a common component with at least one further element of the applicator head.
US09878333B2

Weld balls disposed in solutions in full immersion tanks of a phosphate system are collected by magnets attached to at least some of the hangers that carry skids through stages of the phosphate system. The magnet attached to a hanger is immersed in the solutions when the hanger is immersed in the solutions and magnetically attracts the weld balls.
US09878331B2

An under-sink disposal unit includes a motor, a disposal chamber, and a disposal throat. The disposal throat extends from the disposal chamber to an opening in a top of the disposal unit and defines a passageway through which objects pass into the disposal chamber for grinding. The disposal unit further includes a coil assembly including an arrangement of coils. The arrangement of coils is used to detect the passing of a metallic object in the passageway through the disposal throat. Furthermore, the arrangement of coils includes at least one coil having a loop that is oriented with respect to an axis of the passageway through the disposal throat such that objects passing through the disposal throat into the disposal chamber pass by and proximate to, but do not pass through, such loop. Preferably DC injection braking is used to stop the motor upon detection of a metallic object.
US09878329B2

A self-contained sample processing cartridge, is disclosed. The sample processing cartridge includes a first member that includes a receiver to receive a sample specimen slide. The cartridge may also include a second member that closes on the first member to form a chamber inside the cartridge. The sample specimen slide forms a surface of the chamber. Placing the slide in the cartridge effectively completes the chamber of the cartridge. In one embodiment, the receiver of the first member includes an open region adjacent which the specimen slide is received. The second member includes a plurality of fluid inputs and at least one fluid output. The plurality of fluid inputs couples to the chamber by a plurality of channels respectively therebetween. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of channels may include a reagent reservoir and at least one of the plurality of channels includes a dissolvable blocking reservoir.
US09878328B2

This describes an apparatus comprising a plate with a number of elements having a hydrophilic surface arranged in an array with an overlay having a hydrophobic surface. A height of the overlay is between about 5% and 100% of the diameter of the elements. The application also discloses a wall circumferential to the plate; and a removable grid insertable into the apparatus, said grid comprising dividers enclosing a number of through-holes, said through-holes spaced in the grid to allow alignment of the through-holes of the grid over the elements in the plate when said grid is inserted into the apparatus, said dividers of the grid inserted into the apparatus form sides of wells bottomed by the plate and at least one element on said plate.
US09878327B2

This disclosure describes microfluidic devices that include one or more magnets, each magnet being operable to emit a magnetic field; and a magnetizable layer adjacent to the one or more magnets, in which the magnetizable layer is configured to induce a gradient in the magnetic field of at least one of the magnets. For example, the gradient can be at least 103 T/m at a position that is at least 20 μm away from a surface of the magnetizable layer. The magnetizable layer includes a first high magnetic permeability material and a low magnetic permeability material arranged adjacent to the high magnetic permeability material. The devices also include a microfluidic channel arranged on a surface of the magnetizable layer, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the microfluidic channel is arranged at an angle to or laterally offset from an interface between the high magnetic permeability material and the low magnetic permeability material.
US09878320B2

Hybrid media formed by combining a metal precursor solution with particulate media to yield a mixture, decanting the mixture to yield a decanted mixture, heating the decanted mixture in via microwave radiation to yield hybrid media, rinsing the hybrid media with water, soaking the rinsed hybrid media in a salt solution, and rinsing the soaked hybrid media with water. The hybrid media includes a metal dioxide derived from the metal precursor, such as TiO2 derived from TiOSO4.
US09878315B2

A zeolite has a CHA structure, a SiO2/Al2O3 composition ratio less than 15, and potassium in an amount of about 0.1% by mass to about 1% by mass in terms of K2O.
US09878312B2

The present disclosure is directed to producing zeolite structures with GME topologies using organic structure directing agents (OSDAs) comprising a piperidinium cation, and the compositions and structures resulting from these methods. In some embodiments, the crystalline products have a molar ratio of a molar ratio of Si:Al that is greater than 3.5.
US09878305B2

Fluidizable catalysts for the gas phase oxygen-free oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, such as propane, to corresponding olefins, such as propylene. The catalysts comprise 5-20% by weight per total catalyst weight of one or more vanadium oxides (VOx), such as V2O5. The dehydrogenation catalysts are disposed on an alumina support that is modified with calcium oxide to influence characteristics of lattice oxygen at the catalyst surface. Various methods of preparing and characterizing the catalyst as well as methods for the gas phase oxygen free oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, such as propane, to corresponding olefins, such as propylene, with improved alkane conversion and olefin product selectivity are also disclosed.
US09878304B2

The invention provides a method of manufacturing a water-absorbent resin composition containing water-absorbent resin particles and additive particles, by which it is possible to obtain a water-absorbent resin composition that sufficiently exhibits additional functions, such as an anti-blocking property under moisture absorption, of the additive particles while maintaining an excellent water absorption property. A method of manufacturing a water-absorbent resin composition includes a resin particle preparation step and a mixing step. In the mixing step, water-absorbent resin particles which are prepared in the resin particle preparation step are mixed with additive particles in multiple stages by using a plurality of mixing apparatuses to obtain a water-absorbent resin composition.
US09878299B2

The present invention generally relates to microparticles and, in particular, to systems and methods for encapsulation within microparticles. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to microparticles containing entities therein, where the entities contain an agent that can be released from the microparticles, e.g., via diffusion. In some cases, the agent may be released from the microparticles without disruption of the microparticles. The entities may be, for instance, polymeric particles, hydrogel particles, droplets of fluid, etc. The entities may be contained within a fluid that is, in turn, encapsulated within the microparticle. The agent may be released from the entity into the fluid, and then from the fluid through the microparticle. In such fashion, the release of agent from the microparticle may be controlled, e.g., over relatively long time scales. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making such microparticles, methods of using such microparticles, microfluidic devices for making such microparticles, and the like.
US09878288B2

An ammonia gas generator for producing ammonia from a solution of an ammonia precursor substance, comprising a catalyst unit that comprises a catalyst for the decomposition and/or hydrolysis of ammonia precursor substances into ammonia and a mixing chamber provided upstream of the catalyst; an injection device for injecting the solution of the ammonia precursor substance into the mixing chamber; at least one inlet for the carrier gas; and an outlet for the formed ammonia gas, said ammonia gas generator also comprising a perforated disc.
US09878287B2

Catalysts having a blend of platinum on a support with low ammonia storage with a Cu-SCR catalyst or an Fe-SCR catalyst are disclosed. The catalysts can also contain one or two additional SCR catalysts. The catalysts can be present in one of various configurations. Catalytic articles containing these catalysts are disclosed. The catalytic articles are useful for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx in exhaust gases and in reducing the amount of ammonia slip. Methods for producing such articles are described. Methods of using the catalytic articles in an SCR process, where the amount of ammonia slip is reduced, are also described.
US09878282B2

The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for a partial gas separation technique which can be used, e.g., for continuously providing, using a predefined atmospheric air (normally atmospheric air comprises 78% of nitrogen N2 and 21% of oxygen O2), oxygen-enriched gas/air and/or nitrogen-enriched gas/air in fossil-fueled combustion devices/systems to a combustion area/chamber and the like for improving combustion, exhaust and related properties of the apparatus. The partial gas separation technique can be based on forming a predefined directional pattern of a gas mixture of a plurality of gases, using a direction forming element, subsequently moving an output gas from the direction forming element at least along/against one surface of a gas separation element to spatially separate in part the plurality of gases having different molecular weights.
US09878280B1

The present disclosure is directed to a method for enriching an inlet air stream utilizing a number of enrichment sub-units connected in series, where each enrichment sub-unit conducts both a dissolution and degasification cycle. Each enrichment sub-unit comprises a compressor, an aeration unit, a deaeration unit, and a pump for the recirculation of water between the aeration and deaeration units. The methodology provides a manner in which the relationship between the respective Henry's coefficients of the oxygen and nitrogen in water may be exploited to enrich the O2 volume percent and diminish the N2 volume percent over repeated dissolution and degasification cycles. By utilizing a number of enrichment sub-units connected in series, the water contained in each enrichment sub-unit acts to progressively increase the O2 volume percent. Additional enrichment sub-units may be added and utilized until the O2 volume percent equals or exceeds a target O2 volume percent. In a particular embodiment, air having a general composition of about 78 vol. % N2 and 21 vol. % O2 is progressively enriched to provide a final mixture of about 92% vol. % O2 and 8% vol. % N2.
US09878277B2

The storing and destocking of hydrogen in a hydride tank (10) comprises purification performed in at least one trap (1, 1A, 1B) filtering the impurities contained in the hydrogen entering the tank to be stored and regeneration of said at least one trap, using the heat carried by the hydrogen exiting the tank after it has been destocked.
US09878275B2

An air cleaner includes a housing, a pleated filter element, and a spacing piece. The filter element is accommodated in the housing. The spacing piece is arranged between an inner surface of the housing and one of the pleats of the filter element that is located at an end of the filter element. The spacing piece maintains a space between the inner surface of the housing and the one of the pleats located at the end of the filter element.
US09878272B2

A method is provided for making a porous inorganic membrane by using a mixture of an inorganic material, organic polymer particles and a solvent to form a slurry, the particles being non-spherical, distributing the slurry onto a surface, drying the slurry to remove the solvent and firing the dried slurry to produce the porous inorganic membrane. Examples of organic polymer particles include particles of acrylic. A substrate with a porous inorganic membrane disposed on the substrate is also provided, the inorganic membrane having an average thickness of from about 0.5 micron to about 30 microns, a porosity of from about 30% to about 65%, a median pore size (d50) of from about 0.01 micron to about 1 micron, and a value of (d90−d10)/d50 less than about 2, as measured by mercury porosimetry. An example of a substrate includes an inorganic porous support.
US09878265B2

A system for producing potable water and electrical power utilizing the difference in temperature between ambient air and deep, cold ocean water is disclosed. Cold water from depths of 2000 feet (610 meters) or more is pumped to a liquid/gas heat exchanger in the upper portion of a hollow cylinder. Ambient air currents are concentrated and diverted into the exchanger, becoming cooler and denser. Moisture condensing from the ambient air onto the cool surface of the heat exchanger is collected and channeled to storage or piped to shore. The air gains velocity before reaching a wind turbine near the bottom of the cylinder. This turbine is connected to a generator to extract the wind energy. This extracted energy is converted to electricity by the generator and sent to shore.
US09878263B2

A system and method for actuating controlled stimulation of a patient in a confined medical position helps sooth and entertain a patient receiving medical treatment while resting on a support member, like a dental chair. The system provides a support member, and integrates at least one air actuated animated member, such as a mobile or figurine, proximal to the support member, to enable animated motion by the animated member through pressurized air. Pressurized air causes the animated members to articulate in animated, colorful movements. Audio signals are also generated by the animated member in response to the pressurized air. The animated member can be a mobile or a cartoon character with joints, axes, and limbs that move when engaged by pressurized air. The patient or caregiver control distribution of the pressurized air by manipulating a foot valve and an arm valve to control the animated members.
US09878262B2

