US09970327B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for separating dirt particles from the working medium of a turbine (10). The turbine (10) comprises at least one rotor (11) which is arranged in a housing (17). A swirl generator (20) is provided that sets the working medium and the dirt particles in a spiral-shaped rotational movement along a principal axis (22) by means of the geometry of the swirl generator (20) and thereby separates the dirt particles from the working medium. The swirl generator (20) is designed in such a way that the working medium experiences a reversal of the speed component parallel to the principal axis (22) within the swirl generator (20).
US09970324B2
A method for unscrewing a link nut of an HP rotor of a twin-spool turbine, including a front fan, an intermediate casing, a HP module with a HP rotor, and a LP turbine module, the intermediate casing including a support bearing for the HP rotor, the rotor being retained in the bearing by the link nut, the method including: placing an unscrewing tool in front of the link nut after having removed the fan and released access to the nut from the front; with rotation of the HP rotor locked and the frontal unscrewing tool including a socket spanner including teeth having a shape that complements that of teeth of the link nut, attaching a mounting for the socket spanner to the intermediate casing, the socket spanner being rotatably mounted on the mounting, and applying an unscrewing torque to the socket spanner. An unscrewing tool implements the method.
US09970318B2
A method of manufacturing a shroud segment, including separately molding at least first and second parts by powder injection molding. The first part has an inner surface and at least one fluid passage in communication with the inner surface. The second part has an outer surface complementary to the inner surface of the first part. At least one of the inner and outer surfaces is formed to define a plurality of grooves. A plurality of cooling passages in fluid communication with the at least one fluid passage are defined with the plurality of grooves by interconnecting the inner and outer surfaces while the first and second parts remain in a green state. The interconnected parts are debound and sintered to fuse the parts to define at least a portion of the shroud segment including the cooling passages.
US09970313B2
A unison ring assembly comprises a backing plate, and a plurality of pocket-forming portions. The backing plate is formed as an annular disc, with the annular disc being planar in a radial plane of the unison ring assembly. The plurality of pocket-forming portions are equi-spaced circumferentially around the axis of the unison ring assembly, and each of the plurality of pocket-forming portions is attached to the backing plate to form a corresponding radially extending pocket.
US09970309B2
A method of producing a rotor of a charging apparatus may include the steps of providing at least one compressor wheel and a turbine wheel. The compressor wheel and the turbine wheel may each include a bearing section having a radial bearing surface at a longitudinal end for mounting a bearing housing. At least one of the radial bearing surfaces may include a radial oversizing corresponding to a rotationally asymmetric geometry between at least the bearing section of the compressor wheel and the bearing section of the turbine wheel. The method may include the step of assembling the compressor wheel, the turbine wheel and each bearing section together to form a unitary structure, and machining the at least one of the radial bearing surfaces to reduce the respective radial oversizing until each of the radial bearing surfaces are rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other.
US09970307B2
Embodiments of a turbine nozzle having slip joints impregnated by an oxidation-resistant sealing material are provided, as are embodiments of methods for the manufacture of turbine nozzles. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a support ring, a slip joint ring substantially concentric with the support ring and radially spaced apart therefrom, and a plurality of vanes fixedly coupled to the support ring. The plurality of vanes extends radially from the support ring into a plurality of circumferentially-spaced slots provided in the slip joint ring to form a plurality of slip joints therewith. The plurality of slip joints are impregnated with a silicon-modified aluminide sealing material. The silicon-modified aluminide sealing material impedes gas flow into the radial slip joints during operation of the turbine nozzle, while also fracturing to permit relative radial movement between the plurality of vanes and the slip joint ring along the plurality of slip joints.
US09970306B2
A turbomachine, comprising a housing, at least two blade wheels rotatably accommodated by the housing, at least two rotatably arranged blades, which are evenly distributed along a circle of the at least two blade wheels and mounted with an axle parallel to the axis of the corresponding blade wheel. According to the invention, each blade axle is connected to an adjusting element, which can be displaced relative to the shaft of the second blade wheel via a four bar link, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the blade axle and consists mainly of a square arm that is fixed to the axle of the blades, wherein a square arm is articulated to the bottom of the blade wheel, whereas the other end is connected to the end of the first square arm via a connecting axle.
US09970304B2
The present disclosure is directed to a root assembly for a rotor blade of a wind turbine and methods of manufacturing same. The root assembly includes a blade root section having an inner sidewall surface and an outer sidewall surface separated by a radial gap, a plurality of root inserts spaced circumferentially within the radial gap, and a plurality of spacers configured between one or more of the root inserts. Further, each of the root inserts includes at least one bushing surrounded by a pre-cured or pre-consolidated composite material. In addition, the spacers are constructed of a pre-cured or pre-consolidated composite material.
US09970303B2
Described are articles, materials, and methods for protecting moving parts from degradation, such as protecting an airfoil or hydrofoil from erosion forces caused by air, sand, water, or wind. Described are foil-shaped erosion-resistant sleeves for protecting a foil. The sleeves may have a body with an outer surface, an inner surface, a thickness, a longitudinal dimension with a first end and a second end, and a dimension transverse to the longitudinal dimension, and the outer surface may include a shape-memory polymer or an elastomeric polymer with a materially continuous perimeter circumscribing the body around the transverse dimension, and an opening at the first end of the body adapted to receive the foil. Some erosion-resistant sleeves may be installed on a foil by inserting the foil into the sleeve through an opening in the sleeve, contracting the sleeve around the foil, and conforming the sleeve around the foil.
US09970293B2
A rotating liquid ring rotating casing gas turbine (10) has at least one liquid ring rotating casing (13) having an eccentrically mounted impeller (11) adapted to rotate within a surrounding liquid ring (14) so as to form chambers (15) of successively increasing volume between adjacent vanes of the impeller. A working fluid formed by high pressure gas is injected into the impeller where the chambers are narrow via a fluid inlet (19) within a static axial bore (23) of the impeller so as to rotate the impeller and in so doing the gas expands isentropically. A fluid outlet (20) within the static axial bore of the impeller and fluidly separated from the fluid inlet allows the working fluid to escape at low pressure and low temperature.
US09970285B2
A method for managing a drilling operation includes generating, by a first sensor and a second sensor of a bottom hole assembly (BHA), a first time based data log and a second time based data log representing a borehole parameter along a drilling trajectory. A time shift is determined by comparing the first time based data log and the second time based data log. The time shift is processed along with an axial distance between the sensors to compute a rate of penetration.
US09970283B2
Methods and apparatus for recovering heavy oil from subterranean reservoirs. A steam-utilizing heavy oil recovery process may be used to recover the heavy oil while employing a steam-solvent mixture. The solvent may be a tailored hydrocarbon solvent obtained from a precursor mixture of hydrocarbon compounds from which light end hydrocarbon compounds have been removed.
US09970272B2
An electrical submersible pump assembly has a pump driven by a motor. A pressure compensator has first and second bellows units axially separated from each other. Each of the first and second bellows units are movable between an increased volume position and a decreased volume position and have a bias toward the decreased volume position. The bias of the first bellows unit is greater than the bias of the second bellows unit. The greater bias of the first bellows unit over the second bellows unit causes the second bellows unit to be at a full volume position at a lower level of the pressure differential than the level at which the first bellows unit is at the full volume position.
US09970271B2
A plunger apparatus may include an upper cylindrical section, a plurality of through-holes, an elongated body, and a lower cylindrical section. The plurality of through-holes may be circumferentially arranged about the upper cylindrical section to provide passages for venting and releasing particulates that clog the plunger and barrel seal area. Further, the plunger apparatus may provide an undersized area circumferentially disposed about the upper cylindrical section for creating a point of relief and inducing swirling of particulates. An oversized area may also be provided for creating a point of increased pressure about the plunger apparatus.
US09970270B2
A sand control screen pipe includes couplings, movable spacer bushes, an outer movable radial slotted screen pipe, a split supporting ring and an inner axial slotted screen pipe. In downhole sand control construction work, a movable combined sand control pipe of axial and radial slotted screen pipes is required to be aligned with an oil layer position, this sand control screen pipe adopts the outer radial slotted screen pipe and the inner axial slotted screen pipe for blocking sand, and the outer radial slotted screen pipe can carry out limited axial movement along the inner axial slotted screen pipe and free rotational motion around the axial line of the inner axial slotted screen pipe, so that the controlled sand can be effectively prevented from hardening and an oil leakage channel is kept smooth for a long time to improve the production efficiency of an oil well.
US09970268B2
In one aspect, an apparatus for treating a formation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a first string for placement in the wellbore that includes a first flow port that enables a treatment fluid to flow from inside the first string to the formation via an annulus between the first string and the formation, a second string for placement in the first string, wherein the second string includes a second flow port that supplies the treatment fluid to the first flow port along a selected radial orientation to direct the treatment fluid in the selected radial direction.
US09970252B2
A system including a mineral extraction system, including a hanger, and a dual lock system configured to couple the mineral extraction system component to a tubular, wherein the dual lock system comprises an outer lock ring and an inner lock ring.
US09970250B2
A retrievable Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) and electrical motor for driving the ESP are positioned in a tubing string in the wellbore and, when desired, retrieved back to the surface. The ESP and motor are on an insertion string and can be lowered using wireline, coiled tubing, and standard running and setting tools. The method eliminates the need to retrieve the tubing string to repair, replace, or service the ESP and motor.
US09970245B2
A ground drill system 10 has a drill string 14 which forms first and second mutually isolated fluid paths 16 and 18 respectively. The drill string 14 has an up hole end 20 coupled to a dual circulation rotation head 22 and a down hole end 24 which is coupled to a drilling tool 12. The drilling tool 12 is operated by the flow of fluid delivered through the first flow path 16. A second fluid outlet 26 is provided intermediate the up hole end 20 and the drilling tool 12. The outlet 26 is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path 18 and located a constant or fixed distance from the drilling toll 12. The second fluid outlet 26 discharges a flushing fluid flowing through the flushing flow path 18 into a hole being drilled by the drilling system 10. The rotation head 22 provides torque to the drill string 14 and thus the drilling tool 12.
US09970241B2
A work platform for coiled-tubing downhole operations apparatus and method, for safe, efficient, and relatively inexpensive extended access to the elevated top of the section of riser pipe necessary for the use of coiled tubing for downhole operations such as drilling, production, intervention, logging, work-over, and fracturing the reservoir. The access is achieved by providing a shell-like riser-pipe sleeve which attaches securely, but removably, to the top section of riser pipe itself, in such a way that balanced support is obtained without placing dangerous strain on the riser pipe, and by providing a shell-like platform securely, but removably, connected to and supported by the riser-pipe sleeve, which in turn is supported by the riser pipe itself. An integral elevator or lift for personnel and equipment, which is stable without any attachment or anchoring to a work deck, which is safe for personnel, is provided.
US09970233B2
A curtain assembly includes a first curtain unit, a second curtain unit and a third curtain unit which includes multiple curtain pieces and each curtain piece includes an inside and an outside. Multiple first magnets are connected to the lower portion of the inside of each curtain piece, and multiple second magnets are connected to the top portion of the outside of each curtain piece. The second curtain unit is connected to the third curtain unit, and third curtain unit is connected to the first curtain unit. The multiple curtain pieces are able to be individually folded to introduce outside light into the room via the folded curtain pieces.
US09970224B2
The hinge assembly comprises a housing for mounting on a cabinet and a post member for mounting on a door and for rotation relative to the housing. A first electrical contact is mounted within the housing for connection to a source of electrical power in the cabinet and a second electrical contact is disposed in the post in electrical contact with the first contact for connection to an electrical appliance in the door. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts rotate relative to each other as the post member pivots on the housing while in other embodiments; the electrical contacts remain stationary relative to each other as the post member pivots on the housing.
US09970208B2
An ecological system model for a self-sustaining and resilient human habitation on the Moon and Mars and for food security and climate change mitigation anywhere on Earth. It takes into account the ecological and biological theories and principles by which Earth ecosystems function and applies this knowledge to the establishment of a closed ecological system that mimics the self-sustaining and resilient capacity of Earth. Three zones are used for human habitation, agriculture, and ecological buffer. Expedited primary succession is used to initially establish the agricultural zone and ecological buffer zone with fully functioning biogeochemical cycles and ecological services. Competitive redundancy ensures the security of the food crops while maintaining the biodiversity of plant species. Ecological service reservoirs provide the additional buffering capacity that would normally be supplies by surrounding ecosystems on Earth.
US09970206B1
A roof plug is provided that includes a plug member and a tray member. The tray member includes a recessed portion and a flange portion and is made of a rigid material. The recessed portion includes a base, has at least one opening disposed therein, and has a plurality of side walls each extending upwardly from the base to the flange portion. The flange portion is also oriented outward from a top edge of the plurality of side walls of the recessed portion. The plug member fits into the recessed portion of the tray member. At least one opening in the base provides visual inspection of the plug member when located in the recessed portion. The product serves to plug a hole left behind by a static roof vent when converting to other methods of roof ventilation. Generally, the product can be used to fill any holes in the roof deck sized 8″×8″ or 12″×12″.
US09970203B1
The present invention is an adjusting device used for adjusting and leveling a plurality of tiles on a floor or a wall during an installation, the adjusting device comprises of a clip which is placed underneath a laying surface of at least two adjacent tiles and comprises of a top portion in vertical plane, and it has an opening which receives a first wedge and has three sharp edges around the opening to grab the first wedge, a bottom plate in horizontal plane comprises of a flat base having at least two support protrusions at each side to support a tile, and a first wedge has two triangle faces and one quadrilateral face having teeth to be engaged with the opening in the clip, so the first wedge presses the tiles towards the bottom plate of the clip in such a way to level the tiles.
US09970197B2
A multi-element panel system configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes at least two panels. The panels each have an upper portion oriented upward and a lower portion oriented downward, relative to the mounting surface. A plurality of faces are formed on the panels and a plurality of keyways are formed between the faces. The keyways are recessed toward the mounting surface from the faces. The panels have a water trough, which has a planar intersection with the faces, formed on an exterior side of the upper portion, and a water channel extending between the upper and lower portions of one side of the panel. The panels have a side lap extending between the upper and lower portions on the opposite side of the panel from the water channel. The side lap of one of the panels overlaps the water channel of another, horizontally adjacent, panel.
US09970194B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing unitary insulated wall panels, wherein the panels form a cavity for receiving expandable foam insulation, and form integral attachment means for attaching the panel to a building wall system. Unitary foam insulated panels having integral attachment means are further provided.
US09970182B2
This invention has three parts: Part 1 Two-phase extraction of contaminated water and vapor from extraction wells using drop tubes with vertical slots or orifices; Part 2, Separation of extracted water and vapor/air at the wellhead or in a common manifold installed in ground, Part 3 injection of the extracted water using injection well with a drop tube similar to drop tube in the extraction well without the orifices or slots that extend above and below the water table. This invention strips volatile organic compounds from water, creates a recirculation cell in subsurface, increases biodegradation of organic compounds within the recirculation zone.
US09970179B2
A work vehicle includes a frame assembly and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly has an attachment end pivotally connected to the frame assembly and a distal end configured for receiving a variable load. At least one force sensor senses at least one force associated with the attachment end. The at least one force sensor provides an output signal representing the sensed at least one force. An inclination sensor senses an inclination associated with the frame assembly and provides an output signal representing the sensed inclination. An electrical processing circuit is configured for receiving the output signal from the at least one force sensor, determining a value of a couple at the frame assembly which is associated with the sensed at least one force, comparing the couple with a threshold value which is dependent on the sensed inclination, and controlling the controllable output dependent on the comparison.
US09970177B2
A quick coupler primary lock arrangement includes a fore-and-aft guided wedge arrangement carried by a cross shaft and is biased forwardly to a lock position by a first spring arrangement, and includes a secondary lock arrangement includes a locking pawl arrangement pivotally mounted to the cross shaft and biased, by a second spring arrangement, to a secondary lock position wherein the pawl arrangement includes a surface disposed in a confronting locking disposition relative to an abutment surface of a fixed plate of the coupler to thereby prevent rearward movement of the wedge arrangement from the lock position. A normally depressurized hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the pawl arrangement and when selectively pressurized overcomes spring biasing forces and pivots the pawl arrangement from the secondary locking position and then shifts the wedge arrangement rearward to a coupler release position. An electro-hydraulic control arrangement prevents unintentional operation of the hydraulic cylinder.
US09970159B2
A hydrated, nonwoven nanocellulose sheet and method for manufacturing the nanocellulose sheet are disclosed. The method of manufacture comprises the steps of diluting a purified nanocellulose slurry to form a colloidal nanocellulose suspension, dispersing pure nanocellulose crystals into the nanocellulose suspension in a nanocellulose crystal to total nanocellulose ratio less than 50% weight per weight (w/w), placing the suspension over a filter sheet in a dispensing device, and forming the hydrated, nonwoven nanocellulose sheet by filtering with a pressure difference across the filter sheet, via a high pressure or vacuum filtration process. The hydrated, nonwoven nanocellulose sheet thus manufactured has high conformability, drape-ability, good adhesion to the skin, and a high rate of evaporation, making it ideal for dermatological treatments.
US09970145B2
A fabric treating machine according a present invention comprises a first vibration mitigation part which is disposed between a stator and a bearing unit. Therefore, it can reduce the transfer of the vibration from the driving unit to the bearing unit, and the vibration of an inner tub and an outer tub can be reduced, and a noise can be reduced. Thus, a reliability of product can be improved. Also, a fabric treating machine according a present invention comprises a vibration mitigation part which is disposed between an upper bearing unit and a lower bearing unit. Therefore, it can reduce the vibration transfer from the lower bearing unit to the upper bearing unit, and the vibration of an inner tub and an outer tub can be reduced, and a noise can be reduced.
US09970128B2
A method for laying down a nanoweb of nanofibers from a centrifugal spinning process by a combination of an air flow field and a charging arrangement. Fibrous streams in the form of fibrils of molten polymer or polymer solution are discharged from a rotating member into an air flow field that is essentially parallel to the direction of discharge of fibrils at the point of discharge of the fibrils. The fibrous streams are attentuated and directed by means of the air flow field onto the surface of a collector to form a nanoweb. The fibrous streams are charged along all or at least a portion of their route from the point of discharge to the surface of the collector.
US09970123B2
The present invention is directed to a coated substrate comprising: A) an electroconductive composite substrate comprising a resinous matrix reinforced with fibers, and B) a cured coating layer electrophoretically deposited on at least at least a portion of a surface of the substrate, wherein the cured coating layer is deposited from a curable, electrodepositable coating composition comprising: (1) a resin component containing an active hydrogen-containing, cationic or anionic resin comprising an acrylic, polyester, polyurethane and/or polyepoxide polymer; and (2) a curing agent. The present invention is further directed to a process for coating a plastic, electroconductive substrate comprising electrophoretically depositing on the substrate the curable, electrodepositable coating composition described above, and heating the coated substrate to a temperature less than 250° F. for a time sufficient to cure the electrodeposited coating on the substrate.
US09970116B2
Provided is an Al-plated steel sheet used for hot pressing that has excellent lubricity in hot state, corrosion resistance after paint coating, and spot weldability. An Al-plated steel sheet used for hot pressing includes: a steel sheet; an Al plating layer formed on one surface or both surfaces of the steel sheet; and a surface coating layer formed on the Al plating layer. The surface coating layer contains a zinc compound, and the zinc compound is deposited on the Al-plated steel sheet in an amount of equal to or greater than 0.3 g/m2 and equal to or less than 1.5 g/m2 as an amount of metallic zinc per one surface, and a zinc deposition amount in any continuous 1 mm2 region is 1.5 g/m2 or less.
US09970105B2
Embodiments of method for cooling a wafer are provided. A method for cooling a wafer includes placing the wafer in a processing module via a passage of a seat member. The method also includes moving a closure member toward the seat member in a diagonal manner. The method further includes engaging the seat member and the closure member and placing a portion of the closure member inside the passage. In addition, the method includes performing a process on the wafer in the processing module.
US09970104B2
Provided is a coated tool exhibiting enhanced wear resistance and adhesiveness of an aluminum oxide layer and superior wear resistance and defect resistance. A cutting tool (1) in which at least a titanium carbonitride layer (8) and an aluminum oxide layer (10) having an α-type crystalline structure are laminated in that order on a surface of a substrate (5). A surface-side Tc(116) in a surface-side peak is greater than a substrate-side Tc(116) in a substrate-side peak where Tc(116) is an orientation factor of the aluminum oxide layer (10) when comparing the substrate-side peak detected by measuring a portion on a substrate (5) side of the aluminum oxide layer (10) and the surface-side peak detected by measuring a portion on a surface side of the aluminum oxide layer (10) in X-ray diffraction analysis of the aluminum oxide layer (10).
US09970102B2
A reactive material stack with tunable ignition temperatures is provided by inserting a barrier layer between layers of reactive materials. The barrier layer prevents the interdiffusion of the reactive materials, thus a reaction between reactive materials only occurs at an elevated ignition temperature when a certain energy threshold is reached.
US09970101B2
A catalyst-free CVD method for forming graphene. The method involves placing a substrate within a reaction chamber, heating the substrate to a temperature between 600° C. and 1100° C., and introducing a carbon precursor into the chamber to form a graphene layer on a surface of the substrate. The method does not use plasma or a metal catalyst to form the graphene.
US09970093B2
A method of forming a wear protection layer for a machine component that forms a slide pairing with a further machine component includes gas-carbonitriding at least one of the machine components in order to minimize wear. The gas-carbonitriding includes forming a thin uniform bonding layer and a comparatively thick diffusion layer thereunder. The gas-carbonitriding is performed at a low temperature and for a long duration.
US09970092B2
A galvanized steel sheet includes a steel sheet and a plating layer on the surface of the steel sheet, in which the steel sheet includes, as a steel chemical composition, by mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.40%, Si: 0.5 to 3.0% and Mn: 1.5 to 3.0%, a microstructure of the steel sheet includes ferrite, bainite, by volume fraction, 30% or more of a tempered martensite, and 8% or more of an austenite, and tensile strength of the steel sheet is 980 MPa or more, and the plating layer includes an oxide including at least one chemical element selected from Si, Mn and Al, and when seen at a cross section including the steel sheet and the plating layer in a plate thickness direction, a projection area fraction of the oxide is 10% or more.
US09970088B2
A multi-phase steel including in % wt. C: 0.14-0.25%, Mn: 1.7-2.5%, Si: 0.2-0.7%, Al: 0.5-1.5%, Cr: <0.1%, Mo: <0.05%, Nb: 0.02-0.06%, S: up to 0.01%, P: up to 0.02%, N: up to 0.01% and optionally at least one of Ti, B, and V according to the following stipulation: Ti: up to 0.1%, B: up to 0.002%, V: up to 0.15%, with the remainder iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein the microstructure has at least 10% vol. ferrite and at least 6% vol. residual austenite and the steel has a tensile strength Rm of at least 950 MPa, a yield point ReL of at least 500 MPa and an elongation at break A80 measured in the transverse direction of at least 15%. A method of producing the multi-phase steel.
US09970081B2
Provided is a copper alloy containing 18% by mass to 30% by mass of Zn, 1% by mass to 1.5% by mass of Ni, 0.2% by mass to 1% by mass of Sn, and 0.003% by mass to 0.06% by mass of P, the remainder including Cu and unavoidable impurities. Relationships of 17≤f1=[Zn]+5×[Sn]−2×[Ni]≤30, 14≤f2=[Zn]−0.5×[Sn]−3×[Ni]≤26, 8≤f3={f1×(32−f1)}1/2×[Ni]≤23, 1.3≤[Ni]+[Sn]≤2.4, 1.5≤[Ni]/[Sn]≤5.5, and 20≤[Ni]/[P]≤400 are satisfied. The copper alloy has a metallographic structure of an α single phase.
US09970080B2
Micro additions of certain elements such as zirconium or titanium are added to high strength aluminum alloys to counter discoloring effects of other micro-alloying elements when the high strength alloys are anodized. The other micro-alloying elements are added to increase the adhesion of an anodic film to the aluminum alloy substrate. However, these micro-alloying elements can also cause slight discoloration, such as a yellowing, of the anodic film. Such micro-alloying elements that can cause discoloration can include copper, manganese, iron and silver. The micro additions of additional elements, such as one or more of zirconium, tantalum, molybdenum, hafnium, tungsten, vanadium, niobium and tantalum, can dilute the discoloration of the micro-alloying elements. The resulting anodic films are substantially colorless.
US09970079B2
Described herein are methods of constructing a three-dimensional part using metallic glass alloys, layer by layer, as well as metallic glass-forming materials designed for use therewith. In certain embodiments, a layer of metallic glass-forming powder or a sheet of metallic glass material is deposited to selected positions and then fused to a layer below by suitable methods such as laser heating or electron beam heating. The deposition and fusing are then repeated as need to construct the part, layer by layer. One or more sections or layers of non-metallic glass material can be included as needed to form composite parts. In one embodiment, the metallic glass-forming powder is a homogenous atomized powder. In another embodiment, the metallic glass-forming powder is formed by melting a metallic glass alloy to an over-heat threshold temperature substantially above the Tliquidus of the alloy, and quenching the melt at a high cooling rate such that the cooling material is kept substantially amorphous during cooling to form the metallic glass. In various embodiments, the melt is atomized during cooling to form the metallic glass-forming powder.
US09970078B2
A method for producing a solid scandium-containing material comprises providing an aqueous solution containing carbonate ions, carbamate ions, hydrogen carbonate (HCO3+) ions, or mixtures thereof, contacting the aqueous solution with a scandium containing material containing one or more impurities to produce a scandium-loaded solution and a depleted scandium containing material, separating the depleted scandium containing material from the scandium loaded solution, treating the scandium loaded solution to cause precipitation of a solid scandium-containing material while avoiding or minimizing precipitation of impurities present in the aqueous solution, and separating the solid scandium-containing material from the solution. In another embodiment, a high purity scandium containing is produced by contacting a solid material containing scandium with an acid to form a scandium loaded solution, separating the scandium loaded solution from any solids, adding additional acid to the scandium loaded solution to reduce the pH and precipitating a high purity scandium oxalate material by adding oxalic acid to the solution.
US09970057B2
Methods and products are provided for determining if a subject having a tumor is (i) at risk of metastasis of the tumor, or (ii) at risk of recurrence of the tumor after treatment of the tumor. Methods of treatment of cancer, tumors and metastasis are also provided.
US09970051B2
The present invention relates to a system for diagnosing Avellino corneal dystrophy, and more particularly to a system for diagnosing Avellino corneal dystrophy, in which whether a sample is normal or Avellino corneal dystrophy is determined based on the ratio of the input first PCR amplification value and the second PCR amplification value. The system makes it possible to diagnosis Avellino corneal dystrophy in a simpler and accurate manner without being influenced by the doctor's skill. Particularly, the inventive system makes the overall process systematic, and thus provides accurate diagnosis. In addition, the system can also easily administer a number of test subjects.
US09970050B2
Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In one embodiment, a sample is contacted with a primer complementary to a first region of a target nucleic acid and a probe complementary to a second region of the target nucleic acid downstream of the first region under conditions suitable for hybridization of the target nucleic acid with the primer and the probe. The probe in this embodiment comprises a fluorophore and is attached to a solid support. The hybridized probe is cleaved with a nucleic acid polymerase having exonuclease activity to release the reporter from the solid support. The presence of the target nucleic acid is then detected and optionally quantified by detecting a decrease in signal from the reporter on the solid support.
US09970048B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preparation of RNA libraries for sequencing, gene expression profiling, microarray and other uses and for simplification of the library preparation process. The disclosure provides blocking oligonucleotides which bind to byproduct nucleic acid molecules formed during the ligation of adapters to nucleic acid segments prior to sequencing and inhibit or block amplification of the byproduct nucleic acid molecules in subsequent amplification reactions. Methods for library preparation using blocking oligonucleotides are also provided.
US09970036B2
Engineered polypeptides useful in synthesizing acyl amino acids are provided. Also provided are methods of making acyl amino acids using engineered polypeptides.
US09970035B2
A method for producing biodiesel is provided, which includes providing a recombinant Candida rugosa lipase; reacting the recombinant C. rugosa lipase and a non-edible oil; and isolating the biodiesel from the reacted solution.
US09970029B1
The present disclosure provides engineered polynucleotide sequences that form scaffolds and nucleoprotein complexes comprising such engineered polynucleotide sequences that form scaffolds and nucleic acid binding proteins. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the engineered polynucleotide sequences that form scaffolds, as well as expression cassettes, vectors and cells comprising such polynucleotide sequences, are described. A variety of methods for making and using the engineered polynucleotide sequences that form scaffolds are also disclosed.
US09970026B2
The present specification discloses engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn-casPNs), including systems comprising three split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn1-casPN/sn2-casPN/sn3-casPN) and systems comprising two split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn1-casPN/sn2-casPN). Together with a Cas9 protein, the sn-casPNs facilitate site-specific modifications, including cleavage and mutagenesis, of a target polynucleotide in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising sn-casPNs are useful in methods of regulating expression of a target nucleic acid. Methods are described herein for the creation of a variety of engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising two or more sn-casPNs. Polynucleotide sequences, expression cassettes, vectors, compositions, and kits for carrying out a variety of methods are also described. Furthermore, the present specification provides genetically modified cells, compositions of modified cells, transgenic organisms, pharmaceutical compositions, as well as a variety of compositions and methods involving the engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems.
US09970025B2
A polynucleotide expression system is provided that is capable of alternative splicing of RNA transcripts of a polynucleotide sequence to be expressed in an organism.
US09970021B2
This invention relates generally to the detection of genetic differences among soybeans. More particularly, the invention relates to soybean quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tolerance or sensitivity to HPPD-inhibitor herbicides, such as mesotrione and isoxazole herbicides, to soybean plants possessing these QTLs, which map to a novel chromosomal region, and to genetic markers that are indicative of phenotypes associated with tolerance, improved tolerance, susceptibility, or increased susceptibility. Methods and compositions for use of these markers in genotyping of soybean and selection are also disclosed, as are methods and compositions for use of these markers in selection and use of herbicides for weed control. Also disclosed are isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides relating to such tolerance or sensitivity and methods of introgressing such tolerance into a plant by breeding or transgenically or by a combination thereof. Plant cells, plants, and seeds produced are also provided.
US09970011B2
Provided herein are methods for the treatment of Alport Syndrome, using modified oligonucleotides targeted to miR-21. In certain embodiments, a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 improves kidney function and/or reduces fibrosis in subjects having Alport Syndrome. In certain embodiments, administration of a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 delays the onset of end-stage renal disease in a subject having Alport Syndrome. In certain embodiments, a modified oligonucleotide targeted to miR-21 delays the need for dialysis or kidney transplant in a subject having Alport Syndrome.
US09970008B2
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Atonal homolog 1 (ATOH1), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Atonal homolog 1 (ATOH1). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of ATOH1.
US09970006B2
The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting an APOC3 gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of APOC3.
US09969997B2
The present invention provides compounds for disrupting the binding of a matrix metalloprotease (MMP) protein to a substrate protein at an interaction site other than the protease catalytic site. In particular the inventive compounds inhibit the MMP's ability to cleave a substrate protein. In some cases the compound may prevent activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). The compounds are preferably polypeptide fragments of the hemopexin-like domain of the MMP, but may be mimetics thereof or peptides or mimetics of the portion of the MMP substrate protein to which the MMP interacts.
US09969996B2
A method for making a mutated pullulanase enzyme that hydrolyzes an α-1,6-glycosidic linkage is provided. The method includes obtaining the amino acid sequence of a pullulanase enzyme having an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13; identifying an amino acid to be mutated in the pullulanase enzyme of step (1), wherein the amino acid to be mutated corresponds to the amino acid at position Phe476 of SEQ ID NO: 2; constructing a mutated amino acid sequence by substituting the amino acid to be mutated with another amino acid or deleting the amino acid to be mutated, thereby making a mutated pullulanase enzyme having the mutated amino acid sequence that has increased affinity for pullulan and that hydrolyzes an α-1,6-glycosidic linkage.
US09969995B2
Provided is a method for recombinant expression of β-glucosidase gene. Also provided is a recombinant expression vector comprising: (a) a coding sequence of an aspartic protease or active fragment thereof, (b) a coding sequence of β-glucosidase or active fragment thereof, and optionally (c) a linker sequence between (a) and (b). Further provided are the recombinant host cell and the recombinant cellulose-degrading microorganism comprising the recombinant expression vector, the preparation method and uses thereof.
US09969993B2
The present invention relates to cellulolytic compositions for degrading or converting cellulose-containing material and methods of producing and using the compositions.
US09969984B2
Herein is provided a recombinant lentiviral vector preparation, in which the preparation comprises: a) an effective dose of the recombinant lentiviral vector; b) a histidine hydrochloride buffer for keeping a pH value of the preparation in the range of 6.0-8.0; and c) a carbohydrate.
US09969977B2
Substantially homogenous cells populations which co-express CD49c, CD90 and telomerase are made. In one embodiment, humans suffering from a degenerative, traumatic, acute injury, cardiac or neurological condition are treated with the substantially homogenous cells populations which co-express CD49c, CD90 and telomerase. In another embodiment, committed progenitor cells are made are made by selecting from a cultured source of a cell population which co-express CD49c and CD90 and modifying the cell population. The committed progenitor cells can be employed to treat a human suffering from a degenerative, traumatic, acute injury, cardiac or neurological condition and to formulate pharmaceutical compositions. In a further embodiment, a substantially homogenous population of cells which co-express CD49c, CD90 and at least one cardiac-related transcription factor is made and can be used to treat a human suffering from a cardiac condition.
US09969970B2
The present invention provides conjugates of DNA and cells by linking the DNA to a native functional group on the cell surface. The cells can be without cell walls or can have cell walls. The modified cells can be linked to a substrate surface and used in assay or bioreactors.
US09969969B2
A process for producing plasmid DNA E. coli cells comprises a pre-culture and fed-batch process. The culture media of the batch phase and the culture medium added during the feeding phase are chemically defined. The culture medium of the feeding phase contains a growth-limiting substrate and is added, for at least a fraction of the feeding phase, at a feeding rate that follows a pre-defined exponential function, thereby controlling the specific growth rate at a pre-defined value. The process results in high yield and homogeneity of plasmid DNA.
US09969952B2
The present invention relates to a refined vegetable oil as well as a method of producing it. The method uses the combination of a polyol-containing solvent, such as glycerol, and an alkalizing agent for selectively extracting free fatty acids from the vegetable oil.
US09969950B2
Hindered amines useful as ashless TBN sources for lubricating oil compositions that are compatible with fluoroelastomeric engine seal materials, and lubricating oil compositions containing such compounds.
US09969949B1
A method for providing upgraded biogas includes feeding a stream of biogas into a biogas upgrading system in order to remove carbon dioxide from the stream of biogas. The biogas upgrading system, which may be based on absorption, adsorption, membrane permeation, and/or cryogenics, provides a stream of upgraded biogas and a tail gas stream. The tail gas stream, which may be CO2-rich, is enriched with natural gas so that it is combustible in medium-BTU equipment. The upgraded biogas is used for transportation use and/or the generation of fuel credits. Accordingly, both the tail gas and the upgraded biogas are used effectively and at lower cost.
US09969948B2
The present invention provides an unleaded, piston engine fuel formulation comprising a blend of mesitylene, pseudocumene and isopentane having a MON of at least 94 and an RVP of 38 to 49 kPa at 37.8° C. In certain aspects, the formulation comprises specific weight percentages of each of the mesitylene, pseudocumene and isopentane components, and varying MON ratings. In additional aspects, the formulations comprise a combination of mesitylene, isopentane, and one or more additional components selected from the group consisting of pseudocumene, toluene and xylenes. In certain embodiments, the formulations also include alkylates and or alkanes. The formulations have unusually high MON ratings, and desirable RVP and distillation curve characteristics for formulations not including additional components, particularly octane boosters.
US09969945B2
The present invention relates to a process for the partial upgrading of properties of heavy and/or extra-heavy crude oil by low severity catalytic hydrotreatment in only one reaction step. The process of the present invention is obtained upgraded oil with properties required for its transportation from offshore platforms either to maritime terminal or to refining centers. The process reduces the viscosity of heavy and/or extra-heavy crude oil, and decreases the concentration of impurities, such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals, in such a way that heavy and/or extra-heavy crude oils can be transported to maritime terminals or to refining centers. The process increases the lifetime of the catalyst and decreased operating costs by reducing consumption of utilities because the operation of the process is carried out at lower severity. The partially upgraded oils obtained in this process can be transported directly to the maritime terminals or to existing refineries.
US09969941B2
The invention relates to a process for converting hydrocarbons into unsaturated products such as acetylene and/or ethylene. The invention also relates to converting acetylene to olefins such as ethylene and/or propylene, to polymerizing the olefins, and to equipment useful for these processes.
US09969939B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for producing a hydrocarbon fraction. The hydrocarbon fraction is formed from biomass based synthesis gas, the synthesis gas is fed through at least two catalyst layer, the first catalyst layer includes Fe-based catalyst, the second catalyst layer includes Co-based catalyst, and the synthesis gas is treated by supplying the synthesis gas through the first and second catalyst layers in order to form a hydrocarbon composition including the hydrocarbon fraction. Further, provided is a hydrocarbon fraction and its use.
US09969934B2
An erosion control substrate and slurry are disclosed. The substrate includes mulch, a cover composition including bentonite clay and cellulosic water dispersible polymer and/or starch, and optionally surface-treated HPMC. Other desired optional ingredients may also be included. Methods of forming a slurry and methods of using the slurry for erosion control are also disclosed.
US09969929B2
A hydraulic fracturing and gravel packing proppant composite with protectant on the surface of the proppant and the composition matters of the protectant and proppant. The surface protectant reduces the generation of dust/fines from the proppant caused by abrasion and impingement during transportation and conveyance, particularly pneumatic transfer.
US09969922B2
A synthesis method for degradable material(s) (DM) which can be used in oil and gas field operations. The method involves using two, three, four or five polymer and chain extenders, including poly glycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHA), to synthesize a “resin alloy” through the melt mixing reaction method, which can be used in oil and gas field operations. The proposed DM can be prepared into flake, powder, granules, and ball shapes, or by one of the pure PGA, PCL, PLA, PBS and PHA, into flake, powder, granule and ball shapes, which can be further used in all kinds of operations (drilling, well completion, workover and acidizing fracturing) in oil and gas fields, such as temporary plugging to protect a reservoir, temporary plugging of perforation holes, construction intervals, etc. The DMs are fully degradable and cause almost no damage to formations.
US09969916B2
Provided is an aqueous polyurethane dispersion comprising (a) dispersed particles of said polyurethane, wherein said polyurethane is the reaction product of polyurethane formation reactants comprising (i) one or more polyisocyanate, (ii) a polyol component comprising one or more polyol, and (iv) one or more organometallic compound having the structure wherein n is 0 or 1, t is 0 or 1, r is 0 or 1, p is 0 to 2, q is 0 to 13, at least one of p and q is not zero, M is a metal that is not silicon, —X1 is —NH2 or —OH; and —X2 is selected from the group consisting of —SH, —NH2, —COOH, and and (b) one or more isocyanate crosslinker having two or more isocyanate groups per molecule.
US09969914B2
A microcapsule type curable resin composition produces substantially no gases when applied to an adherend, e.g., to a threaded member, which is then tightened, moreover, due to exceptional coating properties to an adherend, does not give rise to coating irregularities. The microcapsule type curable resin composition contains (A) microcapsules encapsulating a curable compound (a), (B) a substance able to bring about curing of component (a), and (C) a binder able to adhere the microcapsules to an adherend, wherein the microcapsule type curable resin composition includes, per total 100 mass parts, (D) 1-25 mass parts of mica having average particle diameter of 10-150 μm, and (E) 1-25 mass parts of an inorganic filler having average particle diameter of 3-50 μm, the mass ratio of component (D) and component (E) being 0.2-2.0 of component (E) with respect to 1.0 of component (D).
US09969907B2
A multilayer adhesive film comprising surface adhesive layers, an internal Controlled Bond Layer (“CBL”) comprising a propylene-based polymer strippably adhered to an adjacent layer; an internal Strong Bond Layer (“SBL”) different than the CBL having a facial surface in adhering contact to the CBL and; optionally, one or more different internal Filler Layer(s) located between the SBL and the adhesive surface layer on the side of the SBL opposite to the adhered CBL. In preferred embodiments the adhesive comprises an ethylene/ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer. The adhesive films are used in cable shielding structures.
US09969901B2
Provided is an aqueous resin composition in which a vinyl ester resin and a urethane resin having an aromatic ring are dispersed in an aqueous medium, in which the vinyl ester resin is obtained by allowing at least one epoxy resin selected from the group consisting of a novolak type epoxy resin and a bisphenol type epoxy resin to react with a compound having an acid group and a polymerizable unsaturated group, and the urethane resin is obtained by allowing polyol containing polyol having an aromatic ring and polyol having a hydrophilic group to react with a polyisocyanate. A primer using the aqueous resin composition is able to considerably improve adhesiveness between a substrate and a cured coating film of an active energy ray curable composition, even when the substrate is a sparingly adhesive substrate.
US09969892B2
The present invention relates to an antifouling coating composition, an antifouling coating film, a substrate with an antifouling coating film and a production process for the substrate. The antifouling coating composition includes a hydrolyzable polymer (A) having a structural unit represented by the following formula (1) and having a weight-average molecular weight of 1000 to 5000 and an antifouling agent (B) including (b1) 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, and has a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of not more than 400 g/L. [In the formula (1), M represents zinc or copper, and R1 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.]
US09969887B2
The present disclosure relates to a novel merocyanine-based compound capable of labeling biomolecules by intercalating biomolecules, and to a dye, kit and contrast medium composition for labelling biomolecules comprising the same.
US09969886B2
A latex for friction member use including rubber particles comprised of a carboxyl group-containing highly saturated nitrile rubber containing α,β-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer units in a ratio of 10 to 60 wt % and having an iodine value of 120 or less, wherein a difference Δd (Δd=d90−d50) between a volume cumulative 90% particle size (d90) of the rubber particles and volume cumulative 50% particle size (d50) of the rubber particles which are measured by a light scattering method is 0.0240 μm or more is provided.
US09969884B2
The subject of the invention is a polymer-modified asphalt composition obtained by blending asphalt with a vinyl acetate/ethylene polymer, and optionally with further additives, and a process for the preparation of the polymer-modified asphalt composition, and the use of the polymer-modified asphalt composition.
US09969874B2
The present invention relates to: a polymer particle in which a urethane resin (A1) and an acrylic polymer (B1) are included in a single particle, said polymer particle having a gel fraction of 10% or more as measured using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent; a polymer particle in which a urethane resin (A2) having a sulfonic acid group and an acrylic polymer (B2) are included in a single particle, said polymer particle having a surface acid value of 0.1 to 19 mgKOH/g as measured by a potentiometric titration method; and a method for producing a polymer dispersion. According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide: a polymer dispersion which has excellent polymerization stability and can have an excellent coating viscosity property and excellent storage stability when used in a coating material; a method for producing the polymer dispersion; and a polymer particle contained in the polymer dispersion. It also becomes possible to provide: a coating material which enables the formation of a coating film that can have excellent water resistance and solvent resistance even when the drying conditions include a low temperature and a shorter drying time; and a coated material which has the coating material applied thereon.
US09969873B2
Provided is a pneumatic tire which has low air permeability and undergoes a small change in air permeability due to fatigue. A pneumatic tire of the present invention contains a layer which is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition that is composed of (A) a modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer to which an aliphatic polyester is grafted, (B) a polyamide resin and (C) a modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group.
US09969865B2
A rubber composition for tires comprises a diene rubber, silica, and a silane coupling agent, and is characterized in that a function v of a shear modulus G′ of the rubber composition at 0.28% shear stress at 110° C., a CTAB specific surface area (CTAB) of the silica, a volume fraction (φ) of the silica in the rubber composition, and a stress at 100% elongation (M100) of the rubber composition satisfies the relationship of the following equation (i): G′=K×v, where K is a coefficient greater than 0 and not greater than 450, and v is represented by the following equation (ii): v=φ×(1+0.0258×CTAB×M100) and is a real number not less than 2.5 and not greater than 20.
US09969861B2
The present invention relates to a carboxylic acid-modified nitrile-based copolymer latex composition and a dip molded article including the same, the composition including: a carboxylic acid-modified nitrile-based copolymer latex having a glass transition temperature of −30 to −20° C.; and a bentonite dispersion solution. The dip molded article using the carboxylic acid-modified nitrile-based copolymer latex composition according to the present invention has high tensile strength and excellent wearable sensation, and thus the dip molded article may be usefully applied to dip molded latex articles such as surgical gloves, checkup gloves, a condom, a catheter, industrial gloves, household gloves, or health care articles.
US09969855B2
The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a propylene-based elastomer, a branched polymer, and a blowing agent. The present disclosure also relates to foamed layers and articles made from such layers.
US09969849B2
The present invention relates to a process for drying particulate polymers, comprising the steps of: a) providing a particulate polymer comprising from 60 wt % to 90 wt % of at least one solvent based on the total weight of particulate polymer and solvent, b) mechanically predrying the particulate polymer to a content of the at least one solvent of from 20 wt % to 50 wt % based on the total weight of particulate polymer and solvent, wherein the mechanical predrying in step b) is carried out with a roller press, and c) end-drying the particulate polymer to a content of the at least one solvent of from 0 wt % to 15 wt % based on the total weight of particulate polymer and solvent, wherein the particulate polymer is a polymer comprising repeating units of formulae I, II and/or III The present invention further relates to a process for working up particulate polymers.
US09969845B2
Flame retardant compositions for polyurethanes may include hydroxyl-containing poly(alkylene phosphates) that have 5 mol % or less of phosphorus from phosphorus-containing compounds having a 31P NMR resonance signal at a chemical shift in the range from 13 ppm to 18 ppm relative to 85 wt % phosphoric acid.
US09969839B2
In a resin film configured to have a cured product layer formed from a curable resin composition on the surface of a substrate, the present invention aims to ensure not only the processability and other properties of the resin, but also the performance required for recent high-hardness coating films. The above problem was solved by a curable resin composition comprising the intended polyfunctional urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer, which is capable of forming a cured product layer when applied to and cured on a resin substrate.
US09969835B2
Provided is a polycarbonate-modified acrylic resin obtained by reacting an unsaturated monomer mixture (B), which contains, as essential components, methyl methacrylate, an unsaturated monomer (b1) having a hydroxyl group, an unsaturated monomer (b2) having a carboxyl group, and an unsaturated monomer (b3) having an alkyl group of 2 to 8 carbon atoms, in the presence of a polycarbonate diol (A) which is produced using 1,5-pentanediol and 1,6-hexanediol as starting materials, characterized in that the mass ratio of the unsaturated monomer (b2) in the unsaturated monomer mixture (B) is in the range of 0.1% to 1.6% by mass. The polycarbonate-modified acrylic resin has high adhesion to a plastic substrate and is capable of forming a coating film having excellent abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, feel, and appearance. Therefore, the polycarbonate-modified acrylic resin can be suitably used for a coating.
US09969833B2
Cold flow-reduced polymers having good processing characteristics have, at the ends of the polymer chains, a silane-containing carboxyl group of the formula (I) where R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each an H, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, alkaryl, alkaryloxy, aralkyl or aralkoxy; R3 and R4 are the same or different and are each an H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl radical; A is a divalent organic radical.
US09969823B1
Herein, we describe polymerized ionic liquids, demonstrate the synthesis of polymerized ionic liquids, and demonstrate the polymerization of triazolium monomers. One embodiment shows the polymeriazation of the triazolium monomers with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions. In another embodiment we show the feasibility of copolymerizing with commodity monomers such as styrene using free radical polymerization techniques.
US09969821B2
Propylene copolymer having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) in the range of more than 0.5 to below 2.5 g/10 min, a xylene cold soluble content (XCS) in the range of 30.0 to 40.0 wt-%, a comonomer content in the range of more than 7.5 to 12.0 wt.-%, wherein further the comonomer content of xylene cold soluble (XCS) fraction of the propylene copolymer is in the range of 16.0 to 28.0 wt.-%.
US09969806B2
The disclosure relates to uses and regimens for accelerating/improving physical recovery in a patient with disuse atrophy triggered by reduced mobility due to a hip fracture and consequent major surgery, which employ a therapeutically effective amount of a myostatin antagonist, e.g., a myostatin binding molecule, e.g., a myostatin antibody or an ActRII receptor binding molecule, an ActRII receptor antibody, such as the bimagrumab antibody.
US09969799B2
The present invention provides an anti-human proBDNF monoclonal antibody, and uses thereof in pains. Specifically, the present invention provides uses of antibody polypeptide of tenth to 128th amino acid in a specific recognition pro-BDNF precursor protein structural domain, a nucleic acid sequence for coding the antibody polypeptide, a carrier comprising the nucleic acid sequence, a host comprising the carrier, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody, and the antibody in the preparation of drugs used for alleviating and/or suppressing chronic pains.
US09969789B2
CD47+ disease cells, such as CD47+ cancer cells, are treated with an agent that blocks signalling via the SIRPα/CD47 axis. The agent is a human SIRPα fusion protein that displays negligible CD47 agonism and negligible red blood cell binding. The fusion protein comprises an IgV domain from variant 2 of human SIRPα, and an Fc having effector function. The IgV domain binds human CD47 with an affinity that is at least five fold greater than the affinity of the entire extracellular region of human SIRPα. The fusion protein is at least 5 fold more potent than a counterpart lacking effector function.
US09969788B2
Methods of treating damaged cartilage tissue using growth factors fused to heparin binding sequences
The present invention is directed to proteins in which a heparin binding peptide is fused to a growth factor that promotes cell growth and survival. The compound thus formed is bound to the surface of cells which are then administered to damaged tissue. The growth factor is thereby maintained at the site of administration where it promotes repair.
US09969785B2
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, for example, due to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.
US09969782B2
The present invention relates to an isolated immunogenic peptide chimera comprising a first peptide moiety comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or at least a contiguous 5 amino acid fragment thereof, a second peptide moiety comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, or at least a contiguous 5 amino acid fragment thereof, and a linker joining the first and second peptide moieties, wherein the first peptide moiety is at the immunogenic peptide chimera's N-terminus and the second peptide moiety is at the immunogenic peptide chimera's C-terminus. Also disclosed is an immunogenic peptide including the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 6, or at least a contiguous 5 amino acid fragment thereof, having a length sufficient to form β-hairpin structure. A further aspect of the present invention is an immunogenic peptide including the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 15, or at least a contiguous 5 amino acid fragment thereof, capable of folding into an alpha-helical structure. These immunogenic peptides can be inserted into an immunogenic scaffold protein to form an immunogenic polypeptide. The immunogenic peptides or immunogenic polypeptides can be used in an immunogenic vaccine composition and in methods of inducing a neutralizing antibody response, or inducing a protective and non-neutralizing antibody response, or protective antibodies, against HIV-1 gp120 in a subject. Isolated antibodies and methods of detecting are also disclosed.
US09969781B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising CpG rich DNA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The compositions optionally comprise a cupredoxin. The present invention includes specific CpG DNAs from Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are useful for treating cancer and other conditions in patients. These compositions are optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and also optionally comprise a cupredoxin. The present invention further relates to methods to express proteins near cancer cells. These methods may be used to express therapeutic or diagnostic proteins near cancer cells in a patient suffering from cancer or other conditions, and can also be used for diagnosing cancer in a patient. This method uses the gene for azurin from P. aeruginosa as an expression system for azurin or heterologous proteins in P. aeruginosa or heterologous cells.
US09969779B2
This document relates to polynucleotides encoding antigenic polypeptides to induce an immune response to oncogenic viral polypeptides. Also provided are compositions comprising polynucleotides encoding antigenic polypeptides, and methods of use. In the provided methods, the virus can be a human papilloma virus. In some embodiments, a method for killing a cell expressing a first oncogenic viral polypeptide in a subject is provided. The method includes administering to the subject a composition in an amount sufficient to initiate an immune response against the first oncogenic viral peptide, where the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a polynucleotide provided herein and the immune response is effective to cause a cytotoxic effect in the cell. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide includes a second nucleotide sequence encoding a second antigenic polypeptide. The first oncogenic viral polypeptide can be E6 and the second oncogenic viral polypeptide can be E7.
US09969778B2
The present disclosure provides influenza hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptides comprising (a) an influenza hemagglutinin HA1 domain that comprises an HA1 N-terminal stem segment, covalently linked by a linking sequence of 0-50 amino acid residues to an HA1 C-terminal stem segment, and (b) an influenza hemagglutinin HA2 domain, wherein on or more amino acids in the HA2 domain have been mutated. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, compositions comprising the polypeptides and/or nucleic acid molecules, as well as methods of their use, in particular in the detection, prevention and/or treatment of influenza.
US09969775B2
This disclosure relates to compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: in which m, p, A, Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, R1, R2, and R3 are defined in the specification. The compounds of formula (I) can be used as CGRP antagonists and can be used to treat migraine.
US09969774B2
The present disclosure is directed to providing: a new cell-penetrating peptide; and a composition for delivering a biologically active substance, a composition for gene therapy, a method for delivering a biologically active substance and a method for gene therapy using the same. The cell-penetrating peptide of the present disclosure can effectively deliver a protein into human cells and tissues, can deliver a protein with higher efficiency in comparison with a TAT peptide that is commercially used as a cell-penetrating peptide, and can also be usefully used in delivering a biologically active substance such as a protein, a genetic material, a chemical compound, etc. which may be used for a therapeutic purpose into cells.
US09969771B2
Provided are a tetrapeptide for inhibiting VEGF-induced angiogenesis and a use thereof, and particularly, provided is a peptide having the amino acid sequence of R-X1-X2-E (wherein X1 is leucine (L), isoleucine (I) or valine (V), and X2 is tyrosine (Y) or phenylalanine (F)) for inhibiting angiogenesis, or preventing, improving or treating cancer. This research was supported by grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP), Republic of Korea, in 2011 and 2013 [NRF-2011-0028790 and 2013M3A9B6046563]. The tetrapeptide may effectively inhibit VEGF-induced angiogenesis or growth of cancer cells without a risk of side effects, and therefore may be expected to exhibit an excellent anticancer effect.
US09969761B2
The present invention relates to a method for improving stability of non fluoridated sugar derivatives, and in particular glucose derivatives such as 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-β-D-mannopyranose which are used as precursors for production of radiofluoridated sugar derivatives for use in in vivo imaging procedures such as positron emission tomography (PET). The method comprises storing the non fluoridated sugar derivative in an organic solvent. The resultant formulations of the non fluoridated sugar derivative and cassettes for automated synthesis apparatus comprising the same are also claimed.
US09969760B2
The present invention primarily relates to a method for isolating lignin, preferably unmodified lignin, from a mixture, in particular a pulping slurry, containing lignin, a cellulose solvent, a cellulose precipitant, minerals and optionally (residual) cellulose and/or hemicellulose and/or hydrolyzation products thereof, comprising or consisting of the following steps: i) removing the cellulose precipitant from the mixture, ii) contacting the mixture with a lignin precipitant, preferably at a temperature below 50° C., to obtain a precipitate, iii) removing the precipitate obtained in step ii) from the mixture, iv) optionally washing the precipitate with a lignin precipitant, v) removing the lignin precipitant from the precipitate, vi) optionally separating the cellulose solvent and the lignin precipitant from the remaining mixture obtained in step iii) with the proviso that in case the cellulose precipitant is the same as the lignin precipitant used in step ii) or contains one or more components of the mixture used as lignin precipitant in step ii), step i) is optional only.
US09969759B2
Disclosed herein are organometallic complexes and methods of using the same in detecting double stranded DNA or RNA, selectively over single stranded DNA or RNA.
US09969753B2
Disclosed are compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof having the following general formula: R-Linker-R. The compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof provided by the present invention are used as Bcr-Abl diploid inhibitors, which can effectively inhibit the activity of tyrosine kinase, are applicable in treating diseases concerning abnormal activation of such kinases, and have good effects in treating malignant tumors. The method for preparing such inhibitors is simple and convenient, has low cost, and has good application prospects.
US09969747B2
The present disclosure relates to a crystalline form of 2-((4S)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-benzo[c]isoxazolo[4,5-e]azepin-4-yl)acetamide, which is useful as an inhibitor of bromodomain-containing proteins. The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the crystalline form and methods of using said compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US09969746B2
The present invention relates to opioid compounds, especially to C14 esters and ethers of naltrexone and analogs thereof. The present invention also relates to compositions, methods and medical uses that employ such compounds. More specifically, the present invention pertains to compounds of formula: and to their use in the treatment of diseases and disorders including pain, hyperalgesia, addiction, substance abuse disorders, stress, anorexia, anxiety, depression, cough, asthma, hypertension, gastrointestinal motility disorder, water retention, cognitive disorders, and locomotor disorders.