A bubble generating device. The apparatus may include a housing, a fan device, and a motor operably coupled to the fan device. The motor may rotate the fan device about a rotational axis. The apparatus may further include one, or a plurality, of bubble generating devices that are coupled to the housing. Each of the bubble generating devices may comprise a bubble producing member that converges towards the rotational axis with increasing distance from the fan device. Stated another way, each of the bubble producing members may define an opening that lies on a plane that intersects the rotational axis of the fan device at an oblique angle.
US09878261B1

A toy flowerpot with a movable toy flower includes a battery to power a mechanism in the toy flower. The flower includes the parts of a stem, sepal, petals and a front flower face around which the petals are mounted, at least one of which parts is a reactive part. A mechanism moves one or more parts of the flower; and includes an actuator with a magnet and electromagnetic coil with the flower. A signal receiver or sensor of changes causes at least one of movement of the flower parts. A microprocessor processes the signal or sensed change and generates instructions to change the operation of the electromagnetic coil in response to the signal or sensed change.
US09878256B2

A sleeping bag system has the appearance of a stuffed character when not in use as a sleeping bag and includes a torso including a torso compartment therein, a first limb having a first arm compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment, a second limb having a second arm compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment, at least a third limb having at least a first leg compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment. The sleeping bag system further includes an opening in the torso providing access to the torso compartment from outside of the sleeping bag system and an item removably storable in the torso compartment which is adapted to provide stability to the sleeping bag system such that the sleeping bag system can sit upright without support when not in use as a sleeping bag.
US09878255B2

The present invention discloses a surfing device comprising at least one energy projector for projecting energy, at least one energy recycling mechanism for recycling at least some of the projected energy, and at least one energy projecting structure. The energy projecting structure is configured for supporting the energy projector to provide a plurality of energy projecting positions for the projection of energy therefrom. The projected energy provides a simulated surfing surface, positioned a distance from the plurality of energy projecting positions. The energy projecting structure is also configured for supporting the energy recycling mechanism for projecting recycled energy from one or more recycled projection positions. The energy projector and energy recycling mechanisms are configured for the projection of corresponding energy to enable a surfer to surf upon the virtual surfing surface at least partially via the energy projected from both the energy projecting positions and the recycled projection positions.
US09878254B2

An apparatus or method for draining fluid from an amusement attraction while helping prevent substantial portions of fluid from splashing out of the attraction. The apparatus may be an end component for a shutdown lane that has one or more areas or catch basins for flowing the fluid thereon or therethrough. Various sidewalls, hills, ridges, and/or drainage surfaces may be implemented by or on the end component to ideally keep water from splashing outside of the end component and to help maintain rider safety as the rider slides towards the end component. One or more stages of drainage areas or surfaces may be utilized for the end component. The apparatus may be in the form of an end component, a larger portion of an attraction, such as a shutdown lane, or discrete components that may be connected within or to a portion of an attraction.
US09878247B2

A game system is provided that implements comment display so as not to interfere with operation when a player operates the game. This game system includes a game machine upon which a player plays a game. At least one comment which is to be displayed according to the circumstances of the game on the game machine are displayed to the player upon a game screen. A determination is made as to whether or not the player is being requested to perform an operation in the game, and a predetermined limitation is imposed upon the display of the at least one comment on the basis of the result of this determination.
US09878243B2

A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
US09878241B2

A computer-implemented system and method are provided for performing video compression including encoding a plurality of video frames or portions thereof according to a first encoding format; transmitting the plurality of encoded video frames or portions to a client device; receiving feedback information from the client device, the feedback information usable to detect whether one or more video frames or portions thereof have not been successfully received and/or decoded; determining, in response to detecting that one or more video frames or portions thereof have not been successfully received and/or decoded, whether to encode a new video frame or portion thereof according to a second encoding format or to encode the new video frame to be dependent on the last video frame or portion thereof known to have been successfully received and/or decoded.
US09878238B2

An improved controller for a game console that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller, which has controls on the front operable by the thumbs, and has two additional controls located on the back in positions to be operated by the middle fingers of a user.
US09878233B2

A dice and board game. The game may comprise: a game board, a set of indicator cubes, and four or more saucers. The game board may comprise: a primary playing surface, cubbies, colored sections, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The primary playing surface may comprise a marking and may be surrounded and defined by an inner wall. The cubbies and the colored sections may be located on an outer perimeter of the game board and may be in between the inner wall and the outer wall. The cubbies and the colored sections may alternate along the outer perimeter of the game board and may be separated by partitions. The set of indicator cubes may comprise: color indicator cubes, number indicator cubes, and five sets of colored dice. Each of the color indicator cubes may comprise five colored sides and one symbol side.
US09878232B1

A playing card game machine with an anti-cheat device includes a shuffling machine and a robotic arm. The shuffling machine includes a drive mechanism to drive a movable board having a through hole to move left and right. The robotic arm is provided with a suction cup. The suction cup passes through the through hole of the movable board to suck playing cards. The movable board is provided with a sensing seat. The periphery of the sensing seat is provided with infrared receivers arranged in at least three directions. The infrared receivers of the sensing seat can sense an external infrared ray and prevent the playing cards from being marked, so that the player is unable to know the suit and numeric of the playing card passing through the through hole to bring a fair competition in the game. An infrared transmitter is provided to achieve a self-check.
US09878228B2

A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
US09878203B1

An exercise bench for use by a person on a support surface includes a base member having a distal end, a proximal end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A pair of opposing foot restraints is fixed with, and disposed above and laterally away from, the base member. A riser projects upwardly from the proximal end of the base member and includes a calf restrain trolley slidably mounted thereon. Two opposing calf restraints each project laterally away from the riser. The calf restraint trolley has a height adjustment mechanism cooperative with the riser. A base plate can be fixed with the bottom surface of the base member, and a U-shaped base extension having two legs extending away from the proximal end of the base member can be attached to the proximal end of the base member to inhibit tipping of the exercise bench during use.
US09878195B2

A resistance training device for hands-free exercising of the back and shoulders includes a frame. A bench is coupled to the frame and is configured to seat a user. A backrest is coupled to the frame proximate to a rear edge of the bench. A pair of arms is pivotally coupled singly to opposing side supports of the frame. A resistor is operationally coupled to the pair of arms. The arms are positioned on the frame such that the arms are configured to abut elbows of the user seated on the bench. The resistor is positioned to resist the user's effort to pivot the arms relative to the frame, thus exercising the back and shoulders of the user without use of the user's hands.
US09878192B2

A recycling disposal system is provided, the system efficiently combining the respective devices of a shredder, a carbonization furnace, and a gasification furnace to provide a new system combining low-temperature asbestos detoxification processing technology with biomass processing and recycling technology, and capable of energy-self-sufficient processing when operated in a disaster area.
US09878190B2

A novel flame retardant and fire extinguishing product for preventing and fighting fires in solid materials is disclosed herein. The product is thixotropic and non-toxic, and comprises water, one or more flame retardants, one or more stabilizers, and one or more preservatives. In some embodiments, the product further comprises one or more thickeners, one or more binders, one or more fining agents, one or more firming agents, one or more water retention agents, one or more water-soluble fluoropolymers or other water-soluble polymers with similar properties, one or more detergents, and/or one or more surfactants. The product may be used as a flame retardant to prevent fires and in active firefighting. The product may be biodegradable in a natural environment, may be readily cleaned off equipment and materials using water, and may also provide other features which render it safe for the environment as compared to other commonly used products in fire prevention and firefighting.
US09878182B2

A device is for thermal treatment of tissue. The device includes (a) an elongated member extending from a proximal end to a distal end insertable to a target position within a body; (b) a housing coupled to the distal end of the elongated member sized and shaped for insertion to a target organ within a living body, the housing including an opening permitting fluid surrounding the housing to enter the housing, the housing further including first and second deflecting elements shaped to diffuse pulses of fluid directed thereagainst; and © a piezoelectric element mounted within the housing between the first and second deflecting elements. The piezoelectric element is oriented to generate pulses in liquid received within the housing toward the first and second deflecting elements.
US09878180B2

Disclosed are systems and methods for characterizing interactions or proton beams in tissues. In certain embodiments, charged particles emitted during passage of protons, such as those used for therapeutic and/or imaging purposes, can be detected at relatively large angles. In situations where beam intensity is relatively low, such as in certain imaging applications, characterization of the proton beam with charged particles can provide sufficient statistics for meaningful results while avoiding the beam itself. In situations where beam intensity is relatively high, such as in certain therapeutic applications, characterization of the proton beam with scattered primary protons and secondary protons can provide information such as differences in densities encountered by the beam as it traverses the tissue and dose deposited along the beam path. In certain situations, such beam characterizations can facilitate more accurate planning and monitoring of proton-based therapy.
US09878173B2

A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments the WCD system includes a microphone. The WCD system might be ready to deliver a shock, but may first wait before doing so until it hears from a bystander a preset ready word, such as: “CLEAR”.
US09878167B1

Techniques provided herein are directed toward providing a selection protocol that can be used in such biological measurement and stimulation systems to select only a portion of the medical implants for reporting during a particular system cycle. In particular, the interrogator device can send the first message that defines a group to the medical implants, then send a second message with the identifier of the group to trigger communications with the medical implants of that group.
US09878161B2

The disclosure relates to the delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the brain of a patient, e.g., to treat or otherwise manage a patient disorder. In one example, the disclosure relates to a method comprising generating electrical stimulation via a medical device; delivering the electrical stimulation at a first frequency to a brain of a patient when the bioelectrical brain signals of the patient oscillate at a second frequency, where the second frequency corresponds to pathological brain signals of the patient, where the electrical stimulation is selected to entrain the bioeiectrical brain signals of the patient; and adjusting the delivered electrical stimulation from the first frequency to a third frequency, where adjusting the delivered electrical stimulation changes the bioelectrical brain signal oscillations to a fourth frequency different from the second frequency. The fourth frequency may correspond to an oscillation frequency of non-pathological brain signals of the patient.
US09878153B2

Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves which comprises a soft apparel provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side and activating means on the other side, wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately.
US09878139B2

This invention relates to an ingestible drug delivery device configured for wireless communication with other ingestible drug delivery devices.
US09878137B2

A method of preparing a substantially planar microdevice comprising a plurality of reservoirs is provided. In general, the method comprises forming a plurality of microdevices comprising a plurality of reservoirs from a planar layer of a biocompatible polymer. The method also comprises depositing one or more bioactive agents into the reservoirs. The microdevice is configured to attach to a target tissue and release the bioactive agent in close proximity to the tissue.
US09878133B2

The present invention provides a stretchable material suitable for use in an inflatable medical device. The stretchable material has at least one reinforcing polymer layer with a top and bottom side forming a porous matrix which is imbibed with a sealing material to infiltrate and substantially seal spaces of the porous matrix and extend beyond the reinforcing polymer layer to form a surface coating.
US09878125B2