US09969743B2
Provided are compounds represented by the formula: In which: Y is an unbranched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain with 2-5 hydrocarbon atoms R1=aryl R2=NR3R4 wherein R3 and R4 together form a heterocycle or R2=4-substitutedcyclohexyl, 1-substitutedpiperidine-4-yl or imidazo(1,2-a)azine-2-yl when Y is as defined above and R1 is a heterocycle other than benzothiophene pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, deuterated forms thereof, isomers thereof, solvates thereof, and mixtures thereof. The compounds can be used for treating a patient suffering from a condition that is capable of treatment with a partial agonist or antagonist of the dopamine D2/D3 receptors. The compounds are especially useful for patients suffering from schizophrenia, depressions, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, dyskinesias, substance abuse and relapse to substance abuse and addiction to substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine and alcohol, glaucoma, cognitive disorders, restless leg syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, hyperprolactinemia, autism, motor disturbances such as akathisia, rigor, dystonias as well as various disorders of the urinary tract and other neurologic disorders. Also provided are processes for the preparation of compounds of the present disclosure.
US09969739B2
The present invention relates to a compound of general Formula (VIII), the compound having a bowl-shaped conformation, its formation and its use in asymmetric catalysis. In Formula (VIII), M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Group 1 to Group 14 metals, lanthanides and actinides; R is one of —COOR3, —R4COOR3, —R4CHO, —R4COR3, —R4CONR5R6, —R4COX, —R4OP(═O)(OH)2, —R4P(═O)(OH)2), —R4C(O)C(R3)CR5R6 and R4CO2C(R3)O, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein.
US09969737B2
Chromogenic or fluorescent carbapenems according to formula I, wherein Ar is a mono or disubstituted carbocyclic aromatic group or an optionally mono or disubstituted heterocyclic aromatic group, are useful compounds for the detection of bacterial carbapenemase.
US09969735B2
Processes are described for the preparation of tricyclic lactam compound of Formula (I), having the structure and intermediates useful for the preparation of (I).
US09969732B2
Described herein are tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds with estrogen receptor modulation activity or function having the Formula I structure: and stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and with the substituent and structural features described herein. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the Formula I compounds, as well as methods of using such estrogen receptor modulators, alone and in combination with other therapeutic agents, for treating diseases or conditions that are mediated or dependent upon estrogen receptors.
US09969728B2
A series of substituted 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-α]pyridine derivatives, being potent modulators of human TNFα activity, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders.
US09969718B2
Disclosed is an intermediate of bemaciclib (also referred to as abemaciclib) having a structure of Formula II, and preparation methods therefor. The preparation methods may comprise condensation, amidine reaction, cyclization and/or other unit reactions. Bemaciclib is obtained through a guanidination reaction and a cyclization reaction using the bemaciclib intermediate disclosed herein as a starting material. starting materials for the preparation methods disclosed herein are easily available, the procedures are simple, and the preparation methods are economical, environmentally friendly and suitable for industrial production.
US09969716B2
Agents for modulating methyl modifying enzymes, compositions and uses thereof are provided herein.
US09969709B2
[Problem]To provide a compound which is useful as an agent for preventing and/or treating kidney diseases.[Means for Solution]The present inventors have studied compounds having a trypsin inhibitory activity, and have confirmed that a guanidinobenzoic acid ester compound has a trypsin inhibitory activity, thereby completing the present invention. The guanidinobenzoic acid ester compound of the present invention can be used as an agent for preventing and/or treating kidney diseases (for example, chronic kidney disease, acute glomerulonephritis, acute kidney injury, and the like) as an agent which will substitute low-protein diet therapy, and/or as an agent for preventing and/or treating trypsin-related diseases (for example, chronic pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hepatic encephalopathy, influenza, and the like).
US09969708B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a compound of the formula (I) with a specific definition of the substituent R3 a mixture and also a corresponding application/use.
US09969705B2
A fused heterocyclic compound having an enteropeptidase inhibitory action and use of the compound as a medicament for treatment or prophylaxis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc., are provided. Specifically, a compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined herein, or a salt thereof and use of the compound as a medicament for treatment or prophylaxis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc., are provided.
US09969702B2
A novel compound excellent in heat resistance, resistance to volatilization, and compatibility with a resin component and useful as a UV absorber and a synthetic resin composition containing the compound are provided. Specifically provided are a triazine compound of general formula (1), preferably general formula (2) and a synthetic resin composition containing 0.001 to 20 parts by mass of the compound per 100 parts by mass of a synthetic resin. The details of formulae (1) and (2) are as defined in the description.
US09969698B2
The disclosed subject matter provides methods using and kits comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09969697B2
A 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a composition containing the same are provided. The 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof show activities of blocking an intracellular influx of calcium ions acting as a secondary signal essential to the proliferation and growth of cancer cells, thereby inducing the cell cycle arrest of cancer cells, and eventually reinforcing the efficacy of existing anti-cancer drugs. A combination comprising the above compound and another anti-cancer drug is also provided.
US09969694B2
Compounds of Formula I or stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or prodrugs thereof, wherein Ring A, Ring C, X, Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd and n are as defined herein, are inhibitors of TrkA kinase and are useful in the treatment of diseases which can be treated with a TrkA kinase inhibitor such as pain, cancer, inflammation/inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, certain infectious diseases, Sjogren's syndrome, endometriosis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, prostatitis or pelvic pain syndrome.
US09969686B2
Described is a method to make diindolylmethanes and indolyl/pyrrolylmethanes, The method includes the steps of contacting an ether comprising an arylpropargyl moiety and an amine-protected, substituted or unsubstituted aniline moiety with a substituted or unsubstituted indol or a substituted or unsubstituted pyrrole, in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst, for a time and at a temperature to cause an annulation/arylation cascade reaction that yields a diindolylmethane or a indolyl/pyrrolylmethane. The resulting compounds are effective to modulate activity of arylhydrocarbon receptors, to inhibit activity of PCSK9, and to stimulate secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 in mammals.
US09969683B2
This invention relates to the treatment of breast cancer in a subject, for example a female subject. The breast cancer includes metastatic breast cancer, refractory breast cancer, AR-positive breast cancer, AR-positive refractory breast cancer, AR-positive metastatic breast cancer, AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, advanced breast cancer, breast cancer that has failed SERM (tamoxifen, toremifene), aromatase inhibitor, trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), lapatinib, exemestane (Aromasin), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/or fulvestrant treatments, and metastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) compound.
US09969681B2
The present invention relates to trisodium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) prodrugs, such as, for example, DTPA di-ethyl esters. The invention further relates to compositions comprising DTPA prodrugs and methods of using the same.
US09969675B2
A method for producing trans-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane includes a trans-isomerization step in which cis-dicyanocyclohexane is isomerized into trans-dicyanocyclohexane by heating dicyanocyclohexane containing cis-dicyanocyclohexane in the presence of a tar component produced by distillation of dicyanocyclohexane; and an aminomethylation step in which trans-dicyanocyclohexane produced by the trans-isomerization step is allowed to contact with hydrogen to produce trans-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane.
US09969671B2
There is provided a method for producing ethyl 4-methyloctanoate at a lower cost, by fewer steps, and in higher yield. More specifically, there is provided a method for producing ethyl 4-methyloctanoate comprising the steps of: reacting 1-chloro-2-methylhexane through malonic ester synthesis to obtain diethyl 2-methylhexylmalonate, and subjecting the diethyl 2-methylhexylmalonate to a Krapcho reaction to obtain ethyl 4-methyloctanoate.
US09969668B2
This invention generally relates to the production of free fatty acids and/or derivatives thereof, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters, from soapstock comprising soaps (salts of fatty acids). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods and industrial processes for generating free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives from a soapstock comprising soaps by combining the feedstock with one or more reactants to form a reaction mixture and reacting the mixture at a temperature and pressure sufficient to provide for the acidification of the soaps.
US09969664B2
A process for the manufacture of 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene, the process comprising dehydrochlorinating 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane.
US09969662B2
In a process for producing olefins, a hydrocarbon-containing feed is fed into a cracking furnace where relatively long-chain hydrocarbons of the hydrocarbon-containing feed are cracked at least partly to form shorter-chain olefins, encompassing ethylene and propylene. Cracking gas (1) formed during cracking is conveyed in succession through an upper section (11) and a lower section (12) of a scrubbing column (10) in countercurrent to a liquid scrubbing medium (43, 31), is proposed. A fraction (43) rich in petroleum spirit is used in the lower section (11) of the scrubbing column (10) and a water-rich fraction (31) is used in the upper section (11) of the scrubbing column (10) as scrubbing medium (43, 31). A plant configured for carrying out the process is likewise provided by the present invention.
US09969661B2
Disclosed are a method of preparing conjugated diene and a device therefor. More particularly, disclosed a method of preparing conjugated diene, wherein generated gas including butadiene is cooled and then water discharged at a lower part is not directly treated as waste water and subjected to byproduct removal and steam-extraction to utilize converted steam, and an installation issue of an existing biological waste water disposal equipment due to an excessive amount of byproducts can be resolved, and a device therefor are disclosed.
US09969659B2
The present invention relates to a 1-octene composition. The 1-octene composition according to the present invention is prepared by ethylene oligomerization and comprises a high content of 1-octene and monomers useful for copolymerization of 1-octene at the same time.
US09969657B2
An aqueous dispersion comprising water and potassium zinc phosphate dispersed within the water.
US09969656B2
A method of repairing a steel reinforced concrete structure (100) affected by chloride induced corrosion, comprising: subjecting the reinforced concrete structure (100) to an electrochemical treatment so as to enrich material (102, 120, 140) embedding the steel reinforcement (110) with chlorides originating from corrosion pits (112) in the steel reinforcement; and replacing the material (102, 120, 140) embedding the steel reinforcement (110), which has been enriched with chlorides during the electrochemical treatment, with a repair material (124) that is relatively poor in chlorides.
US09969654B2
A means for attaching a metallic component to a non-metallic component using a compliant material having thermal properties intermediate those of the metallic component to a non-metallic component is provided. The method can accommodate CTE mismatches and wear-type problems common to many assemblies of dissimilar materials. In particular, the method provides a sufficient wear surface to accommodate relative motion and provide a durable wear surface that does not excessively wear/gall/mico-weld itself together and provides the necessary damping and motion for proper operation in aeronautical applications.
US09969653B2
A hard-clad coating composition for hardfacing is described. Also described is a weld hardfacing method for applying a coating composition to a base metal, and an apparatus for introducing the coating composition to the weld process.
US09969651B2
A functional ink that includes a precursor sol-gel solution and a solvent is provided. The precursor sol-gel solution is used for forming an oxide dielectric film having a perovskite structure represented by a general formula ABO3, and has been subjected to a partial hydrolysis process in which a viscosity change resulting from the partial hydrolysis process is controlled to be less than or equal to 50%, and water contained in the precursor sol-gel solution is controlled to be greater than or equal to 0.50 times and less than or equal to 10 times by molar ratio with respect to a B site atom contained in the precursor sol-gel solution. The functional ink has a metal oxide concentration and a viscosity that renders the functional ink suitable for being discharged from a nozzle of a liquid droplet discharge apparatus included in a thin film fabrication apparatus.
US09969648B2
A method of sealing at least two inorganic substrates together using an induction energy source comprising applying to at least one of the substrates a paste composition including a glass frit, and an induction coupling additive, bringing at least a second substrate into contact with the paste composition, and subjecting the substrates and paste to induction heating, thereby forming a hermetic seal between the two inorganic substrates.
US09969644B2
Ion exchangeable glasses having coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) at least about 90×10−7° C.−1. The glasses undergo rapid ion exchange, for example, in a molten KNO3 salt bath to a depth of layer of greater than 30 microns in less than 2 hours at temperatures of 370° C. to 390° C. When ion-exchanged to a depth of layer between 30 to 50 microns, the glasses exhibit a Vickers median/radial crack initiation threshold exceeding 30 kilograms force (kgf). The glasses are fusion formable and, in some embodiments, compatible with zircon.
US09969628B2
An electrodialysis unit comprising at least two electrodialysis stacks (ED1 and ED2) connected in series, wherein: (a) stacks ED1 and ED2 comprise anion exchange membranes and cation exchange membranes; and (b) the anion exchange membranes in stack ED1 have a lower electrical resistance than the anion exchange membranes in stack ED2 and the cation exchange membranes in stack ED1 have a lower electrical resistance than the cation exchange membranes in stack ED2. Also claimed is a process for purifying liquids, e.g. for desalinating sea water or brackish water.
US09969623B2
Described are methods of preparing silver azide comprising reacting a silver salt, an azide salt, ammonium hydroxide, and a hydrolysable ester at an elevated temperature.
US09969618B2
A method of making an ordered crystalline product includes hot pressing amorphous carbon at an elevated temperature and pressure to form an ordered crystalline product.
US09969612B2
This invention relates to apparatus and systems for providing home and building security and condition monitoring. More particularly, the invention relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate dynamically with each other and a remote server.
US09969606B2
A MEMS structure that provides an improved way to selectively control electromechanical properties of a MEMS device with an applied voltage. The MEMS structure includes a capacitor element that comprises at least one stator element, and at least one rotor element suspended for motion parallel to a first direction in relation to the stator element. The stator element and the rotor element form at least one capacitor element, the capacitance of which varies according to displacement of the rotor element from an initial position. The stator element and the rotor element are mutually oriented such that in at least one range of displacements of the rotor element from an initial position, the second derivative of the capacitance with respect to the displacement has negative values.
US09969591B2
There is provided a printing apparatus for conveying an envelope set in a paper feed unit and performing printing on the envelope and a method of controlling the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus determines whether or not attaching of an attachment to the paper feed unit is necessary in accordance with the type of envelope to be used, and, if it is determined that attaching of the attachment is necessary, the printing apparatus displays a message prompting attaching of the attachment.
US09969577B2
A sheet feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a pair of first regulators and a pair of second regulators. The pair of first regulators is disposed movable in a width direction of a recording medium loaded on the sheet loader and is configured to contact a side end of the recording medium and regulate a position of the recording medium in the width direction. The pair of second regulators is configured to be detachably attachable to multiple attachment positions of the sheet tray selectably.
US09969574B2
A wheelbarrow carrier provides transportation and dumping from a connection to a standard trailer hitch or tractor three-point mount. A pivoting ramp is used to load the wheelbarrow and a locking mechanism locks the wheelbarrow foot in place and the ramp in an upward position, once the wheelbarrow has been rolled onto the ramp and the ramp has pivoted from a downward position to an upward level position. The ramp pivots once the wheel of the wheelbarrow has rolled past the pivot point sufficiently to tip the ramp. Once the wheelbarrow is locked in the upward (level) position, a motor is activated to rotate a boom to which the ramp is attached with respect to a frame that is connected to the vehicle mount.
US09969567B2
In transferring and conveying an article between rotation conveyance bodies, the rotation conveyance bodies (1, 2) are placed so as to have a prescribed gap between pitch circles thereof, and the article is conveyed along a transition curve whose curvature continuously varies from the pitch circle curvature of a rotation conveyance body (1) before the transfer to the pitch circle curvature of a rotation conveyance body (2) after the transfer between both the pitch circles, whereby the article is transferred and conveyed with acceleration smoothly varying and without a change in the distance between the axes of the rotation conveyance bodies.
US09969562B2
An apparatus for folding articles advancing in a machine direction including a rotatable roll having a roll surface, at least one protrusion that defines an outermost surface of the roll and at least one pocket that defines an innermost surface of the roll. The apparatus also includes a first and second vacuum conveyor assembly, each comprising two vacuum conveyors. The roll and the vacuum conveyor assemblies are cooperatively configured to fold an article.
US09969551B2
An article transport device includes a vertically movable member which is movable along the vertical direction, and a transfer device which is supported by the vertically movable member and is configured to transfer an article to or from any one of transfer target locations. The transfer device includes a support body which receives and supports an article and is projected and retracted between a projected position and a retracted position. And the support body includes a support member which is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, wherein the support body is configured to receive and support an article with the support member. A cushion member is provided to the vertically movable member such that the cushion member is spaced apart upwardly by a set distance from the article which is received and supported by the support member.
US09969547B2
An expandable holding tank includes a base supporting a first sidewall to define a liquid retaining enclosure. A second sidewall travels up and down one of an exterior face or an interior face of the first sidewall from a stored position to an operative position. In the stored position, the second sidewall is nested with the first sidewall to position a lower edge of the second sidewall adjacent to the base. In the operative position, the second sidewall is telescopically extended relative to the first sidewall to place the lower edge of the second sidewall at a distance from the base and an upper edge of the second sidewall extending above an upper edge of the first sidewall.
US09969539B2
A closure cap for a container having a spout is described. The closure cap includes a tubular base, a flexible cover, and a flow restriction member. The tubular base is positionable about and sealingly engageable with the spout. The flexible cover is extends over the tubular base and movable between a non-depressed position and a depressed position. The flow restriction member is detachably mounted to the tubular base such that the flow restriction member is in a spaced, coaxial relationship with the spout when the tubular base is engaged with the spout and when the flexible cover is in the non-depressed position and such that the flow restriction member is detached from the tubular base and positioned on and engaged with the spout of the container when the flexible cover is moved to the depressed position.
US09969536B2
A lock for a ball display case includes a plate having a plurality of recessed areas spaced radially about the plate. A plurality of posts extend away from the plate in a direction generally perpendicular to the plate. Each post is in general radial alignment with one of the recessed areas of the plate and spaced radially inward from the recessed area. The lock has frangible portions connecting the posts to the plate. The lock is suitable for engagement with a ball display case in a manner that limits access to an object in the display case. The lock is suitable for use by professional graders and/or authenticators to prevent tampering after the object has been graded and/or authenticated and then locked in the display case.
US09969513B2
The invention relates to a device for sterilization of the interior surface of packaging containers with electron beam, comprising an emitter provided with an electron exit window. The emitter is adapted to emit charge carriers, such as electrons, through the electron exit window, said electrons forming an electron cloud. The device comprises at least one outlet adapted to provide a flow of sterile gaseous medium adapted to maintain a local aseptic zone around at least an emitter portion including the electron exit window, thus preventing any flow of medium from outside the local aseptic zone from coming into the local aseptic zone. The invention also relates to a method.
US09969512B2
The invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing packaging containers with electron beams in a filling machine. The sterilization device comprises at least one first electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least the interior of the packaging container and at least one electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least the exterior of the packaging container. The invention further comprises a method for sterilizing packaging containers.
US09969510B2
This manufacturing method for wrapped moldings (P) comprises a molding process for manufacturing the moldings (P) and a wrapping process for wrapping the moldings (P). The molding cycle from a mold-clamping step to the next mold-clamping step in the molding process is coordinated with the wrapping cycle from a moving step to the next moving step in the wrapping process by delaying the heating initiation time in the heating step, reducing the rate of temperature increase in the heating step, or prolonging the time for the drawing in the drawing step.
US09969502B2
A method for in-flight refueling of a receiver aircraft from a tanker aircraft including: measuring continuously a tension at an end of a hose extending from the tanker aircraft towards the receiver aircraft, and using the measured tension to control a torque applied to a drum device deploying the hose from the tanker aircraft such that the tension at the end of the hose conforms to target tensions during each phase of the refueling operation.
US09969487B2
An active wing extension includes a body portion substantially parallel to a wing of an aircraft, as if it were an extension of the wing. The body portion is attachable to an aircraft wing and includes multiple controllable airflow modification devices coupled thereto. By virtue of having multiple controllable airflow modification devices, the wing extension is capable of adjusting control surfaces of the multiple controllable airflow modification devices in response to in-flight conditions, to reduce wing loads, improve wing fatigue characteristics, increase range, and/or increase efficiency.
US09969485B2
An inceptor apparatus (10) for controlling a vehicle, in particular an aircraft comprises a control stick (15) for operation by a user and a user feedback generator (28) coupled to the control stick and configured to receive signals from a vehicle condition indicator (40) remote from the inceptor apparatus. The apparatus also has a first vehicle condition sensor (54,56) dedicated to the operation of the inceptor apparatus. In a first mode of operation, the user feedback generator (28) is operable to generate tactile feedback to the user via the control stick in dependence upon signals received from the vehicle condition indicator (40). In a second mode of operation, in the event that no signal is received from the vehicle condition indicator (40), the user feedback generator (28) is operable to generate tactile feedback to the user via the control stick in dependence upon signals received from the first vehicle condition sensor (54,56).
US09969484B2
Adjustable height control stick assembly for dual control of aircraft includes a single control stick for longitudinal and lateral orientation of the aircraft with the height adjustment allowing for correction of position prior to flight. The stick is connected to appropriate linkages to move the ailerons and elevator of an airplane or the rotor blades of a helicopter. When either the pilot or the copilot is flying the grip for the other is at a different height to that for normal operation. The invention replaces and makes adjustable the grip so that height of the grip of both pilot and copilot are the same as if they were flying and in control of the aircraft.
US09969483B2
A system for shielding of at least one component (28) within an aircraft (10) includes a floor panel disposed at least partially between joists (38) supporting a floor (30) within the aircraft and a ground plane (44) connected to a bottom surface of the floor panel. The ground plane extends at least partially between adjacent joists. At least one bracket (52) electrically connects the ground plane to at least one of the joists.
US09969482B2
A device according to the present invention comprises: a tubular body (2) and a first attachment means (6), a piston (30) provided with a rod (12) connected to a second attachment means (10), the piston (30) sliding inside the tubular body (2) and defining inside said body a working chamber filled with hydraulic fluid, an accumulator comprising a rigid shell (20) inside of which a separation means (40) is located, defining a compensation chamber (42) that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is in communication with the working chamber, and a chamber (47) filled with pressurized gas, the rigid shell (20) being a metal shell produced by means of welded assembly and the accumulator being made such as to obtain an entirely welded enclosure (47) containing the gas.
US09969475B1
A system for mounting an outboard motor propulsion unit to a marine vessel transom includes a support cradle having a head section coupled to a transom bracket and a pair of arms extending aftward from the head section and along opposite port and starboard sides of the propulsion unit. A pair of upper mounts is provided, each upper mount in the pair coupling a respective arm to the propulsion unit aft of a center of gravity of an engine system of the propulsion unit. A pair of lower mounts is also provided, each lower mount in the pair coupling the propulsion unit to the transom bracket. The pair of upper mounts is located aft of the pair of lower mounts when the propulsion unit is in a neutral position, in which the propulsion unit is generally vertically upright and not tilted or trimmed with respect to the transom.
US09969470B2
A system and method for performing a marine seismic survey of a subsurface. The method includes deploying under water, from a deploying vessel, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); recording with seismic sensors located on the AUV seismic waves generated by an acoustic source array; instructing the AUV to surface at a certain depth relative to the water surface; recovering the AUV by bringing the AUV on a recovery vessel; and transferring recorded seismic data to the recovery vessel.
US09969460B1
A bicycle pedal includes a body having a fixed member, a movable member, a resilient unit and a link respectively connected to each of a first face and a second face thereof. The link and the resilient unit are respectively located on inside of the movable member. The link contacts the movable member. When the cleat of a bicycle shoe pushes the movable member and the link away from the body, the push end of the link swings away from the body and pushes the cleat to disengage from the peal. The link has a restriction portion located corresponding to outside of the end piece. The restriction portion extends from the link and toward the end piece to prevent the bolt from dropping from the end piece.
US09969458B2
An air suspension in an embodiment includes: a cylinder; a piston rod; a rod-side member disposed on the lower end side of the piston rod; a diaphragm; an axle-side attachment member having an upper end side of which is fixed to an opening at a lower end of the rod-side member, the axle-side attachment member including a fixing section for fixing the piston rod and an attachment hole joined to an axle; a gas passage formed in the axle-side attachment member, one end of the gas passage being opened to an upper end face of the axle-side attachment member and the other end of the gas passage being opened to a side section of the axle-side attachment member; and a valve section provided at the opening of the other end of the gas passage.
US09969456B2
A collapsible skateboard includes an upright handle having lower portion on which is fixedly mounted a bracket, a connector having a curved slot having a lower end formed with a horizontal recess, an upper end formed with a vertical recess, and a circular hole under the vertical recess, an adjust pin inserted into the vertical recess of the connector and the elongated hole of the bracket, a pivot pin fitted through the circular hole of the connector and the circular hole of the bracket, a spring having an upper end connected to the adjust pin and a lower end to the pivot pin, and a platform on which is fixedly mounted the connector, whereby the skateboard can be easily folded up as desired.
US09969447B2
A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a positioning structure, and an adjusting structure. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is configured to relatively position the first cylinder and the second cylinder and configured to switch a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly among a first adjustable state and a second adjustable state. In the first adjustable state, a positional relationship between the first cylinder and the second cylinder is adjustable within a first adjustable position range. In the second adjustable state in which the positional relationship between the first cylinder and the second cylinder is adjustable within a second adjustable position range different from the first adjustable position range. The adjusting structure is configured to adjust at least one of the first adjustable position range and the second adjustable position range.
US09969445B2
A trailer (10) and a side skirt (19), each comprising an integrated arrangement (60, 70, 80) for reducing air drag, are provided. Each arrangement (60, 70, 80) comprises means for receiving air (60) comprising at least one air inlet (6), means for ejecting air (70) comprising at least one air outlet (7) facing downwards. The means for ejecting air (70) are arranged along a lower edge (11) of the trailer cargo housing (16) and side skirt (19) respectively. The arrangement also comprises means for conveying air (80) comprising at least one air duct (8). The means for conveying air (80) extend between the air receiving means (60) and the air ejecting means (70). The arrangement (60, 70, 80) is configured to produce a screen of air from the lower edge (11) and downwards during travel. The air screen prevents air, especially side wind, from entering the undercarriage. Especially the arrangement (60, 70, 80) in the cargo housing (16) prevents air from entering in the gap between the truck and trailer at the connection (17) between the truck and trailer, and the arrangement of the side skirt (19) prevents air from entering in the gap between the side skirt (19) and the road.
US09969444B2
A work surface apparatus for a vehicle includes a tailgate having at least two panel-supporting posts adapted for translating between a stowed position and a substantially horizontal deployed position. A panel is included, configured to be supported in a substantially horizontal orientation by the deployed at least two panel-supporting posts. The panel may be a cargo area divider defined by hingedly connected sections.
US09969442B1
A vehicle body frame includes a longitudinally extending roof side rail. The roof side rail includes an outer panel, an inner panel fixed to the outer panel to define a cavity therebetween, and a reinforcement panel disposed between and fixedly secured to the outer and inner panels. The reinforcement panel separates the cavity into an inner cavity and an outer cavity. The roof rail has a forward end portion and a rearward end portion. An acoustic spray foam control bulkhead is secured within the cavity at the rearward end portion of the roof side rail. The bulkhead includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced from and opposed to the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls are configured to at least partially confine within the inner cavity between the first and second sidewalls an acoustic spray foam injected into an injection inlet aperture provided on the inner panel.
US09969439B2
A load-bearing structure of a motor vehicle, having hollow profiles and junction elements to connect the hollow profiles. The hollow profiles may be fastened in receptacles of the junction elements, and the junction elements may have a plurality of areal webs in a vehicle vertical direction, at least some of the areal webs forming a framework structure which assists the load path in the respective junction element.
US09969433B2
A hollow profile that has improved handling ability and a good ability to be attached to other components and a method for producing the hollow profile. In the method for producing a hollow profile having at least two half shell sheets, a first half shell sheet is applied to a first side of web plate along two axially running joint edges of the first half shell sheet, a second half shell sheet is applied to a second side of the web plate along two axially running joint edges of the second half shell sheet, and then the joint edges of the half shell sheets are subsequently joined to the web plate. An edge section of the web plate projects beyond the contact area of at least one joint edge so that at least one flange is formed for attaching other components. The hollow profile formed has two half shell sheets and a web plate disposed between the half shell sheets, which can form part of a vehicle body.
US09969429B2
A method performs an automated process for parking a motor vehicle in a longitudinal parking space, wherein the vehicle automatically controls the longitudinal and transverse movement of the vehicle and the vehicle is moved, in one or more moves, into a position in the longitudinal parking space in which the vehicle is aligned in the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to a lateral delimitation line of the longitudinal parking space and is at a permissible distance from the lateral delimitation line of the longitudinal parking space. The method is characterized in that the distance from a front delimiting object of the parking space is determined in the aligned position and, depending on the distance, the vehicle performs an additional correction move, in which the vehicle is moved in the forward or reverse direction under automatic control with a steering angle of substantially zero degrees.
US09969427B1
A self-propelled paving machine includes a plurality of swing legs, each swing leg being supported from a ground surface by an associated crawler track steerably connected to an outer end of its associated swing leg. The machine may be re-oriented from a paving orientation to a transport orientation via a transport conversion mode of an automatic controller configured to spin the paving in place on the ground through a re-orientation angle, then rotate each of the crawler tracks relative to its respective swing leg until each crawler track is primarily oriented in a transport direction generally perpendicular to the paving direction, and then while moving the paving machine in the transport direction pivoting each of the swing legs relative to the frame until each swing leg is oriented primarily in the transport direction. The paving machine may then be driven onto a transport vehicle.
US09969424B2
A steering control system for a vehicle that considers the limitations of at least one of the vehicle and the environment is contemplated. The steering control system can receive a vehicle characteristic, an environmental condition, a desired amount of turning, and a desired velocity of the vehicle. Based on some, or all of these parameters, the steering control system can determine at least one of a wheel torque, a wheel angle, a wheel camber, and a wheel suspension for a desired vehicle path to enhance vehicle performance.
US09969422B2
Two flat surface portions are provided on portions of a rack shaft away from rack teeth and a back surface in the circumferential direction. The two flat surface portions are parallel to each other. A rotation stopping member has a case and a low-friction member. The hollow portion provided inside the case includes two flat surface portions that face each other in a direction Y and extend in parallel with each other, and two flat surface portions that face each other in a direction Z and extend orthogonally to the flat surface portions. A slight clearance is provided between the outer surface of the rack shaft and the inner surface of the rotation stopping member (low-friction member). The rotation stopping member is disposed on the outer periphery of the rack shaft. The outer periphery of the rotation stopping member is fixed to the inner periphery of a rack housing.
US09969413B2
A wheeled hand-cart configured to carry and secure ski equipment and accessories is described. The hand-cart is of the type where a user adjusts an attitude of the hand-cart for rolling travel so as to balance the load about a wheel axis of the hand-cart. The hand-cart includes a load platform extensive enough to carry ski boots as well as a large securable container. Ski mounts joined to the hand-cart carry skis outboard of the load platform at an attitude that provides for ample clearance between the tips of the skis and the user's upper body. The ski-carrying cart may include a voluminous securable container to serve as a mobile ski locker, and locking devices may be provided to secure the skis and the cart. The hand-cart is further configured to partially collapse to a narrow-stance mode adapted for rolling travel in narrow spaces.
US09969409B2
Systems and methods for detecting in motion railcar seismic data generated by defective railcar axles of a train traveling on a track. The method uses two or more seismic sensors on the side of the track to capture seismic noise generated by railcar wheels. A wheel that exceeds a preset seismic noise threshold in amplitude, will trigger a wheel tracking algorithm that calculates seismic phase shift data related to the actively tracked wheel noise level, to determine the precise location, in real time, of the faulty wheel carriage while moving. Knowing the precise location of the tracked wheel allows the system to isolate the railcar and capture the railcar and wheel carriage identification information.Subsequently, a railcar log is made on a computer database with the railcar identification information and made available to control centers via ground or satellite links.
US09969403B2
A system includes a processor configured to receive a vehicle location and to access driver-specific driving-mode-change data for the vehicle location. The processor is also configured to determine, based on the accessed data, if a vehicle driving-mode-change has previously occurred at the vehicle location and context a sufficient number of times to cross a predefined threshold and, if so, to automatically change a vehicle driving-mode to the driving-mode associated with the previous driving-mode-change.
US09969399B2
A vehicle includes a photographing unit for acquiring a plurality of images of a road, and a vehicle controller for detecting a marker on the road from the plurality of images, for deciding a first estimated position of the vehicle using an amount of change of the marker in the plurality of images, for deciding a second estimated position of the vehicle based on information about driving of the vehicle, and for deciding a final estimated position of the vehicle using the first estimated position and the second estimated position.
US09969391B2
A vehicle travel control apparatus is provided that is capable of improving fuel economy by exerting control so as to attain a specified speed without starting the engine during acceleration, and by increasing the regenerative energy recovery amount during deceleration, during the travel control. A vehicle travel control apparatus (100) to control the vehicle speed is mounted in a hybrid vehicle containing an engine (107) and a motor (112) as power sources, and includes: a target vehicle computing unit (200) that calculates a target vehicle speed; an acceleration command value calculation unit (201) that calculates an acceleration command value (211) based on a target vehicle speed; an acceleration limit processing unit (203) that calculates a post-limit acceleration command value (214) that limits the acceleration command value (211) by utilizing a specified upper-limit value and a specified lower-limit value; a torque command value computing unit (205) that calculates a torque command value from the post-limit acceleration command value (214); and a speed-change command value computing unit (206) that determines whether a down-shift is required or not based on the acceleration command value (211) and an upper-limit torque or a lower-limit torque of the motor, and calculates a speed-change command value (215).
US09969389B2
A confidence value is determined for data collected for a lane assist subsystem in a vehicle. A section curvature is identified for a section of a roadway when the confidence value is below a confidence value, threshold. The section curvature includes at least one section start point and at least one section end point. The section curvature is based at least in part on a heading angle, the heading angle defining an angle between a projected line of travel of the vehicle and a line segment from a vehicle position to the section end point. A distance to a lane boundary is predicted based at least in part on the identified section curvature. One or more vehicle subsystems is actuated based at least in part on the predicted distance to the lane boundary.
US09969387B2
A control system includes an information obtaining apparatus, a network, and a control apparatus. The information obtaining apparatus includes a distance information obtaining unit configured to obtain a distance information indicating a distance to an object and a transmission unit configured to transmit the distance information obtained by the distance information obtaining unit. The control apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive the distance information transmitted by the transmission unit via the network, a distance information correction unit configured to correct the distance information received by the reception unit, and a control unit configured to perform control using the distance information corrected by the distance information correction unit. The distance information correction unit corrects the distance information based on a time taken from when the distance information is obtained by the distance information obtaining unit until the distance information is input to the distance information correction unit.
US09969386B1
A method and a system for an automated parking determines, using the geometry of the vehicle and the map of the parking space, a collision free geometric path connecting an initial state of the vehicle with a target state of parked vehicle through a set of waypoints and determines, using a kinematic model of the vehicle, a set of kinematic subgraphs forming a kinematic graph having multiple nodes connected with kinematic edges. Each waypoint defines a position and orientation of the vehicle, each kinematic subgraph connects a pair of neighboring waypoints of the geometric path, each node defines a state of the vehicle, and each kinematic edge connecting two nodes defines a collision free kinematic path connecting the two nodes according to kinematics of the vehicle. A kinematic path is selected form the kinematic graph and a reference trajectory tracking the kinematic path as a function of time is determined using a dynamic model of the vehicle. The motion of the vehicle is according to the reference trajectory.
US09969380B2
In a hybrid vehicle control apparatus, driving of the vehicle is switched between driving modes including engine driving mode in which driving is to be powered by an internal combustion engine and electrical machine driving mode in which driving is to be powered by a rotating electrical machine, and required driving force in each of the driving modes in accordance with predetermined characteristics based on accelerator position and vehicle speed to control driving force of the vehicle to the calculated required driving force, when the driving mode is switched, driving force of the vehicle is controlled based on the required driving force of the driving mode before switched unless at least one of the accelerator position and the vehicle speed changes.
US09969379B2
A method for detecting fluid leakage from a pressure-decrease valve in a hydraulic brake system having an ABS device including: a shutoff valve for shutting off supply of a working fluid from a fluid-pressure supply source to a brake device provided for a wheel; the pressure-decrease valve for discharging the working fluid from the brake device; a reservoir for storing the working fluid discharged from the pressure-decrease valve; and a return pump for returning the working fluid stored in the reservoir to a portion between the shutoff valve and the fluid-pressure supply source, the method including the steps of: activating the return pump in a state in which the hydraulic brake system is not in ABS operation, and detecting the fluid leakage from the pressure-decrease valve based on a variation in a pressure of the working fluid in the fluid-pressure supply source caused when the return pump is activated.
US09969372B2
Disclosed herein is a hydraulic brake system. The hydraulic brake system comprises a damping device configured to attenuate pressure pulsation of brake oil discharged according to a driving of a pump, wherein the damping device includes a sleeve fixed to a bore that is connected to a discharge end of the pump and having an opened one side, a damping piston slidably installed inside the sleeve, and an elastic member provided inside the sleeve and configured to elastically support the damping piston, and wherein a slot having a width which is varied is formed at an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve in a direction in which the brake oil flows so that a variable orifice is formed between the damping piston and the sleeve.
US09969367B2
An air-guiding arrangement is provided for a vehicle. The air-guiding arrangement is arranged in the region in front of a vehicle wheel which is functionally connected to a braking system. At least one air-guiding body is positioned in front of the vehicle wheel and protrudes downwards from an underbody covering part in the direction of the roadway, and at least one duct is positioned in the air-guiding body or on that side of the air-guiding body which faces away from the outside of the vehicle, and is designed to guide incoming travel air in the direction of the braking system. The air-guiding body has a first retaining lip which is arranged between the air-guiding body and the vehicle wheel and which protrudes downward over the air-guiding body in the direction of the roadway. A second retaining lip is provided on that side of the at least one duct which faces away from the outside of the vehicle such that the at least one duct has a gap between the first retaining lip and the second retaining lip.
US09969359B2
The invention relates to a wiping member (10) comprising an elastomer-based material, a coating being provided on at least part of an external surface of the material. At least part of the surface of the assembly formed by the elastomer-based material and the coating has an increased degree of cross-linking over at least one surface thickness of the assembly. The invention also relates to a windshield wiper blade and to a method for treating a wiping member.
US09969356B2
A communication system comprises a base station (104) positioned in the vehicle (102) and a mobile communication unit (122). The base station (104) is configured to determine a first location and a second location of the mobile communication unit (122) relative to the vehicle (102), and to determine a baseline pattern of movement of the mobile communication unit (122) based at least in part on the first location and the second location. The base station (104) is also configured to determine whether a user-initiated interaction with the vehicle (102) occurs in connection with the baseline pattern of movement, and if no user-initiated interaction with the vehicle (102) occurs in connection with the baseline pattern of movement, to classify the baseline pattern of movement as an incidental pattern of movement and apply a zone adjustment to the authorization zone (138) so as to exclude to the incidental pattern of movement.
US09969349B2
An airbag module for a vehicle includes an inflator disposed behind an instrument panel and an airbag arrangement. The airbag arrangement includes a cushion section configured to receive an occupant during impact and a balloon section disposed proximate a base of the cushion section and adjacent the instrument panel such that, upon inflation, the balloon section contacts and pushes against the instrument panel. This forms a swell on the cushion section adjacent to the balloon section configured to hinder movement of the occupant toward the balloon section.
US09969347B2
An airbag device comprises a mounting plate and a retaining member, the mounting plate includes a housing portion which houses therein a part of an inflator, the retaining member includes a fixing portion fixed to the mounting plate at a location that is radially outward relative to the side surface of the inflator, a leg portion which has a first end portion provided continuously with the fixing portion, and extends from the first end portion toward the top surface of the inflator in the center axis direction, and an arm portion extending radially inward relative to the side surface from the second end portion of the leg portion, and the retaining member is in contact with a part of the inflator and is elastically deformed to retain the inflator in the housing portion, in a state in which the fixing portion is fixed to the mounting plate.
US09969340B2
A method of displaying autonomous driving mode distance to empty (DTE) of a vehicle capable of autonomous driving includes: determining whether a destination is set; reading a preset gas mileage table; calculating in real time an autonomous driving condition factor to the destination; calculating the autonomous driving mode DTE based on the preset gas mileage table and the autonomous driving condition factor; and displaying the calculated autonomous driving mode DTE.
US09969338B1
The interior component of the invention has a core material and a skin material arranged to cover a surface of the core material. The core material is provided with a top plate, an outer wall portion having a round shape at a corner portion, and a plurality of drop-off prevention ribs arranged adjacent to the outer wall portion. A resin band is mounted to an inner surface of a peripheral edge portion of the skin material. The resin band and the peripheral portion of the skin material are fitted and fixed to the outer wall portion of the core material by using reaction force generated when the resin band is elastically folded into the corner portion.
US09969336B2
A door assembly for a vehicle interior opening includes a track extending in an imperfect arc and a door supported by the track and slidable therealong through the imperfect arc. The door comprises a single piece, flexible body, having a plurality of crests defining generally planar surfaces extending parallel to each other in a lateral direction. The crests are joined together by respective ones of a plurality of troughs coupled therebetween.
US09969331B2
A method for producing a masking instruction for a camera of a vehicle, the method including a setting step, a transforming step, and a storing step. In the setting step, interpolation points of a field-of-view boundary are set in a vehicle coordinate system using three-dimensional model data of the vehicle, the interpolation points being set from a camera perspective that is modeled in the model data. In the transforming step, vehicle coordinates of the interpolation points from the vehicle coordinate system are transformed into a spherical coordinate system to obtain spherical coordinates of the interpolation points. In the storing step, a mask curve defined by the interpolation points, is stored in the spherical coordinate system in order to produce the masking instruction.
US09969327B2
A vehicle load warning apparatus utilizing inductive proximity sensors to signal an alarm to an operator when a vehicle achieves a maximum weight. The vehicle load warning apparatus can also provide an intermediate warning to an operator when the vehicle approaches the maximum weight. The vehicle load warning apparatus can also utilize inductive proximity sensors at each end of both axles of a vehicle and provide imbalance warning signals if the weight on a vehicle is not equally distributed throughout the body of the vehicle.
US09969325B2
Embodiments of the present invention may relate to displaying road markings for a user without fading or becoming hidden. A road markings application may communicate with one or more devices to obtain road marking location information. The one or more devices may be attached to a vehicle, stationary device, or remote device. The road markings application may determine one or more locations for one or more projected road markings. A concentrated light source, such as a laser, attached to a vehicle may project road markings on a surface of a road. Projected road markings may change to accommodate vehicles of various sizes and/or to indicate potential obstacles on a road.
US09969322B1
The present disclosure provides a vehicle, a winch for a vehicle, and a display control device for a winch of a vehicle. The winch includes a motor for driving an operation of the winch, and the display control device includes a display component and a display control panel. The display control panel is provided with a load detector, a processor and a light controller. The load detector detects a load situation of the motor. The processor is connected with the load detector and the light controller respectively, and outputs a light control signal to the light controller according to the load situation of the motor, and the light controller is connected with the display component and controls the display component to display corresponding light according to the light control signal received from the processor. Thus, the actual load situation of the winch can be obtained in real time during use.
US09969320B2
A lamp of an autonomous vehicle may include at least one light emitting unit. The lamp may further include at least one processor configured to: in a first state in which the autonomous vehicle is operating in a manual driving state, control the at least one light emitting unit to emit a light into a space outside the autonomous vehicle; and in a second state in which the autonomous vehicle is transitioned from the manual driving state to an autonomous driving state, control the at least one light emitting unit to not emit a light into the space outside the autonomous vehicle.
US09969312B2
A container holder for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The container holder includes a housing for coupling to the motor vehicle. The container holder further includes a cover pivotally coupled to the housing. The cover is configured to pivot from a retracted position to a raised position. The container holder further includes a plurality of arms coupled to the cover and connected at a central hinge. The plurality of arms is configured to swivel about the central hinge from a closed position to an open position to define a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive a container.
US09969308B2
A lock device includes a base, a first rotation member, a second rotation member, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member. Protrusions are provided on one of the base and one of the first rotation member and the second rotation member. The protrusions are protruded in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the first rotation member. An end of one of the first elastic member and the second elastic member is fixed to the protrusions. The protruding length in the rotation axis direction of the protrusions is longer than the length in the rotation axis direction of one of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.
US09969306B1
A foldable car seat includes a base frame having a driver securely mounted thereon, a sliding frame operably connected to the driver and slidably attached to the base frame and having an adapter securely attached to a free end of the sliding frame so that the base frame is able to move relative to the sliding and a back frame foldably connected to the base frame and consisting of a pair of lower support frames foldably connected to free ends of the base frame through a first folding device and a pair of upper support frames foldably connected to free ends of the pair of lower support frames through a second folding device. The pair of lower support frames is foldable relative to the base frame and the pair of upper support frames is foldable relative to the pair of lower support frames. A locking mechanism is provided to the sliding frame to limit movement extent of as well as to position location of the sliding frame relative to the base frame.
US09969303B2
A driving device and a seat adjusting mechanism for vehicle are provided. The driving device includes a motor and a gearbox. The gearbox includes a worm and a worm gear. The worm is fixedly connected to an output shaft of the motor. The gearbox further includes first and second driving gears, and first and second driven gears. The first and second driving gears are coaxially fixed to the worm gear and located at two sides of the worm gear, respectively. The first and second driven gears are fixed coaxially with each other and engaged with the first and second driving gears, respectively. Two driving gears are arranged at the two sides of the worm gear symmetrically, and two driven gears are also arranged at the two sides of the worm gear symmetrically, which results in a compact structure and reduced volume of the driving device.
US09969301B2
A rotational device (10) for a vehicle seat includes a base element (20) and a seat part support (30) which can be rotated about a rotational axis (S) with respect to the base element (20). The rotational device (10) can be moved from a base position into a rotated position by rotating the seat part support (30) with respect to the base element (20). A catch hook (37) is provided on the base element (20) and/or on the seat part support (30). The catch hook protrudes in the radial direction over the base element (20) and/or over the seat part support (30).
US09969299B2
A traffic system includes: a vehicle having a power-receiving section on an outer surface thereof; and a ground facility having a power-supply section for supplying the power-receiving section with power by coming in contact with the power-receiving section. The power-supply section has a spring for applying a biasing force to a power-supply shoe in the power-supply section toward the power-receiving section. The power-receiving section has a flat surface that extends along the outer surface of the vehicle, and tapered surfaces that are connected to the flat surface in the forward and backward moving directions of the vehicle and guide the power-supply shoe to the flat surface against the biasing force to bring the power-supply shoe into contact with the flat surface when the vehicle moves backward and forward.
US09969298B2
A low voltage battery charger is provided that includes a fuel cell stack that generates electrical energy by a reaction of hydrogen and oxygen and an air blower that supplies air to the fuel cell stack. A high voltage DC converter converts an output voltage generated at the fuel cell stack to a high voltage. A high voltage battery is charged with the output voltage converted by the high voltage DC converter. A low voltage DC converter converts the output voltage generated at the fuel cell stack to a low voltage and a low voltage battery is charged with the output voltage converted by the low voltage DC converter. A controller then variably adjusts a charge voltage of the low voltage battery based on an air amount supplied to the fuel cell stack through the air blower.
US09969282B2
Invention described herein relates to wireless power transfer systems and methods that efficiently and safely transfer power to electronic devices. In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiver circuit comprising a receiver coil configured to receive wireless power from a wireless power transmitter via a magnetic field sufficient to charge or power a load of the apparatus. The receiver circuit further comprises a ferrite material having a first side coupled to the receiver coil. The apparatus further comprises a first heat exchanger coupled to a second side of the ferrite material.
US09969279B2
A two part closure for a combo chargeport for use on an electric vehicle is provided. The closure comprises: an inner part including a dust cover for a DC chargeport; and an outer part configured to cover the AC chargeport. The inner and outer parts are hingeably attached to the vehicle such that the closure can be closed with a single action.
US09969277B2
An AC power adapter for a plug-in electric vehicle has a connector for reception in a charging port of the plug-in electric vehicle, at least one AC outlet coupled to the connector and command generation circuitry coupled to the connector for generating a command that causes the plug-in electric vehicle to put itself into a power feedback mode wherein AC power generated by the plug-in electric vehicle and provided to its charging port is coupled through the connector to the AC outlet.
US09969272B2
A master device supplies a power supply voltage through a power transmission line to a slave device that generates an operation signal indicating the contents of an operation received by an operation unit. The slave device includes an operation execution switch that is turned on to apply a reference voltage to the power transmission line, upon reception of the operation by the operation unit. The master device determines whether or not a current accompanying a pilot signal is flowing through the power transmission line, while intermittently sending the pilot signal to the power transmission line in the state of stopping the supplying of the power supply voltage to the slave device. If it is determined that the current is flowing, the master device supplies the power supply voltage to the slave device.
US09969270B2
Electrically powered vehicles may be equipped with both mechanical braking systems and regenerative braking systems. Regenerative braking systems improve vehicle efficiency by returning a portion of the energy lost in deceleration to the battery of the electrically powered vehicle. An electrically powered vehicle controller that provides collision avoidance functionality can maximize the energy returned to the battery of the electrically powered vehicle by maximizing the use of regenerative braking for collision avoidance. A first braking mode can include only regenerative braking for objects greater than the minimum regenerative stopping distance. A second braking mode can include composite braking using both mechanical and regenerative braking. The electrically powered vehicle controller determines the maximum regenerative braking level at least based on data provided by battery charge level or battery state sensors.
US09969269B2
A hybrid vehicle includes an electronic control unit that executes first discharge control in a state where an engine is stopped in the case where a collision detector detects a collision of the hybrid vehicle. The first discharge control includes bringing all switching elements on either one of an upper arm side and a lower arm side of either one of a first inverter and a second inverter into ON states; bringing another inverter into a gate blocking state; and discharging electric charges of a capacitor by using a discharge device until a voltage of the capacitor becomes lower than a threshold.
US09969264B2
A vehicle instrument device includes: a display device accommodated in the vehicle instrument device; a display control circuit board which controls an operation of the display device and which is attached to a rear surface of the display device; and an instrument control circuit board which controls display except for the display device and which is formed as a separate member from the display control circuit. The display device, which is integrated with the display control circuit board to serve as a display unit, is accommodated in the vehicle instrument device together with the instrument control circuit board.
US09969263B2
An on-vehicle system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention causes a mobile terminal device 40 and an on-vehicle device 50 to work together, and allocates and displays two pieces of application software information about a widget from the mobile terminal device 40 on two display areas of gadget displays 61V and 62V connected to the on-vehicle device 50. Also, the allocation of the application software information is conducted via a touch panel 3 on the mobile terminal device 40 provided with a display device 6 for displaying a widget setting screen.
US09969261B2
A vehicle assistance control apparatus includes: an obstacle detection unit that detects a prescribed obstacle in the periphery of a vehicle; a vehicle speed detection unit that detects a speed of the vehicle; an accelerator operation detection unit that detects presence of an accelerator operation; a drive power restriction unit that detects, when the prescribed obstacle is detected, a drive power that is to be generated in the vehicle by an accelerator operation performed by a driver, compared to when the prescribed obstacle is not detected; and a cancellation unit that enables cancellation of the restriction of the drive power by the drive power restriction unit, when the speed is equal to or lower than a prescribed value and when a state where the accelerator operation detection unit detects that the accelerator operation is not being performed has continued for a prescribed period of time or longer.
US09969256B2
The invention relates to a hybrid module including a clutch, an electric machine, an internal combustion engine end, a transmission end, and a housing that includes a radially extending housing section located axially next to the electric machine at the internal combustion engine end as well as an axially extending housing section surrounding at least part of the hybrid module; the housing has two separate parts, the first one of which forms the radially extending housing section and the second one of which forms the axially extending housing section. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a hybrid module of this type.
US09969235B2
In a four-wheel vehicle with vertically independently movable wheels (2′, 2″, 3′, 3″), diagonally opposite wheels (2′, 2″ or 3′, 3″) are connected to one another by respective cables (9, 90) guided over deflection rollers (11 to 15).The traction cable mounting makes it possible to adapt the height of the wheels in the event of equal loading of the individual wheels independently of the terrain.
US09969219B2
An airless tire includes a cylindrical tread ring, a hub and a spoke structure connecting the tread ring and hub. The spoke structure has a tread-side annular component, a hub-side annular component, and spoke plates radially extending from the hub-side to tread-side components, each spoke plate has thickness having first tapered-thickness region, second tapered-thickness region and minimum-thickness region such that the first region radially extending outward has the thickness gradually reducing from first position at which the hub-side component is bonded, the second region radially extending inward has the thickness gradually reducing from second position at which the tread-side component is bonded, and the minimum-thickness region has the minimum thickness between the first and second regions, and the first and second regions are formed such that each of tire radial lengths of the first and second regions is at least 0.05 times a tire radial length of a spoke plate.
US09969212B2
The present invention discloses a resistance force control structure of driven pulley device, which is pivot mounted on a wheel of a driven pulley device, and primarily uses damping oil or a magnetic force to achieve a resistance effect. The magnetic force portion can also be added to a gear structure to present another configuration of a resistance force control structure to achieve change in magnetic force to increase the stabilizing effect of a wheeled frame. Moreover, an adjustable mechanism enables the user to control changes in the height of the damping oil level or magnetic force strength to control the rotational speed of a wheel.
US09969205B2
A pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism includes a buffer space connected to a brush via a paint flow space (a paint tank and a paint feeder) through which paint flows. The pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism buffers pressure fluctuations in the paint tank by the flow of paint and air between the paint flow space and the buffer space. The pressure fluctuation buffering mechanism includes a first buffer space forming member for forming a first buffer space in the buffer space, and a second buffer space forming member for forming a second buffer space in the buffer space. The paint between the first buffer space and the paint flow space flows more easily than the paint between the second buffer space and the paint flow space.
US09969202B1
A combined greeting card and gift card holder which also includes audio capability and motor movement of at least one mobile object attached to or integral with the greeting card. The greeting card may additionally contain certain embellishments such as faux fur to make the greeting card more appealing and entertaining.
US09969196B2
A printer apparatus has a main unit, a print unit, a driving unit, a control unit, and a power unit. The print unit is provided on one side surface of the main unit. The driving unit is provided on another side surface of the main unit. The control unit and the power unit are installed openably and closably to the main unit such that the driving portion, the control portion, and the power supply portion are exposable to the outside.
US09969193B2
The present teachings relate to various embodiments of a gas enclosure system that can have various components comprising a particle control system that can provide a low-particle zone proximal to a substrate. Various components of a particle control system can include a gas circulation and filtration system, a low-particle-generating motion system for moving a printhead assembly relative to a substrate, a service bundle housing exhaust system, and a printhead assembly exhaust system. In addition to maintaining substantially low levels for each species of various reactive species, including various reactive atmospheric gases, such as water vapor and oxygen, for various embodiments of a gas enclosure system that have a particle control system, an on-substrate particle specification can be readily met. Accordingly, processing of various substrates in an inert, low-particle gas environment according to systems and methods of the present teachings can have substantially lower manufacturing defects.
US09969192B2
A printing apparatus includes: a printing unit configured to perform printing on a sheet; a driving unit configured to apply a rotational force to a roll member that is rotatably held; and a pressing unit having a roller configured to apply a pressing force to an outer peripheral surface of a roll sheet wound around the roll member, wherein the pressing unit changes the pressing force during a sequence in which the driving unit applies a rotational force to the roll member and a sheet that has passed through the printing unit is wound.
US09969183B2
A method includes identifying at least one of a type of a respective media to be printed on in the print zone and respective densities of portions of the image by an identification module. The method also includes independently adjusting a respective target curing temperature of each one of a plurality of heating modules disposed across the media transport path in a first direction to form the heating zone based on the at least one of the type of the respective media and the respective densities of the portions of the image identified by the identification module by a temperature adjustment module.
US09969176B2
A controller includes a second controller that periodically performs a flushing operation of injecting a predetermined amount of ink from a nozzle, a third controller that repeatedly performs the flushing operation until a remaining amount of the ink in a storage chamber after the flushing operation is detected by a detector to be a first amount, a first counter that counts a first operation number of times of the flushing operation, and a fourth controller that performs a first cleaning operation of absorbing a fluid in a sealed space by a suction pump when the first operation number of times counted by the first counter reaches a first threshold value.
US09969169B2
A liquid discharger comprises a head including a nozzle face and a nozzle that discharges liquid droplets, the nozzle formed on the nozzle face, a carriage that mounts the moves the head in a train scanning direction, a driver that moves the carriage in the main scanning direction, a cap that contacts and covers the nozzle face, a cap mover that moves the cap between a capping position, in which the cap contacts the nozzle face, and an evacuation position, in which the cap is separated from the nozzle face, and processing circuitry configured to judge whether a capping failure has occurred based on a driving force that is measured when the carriage starts to move in the main scanning direction after the cap mover moves the cap to the capping position.