A catheter has an entrance opening defined by the first end of a catheter body and non-circular inner surface in cross section. The entrance opening intersects a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally through the center of a lumen adapted to drain urine from a bladder. The non-circular inner surface can have dimples, channels, or grooves, all of which decrease frictional fluid forces against the inner surface as the urine drains. The catheter is free of any eyelets formed in the side wall of the catheter body. The catheter further includes a plurality of distinct longitudinally extending convex outer surfaces and may have an enlarged head.
US09878120B2

A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.
US09878112B2

There is provided an insufflation system and an insufflation apparatus which can prevent a pressure inside a lumen from rapidly increasing and can achieve operability matched to a sense of an operator. When the operator operates an air/water supply button of the endoscope, the gas is insufflated into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient through an internal conduit of the endoscope (manual insufflation). Meanwhile, the insufflation apparatus is connected to an insertion assisting tool which guides the endoscope into the gastrointestinal tract. When the insufflation apparatus automatically performs insufflation, the gas is intermittently insufflated into the gastrointestinal tract of the patient so as to maintain the pressure inside the gastrointestinal tract at the set pressure (automatic insufflation). The average flow rate of the gas in the automatic insufflation is set to be less than or equal to the insufflation flow rate in the manual insufflation.
US09878097B2

Some embodiments an infusion pump system can be configured to control dispensation of medicine according to a closed-loop delivery mode that is responsive to feedback information provided from a monitoring device, and the infusion pump system permits a user to interrupt the closed-loop delivery mode for purposes of dispensing a user-selected manual bolus dosage.
US09878095B2

A fluid infusion device includes a pump having a rotor and a stator. A rotor cam element rises from a reference surface of the rotor. The stator includes a cam element having a stator cam surface. The cam elements axially displace the rotor as the rotor revolves. Inlet and outlet valves open and close as a function of angular and axial position of the rotor. A motor actuates the rotor to pump fluid to a body, via a subcutaneous conduit. First and second contact elements are located on the rotor. A sensing element on the stator cooperates with a detection circuit to detect when the sensing element makes contact with the first sensor contact element and the second sensor contact element. The detection circuit monitors a detection signal obtained from the sensing element to determine an operating condition of the fluid pump mechanism.
US09878087B2

The invention relates to a pump-inflow-cannula (1) providing a blood conduit from a heart (2) and/or from an associated vessel to an external blood handling system. The pump-inflow-cannula comprises a body (3), encompassing an essentially axially extending inflow-lumen (4), having a distal-end (5) for an attachment of the inflow-lumen (4) to the blood handling system, and having a proximal-end (6) for an introduction of blood from the heart (2) and/or from the associated vessel into the inflow-lumen (4), wherein at least one projection (7) is provided at the proximal-end (6) to deflect a heart muscle from intruding into the inflow-lumen (4), wherein the body (3) of the pump-inflow-cannula comprises a reinforcement-means (8). The invention is also related to a pump-outflow-cannula (19) and to a blood managing system comprising a pump-inflow-cannula and a pump-outflow-cannula in accordance with the present invention.
US09878076B2

The invention relates to an aspiration catheter for the extraction of thrombotic maternal from blood vessels. The catheter has a first and a second lumen, the first lumen being distally provided with an aspiration opening and the second lumen having a smaller cross section than the first lumen and extending coaxially in the distal region of the first lumen. The second lumen is provided with a lateral as well as a distally located opening, the lateral opening reaching through the wall of the catheter. Within the first lumen a stabilization wire is movably arranged which terminates distally of the lateral opening of the second lumen but proximally of the aspiration opening of the first lumen.
US09878075B2

A surgical hand piece is described that maintains a vacuum pressure within the hand piece at a selected level. A check valve is provided substantially near an inlet of an integrated aspirating pump. The check valve opens to introduce fluid into the hand piece to maintain the vacuum pressure within the hand piece at or above the selected level so as to prevent or substantially reduce post-occlusion flow.
US09878072B2

A bioabsorbable medical device or a medical device component comprises an absorbable component prepared by subjecting a prefabricated component of an iron-based raw material to ion nitriding. Substance composition inside the absorbable component changes with the depth from the surface. The absorbable component comprises at least a first part and a second part. The first part surrounds the second part. Hardness of the first part is higher than hardness of the second part. An interface exists between the first part and the second part. A crack generated in the first part is impeded by the interface when extending to the second part. On the premise of ensuring radial stand strength, the bioabsorbable medical device or medical device component and a preparation method thereof reduce wall thickness of an iron-based stand, improve a stand corrosion rate and malleability, and achieve broader adaptability.
US09878063B2

The deodorizing mask of the present invention has a main body part that includes a deodorizing fiber layer containing a composite fiber having a chemical adsorption type deodorizer bonded to the surface of a fiber with an adhesive composition. The chemical adsorption type deodorizer is a component having at least one type selected from copper and zinc elements. The adhesive composition includes at least one type selected from polyester, poly vinyl alcohol, cellulose, starch, poly acrylamide, poly alkylene oxide and poly vinyl pyrrolidone.
US09878056B2

The invention relates to cosmetic mRNAs encoding elastin, and methods of using such mRNAs.
US09878053B2

Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.
US09878051B2

The present invention relates to an immunogenic and a non-toxic glycoconjugate comprising Bordetella pertussis LOS-derived oligosaccharide and pertussis toxin, a method of preparing such glycoconjugate, the pharmaceutical composition, a vaccine composition containing such glycoconjugate, and an application of the glycoconjugate. The glycoconjugate is prepared as a vaccine component for protection against infections caused by Bordetella pertussis.
US09878035B2

Disclosed is a composition comprising: i) HBsAg, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or the mixture of at least two of them, ii) HBcAg1-X, a fragment thereof, a variant of the antigen or the antigen fragment, or the mixture of at least two of them, wherein X is an integer of from 149 to 183, iii) CpG-ODN, 21 bases long, which is a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide and includes two or more copies of 5′-NTCGTT-3′ motifs. The use of the composition in the treatment of HBV-infection and HBV-induced diseases, and the therapy methods of HBV-infection and HBV-induced diseases are also disclosed.
US09878029B2

A novel alcohol and CTAB free process for purification of capsular polysaccharides, wherein the C-polysaccharide, protein, nucleic acid content of the purified polysaccharide is substantially reduced The said process is cost efficient and less laborious.
US09878015B2

The invention provides isolated peptides, fragments and derivatives thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same that are useful for the prevention or treatment of cancer metastasis.
US09878003B2

A method for inhibiting cartilage degradation comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a Link_TSG6 polypeptide is disclosed.
US09877992B2

This invention relates to methods and compositions for providing improved insulin-sensitivity and/or enhanced insulin-like action, which leads to improved glucose uptake and utilization. This invention also relates to methods and compositions for lowering LDL, lowering triglycerides, increasing HDL, and lowering high blood pressure in a subject. The methods comprise administering to a subject an effective amount of a water extract of cinnamon and an effective amount of a water extract of Radix Astragali.
US09877983B2

The invention provides a method for combating biofilm, said method comprising contacting a biofilm with an alginate oligomer. The biofilm may be on an animate or inanimate surface and both medical and non-medical uses and methods are provided. In one aspect the invention provides an alginate oligomer for use in the treatment or prevention of a biofilm infection in a subject. In another aspect the method can be used to combat biofilms, on abiotic surfaces, e.g. for disinfection and cleaning purposes.
US09877979B2

A method of treating neurological condition in a subject by administration of a cardiac glycoside is provided. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease or stroke are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of cardiac glycoside to a subject. The cardiac glycoside can be present in a dosage form.
US09877973B2

An intraocular active agent delivery device can include an active agent homogenously combined with a biodegradable active agent matrix such that the entire delivery device is homogenous. The homogenous delivery device can have a shape and size to fit within a lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye and provide a therapeutically effective amount of the active agent to the eye. The biodegradable active agent matrix can be formulated to provide sustained release of the therapeutically effective amount of the active agent during a release period. In some examples, the active agent can include dexamethasone.
US09877969B2

The invention relates to improved methods for protecting non-human animals with triazine compounds by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection(s). The invention can be used with various triazines, such as toltrazuril, in different non-human animals, such as a porcine, an ovine, a bovine, a canine, a feline, or an avian, for protecting them against infectious diseases, such as protozoan disorders.
US09877967B2

The present invention relates to methods for treating and preventing renal impairment by administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent. The invention further encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist alone or with, at least, one additional therapeutic agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention find use in methods for treating and preventing renal impairment.
US09877958B2

Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL proteins, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which is expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein.
US09877957B2

The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of formula I are inhibitors of diacylglyceride O-acyltransferase 2 (“DGAT2”) and may be useful in the treatment, prevention and suppression of diseases mediated by DGAT2. The compounds of the present invention may be useful in the treatment of hepatic steatosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, cardio renal diseases such as chronic kidney diseases and heart failure and related diseases and conditions.
US09877955B2

Methods and compositions for treating disorders of the nail and nail bed. Such compositions contain a vehicle in which all components of the composition are dissolved, suspended, dispersed, or emulsified, a non-volatile solvent, a wetting agent, and a pharmaceutically active ingredient that is soluble in the non-volatile solvent and/or a mixture of the vehicle and the non-volatile solvent, and which composition is effective in treating a disorder of the nail or nail bed.
US09877952B2

The present invention relates to specific doses of and dosing regimens for using a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compound in treating or preventing diseases associated with nonsense mutations. In particular, the invention relates to specific doses and dosing regimens for the use of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid in mammals having diseases associated with nonsense mutations.
US09877947B2

The present invention relates to C-terminal HSP90 inhibitors, like silibinin, novobiocin and derivatives thereof, stereoisomeric forms, prodrugs, solvates, hydrates and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of these compounds together with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient and/or diluents. Said compounds and its compositions have been identified as useful for the treatment of pituitary adenomas such as corticotroph adenomas, lactotroph adenomas, somatotroph adenomas and thyrotroph adenomas.
US09877935B2

The present invention relates to a ready-to-administer parenteral dosage form of norepinephrine which comprises an aqueous solution of norepinephrine, having an anti-oxidant which is not a sulfite anti-oxidant, wherein the dosage form is stable at room temperature for prolonged period of time.
US09877929B2

A topical vitamin D and UBIQUINOL supplement composition useful in treating oral inflammation and reducing oxidative stress comprising: a supplement mixture of vitamin D and UBIQUINOL in an aqueous-free emulsion containing: spilanthes extract, stabilizing compositions for UBIQUINOL and trans-oral mucosal absorption facilitators for the supplement mixture; where the emulsion forms a mucoadhesive gel in the presence of saliva, that effects passive diffusion through the oral mucosa of the supplement mixture and spilanthes extract regulating: in vivo availability and immune response of the supplement mixture, and maintaining adequate levels of circulating vitamin D and of adjunctively administered UBIQUINOL, while minimizing the risk of hypercalcemia.
US09877926B2

A bioadhesive formulation, comprising gelatin, alginate and a coupling agent, capable of forming a bioadhesive matrix, which is characterized by rapid curing, optimal viscosity, high bonding strength, flexibility, biocompatibility and biodegradability, is disclosed. Further disclosed is such a bioadhesive formulation which further comprises a bioactive agent, and a drug-eluting bioadhesive matrix formed therefrom, the bioadhesive matrix being capable of delivering the bioactive agent to a bodily site. Methods utilizing the bioadhesive formulations and matrices in various biological and medical procedures are also disclosed.
US09877922B2

Disclosed is a process of preparing sustained release microspheres, containing a biodegradable polymer as a carrier and a drug, using spray drying. The process comprises preparing a solution, suspension or emulsion containing a biodegradable polymer, a drug and a solvent; spray drying the solution, suspension or emulsion; and suspending spray-dried microspheres in an aqueous solution containing polyvinyl alcohol to remove the residual solvent and increase the hydrophilicity of the microsphere surface. The process enables the preparation of microspheres having high drug encapsulation efficiency, almost not having a toxicity problem due to the residual solvent, and having good syringeability. The microspheres prepared according to the present invention release an effective concentration of a drug in a sustained manner for a predetermined period when administered to the body, and are thus useful in the treatment of diseases.
US09877913B2

An alkalizing delivery system for promoting healthier saliva is provided. The alkalizing delivery system may take many portable forms that include a saliva buffering agent and a saliva alkali agent adapted to transiently change the pH balance of a user's saliva without the use of self-foaming agents.
US09877912B2

Disclosed is a shaving preparation imparting durable lubricity. The shaving preparation has one or more silicone polyethers and one or more water-soluble polymers that associate with the one or more silicone polyethers in aqueous solution. The lubricity of the shaving preparation can be reactivated by wetting the skin after shaving without applying an additional amount of the shaving preparation. Also disclosed is a method for using the shaving preparation.
US09877911B2

The invention provides a non-aqueous oral care composition with a liquid continuous phase comprising a thickening agent, a humectant, and one or more liquid polyethylene glycols having a melting point below 25° C., in which the liquid continuous phase is structured with crystals of one or more solid polyethylene glycols having a melting point of 25° C. or above. The rheological behavior of the composition of the invention corresponds well with the characteristic rheological behavior of typical aqueous dentifrice formulations.
US09877910B2

The present invention is directed to a hair styling device for providing lift to a mass of undifferentiated hair stands on a scalp region comprising: a bundling means for gathering hair strands into hair bundles; a reservoir, in fluid communication with the bundling means, comprising a styling composition; and a means to hold and further align the hair strands along and beyond the bundling means.
US09877894B2

People can damage their medicines by taking them outside in hot or cold weather. On the other hand, some people need to carry their medicines with them wherever they go (even if the weather is extremely hot or cold). Specially constructed storage systems can protect medicines from damage due to hot and cold weather without requiring bulky structures or expensive components that consume electricity to regulate temperature.
US09877878B2

A reusable shield and liner for use by a woman during menstruation is disclosed. The liner is octagonal in shape and comprises two or more layers. The shield contains one water-resistant layer.
US09877873B2

An inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body fluids from a patient is presented that involves introducing body fluids into a first chamber in the storage-and-liquid-processing pouch and flowing air through a second chamber. The chambers are separated by a high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. The air flow in the second chamber enhances liquid removal from the first chamber across the high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein.
US09877861B2

A shoulder and arm orthosis assembly for supporting at least one of a shoulder, arm, wrist and hand of a user. The orthosis assembly provides a sling with a shoulder strap, a wrist/hand orthosis, and a pillow support to hold the arm of the user away from the body. The sling has attached inner and outer portions that are configured to be detached and reattached with one another. The wrist/hand orthosis may be supported by the sling when the sling is closed and may be permitted to exit the sling when the sling is opened.
US09877856B2

A stent delivery device includes a first retaining polymer disposed about and retaining a self-expanding stent at a proximal end portion, a second retaining polymer disposed about and retaining the self-expanding stent at a distal end portion, a first resistance member in thermal communication with the first retaining polymer, and a second resistance member in thermal communication with the second retaining polymer. The second retaining polymer and second resistance member are configured to allow release and expansion of the distal end portion of the self-expanding stent without expansion of the proximal end portion of the self-expanding stent.
US09877844B2

A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device.
US09877842B2

Anchoring devices for rachidian implants, implants, surgical instruments, and surgical systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, an anchor comprises a stiff plate with a longitudinal axis, configured for penetration of its anterior end into a vertebral surface while its posterior end remains engaged with the implant. An implant may include a locking mechanism for the anchor. An anchor may include an abutment configured to abut a complementary abutment of an implant. In some configurations, inserting an anchor in a passage of an implant may displace a locking mechanism, which may resile and lock the anchor in the implant with complementary abutments of the anchor and implant abutting.
US09877835B1

A penile insert device effective to prevent retraction of the penis and to increase the length of a penis in its flaccid or erect state. An elongated body of the penile insert device can have a proximal end, a distal end, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Each of the first and second side edges is formed by a plurality of alternating lateral plateaus and lateral valleys. The lateral plateaus are smoothly connected to adjacent lateral plateaus by the lateral valleys. The lateral valleys of the first side edge is staggered with respect to the lateral valleys of the second side edge such that the lateral plateaus and valleys of the first lateral side and the lateral plateaus and valleys of the second side edge form a zigzag pattern in the body.
US09877834B2

A medical implant system for implantation in a patient to treat erectile dysfunction includes a first fluid path, an inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder, an electric pump, and implant controller, and an implantable power supply. The inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder is in fluid communication with the first fluid path and is configured for implantation in a corpus cavernosum of a patient. The electric pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid path. The implant controller is electrically coupled to the pump and is configured to activate the pump to drive a flow of fluid through the first fluid path and into the cylinder. The implantable power supply provides electrical power to the pump.
US09877829B2

An intravascular cuff acts as a lining between a native vessel and an intravascular prosthetic device. During deployment, the ends of the cuff curl back upon themselves and are capable of trapping native tissue, such as valve leaflet tissue, between the ends. The cuff creates a seal between the vessel and the prosthetic, thereby preventing leakage around the prosthetic. The cuff also traps any embolic material dislodged from the vessel during expansion of the prosthetic.
US09877828B2

The present invention relates to a stent (10) for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis (100) in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis (100) fastened to a stent (10) will occur relative the stent (10) in the implanted state of the stent (10), even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent (10) according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion (11) via which the valvular prosthesis (100) is connectable to the stent (10). The stent (10) further comprises positioning arches (15) and retaining arches (16), whereby at least one positioning arch (15) is connected to at least one retaining arch (16) via a first connecting land (17). The stent (10) moreover comprises at least one auxiliary retaining arch (18) which connects the respective arms (16′, 16″) of the at least one retaining arch (16) connected to the at least one positioning arch (15).
US09877827B2

A mandrel for molding polymer valve leaflets for heart valve prostheses is disclosed, including a body portion including an outer surface with ridges and contoured surfaces corresponding to the leaflets, the upper edge of the contoured surfaces corresponding to the free upper edge of the leaflets, and the mandrel including a mandrel extension above the body portion, and a gap extending around the mandrel between the upper edge of the contoured surface and the mandrel extension. A process for producing these polymer valve leaflets is also disclosed by dip coating with this mandrel and removing the polymer film created at the gap, preferably by applying suction or blowing thereto.
US09877820B2

The invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for the repair of an inguinal hernia comprising: a textile (2) of elongate shape, a resilient frame (3) connected to said textile, characterized in that said frame comprises a convex cranial segment (3c), a caudal segment (3d), a lateral corner segment (3b) joining together the convex cranial segment and the caudal segment, and a folding segment (5) joining a medial end of said convex cranial segment to a point located on the caudal segment while leaving the region of the medial end of the textile free of any frame,said frame being able to adopt an unstressed configuration, in which said textile is deployed, and a stressed configuration, in which said convex cranial segment, said caudal segment and said folding segment are substantially collected together and aligned on one folding direction, said textile forming thereby at least one fold along said folding direction.
US09877815B1

An electric flossing device includes a body, an electromechanical driving mechanism, and a flossing adapter that houses a flossing string insert. The flossing adapter has a head with forward extending arms. String floss is retained at the distal end portions of the arms and moves up-and-down and side-to-side to work the floss down between the user's teeth, while simultaneously scraping the teeth. The flossing adapter and flossing head remains stationary as the flossing string insert moves, to reduce fatigue and avoid injury to the user. This motion emulates manual flossing and permits the device to be moved forward and back slightly to follow the entire curvature of the tooth and ensure complete cleaning.
US09877813B2

A method of preparing organic and natural material for making teeth and typical dental devices or appliances having sufficiently hard and durable chewing surfaces, obtained from sustainable resources.
US09877812B2

In embodiment of the invention provides a method of producing a dental splint comprising the steps of: obtaining a set of 3D surface data, the 3D surface data representing a surface of a patient's oral situation, obtaining a support structure model describing a dental splint configured to fit to a portion of the surface of the patient's oral situation, modifying an apical edge of the support structure model in dependence on the 3D surface data, producing the dental splint in dependence on the modified support structure model.
US09877810B2

A method of conducting a sinus lift procedure is provided. A secure and physical interaction is formed between a fiducial device and a site within a patient's mouth to form a fiducial marker. A virtual incising plan is formed for incising the patient's maxilla, with respect to the fiducial marker, for providing access to a sinus membrane. Movement of an incising device is physically regulated with respect to the fiducial marker with a guidance device. The incising device is in physical communication with the fiducial marker via the fiducial device. The guidance device physically regulates movement of the incising device, according to the virtual incising plan and corresponding with physical manipulation of the incising device by a user, to incise the maxilla. Tactile feedback is provided to the user, via the incising device, if the physical manipulation of the incising device by the user deviates from the virtual incising plan.
US09877808B2

The present invention provides a membrane for guided regeneration of bone and tissue comprising an organic base material and a new bone formation guide layer on one or both sides of the organic base material, the new bone formation guide layer containing a hydrophilic polymer and calcium phosphate.
US09877804B2

The present invention relates to an orthodontic gripping device having a body made of a superelastic metal alloy, cold worked titanium beta III, or solution heat treated and aged titanium beta III. The body has first and second, spaced apart arm portions connected to each other. Each arm portion includes a jaw portion having an inner, arch wire-gripping, surface. The inner gripping surfaces are disposed opposite one another in spaced relation with a station defined therebetween for receiving the arch wire. At least a portion of the station is sized smaller than the arch wire. The arm portions are resiliently deflectable outwardly away from each other to admit the arch wire into the station. Once seated in the station, the arch wire is tightly held by inner gripping surfaces so as to resist displacement of the gripping device relative to the arch wire.
US09877803B2