US09969168B2
A printer includes a printing unit which records (prints) on a recording medium (a rolled paper), and a control unit which controls a maintenance operation of the printing unit. The control unit displays maintenance timing information about timing at which the maintenance operation is to be performed on a display unit (an operation panel).
US09969155B2
A device for braking and positioning a print sheet in a processing machine, wherein, along a feeding direction for the print sheet, at least one mechanism exerts a braking force onto the print sheet, to position the print sheet in connection with an operation of a downstream-arranged processing station. The device includes at least a first mechanism operative to release pneumatic, braking-force triggering pulses that act upon the print sheet. At least a second mechanism is operative to generate at last one frictional force that acts upon the print sheet, wherein with aid of at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism, intermittent, uniform or oscillating braking forces are generated that act upon the print sheet. A control unit controls the braking forces based on at least one of changeable control profiles resulting from queried operating parameters and stored control profiles.
US09969153B2
A uniquely featured addition to previous three dimensional prototyping machinery without any traversing X and Y coordinate moving parts, thus saving time by focusing on only an incrementally regular Z stage and the rapidity of chemical deposition via electrically localized reaction nodes through a porous/channeled plane called the build/extrusion platen. Processes for making objects using such machine and platen are also disclosed as well as features and further indexing of extrusion location inventions. Other features including chemistry, curing material, and curing control as well as activation methods and machines are also disclosed in combination with the feature of a simultaneous two-dimensional layer-wise deposition machine and process for “growing” the object in the Z direction using the displaceable platen or object supporting stage in a rapid manner. Further due to the rapid growth and deposition manner, additional benefits to the object creation and curable material, e.g. a monomer can be realized.
US09969150B2
A multilayer film comprising (a) a biaxially-oriented polyethylene furanoate (BO-PEF) polymer layer, (b) an optional ink layer, (c) a bonding layer, and (d) a sealant layer, wherein the BO-PEF polymer has an O2 gas permeability of less than 0.25 cc-mil/100 in.2 24 hrs atm at 80% relative humidity, or a moisture permeability of less than 0.5 g-mil/100 in.2 24 hrs atm at 38° C., or both. The film may be formed from microlayers of BO-PEF-based polymer and polymer with a melting point of at least 5° C. greater than the melting point of the BO-PEF-based polymer.
US09969149B2
The invention relates to a polymer material comprising a mixture of: a base polylactic acid (PLA) polymer formed by between 60 wt.-% and 85 wt.-% L units and between 15 wt.-% and 40 wt.-% D units or between 60 wt.-% and 85 wt.-% D units and between 15 wt.-% and 40 wt.-% L units; and a plasticizer selected from the group containing citric acid esters, glycerin esters and derivatives, poly(alkylene ethers), oligomers of lactide or derivatives of lactic acid, fatty acid esters and epoxidized oils, representing between 10 wt.-% and 40 wt.-% in relation to the total weight of the polymer material.
US09969143B2
A bag forming apparatus includes a pair of opposed sealing bars arranged on opposite sides of a forming plane, a pair of guide arms, each extending from a first arm end through the forming plane to a second arm end and carrying a respective one of the pair of opposed sealing bars, a mounting frame to which the pair of guide arms are movably mounted between the first and second arm ends, and a drive shaft connected to the second arm end of each of the pair of guide arms such that shaft rotation is operable to move the pair of opposed sealing bars into and out of engagement across a web of bag forming material traveling therebetween in the forming plane. The drive shaft can be translatable relative to the mounting frame to adjust a closure gap between the pair of opposed sealing bars.
US09969142B2
A system that converts sheet material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material as the sheet material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. One or more longhead converting tools performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a first direction and a crosshead converting tool performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a second direction in order to create packaging templates.
US09969139B2
A bladder-fixing unit fixes a bladder which expands in a tire to hold the tire,the bladder-fixing unit includes a shaft body inserted into the bladder, and a connecting body for fixing the bladder and for connecting the bladder and the shaft body to each other,the connecting body includes a switching mechanism for switching between a state where the connecting body pressurizes and comes into contact with an outer periphery of the shaft body and is fixed to the shaft body, and a movable state where the connecting body can move in an axial direction of the shaft body relative to the shaft body by releasing the state where the connecting body pressurizes and comes into contact with the outer periphery of the shaft body.
US09969135B2
A method using additive manufacturing technologies and processes to manufacture a three-dimensional ophthalmic lens with a high management level of the homogeneity during the construction of the ophthalmic lens, through a control of two technical characteristics of voxel: the ability to modify their viscosity, and the ability to inter-diffuse together to provide a final homogeneous element. These two technical characteristics are managed by the choice of component(s) used to manufacture each voxel and by the kind of physical and/or chemical treatment apply to each of them.
US09969129B2
The invention is a stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a container (2) for a fluid substance (15); a source (3) of predefined radiation (3a) suited to solidify the fluid substance (15); an optical unit (4) suited to direct the radiation (3a) towards a reference surface (5) in the fluid substance (15); a logic control unit (6) configured so as to control the optical unit (4) and/or the source (3) so as to expose a predefined portion of the reference surface (5). The optical unit (4) comprises two micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) (7, 8) arranged in series, each one of which is provided with a mirror (9) associated with actuator means (12) suited to set it rotating around a rotation axis (X1, Y1), said two micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) (7, 8) being arranged in such a way as to allow the radiation (3a) to be directed towards each point of the reference surface (5) through a corresponding combination of the rotations of the respective mirrors (9) around the two axes (X1, Y1).
US09969128B2
A method for welding profiled elements in plastic material includes: preparing two profiled elements, arranged with respective weld zones facing one another; making a groove corresponding to at least one weld zone of the profiled elements, the grooving performed by a removal operation on a peripheral edge of at least one profiled element; heating the weld zones; coupling the zones to be welded to one another, pressing the profiled elements together to keep the zones to be welded in reciprocal contact. The coupling step includes: a sub-step of melting the zones to be welded into one another in order to define a welding bead; a sub-step of making a containing compartment defined by the groove, the welding bead being made internally of the containing compartment; and the step of arranging a containing presser in correspondence to the containing compartment for preventing exit of the welding bead from the compartment itself.
US09969127B2
A convective blanket may be converted from an underbody blanket to a combination over body and underbody blanket by having an openable seal positioned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the blanket away from the head area of the blanket. The seal may be preformed with a line of weakness so that it may readily be separated to form an opening for the head of the patient. The upper portion and the main portion of the blanket may be folded relatively towards each other to cover opposite sides of the patient. Elongate openings are provided in the main portion of the blanket to allow the arms of the patient to extend through the blanket.
US09969125B2
This vibration welding device is a device that vibration welds an airbag holding box and an installment panel having a tear line. The vibration welding device is provided with a support jig that carries and affixes the installment panel during vibration welding. The support jig is provided with a groove that permits thermal expansion during vibration welding of the installment panel at a position differing from the tear line.
US09969123B2
A device for applying a decorative strips (3, 4, 5, 6) with positional accuracy to a seat cover (2) with high-frequency welding, includes two tool halves (10, 30), of which one tool half has at least one electrode (14, 15, 16, 17). A first tool half (10) has at least two electrodes (14, 15, 16, 17) oriented parallel to each other, the width of the electrodes being adapted to the width of the decorative strips (3, 4, 5, 6) to be applied. Insulators (18, 19, 20, 21, 22) oriented in parallel are arranged between the electrodes (14, 15, 16, 17) and in parallel on the outside of the electrodes. The insulators (18, 19, 20, 21, 22) protrude beyond the electrodes (14, 15, 16, 17) in the direction of the second tool half (30). The insulators (18, 19, 20, 21, 22) are height-adjustable relative to the electrodes (14, 15, 16, 17).
US09969121B2
A multifunctional 3D scanning/printing apparatus is disclosed in the present invention, wherein the multifunctional apparatus comprises both 3D scanning and printing functions, by sharing a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector or using a beam splitter (for example, a transflective mirror or a flipping mirror, etc.) to achieve a configuration for all sorts of 3D scanning and 3D printing equipment with the required elements within the same apparatus, and uses the accuracy-increasing apparatus (for example, a prism, a lenticular lens, other asymmetric lenses, etc.) so that the measurement accuracy from the two image sensors will not be restricted by the limited space.
US09969116B2
A vessel is configured to hold a product in an interior region formed in the vessel. The vessel includes an inner layer arranged to define the interior region and an outer layer. The vessel is formed using a blow-molding process in which a multiple layer parison is blow molded to form the vessel. The multiple layer parison is formed in an extrusion process in which a number of extruders are arranged to co-extrude associated.
US09969101B2
A device and a method for specifically influencing the technological properties of individual regions of a sheet-like material are provided, including the following steps: a) fixing the sheet-like material or a pre-compacted material nonwoven or a material fiber cake on a workbench, b) placing at least one applicator on the upper side and/or the underside of the sheet-like material, the material nonwoven or the material fiber cake, c) specifically moving the at least one applicator on the upper side and/or the underside and pressing an improving medium into partial regions of the sheet-like material, the material nonwoven or the material fiber cake in a predetermined amount and under a predetermined pressure, d) optionally, subsequently pressing the pre-compacted material nonwoven or the material fiber cake to form a sheet of the desired thickness.
US09969100B1
The present invention is a fire retardant composition for application to a porous article, the composition comprising by weight about; ten point seven-five percent (10.75%) sodium silicate; sixty-four point zero-six percent (64.06%) of a first water; zero point zero five percent (0.05%) soy flour; zero point five-five percent (0.55%) casein; seven point nine-three percent (7.93%) of a second water; zero point four percent (0.40%) starch; seven point nine-three percent (7.93%) of a third water; zero point four percent (0.40%) sodium metasilicate; and seven point nine-three percent (7.93%) of a fourth water.
US09969098B2
An agricultural implement that includes a slotting mechanism and a slotting actuator is provided. The slotting mechanism is for cutting slots in a drip line in real time in conjunction with ground placement of the drip line. The slotting actuator is for actuating the slotting mechanism. The actuating is controlled by a computer following a slot spacing in a drip line prescription for a field in which a drip line is being placed.
US09969092B2
A cutting apparatus includes a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member includes a first handle and a first cutting blade. The first cutting blade includes a first blade support, and a plurality of blade members spacedly and inwardly extended from the first blade support. Each of the blade members has an elongated first blade portion and a tip portion extended from the elongated first blade portion. Each of the tip portions has a first cutting edge, at least a first guiding surface, a second guiding surface and a guiding edge formed as a boundary between the first guiding to surface and the second guiding surface. A vertical height of the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface gradually decreases from the guiding edge. The second cutting member includes a second handle and a second cutting blade.
US09969090B2
A robot system which is inexpensive and can easily measure a position of a target point. The system stores feature quantities of an image of a target mark included in an image acquired as reference data when the target mark is placed at a known first target mark position at the robot coordinate system and stores the first target mark position with respect to an arm tip as the position of the tool center point. The system compares the feature quantities obtained from the image acquired when the target mark is arranged at a second target mark position and the feature quantities of the reference data to make the arm tip move and calculates the second target mark position at the robot coordinate system based on a second robot position corresponding to the position of the arm tip after movement and the position of the tool center point.
US09969089B2
Apparatus and methods for carpet drift estimation are disclosed. In certain implementations, a robotic device includes an actuator system to move the body across a surface. A first set of sensors can sense an actuation characteristic of the actuator system. For example, the first set of sensors can include odometry sensors for sensing wheel rotations of the actuator system. A second set of sensors can sense a motion characteristic of the body. The first set of sensors may be a different type of sensor than the second set of sensors. A controller can estimate carpet drift based at least on the actuation characteristic sensed by the first set of sensors and the motion characteristic sensed by the second set of sensors.
US09969083B2
A control apparatus of the motor according to one aspect includes: a first feedforward calculator configured to calculate a first motor output torque value so that a torque value indicated by a torque command signal can be generated in a joint part of a robot based on a model of a motor, a decelerator, or a link and the number of rotations of the motor, a second feedforward calculator configured to calculate a second motor output torque value based on the torque value indicated by the torque command signal without depending on the number of rotations of the motor; and a comparator configured to add the first motor output torque value, the second motor output torque value, and a third motor output torque value calculated based on the torque value detected by a sensor and the torque value indicated by the torque command signal.
US09969082B1
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for improving robotic task selection and execution. An example method includes determining an external environment state based on receiving information indicative of at least one aspect of an environment proximate to a robotic system having at least one actuator. The method also includes optionally determining a goal to be accomplished by a robotic system and determining a plurality of possible tasks each including at least one task involving the at least one actuator that may be carried out by the robotic system in pursuance of the goal. For each possible task group, the method includes determining a respective task group score based on an expected performance capability. The expected performance capability is based, at least in part, on the external environment state. The method includes selecting a task group based on the respective task group scores.
US09969081B2
Static multi-registration performs a delayed convoy mission from a recorded path. The data recorded for delayed convoy includes both positions traversed by the vehicle and the obstacles sensed as it drove along the path and generates a new path file in this format that is used by the vehicle to follow the desired route. The data is processed before it is passed to the vehicle to be followed. Paths are processed to determine where they cross each other. These intersection points and the path data are used to create an interconnected graph of path segments. A multi-registration planner uses that information on the length and directionality of the path segments to compute the best route between two intersections. The route generated by the planner guides the merging of position and obstacle data from several recorded paths into a single record used by the vehicle to follow the desired route.
US09969072B2
A production method provides for punching holes in a metal strip, cold-forming the metal strip to form a guide tube, and joining the lengthwise edges of the metal strip to each other by a seam or teeth so as to create a uniform material. Subsequently, a piston-like striker is inserted into the guide tube.
US09969070B2
A driving tool having first and second linear motors, a head assembly, a nosepiece and a driver. The first linear motor forms an air compressor and includes a scotch yoke mechanism for translating a first piston in a first cylinder. The scotch yoke mechanism includes a crank arm, a crank arm roller, which is coupled to the crank arm, and a connecting rod having a roller slot into which the crank arm roller is received. At least a portion of the roller slot is configured to vary an output rate at which the connecting rod translates along a translation axis relative to an input rate at which the crank arm roller moves in a direction that is parallel to the translation axis.
US09969066B2
A ratchet screwdriver includes a ratchet wheel; a pawl base assembly, for inserting into the ratchet wheel, and a plurality of pawl pieces for engaging with teeth, the rear end of the pawl base assembly connecting to a handle of a screwdriver while the front end connecting to a head of the screwdriver; a rings assembly adjustably mounted on the ratchet wheel; the pawl base assembly includes a center rod and a pedestal, the rear part of the center rod is provided with a first positioning slot, the center rod passes through the center hole of the pedestal, the center rod is clamped at the first positioning slot by a first clamping member. Compared with the prior art, the overall structure is more rational and practical, and is safer and more reliable in use, and is capable of loosening or tighten a screw quickly.
US09969065B2
A one-piece, unitary housing for a tool having apertures at both ends of the housing. The apertures can extend from the ends of the tool to a point prior to the input or output of the tool to increase structural stability. The apertures can be enclosed by flexible covers such that the internal components of the housing can be accessed by removing one or both of the covers.
US09969057B2
An abrasive member includes an abrasive member base and a plurality of abrasive particles applied to the abrasive member base. At least a large proportion of the abrasive particles form an abrasive edge unit with an abrasive edge inclined at an angle between 0° and 90° relative to a defined working direction.
US09969052B2
The invention relates to a sanding assembly including a sanding device (100) comprising a plate (110) for supporting a sanding disk (10) and motor-driven means (140) suitable for moving the supporting plate (110), characterized in that the supporting plate (110) comprises two notches (114, 116) distributed angularly along the periphery thereof, a first notch (114) for engaging with a positioning module (200) and a second notch (116) for engaging with a pulling jaw (400), and a module (500) for verifying the presence of the sanding disk.
US09969049B2
A polishing layer of a polishing pad is provided. The polishing layer of the polishing pad includes a carrier layer and a plurality of embedded sections. The embedded sections embedded in the carrier layer are located in a polishing surface of the polishing layer, wherein in the polishing surface of the polishing layer, a groove is included in the carrier layer between every two adjacent embedded sections.
US09969046B2
A polishing apparatus polishes a surface of a substrate by pressing the substrate against a polishing pad on a polishing table. The polishing apparatus is configured to control a temperature of the polishing surface of the polishing pad by blowing a gas on the polishing pad during polishing. The polishing apparatus includes a pad temperature control mechanism having at least one gas ejection nozzle for ejecting a gas toward the polishing pad and configured to blow the gas onto the polishing pad to control a temperature of the polishing pad, and an atomizer having at least one nozzle for ejecting a liquid or a mixed fluid of a gas and a liquid and configured to blow the liquid or the mixed fluid onto the polishing pad to remove foreign matters on the polishing pad. The pad temperature control mechanism and the atomizer are formed into an integral unit.
US09969044B2
A profile element for forming a frame element for a cabin wall of a numerically controlled machine tool is disclosed. A cross-section of the profile element has at least one receiving section for receiving a first securing element, at least one arch-shaped section, and at least one connecting section for connecting the frame element to the cabin wall of the machine tool. The arch-shaped section is arranged between the receiving section and the connecting section.
US09969041B2
A deformable thin object spreading device and method are disclosed. The device includes a control part configured to: control a clamping unit and a moving mechanism to cause the clamping unit to clamp a first point of a deformable thin object; cause an endpoint detecting part to detect a first endpoint; control the clamping unit and the moving mechanism to cause the clamping unit to clamp the first endpoint; cause the endpoint detecting part to detect a second endpoint; control the clamping unit and the moving mechanism to cause the clamping unit to clamp both of the first endpoint and the second endpoint; cause the endpoint detecting part to detect a third endpoint; and control the clamping unit and the moving mechanism to cause the clamping unit to clamp both of the first endpoint or the second endpoint and the third endpoint of the deformable thin object.
US09969035B2
The invention relates to a method for producing multiple metal turbine engine parts, comprising steps consisting in: a) casting a metal alloy in a mold in order to produce a blank (3); and b) machining the blank in order to produce the parts, characterized in that the blank obtained by casting is a solid polyhedron having first and second sides (30a, 30b) and third and fourth sides (30c, 30d), in which the third and fourth sides extend between the first and second sides, flaring apart from the first side towards the second side, first at a first angle and subsequently at a second larger angle, and said at least one part is machined in the blank.
US09969030B2
A capacitor and methods of processing an anode metal foil are presented. The capacitor includes a housing, one or more anodes disposed within the housing, one or more cathodes disposed within the housing, one or more separators disposed between an adjacent anode and cathode, and an electrolyte disposed around the one or more anodes, one or more cathodes, and one or more separators within the housing. The one or more anodes each include a metal foil that includes a first plurality of tunnels through a thickness of the metal foil in a first ordered arrangement, the first ordered arrangement being a close packed hexagonal array arrangement, and having a first diameter, and a second plurality of tunnels through the thickness of the metal foil having a second ordered arrangement and a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
US09969028B2
A welded portion inspection method accurately identifies emitted light from a molten portion during inspection laser light irradiation, enabling reliable inspection. When transitioning from welding laser light irradiation to inspection laser light irradiation, the welding laser light irradiation is interrupted and then the welding laser light is switched to the inspection laser light. In inspecting a welded portion, two points in time at which the emitted light intensity is equal to or less than a certain threshold value are extracted from an intensity waveform of the emitted light as an inspection start point in time and an inspection end point in time. The interval between the inspection start and end points is estimated as being a irradiation period of the inspection laser light. The welded state is inspected based on the intensity waveform of the emitted light in the irradiation period.
US09969027B2
With a roller head (10) of a resistance seam welding machine, which roller head has a stator (12) and a rotor (14), the bearing outer housing (18, 18′) is cooled by means of channels (2, 2′) provided in its interior. This increases the life of the roller head.
US09969024B2
A welding system having a welding power supply and a processor is provided. The welding power supply is configured to provide a welding power for a welding application through a weld cable. The processor is disposed within the welding power supply and the processor is configured to transmit and receive data related to a welding operating parameter through the weld cable. The processor is also configured to determine an equalization filter coefficient related to the weld cable.
US09969022B2
A vacuum process chamber component comprising two separate pieces with an o-ring between the pieces and solder bonded together is described. The component may be an electrostatic chuck comprising a ceramic electrostatic puck and a metal baseplate with at least one o-ring therebetween and joined by a solder bond is described. Methods of making and using vacuum process chamber component are also described.
US09969017B2
A wire saw apparatus 1 executes cut-machining by pressing a workpiece W against a cutting wire 3 spirally wound around multiple wire guides 2, while running the cutting wire 3 and simultaneously swinging the wire guides 2 as well as the cutting wire 3. The wire saw apparatus 1 includes a controller 8 controlling a position of a workpiece holder 51 for holding the workpiece W. The position is controlled depending on a swing angle of the cutting wire 3 so that machined portion of the workpiece W is shaped into an arc.
US09969016B2
A rotary reciprocating saw blade for a power tool comprises a blade body having an at least approximately rectilinear cutting edge, and at least two linear or strip-shaped impressions that each interconnect a respective two corner points of the blade body.
US09969002B2
In a three-dimensional shaping device, a region of an elevatable/lowerable table 2 for forming a powder layer and a region of a powder supply device are divided by a shield plate, an inert gas injection port is provided in the former region, the shield plate can be freely opened or closed so that a powder spraying squeegee traveling on the table is passed through, or a pipe which supplies powder from the powder supply device to the powder spraying squeegee which has traveled to the side of the shield plate penetrates through the shield plate, or a part of the shield plate is the powder supply port for the powder spraying squeegee which has traveled to the side of the shield plate and the pipe protrudes at a lower part and a sintering device applies a laser beam via a transparent region in a ceiling of a chamber.
US09968995B2
A puller head mold for receiving molten metal or alloy during the casting of an ingot, the puller head mold having a tapered screw thread structure. The tapered threaded puller head is used to pull and withdraw a cast ingot from a casting furnace, and can be particularly useful for the handling of ingots having a relatively narrow diameter. The tapered threaded puller head profile provides for full release of the tapered threaded puller head from a cast ingot in a fraction of a turn. The size and profile of the cast ingot formed with the tapered threaded puller head is resilient to thermal gradients while cooling.
US09968994B2
A casting nozzle suited to manufacture a casting material of pure magnesium or magnesium alloy is provided. A nozzle is utilized to manufacture a casting material by supplying molten metal to a portion between rolls which become a casting die, and arranged so that a pouring port is located between a pair of rolls opposed to other. This nozzle includes a main body formed of oxide material such as alumina, and a coating layer which is provided on the inner surface of the main body which comes into contact the molten metal, and formed of material that does not include oxygen substantially. Since the main body does not come into direct contact with the molten metal due to the coating layer, it is possible to prevent oxygen included in the main body from reacting with the molten metal. Further, in the nozzle, a casting die contact portion which comes into contact with the rollers is formed of thermal insulation material, whereby it is prevented that the molten metal in the nozzle is cooled through the casting die contact portion by the rollers.
US09968983B2
A modular method of forming a two part metal closure comprises a lug forming module for forming lugs 3 on a ring 1, a panel curl module, and an assembly module which fixes the panel inside the ring while allowing axial movement of the panel for opening.
US09968982B2
A horizontal can necking machine assembly includes a plural of main turrets and a plural of transfer starwheels. Each main turret includes a main turret shaft, a main gear mounted on the main turret shaft, a pusher assembly, and a die capable of necking a can body upon actuation of the turret shaft. Each transfer starwheel includes a transfer shaft and a transfer gear mounted on the transfer shaft. The main gears are engaged with the transfer gears such that lines through the main gear center and the centers of opposing transfer gears form an included angle of less than 170 degrees, thereby increasing the angular range available for necking the can body. The main turrets and transfer starwheels may operate to neck and move at least 2800 cans per minute, and each pusher assembly may have a stroke length relative to the die that is at least 1.5 inches.
US09968981B2
A suspension module for the suspension systems of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. The suspension module comprises a suspension module, a bearing housed in the suspension module wherein the bearing is comprised of a spherical bearing in a housing, the spherical bearing being fixed in the suspension module housing by a crimp in the housing. There is a set of two adapter tubes and a retainer ring mounted on the distal end of the suspension module housing to retain the suspension module in a suspension knuckle of a vehicle suspension system. There is also disclosed a crimping tool for placing a crimp in the housing to retain the spherical bearing therein.
US09968977B2
A method of shaping a component includes providing a plurality of work-piece blanks. The method also includes generating a contour in each work-piece blank, such that each contour is bordered by a region of material of the respective work-piece blank. The method also includes stacking the work-piece blanks such that the contour of one work-piece blank is aligned with the contours of the other blanks. The method additionally includes simultaneously annealing the region of material bordering the respective contour of each stacked work-piece blank to thereby enhance formability of the region of material. Furthermore, the method includes forming a shape in at least one of the work-piece blanks via stretching the annealed region of material bordering the respective contour to thereby shape at least one component. The component can be a structural reinforcement for a vehicle.
US09968976B2
A conduit bender to assist with the bending of a conduit includes a lever defining a longitudinal axis and having a free end and a fixed end, a head assembly configured to receive a conduit to be bent, a rotary assembly operably coupling the fixed end of the lever to the head assembly such that the lever is pivotable relative to the head to a position corresponding to desired bend angle, and a level disposed at the free end of the rotary lever and aligned on the longitudinal axis such that the level indicates a level condition when a conduit is bent to the desired bend angle.
US09968975B2
A method and an apparatus for producing a microporous metal foil comprising (a) passing a metal foil through a gap between a pattern roll having large numbers of high-hardness, fine particles on the surface and a hard roll while pressing, to provide the metal foil with large numbers of fine penetrating pores, with a thin hard plastic film interposed between the metal foil and the pattern roll, and a thick soft plastic film interposed between the metal foil and the hard roll; and (b) adjusting tension applied to each of the metal foil, the hard plastic film and the soft plastic film to such an equal level that the metal foil is not broken during forming the fine penetrating pores.
US09968967B2
A vibration exciter, particularly for a vibration pile driver, includes at least four shafts disposed parallel to one another, on which two outer imbalance masses are disposed, in each instance, between which a central imbalance mass is positioned. The central imbalance mass is mounted on the shaft so as to rotate relative to the outer imbalance masses, in each instance. The imbalance masses of the at least four shafts are combined into two imbalance groups, the imbalance masses of which are all synchronized with one another in torsionally rigid manner, in each instance, wherein not only outer imbalance masses but also inner imbalance masses are provided in each of the two imbalance groups, and wherein a phase shifter is provided, by way of which the phasing of the two imbalance groups relative to one another can be adjusted.
US09968965B2
A structure forming, on a surface thereof, a rough surface portion 1 having a maximum height of roughness Rz in a range of 0.5 to 5.0 μm, and forming, on the rough surface portion 1, a thin liquid film 3 having a thickness in a range of not less than 0.1 μm but less than 3.4 μm. The structure exhibits a high degree of slipping property despite the liquid film formed on the surface has a very small thickness.
US09968963B2
A method for creating a functional coating on a substrate in vacuum from a deposited monomer material in absence of oxygen and/or radiation from a radiation source. The substrate may be preliminarily activated with inert gas to form an activated layer thereon. The method may include depositing a fluorine containing monomer having a first CF3:CF2 ratio, and forming, on the substrate, the self-assembled polymer coating that has a second CF3:CF2 ratio, where the first and second CF3:CF2 ratios are equal.
US09968947B2
A centrifugal separator has a rotary drum that is adapted to receive a product that can be separated into a light phase, a heavy phase, and solid sediments, a first outlet for the light phase, a closing device that opens and closes a second outlet for the heavy phase. The closing device has an electromagnetic actuator having a ferromagnetic element whereon a closing plug is mounted. The electromagnetic actuator has an electromagnetic coil that creates a magnetic field so as to attract the ferromagnetic element. A spring is connected to the closing plug so as to urge the closing plug to a closed position. The closing plug, the ferromagnetic element and the spring are connected to the rotary drum.
US09968945B1
This invention relates to an integrated process for recovering value metals from sulphide ore which includes the steps of bulk sorting 16 and screening 24/28 crushed ore. The sorted/screened coarse ore stream is ground and classified 20 to provide a coarse fraction 34 suitable for coarse flotation and a first fine fraction 38 suitable for flotation. The coarse fraction suitable for coarse flotation is subjected to coarse flotation 36 thereby to obtain a gangue 42 and an intermediate concentrate 46. The intermediate concentrate is subjected to grinding 48 to provide a second fine fraction suitable for conventional flotation. The first fine fraction and the second fine fraction are subjected to conventional flotation 40 to provide a concentrate and tailings. This process that capitalizes on the natural heterogeneity of sulphide orebodies, and utilizes bulk sorting, screening and coarse flotation beneficiation technologies in a novel multistage configuration to reject the maximum quantity of waste gangue prior to fine comminution.