An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.
US09877799B2

The present invention is a hand-held device for dispensing multiple controlled dosage of powered material having a main body, a cavity in the main body constructed and arranged to be operatively associated with an actuator for dispensing a medicament, an actuator constructed and arranged for dispensing said medicament from said cavity through a delivery device, and a tip attached to said second end of said main body, wherein said tip is constructed and arranged at a fixed angle relative to said main body to facilitate periodontal delivery of a medicament.
US09877797B2

Compressed air handpiece including a handle connected to a head housing a turbine. The turbine includes a moving wheel from a periphery of which extends a plurality of blades which define an outer diameter of the moving wheel. The handpiece also includes injection means, whose function is to direct onto the blades of the moving wheel a compressed air flow whose pneumatic energy is converted into kinetic energy when the compressed air flow strikes the blades of the moving wheel. The injection means take the form of an independent insert inside which is arranged a compressed air flow feed pipe and which is mounted inside the handle of the handpiece.
US09877794B2

The present invention relates to a device developed for surgical interventions comprising (i) an inner end (1) guidable/steerable to the operation field, (ii) an outer end (3) operated by the user and (iii) a middle part (2) which connects both ends (1, 3) together. According to the main concept of the present invention, it further comprises force transmission units extending between the outer (3) and the inner (1) ends, and said force transmission units, the outer and the inner ends and the middle part (2) are designed to transfer the movements of the outer end (3) to the inner end (1) in an identical measure, as if the inner end (1) were the straight continuation of the outer end (3).
US09877790B2

Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.
US09877788B2

An MRI safe robot for guiding transrectal prostate biopsy comprises a support arm, a robot body operatively connected to the support arm and a transrectal biopsy device operatively connected to the robot body. The transrectal biopsy device includes an endorectal extension and a biopsy needle device, the endorectal extension including an MRI coil for MRI imaging of the prostate. The robot body includes a first driver module for generating rotational motion of the endorectal extension and a second driver module for angulating the biopsy needle device toward a target area of the prostate for biopsy. The biopsy needle device is rotatable relative to the endorectal extension about a fixed axis and translatable through the endorectal extension. Each of the first and second driver modules include at least one pneumatic motor, wherein the MRI images are used by a physician to determine the target area for biopsy.
US09877777B2

A deployment and retraction mechanism for deploying and retracting a deployable component of a surgical instrument includes a gear assembly, a slider, and one or more actuators. The slider is translatable between a proximal position, corresponding to a storage condition of the deployable component, and a distal position, corresponding to a use condition of the deployable component. The actuator(s) is coupled to the gear assembly and is movable from an un-actuated position to an actuated position. The gear assembly is configured such that a full actuation and subsequent release of the actuator(s) translates the slider from one of the proximal or distal positions to the other of the proximal or distal positions while a partial actuation and subsequent release of the actuator(s) translates the slider from one of the proximal or distal positions to an intermediate position and back to the one of the proximal or distal positions.
US09877772B2

An electrosurgical generator may reduce unintended tissue damage by improving regulation of output power. The electrosurgical generator may control the power during a cycle, and react to a change in power if arcing occurs. Voltage sources, especially, demonstrate the tendency to have large, uncontrolled power excursions during normal electrosurgical use. The magnitude of the power excursions may be dependent on various factors. An exemplary electrosurgical generator control scheme reduces or minimizes the thermal spread by accurately supplying the specified power within a few cycles. Additionally, fast and accurate regulation provided by the constant voltage mode reduces or minimizes unintentional tissue charring. Thus, reduced thermal spread and charring should result in better surgical outcomes by reducing scarring and decreasing healing times. An electrosurgical generator controller may be configured to control both a DC-DC buck converter and a DC-AC boost inverter based in part on electrical parameters of the electrosurgical generator.
US09877770B2

The present invention relates to the use of electrochemistry to control and generate specific user defined chemical reactions in regions that may be defined by electrode placement and geometry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of shape changing cartilage in a subject through potential-driven electrochemical modification of tissue (PDEMT) or use of a potential-driven electromechanical (EMR) device.
US09877758B2

A bone plate configured to accommodate fixation devices (such as screws, for example) inserted at various angles. The bone plate is formed of a material softer than the material of the fixation devices, and is provided with fixation holes with rounded, curved interior walls (i.e., non-threaded holes) that allow the fixation devices to be inserted at various angles. The fixation holes have a diameter smaller than that of the fixation devices. As a result of the difference between the materials of the plate and of fixation devices, and of the difference between the diameters of the fixation holes and of the fixation devices, the fixation devices deform the interior walls of the fixation holes, therefore self-threading the holes at an advantageous angle.
US09877754B2

An article comprises a unitary plate configured to conform to a foot of a patient. The plate has a dorsal portion shaped to conform to a dorsal surface of a medial column of the foot and a plantar-medial portion shaped to conform to a medial surface of a first metatarsal of the foot and extend to a plantar surface of the first metatarsal. The plantar-medial portion is integrally attached to the dorsal portion. The plate has a plurality of apertures for receiving screws. The apertures include: a plurality of first apertures through the dorsal portion, adapted to receive a respective one or more first screws to be inserted into a dorsal surface of a talus of the foot, and at least one second aperture adapted to receive a second screw inserted through a plantar end of the plantar-medial portion into a first metatarsal of the foot.
US09877751B2

A bone screw of minimally invasive fixation device for lumbar comprises a positioning casing and a screw body. The positioning casing includes a rod securing base and an alignment portion, both of which are integrally formed; an annular notch is formed between them. The alignment portion has at least two pairs of rod alignment openings in a bulb-shaped or keyhole-shaped form with an upper portion larger than a lower portion. Two longitudinal notches extend from near the top across the alignment openings to the rod securing base. The screw body includes a spherical head and a screw rod; the outer diameter of the spherical head is larger than that of the screw rod. The screw body is rotatably connected to the bottom portion of the positioning casing; the spherical head of the screw body is arranged in the spherical pit of the rod securing base.
US09877746B2

Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.
US09877744B2

An access port for use in single port surgery includes a cannula to provide minimally invasive access to a surgical site and an instrument guide that fits closely within the cannula. The instrument guide includes guide channels that are open to the outside surface of the instrument guide. Each of the guide channels is configured to support a single surgical instrument at a defined position within the cannula. The guide channels may be smoothly enlarged at the end that receives surgical instruments. The access port may further include a seal that couples the instrument guide to the cannula such that the seal retains a pressurized insufflation fluid within the surgical site. The instrument guide may include one or more insufflation channels for introducing an insufflation fluid to the surgical site. The access port may include a flexible section. The surgical instruments may be controlled robotically by servo actuators.
US09877742B2

A thrombectomy catheter includes a catheter body having first and second lumens formed therein, and a flow directing mechanism upon a distal body end forming a channel for conveying fluid between an outlet and an inlet fluidly connected with the first and second lumens. The channel axially and circumferentially advances about the catheter body, and is positioned between the outlet and inlet such that fluid conveyed by the channel enters a suction stream flowing to the inlet and entraining material of disrupted thrombus.
US09877740B2

A morcellator shield and bag assembly including a shield having a cavity and a bag coupled to the shield. The bag is moveable between a contracted position, in which at least a portion of the bag is positioned within the cavity, and an expanded position. The bag has an opening that is in fluid communication with the cavity when the bag is in the expanded position. A method for using the assembly along with a morcellator to remove tissue from a body cavity. The method includes inserting at least a portion of the assembly into a body cavity, moving the bag to the expanded position, placing tissue in the bag, pulling the bag through an opening in a patient, inserting the morcellator into the assembly, and morcellating the tissue with the morcellator. The assembly is designed to contain the tissue being morcellated and prevent the morcellator from contacting the bag.
US09877739B2

A power morcellation system, apparatus, and methodology. Structurally, the device includes a sturdy, pliable (e.g., able to be inserted and retracted through a 10-15 mm morcellator port), distensible, waterproof/watertight retaining bag/pouch/carrier to be deployed into the pelvic cavity of the subject. The device further includes a plurality (e.g., three (3)) of port tube channels extending outwardly from the bag, wherein the interior of each channel is in communication with the interior of the bag. Each channel has an open end (opposite from the end that terminates in the bag) through which a laparoscopic/robotic camera and other instruments (e.g., camera, control instrument) may pass. A smaller tube channel also extends outwardly from the bag and can be suited as an insufflation port channel, among other uses. The bag also includes a large opening surrounded by an elastic drawstring for receiving the specimen to be removed within the bag.
US09877737B2

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for securing a glenoid baseplate to a resected glenoid cavity in a preoperatively planned position. Image information obtained from the glenoid cavity and surrounding scapula is analyzed to determine the location of optimal bone stock. A guide is designed based on the image information, the guide having a patient specific contact surface that contacts a surface of the bone in a preoperatively planned position. The guide is designed to have a cannulated portion including a specific length. A marking pin having at least one reference feature is drilled into the glenoid cavity. The length of the cannulated portion of the guide is based on a location of the at least one reference feature on an outer surface of the marking pin. A cannulated reamer guided by the marking pin is then used to resect the glenoid cavity until a stop surface of the cannulated reamer contacts an end of the marking pin.
US09877725B2

The invention relates to a neural prosthesis, a neural prosthesis for use in the treatment of severed nerves and to a method for producing a neural prosthesis. Said neural prosthesis comprises a coupling element receptacle and at least one coupling element having a first and a second coupling section, wherein the coupling element is fixed by the coupling element receptacle, and wherein the first coupling section can be arranged on a first nerve region and the second coupling section on a second nerve region so that both nerve regions can be coupled by means of the neural prosthesis.
US09877719B2

This document provides devices and methods for harvesting tissue. For example, this document provides devices and methods for harvesting abdominal wall fascial tissue in a minimally invasive manner.
US09877718B2

Systems and methods are provided for detecting failure in clamping of a material and/or firing of a staple into a clamped material and indicating such failure to a user on a user interface. The system and methods are particularly suited for use with end effectors having closing and/or firing mechanisms coupled to an actuator. By monitoring a driving parameter of an actuator that effects the clamping and/or firing, the systems and methods provide an indication of failure in response to the monitored drive parameter. In some embodiments, an indication of failure is output when the monitored drive parameter is outside an acceptable range of desired driving parameters during clamping and/or firing. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery.
US09877717B2

Disclosed is a surgical system for positioning an implant in a patient. The surgical system includes an insertion needle and a connector. The insertion needle has a distal end with a channel formed therein. The channel has a first end and a second end. The first end extends to the distal end. The second is laterally offset from the first end and does not extend to the distal end. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the implant that is to be positioned in the patient. The second end has a recess formed therein. The recess generally conforms to the distal end of the insertion needle. The connector has an inwardly directed extension that extends into the recess. The inwardly directed extension engages the insertion needle through the channel.
US09877715B2

A medical suturing instrument in which the movement of an operation part is transmitted with a time lag to a loop forming part and a suture thread by means of a loop feed/return mechanism and a suture thread feed mechanism, and once a loop has been fed out from the tip end of a loop introduction needle, the suture thread is fed out from the tip end of a suture thread introduction needle.
US09877712B2

Cannula assemblies and methods of conducting surgeries. The cannula assembly comprises a cannula that is sized for the common 4 mm arthroscopy switching stick, which is put in a one-step fashion with the use of a unique switching stick inserter. All steps for placement of the cannula are performed in a single forward motion, i.e., no backing up of components are necessary for placement. The method of conducting surgery includes the steps of: providing a cannula/switching stick assembly comprising a cannula sized to accommodate a corresponding switching stick, and a switching stick inserter (modular handle) designed to fit on the switching stick, and to help insert and control the switching stick; and inserting the cannula/switching stick assembly through an arthroscopic portal during a surgical procedure, in a single forward motion.
US09877705B2

A device for collecting fluid from a penis includes a fluid collection structure configured to be attached to a glans of the penis directly over a meatus of the penis such that a substantial majority of the glans remains uncovered by the device. The device includes an attachment structure configured to secure the fluid collection structure to the penis.
US09877702B2

An ultrasound observation apparatus including a displacement calculating section that measures displacement of a subject based on an ultrasound signal, an elastic-image generating section that generates an elastic image based on the measured displacement, a memory section that stores generated one or more elastic images, a determination-region setting section that sets a proper-image determination region for proper image determination in the elastic image according to a size of an ROI, a characteristic calculating section that calculates a region characteristic of the proper-image determination region, and a proper-image determining section that determines based on the region characteristic whether the elastic image is a proper image.
US09877693B2

An X-ray imaging apparatus has an X-ray tube that irradiates an X-ray to a subject, an flat panel detector (FPD) that takes an X-ray image on the basis of the X-ray transmitted through the subject, a real-time image synthesis element that synthesizes an image by connecting in turn an image of a plurality of strip-shape X-ray images concurrently taken while letting the X-ray tube and the FPD move relative with respect to the subject, and a real-time image monitor that displays an intermediate image taken by the FPD and is synthesized in turn by the real-time image synthesis element.
US09877692B2

The present disclosure provides a method and system using software and associated equipment to automatically identify two or more preselected anatomical features by examining pixels within images, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanned images, determining appropriate measurements between such identified features based on dimensions and scaling available within the image file, comparing these measurements to normative data, and providing output of the results to a user, such as medical personnel. In at least one embodiment, the system can measure an interval between a first anatomical feature and a second anatomical feature that may be useful for medical analysis.
US09877690B2

A C-arm of a medical imaging system, comprising a C-shaped structure, a radiation detector support and a connection linking said support to said C-shaped structure so that said support can move toward and away from an end of said C-shaped structure, wherein said connection is structured so as to be bendable to reduce its bulk.
US09877675B2

A blood collection device comprising a cannula hub defining a chamber; an inlet cannula and an outlet cannula mounted to the cannula hub; a closed sleeve mounted over a portion of the outlet cannula; and a venting mechanism between the chamber and the ambient surroundings comprising a tubular insert and a membrane permeable to air and substantially impermeable to blood.
US09877673B2

Transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system are provided for non-invasively and transdermally obtaining biological samples from a subject and determining levels of analytes of the obtained biological samples. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may cause disruption to the skin cells to create capillary-like channels from which biological samples may flow to the transdermal sampling and analysis device. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may collect the biological samples in a reservoir where the biological sample may chemically react with a biologically reactive element. A sensor may convert the produced electrons (ions) into measured electrical signals. The converted signals may be measured and the levels of an analyte may be determined based on the measured signals.
US09877671B2

Apparatus configured to detect congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborns may comprise a body with a cavity configured to receive a hand or foot of a newborn. Sensor pairs of the apparatus may be configured scan such that the best signals can be selected, which can accommodate for movements of the newborn and/or facilitate impartialness as to which body part is inserted in the apparatus. Positions of the sensor pairs may be adjusted to ensure contact with the newborn's skin. A disposable cover may protect the newborn's skin from contacting the apparatus. The apparatus may include a pressure device so that CHD threshold values can be adjusted for different altitudes. The apparatus may integrate with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
US09877660B2

Embodiments hereof relate to methods and systems for determining a pressure gradient across a lesion of a vessel without requiring the use of a pharmacological hyperemic agent. A measurement system includes at least an injection catheter and a pressure-sensing instrument or guidewire slidingly disposed through the catheter, the pressure-sensing guidewire including at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a pressure measurement for use in determining the pressure gradient across the lesion. The catheter is configured to deliver or inject a non-pharmacological fluid, such as saline or blood, across the lesion in order to increase a flow rate there-through, thereby simulating hyperemia without the use of a pharmacological hyperemic agent. Once an increased flow rate that simulates hyperemia is achieved, the pressure sensor of the pressure-sensing guidewire may be utilized to measure the pressure gradient across the lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion.
US09877659B2

A sensing system for physiology measurements comprises a transmission end including a measuring signal generating module having at least one overshoot and undershoot wave generating circuits and a transmitting antenna module having at least one transmitting antenna; a receiving end having a plurality of receiving antennae with each receiving antenna receiving a reflected signal reflected by a target object; and a plurality of signal analyzing modules to generate a plurality of object active state signals by analyzing the reflected signal from each receiving antenna and transmit the plurality of object active state signals to a digital signal processor. Wherein each overshoot and undershoot wave generating circuit generates a measuring signal with overshoot and undershoot waves according to an inputted Pulse Width Modulation signal, and each transmitting antenna emits the measuring signal to the target object.
US09877658B2

A low input current amplifier has a voltage spectral density curve to operate at 50 Hz or less and is connected to dielectric materials to receive a signal irrespective of ground reference. The amplifier outputs a first output. A multi-stage amplifier includes a stage connected in series with the low input current amplifier to amplify the first signal to distinguish the incidence, traverse and physiological condition of a living human. The resulting signal is then processed by an algorithm and displayed as human specific motion, heart rate and respiratory rate.
US09877650B2

Systems and method for monitoring patient physiological data are presented herein. In one embodiment, a physiological sensor and a mobile computing device can be connected via a cable or cables, and a processing board can be connected between the sensor and the mobile computing device to conduct advanced signal processing on the data received from the sensor before the data is transmitted for display on the mobile computing device.
US09877647B2

Methods for spectroscopic analysis of biological tissues to classify an individual as diabetic or non-diabetic, or to determine the probability, progression or level of a disease or medical condition in an individual.
US09877645B2

Provided herein are methods of evaluating efficacy of a treatment in a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome) and selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having eye inflammation (e.g., a subject having dry eye syndrome).
US09877642B2

The viewing device for the interior of a mouth of a patient includes a penetrating ray emitter adapted to take a view of an inner portion located under an outer surface of an organ arranged in the mouth. There is a pair of augmented-reality glasses having an optical glass through which a user of the pair of glasses can see the interior of the mouth and a viewing camera adapted to take an image of what the user sees through the optical glass. A central unit correlates first images corresponding to those taken by the viewing camera with second images corresponding to those taken by the penetrating-ray emitter.
US09877641B2

An endoscope reprocessor includes a medicinal solution tank configured to store a medicinal solution; a first detachable portion provided in the medicinal solution tank and configured to detachably hold the concentration meter such that a measuring surface of the concentration meter is placed in the medicinal solution tank; a preserving fluid tank configured to store a preserving fluid of the concentration meter; and a second detachable portion provided in the preserving fluid tank and configured to detachably hold the concentration meter such that the measuring surface of the concentration meter is placed in the preserving fluid tank.
US09877632B2

A stemware holder for a dishwashing rack has a central shaft. The stemware holder also has a holding portion that has a stemware receiving area defined by a first set of prongs and extends from the central shaft in a first direction. The first set of prongs is adapted to hold a portion of a piece of stemware in the receiving area. The stemware holder further has a securing portion that has a dishwasher rack receiving area defined by a second set of prongs and extends from the central shaft in a second direction that is at an angle from the first direction. The second set of prongs is adapted to receive a portion of the dishwasher rack and secure the stemware holder to the dishwashing rack.
US09877630B2

An example robot includes a body that is movable relative to a surface, a bumper mounted on the body to enable movement of the bumper relative to the body, a sensor to produce a signal in response to the movement of the bumper relative to the body caused by contact between the bumper and the surface, and a controller to control movement of the body to cause the body to track the surface based on a value. The bumper is movable between an uncompressed position relative to the body and a compressed position relative to the body. The signal varies linearly with the movement of the bumper relative to the body. The value is based on the signal and indicates that the bumper in a partially compressed position has a compression range between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.
US09877628B2

A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes an imaging unit configured to image a floor and generate a captured image, a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of floor information that identify different types of floors and suction intensity information of the vacuum cleaner corresponding to each of the plurality of pieces of floor information, and a controller configured to search for floor information corresponding to the generated captured image among the plurality of pieces of floor information, and control a suction intensity of the vacuum cleaner using suction intensity information corresponding to the searched floor information.
US09877605B2

A mug cover comprising one or more layers of reusable cloth adapted to conform to a mug having a bottom, wherein the one or more layers of reusable cloth covers at least a portion of the bottom of the mug is disclosed. In one embodiment, the reusable cloth has an opening (e.g., slit or cutout) through which a mug handle may extend. The portion covering the bottom serves as a coaster. Methods of making and providing reusable mug covers are also disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more mug covers are sold in kits, together with dried food products and/or other articles.
US09877604B2

A breathable blanket may be made from a breathable mesh material to improve airflow through the blanket. The breathable blanket may include a multi-layer material having a combination of light-weight liner fabric and a mesh fabric. The blanket may be have a shape similar to an animal and include attachments, such as a stuff polyfill head. Additionally, the blanket may include ornamental additions of satin to further convey the animal shape.
US09877600B1

A suspended storage platform includes a frame having a pair of side rails and a pair of end rails. Each of the side rails and the end rails include an upper lip, a plurality of hangers configured for mounting to an elevated support, and a plurality of suspension members each having a portion mountable to one of the hangers and a portion mountable to one of the side rails and one of the end rails at intersections of the side rails and the end rails. The platform includes a plurality of blow molded shelf panels. Each shelf panel has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, with the lower surface of each of the shelf panels including a length channel and a width channel formed in the bottom surface adjacent lower peripheral edges of the bottom surface. The length and width channels of the shelf panels seat onto the lips of the side rails and the end rails to provide a snug interference fit with the frame and one another to provide a shelf surface that resists movement during use of the platform once the shelf panels are installed. The shelf panels are configured to be installed onto the frame or removed from the frame without the use of tools.
US09877595B2

An apparatus comprises a seat flap to support a baby's buttocks and thighs in a sling like fashion. The seat flap has a top edge, a bottom edge and side edges. A first means joins the top edge to an upper portion of a baby carrier with the seat flap being positioned on an interior portion of the baby carrier. The baby carrier is configured to carry the baby on the front or back of a caregiver's body with the baby facing outward or inward. The baby carrier is operable to support the baby in an upright position without the use of the seat flap. A second means joins the bottom edge to a lower portion of the baby carrier, wherein the baby sits upright and the baby's legs are supported at an angle of at least ninety degrees.
US09877592B2