US09968938B2
The present disclosure describes a refiner plate segment with one or more continuous, generally spiraling transition zones. A transition zone spans from an area near the inner portion of the plate, near the breaker bar area, and extends toward an area near the periphery of the plate at an angle. A tangent line to the transition zone intersecting a radial line forms this angle. The radial line is formed by a line perpendicular to the outer periphery passing through the center point of the center of plate rotation.
US09968937B2
A method and system for removing foreign grains from oat grains to establish gluten-free oats, i.e., oat grains having gluten levels below 20 ppm and, more preferably, below 10 ppm, relies upon performing various mechanical differentiation operations on a combination of grains, including oats and foreign, or gluten containing, grains. The mechanical differentiation operations can be arranged in series or in a combination of series and parallel operations. The various operations preferably include width grading and multiple length grading steps, as well as an aspirating steps, as well as a potential debearding step. The resulting oats can be used to make a wide range of gluten-free oat food products, including cereal and granola products.
US09968936B1
A method includes introducing at least one of a whole product or a milled product (e.g., corn) to an airflow (e.g., using a gravity hopper), directing the airflow into one or more accelerators, separating a first fraction of the at least one of the whole product or the milled product from a second fraction of the at least one of the whole product or the milled product in the one or more accelerators. For example, corn germ, starch, and bran components can be separated from one another.
US09968929B2
A reaction cassette and a biochemical assay device are disclosed. The reaction cassette for biochemical assay comprises a housing with structural walls defining a liquid mixing space for accommodating at least one mixing zone, wherein the at least one mixing zones comprises at least one blending structures for generating a vortex phenomenon in liquid, thereby improving the degree of mixture of a liquid sample and a dried reagent.
US09968921B2
Disclosed herein are catalyst compositions containing a heteroatomic ligand transition metal compound complex, a chemically-treated solid oxide, and an organoaluminum compound. These catalyst compositions can be used in an ethylene oligomerization process to produce a liquid oligomer product containing hexene and octene, as well as a solid polymer product with a molecular weight sufficiently high to permit easy separation of the liquid oligomer product from the solid polymer product.
US09968916B2
A three-way catalyst is disclosed. The three-way catalyst comprises a silver-containing extruded zeolite substrate and a catalyst layer disposed on the silver-containing extruded zeolite substrate. The catalyst layer comprises a supported platinum group metal catalyst comprising one or more platinum group metals and one or more inorganic oxide carriers. The invention also includes an exhaust system comprising the three-way catalyst. The three-way catalyst results in improved hydrocarbon storage and conversion, in particular during the cold start period.
US09968913B2
The present invention relates to a process for production of hydrogen at low temperature starting from alcohols without formation of carbon using an oxyhydride material based on cerium and nickel and to the use of such a material as catalyst for transformation of alcohols to hydrogen.
US09968911B2
A method for producing charcoal particles or pellets which use different additives as binders for the biochar pellets. The method includes producing a mixture with charcoal and additives selected from nanocrystalline cellulose, bentonite, and polyvinyl acetate. The mixture is created by mixing one or more of the additives with charcoal and water. The mixture is then processed in a pelletizer device. While processing, the surface of the mixture is sprayed with a liquid. Once turned into pellets by way of the pelletizer device, the resulting pellets are then dried by applying heat to the pellets. The liquid can be water or a solution of water and sodium borate.
US09968906B2
Various embodiments that pertain to oxygen enrichment are described. Oxygen enrichment is shown to allow for independent control of both reformer residence time and the oxygen-to-carbon ratio during reforming. This allows for much better control over the reformer and for significant gains in reformer through-put without negative impacts to reformer performance. Additionally, the use of oxygen enriched reforming is shown to result in enhanced reformer performance, reduced degradation from catalyst poisons (carbon formation and sulfur) and enhanced fuel cell stack performance due to greatly increased hydrogen concentration in the reformate.
US09968900B2
Methods of manufacturing nano-engineered carbon materials, such as carbon aerogels and carbon xerogels, and methods of manufacturing precursor solutions and sol-gels for making the same are provided. A method for manufacturing a precursor solution comprises programmed-addition of a cross-linking agent to a component mixture comprising a resorcinol compound. A method for manufacturing a sol-gel comprises subjecting a precursor solutions to at least one heat treatment. Methods for producing nano-engineered carbon materials from precursor solutions and sol-gels are also provided. Methods for using the nano-engineered carbon materials are also disclosed. The resulting nano-engineered carbon materials can be useful in a range of products including, supercapacitor applications, high-surface-area electrodes, fuel cells, and desalination systems.
US09968897B2
This mixing machine comprises a mixing head that attaches to a container, forming a closed mixing receptacle. The head is pivotably supported in a frame such that the closed mixing receptacle can pivot to perform the mixing. The mixing head also has a rotationally driven tool which cleans the bottom of the head, supplying a low-energy transport stream for material to at least one second tool carried by the head. The second tool performs the mixing and is located inside the movement path of the bottom-cleaning first tool. The first tool has a scoop positioned in the direction of rotation of the tool with its edge facing in the direction of rotation and outward in the radial direction. The first tool comprises a first scoop section, a second, wall-cleaning scoop section and a recess open toward its closure more remote from the wall through which the second tool passes during rotation of the first tool.
US09968891B2
Provided are a ceramic separation membrane structure improved in separation performance with no reduction in permeability, and a method for producing the structure. The ceramic separation membrane structure includes a ceramic porous body, a zeolite separation membrane disposed on the ceramic porous body, and a repair portion made of a repairing material of organic-inorganic hybrid silica. The organic-inorganic hybrid silica is a combination of an organic component and a silicon-containing inorganic component.
US09968882B2
A heat transfer fluid can be used as part of a multi-phase adsorption environment to allow for improved separations of gas components using a solid adsorbent. The heat transfer fluid can reduce or minimize the temperature increase of the solid adsorbent that occurs during an adsorption cycle. Reducing or minimizing such a temperature increase can enhance the working capacity for an adsorbent and/or enable the use of adsorbents that are not practical for commercial scale adsorption using conventional adsorption methods. The multi-phase adsorption environment can correspond to a trickle bed environment, a slurry environment, or another convenient environment where at least a partial liquid phase of a heat transfer fluid is present during gas adsorption by a solid adsorbent.
US09968878B2
A filter includes filter media and defines an inner plenum. The inner plenum has a cross-sectional dimension extending crosswise of the filter. The cross-sectional dimension decreases from adjacent the upstream side toward to downstream wall to a location disposed intermediate the upstream side and the downstream wall. The cross-sectional dimension of the inner plenum increases from adjacent the intermediate location toward the downstream wall.
US09968873B2
A device for concentrating an object to be treated has a filter body in which a movable plate is disposed between adjacent annular fixed plates, the moveable plate being formed in the same annular shape. Sludge filtrate passes through filtrate inflow gaps between the fixed plates and the movable plate before being caused to flow into the filter body. The movable plate is moved so that solids in the sludge are kept from clogging the filtrate inflow gaps. A cleaning member is caused to rub against the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed plates so that solids adhering to the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed plates are scraped off. The movable plates of said device are caused to perform a circular movement by eccentric cams fixed to the shaft. The cleaning member is fixed to the shaft, and caused to rotate around the shaft by the rotation of the shaft so that solids adhering to the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed plates are scraped off.
US09968870B2
Separation devices for separating a component from a multicomponent mixture are provided. The separation devices can include a body that defines a separation channel with a cross-sectional geometry that is not circular, rectangular, or square. The separation devices can be positioned relative to a base having an acoustic wave generator. A standing bulk acoustic wave generated by the acoustic wave generator can separate one or more components from the multicomponent mixture. Methods are provided for separating one or more components from a multicomponent mixture using the separation devices.
US09968869B2
A Hydrodynamic separation device using curved channels is provided. High aspect ratio channels improve the focusing dynamics of the hydrodynamic separator and leads to improved channel design choices.
US09968868B2
Provided is a pore water extraction kit for extracting pore water in a seabed sediment. More specifically, provided is a pore water extraction kit of a seabed sediment for more easily extracting pore water separated from a sediment through a centrifugal separator tube.
US09968867B2
Example embodiments relate to a separator system comprising a compartment body defining an interior cavity, the interior cavity formed by interior walls of the compartment body. The separator system may further comprise an input section operable to receive an input mixture for housing in the interior cavity. The separator system may further comprise an output section. The separator system may further comprise a particulate-directing subsystem. The particulate-directing subsystem may comprise a disturbance assembly arranged along at least a bottom portion of the interior cavity. The disturbance assembly may comprise at least one rotary member operable to rotate in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction. The particulate-directing subsystem may further comprise a discharge assembly arranged proximate to the output section. The discharge assembly may be configured so as to encourage particulates of the input mixture present in the interior cavity to pass through the output section.
US09968862B2
The present disclosure discloses an interactive doll, and an interactive doll control method, wherein, the method includes the following operations: monitoring a control mode selected by a user for controlling the interactive doll; if the selected control mode being a voice control mode, obtaining a voice control instruction, wherein the voice control instruction contains one or more keyword voice segment as input control command to control the interactive doll; obtaining voice control information corresponding to the keyword voice segment, and executing an operation corresponding to the voice control information. The controlling method and the interactive doll may provide more responsiveness and improved user's experience in virtual reality.
US09968861B2
A novelty toy body, inflatable body, mascot or costume body, configured for housing a detachable multi-functional housing compartment, the detachable multi-functional housing compartment insert assembly having a general compartment cavity comprising a plurality of separable fasteners for receiving a plurality of Attachable Accessory Templates. The Attachable Accessory Templates being used to for different settings involving such as but not limited to; Global Education Initiatives, Sand Play Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Activity Based Learning using Electronic devices, social skill activities, Teddy Bear Therapy, adult or children counseling, Art Therapy, using transitional objects in a therapeutic setting, behavioral hospitals, Individuals with special needs, Individualized Education Program (IEP), furthermore comprising programs such as, Curriculum Based Programs, Head Start, Preschool Programs, Child Care Programs, After School Programs, Private or Public Schools, Home Schools, Daycares, to help improve one's hand-eye coordination, fine or gross motor skills, pattern recognition, letters, numbers, reading or writing skills.
US09968855B1
A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.
US09968852B2
A method includes receiving an input artefact and a set of shared parameters comprising a coding frame, one or more positioned elements, a travel path, and an initial position, and receiving an input artefact. The method includes initializing an output string and a head index and a tail index. The method includes traversing the travel path by, for each position: (i) determining whether the next position includes any positioned element; (ii) responsive to the next position not including any positioned element, filling the head index with a content character from the next position and incrementing the head index; (iii) responsive to next position including any positioned element, filling the tail index with a content character from the next position, and decrementing the tail index. The method includes setting said next position based on an attack position for the positioned element according to a variant of chess.
US09968851B2
A method includes identifying a string and parameters. The parameters include a coding frame, elements, and a travel path. The method includes traversing the travel path to yield an output artifact. Responsive to no active element at a next position, the method includes filling the next position from the front of the string and advancing one character and one position. Responsive to an element at the next position, the method includes filling the next position from the end of the string, decrementing one character, and determining an attack position. Responsive to the attack position existing, the method includes setting the next position to the attack position. Responsive to no attack position existing, the method includes advancing the next position according to the travel path. The method results in the output artifact encoding the string. A corresponding method decodes the output artifact. Corresponding computer program products and computer systems are disclosed.
US09968837B2
The present application is directed to an athletic training tool. The athletic training tool includes a ball and an elongated member attached thereto, the elongated member is attached to the ball in a manner effective to maintain the center of gravity of the ball. The elongated member may be visually observable during use of the athletic training tool.
US09968833B2
The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity and/or moment of inertia by way of an adjustable weight assembly positionable along the sole of the club head body. When in a first position, the weight assembly provides a lower center of gravity so as to increase launch angle and reduce spin rate, resulting in greater overall distance of ball flight. When in a second position, the weight assembly provides a greater mass moment of inertia, which effectively enlarges the sweet spot and produces a more forgiving club for off-center hits.
US09968832B1
A football includes an outer cover defining an interior space and having two rows of lace holes arranged in pairs spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction, and a mounting area disposed between the two rows of lace holes. A lace unit includes a main body disposed on the mounting area and formed with a plurality of positioning grooves, and a plurality of laces connected to the main body and corresponding in position to the positioning grooves. Each lace is extended through a respective pair of the lace holes, is looped around the main body and the mounting area, and is positioned in a respective positioning groove.
US09968828B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a high performance as well as the visibility and the fashionable appearance. The present invention provides a colored golf ball having a color other than white and comprising: a core having a center and at least one intermediate layer disposed around the center, and a cover disposed around the core, wherein the cover and at least one of the intermediate layer preferably contain a fluorescent dye and/or a fluorescent pigment.
US09968818B1
A vehicle driver exercising system includes a pair of hand exercising members each removably engaged with a steering wheel. The hand exercising members each include a clip having an inner surface and an outer surface. The clip receives the steering wheel and a base is attached to the outer surface. A housing is slidably mounted to an upper surface of the base and has an outer flange is movable between an extended position extended upwardly from and spaced away from the base or a collapsed position abutting the base. A biasing member is positioned in the base and biases the housing toward the extended position.
US09968816B2
A cable exercise machine includes a first pull cable and a second pull cable incorporated into a frame. Each of the first pull cable and the second pull cable are linked to at least one resistance mechanism. The at least one resistance mechanism includes a flywheel and a magnetic unit arranged to resist movement of the flywheel.
US09968813B2
An autonomous fire-fighting agent (10) formed from a material with fire-extinguishing properties. The material includes: microcapsules with a fire-extinguishing composition, the microcapsules having sizes of from 2 to 100 μm and being in the form of a halocarbon enclosed in a polymeric shell consisting of polyurea and/or polyurethane; and a binder. The binder includes a composite material having a polymeric component and mineral fibers and/or particles. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an autonomous fire-fighting agent (10) and an object which uses the autonomous fire-fighting agent (10) to fight a fire 10-20 s after ignition.
US09968811B2
A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an extendable crosslay hose bed which facilitates access to the crosslay bed for loading and pulling flexible fire hose. The bed is mounted to a frame, generally behind the cab of the apparatus, which can be a fire truck. The bed includes a moveable tray extending laterally, across a width of the truck. The tray can be oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the truck as well. The tray and/or an optional underlying support frame can be coupled to a power unit adapted to extend and retract the support frame and moveable tray from stored position to a deployed position. A control can be in communication with the power unit and operable by a user to control movement of the tray from the stored position to the deployed position.
US09968810B2
The system includes an intake assembly upstream of a pump within the bucket which selectively uses an outer port for drawing water outside of the bucket into the system and an inner port for drawing water from within the bucket into the system. A polymer gel port is interposed between the intake assembly and the pump for combination, mixing and activation of a water and polymer gel emulsion combination within the pump. A fill assembly is provided downstream of the pump which can selectively direct water back into the bucket. A discharge assembly is also provided downstream of the pump which leads to a nozzle or other outlet for water and/or polymer gel emulsion from the system. A control valve selects between delivery of water and/or polymer gel emulsion back into the bucket through the fill assembly or out of the bucket through the discharge.
US09968806B2
A mounting assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) includes a back plate defining a plurality of apertures therethrough arranged in first and second columns. The apertures in the columns are sized and spaced to receive corresponding first and second mounting straps woven therethrough that are configured to extend around webbing straps of a carrying jacket to fasten the back plate to the carrying jacket. The back plate includes a first press stud associated with the first column and a second press stud associated with the second column, which are configured to engage ends of the respective first and second mounting straps to releasably secure the mounting straps to the back plate. A tank securing strap on the back plate releasably fastens a supply tank to the back plate. A valve retaining mount on the back plate releasably secures an air supply valve for engagement with the supply tank.
US09968805B2
The door breaching system is capable of removing or opening a door attached to a structure. A main tether made up of a tether strap and multiple eyelets attaches to a vehicle through one of the eyelets at one end of the tether strap. The other end of the tether strap attaches to at least one hook strap through a master link. Each hook strap has a hook at a distal end. In use, at least one sling loops through part of the door. Sling eyelets on either end of a sling strap connect to the hook. Due to the secure connection between the door and the door breaching system, moving the vehicle away from the structure removes the door in a controllable fashion.
US09968802B2
An amorphous precipitated silica with controlled abrasivity and effective cleaning properties for use in an oral composition produced through comminution and classification of the silica to form particles with an oil absorption value of 150 cm3/100 g or less, a weight median particle diameter dso of less than 3 μm and a dgo value, wherein 90% by weight of the particles have a diameter less than the dgo value, of 6 μm or less.
US09968794B2
Various embodiments of an implantable medical device system and methods of forming such systems are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the implantable medical device system includes a housing, electronics disposed within the housing, and a feedthrough assembly attached to a sidewall of the housing and electrically coupled to the electronics. The feedthrough assembly can include a non-conductive substrate and a feedthrough. The feedthrough can include a via from an outer surface to an inner surface of the non-conductive substrate, a conductive material disposed in the via, and an external contact disposed over the via on the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate, where the external contact is electrically coupled to the conductive material disposed in the via. In one or more embodiments, the external contact is hermetically sealed to the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate by a laser bond surrounding the via.
US09968790B2
A system for controlled sympathectomy procedures is disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Methods for performing a controlled surgical procedure are disclosed. A system for performing controlled surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner is disclosed. An implantable device for monitoring and/or performing a neuromodulation procedure is disclosed.
US09968787B2
Implantable devices having motion sensors. In some examples the a configuration is generated for the implantable device to use the motion sensor in an energy preserving mode in which one or more axis of detection of the motion sensor is disabled or ignored. In some examples the motion sensor outputs along multiple axes are analyzed to determine which axes best correspond to certain patient parameters including patient motion/activity and/or cardiac contractility. In other examples the output of the motion sensor is observed across patient movements or postures to develop conversion parameters to determine a patient standard frame of reference relative to outputs of the motion sensor of an implanted device.
US09968785B2
Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
US09968784B2
The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a memory that stores posture state definitions, a posture state module that records a plurality of postures of a patient over a period of time, and a processor that identifies a set of the plurality of postures that fall within a posture state, and redefines a boundary of the posture state based on where the postures fall within the posture state.
US09968774B1
A method of using of a pair of prior art hand-held device known as the Dolphin Neurostim™ to supply minute, concentrated micro-current impulses to the perimeters of cranial sutures for the purpose of tissue diagnosis (through ohm resistance measurement), promotion pain management (through sympathetic deregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. The micro-current stimulus (therapy) is delivered through a tiny metallic spring tip (probe) ideally suited for location (detection) of specific treatment points (which have the cellular characteristic of lowered skin resistance). The device concurrently detects, measures, and stimulates therapeutically active treatment points located beside sutures. Once detected, the device is activated to deliver a concentrated (DC) micro-current stimulus through the suture tissue to another identical device located (mirrored) on the opposing side of the suture. This unique stimulation when applied as described in this invention re-balances the autonomic and central nervous systems.
US09968772B2
There is provided an adaptor for forming an electrical connection between a medical device having a first type of connector and an electrode having a second type of connector. The adaptor has a first connecting part shaped to cooperate with a corresponding connecting part on one of the medical device and the electrode so as to form a mechanical and electrical connection therebetween. The adaptor further has a second connecting part having a portion of magnetic or ferromagnetic material arranged to be magnetically attracted to a corresponding magnet or portion of ferromagnetic material included in a magnetic connector part on the other of the medical device and the electrode, so as to form a magnetic and electrical connection therebetween. The first connecting part is electrically connected to the second connecting part.
US09968767B1
The combination microarray patch for drug delivery and electrochemotherapy device is a medical device for delivering two separate pharmaceutical preparations to a patient, as well as providing electrostimulation for electroactive pharmaceuticals. A first pharmaceutical preparation is manually delivered into the patient through a first set of drug delivery needles. Similarly, a second pharmaceutical preparation is manually delivered into a patient through a second set of drug delivery needles. A desired electrical potential may then be selectively applied across first and second sets of electrotherapy needles for electroporation to facilitate delivery of the pharmaceutical preparations. The second pharmaceutical preparation may be a conjugate of the first for targeted drug delivery.
US09968765B2
A convection enhanced delivery device comprises a support member and an elongated microcatheter carried by the support member. The microcatheter projects lengthwise away from the support member. The microcatheter includes a catheter lumen extending in a first direction. A fluid conduit carried by the support member. The fluid conduit includes a conduit lumen that extends in a second direction different than the first direction. The conduit lumen is in fluid communication with the catheter lumen. An inlet port and a connecting port are also carried by the support member. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The connecting port is separate from the inlet port and is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The connecting port is configured to engage an end portion of an external fluid conduit such that the external fluid conduit projects away from the connecting port and from the support member.
US09968752B2
A forehead support for a patient interface used in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, includes a support post provided to a frame and a pair of arms extending from the support post. At least one of the pair of arms is adapted to rotate relative to the support post about an axis that extends transverse to the support post.
US09968750B2
A ventilatory assist system and method are disclosed. The system comprises a tube for connection to a patient's airway, inspiratory and expiratory tube lumens connected to the tube, an inspiratory air source connected to the inspiration tube lumen, and a controller of air pressure in the expiratory tube lumen. The pressure controller is responsive to a physiological breathing signal representative of patient's inspiratory effort to allow air flow through the expiratory tube lumen during a patient's expiration phase, partially restricting the air flow through the expiratory tube lumen to a so minimum air flow during a patient's inspiration phase. During both respiratory phases, a unidirectional air flow is produced through the inspiratory and expiratory tube lumens to prevent air expired by the patient from being breathed again. The physiological breathing signal allows synchronization of the ventilatory assist with breathing efforts of the patient.
US09968747B2
A cannula insertion device includes a housing defining an opening for receiving therethrough a cannula and further defining a channel, and a cannula forming a lumen, the cannula adapted for sliding movement within the housing from a retracted position to an extended position. When the cannula is in the retracted position, the lumen is located remotely from the channel and the channel is in fluidic communication with the opening. When the cannula is in the extended position, the lumen is in fluidic communication with the channel.
US09968743B2
A quantitative syringe-type ejector capable of ejecting the contents packed in one syringe in small quantities is provided. The quantitative syringe-type ejector includes a syringe and a plunger. The plunger includes a piston holding member and a plunger operation member. The piston holding member has at least one arm having: a slide projection slidable on an inner peripheral surface of the syringe; and a lock projection to be releasably locked to a back end of the syringe. The plunger operation member has a lock part to be releasably locked to the back end of the syringe.
US09968740B2
An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter displaceable within the outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters. The valve is constructed of a braid of elongate first filaments coupled together at their proximal ends in a manner that the first filaments are movable relative to each other along their lengths. A filter is provided to the braid formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments. The lumen of the inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.
US09968739B2
A pump cassette includes fluid lumen adapted for passage of an infusion fluid toward a patient. A rotary valve assembly can be actuated to regulate fluid flow through the fluid lumen and a frame is coupled to the fluid lumen and the valve assembly. The frame is adapted to be inserted into a seat of a pump device, wherein the frame provides a platen relative to the fluid lumen. The frame is configured to be inserted into the seat only when aligned in a predetermined orientation relative to the seat.
US09968732B2
An implantable medical device is capable of delivering therapeutic output to a patient. A controller, programmable by a medical professional, is operatively coupled to the implantable medical device to, in part, program the therapeutic output to be delivered to the patient. The controller has an interface allowing the medical professional to graphically select an amount of the therapeutic output to be delivered to the patient in at least one of a series of discrete timer intervals. The graphic selection may be aided by the use of a light pen or other pointing device to sketch the infusion pattern. Computer programs using algorithms may be utilized to translate the information inputted through the light pen into an infusion program.
US09968725B2
The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.
US09968719B2
A ventricular assist system includes a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) and an expandable stent. The VAD may include a pump and an inlet element defining an inlet opening communicating with the pump, the inlet element being adapted for positioning with the inlet opening disposed within a ventricle of a heart when the system is in an operative condition. The expandable stent may be adapted for positioning within the ventricle when the system is in the operative condition. The pump may be operated to draw blood from the ventricle and return the blood to the artery, and a wall of the ventricle may be held away from the inlet opening with the stent. The stent may be passed through a channel in the ventricular assist device while the stent is in a collapsed condition.
US09968717B2
Disclosed is a stent with a drug coating for preventing and treating restenosis, comprising a stent and a drug coating covering the surface of the stent. The active ingredients in the drug coating are guaiane sesquiterpene compounds P1, P2 and P3. P1 is Zedoalactone B, P2 is a stereoisomer of P1, and P3 is Zedoarondiol. Compared with an existing sirolimus eluting stent, the present drug eluting stent can inhibit the intimal hyperplasia and the inflammatory reactions of vascular walls, and promote the endothelialization of blood vessels after the stent is implanted, and thus can prevent the long-term thrombotic complications; and has the advantages of small dosage, low cost, and no toxic side effect.
US09968708B2
Disclosed herein are tissue scaffold materials with microspheres of one density embedded in hydrogel of a different density. The disclosed materials have improved ability to facilitate cellular invasion and vascularization for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The inventors have found that materials having components with different densities promotes invasion of cells, including desirable cells such as fibroblasts and endothelial precursor cells, into the scaffold.
US09968701B2
This application generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for delivering a fragrance. In some embodiments, portable fragrance delivery systems are provided. In further embodiments, improved fragrance delivery systems are provided that provide increased dispersion of scented agents by utilizing a fan formed from a fragrant material.
US09968698B2
The invention relates to compositions including a charged oligo-phenylene ethynylene singlet-oxygen sensitizer and an oppositely-charged surfactant, which show an enhanced biocidal activity relative to a comparable concentration of the oligo-phenylene ethynylene without the oppositely-charged surfactant. The enhancement of biocidal activity is observed with an anionic oligo-phenylene ethynylene in the presence of a cationic surfactant such as TTAB, and with a cationic oligo-phenylene ethynylene in the presence of an anionic surfactant such as SDS.
US09968696B2
A method for sterilizing a membrane comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme in an environment having a relative humidity, comprises: irradiating the membrane comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme with gamma radiation under vacuum at a relative humidity lower than the relative humidity of the environment. Associated biosensors are also described.
US09968689B2
Microbial type rhodopsins, such as the light-gated cation-selective membrane channel, channelrhodopsin-2 (Chop2/ChR2) or the ion pump halorhodopsin (HaloR) are expressed in retinal ganglion cells upon transduction using recombinant AAV vectors. Selective targeting of these transgenes for expression in discrete subcellular regions or sites is achieved by including a sorting motif in the vector that can target either the central area or surround (off-center) area of these cells. Nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding such rhodopsins and sorting motifs and their use in methods of differential expression of the transgene are disclosed. These compositions and methods provide significant improvements for restoring visual perception and various aspects of vision, particular in patients with retinal disease.
US09968684B2
The invention relates to polymer-drug conjugate for delivering a substituted alkanoic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The invention also relates to drug delivery systems comprising the polymer-NSAID conjugate. The polymer-NSAID conjugates comprise a substituted alkanoic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) conjugated to a biodegradable polymer backbone by an ester linkage.
US09968666B2
The present invention is directed to a method for promoting or stimulating a cell-mediated immune response to an antigen, by administering a target antigen (such as a protein) with a transport factor that contains a fragment of a bipartite protein exotoxin, but not the corresponding protective antigen. Preferred transport factors include the protective antigen binding domain of lethal factor (LFn) from B. anthracis, consisting of amino acids 1-255, preferably a fragment of at least 80 amino acids that shows at least 80% homology to LFn, and a fragment of about 105 amino acids from the carboxy portion that does not bind PA. The target antigen can include any molecule for which it would be desirable to elicit a CMI response, including viral antigens and tumor antigens.
US09968664B2
This invention provides novel carbonic anhydrase (CAIX) nucleic acid and peptide sequences, as well as related methods and compositions, including anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines and chimeric molecules) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against cancer cells expressing a CAIX antigenic marker. The novel CAIX variant and related compositions are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.
US09968663B2
Use of erythrocytes containing arginine deirainase for the preparation of a medicinal product for lowering the plasma concentration of arginine in vivo. The use relates in particular to the treatment of arginine-dependent tumors, such as hepatocarcinoma and malignant melanoma, or inhibition of the synthesis of nitric oxide, and the prevention and/or treatment of septic shock.