Various implementations include a towel with a T-pocket and/or a method to sew a “T” pocket into a towel. The pocket in the towel may orient, support and/or secure the towel draped over a seat back or frame structure. The frame structure may be capable being accessibly and removably coupled to suitable objects, such as car seats and other seating having back rests or frames used to display advertising messages or items placed on display resting in the T-pocket. The T-pocket component may include a first end and a longer second end, the longer second end employed to provide a level of protection for the underlying seat and comfort to the seated person, but also allow the person to dry himself and maintain warmth.
US09877580B2

The present invention is a ceiling-mountable enclosure comprising a support frame, a lightweight inner enclosure, and a back box configured for installation in a suspended ceiling. The apparatus of the present invention includes a removable device door configured to be mounted to the support frame. Electrical and signal wires are routed through conduit access plates provided at the back box. Electrical or other equipment is mounted to a removable device door. The removable device door with mounted equipment is attached to the support frame, then rotated upwards to fit flush with the ceiling and fastened to the support frame. A variety of power receptacles are provided that are configured to be mounted to either the back box, the inner enclosure, or the removable device door. The enclosure includes a cooling system comprising an electrically powered fan and air ducts integrated into the inner enclosure.
US09877577B2

A storage and serving cart includes a cabinet assembly having an internal storage cavity where a plurality of wheels are coupled to a lower portion thereof. A tabletop with an opening therethrough is coupled to an upper surface of the cabinet assembly. A tabletop insert being a laminate structure having first and second sides each of a different material is reversibly positionable within the opening to have either the first or second side facing upwardly from the tabletop.
US09877574B1

A holder for utensils is manually adjustable, and capable of supporting a plurality of utensils in a range of positions from an upright position through an inverted position. The adjustments are incremental. The holder can be attached or mounted to a surface using a suction cup or through use of adhesive or other types of attachment methods. The utensils can be make up make up brushes, toothbrushes or paintbrushes, or other implements.
US09877569B2

In various embodiments, there are provided different methods of batch sizing. One method provides for the stylist having a matrix chart outlining as a percentage of or total amount of ingredients needed to create a mixture based on customer characteristics and/or service requested. In another method, batch sizing adjustment criteria includes a series of questions that provide user input. These methods enable the stylist to be capable of creating a more accurate batch sizing using the batch sizing adjustment criteria. The batch sizing of the formula may be performed by the stylist themselves or automatically done by a computer-driven system.
US09877565B2

When a lid storing an impregnation body impregnated with a liquid cosmetic material is attached to a container body holding a thick applicator at a front end thereof, a slope of a front end face of the thick applicator is stuck into the impregnation body to thereby easily intrude thereinto. Accordingly, an appropriate amount of the liquid cosmetic material impregnated into the impregnation body can be held and a thick line can be drawn by the thick applicator storing the liquid cosmetic material. In this way, since the liquid cosmetic material is stored in the lid while being impregnated with the impregnation body, the liquid cosmetic material does not leak from the lid even in a posture in which the lid separated from the container body is disposed, for example, laterally or reversely.
US09877559B2

The present invention relates to a method of shaping a fibrous material and treatment compositions therefor. The method comprises providing a treatment composition comprising an active agent and a photocatalyst, applying the treatment composition to the fibrous material to form a treated fibrous material, mechanically shaping the treated fibrous material, and exposing the treated fibrous material to electromagnetic radiation. The treatment composition comprises an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises a high-polarity functional group, preferably selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups, and combinations thereof; and a photocatalyst.
US09877550B1

A pull tab is formed by a cord having a cord retaining member at one end and a plug at the other end. The plug has a flap connected to one end, the flap having an open position where the flap is connected to the plug only at one end of the flap, and a closed position where the entire flap is secured to the plug. The cord retaining member has first and second channels therethrough, with the second channel being larger than the first channel. When the flap is open, the plug fits though both the first and second channels, and when the flap is closed, the plug fits only within the second channel. The pull tab is assembled by feeding the plug through the channels, moving the flap to the closed position and pulling the plug back through the second channel until the plug is seated in the second channel.
US09877543B2

A sole structure may include a midsole element, a plate, a first chamber, and a second chamber. The midsole element may be formed from a foamed polymer material. The plate may be formed from a substantially non-foamed polymer material, and the plate has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The plate is embedded within the midsole element such that the foamed polymer material exposes a first area and a second area of the lower surface. The first chamber and the second chamber each have a fluid-filled configuration. The first chamber is secured to the first area, and the second chamber is secured to the second area.
US09877534B2

A retaining system includes a receiver comprising: a holder with a first side and an opposite second side and an eccentric aperture extends from the first side to the second side of the holder; a column comprising a central axis, a first axial side, and a second opposite axial side; and a flange attached normal to the column at the second side, wherein the column and flange are engaged with the holder, wherein the flange has an outer shape that fits within the eccentric aperture, and the column passes within the eccentric aperture from the first side to the second side of the holder, wherein the flange and column are rotatable around the central axis, and the column resists rotating without some resilient deformation of either the column, the flange, or the holder. The retaining system may be used to hold straps, such as from goggles, next to the side of a helmet.
US09877531B2

A system for displaying garments. The system comprises: a model rendering control, a size selection control, a proportion control, a characteristic control, and a fabric rendering control.
US09877530B2

A system having a sleeve with a circumscribing sidewall formed of elastic, compliant material, the sleeve having an internal axial bore sized to have an inside diameter equal to or less than an outside diameter of a host hair to be received in the bore, the sidewall formed of thermoplastic resilient, compliant material, and at least one supplemental hair embedded in the sidewall or attached to the sidewall of the sleeve.
US09877525B2

An armor-enhanced under-clothing system and/or article is provided that employs compression fabric as a figure conforming body suit element, padded elements throughout various selected parts of the body suit element for shape modification, and one or more static fabric material pockets, according to embodiments of the present invention. Anti-ballistic panels of suitable material and thickness can be inserted into the static fabric pocket element(s) designed to carry the panels.
US09877513B2

A battery rod and an electronic cigarette are provided. The batter rod includes a battery cartridge, a battery accommodated in the battery cartridge, and a connection unit inserted at one end of the battery cartridge and for connecting with an atomizer. A charging assembly used to electronically connecting with a charger is inserted at one end of the battery cartridge away from the connection unit, and includes an internal electrode, an insulation holder inserted inside the battery cartridge, an insulation ring and an external electrode. The insulation ring is sleeved on an outer circumferential surface of the internal electrode. The external electrode is sleeved on an outer circumferential surface of the insulation ring. The internal electrode and the external electrode are electronically connected to two electrodes of the battery, respectively.
US09877511B2

An electronic smoking article includes a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol and a tubular filter segment downstream of the heater. The tubular filter segment is operable to selectively filter aerosol particles and vapors from the aerosol.
US09877506B2

A carbon heat source (10) is equipped with: a cylindrical section (11) provided with a cavity (11A) through which there is ventilation communication in the longitudinal axis direction (L) of the carbon heat source (10); and an ignition end (12) which is provided further to the ignition side of the carbon heat source (10) than the cylindrical section (11). Therein, a groove (12A) which connects with the cavity (11A) is formed on the end surface (E) of the ignition side of the ignition end (12).
US09877504B2

Disclosed herein is a conditioning system for nutritional substances. The conditioning system obtains information regarding the nutritional substance to be conditioned, the desired conditioning, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the conditioned nutritional substance, and dynamically controls the conditioning in response to this information optimize the organoleptic properties of the conditioned nutritional substance, while minimizing any detrimental changes to the nutritional content.
US09877503B2

A hand operable juicer having a handle extending from beneath a juice receptacle is described. The handle has a drive link end that couples with a drive mechanism to rotate a drive shaft that extends up through a drive shaft conduit and couples with a pulping crown. Gear and crank type drive mechanisms are described. In some embodiments of the invention, the drive mechanism is configured to provide a rotational advantage, whereby a certain degree of rotation of the handle around the pulping crown rotational axis produces a higher degree of rotation of the pulping crown. The hand operable juicer described is easy to operate and easy to clean.
US09877501B2

Stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The compositions are able to provide a superior taste profile and can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
US09877499B2

The invention relates to a method for processing at least one food product. For example, the invention relates to a process of preparing cooked food products, for example fried food products with reduced oil content. A two-step process is performed on the food product before cooking or frying. The food product is first contacted with a first composition comprising at least one divalent cation (e.g. Ca2+ and/or Mg2+) and at least one acid (e.g. carboxylic acid). After removing from the first composition, the food product is contacted with a second composition comprising okra, a part thereof, or an extract thereof, and at least one hydrocolloid. The invention also relates to the compositions used as well as to the food product or at least one such fried food product with reduced oil content.
US09877498B2

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing an extruded protein product. In particular, a system for making an extruded protein product using a system that includes a die including channel having a transverse cross section that is a continuous loop along at least a portion of the length of the die is disclosed.
US09877497B2

An inexpensive, cost-effective kit for making ice cream cakes with interchangeable ice cream cake molds. The ice cream cake kit allows the user to simply, quickly, and inexpensively create ice cream cakes of varying sizes and shapes in the home environment by simply changing the ice cream cake molds used with a tray that serves as the bottom of the ice cream cake form and a serving tray.
US09877495B2

Present embodiments generally relate to a sweetened soluble beverage component and a single-serve beverage cartridge for use with a single-serve coffee brewer. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a cup, a lid and a single serving of sweetened soluble beverage component.
US09877485B2

A composite filament includes a sulfonated polyester matrix and a plurality of silver nanoparticles dispersed within the matrix and methods of making thereof. Various articles can be manufactured from such composite filaments.
US09877470B2

A robotic orchard spraying system having an autonomous delivery vehicle (ADV), autonomously delivering an amount of a premixed solution over path, the path identified by a forward-looking sensor. The ADV uses GPS to sense an area containing the path, and LiDAR as the forward-looking sensor. Also, a mobile control center, configured to wirelessly inform the autonomous delivery vehicle of the path within the areas and to confirm that the autonomous delivery vehicle is following the path within the area. Additionally, a mapper vehicle generates the path within the area, the mapper vehicle being configured to communicate information about the path and the area to the command center. The mapper vehicle senses the path with a forward-looking LiDAR sensor, and senses the area with a GPS sensor. Moreover, a nurse truck has a reservoir of premixed solution for replenishing a tank of the ADV.
US09877469B1

A vertical tackle box (1) in which leaders, lures and other fishing tackle may be hung in a vertical position from hooks (14) or pegs and further secured with straps or elastomeric cords (17) on opposing sides of the vertical tackle box. Flexible access covers (18) are preferably attached to the vertical tackle box by hinges (19) along upper edges to allow each access cover to be opened and folded back over the top of the vertical tackle box, thereby fully displaying the leaders, lures or other fishing tackle stored therein.
US09877468B1