US09968658B2
Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide.
US09968655B2
Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide.
US09968654B2
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a safe and efficacious therapeutic agent for dermatitis which is not only safe and efficacious for patients with dermatitis, in particular atopic dermatitis, but also significantly effective for severe cases that are judged to be intractable by conventional external preparations, and which is also safely applicable to affected areas such as the face and neck, as well as to subjects with sensitive skin, such as infants and females. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide an external preparation that is efficacious as skin care cosmetics having effects to improve elasticity and wrinkles of the skin, moisturizing effects, and hair-growth effects. The means for solving the problem is a skin external-preparation composition, in particular, a therapeutic agent for dermatitis or a skin texture-improving agent, having C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as the active ingredient.
US09968651B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the regeneration of nerves comprising Vax protein as an active ingredient. Vax1 is secreted in the ventral hypothalamus (vHT) explant separated from a mouse. The secreted Vax1 combines with extracellular sugar group of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) existing in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon of the retinal explant co-cultured so as for the complex invades into axonplasm. Then, the Vax1 conjugated with the sugar group activates the local protein synthesis to accelerate the growth of retinal ganglion cell axon. In some embodiments, Vax protein or a nucleic acid encoding the protein, can be used in a pharmaceutical composition for the regeneration of nerves.
US09968645B2
This invention concerns a genetic transformation method to induce hairy root culture of Morinda species, such as Morinda officinalis How, to increase production of therapeutically useful metabolites, related extracts of the roots, and methods to treat ulcerative colitis using extracts of Morinda species, such as Morinda officinalis How.
US09968643B2
The present invention comprises a method for selecting lactic acid bacterial strains effective for preventing bone loss in humans and strains that have been selected according to the presented method. The selection method is based on the strain's capability of reestablishing an altered microbial community to normal and/or harboring at least one of four specific SNPs.
US09968641B2
This invention relates to use of manuka honey in the treatment of cancer. The invention is also directed to the combination of manuka honey with other chemotherapeutic agents to reduce the toxicity of the treatment.
US09968621B2
Parenteral (injectable) celecoxib emulsions and nanoemulsions are disclosed as are their use to treat pain in patients so afflicted. The emulsions are generally oil in water emulsions often comprised of an oil phase including an oil and a lecithin wherein the mean droplet size of the discontinuous oil phase is about 200 nanometers or less.
US09968616B2
Using molecular docking screening, a few therapeutical compounds including trovafloxacin and levofloxacin have been first identified as potential inhibitors of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). The present invention provides a novel use of levofloxacin as an inhibitor of FABP4 and a drug for the treatment of metabolic diseases or a cardiovascular diseases. The present invention further provides a method of using levofloxacin to inhibit FABP4, or to inhibit adipolysis in adipocytes.
US09968613B2
The present invention provides methods for reducing loss of muscle strength, muscle mass, or Type I muscle fibers in an immobilized limb by administering (E)-[4-[3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-[4-[3-(morpholin-4-yl)propynyl]phenyl]allyloxy]-2-methyl-phenoxy]acetic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09968611B2
Drug eluting implants for targeted delivery of a nerve blocking agent to inhibit neural traffic along renal nerves of a human patient.
US09968606B2
The invention provides novel chemical compounds useful for treating cancer or a related disease or disorder thereof, and pharmaceutical composition and methods of preparation and use thereof.
US09968605B2
2-(2-methylamino-pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid [(S)-1-carbamoyl-2-(phenyl-pyrimidin-2-yl-amino)-ethyl]-amide for use in the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis in the knee.
US09968601B2
The present disclosure relates to compounds that are Syk inhibitors and to their use in the treatment of various disease states, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. In particular embodiments, the structure of the compounds is given by Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described herein. The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions that include a compound of Formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or co-crystals thereof, and methods of using these compounds and compositions to treat conditions mediated by Syk.
US09968596B2
Compounds of formula I for treating, preventing or managing cancer are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of treating, preventing or managing cancer, such as leukemia, comprising administering the compounds. In certain embodiments, the method of treatment comprise administering a compound provided herein in combination with a second agent. Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms comprising the compounds are also disclosed.
US09968595B2
Provided are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating cancer and methods of treating cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein.
US09968594B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of presbyopia. In a preferred embodiment correction of presbyopia occurs without reduction in distance vision acuity. The compositions of the invention preferably contain a muscarinic agonist and a cycloplegic agent.
US09968591B2
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for antifungal use, comprising: 1) one or more compounds selected from compounds represented by the general formula (1) below and physiologically acceptable salts thereof; 2) one or more compounds selected from polypropylene glycol, diesters of dibasic acids, triacetin, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, lauromacrogol, and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol; and 3) one or more compounds selected from glucono-δ-lactone, propylene glycol, glycerin, and lactic acid. General formula (1) (In the formula, X represents a halogen or hydrogen). wherein X represents a halogen or hydrogen.
US09968583B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacture of a liposome composition including a step in which: a liposome dispersion liquid containing a liposome, and further containing cyclodextrin in the liposome internal phase is provided and a step in which an active compound is introduced into said liposome internal phase, and the liposome composition.
US09968582B2
This disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for inhibiting the progression of urea cycle disorders and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The pharmaceutical compositions may include glyceryl tribenzoate and glyceryl dibenzoate. The pharmaceutical compositions may be orally administered to the patient one time per day.
US09968581B2
An anti-inflammatory composition for treatment of inflamed joints. This composition includes an alkali buffered creatine and a cetylated fatty acid. The composition can be used for treating inflammation either by oral ingestion or by topical treatment.
US09968573B2
The present invention relates to an endoprosthesis with a drug coating comprising or consisting of at least one antibiotic agent and at least one further substance having the following general
US09968568B2
This disclosure relates to methods administering various compounds in conjunction with dextromethorphan to a human being. Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to dextromethorphan or dextrorphan and bupropion, hydroxybupropion, erythrohydroxybupropion, threohydroxybupropion, or a metabolite or prodrug of any of these compounds are also disclosed.
US09968565B2
A method for protection, treatment and improvement of liver health includes administering a meso-zeaxanthin composition in an effective amount to a subject in need thereof. In particular, methods are described of administering a meso-zexanthin composition to a subject fed with high fat diet (HFD), and studying the effect of meso-zeaxanthin for treatment of fatty liver condition, through evaluation of various parameters such as biochemical indicators, anti-inflammatory markers, and nutritional markers.
US09968564B2
Functional ingredients including an esterified component and microencapsulated in an enteric matrix to increase the microencapsulation efficiency and reduce undesired organoleptic properties of the microencapsulated material while providing a desired release rate and ester hydrolysis rate, the process including forming an emulsion in water and titrating the emulsion with a precipitating agent to produce a particulate precipitate.
US09968557B1
A dual channel spray gun, and method of use thereof, for fabricating nanostructures including a pharmaceutical/therapeutic agent having enhanced oral bioavailability. The nanostructures are a mixture of at least two (2) solutions/media substantially equally distributed as desired. The spray gun device uses gas pressure and/or two ultrasonicators to simultaneously prepare two solution systems for subsequent mixture and atomization. The gas pressure and frequencies of the ultrasonicators are adjustable for each channel of the spray gun. In operation, the spray gun is used to prepare microstructures that, for example, contain at least one active pharmaceutical agent in one solution system and excipients, such as coating or bioadhesives, in the other solution system. Any combination of solution systems is contemplated, such as both systems containing a pharmaceutical agent or both systems containing excipients.
US09968556B2
Disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a plurality of first beads each comprising: a core; a first layer comprising pilocarpine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a second layer comprising a first polymer. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a plurality of second beads each comprising: a core; and a first layer comprising tolterodine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical formulations comprising: a) a plurality of the first beads; b) a plurality of the second beads; or c) a plurality of the first beads and a plurality of the second beads.
US09968555B2
Methods for formulating a liposome comprised of a surfactant and a cryopreservative that can be frozen for long term stability, and upon thawing provides an immediate and sustained release delivery profile. Specific liposome formulations include anti-infectives and delivery of such for treatment of respiratory tract infections and other medical conditions, and devices and formulations used in connection with such are described.
US09968551B2
A method of treating pain, e.g., acute post-operative pain, by administering to a human patient(s) a therapeutically effective dose of tramadol intravenously in a dosing regimen which includes one or more loading doses administered at shortened intervals as compared to dosing at steady-state is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the intravenous dosing regimen provides a Cmax and AUC of tramadol is similar to the Cmax and AUC of an oral dose of 100 mg tramadol HCl given every 6 hours. In certain preferred embodiments, the dosing regimen comprises 50 mg IV tramadol at Hour 0, followed by 50 mg at Hour 2, 50 mg at hour 4, and 50 mg every 4 hours thereafter (e.g., until the patient no longer requires treatment with tramadol).
US09968550B2
A topical wound treatment composition comprises a hydrogen peroxide generator; alkaline powder; not more than 5 percent by weight of water; additional topical active agent if desired, and emollient (preferably hygroscopic emollient) to balance. When topically applied to a wound and water from the surrounding environment diffuses into the composition, the hydrogen peroxide generator and/or the alkaline compound diffuse into one another, causing a chemical reaction that generates treatment-effective amounts of oxygen to occur. The oxygen can then diffuse out of the composition and aid in wound treatment or healing.
US09968549B2
A bioactive material delivery system can include a thermoresponsive polymer membrane and nanowires distributed within the thermoresponsive polymer membrane. Magnetic activation of a thermoresponsive polymer membrane can take place via altering the magnetization or dimensions of nanowires dispersed or ordered within the membrane matrix.
US09968545B2
A shelf-stable cosmetic agent for temporarily shaping keratin fibers, and in particular human hair, having improved protection against phase separation and having increased microbiological stability is provided.
US09968541B2
A treatment system and method includes use of a chemical facilitator to provide a result-effective event against one or more negative therapeutic effects related to exposing to a light output a skin portion including a condition treatable in whole or in part with light. In one exemplary embodiment for skin treatment including tattoo removal, perfluorodecalin is used to inhibit or resolve whitening, for example to speed a laser therapy session.
US09968532B2
A method for concealing vitiligo is provided. The method comprises depressing a spring head. The spring head may be covered by a covering. Depression of the spring head may saturate the covering with a solution. The solution may include a bronzer and dihydroxyacetone (“DHA”). The method may also comprise guiding the saturated covering over a portion of depigmented skin.
US09968529B2
Provided herein is a soft solid or solid antiperspirant/deodorant composition comprising alum, a clay and talc, wherein the clay is present in an amount of 0.1 weight % to 3 weight % by total weight of the composition, and wherein the talc is present in an amount of 10 wt. % to 25 weight % by total weight of the composition. The combination of clay and talc effectively suspends alum in the composition, enabling an even distribution of the alum through the composition.
US09968523B2
Systems and devices for controlling delivery of a breast milk supplement are described which include a substrate sized for placement on a surface of a breast region of a lactating female, one or more supplement reservoirs associated with the substrate, at least one of the one or more supplement reservoirs including a port with a controllable valve, a data storage component including a breast milk supplement regimen; and a control unit including a microprocessor and circuitry, the control unit operably coupled to the data storage component and to the controllable valve of the at least one of the one or more supplement reservoirs, the circuitry including actuation circuitry configured to actuate the controllable valve of the at least one of the one or more supplement reservoirs based on the breast milk supplement regimen.
US09968519B2
A freezer bag, a storage system, and a method of freezing are provided. The freezer bag includes a pliable housing having opposing sides and bounding a cavity at least partially disposed between the opposing sides, each opposing side having an interior surface communicating with the cavity and an opposing exterior surface that is openly exposed, the pliable housing including a first panel and a seam. A first tufting couples together the opposing sides of the pliable housing at a distance spaced apart from the seam so that the cavity encircles the first tufting. A first port is connected to the pliable housing and communicates with the cavity.
US09968510B2
An intelligent intraocular and extraocular muscle sensitivity exercise training instrument which is disposed with an ocular head (1) consisting of a front shell (11), a middle shell (12) and a back shell (13), and a control device (2) electrically connected to the ocular head (1), as well as an intraocular muscle exercise bar (3) electrically connected to the control device (2). The beneficial effects are as below: in addition to supplementing the field of portable intraocular and extraocular muscle training instruments, it is also convenient for students to put it in their school bags for use at any time thanks to its intelligent operations and foldable structure, it overcomes the shortcomings of the above-mentioned pure extraocular and intraocular muscle sensitivity training instruments. Therefore, it is bound to have a profound effect on myopia control, dyslexia remediation, eye healthcare, and memory improvement among teenagers.
US09968509B2
A rolling walker comprises a frame, a seat supported by that frame, and a backrest supported by the frame. By one approach the backrest is configured to selectively move between a first position that provides back support for a person sitting in the seat facing in a forward direction and a second position that provides back support for a person sitting in the seat facing in a rearward direction. If desired, this backrest can be comprised of a material (such as a memory foam material) that biases the backrest towards that first position when the backrest is in the first position and that biases the backrest towards the second position when the backrest is in the second position.
US09968504B2
A method which allows creation of an ornamental urn from an object such as horns, antlers, rocks, or the like. The method generally includes steps which form an ornamental urn adapted to resemble an object. The ornamental urn may include an access port having a funnel portion leading to an inner cavity adapted to store particulate materials, such as cremated remains. A plug, which may include a burr edge, is also provided to close the access port. The urn is fabricated by coating the object in a first coating to create an object mold, forming a second coating around the object mold to create an outer casing, and uniformly distributing a casting material along the inner walls of the object mold. After the casting material has cured, the ornamental urn may be removed from the object mold and finished to closely resemble the original object.
US09968501B2
An incubator comprises an incubator chamber defined by a bottom part and a top casing covering a bed area of the bottom part. The incubator comprises an air treatment and circulation device for treating air and circulating it through the chamber, said air treatment and circulation device including a ventilator. The air treatment and circulation device is connected to chamber inlet openings which are arranged along one or more sides of said bed area, allowing treated air to flow from the treatment and circulation device into the chamber. The air treatment and circulation device furthermore is connected to at least one chamber outlet opening allowing air to flow out from the chamber to the treatment and circulation device. The air flows in the incubator are routed such that noise is reduced and no high air flow speeds occur near the infant in the incubator.
US09968492B2
A bloomed fiber material (bloomed tow) is manufactured through a process including: spreading a crimped tow in its width direction by a preliminary blooming device; performing primary blooming to bloom the tow by a primary blooming device; dividing the tow into at least two divided tows by a dividing device; cutting a parting between the divided tows by a cutting device; and performing secondary blooming to bloom the divided tows by a secondary blooming device.
US09968491B2
A machine for making absorbent sanitary articles includes a device for feeding a continuous strip to a conveyor roller and to a device for cutting the strip into first and second pieces. A unit forms and applies at least a pair of first and second pieces, aligned and spaced by a distance (d), for each absorbent article A first and a second roller each comprising a plurality of units pick up and successively release of first and the second pieces. A plurality of concentric units rotating, independently of each other, about a shared axis of rotation, each carries at least one unit. A motor defines a respective law of motion for each of the units and a mechanism translates the units, between a position for picking up the pieces, at the conveyor roller, and a position for releasing the pieces, at the forming and applying unit.
US09968483B2
Safety of ophthalmologic laser treatment is improved. A laser treatment apparatus of an embodiment includes: a photographing system that photographs an eye; an irradiation system that irradiates aiming light of a preset pattern and treatment laser light onto a fundus of the eye; an irradiation-pattern determining part that determines an irradiation pattern of the treatment laser light based on a photograph image of the eye acquired by the photographing system and the preset pattern; and a controller that controls the irradiation system so as to irradiate the treatment laser light of the determined irradiation pattern.
US09968480B2
Disclosed is an adaptable ostomy base plate (10) comprising a flexible top film (8), at least one elastic adhesive (6) disposed on the top film and at least one release liner (9), the base plate having at least a first convex section (1) that can be inverted to a concave section to be used for especially demanding skin surface conditions, such as in ostomists suffering from hernia.
US09968478B2
Apparatus and methods for preparing a fractured bone for repair. Preparing the bone may include fracture reduction. Preparing the bone may include holding a fracture in reduction. Preparing the bone may include identifying locations for obtaining access to an interior region of the bone. The apparatus may include structures outside the bone that interact with fragments of the bone. The structures may participate in the reduction. The structures may participate in holding the reduction. The structures may participate in identifying the locations.
US09968475B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to systems, devices, and methods for compressing the pelvis with alternating compressive air compartments by encircling the hip region of the patient. In some examples, a device may be applied to a person with a traumatic pelvic injury. A main body may include a strong flexible material such as neoprene and may have the general shape of a wide belt or pelvic girdle. The interior or exterior aspect of the binder may be composed of one or many straps that extend from one end of the binder and are looped through buckles on the other end of the binder and may therefore allow for tightening of the binder upon itself for compression. The end of the strap may contain a fastening device to affix the end of the strap to itself after the strap has been looped through the buckle.
US09968473B2
An attachment system for an orthopedic brace incorporates at least one cinching system assembly having a knob rotatable in a first direction and a second direction. At least one cinching plate is engaged by the knob for rotation in the first direction in a first orientation and transitions to a second orientation upon rotation in the second direction. A ratchet wheel is engaged by the cinching plate in the first orientation for rotation in the first direction. At least one ratchet arm engages the ratchet wheel for ratcheting operation and is engaged by the cinching plate in the second orientation for disengagement from the ratchet arm. A shaft is rotated in response to rotation of the ratchet wheel and a strap is extendible from and retractable on the shaft upon rotation of the shaft.
US09968467B2
Prosthetic feet that provide improved rollover and performance are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a lower foot member extending from a heel end to a toe end, a second foot member disposed above the lower foot member, and an optional third foot member disposed above the second foot member. The second foot member is tapered such that its thickness decreases toward the proximal end. Optionally, the second foot member can taper toward its distal end as well as toward its proximal end from an intermediate location on the second foot member. The third foot member can be tapered such that its thickness decreases toward the distal end. There can be a gap between a distal end of the third foot member and the second foot member that closes during dorsiflexion of the prosthetic foot during use and provides dynamic stiffness control to the prosthetic foot.
US09968461B2
Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer or endplates and one or more inserts, members, or frames coupled to the spacer or endplates. The inserts, members, or frames may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws or anchors, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.
US09968459B2
A transhumeral drill guide and protective sleeve are disclosed which are utilized in a method for shoulder joint surface replacement surgery that spares the rotator cuff. The method utilizes two passages to gain access to the glenohumeral joint, neither of which requires transection of the rotator cuff.
US09968450B2
Methods of quickly and easily implanting a quick-connect heart valve prosthesis during a surgical procedure are provided. The heart valve may include a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A safety member disposed between the balloon catheter and handle shaft prevents premature catheter advancement prior to heart valve placement at the annulus, and also may prevent premature balloon inflation prior to full catheter advancement.
US09968448B2
A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of commissure attachment features (“CAFs”) is disposed on the stent, with each CAF including a body and a plurality of eyelets. The eyelets may be arranged in a single column or in a plurality of rows and columns. The prosthetic heart valve also includes a collapsible and expandable valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to the plurality of commissure attachment features. The bodies of the CAFs may include a number of other features including, for example, a slot extending between columns of eyelets.
US09968447B2
Methods of preparing a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue for use as a prosthetic valve leaflet are disclosed. A method includes positioning a sheet of bioprosthetic tissue across an engagement face of a first patterned substrate. The engagement face defines a pattern having at least one raised region and areas of relief adjacent the at least one raised region. The tissue is compressed against the engagement face to deform the tissue to a deformed state corresponding with the pattern.
US09968446B2
A tubular braided mesh scaffold for fabrication of heart valves is described. The tubular braided scaffold can be formed of a shape memory metal, such as Nitinol, and pinched or pressed to form a leaflet shape. When heat treated, the braided mesh scaffold holds and retains its valve-like shape.
US09968443B2
Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of a particular shape that allows redundant coaptation height in the leaflets when a planar segment is present in each leaflet.
US09968441B2
A deformable intraocular has a haptic that supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The haptic may include a cap on one or both surfaces of the lens. The lens may include a force transfer member-that couples forces from the haptic to the cap, so that a radial force on the haptic changes the curvature of the cap. The cap may be made of the haptic material, which is stiffer than the optic material, and can influence the deformation of the lens during accommodation. A cap on the anterior surface may produce an axial movement of the lens in an anterior direction during accommodation. The cap may also protect the surfaces of the optic during handling and installation.
US09968440B2
In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic lens includes an optic having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. At least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface includes a first zone extending from the optical axis to a first radial boundary and a second zone extending from the first radial boundary to the edge of the optic. The first zone includes an inner region and an outer region separated by a phase shift feature, the phase shift comprising a ridge extending outwardly from the inner region and the outer region.
US09968439B2
A system for treating a cataractous lens of a patient's eye includes a laser source for generating a light beam, a scanning system for deflecting the light beam to form a treatment pattern of the light beam, and a controller operably coupled to the laser source and scanning system and configured to operate the scanner to form the treatment pattern. The treatment pattern is a plurality of cuts in the form two or more different incision patterns for segmenting the lens tissue into a plurality of patterned pieces. The incision pattern includes: a first incision pattern including two or more crossing cut incision planes; and a second incision pattern comprising one or more laser incision each extending along a first length between a posterior and an anterior surface of the lens capsule.
US09968437B2
A method of reproducing a biological object includes 3D-imaging the object and generating a mold using a 3D printer; obtaining cells from a donor site on the object; preparing a live cell suspension using the cells from the donor site; forming a scaffold in the mold with collagen and seeding the scaffold with live cells, growing the cells in the mold and curing the collagen; and surgically implanting the object into a living subject, where the cells continue to live in the living subject.
US09968430B2
A surgical device that is implantable to treat female urinary incontinence includes a support, a first suspending member connected to the support, a second suspending member connected to the support, a first anchor connected to the first suspending member, and a second anchor connected to the second suspending member. A distance measured along the second suspending member between the second anchor and the support is adjustable.
US09968412B2
Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system are provided.
US09968404B2
A laser fiber has a distal end having a laser fiber face. A tip addition is attached to or formed onto the fiber face. The material of the tip addition one of fragments or melts when laser energy from a suitable laser device is passed through the laser fiber and through the tip addition.
US09968397B2
An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft.
US09968392B2
An assembly for preparing and dispensing a paste, preferably bone cement, includes a cylinder containing a powder and a receptacle containing a liquid. A piercing device is configured to open the receptacle to allow liquid to flow into the cylinder to be mixed with the powder. The receptacle is collapsed by a differential pressure between the cylinder and the receptacle.
US09968388B2
A surgical injection device comprises a longitudinal element. A first member is disposed with the longitudinal element and includes a mating surface. A second member is disposed with the longitudinal element and includes a mating surface engageable with the mating surface of the first member. A valve is disposed with the members and axially translatable relative to the members between a vent position and a seal position. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09968383B2
Instruments and systems for performing spinal fixation are provided. The instruments and system configured to position and force fit a hook onto a pedicle bone. The systems include a hook and an instrument. The instrument includes a handle and a rod fixedly mounted to a distal end of the handle. The instrument includes a hook support portion having a hood. The hood includes an opening, a support wall, a post and a threaded knob. The support wall is configured to support the hook. The post has a bottom surface dimensioned similar to that of a spinal rod. The threaded knob is mounted within the opening of the hood and engages a pair of threaded sidewalls of a rod support portion of the hook so as to pull the hook into a fixed engagement with the post, securing the hook support portion to the post.
US09968379B2
A subcutaneous implantable device for aligning a spine having a plurality of vertebrae including a first brace assembly secured to a first vertebra of the spine, a second brace assembly secured to a second vertebra of the spine, a rod secured by the at least two brace assemblies, the rod arranged for limited sliding movement within the at least two brace assemblies, a gear mechanism attached to the rod, a control means attached to the gear mechanism, and a cable fixedly secured to a third vertebra of the spine by an anchor. The third vertebra is located between the first and second vertebrae, and the cable is arranged for pulling the third vertebra towards the rod. A subcutaneous implantable device for gradually lengthening a bone.
US09968366B2
A technique for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The technique uses instruments including (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure.
US09968352B2
A barbed suture and a method of forming a barbed suture are disclosed. The barbed suture includes a core fiber and a sheet, which can be monolithic or formed from a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers, which is placed around the core fiber.
US09968347B2
A retractor device for spearing the body tissue apart is provided. The retractor includes a housing configured to include a plurality of sections, wherein each section is configured to accommodate placement of at least one blade, a blade holding mechanism configured to secure the at least one blade within the housing, a translation mechanism configured to provide translation movement of at least one of the sections, and a rotation mechanism configured to provide rotation movement of at least one blade.
US09968338B2
A biopsy device includes a cutting cannula mechanism having a cutting cannula and an inner stylet mechanism having an inner stylet coaxial with the cutting cannula. A cocking mechanism is configured to cock the cutting cannula mechanism and the inner stylet mechanism by retracting each of the cutting cannula and the inner stylet in a proximal direction to a cocked position. A trigger device is configured to fire at least one of the inner stylet mechanism and the cutting cannula mechanism to advance a respective at least one of the inner stylet and the cutting cannula from the cocked position in a distal direction. A selector assembly includes a selector switch having an exterior tab accessible by a user. The selector assembly is configured to select between at least two user selectable operating modes and at least two user selectable firing distances.
US09968335B2
Devices for collecting a fluid sample from the oral cavity, the device including a mouthpiece that includes a chamber, the chamber including front and rear inner walls; and means for collecting the fluid sample from the oral cavity; and methods of collecting and analyzing samples of fluid from the oral cavity, including the steps of placing the device in the oral cavity, collecting the fluid sample and conducting an analysis of the fluid sample.
US09968331B2
Piezoelectric crystal elements are provided having preferred cut directions that optimize the shear mode piezoelectric properties. In the discovered cut directions, the crystal elements have super-high piezoelectric performance with d15, d24 and d36 shear modes at room temperature. The d15 shear mode crystal gives a maximum d value and is free from the cross-talk of d11 and d16. The d36 mode is extremely reliable compared to other shear elements due to its ready re-poling capability. The crystal elements may be beneficially used for high-sensitive acoustic transducers.
US09968330B2
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image acquirer, a volume information calculator, a wall motion information calculator, a time change rate calculator, an extremum detector, and an index calculator. The image acquirer acquires ultrasonic image data including data for a left ventricle. The volume information calculator calculates time-series data of volume information of the left ventricle. The wall motion information calculator calculates time-series data of wall motion information of the left ventricle. The time change rate calculator calculates time-series data of the time change rate of volume information (first time-series data) and time-series data of the time change rate of wall motion information (second time-series data). The extremum detector detects extremums in early diastole of the first time-series data and the second time-series data (first extremum and second extremum). The index calculator calculates an index using the first extremum and the second extremum.
US09968328B2
A system is described herein. The system includes a first transceiver mounted on a rotating assembly arranged on an axis, and a semi-echoic corridor mounted on a stationary assembly which is arranged proximate to the rotating assembly and arranged on the axis, wherein the semi-echoic corridor comprises a slot configured to accommodate the first transceiver of the rotating assembly. The system also includes a second transceiver arranged on the stationary assembly, wherein the first and second transceivers enable wireless communication between the rotating assembly and the stationary assembly.
US09968315B2
A housing of an electronic cassette includes an inclined surface. The inclined is formed between a side surface and a rear surface of the housing and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. The inclined surface is provided with indicators for displaying a center position of each side of an imaging area and operation conditions of the electronic cassette. Each of the indicators consists of a light source and a display window through which light from the light source is emitted to the outside. The display window is formed on the inclined surface. Since the display window is formed on the inclined surface, the display window is not blocked by an outer grid.
US09968313B2
A fluoroscopic system is disclosed with capability of differential exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier. The x-ray beam solid angle is limited by a collimator that is relatively near to the focal point of the x-ray tube, to occupy an area smaller then the input area of the image intensifier. Means to deflect the electron beam of the x-ray tube in two dimensions are constructed with the x-ray tube to provide scanning capability of the complete input area with full control on the motion function. The collimator may also be moved to control beam size and/or position at the image intensifier.
US09968310B2
An imaging system is provided that includes a gantry, a plurality of image detectors, an x-ray source, an adjustable source collimator, and at least one processor. The image detectors are radially spaced around a circumference of the bore such that gaps exist between adjacent image detectors. The x-ray source transmits x-rays across the bore towards at least two of the image detectors. The adjustable source collimator is interposed between the x-ray source and a center of the bore, and is configured to block a portion of the x-rays produced by the x-ray source The at least one processor is configured to control the adjustable source collimator to dynamically adjust a range of x-rays that are blocked by the adjustable source collimator along the fan angle during transmission of x-rays from the x-ray source and acquisition of computed tomography (CT) information.