A fishing weight (100) that includes an oblong body (104), for instance in the shape of a football. A passage (116) extends through the oblong body (104) to allow fishing line (140) to extend through the passage (116). The passage (116) is positioned so that the fishing line (140) pulls the fishing weight (100) in a “sideways” orientation through the water. In one embodiment, the passage (116) proceeds other than linearly through the oblong body (104) of the fishing weight (100).
US09877467B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a fishing reel wherein a bearing rotatably supporting a drive shaft securely shuts out water from its interior so as to maintain stable sealing and thus smooth rotation for a long period wherein such a bearing can be readily built in. In accordance with one aspect, the fishing reel of the present invention includes a drive shaft to be rotationally driven for winding a fishing line around a spool. The drive shaft is rotationally supported by a magnetic fluid sealed bearing having an inner ring magnetic fluid retained between an inner ring and a polar plate retaining a magnet and/or between the inner ring and the magnet, and an outer ring magnetic fluid retained between an outer ring and the polar plate retaining the magnet and/or between the outer ring and the magnet.
US09877463B2

An apparatus for drying piglets immediately after birth includes a container shaped and arranged for receiving up to three or four of the piglets having an opening arrangement for manual insertion by the worker of the piglets to be confined within the container during a drying period. The container has a system for applying air movement and optionally heat to the piglets while confined with the container for drying and a release arrangement having a door controlled by a settable timer or a system for detecting when the piglets are dry for allowing release from the container of the piglets after a sufficient drying time period has elapsed. The container includes a base mounted in each farrowing crate and a cover portion which is removable from one crate to another.
US09877460B2

It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal urinary function measuring device and an animal urinary function measuring method each with high accuracy in sampling a urine amount of an animal. There are provided an accommodating portion which accommodates an animal other than humans, a collecting portion which is provided below the accommodating portion and collects urine discharged by the animal in the accommodating portion, a reticulated portion which is provided below the accommodating portion, allows the passage of the urine of the animal into the collecting portion, collects an object other than the urine, and whose wire diameter of a net thereof being not more than 0.5 mm and whose mesh size being not less than 1 mm2 and not more than the maximum mesh size determined by at least one of the excrement of the animal accommodated in the accommodating portion and a predetermined object used to accommodate the animal in the accommodating portion, a measuring portion which measures the weight of the urine collected by the collecting portion, and a data recording portion which records data measured by the measuring portion.
US09877457B1

A novel maize variety designated X08K212 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08K212 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08K212 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08K212, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08K212. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08K212.
US09877455B1

A novel maize variety designated X08K232 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08K232 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08K232 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08K232, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08K232. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08K232.
US09877453B1

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV345806. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV345806, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV345806 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV345806 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV345806.
US09877450B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01056979. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01056979. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01056979 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01056979 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09877443B2

A method of underground watering utilizes a pouch-like container product made by joining a first sheet having SAP particles adhered to a first surface with a second sheet to form a container partially filled with such particles. The application of pressure, for example by passing the product through a roll nip, facilitates joining of the sheets and causes the particles to break through at least the one of the sheets to create an opening whereby free volume is created to permit the particles to expand when in contact with a liquid. The resultant product is used to collect, store, and dispense water-containing liquids into the soil for watering of agricultural plants, trees, and the like. A composite underground watering element is also included in an embodiment of the invention. The inventive products may also be used as a pad, including a propagation pad, to collect, store, and dispense water-containing-liquids into plant vessels to provide watering of plants. Also included are underground watering of athletic fields and golf course greens, erosion control products and plant root balls having a watering collar.
US09877442B2

An irrigation emitter and drip line, and methods relating to same, are provided for reducing the flow and pressure of fluid via an emitter or plurality of emitters defined by two concentric tubes. In one form, the first tube defines an emitter inlet and connected pressure-reducing flow channel and the second tube is extruded over the first tube to enclose the emitter inlet and flow channel and defines an outlet connected to an end of the flow channel opposite the inlet to create an emitter for converting fluid flowing at a high flow rate in the lumen and at the first end of the inlet to a fluid with a low flow rate at the outlet of the emitter. In another form, a drip line is provided having a plurality of such emitters. Various other forms and methods relating to the emitter and drip line are also disclosed.
US09877440B2

An irrigation drip emitter, and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The emitter having at least one movable member for compensating for fluctuations in supply line fluid pressure. In one form the movable member includes a tapered baffle section movable between a first position wherein fluid is allowed to flow over the tapered baffle section and a second position wherein fluid is prevented from flowing over at least a portion of the tapered baffle section and the tapered baffle section effectively lengthening the extent of a pressure reduction passage. In another form, first and second movable members are provided for compensating for such pressure fluctuations. In another form, a plurality of inputs are provided which are movable between first and second positions to compensate for such pressure fluctuations.
US09877439B1

This invention provides a method for irrigating an area by providing a fluid conduit coiled on a spool. The conduit includes a plurality of sprinkler ports disposed spaced apart along a length axis of the conduit. Each sprinkler port has an affixed connection structure operable to removably connect, removably quick-connect, or quick-deploy a riser, and a portion of that connection structure is disposed inside the hydraulic cross-section of the conduit. The method includes uncoiling a length of the conduit to dispose that uncoiled length of conduit as a line across the area to be irrigated. The uncoiled conduit may then be used to irrigate the area as desired. When finished, the length of conduit may be removed from the irrigation area by again coiling it onto a spool.
US09877436B1

Hanging baskets assemblage includes a plurality of vertically mounted baskets pivotally suspended in a support framework allowing them to swing freely. Freely pivoting hanging baskets in the assemblage allows the baskets to easily tilt down on one side to expose contents simply with the weight of a hand. The utility is further augmented by an optional ancillary member, which provides a counter balance weight hung on one side of a plurality of baskets to assist gravity to allow the baskets to pivot back to a neutral or closed position. The ancillary member also permits the simultaneous opening and closing of all the baskets offering further utility. One embodiment of said ancillary member has a series of insertion cutouts with lip-hooks that engage with the baskets through an insertion slot in the rigid basket brims, a second embodiment is attached directly to the baskets with coupled eye-screws or other bendable means.
US09877435B2

A hedge trimmer includes a first housing with a first handle, a second housing with a second handle, a transmission mechanism combined to the first housing, a trimming blade for being driven by the transmission mechanism to carry out a shearing motion, an electric motor combined to the first housing and for driving the transmission mechanism, and a battery pack combined to the second housing and for supplying power to the electric motor. The first and second housings respectively include first and second rotation connection parts for making them be connected and rotatable around a rotation axis. The second housing has first and second rotation positions when being rotated with respect to the first housing. A plane perpendicular to the rotation axis is obliquely intersected with a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trimming blade.
US09877434B2

The present application relates to methods and compositions and compositions for watering plant roots, and more particularly, to water soluble granular compositions for application to grass and other root bearing plants, the granules including a wood, mineral and binder granule impregnated with a root watering composition having a humectant as its principle constituent, and methods of application and use of the granular compositions.
US09877430B2

A pickup unit for an agricultural harvesting machine includes a frame; a pickup roll carried by the frame; and a feed assist roll carried by the frame and positioned adjacent to the pickup roll. The feed assist roll has a plurality of radially outwardly extending cleats spaced apart around a periphery thereof, and a plurality of extension plates. Each extension plate is removably attached to and extends a corresponding cleat.
US09877429B2

A swather includes a swath compression panel with a downwardly and rearwardly inclined undersurface for applying a downward compression force on the swath between the front and rear wheels. A mounting assembly includes an actuator operable in response to a speed and/or direction of travel of the tractor for raising the panel to a retracted position under the tractor. A bottom stop halts downward movement of the actuator before the panel engages the ground. The panel includes an upwardly and rearwardly inclined curved rear portion to smoothly release the compressed crop. The panel is mounted on the tractor frame at a position thereon rearward of a transverse beam connected to the front wheels so that the swath is released from the discharge opening of the header and can expand for discharge to the ground before the swath is engaged by the front end of the panel.
US09877426B2

An agricultural implement for applying an active ingredient to a geographic area includes a chassis, and at least one active ingredient tank. Each active ingredient tank is removably positioned on and carried by the chassis. Each active ingredient tank contains an active ingredient therein which is to be applied to the geographic area. Each active ingredient tank has an identification (ID) tag representing data associated with the active ingredient. An electrical reader carried by the chassis is configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the reader and receives the output signal.
US09877421B2

Systems and methods for tilling ground material are provided. According to one embodiment, a tiller system is provided comprising two coiled conical blades that penetrate ground material to provide both forward propulsion and tillage of the ground material. An operator of the tiller system can adjust the angle at which the coiled conical blades penetrate the ground material to achieve an optimal balance of forward propulsion, stability, and tillage of the ground material.
US09883620B2

A shielded electrical cable includes a conductor set and two generally parallel shielding films disposed around the conductor set. The conductor set includes one or more substantially parallel longitudinal insulated conductors. The shielding films include a parallel portion wherein the shielding films are substantially parallel. The parallel portion is configured to electrically isolate the conductor set.
US09883616B2

A manifold for cooling electronic equipment, the manifold including a facility side coolant supply line, a facility side coolant return line, liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers, and pumps. The liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers are connected in parallel to the facility side coolant supply line. Each of the pumps is coupled to a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and regulates coolant flow through the coupled liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers.
US09883611B2

A fan control circuit drives and adjusts a rotation speed of a fan according to operating temperatures of a plurality of heat elements. The fan control circuit includes a plurality of temperature detection units, a temperature synthesizing unit, and a driving signal generation unit. Each of the temperature detection units respectively detects the operation temperature of each of the heat elements and outputs a temperature detection signal corresponding to each of the heat elements. The temperature synthesizing unit calculates and outputs mean temperature signals according to the plurality of temperature detection signals and a plurality of predetermined weighted values corresponding to the heat elements. The driving signal generation unit generates driving signals to the fan according to the mean temperature signals.
US09883607B2

An aisle containment system is disclosed. The aisle containment system includes a frame defined by wall beams, header frames, and a plurality of posts secured to the wall beams and header frames. The header frames extend the width of the frame and the wall beams extend the length of the frame. A plurality of blanking panels extend from the floor to one of the wall beams. The plurality of blanking panels have a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. Vertical stiffeners are positioned along at least one of the first side and the second side of each blanking panel. The blanking panels overlap adjacent blanking panels along the length of the frame. The blanking panels are laterally adjusted to fill openings in the aisle containment system.
US09883606B1

In various examples, a system comprises a first plurality of power supplies comprising a first plurality of external electrical connectors, and a second plurality of power supplies comprising a second plurality of external electrical connectors. The first plurality of power supplies may be symmetric with the second plurality of power supply about an axis of symmetry. The system further comprises a common fan module. The common fan module comprises a fan to cool the first plurality of power supplies and the second plurality of power supplies, a power inlet, a third plurality of electrical connectors, a fourth plurality of electrical connectors. The third plurality of electrical connectors are capable of being electrically coupled to the first plurality of electrical connectors, and the fourth plurality of electrical connectors are capable of being electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrical connectors.
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