US09968306B2
Methods, devices, systems, and kits are provided that buffer the time spaced glucose signals in a memory, and when a request for real time glucose level information is detected, transmit the buffered glucose signals and real time monitored glucose level information to a remotely located device, process a subset of the received glucose signals to identify a predetermined number of consecutive glucose data points indicating an adverse condition such as an impending hypoglycemic condition, confirm the adverse condition based on comparison of the predetermined number of consecutive glucose data points to a stored glucose data profile associated with the adverse condition, where confirming the adverse condition includes generating a notification signal when the impending hypoglycemic condition is confirmed, and activate a radio frequency (RF) communication module to wirelessly transmit the generated notification signal to the remotely located device only when the notification signal is generated.
US09968279B2
The present disclosure relates to a transfer table assembly suitable for use in association with an MR scanner. The transfer table assembly includes a transfer table attached to a transfer table base that may releasably engage an incubator. The transfer table may be dimensionally constructed such that it may be inserted directly into an MR scanner.
US09968277B2
A medical apparatus (1100) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system and an interventional device (300) comprising a shaft (302, 1014, 1120). The medical apparatus further comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance fiducial marker (306, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1122) attached to the shaft. The shaft passes through a center point (610, 810, 908, 1006) of the fiducial marker. The medical apparatus further comprises machine executable instructions (1150, 1152, 1154, 1156, 1158) for execution by a processor. The instructions cause the processor to acquire (100, 200) magnetic resonance data, to reconstruct (102, 202) a magnetic resonance image (1142), and to receive (104, 204) the selection of a target volume (1118, 1144, 1168). The instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly: acquire (106, 206) magnetic resonance location data (1146) from the fiducial marker and render (108, 212) a view (1148, 1162) indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone.
US09968274B2
A computer-implemented method for processing ECG data may include: receiving ECG data representing a plurality of heartbeats; analyzing the ECG data to determine whether each of the plurality of heartbeats is a normal heartbeat or an abnormal heartbeat; associating each of the abnormal heartbeats with an existing template or a new template; receiving input related to each new template, wherein the input includes either: a) a confirmation that the new template represents an abnormal heartbeat, or b) a reclassification of the new template as representing a normal heartbeat or a different abnormal heartbeat; and in response to the user input, updating a label of each of the heartbeats associated with each confirmed new template and each of the heartbeats associated with each reclassified new template.
US09968271B2
A needle electrode is provided incorporating a protective flap and optionally a retraction chamber. By providing an impenetrable barrier covering the area of skin over the needle's tip, the protective flap protects against needle sticks that can occur when the tip of a needle electrode is pushed back out through the skin. An adhesive layer on the skin-side of the protective flap secures the needle in place without the use of a separate piece of adhesive tape. Other types of needles can incorporate flaps for protection or for securing the needle to the patient.
US09968253B2
Mobile computer devices and systems for refraction determination of an eye, for example for objective refraction determination and/or subjective refraction determination, are provided. Here, a display of the mobile computer device can be driven to display an image for refraction determination. The mobile computer device includes a display, a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a program code stored therein. The program code is configured to cause the processor to drive only the display to display an image thereon for determining refraction of the eye.
US09968252B2
An apparatus for diagnosing and/or quantifying the degree of strabismus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a beam that supports at least two targets, a video camera, a light source for generating Purkinje reflexes, and a computer. The patient gazes at the targets while the video camera captures the patient's eyes. The frames of the video are then analyzed as described herein to determine the location of the pupil and the first Purkinje reflex. With this information, strabismus can be diagnosed, as well as the angle of deviation, which is useful for surgically correcting the strabismus. Methods of analyzing the frames are also discussed herein.
US09968246B2
An endoscope reprocessor includes: a treatment tank configured to allow an endoscope to be disposed inside; a connector including an opening inside the treatment tank; a first conduit extending from the connector; an on-off valve disposed in the first conduit; a leak tester; and a second conduit including a conduit body having a conduit resistance that is higher than a conduit resistance of the first conduit.
US09968242B2
A suction control unit placed on an endoscope to control application of suction through at least one of two working channels of the endoscope. The suction unit has first and second valves with first and second valve openings, at a proximal end, that lead through to a distal end, which is adapted to be placed on the first and second ports of the two working channels. The suction unit has a channel extending between the first and second valves, an opening extending from a front wall to a rear wall of the housing and through the channel, and a switcher having a handle and a shaft with a through hole. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a first position, suction is applied to both the working channels. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a second position, suction is applied to only one of the two working channels.
US09968241B2
A control mechanism for an endoscope (1) comprising a Bowden cable. the Bowden cable has an outer guide tube (9) having a first length between a proximal end and a distal end of said outer guide tube (9) and an inner pull-wire (15) having a second length between a proximal end and a distal end of said inner pull-wire (15). The second length is longer than the first length. The outer guide tube (9) comprises a first guide tube section (9′) and a second guide tube section, where said first guide tube section (9′) has plastic and elastic properties, which are different from the plastic and elastic properties of said second guide tube section (9″).
US09968231B2
A floor cleaning head 10 comprises a body portion 12 and a pivotally attached nozzle 16. The nozzle 16 comprises resiliently flexible front and rear extending elongate blades 33, 34 depending from the underside thereof and a transversely extending suction mouth 20 disposed between the blades 33, 34, and intersected by a steam inlet duct 37 to form frontal and rear portions 20F, 20R. The orientation of the nozzle 16 is altered by a mechanism 23, such that the leading blade 33, 34 raises to allow dust and debris to pass beneath, while the trailing blade 34, 33 lowers to form a working edge against the floor surface, against which, dust, dirty water and debris gathers for removal by the induced airflow of an attached floor cleaner (not shown). The head 10 is thus configured to perform separate vacuuming and steam cleaning operations simultaneously, in a single pass.
US09968229B2
A hygienic protector for the collection and separation of human solid excrement, may be partially inserted into the opening of a toilet bowl, and comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion The central portion defines a container body for the collection and treatment of human solid excrement, and the peripheral portion protrudes externally with respect to the edge of the opening of the toilet bowl, and both provided in a water-soluble and biodegradable material. The container body comprises an opening shaped like the opening of the toilet bowl.At least one anti-odor membrane extends over the central portion, to close the opening. The membrane is water-soluble, biodegradable and heat-sensitive, which is adapted to puncture upon contact with the solid excrement, substantially at the area of contact.
US09968221B2
An electrically operated food processor with a mixing bowl and a mixer in the mixing bowl, wherein the mixing bowl can be heated, is provided with a camera, in particular an electronic camera, which is potentially directed towards the user of the food processor, and with stored face recognition software, as well as a face data bank, it being possible to use face recognition to cause the food processor to carry out a routine task.
US09968192B2
A device for moving a movable furniture part, including a force accumulator such that by way of the fitted device the furniture part under action of the force accumulator is capable of being put in the opening direction of the furniture part, wherein in a tensioned position of the force accumulator the force accumulator is charged for the opening movement of the furniture part. The device has a locking assembly having a displaceable locking member for locking the tensioned position of the force accumulator, wherein the locking member in the tensioned position assumes a locking position which is unlockable. The locking member in the case of an unlocking procedure is movable from the locking position in a releasing direction, wherein a transmission installation by way of which a movement of the locking member is transmittable to a functional unit which is spaced apart from the locking member is provided.
US09968191B2
An ejector assembly for a movable furniture part, for example a drawer, composed of two ejector units that are interconnected by a synchronizing bar. The ejector units are provided for ejecting the movable furniture part in an opening direction of an item of furniture in relation to a furniture base unit of the item of furniture. The synchronizing bar synchronizes a switching function of the ejector units. At least one ejector unit is designed in such a manner that the synchronizing bar on a receptacle of the first ejector unit is slidable so far inward that said synchronizing bar may be introduced into a receptacle of an opposite second ejector unit. A positioning member for positioning the synchronizing bar in a functional position between the ejector units is provided.
US09968182B2
A cleaning device with fluid dispenser is a device that is used to clean a surface. The device includes an elongated hollow handle with an internal cavity for holding cleaning fluid. A cap is removably engaged to an open end of the elongated hollow handle while a one-way valve plate is positioned within the open end. A cleaning implement is slidably engaged through the cap and is positioned adjacent to an expandable slot of the one-way valve plate. The expandable slot is opened when the cleaning implement is pressed against the expandable slot, enabling cleaning fluid within the elongated hollow handle to exit through the expandable slot and into the cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a plurality of bristles that may be saturated by the cleaning fluid after the fluid exits the elongated hollow handle.
US09968179B2
A disposable sheet dispensing system may include a removable refillable cartridge having a disposable sheet. The disposable sheet dispensing system may include an elongate tubular body having a first end and a second end configured to receive the removable refillable cartridge. The disposable sheet dispensing system may include a fastener proximate the first end of the elongate tubular body. The disposable sheet dispensing system may include a longitudinal slit formed in the elongate tubular body between the first end and the second end configured to dispense disposable sheets from the removable refillable cartridge. The first end and the second end of the elongate tubular body may be configured to be fastened together. The fastener may be configured to selectively adjust the length of the elongate tubular body when the first and second ends are fastened together such that the holder may be adjustably worn by a user.
US09968177B2
A system is provided for selecting and dispensing a cosmetic material. The system includes a dispensing apparatus configured to hold a plurality of cartridges each having a different cosmetic material and to dispense at least one cosmetic material from at least one of the cartridges; a user interface configured to receive a selection of a color from a user; and circuitry configured to receive the selection of the color received at the user interface, determine an amount of each of one or more cosmetic materials to form the selected color, transmit the determined amount of each of the one or more cosmetic materials to the dispensing apparatus, and control the dispensing apparatus to dispense the determined amount of each of the one or more cosmetic materials from the plurality of cartridges.
US09968176B2
An image processing method including: determining whether an operation mode of a system is a control mode for still image display or a view mode for video display; and performing processing in accordance with the operation mode. Processing in the control mode includes: specifying a specific video frame image including a suitable image of a subject of image processing, from among video frame images of a video constituted of a plurality of video frame images each including an image of the subject; displaying the specific video frame image as a still image; and receiving control related to image processing from a user. Processing in the view mode includes: performing image processing with respect to each video frame image that is input, one video frame image at a time; and displaying the result of image processing for the user to view.
US09968173B2
An automated method for producing fingernail tips. Reinforcing fibers are provided as a strip and the strip is moved at a specific travel rate in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The strip is covered on one side and impregnated with the plastic, and then shaped in a shaping station, where is it bent into a curve that corresponds substantially to the shape of a natural fingernail or toenail. The strip maintains its shape after the plastic is cured and the covering is then removed. The fingernail tips are punched from the strip in a cutting station. The automated method allows the strip to be continuously or virtually continuously transported and then the fingernail tips to be automatically counted, sorted, and packaged.
US09968168B2
An umbrella includes a supporting frame, an umbrella frame supported by the supporting frame, an umbrella awning, and a functional module. The umbrella includes a guiding arm, an upper hub securely coupled at a top end of the guiding arm, a plurality of awning arms radially and pivotally extended from the upper hub, and an awning cap detachably coupled on the upper hub. The umbrella awning is supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the umbrella awning, wherein a center portion of the umbrella awning is securely sandwiched between the upper hub and the awning cap to retain the umbrella awning in position. The functional module is detachably coupled on the awning cap for providing an additional function of the umbrella.
US09968162B2
A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements include cut step features. Cut step features provide a traction element with a stepped height. Cut step features on medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping include arc-shaped or straight cuts. Cut step features on traction elements disposed in a heel region are aligned laterally across the sole structure. Traction elements also include raised platform members. Cut step features can be combined with raised platform members.
US09968159B2
A shoe may comprise an upper and a sole structure that includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements may be non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure. The shoe may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to measure force exerted in a footbed region of the article of footwear, as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors. The processor may be configured to receive input indicative of forces measured by the sensors and to transmit data based on that input. Methods utilizing the article may include removing a support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element.
US09968156B2
An article of footwear incorporates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component removed from a knitted textile element of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component may include a first knitted component portion in the form of a seamless bootie and a second knitted component portion associated with the first knitted component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be tucked-in or folded into a pocket of first knitted component portion, such as a knitted dynamic fit component portion or a knitted tongue component portion. In some embodiments the second kitted component portion may be wrapped around at least part of the first knitted component portion.
US09968138B1
A foot support device configured to be donned by a user and subsequently inserted into a shoe that is operable to provide impact reduction for a user. The foot support device includes a body having a first portion and a second portion contiguously formed. The body includes a cavity configured to receive a human foot therein. A bottom portion is secured to the second portion of the body and extends the length thereof. A void is present intermediate the bottom portion and the second portion of the body. Disposed within the void is an impact reduction member. The impact reduction member includes a first portion, a second portion and an expansion member. The expansion member is intermediate the first portion and second portion of the impact reduction member and is operable to allow the longitudinal extension of the impact reduction member.
US09968136B1
A heater element for a vaporizing device, a vaporizing device containing the heater element, and a method for vaporizing fluid ejected by an ejection head. The heater element includes a conductive material having a concave area. The concave area of the heater element captures and vaporizes fluid ejected from an ejection head in the vaporization device. The concave area of the heating element has a cavity volume that is at least sufficient to retain an entire volume of liquid to be vaporized.
US09968130B2
A package that may be employed to store a tobacco-containing material is provided. The package may include a container and a valve assembly. The container may include a body portion and a cover configured to engage the body portion. The body portion may define an internal space therein. The valve assembly may be configured to affect an atmosphere within the internal space of the container. For example, the valve assembly may remain closed except when releasing pressure from the internal space. Thereby, by way of further example, the valve assembly may vent the container so as to avoid damage thereto, while reducing moisture loss from the tobacco-containing material stored in the internal space.
US09968122B1
An aseptic method of preparing coconut water to improve flavor profiles and retain organoleptic properties of the coconut water is provided, as well as the coconut water obtained through this process.
US09968120B2
Disclosed are homogenized formulations that comprise microcapsules, wherein the microcapsules comprise an agglomeration of primary microcapsules and a loading substance, where each individual primary microcapsule has a primary shell, and the loading substance is encapsulated by the primary shell, and wherein the agglomeration is encapsulated by an outer shell. Also, disclosed are methods of making and using homogenized formulations by providing a pre-homogenized composition comprising one or more microcapsules and then homogenizing the composition. Some specific homogenization processes described are ultrasonic and pressure-based homogenizations.
US09968112B2
An instant beverage tablet in the form of multilayer tablet for producing a layered beverage having one or more cream layer(s), coffee and/or cocoa layer(s) and optionally a foam upon reconstitution in a liquid comprising a dark component having sugar, coffee and/or cocoa particles for producing a dark layer; a white component having creamer and sugar for producing white layer; wherein the dark component has a density in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 g/cm3 and wherein the white component has a density in the range of 0.74 to 0.9 g/cm3 and wherein the dark component is compressed with a compaction pressure of at least 250 kPa and wherein the white component is compressed with a compaction pressure of at least 1250 kPa.
US09968104B2
A system for processing shellfish includes an input hopper that receives a batch of shellfish to be processed. A conveyer is positioned to receive shellfish from the input hopper and transports the shellfish through the system. The conveyor defines a plurality of holes that allow cleaning substances to pass through the conveyor. A washing system comprising a least one nozzle that dispenses cleaning substances to the shellfish being transported by the conveyor. An operator station includes at least one container for depositing market-ready shellfish passing along the conveyor. At least one optical sensor is positioned to detect the market-ready shellfish being placed into the at least one container. A counter is electrically connected to the optical sensor and records a number of shellfish being placed in the at least one container. An output hopper is positioned proximate to an end of the conveyor to catch rejected shellfish.
US09968091B2
The invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions that comprise an effective amount of an active compound combination comprising (a) one or more compounds of the formula (I) in which Q1, Q2, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the disclosure—and salts of the compounds of the formula (I)— and (b) at least one of the crop-plant-compatibility-improving compounds listed in the disclosure. The invention further relates to the use of these compositions for controlling undesirable vegetation and to a process for preparing the compositions according to the invention.
US09968086B2
The novel active ingredient combinations which consist of the compounds of the formula (I) in combination with further active insecticidal ingredients (II) are very suitable for control of animal pests such as insects and/or unwanted acarids.
US09968084B2
An synergistic herbicidal composition containing penoxsulam plus triclopyr and imazethapyr or imazamox for controlling weeds in crops, especially rice, cereal and grain crops, pastures, rangelands, industrial vegetation management (IVM), aquatics and turf. These compositions provide improved post-emergence herbicidal weed control.
US09968075B2
An apparatus for cutting honeycomb from a honey frame comprising a frame with an opening for inserting a honey frame and at least one blade supported by the frame. The at least one blade is adapted to pivot between a first position where a honey frame can be inserted into the opening and a second position where the blade will cut the honeycomb.
US09968059B2
New wild rocket varieties designated ‘Prudenzia’ and ‘Anastazia’ are described. ‘Prudenzia’ and ‘Anastazia’ are wild rocket varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.
US09968056B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051641. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051641. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051641 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051641 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09968053B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH215805. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH215805, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH215805 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH215805.
US09968049B1
A novel maize variety designated X03H001 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 X03H001 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03H001 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03H001, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03H001. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03H001.
US09968044B2
A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated HMX4885 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid HMX4885, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato HMX4885, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato HMX4885 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant HMX4885.
US09968043B2
A potato cultivar designated Y9 is disclosed. The invention relates to the tubers of potato cultivar Y9, to the seeds of potato cultivar Y9, to the plants of potato cultivar Y9, to the plant parts of potato cultivar Y9, to food products produced from potato cultivar Y9, and to methods for producing a potato plant produced by crossing potato cultivar Y9 with itself or with another potato variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a potato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic potato plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to potato cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from potato variety Y9, to methods for producing other potato cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from potato cultivar Y9 and to the potato plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid potato tubers, seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing potato cultivar Y9 with another potato cultivar.
US09968041B2
The present invention relates to soybean ROD1 nucleic acid sequences and proteins and the use thereof to create plants with increased levels of C18:1 and reduced levels of saturated fatty acids in the seeds.
US09968032B2
A mower includes a plurality of cutting heads, each cutting head having a minor cutting width, the plurality of cutting heads connected by a plurality of connectors in an array having a variable major cutting width. The mower also includes a steering system coupled with a first driven wheel and supported by one cutting head, and a second driven wheel supported by one other cutting head. The steering system is capable of steering the first driven wheel independently from the second driven wheel.
US09968030B2
A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.
US09968028B2
One row unit for an agricultural implement includes a frame assembly having a front gauge wheel mounting location and a rear gauge wheel mounting location, wherein the front gauge wheel mounting location is forward of the rear gauge wheel mounting location, relative to a direction of travel of the row unit. A first gauge wheel assembly is configured to be mounted to a selected one of the front gauge wheel mounting location and the rear gauge wheel mounting location.
US09968025B2
A method includes generating a non-continuous curvature end-of-row turn path for an agricultural vehicle, wherein the non-continuous curvature end-of-row turn path includes a plurality of initial segments that are curved or straight, adding at least one continuity segment between each of the plurality of initial segments, wherein the at least one continuity segment includes a clothoid segment, and the initial segments and the at least one continuity segment combine to form a continuous curvature end-of-row turn path, determining, via an iterative process, a maximum drivable speed based on a minimum speed and a target speed, and implementing the continuous end-of-row turn path at the maximum drivable speed.
US09968023B2
A wheel adjustment system for an agricultural implement includes a controller having a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a ground speed of the agricultural implement, receive a second signal indicative of a desired position of a wheel of the agricultural implement, receive a third signal indicative of a current position of the wheel of the agricultural implement, and output a control signal to adjust a position of the wheel of the agricultural implement based on the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal, wherein a rate of adjustment of the position of the wheel varies based on the first signal.
US09974220B2
A fitting system includes a plurality of fitting lines for fitting printed circuit boards with electronic components. A method for allocating printed circuit boards to the fitting lines includes determining requirements for fitting each of a plurality of printed circuit boards with components with which the plurality of printed circuit boards are to be fitted, determining an amount of printed circuit boards of which the component variances exceed a predetermined value, each component variance representing the number of different components with which a printed circuit board is to be fitted, and allocating the printed circuit boards to the fitting lines under the predetermined conditions via integral linear programming, such that the printed circuit boards of the amount are distributed as uniformly as possible over the fitting lines.
US09974206B2
An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).
US09974205B1
An apparatus for securing cables in a computer rack is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket attachable to one of a computer chassis arranged in the computer rack or a vertical structural member of the computer rack, and including an outward-facing surface and a first connector feature arranged on the outward-facing surface. The apparatus also includes a cable clamp. The cable clamp includes a base having a first side and an opposing second side. The first side includes a surface configured to receive cables. The second side includes a second connector feature configured for mating engagement with the first connector feature such that the base is attached to the bracket when the first and second connector features are matingly engaged. The cable clamp also includes a pliable retention strap attached to the base and configured to be wrapped around the cables such that the cables are secured to the base.
US09974203B1
A rack system for supporting a computing device includes an adaptor. The adaptor includes a first support portion defining an opening that is aligned with a rack opening of a rack support post. The first support portion and the rack support post receive a fastener through the opening and the rack opening to attach the adaptor to the rack support post. A second support portion is attached to an end of the first support portion. The second support portion includes a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart to define a flange opening. A support arm includes a flange having a body portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion is received within the flange opening to attach the support arm to the adaptor. A rail is attached to the body portion of the flange. The support arm is attached to the rack support post, via the adaptor.
US09974193B2
A carbene-coated metal foil is produced by applying an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) compound to one or more surfaces of a metal foil (e.g., an electrodeposited copper foil having a surface that is smooth and non-oxidized). The NHC compound contains a matrix-reactive pendant group that includes at least one of a vinyl-, allyl-, acrylic-, methacrylic-, styrenic-, amine-, amide- and epoxy-containing moiety capable of reacting with a base polymer (e.g., a vinyl-containing resin such as a polyphenylene oxide/triallyl-isocyanurate (PPO/TAIC) composition). The NHC compound may be synthesized by, for example, reacting a halogenated imidazolium salt (e.g., 1,3-bis(4-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride) and an organostannane having a vinyl-containing moiety (e.g., tributyl(vinyl)stannane) in the presence of a palladium catalyst. In some embodiments, an enhanced substrate for a printed circuit board (PCB) is produced by laminating the carbene-coated metal foil to a substrate that includes glass fiber impregnated with the base polymer.
US09974192B2
A method of manufacturing an intermediate product for an interposer including a glass substrate having a plurality of through holes is provided. The method includes a step of forming a resin layer on a support substrate, and a step of forming a laminated body by adhering the glass substrate having the plurality of through holes on the resin layer. The glass substrate having the plurality of through holes has a thickness within a range of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.
US09974190B2
In an embodiment, a method includes arranging a first carrier on a first major surface of a circuit board such that an electronic component arranged on the first carrier is positioned in an aperture in the circuit board and spaced apart from side walls of the aperture, and arranging a second carrier on a second major surface of the circuit board such that the second carrier covers the electronic component and the aperture, the second major surface of the circuit board opposing the first major surface of the circuit board. The electronic component includes a power semiconductor device embedded in a dielectric core layer and at least one contact pad arranged on a first major surface of the dielectric core layer.
US09974188B2
A process for forming a graphene circuit pattern on an object is described. A graphene layer is grown on a metal foil. A bonding layer is formed on a protective film and a surface of the bonding layer is roughened. The graphene layer is transferred onto the roughened surface of the bonding layer. The protective film is removed and the bonding layer is laminated to a first core dielectric substrate. The metal foil is etched away. Thereafter the graphene layer is etched using oxygen plasma etching to form graphene circuits on the first core dielectric substrate. The first core dielectric substrate having graphene circuits thereon is bonded together with a second core dielectric substrate wherein the graphene circuits are on a side facing the second core dielectric substrate wherein an air gap is left therebetween.
US09974172B2
An epoxy resin compound having an epoxy resin, a curing agent, and inorganic filler as main components is provided. The epoxy resin includes an epoxy resin of Chemical Formula. Accordingly, the thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin compound can be increased because the epoxy resin has a mesogen structure that facilitates crystallizability. In addition, a high radiant heat board can be provided by using the above-mentioned epoxy resin as an insulating material for a printed circuit board.
US09974170B1
Strands of material may be intertwined using weaving techniques, knitting techniques, non-woven or entanglement techniques, or braiding techniques. Fabric that is formed from the strands of material may be used in forming a fabric-based item. The fabric based item may include electrical components. The strands may include conductive strands that form signal paths. The signal paths can carry electrical signals associated with operation of the electrical components. Each strand may have an elongated core and a coating. Strands may also include intermediate layers between the cores and coatings. The cores, intermediate layers, and coatings may be formed from polymer without conductive filler, polymer with conductive filler, and/or metal. A polymer core may be provided with recesses to help retain subsequently deposited layers such as a metal coating layer. The recesses may be grooves that extend along the longitudinal axis of the core.
US09974169B2
A resin composition for a printed wiring board containing a cyanate compound (A); a maleimide compound (B); and a benzoguanamine compound (C) having an aminomethyl group represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a substituent selected from a group consisting of a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryloxy group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group, an amide group, and a halogen atom, and n is an integer of 1 to 2.
US09974168B2
Provided are an insulating ceramic paste, a ceramic electronic component, and a method for producing the ceramic electronic component that allow prevention of solder shorts between narrow-pitch terminal electrodes and suppression of generation of cracks in an insulator covering a portion of terminal electrodes during a firing step. The ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic multilayer substrate, terminal electrodes formed on a surface of the ceramic multilayer substrate, and an insulating ceramic film formed on the surface of the ceramic multilayer substrate so as to cover a portion of the terminal electrodes. An exposed surface portion (celsian-crystal-rich layer) of the insulating ceramic film has a thermal expansion coefficient that is lower than the thermal expansion coefficient of the ceramic multilayer substrate.
US09974162B2
An interconnection substrate having a barcode includes a core layer, an interconnection layer over a first surface of the core layer, an insulating layer to cover the interconnection layer, and one or more additional interconnection layers over the insulating layer, wherein the barcode includes cells arranged at spaced intervals, and a cell pattern is made by forming penetrating holes through the core layer in some of the cells but not in remaining ones of the cells, wherein the penetrating holes are filled with resin, and an end face of the resin is exposed on the same side as the first surface such that the interconnection layer is situated in a surrounding area of the end face but not over the end face, and wherein a number of interconnection layers over the end face is smaller than a number of interconnection layers in the surrounding area of the end face.
US09974156B2
A circular accelerator that accelerates charged particles orbiting along an orbital path to a predetermined energy to perform, by deviating the path from the orbital path to an extraction path, extraction of the charged particles exceeding a stable region formed by multipole electromagnets, includes a multipole electromagnet energization control unit setting energization of the multipole electromagnets so that part of the charged particles are deviated to a discarding path other than the extraction path to discard unwanted charged particles, and then setting energization of the multipole electromagnets so that the charged particles orbiting in the orbital path are deviated to the extraction path to perform extraction of the charged particles.
US09974155B2
A variable-pulse-shape pulsed-power accelerator is driven by a large number of independent LC drive circuits. Each LC circuit drives one or more coaxial transmission lines that deliver the circuit's output power to several water-insulated radial transmission lines that are connected in parallel at small radius by a water-insulated post-hole convolute. The accelerator can be impedance matched throughout. The coaxial transmission lines are sufficiently long to transit-time isolate the LC drive circuits from the water-insulated transmission lines, which allows each LC drive circuit to be operated without being affected by the other circuits. This enables the creation of any power pulse that can be mathematically described as a time-shifted linear combination of the pulses of the individual LC drive circuits. Therefore, the output power of the convolute can provide a variable pulse shape to a load that can be used for magnetically driven, quasi-isentropic compression experiments and other applications.
US09974150B2
Securing device rejoining for a mesh network of a wireless lighting control system is disclosed. A potential security weakness of a mesh network protocol is that a proprietary link key may be discovered by close, expert examination of a device, potentially facilitating the joining of a “rogue” device to the network. Requiring subsequent rejoins of any device that had previously joined the network to use a current randomly generated link key, rather than the proprietary link key, prevents rogue devices only having the proprietary link key from joining.
